tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88334823747107723632024-02-07T18:07:02.544-06:00The OldieBaseball Cards, Lionel Trains, Rock & Roll, ChevroletJeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-4485668801460727832012-10-17T16:23:00.001-05:002012-10-19T19:57:54.693-05:00Dion "The Complete Laurie Singles a Review Pt 4<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Part Four, The Wanderer returns:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last eight songs on this set are from 1968 and 1969 when
Dion would make a return stop home to Laurie Records. This also marks the
beginning of what refer to as Dion’s Acoustic Years. This is a period that is
often overlooked in the illustrious career of Mr. DiMucci.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I begin with a TRUE CLASSIC from the period, “Abraham,
Martin and John.” Released in the fall of 1968, it peaked at #4 on the
Billboard Hot 100 and would remain on the charts for 14 weeks. The single was
issued in MONO; I mention that because STEREO 45’s were beginning to show up by
that time on infrequent occasions but this would change by the next year. On
this set, the sound quality is outstanding. That warm sound heard on the rest
of the songs carries over from the familiar beginning of this goodie. You hear
the harp, strings, horns and the nylon string guitar of Dion, all blended
together. My favorite part of the song is the Hammond organ break after verse
two and it sounds absolutely beautiful on this CD. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember back in the day, flipping this 45 over and
hearing “Daddy Rollin’ (In Your Arms,)” a blues tune that just rocks out on
this CD. I must point out that the other version of this song I have on CD was
also in MONO, but it didn’t sound this full and rich. This song is not unlike a
lot of the material Dion recorded on Columbia from 1964 until he left to return
to Laurie in ’68. Most of these songs would go unnoticed until years later when
Columbia would release “The Road I’m On,” a two disc set of many of Dion’s
Columbia sides. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next single Laurie would release was the Jimmy Hendrix
classic “Purple Haze,” which did hit the Hot 100 and peak at #63. The song
sounds as good as it gets. If you’re not familiar with Dion’s rendition of this
Psychedelic standard, it sounds like Dion meeting Jose Feliciano and jamming
together with a lot of flutes and strings in the background. It’s actually kind
of an interesting take on the song. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The B-side of this 45 is “The Dolphin.” This song would have
fit in most of the albums Dion would record on Warner Brothers during the 70’s.
This is a wonderful song written by Fred Neil; the harp really rings out over
the acoustic guitar, bass, strings and the smooth Dion vocals. Many believe
this song should have been the A-side of this record. After listening to it
several times since I obtained this set, I agree. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next single,
issued by Laurie in 1969, is Joni Mitchell’s “From Both Sides Now,” as it was
issued on the label. This one barely hit the Hot 100 at #91. I’ve always remembered the song as “Both Sides Now.” Dion
does a good job interpreting this song with the harp, strings, and acoustic
guitar arrangement similar to “The Dolphin.” That warm, full sound rings out
clear as a bell. This was Dion’s last chart hit for Laurie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The B-side of this 45 is “Sun Fun Song.” This is one of the
few songs on this collection that I had not heard until now. It’s a nice little
tune written by Dion. Again the arrangement is as the previous two songs and it
sure sounds good. This one’s got a cool instrumental break that reminds me a
bit of “Penny Lane.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last Dion single on Laurie is a version of the Four Tops
“Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever,” co written by Stevie Wonder. Again this
sounds like something Jose Feliciano might have recorded only with Dion singing
lead. It’s a good song as should have had some chart action, but it did not. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The flip side of this one is “He Looks A Lot Like Me,” a
Viet Nam era song written by Dion. There’s some good guitar work in that great
Dion style and again it sounds great. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is one of the other songs I was not familiar with and
I’m sorry I never heard this one before; it’s very good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of these eight songs appeared on an album entitled
“Dion,” released by Laurie after the success of “Abraham, Martin and John.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I said earlier, they need to do this with Dion’s Columbia
singles and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to see collections like this from other
artists and groups from this era. There are MONO collections of The Beach Boys
and The Beatles, if you can afford the Beatles MONO Box set. There have been
MONO sets from many Motown artists as well. There should be similar collections
from The Mamas and Papas, The Buckinghams, Paul Revere and the Raiders, The
Four Seasons and Jan and Dean, to name a few. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bottom line about this OUTSTANDING collection is if you
like the sounds of the ‘60’s BUY THIS SET; if you’re a fan of Dion, BUY THIS
SET, even if you have all the other Dion CD collections; and most of all, if
you want to hear this music that way it sounded back in the day on those old
45’s, in GLORIOUS MONO, then by all means BUY THIS SET! You will NOT be disappointed at all. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiOrJVTGcwVxhyEIm0rsiYn0r-EJBjGFRsasTAi4E8Lxsk7VBhpMaqn_oVtYf15JtjGivvsjJ6agyo5nR4gK3DsY36Kx-4K4ReNrTPieksSWdq1bQIPFaEdsljVtGqvniqh2Gq4gT0W5N/s1600/Back+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiOrJVTGcwVxhyEIm0rsiYn0r-EJBjGFRsasTAi4E8Lxsk7VBhpMaqn_oVtYf15JtjGivvsjJ6agyo5nR4gK3DsY36Kx-4K4ReNrTPieksSWdq1bQIPFaEdsljVtGqvniqh2Gq4gT0W5N/s400/Back+Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A footnote to this review:<br />
<br />
I have learned the Jan and Dean Complete Liberty Singles set along with sets from Gary Lewis and the Playboys and Paul Revere and the Raiders from Collectors Choice Music, were issued in MONO! I guess I'm going to have to get copies of those sets as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-86306675260734745222012-10-17T16:19:00.001-05:002012-10-17T16:19:04.734-05:00Dion "The Complete Laurie Singles a Review Pt 3<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Part Three, Leftovers on Laurie:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiry2g792BTxZh8Zp2DxpnIjOV_RNzWbD9BHNBMnHjBHthmu7UkdwkFPFIXgSjjRDssIgKxk_wX6H_5Q-cRSleSjUwIb4l_w32BmXlHjV64iddkfVPzhIqPTSNSSqdIh0WX_WxV3hOXlp_/s1600/Inside+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiry2g792BTxZh8Zp2DxpnIjOV_RNzWbD9BHNBMnHjBHthmu7UkdwkFPFIXgSjjRDssIgKxk_wX6H_5Q-cRSleSjUwIb4l_w32BmXlHjV64iddkfVPzhIqPTSNSSqdIh0WX_WxV3hOXlp_/s400/Inside+cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1963, Columbia issued “Ruby Baby,” Dion’s first single on
their label. So Laurie was left with enough sides to continue issuing singles
for some time after Dion’s departure. However, as you will note, they would run
out of solo material, perhaps passing on a few album tracks that might have
made good singles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disc Two begins with a song taken from Dion’s “Lovers Who
Wander” LP and issued as a single in the Spring of 1963. “Sandy” would peak at
#21 after “Ruby Baby” charted in January of ’63. This track sounds just fine in
MONO. It again carries on with that full, warm sound that was on Disc One.
Again, the blend of Dion and The Del-Satins is smooth and sounds just like it
did back then on my old 45. Now if you flipped this record over, you get a song
called “Faith,” which actually goes back the the Dion & the Belmonts days;
but it still has a good sound quality. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In June of ’63, Laurie would dip into the “Lovers Who Wander”
album for the next single. “Come Go With Me,” a remake of the Del Vikings hit,
peaked at #48; the record was backed with “King Without a Queen,” which did not
hit the charts; maybe Laurie should have pushed the B-side. “Come Go With Me” has a premature fade out in
the last verse. This reminded me of “Darling Loraine” by The Knockouts which
also faded in the last verse. Both sides sound excellent on this CD, especially
“King Without a Queen,” blending Dion’s lead with the excellent backing vocals
of The Del-Satins, along with some fine guitar and a subtle organ in the mix. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next came a single taken from the “Runaround Sue” LP. I
believe if “Lonely World” would have been issued as an A-side a year earlier,
it would have charted much higher than it did in ’63, when it bubbled under the
Hot 100 at #101. The sound on this song is as good as it gets and once again
The Del-Satins vocals are loud and clear. The flip side of this 45 was another
one from the Dion & the Belmonts days. “Tag Along” was recorded early in
their time at Laurie and for some reason, it did not appear on a single until
the group had broken up and Dion himself had left Laurie. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1964, Laurie released two sides from Dion’s first solo
album entitled “Alone With Dion,” which was recorded in 1960. “After the Dance”
failed to chart as did the B-side, “Then I’ll Be Tired of You.” These songs
sounded good but they were obviously released in an effort to try and continue
to cash in on Dion’s continuing success on Columbia, which I must admit was
failing in 1964. But that’s an issue for another time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Laurie would again dip into the tracks off of the “Lovers
Who Wander” LP for one more single, Dion’s version of “Shout.” This sounds very
good in MONO; while I was listening to the track, I got the feeling they took
the best parts from The Isley Brothers 1959 original and mixed in a lot of the
raw energy from the Joey Dee & the Starliters 1962 live recording. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another note about Dion on Laurie in 1964. Laurie would re
release “Little Girl” as a single but it would not do any significant chart
action.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One last single was issued in 1965 when Laurie would go all
the way back to the “Presenting Dion & the Belmonts” LP and put out a song
called “I Got the Blues” which would fail to hit the charts. In 1958, this
vocal put to the rhythm of Bill Doggets “Honky Tonk,” might have actually seen
some chart action. In 1965, a year after the British Invasion, Motown and all
the other changes, the song stood no chance of becoming a hit. However, it’s on
the collection for us to enjoy, and I might add it sounds as good if not better
than the versions I have on a couple of Ace CD’s, which are well known for
great sound quality.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Part Four, I’ll take a look at the singles from 1968 and
1969 when Dion would return to Laurie before he would end up on Warner
Brothers.</div>
Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-16766142263257351612012-10-17T16:06:00.006-05:002012-10-17T16:07:49.937-05:00Dion "The Complete Laurie Singles a Review Pt 2<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Part Two, The Heart of the Collection, Dion and The Del-Satins:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHxGMknI5yy2OiImArw3Vj_GOXywytpn2KxEtxZKPIKjJMJoW5Jf5FlHtOCNn1Vx3Qbav_8ngN6AVqTsBDDMgRwwg25E_aE0lVTmHWKRzPgQeypuYQZRI_Oziu3WECe_CAfuWdrQq2D6L/s1600/Dion+CD+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHxGMknI5yy2OiImArw3Vj_GOXywytpn2KxEtxZKPIKjJMJoW5Jf5FlHtOCNn1Vx3Qbav_8ngN6AVqTsBDDMgRwwg25E_aE0lVTmHWKRzPgQeypuYQZRI_Oziu3WECe_CAfuWdrQq2D6L/s640/Dion+CD+set.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This part of my review deals with Dion’s most familiar
singles from Laurie. The backing vocals on all of these songs and some of the
songs in Part Three feature The Del-Satins. When you take the A-sides of all of
these songs and put them together with Dion’s Columbia chart singles, you’ll
find Dion had more hits with The Del-Satins than he did with The Belmonts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s these familiar songs that make this collection shine
bright. In all cases, you can clearly hear Dion’s legendary vocals backed in excellent
fashion by The Del-Satins. This is different from the STEREO issues of these
sides. As with many recordings from the 60’s, the backing vocals on the STEREO
versions do not stand out like they do on the MONO recordings. They stand out
very well on this collection. And once again, the sound is crisp, clear, warm,
and full. The STEREO versions sound good but there’s a bit too much high ends
on the mix. Even my wife noticed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dion’s only Number One chart hit, “Runaround Sue,” sounds
OUTSTANDING, as does the B-side, “Runaway Girl.” Back in 1986, when I got my
first Dion CD, “Dion Hits” from Ace Records, I recall being impressed with all
the little things I was hearing on the CD. Well, I still hear them on this
collection, there’s just a better blend in the sound. I even hear the drummer
hit one of his drumsticks with the other stick after verse one on “Runaround
Sue;” that’s something digital technology turned me on to way back in ’86. Plus
every “Hape-hape-um-be-doudi-doudi” sung by The Del-Satins, blends right in
with Dion’s classic vocals. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq2nyxrU-EJ9AqXCFezRo6MiVJjLyAILEeIdpzGpErt8iXWO9scFysZ8rHE9KLq5ec4H5OIb89Tst_iZfAW35POtHcUPi0ojMCVoIEscytytzd-vuVdvkcvXjD0DX12AU2eJ5iL4TmqGR/s1600/Wanderer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq2nyxrU-EJ9AqXCFezRo6MiVJjLyAILEeIdpzGpErt8iXWO9scFysZ8rHE9KLq5ec4H5OIb89Tst_iZfAW35POtHcUPi0ojMCVoIEscytytzd-vuVdvkcvXjD0DX12AU2eJ5iL4TmqGR/s400/Wanderer.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next we have “The Wanderer,” another one of Dion’s signature
songs. It booms out over the speakers in glorious MONO, as does the B-side,
“The Majestic,” a song penned by Brenda Lee Jones and Welton Young, who had
some hits of their own recording as Dean and Jean for Laurie. I’d like to hear
those goodies mixed like these recordings are on this set. “The Wanderer”
peaked at #2 and “The Majestic” topped off at #36 on the Hot 100 in early 1962.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyMLCZZmRmAQ3DoKLcA7bA8-18-jlvWkdxye7pvcMESoV9dP6fjrjwSjGyUYczayyaGD1XP8UlEoBh4j8jjKFmTaqg81KqTo8p0G83I7iMCEz5f-PyszTczH03l6MrRbrUag6TGFy9dW5/s1600/Lovers+Who+Wander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyMLCZZmRmAQ3DoKLcA7bA8-18-jlvWkdxye7pvcMESoV9dP6fjrjwSjGyUYczayyaGD1XP8UlEoBh4j8jjKFmTaqg81KqTo8p0G83I7iMCEz5f-PyszTczH03l6MrRbrUag6TGFy9dW5/s400/Lovers+Who+Wander.jpg" width="400" /></a>The next tracks also both hit the Hot 100. “(I Was) Born to
Cry,” #42 and “Lovers Who Wander,” #3, were issued toward the Spring of
1962. These two songs both continue with
that same warm, full sound that permeates this collection. I’m not going to
debate which one of these songs was supposed to be the A-side. I like them
both, but “Lovers Who Wander” did chart higher. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the late Summer of ’62, Laurie issued “Little Diane;” #8
on the charts, this song featured a kazoo instead of a saxophone, throughout
the recording. It comes through loud and clear on this CD. Dion himself added
the kazoo to the recording. Flip this gem over and you get “Lost for Sure,” a
song Dion penned with Susan Butterfield, now his wife for many years. On this
MONO version, you hear the acoustic guitar in the background, the subtle lead
electric guitar, the sax, bass and drums all woven together with the GREAT
backing vocals of The Del-Satins. I always liked the guitar chords on this one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last A-side on Disc One is a personal favorite of mine,
“Love Came to Me.” This mid tempo gem kicks from the opening notes,
“Shat-dube-dutin-doot-doot-di-doot,” by The Del-Satins all the way to the fade
out. Dion’s voice, guitar, those great backing vocals, the bass, drums and the
piano form a warm blend on yet another classic recording from Mr. DiMucci. Why
this song only topped off at #10 in the Fall of 1962, is something I’ll never
understand. Part of the issue could have been Dion’s up coming move to Columbia
Records. Maybe Laurie just didn’t push this record enough. Well, I’m pushing it
here. Oh, by the way, the flip side, “Little Girl,” sounds just fine as well.
This one always reminded me of “No One Knows,” Dion & the Belmonts second
single on Laurie. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZP68L3wAnlcZwf4l_ud7SrOfXYX-kLL_Bi7vbJki722JYhMbZXxaLTxxjsBTzOtLBiv8v8vQbx1hv5VMZcNG2ERAcT_ydIhk-w_WAcgFJihtige0tVykt5zRT0fQwDmSPPOhlVslCRVV/s1600/Disc+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZP68L3wAnlcZwf4l_ud7SrOfXYX-kLL_Bi7vbJki722JYhMbZXxaLTxxjsBTzOtLBiv8v8vQbx1hv5VMZcNG2ERAcT_ydIhk-w_WAcgFJihtige0tVykt5zRT0fQwDmSPPOhlVslCRVV/s400/Disc+1.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This brings us to the end of Disc One. Next we’ll take a
look at the first part of Disc Two.</div>
Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-16185686378004715522012-10-17T15:57:00.000-05:002012-10-17T16:10:01.434-05:00Dion "The Complete Laurie Singles a Review Pt 1<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Part One, The First Few Singles:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-wl_ozg4TLdMEFK8SPbIuz4B316WPAMHzE6opCjYzYV1ZXsop6jfZ3MnCSNSRlqKPc1oSLo90gNgxfOekvZsZdJmewHY4fx5cn9ikNx9utTXLhI0kfSnz4ENWz8BREc1c7-NfvVc7rBP/s1600/Dion+The+Complete+Laurie+Singles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-wl_ozg4TLdMEFK8SPbIuz4B316WPAMHzE6opCjYzYV1ZXsop6jfZ3MnCSNSRlqKPc1oSLo90gNgxfOekvZsZdJmewHY4fx5cn9ikNx9utTXLhI0kfSnz4ENWz8BREc1c7-NfvVc7rBP/s320/Dion+The+Complete+Laurie+Singles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I first learned about the release of this 36 track 2 CD
set, I got excited for one major reason; the songs were being re mastered from
the original MONO source tapes. Of course I was also excited to finally be able
to add a few missing tracks to my vast collection of Dion recordings on CD.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m going to break this review up into four parts. The
reason should become obvious as we go along. First let’s talk about the
packaging. This 2 disc set comes with extensive liner notes, so extensive I
have yet to fully read them. The track listing is extensive and informative as
well, including writing credits, record catalog number, highest chart position
and year of release. I even enjoyed the CD labels, which resemble the colorful
Laurie 45 label with it’s red, white, black and gray decoration. Everyone who
owned copies of these songs knows what I’m talking about. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first eight tracks on Disc 1 deal with Dion’s first solo
singles after he split with the Belmonts in 1960. These first songs pre date
Dion’s relationship with The Del-Satins, which I’ll talk about In greater
detail in parts 2 and 3 of this review.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few thoughts about the overall sound quality of these two
discs; the words WOW, OUTSTANDING, FULL and WARM come to mind. As I listened to
all the tracks, I couldn’t help but think that the people who put this set
together have managed to cross a threshold in digital sound. The songs have a
full, rich sound. It reminds me of listening to the old 45’s on my brother’s
Curtis Mathis stereo, the one I was forbidden to touch in my younger days. Many
people have complained about the sound of digital music on CD as being too
cold, or even mechanical. These songs are NOT like that. One of the first
things that went through my mind while I listening to these songs was how about
doing this with Dion’s Columbia singles too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disc One begins with “Lonely Teenager,” which was released
in late 1960 and received a lot of airplay. I actually recall hearing the flip
side of this 45 first. “Little Miss Blue” is track 2, which barely cracked the
Hot 100 back in 1960. On the CD, you can hear the background vocals much better
than the STEREO versions that have been previously issued. The acoustic guitar
sounds warm, the way an acoustic guitar should sound. In fairness to the
excellent quality of the recordings Dion did at Laurie, I point out that the overall sound of the Dion
catalog in STEREO is really not that bad. It’s just that over time, I’ve become
more interested in hearing these songs as I did when I was young, and that was
hearing them in MONO.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8ZjbOny6cvEr8sCiuCC6W9faTeBCpmcXgXm3Wb2p2qfiVtrzwVgCAH6_rlwhvK13TRipyMoR5jz1zhZqUV39ShpfA3VQeE_zegCQCQpx5r2PPX47NSZ66aNEa2iHG6-cuf7d37vbqGNg/s1600/Havin'+Fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8ZjbOny6cvEr8sCiuCC6W9faTeBCpmcXgXm3Wb2p2qfiVtrzwVgCAH6_rlwhvK13TRipyMoR5jz1zhZqUV39ShpfA3VQeE_zegCQCQpx5r2PPX47NSZ66aNEa2iHG6-cuf7d37vbqGNg/s320/Havin'+Fun.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next single, “Havin’ Fun,” is one of those songs you
never hear on the Oldies radio. It’s a nice song that continues that warm sound
I spoke of earlier. The trombone solo sounds darn good. The B-side of this
record is “Northeast End of the Corner;” it sounds good however it takes Dion
toward the Pop sound that Bobby Darin would take, you know it sounds like
something you might have heard at the Copa back then. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next single, “Kissin’ Game” sounds like a track that
could have easily been a Drifters’ record. It sounds good on the CD. The flip
of this one, “Heaven Help Me,” reminds me a lot of a song that Don and Phil
Everly might have recorded. Both of the A-sides of these 45’s did chart on the
Hot 100. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Somebody Nobody Wants” did not crack the Hot 100; it just
missed. The significance of this record is the return of the girl group back up
like Dion’s first solo efforts. The vocals sound good, clear and well balanced
in their MONO versions. “Could Somebody Take My Place Tonight” is the B-side of
this 45. Dion sounds great on the lead of this side. This was one of the songs
I was not too familiar with before I got this collection. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I call these first eight songs the beginnings of Dion’s solo
Laurie singles. They all are great to hear. The next two parts of this review
concern the heart of this collection, the recordings Dion did with The
Del-Satins.</div>
Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-41961371857328627742012-10-17T11:17:00.001-05:002012-10-17T11:43:55.054-05:00I'm Back!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoTrttweKl6TJycx4q1j35v9AX2OhX7Sa5Fsp7HnRJkGZh7uQOF4ImIvnTqdGzzTlmk2l0cILjrld91BZG2qPd9KqWAAcrL2wVvilSffPSvg3l8clFWXEJQhAJEzqxWTVcAigcQQm4YPl/s1600/I'm+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoTrttweKl6TJycx4q1j35v9AX2OhX7Sa5Fsp7HnRJkGZh7uQOF4ImIvnTqdGzzTlmk2l0cILjrld91BZG2qPd9KqWAAcrL2wVvilSffPSvg3l8clFWXEJQhAJEzqxWTVcAigcQQm4YPl/s640/I'm+Back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well as the title says, <b>I’m Back!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After more than a three year absence from the blogosphere. I
am returning and re firing up the engines on “The Oldie!” In the next few days
I will be redesigning the page layout and letting you know what I’ve been up to
in the past three years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the next couple of days I will post a four part review on
the new Dion two CD set, “The Complete Laurie Singles.” This set has been re
mastered in GLORIOUS MONO, and I mean GLORIOUS MONO! So what the blog for the
review. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also have many YouTube videos to share as well, plus a lot
of other things about Baseball Cards, Lionel Trains and a few real trains, Rock
& Roll, and even Chevrolet and a few other goodies too.</div>
Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-12711838092924053562009-11-02T17:21:00.000-06:002009-11-02T17:21:11.809-06:00A Great Song from 1958The Fascinators were quite popular on the East Coast in the late 50s and early 60s. This song is the best of the best from this group, a truly outstanding DooWop ballad. <br />
<br />
Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xZA_UAshNOU&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xZA_UAshNOU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-79727298072175929502009-10-29T12:59:00.002-05:002009-10-29T12:59:58.917-05:00This song was played first around the St. Louis area back in 1963. As you can see by the record number, this was actually the A-side of this 45. However, the B-side, "Wildwood Days," became the hit recording for Bobby Rydell back in the summer of '63. <br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ELZTia4Umso&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ELZTia4Umso&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-48232326789859437472009-10-05T15:10:00.005-05:002009-10-05T15:15:47.119-05:00Beatles For Sale Remastered<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBi7bbx2a5q3agmM3WNlt1zGEF2WYyvfWA3CBLgXUBhcfolkhym8W34dtlN4kjYf_t3oCOnXBvB4uxO27aq24dRQCxebGLo5mVZZqqjAvz_4LYphVvOxI1GXF-4FxqG8XHN-LFJX5vEnl/s1600-h/For+Sale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389211357468405554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBi7bbx2a5q3agmM3WNlt1zGEF2WYyvfWA3CBLgXUBhcfolkhym8W34dtlN4kjYf_t3oCOnXBvB4uxO27aq24dRQCxebGLo5mVZZqqjAvz_4LYphVvOxI1GXF-4FxqG8XHN-LFJX5vEnl/s320/For+Sale.jpg" border="0" /></a>My look at the new Beatles remastered CDs continues with Beatles For Sale. In England, this was their 4th LP release. Here in America, the bulk of this album was better known as Beatles 65. For me, as lover of and a collector of Beatles music, this is the first decent sounding recording they did in stereo. You might know that the first 4 Beatles CDs originally released in 1987 were taken from the mono masters. This was a decision that I liked at the time they came out. When I learned of the new CDs, I decided the first one I would covet would be Beatles For Sale. Well, after listening to the disc, I think I was right on with that decision.<br /><br />A one word description of this CD is “stunning.” However, I’m not one to limit myself to one word descriptions. Let’s just say this CD has the general characteristics of the other new remastered discs. The bass is enhanced, as is the overall charity of the recordings. The surprise, for me are the sounds I’d never heard in the first CD reissues. And, there are a few tracks that really stand out.<br /><br />Here’s a brief track-by-track description. No Reply and I’m a Loser are awesome. There are little sounds I’d not heard before in both songs. The first of the tracks that make me say “WOW” is Baby’s In Black. On this gem you hear all sorts of different things, especially with the guitar playing, that just stand out making this song a must hear.<br /><br />Rock and Roll Music does Chuck Berry proud. On one verse, one of the guitars disappears for some unknown reason and this is heard quite clear. Paul’s I’ll Follow The Sun has always sounded good, on vinyl and on CD. Well this version sounds even better to my ears.<br /><br />Now we’re up to another one of those special tracks, John’s remake of Dr. Feelgood and the Interns Mr. Moonlight. The unique organ part is brought out in this remastered goodie. Plus you really hear John’s voice crack when he opens the song screeching “Mr. moonlight.” What a treat for the ear.<br /><br />Next Paul does his best Little Richard on Kansas City/Hey Hey Hey Hey, which is actually a medley of two songs from Little Richard. The version of Kansas City is a remake of the Little Richard version of the often recorded song. And boy it sure sounds great.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4S9a5mhGx2vDm-cDAt3u3RUd1sTKyRQNxPm0h9JU_KRYxqZ9xXkIb9sz_pP2SbgnA-s3AT0fi7-S9b1g1vOB2omp1HHFgA6V6l4b984fuRqjo3WAVrFCalIR5VWMO-tNChV_5IilQdYc/s1600-h/For+Sale+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389211503915304914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4S9a5mhGx2vDm-cDAt3u3RUd1sTKyRQNxPm0h9JU_KRYxqZ9xXkIb9sz_pP2SbgnA-s3AT0fi7-S9b1g1vOB2omp1HHFgA6V6l4b984fuRqjo3WAVrFCalIR5VWMO-tNChV_5IilQdYc/s320/For+Sale+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Then comes another of the gems on this CD, Eight Days a Week. I was actually tipped off to listen for this one with a write-up I’d read on the Internet. It’s much fuller then the 45, LP version, or the version on the first Beatles For Sale CD from 1987. Everything in this song from the hand clapping to the harmony stand out crisp and clear.<br /><br />The next two songs are Buddy Holly’s Words of Love and Carl Perkin’s Honey Don’t. Both are remakes of the originals and both continue with this bright, full sound on the new disc.<br /><br />Every Little Thing is another of those songs that really stick out as nothing short of outstanding on this new recording. You hear the instruments in a new way, especially the timpani Ringo plays. It adds it’s booming sound to the enhancement on this disc.<br /><br />I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party is another delight and a surprise. This is one of those Beatles songs I’ve sort of dismissed, or passed by in the past. The new remastered version makes it hard to pass over now. All the clear sounding guitar work and the always great John and Paul harmonies are great.<br /><br />Paul’s What You’re Doing is next and like the rest of this outstanding work, it sounds great. You hear the piano work, and all the rest of the instruments as clear as a bell. It’s like you’re there when they recorded the song.<br /><br />Finally, George rocks out with another Carl Perkins remake, Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby. You hear the little things in the guitar work that make this a rockabilly delight.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYIY8vjVcuxe6q7J8Kus3Iv2o5Ko6HkMug3EvYeeh6kv7cuK3V6_3Ej8HcqgOr9BljCv1nRQqFjqNdBUj3rDnqClO0jIotXBl_DywlwwRGHqo5Soh1sqAnF395qTtcHCfNgYjQm5QFYqw/s1600-h/For+Sale+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389211836032234018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYIY8vjVcuxe6q7J8Kus3Iv2o5Ko6HkMug3EvYeeh6kv7cuK3V6_3Ej8HcqgOr9BljCv1nRQqFjqNdBUj3rDnqClO0jIotXBl_DywlwwRGHqo5Soh1sqAnF395qTtcHCfNgYjQm5QFYqw/s320/For+Sale+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Overall, this is another gem of a disc to listen to over and over and over again. Like the other discs I’ve talked about, the packaging, pictures and video for the computer, are great. A final thought on these CDs is I told myself I was just going to get Abbey Road, the White Album, and Beatles For Sale for the moment. Well, after hearing all three of these disc sets, I find I will buy others. Sgt. Pepper will probably be next for me. </div></div>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-61673936668284277602009-10-01T21:13:00.006-05:002009-10-01T21:21:32.591-05:00The Beatles (the White Album) Pt. 2<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN90Khb3QO2KVFrj41tG1XfquigilM2VLR6nOOG5wELdx6P-PxMkYNm6n-mQqkxXmMXXFmhVeXxO9mP0CpS47RQRyPi64NJ5669f4mUot7BbGv024Uqlv2PAylmKqLR1mLSCDQXtv4-vz/s1600-h/White+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387820958436524338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN90Khb3QO2KVFrj41tG1XfquigilM2VLR6nOOG5wELdx6P-PxMkYNm6n-mQqkxXmMXXFmhVeXxO9mP0CpS47RQRyPi64NJ5669f4mUot7BbGv024Uqlv2PAylmKqLR1mLSCDQXtv4-vz/s320/White+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Some of the more dramatically different sounding tracks on this set are on disc two. We start with Birthday and Yer Blues. In both cases, the overall sound is brighter and fuller then the original 1987 CD release. Listen for those little things in the background that I’ve been talking about. The keyboards on Birthday are crisp. The guitars on Yer Blues are clean sounding. Paul’s Mother Natures Son continues with the more fuller sound theme. The horns in the background boom out over the acoustic guitar and the clear vocals.<br /><br />Now we’re up to four tracks that stand out as much improved sounding songs. Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey has a lot going on; and I mean more than just an eleven word title. That cow bell rings lout like it never has in previous issues of the song. Put the headset on, and listen to the driving guitar reverberate across your brain. John gets two in a row with the haunting Sexy Sadie. I’ve always found this to be a unique sounding song; and you can hear it all now on this remastered gem. Once again, there’s that haunting guitar over a piano with echo on it. And, there’s that background vocal. </div><div></div><div><br />Helter Skelter surprised me. This has been one of my least favorite songs on this recording; but I have to admit, the newly remastered sound brings it to a new light. Long, Long, Long carries on with that haunting thing again. Just listen to that organ and the overblown vibrato.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjmyguxO9nDzWNUN7G4RYG59FpX7sHrjWTMNKfpzPnziVtvJb0t0YyPmP8dgh57o9LcNkrYHyn6WXy6-w1gm7sIWniIbN5NIAvlrhFtcexX8d27w06DGeNP5jxnCqtiA89qJnavbOsRns/s1600-h/Ringo+blisters.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387821121353154242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjmyguxO9nDzWNUN7G4RYG59FpX7sHrjWTMNKfpzPnziVtvJb0t0YyPmP8dgh57o9LcNkrYHyn6WXy6-w1gm7sIWniIbN5NIAvlrhFtcexX8d27w06DGeNP5jxnCqtiA89qJnavbOsRns/s320/Ringo+blisters.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Revolution 1 was intended to be a single release off of the album. It was decided the song was too slow and that turned out to be a good thing for Beatles fans because they then recorded the version we got on that first Apple 45; however, the LP version sounds great. The horns in the background come out to the foreground. Then Paul gives us Honey Pie; this is a track that can go overlooked, but don’t overlook it when you get the new CDs. It’s reborn anew now.<br /><br />I was tipped off about Savoy Truffle before I heard the new CD. On the disc, I find sounds I never dreamed were part of the original recording. It almost sounds like the horns in the background were rerecorded; but they were not. This song might be the most dramatic in sound improvement on this set. George wrote a fine tune; and now we really hear it.<br /><br />The next two tracks are pretty much John Lennon. Cry Baby Cry sure sounds good. The now familiar echo on John’s voice rings out. I guess John owes a special debt to Les Paul for inventing that technique. Then John Lennon takes on another ‘magical mystery tour’ with Revolution 9. You might be tempted to pass over this 8 minute and 22 second experiment; well do yourself a favor and put the headphones on and give it a listen, at least once. You’<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2Uglf6Q1t4Na9rdCSFxOAncu1QxUtRuBL7KP8DwrmG5uo5Yf7LjVgmyGzlTOS-Jr4XrgRxMC5sC6EcEkziKNjoCGn6OvJoJXwZUQCuhJ89Z-oALXYTugmQJsLTqTCsY2nQ3kx1ON2dMR/s1600-h/Whitle+Album+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387821496458069138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2Uglf6Q1t4Na9rdCSFxOAncu1QxUtRuBL7KP8DwrmG5uo5Yf7LjVgmyGzlTOS-Jr4XrgRxMC5sC6EcEkziKNjoCGn6OvJoJXwZUQCuhJ89Z-oALXYTugmQJsLTqTCsY2nQ3kx1ON2dMR/s320/Whitle+Album+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>ll hear things you didn’t hear before.<br /><br />Disc two finishes up with Richard Starkey singing the vocals on the orchestral Good Night. Like most orchestral music on CD, this is a keeper when it comes to sound. The strings, the harp, the voices, we hear it all.<br /><br />In conclusion, I was not disappointed with the White Album. I had planned to get a copy of this set, along with Abbey Road, when I heard they were going to do all this remastering. Oh, by the way, you do get a copy of the poster that was part of the original LP, although this one is smaller in size.<br /><br />There is one other CD I had initially planned to get, and I’ll tell you about it next; so keep watching the blog. </div>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-8476233930852788182009-09-30T12:49:00.007-05:002009-09-30T12:58:37.442-05:00The Beatles (the White Album) Pt. 1<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnAco3Y0t3xWade-2S7qdYq2OOYtzRj-TasWZ85W6ISA1Y4lyGljLRxBH30_qkQE5Sq79u1OBVrMAfgO96I8qgtMoxEu1FRyuddSWzKhB43rGO7kKK-_KjPPv3Mkh-hlJDyQtOHc0zGyO/s1600-h/Apple.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387320000590624914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnAco3Y0t3xWade-2S7qdYq2OOYtzRj-TasWZ85W6ISA1Y4lyGljLRxBH30_qkQE5Sq79u1OBVrMAfgO96I8qgtMoxEu1FRyuddSWzKhB43rGO7kKK-_KjPPv3Mkh-hlJDyQtOHc0zGyO/s320/Apple.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I recall when the “White Album” first was released on vinyl in 1968. It hit the stores on November 22nd, a date that lives in infamy in American history. It was a clear,cold early Winter morning and I decided I must get the record on opening day, so-to-speak. So I walked from my house to Florissant Records. I believe it was approximately a mile from my parents house and got my first copy of The Beatles, aka The White Album on vinyl. The recording was unique; the record label was very unique; the packaging was unique.<br /><br />As mentioned in my Abbey Road review, I bought the first issue CDs when they came out in 1987. ‘And I loved them.’ Like Abbey Road, the new remastered White Album has an overall sound that is better than the first CDs. Unlike Abbey Road, there are certain songs that almost sound totally new on this CD set. And the packaging is superb, including the use of the B-side label on disc two and the more recognizable Granny Smith green apple on disc one’s label. That is still one of the coolest labels ever made. You would expect that from The Beatles.<br /><br />I’m not going to spend time with each and every song. After all, there are 30 tracks on this two disc set; and even the not-so-good stuff sounds good on the remastered issue. What I will do is talk about some specific tracks that as stated above, almost sound totally new.<br /><br />The White Album has more stuff going on behind the music than any other Beatles record, including Sgt. Pepper; well, the new CD set brings those little things to the front. This is another “listen with the headset on” CDs. And when you listen, listen to everything. ‘Don’t pass tracks by.’ </div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGUueJZ0VoHfBhGDM4pUaMPslM-EOau4_dzjwVRQcEuJhy7Iv8Q0gi0W5dRTRoMp6kaEzojvQt_xFd6v-n6fCdhqDFeVuFYVz0FTR-kNH4WD9TuKLdPKhqMZecncNqOZaezXm8W4wiZEz/s1600-h/1+WA+packaging.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387320239934022770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGUueJZ0VoHfBhGDM4pUaMPslM-EOau4_dzjwVRQcEuJhy7Iv8Q0gi0W5dRTRoMp6kaEzojvQt_xFd6v-n6fCdhqDFeVuFYVz0FTR-kNH4WD9TuKLdPKhqMZecncNqOZaezXm8W4wiZEz/s320/1+WA+packaging.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Side one starts with the plane landing in Russia on Paul’s Beach Boy inspired Back in the U.S.S.R. We hear it all loud and clear as a bell. The piano on the opener rings across the roar of the jet engine. Hand clapping, background vocals, enhanced bass guitar and the lead guitar blast across your ears like a rocket. Then track one fades out and John’s Dear Prudence fades in as it always has; but this time it’s clear, crisp and downright haunting. Listen to all the sounds and that guitar work and those backing vocals. Outstanding stuff. Glass Onion is next sounding like a reborn piece of art. Hear that flute on the last verse. And then it’s Polka time as Paul gives us the classic Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da; listen to that “banging on the piano,” and all the hand clapping and the voices in the background. “Swing your partner round and round” and sing, sing, sing along.<br /><br />Now please don’t overlook a thing on these CDs, including Wild Honey Pie; you hear it in a refreshingly new way along with The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill. I used to play that one at parties. “All the children sing.”<br /><br />The next two songs continue with an underlying theme of haunting sounds that are peppered throughout this collection. At least I’ve always thought they were haunting tunes.<br /><br />George Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps is a masterpiece of recording excellence; much thanks to Eric Clapton for that lead guitar that now pierces the ears over all the other instruments. The organ, the castanets, bass and drums blend with the harmonies. Then there’s John’s VERY haunting Happiness Is a Warm Gun that never sounded better then on this new collection. Listen to yet another ear piercing guitar lead after the first movement of the song. Tell me that’s not spooky sounding.<br /><br />What was side two on vinyl is the second part of disc one. Martha My Dear, I’m So Tired, and Blackbird sound so good they must be heard to understand what I’m talking about.<br /><br />The next two songs deserve a little more here. Piggies is another of those born again tracks I’ve been eluding to here. It sounds brand new here. The harpsichord chimes out and the acoustic guitar can be heard plain as day along with the strings and tambourine. I love the ending on this one. Sounds great; sounds better then great. Now on Rocky Racoon, it is my opinion that Paul’s A string on his acoustic guitar is slightly out of tune. But it still sounds clear along with the harmonica, honky-tonk piano, and everything else that’s heard on this one.<br /><br />The next two songs continue with this little silliness going on. Ringo sings about his lady friend who lost her hair in Don’t Pass Me By and Paul asks the musical question Why Don’t We Do It In The Road? Well, why don’t we?<br /><br />Disc one finishes with Paul’s tribute to Don and Phil Everly, I Will; and it sure sounds good on this new remastered set. Then it’s back to that haunting theme with Julia, an most underrated gem from John Lennon.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig8Fwfc1zEbKfKbe8pXrio9Zta4ekyuB1qoHqnc53RhGYtfClAza9RJZdqaAN-TppYN1_XOgiilDiKgcB_CKFj2qjJZKPyIu-4XNfJE_6R23W45jYwiE3ugKE2BAj8QnovUWUO3DoXofv/s1600-h/Whitle+Album+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387320727811621586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig8Fwfc1zEbKfKbe8pXrio9Zta4ekyuB1qoHqnc53RhGYtfClAza9RJZdqaAN-TppYN1_XOgiilDiKgcB_CKFj2qjJZKPyIu-4XNfJE_6R23W45jYwiE3ugKE2BAj8QnovUWUO3DoXofv/s320/Whitle+Album+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />That’s it for disc one. Disc two is coming up in the next installment; so stay tuned right here. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-51696503315666439032009-09-22T13:40:00.004-05:002009-09-22T13:44:33.659-05:00Seeing might be believing<div>Following up on the Abbey Road remastered CD review, here is a comparison picture of the actual wave file of Come Together from the original 1987 CD release, and the new remastered version. These files are unaltered. You can see the difference as well as hear it on the CD. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf98-11ZK489DWgGwPj2auwZuiz8tdDfBnafmzF4cnAO0qqdc66QV9JwzTVDJlthhCXlCkqT449nqycom5Z3G3Hgyyvbx8qs2LQYZhs84o6wVanKqWfZr4qc_E1GlkcmaXibYZ9RlgaGb0/s1600-h/Come+Together+compairison.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384364358239837538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf98-11ZK489DWgGwPj2auwZuiz8tdDfBnafmzF4cnAO0qqdc66QV9JwzTVDJlthhCXlCkqT449nqycom5Z3G3Hgyyvbx8qs2LQYZhs84o6wVanKqWfZr4qc_E1GlkcmaXibYZ9RlgaGb0/s320/Come+Together+compairison.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-26044937900596457612009-09-16T07:59:00.005-05:002009-09-16T08:04:11.834-05:00Saving the Best for First Pt. 2<div><br /><div><br /><div>We turn the old record over, if we had the old record, and get onf of the most classic album sides of all time, all crisp, clear and sounding better than we’ve ever heard it sound. I think these songs speak for themselves so I’ll talk about some of the neat parts about the side.<br /><br />I must have listened to Here Comes The Sun over a thousand times in the past 40 years; now when I listen, I really hear the song. The acoustic guitar, bass, drums and that mellatron really come out. George’s vocals ring out over the music. One thing that stands out is the<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAya44jkHUp1uWKV94-89w_Cajnpp7kUb6VpOHGepK-91GvL-0IQW8fZuixI5k4VeZNEyUptMRhirSmO_NGAZ-NlDYzG4KXDJZMwM6GWDmyNKMEYIfcTgRux9BVyt3B12jfgBQro8OA5CP/s1600-h/Abbey+Road+7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382049850682044546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAya44jkHUp1uWKV94-89w_Cajnpp7kUb6VpOHGepK-91GvL-0IQW8fZuixI5k4VeZNEyUptMRhirSmO_NGAZ-NlDYzG4KXDJZMwM6GWDmyNKMEYIfcTgRux9BVyt3B12jfgBQro8OA5CP/s200/Abbey+Road+7.jpg" border="0" /></a> separation of the lead vocal and the background vocals. All the instrument layering is brought to life anew now.<br /><br />Because and it’s multi track vocals are outstanding. As I’ve said over and over already, it all sounds so crisp and new. I love the synth flute at the end, always have loved it.<br /><br />Now we get to the part of the CD where you have to take these next songs as one unit. When You Never Give Me Your Money starts, you hear a much sharper sounding guitar over Paul’s piano; then, the rest of the stuff all falls into line, as it always has. The guitar under Paul’s vocals, “Oh that magic feeling,” resonates like never before, as it does going into the last part of the song. Then the vocals fade out and we get the clear sounds of night, the clanging ship’s bell, then the crickets come in and listen for the talking. And then we get the Sun King and it’s panning guitar from left to right and Oh those Beach Boys’ like vocal harmonies.<br /><br />Then Mean Mister Mustard, with the piano, tambourine, overdrive bass and vocals and then POW! Polyphene Pam blasts over the speaker. Listen for the break after the first verse and the little guitar riff that may have gone unheard before. I hear a woodblock during the guitar solo and some background chatter, probably somebody counting; I never heard that before. Then Paul takes over with She Came Into The Bathroom Window. Listen to the acoustic guitar; you might have paid attention to it before, but you will now. How ‘bout Ringo on the tom toms. Loud and clear.<br /><br />Golden Slumbers sounds fabulous. When Paul’s voice cracks when he sings, “Smile awaits you when you rise,” we really hear it now. Then we Carry That Weight and it really carries through with all those sounds. I get lost in this stuff. And then, it’s The End and does it end with a bang. Ringo’s legendary drum break, and John, Paul, and George, each with their guitar solos ripping through your head as you listen, over a continuing drumbeat. Then the boys sing their famous, “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” Maybe they did know it was the end for the Beatles as a group.<br /><br />Oh, don’t forget Her Majesty. We better not forget Her Majesty. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDSoVEm72sjc93FAuHvVEF9CrWynwlhSetT1U9MsRLFcKTlDqdCosnH10NzlIpa0MaGO6vFy6mV7T6QmiQJkP5GmROtHGmNpv_97K0i3CRV6ETr3yr6Y-LEN4QOgwv_rcZ-lrbv4sCTwz/s1600-h/Road+Road.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382050092311393266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 58px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDSoVEm72sjc93FAuHvVEF9CrWynwlhSetT1U9MsRLFcKTlDqdCosnH10NzlIpa0MaGO6vFy6mV7T6QmiQJkP5GmROtHGmNpv_97K0i3CRV6ETr3yr6Y-LEN4QOgwv_rcZ-lrbv4sCTwz/s200/Road+Road.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>And one more thing about the new CDs is the packaging. It’s as outstanding as the discs. There’s lots of pictures and even a little video you can watch on your computer. Simply marvelous.<br /><br />I recommend getting the new CDs, especially if you’re a die-hard Beatles fan. </div></div></div>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-23059615457049890762009-09-14T12:24:00.004-05:002009-09-14T12:28:28.337-05:00Saving the Best for First PtI'' 1I'm going to talk about the new remastered Abbey Road CD in two parts.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tIS6DYeoSQCkobZev4wE6bOhw3IbF6vdqR_AJt1gBdH4HOnBPk7vbCtsak4u8eKjlRU2MC0dw3imDcLt0OKqzbViu1IBPQgBjHwArVPFkKTmXJbMrjGiAr0oEE-HG9Yc823ksCEOSlUJ/s1600-h/Abbey+Road.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381375632568690146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tIS6DYeoSQCkobZev4wE6bOhw3IbF6vdqR_AJt1gBdH4HOnBPk7vbCtsak4u8eKjlRU2MC0dw3imDcLt0OKqzbViu1IBPQgBjHwArVPFkKTmXJbMrjGiAr0oEE-HG9Yc823ksCEOSlUJ/s200/Abbey+Road.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tIS6DYeoSQCkobZev4wE6bOhw3IbF6vdqR_AJt1gBdH4HOnBPk7vbCtsak4u8eKjlRU2MC0dw3imDcLt0OKqzbViu1IBPQgBjHwArVPFkKTmXJbMrjGiAr0oEE-HG9Yc823ksCEOSlUJ/s1600-h/Abbey+Road.jpg"></a></div><br />The Beatles remastered Abbey Road is great, from it’s packaging to the famous Apple label on the CD itself, to it’s sound; it’s great.<br /><br />I knew when I bought the remastered Abbey Road that it was going to be the best of the bunch as for as overall <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tIS6DYeoSQCkobZev4wE6bOhw3IbF6vdqR_AJt1gBdH4HOnBPk7vbCtsak4u8eKjlRU2MC0dw3imDcLt0OKqzbViu1IBPQgBjHwArVPFkKTmXJbMrjGiAr0oEE-HG9Yc823ksCEOSlUJ/s1600-h/Abbey+Road.jpg"></a></div>sound quality. Well, I was correct.<br /><br />The first thing I noticed is the enhancement of Paul’s bass throughout the album. It’s a lot better than the first CD reissue from back in 1987. I should point out I thought the original CD releases of the Beatles material was great; and I still think so, especially the mono issues which I will discuss later. That being said, the remasters are even better.<br /><br />Come Together does just that; it comes together, from the opening salvo when John says “shout, to the drum roll, to the guitars, to John’s once-echo vocals and everything in between.<br />The guitars sound bright and ring through during the whole track. The sound of Ringo’s snare drum punches through and then the electric piano break comes through will brilliance. The lead guitar at the end of the song rings out over all the other instruments. What an opening number.<br /><br />Then we get George Harrison’s masterpiece, Something, with the same overall sound as the opener but with the addition of the organ, symbols, and mellatron. Outstanding to say the least. The harmony is clear, the guitar solo sounds better than ever. Ringo’s drums ring over all the layered sounds. And as I said, that organ just sounds brilliant.<br /><br />Maxwell’s Silver Hammer has always been one of my favorite Paul McCartney songs; I’m pleased with how it sounds on the new CD. The clanging anvil on the chorus, the mellatron again all throughout the <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tIS6DYeoSQCkobZev4wE6bOhw3IbF6vdqR_AJt1gBdH4HOnBPk7vbCtsak4u8eKjlRU2MC0dw3imDcLt0OKqzbViu1IBPQgBjHwArVPFkKTmXJbMrjGiAr0oEE-HG9Yc823ksCEOSlUJ/s1600-h/Abbey+Road.jpg"></a></div>song, the piano, and Paul’s vocals all ring out. Oh yeah, there’s that enhanced bass sound again. Great!<br /><br />I should point out that Abbey Road utilizes a lot of panning instruments and vocals that sound even better through headphones. I remember when I was younger listening to this album, laying down on the floor, taking the stereo speakers and putting them on either side of my head, so I could hear all the neat recording techniques. Well, they really bellow out on the new CD.<br /><br />Oh Darling is outstanding as well. I dig those background vocals, the constant guitar strum and Ringo’s drumming. Wowsers! All of it is crisp and clear like you’ve never heard it on the new disc.<br /><br />Next we go under the sea with Ringo and Octopuses Garden with it’s great guitar intro and the panning underwater sounding vocals on the instrumental break. Put on your swim fins and you won’t be disappointed with this goodie.<br /><br />Finishing up what was side one on the old record is I Want You (She’s So Heavy) which is the biggest surprise for me on this CD. I’d never been a major fan of John’s Rock & Blues ditty but this remastered gem has changed that. The crisp sound of the guitar, organ, bass and drums, underneath John’s screeching vocals really comes across on the new CD. I make special note of the organ and the instrumental interlude between verses. Sounds like I’m right there at Abbey Road with the boys. The song ends with it’s famous guitar riffs and the crescendo of sounds building up and coming to a sudden stop at the end, and I do mean sudden. You hear things you may not have heard before; sounds like a windstorm or something that keeps going until the end.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tIS6DYeoSQCkobZev4wE6bOhw3IbF6vdqR_AJt1gBdH4HOnBPk7vbCtsak4u8eKjlRU2MC0dw3imDcLt0OKqzbViu1IBPQgBjHwArVPFkKTmXJbMrjGiAr0oEE-HG9Yc823ksCEOSlUJ/s1600-h/Abbey+Road.jpg"></a>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-34418589041780088582009-09-14T10:03:00.002-05:002009-09-14T10:05:15.218-05:00I'm BackWell, it's been all summer plus since my last post. I plan to make up for that in the next few days so stay tuned.<br /><br />With the release of the Beatles remastered CDs, it’s time for me to talk about what we’re hearing on these CDs. Yes the vocals are brighter; there’s definitely more bass, especially with the earlier albums.<br /><br />There’s always those little things going on in the background that you swore you’ve never heard before. But wait a minute. Those sounds were there on the older CDs, and even on the vinyl.<br /><br />I remember back in the 80s when I bought a CD from ACE of England called “Dion Hits.” At the time, it was the absolute best sounding collection of Dion’s Laurie recordings. The folks who do the remastering at ACE always do a good job to this day. One track, “Runaround Sue,” stuck out. I heard the drummer hit one drumstick with the other during one of his fills. I knew the sound the sticks made because I had played drums myself and often hit the sticks together in that fashion. After convincing myself that I’d not heard that sound on any other copy of “Runaround Sue” that I had on vinyl, I went back and listened to one of the particularly bad recordings and low and behold, the sound of the drumsticks hitting each other was there. I just never noticed until that CD.<br /><br />Yes I know there have been some very bad, some criminally bad mixes of songs over the years in the Rock & Roll era. However, with the advent of the digital age, which began with the first CDs in the 80s, there have been some masterful remastered, remixed, recordings.<br /><br />These CDs sound great. But are they really better then the first generation of Beatles CDs that came out in 1987; only time will tell.<br /><br />Coming up: Abbey RoadJeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-21468207754467126802009-05-28T12:41:00.004-05:002009-05-28T12:44:43.394-05:00I Wonder WhyThis is the best video that I've seen from Dion & the Belmonts singing <strong>I Wonder Why</strong> from back in the day. I suspect it's from American Bandstand, but I'm not totally sure.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DBKZc_5LoeY&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DBKZc_5LoeY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Enjoy.Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-60996839794931753152009-04-21T15:56:00.003-05:002009-04-21T15:59:49.122-05:00Happy AnniversaryWell I almost got shut down on this due to DSL problems. However, they have been resolved. Today is my wife Adrienne and my 30th Wedding anniversary. There are some other friends who also are celebrating their 30th this year. So, here's Barney Rubble and the Bedrock Four with a little diddy for all people celebrating their Wedding anniversary.<br /><br />Enjoy.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/knp9-GY6fHE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/knp9-GY6fHE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-15411511182145370462009-03-06T14:53:00.005-06:002009-03-06T14:57:19.669-06:00Coming Clean Pt 1<div>Well it’s time to come clean on a few things. I’ll start with this.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310181060633882002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGW2ZxQDFfuZKNizz4sNthe_BQYDqzCIR-P3lNL89EBI4xcZNSJb61W4tzHeRmcxFfx7MSc_BVp4vTW3a1_CD5fApJOCQEvc3kTu18d30yxsfxJDdNbTZbDHQDoISEcuPPZNu-v32asCE/s320/Star+Trek.jpg" border="0" /> <div>It seems there’s this movie that will come out on May 8th. It’s about a bunch of people on a starship galloping though the galaxy. I think their names of Kirk and Spock. </div><div> </div><div>Those of you who have known me for a long time are aware of my fondness for this Wagon Train in space. So it should come to no surprise to find that I am very much looking forward to the J. J. Abrams film. </div><div> </div><div>BTW: Adrienne, my wife, is a big fan as well. </div><div> </div><div>You can learn about the new <strong>Star Trek</strong> movie at <a href="http://www.trekmovie.com/">www.trekmovie.com</a>. </div>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-21373242619407624792009-03-03T12:43:00.004-06:002009-03-03T12:48:14.191-06:00I'm Back with more Patty McCoySorry I've been away from the blog for some time, busy with other things, but I'm back!<br /><br />Patty McCoy and the Renegades were from St. Louis and had a couple of songs on the Counsel label. This song came out in the spring of 1963 and has a Phil Spector flavor.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P7X3NBSVsLQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P7X3NBSVsLQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Hope you enjoy the tune.Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-4313346302473965302009-02-05T18:42:00.005-06:002009-02-05T18:46:15.118-06:00Baseball Cards and Rock & Roll<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl5CP_Qcrux6TPyJiSYQ4Vk1t1Of5uX5-Ze0ox0vRt8Ogi_QOY6uaTQ7BgYSAVHHMeCuAKJ4BzY-7iedjlICawDGI06A3SvVJ70qYjEA_uft-Z6i1UllmHPEVZHtqFGT4SlxP6OApwECq/s1600-h/89+Upper+Deck+set+box.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299479185278533426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 67px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl5CP_Qcrux6TPyJiSYQ4Vk1t1Of5uX5-Ze0ox0vRt8Ogi_QOY6uaTQ7BgYSAVHHMeCuAKJ4BzY-7iedjlICawDGI06A3SvVJ70qYjEA_uft-Z6i1UllmHPEVZHtqFGT4SlxP6OApwECq/s200/89+Upper+Deck+set+box.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I remember back in 1989 when the very first set of Upper Deck baseball cards came out. These were what would be known as “premium” baseball cards, at least back in ’89 they were. These cards were link nothing that preceded them. They were more like fancy playing cards then the traditional cardboard picture cards we all came to know and love through the years. </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299478684071927586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheXcAXXutRETam5kB3JCLohvK9qz9fPRNqmN_nm0QddRAgutytiGcyD744WX0NPjxPv1DtN9SfNnzTG61LNgJ3Wf_Lq62d-Jzye8RB7rWSg8EkB1pFL_4_na1xx0KkHnx3IR1qz1ExBIf/s200/UD89++1-8-754.jpg" border="0" />The other two cards I’m picturing here at two Cardinals rookie cards. The first is #8, Cris Carpenter, not the same Chris Carpenter from the current Cardinals; this Cris Carpenter was a highly regarded pitcher in 1989. Unfortunately, his career would not amount to much.<br /><br />The third and final card shown is from the “high number” set, #754 Todd Zeile. I remember that Zeile’s 89 Upper Deck card was one, hot tamale. Zeile had good years with the Redbirds, but his career never reached the expectations the media and the fans put on him.<br /><br />The entire set was expensive for its day and I recall not being able to justify paying $100+ for a complete set. So, I made a deal with a collector friend who was getting married the next summer. I would disc jockey Willie and Ann’s reception and for payment, I’d get a factory box of 1989 Upper Deck baseball cards. Hey I couldn’t turn that down. I got to play music for a bunch of friends, a lot of Oldies at that reception; these folks were like me and really enjoyed the old Rock & Roll.<br /><br />The not so good news is the Upper Deck set did not sky rocket in value over the years. But I never collected baseball cards for the money. It was the joy of collecting the cards that drove me. It still does to this day; although I don’t buy too many of the new product.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-35832928058793752872009-02-02T18:41:00.008-06:002009-02-02T18:54:58.555-06:00February 3rd, 1959<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyt2QAEAM5SR0yrruDzJ2tYWEmFSiN6zR-4jZFv65xrkqiLYSNks4Qyq9VRBBuOqj31e5yh2g283bQf-FdNWOk2sESTtghZJsy86FxkY94-8Le71j32GL3KskWyAy37XHgXuALNvf-oN5/s1600-h/buddy+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298365352437467554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyt2QAEAM5SR0yrruDzJ2tYWEmFSiN6zR-4jZFv65xrkqiLYSNks4Qyq9VRBBuOqj31e5yh2g283bQf-FdNWOk2sESTtghZJsy86FxkY94-8Le71j32GL3KskWyAy37XHgXuALNvf-oN5/s200/buddy+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>I remember hearing the news of the plane crash that took The Big Bopper, Richie Valens, and Buddy Holly from us. I was nine years old and listening to Rock & Roll on a daily basis. We had “Chantilly Lace” by the Big Bopper and “Come On Let’s Go” by Richie Valens on 45’s. However, we had no records by Buddy Holly & the Crickets in our modest collection. Come to think of it, I would not get any Buddy Holly songs in my collection until the early 70’s when I bought the Decca release, “Buddy Holly, A Rock & Roll Collection.” At the time of the accident, I had no idea that Dion & the Belmonts were even on the tour. It could have been mentioned on some newscast, but I don’t recall it.<br /><br />I wouldn’t become aware of just how significant of a contribution Buddy Holly would leave on American popular music until the British Invasion. I knew most of his hits; but it didn’t occur to me that Holly was as important to the history Rock & Roll as he would turn out to be. I had no idea how good Richie Valens was either, not to mention the talent of one Jiles Perry “J.P.” Richardson aka The Big Bopper. All of this would chan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUR05XcSLy5ceZ5JgcvCa7DnQ6k5RD6TeEQxe3SnVh59afnwBDRk0hqZlcyO6Z3Fvld6mbeg4SSqY0pOFO-G28_DPPbu29e6WVyg0CO-RvhYKi3woIUJGfIigtx1sWMaBCx7NWnzjheCyf/s1600-h/Richie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298365509354558578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUR05XcSLy5ceZ5JgcvCa7DnQ6k5RD6TeEQxe3SnVh59afnwBDRk0hqZlcyO6Z3Fvld6mbeg4SSqY0pOFO-G28_DPPbu29e6WVyg0CO-RvhYKi3woIUJGfIigtx1sWMaBCx7NWnzjheCyf/s200/Richie.jpg" border="0" /></a>ge as I grew older and wiser.<br />Don McLean would call February 3rd, 1959, “the day the music died.” I’m not going to dispute that here. In fact, I just might add to the mystique of this fateful day when these three stars fell from the sky outside of Mason City Iowa. I will say this, Charles Hardin Holley, may be the most underrated Rock & Roll performer of all time. Buddy Holly had talent. Buddy Holly could play the guitar and he could write songs and better yet, he was starting to become quite a producer. I often wonder what the Rock & Roll music scene would look like today had Holly not lost his life that night. Just how far would he have gone in the business. I wonder if the events following his death would have happened in the way they did, especially the British invasion. Many British acts, including The Beatles, Herman’s Hermits, and The Rolling Stones were heavily influenced by Buddy’s music.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhratJ0enB0OLip28axolcTHHi1czVVhwGQnPs0Zn9qa2V9ixjUB9TJXcZjQ5E0iBA09cpFbtDXHefIGqtF0nQ33F6W0emo3nvSRObs0Is68O6OUseSuVemiUKwI3TBmhpOSC-VDkjT0UUF/s1600-h/Bopper.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298365671367600882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhratJ0enB0OLip28axolcTHHi1czVVhwGQnPs0Zn9qa2V9ixjUB9TJXcZjQ5E0iBA09cpFbtDXHefIGqtF0nQ33F6W0emo3nvSRObs0Is68O6OUseSuVemiUKwI3TBmhpOSC-VDkjT0UUF/s200/Bopper.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So I guess I could go on and on about the great loss on February 3rd, 1959. Sufficient to say, the music world lost a potential rising star in Valens, a fine entertainer in the Big Bopper, and a major Rock & Roller in Buddy Holly. Let their music live on, and on, and on. </div><div> </div><div>I envite you all to check out The Mystery Train Wreck; there's a link in the blogs I follow section to the right of this page. Ed has assembled some nice videos of these stars. </div><div> </div><div>Way to go Chief!</div>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-54400581196263130132009-01-30T11:37:00.009-06:002009-01-30T12:37:59.423-06:00The St. Louis Cardinals 100th Anniverary Baseball Card set pt 6<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmf0wgjtU6ZpqWNj6Sm49ofXX0tFZyQBkjib2gX8AK2-L-iR_GYvHRBFIGVx_tmiCGtexR-5omwGqqHsjq7Ba50dprYqpeUfwvxsicT1mimgpz8AwywEdVHWypVmOixch16BnlSLCPSGs1/s1600-h/6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297143425164611346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmf0wgjtU6ZpqWNj6Sm49ofXX0tFZyQBkjib2gX8AK2-L-iR_GYvHRBFIGVx_tmiCGtexR-5omwGqqHsjq7Ba50dprYqpeUfwvxsicT1mimgpz8AwywEdVHWypVmOixch16BnlSLCPSGs1/s200/6.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's the final pages from the McDonalds St. Louis Cardinals 100th Anniversary set from 1992.<br /><div></div><div>These are pages 6 and 7.</div><br /><div></div><div>Bob Gibson, Whitey Herzog, Harry Brecheen, Howard Pollet, John Tudor, Bob Forsch, Bruce Sutter, Lee Smith, Todd Worrel </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJwywAulRVIzu5ZVSF-GNH8QR4H86ydsiRJkUDhcwBUPS_ZElU3Ld_f1n920z-T9-gI6s6kebg7cpFiJacBU8Ffq35aBqAl6KJIHepixVVIXlXqOFIzyVC-D5_fpxDc-FWkYMPey3nyy-/s1600-h/7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297143636331616082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJwywAulRVIzu5ZVSF-GNH8QR4H86ydsiRJkUDhcwBUPS_ZElU3Ld_f1n920z-T9-gI6s6kebg7cpFiJacBU8Ffq35aBqAl6KJIHepixVVIXlXqOFIzyVC-D5_fpxDc-FWkYMPey3nyy-/s200/7.jpg" border="0" /></a>Al Hraboski, Checklist</div><div></div><div>Bob Gibson is the best Redbird pitcher I've ever seen. Bob Forsch pitched not one, but two no-hitters for the Redbirds. Forsch along with his brother Ken, are the only brother act to have both pitched no-hitters; Ken was with the Astros. "The White Rat" Whitey Herzog is one of the best managers I can remember. Then we have the Four Firemen, and of course the obligatory checklist. </div><div></div><div>Hope you've enjoyed the cards. This was a fun set to collect; but I ate a lot of Micky D's stuff during the time the set was available. </div>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-27725674488876146452009-01-23T14:16:00.003-06:002009-01-23T14:21:41.867-06:00The St. Louis Cardinals 100th Anniverary Baseball Card set pt 5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDipnh5Zl3SxJrS6FyBPbTBfge4WEDH0HLCZ4c96RAuxBRD8j_Zlc1q3hzknWU-k0aX7HeGJ4XSvBvU7ZlXUx5_IhCAaKqJhbTSps0CxDEbf4MN5XL6J15Qa7nsqncU8U-8Rm9jkpxA4cN/s1600-h/5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294586420932612354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 144px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDipnh5Zl3SxJrS6FyBPbTBfge4WEDH0HLCZ4c96RAuxBRD8j_Zlc1q3hzknWU-k0aX7HeGJ4XSvBvU7ZlXUx5_IhCAaKqJhbTSps0CxDEbf4MN5XL6J15Qa7nsqncU8U-8Rm9jkpxA4cN/s200/5.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p>Here are the next nine cards from the McDonalds St. Louis Cardinals 100th Anniversary set from 1992.</p><p>Tommy Herr, Ozzie Smith, Joe Torre, Terry Pendleton, Ken Reitz, Vince Coleman, Willie McGee, Bake McBride, George Hendrick</p><p>"The Wizord," Ozzie Smith is perhaps the greatest Cardinal of the last part of the 20th Century. </p><p> </p>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-32669972098134699622009-01-22T18:45:00.003-06:002009-01-22T18:47:32.801-06:00One of my First 45'sThe Flying Saucers Pts. 1 & 2 by Buchanan & Goodman came out in August of 1957. This was one of my brother and I's first 45's.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D8uysZ6cpZ8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D8uysZ6cpZ8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Enjoy.Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-88876461233939855752009-01-20T10:08:00.004-06:002009-01-20T10:15:21.383-06:00The St. Louis Cardinals 100th Anniverary Baseball Card set pt 4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndRnelqU-oQvSkSN7PAwcQyqDygpvUGRGejpI5iHSfwCSNPTUWE-prOUUauchSlfuXe1jEE1d4pj_ApPUlEeKH4Ws1BXn1XKq6MxTO3qc_GbRpdlH0QY1usgxXc-OE7zbC3cg6KLixpDf/s1600-h/4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293409132964908930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndRnelqU-oQvSkSN7PAwcQyqDygpvUGRGejpI5iHSfwCSNPTUWE-prOUUauchSlfuXe1jEE1d4pj_ApPUlEeKH4Ws1BXn1XKq6MxTO3qc_GbRpdlH0QY1usgxXc-OE7zbC3cg6KLixpDf/s200/4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This is the forth page from the McDonalds 1992 St. Louis Cardinals 100th Anniversary card set. </div><br /><p>On this page are some of the greatest Cardinals that I remember having the privilege of seeing on the field:</p><p>Dick Groat, Ken Boyer, Lou Brock, Mike Shannon, Curt Flood, Joe Cunningham, Reggie Smith, Ted Simmons, Tim McCarver</p><p>I must point out that the greatest Cardinal third baseman that I have ever seen is in the middle of the top row. I know there are those who loved Scott Rolen; he was a great third baseman. But I believe Ken Boyer was the greatest Cardinal to play that position.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833482374710772363.post-78836555212847682612009-01-17T11:24:00.003-06:002009-01-17T11:26:42.595-06:00DooWop from St. Louis!Got a <strong>goodie</strong> for you here. This is Patty McCoy & the Renegades from my own home town, St. Louis MO. This was released in 1962.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/x-vkWIRds6g&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/x-vkWIRds6g&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Hope you like it as much as I do. Enjoy.Jeff Mazdrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837949367750514718noreply@blogger.com0