Move over, Ms L!

Hi all, wondering why you are looking at this jumbled up page? This is due to the fact that Facebook didn't like our url since it starts with wog, so we have been forced to move the blog. This was some time ago, and we have placed a script which would automatically send you to our new location. Obviously, this hasn't worked for all of you, since we have just finished moderating some of your comments which appeared on this site recently, and not on our new (and improved!) site. So what we're saying is head on over to our new site, and update your bookmarks!

Wednesday 30 November 2016

New TMOQ Gazettes

HMC 028
A couple of new releases in the TMOQ Gazette series of video bootlegs have been announced, according to Collector's Music Reviews. The two DVDs concentrate on in depth look at specific promotional films. The first of these examines "Hey Jude" and "Revolution".  The DVD features some Abbey Road rehearsal footage for the ‘Music’ documentary, the rehearsals for the promo video on the set of the David Frost show and more little extras all in superb stereo sound.

Front and back of the booklet shows it's a 1DVD/1CD release.

The documentary Music! - An experiment in television was released in 1968 and is a celebration of music in Britain, ranging from Tippett, The Beatles, folk clubs, brass bands right through to bell ringing.
The Beatles footage captures rehearsals for "Hey Jude", and was filmed on Tuesday 30th of July, 1968. The Beatles recorded takes 7 through to 25, though according to Mark Lewisohn, it was not The Beatles' intention to capture the perfect recording yet. But this session was arranged as more than a means of rehearsing "Hey Jude", it was also arranged so that the Beatles could be filmed for part of this documentary.
The resulting film only includes around six minutes of Beatles footage, compiled from several hours of shooting, showing The Beatles busking, chatting and rehearsing. The musical takes recorded during this session featured just piano, drums and acoustic guitar - so there was no role for George Harrison. Music! showed him in the control room of studio 2 with George Martin and Ken Scott.
"The film crew was supposed to work in such a way that no-one would realize they were there," recalls Scott. "But of course they were getting in everyone's way and everyone was getting uptight about it." Most of the footage used were from take 9 of "Hey Jude".

HMC 029

"Lady Madonna & Hey Bulldog" (HMC 029) examines the video from the recording session of "Hey Bulldog", which was utilised for the "Lady Madonna" promotional film in 1968, and re-edited to promote "Hey Bulldog" in conjunction with the 1999 release of "Yellow Submarine Songtrack", which featured new mixes of songs used in the animated feature film.  Further new edits on this bootleg release contain unseen material alongside "a compilation of studio outtakes, isolated tracks, demos and alternate mixes for both songs". A brand new edit of the filming session for the track clocking in at 20 minutes is a surprising feature.

Front and back of the booklet.

Thursday 24 November 2016

Kenny and The Beatles on the radio

The late Kenny Everett
A new radio show about legendary and controversial radio DJ Kenny Everett and his relationship with the Beatles, presented by Paul Gambaccini, will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the 21st December at 10pm.

Maurice James Christopher Cole (25 December 1944 – 4 April 1995), known professionally as Kenny Everett, was a British comedian, radio DJ and television entertainer. Everett is best known for his career as a radio DJ and for The Kenny Everett Video Show.

A fellow Liverpudlian, Kenny got on well with the Beatles. Everett had struck up a friendship with the Beatles and accompanied them on their August 1966 tour of the United States, sending back daily reports for pirate station Radio London. He was heard in May 1967 on the BBC's Light Programme previewing the Beatles' forthcoming album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and was one of the DJs on the new pop music station Radio 1 from its launch at the end of September 1967. He also produced The Beatles' 1968 and 1969 Christmas records, collages of odd noises, musical snippets, and individual messages.

Apple promo from Italy

One of his radio interviews with the Beatles was released on an Apple record in Italy, titled Una sensazionale intervista - a sensational interview. The 45 rpm single disc was part of a promotional Apple package, also containing discs from Mary Hopkin, The Iveys and Jackie Lomax. Side one contains part 1 which lasts 3:30 and side two contains part 2 which lasts 3:52. The interview begins with John singing "Cottonfields" and ends with the whole band singing "Goodbye" to Kenny Everett with much fun in between. Recorded during the recording sessions for "Don't Pass Me By", the interview was played in edited form on his show.

Paul Gambaccini said: "Kenny Everett was the greatest radio presenter of my lifetime. The Beatles were the greatest group. I hope that when we put them together the result is at least good! I have done several programmes about my old friend Kenny Everett before, but never one taking this angle. This is fascinating. I love to learn, and I have learned about one of my friends and heroes from working on this show."

Diagnosed as HIV positive in 1989, Everett died from an AIDS-related illness aged 50 in 1995.

The Radio 2 show, which will air at 10pm on December 21, also promises to reveal how Everett inspired lyrics to one of the Beatles' most memorable hits...we trust this will be done in the best possible taste.

Beatles back at the Royal Variety Performance

Poster for this year's edition Royal Variety Performance
Tuesday December 6 it's again time to rattle some jewellery at this year's Royal Variety Performance in London. The Beatles themselves only appeared once at this event, and that was back in 1963. Now it's an ensemble from Cirque du Soleil who are going to entertain the audience with an excerpt from their Beatles show "Love" at the Hammersmith Apollo.

The Beatles were invited back several times, but felt that they had done their bit and never came back to perform at the annual event. However, in 1986 Paul McCartney returned to the line-up, as he perfomed "Only Love Remains" from his then current album, "Press To Play". The Royal Variety Performance is usually filmed, and excerpts shown on TV in Great Britain and elsewhere.

Tickets: www.royalvarietycharity.org/rvptickets

Tuesday 8 November 2016

Time Takes Time Blu-spec CD2

New edition "Time Takes Time" CD (Japan)
26. October 2016 saw the release of Ringo Starr's 1992 album "Time Takes Time" on a Blu-spec CD2 in Japan. As was the case with the original Japan release of the album, it includes the bonus track "Don't Be Cruel", otherwise only available on the "Weight Of The World" single. A Sony Music release, the album is also available on a yellow vinyl limited edition (1500 copies). The releases were available to buy at Ringo's recent concerts in Japan.

Limited edition yellow vinyl release.
The Blu-spec CD format is a Red Book Compact Disc manufactured by a proprietary process introduced by Sony Music Entertainment Japan in 2008. Instead of a traditional infra-red laser, a blue laser is used for recording the pits on the CD master that is needed for disc replication. The blue laser purportedly creates more precise pits, which Sony claims reduces distortion in the optical read-out process. The "Blu-spec CD2" or BSCD2 is a 2012 progression of the Blu-spec CD format which employs a more precise BD cutting machine, a master disc that is made from the same smooth material as silicon wafers for chip manufacture, and a different recording layer material for the master disc. Sony refers to this process as "Phase Transition Mastering".  A Blu-spec CD and a Blu-spec CD2 disc can be played on all CD players and does not require a blue laser to be read.

Friday 4 November 2016

John&Yoko albums reissue plan

White vinyl limited edition of Unfinished Music No. 2:Life with the lions
1st group, November 11 - 2016:
John Lennon and Yoko Ono:Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins (1968) also on White vinyl
John Lennon and Yoko Ono:Unfinished Music No. 2: Life With Lions (1969) also on White vinyl
Yoko Ono:Plastic Ono Band (1970) Also on Clear vinyl


2nd group (date to be announced):
Yoko Ono:Fly (1971)
Yoko Ono:Approximately Infinite Universe (1973)
Yoko Ono:Feeling the Space (1973)
Yoko Ono:A Story (recorded in 1974, released as part of Ono Box in 1992)

3rd group (date to be announced):
Yoko Ono:Season of Glass (1981)
Yoko Ono:It’s Alright (I See Rainbows) (1982)
Yoko Ono:Starpeace (1985)
John Lennon and Yoko Ono:Unfinished Music No. 3: Wedding Album (1969)

The vinyl is re-mastered from the original tapes by Greg Calbi and Sean Lennon. In addition to making the vinyl available for the first time in decades, each album will also be available digitally for the first time ever.

Eight Days A Week wins award

Winner of Best music documentary at the Critics' Choice Documentary Awards.
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years was named best music documentary at the first annual Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards on Thursday night in New York.
The Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards were created to honour the finest achievements in documentary features and non-fiction television. The winners were determined by a committee of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA) members with a background and expertise in the documentary field.
The Ron Howard film was also nominated for Best direction of a documentary feature, but the category was won by "O.J. Made in America", which took home four prizes at the event.

Meanwhile, The Beatles are busy promoting the home cinema release of the documentary, available on digital download, Blu-ray, DVD and 2 disc special edition from 18 November.


Wednesday 2 November 2016

Capitol Records celebrates 75th anniversary: Releases

As part of Capitol's 75th anniversary, "Meet The Beatles" will be available on vinyl again.
CAPITOL RECORDS TO LAUNCH YEAR-LONG 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN NOVEMBER

Hollywood, CA – Capitol Records, one of the world’s preeminent music companies and the first record label established on the West Coast, will launch its 75thAnniversary Celebration in November with an extensive slate of music, film and literary projects that will pay tribute to Capitol artists spanning the past eight decades and shine a spotlight on their historic contributions to music and popular culture.

Capitol Music Group (CMG) Chairman & CEO Steve Barnett today announced three of the company’s planned endeavors: A year-long major vinyl reissue campaign – The Capitol Records 75th Anniversary Collection, 75 albums that illustrate the unparalleled artistry of Capitol Records throughout its history – launched in partnership with leading home furnishings destination Crate and Barrel; the publication of a deluxe photograph and essay book from TASCHEN, 75 Years Of Capitol Records, on December 15, and the development of a Capitol Records docu series being produced by Nigel Sinclair/Whitehorse Pictures (The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years, No Direction Home: Bob Dylan), with individual episodes to be directed by music luminaries and Capitol artists, past and present.



The year-long celebration will commence on Tuesday, November 15 when Capitol becomes the first record company to receive a star of recognition from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which will be installed in front of the landmark Capitol Tower and adjacent to the internationally-renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame. At the star’s unveiling, the State the Los Angeles City Council will present Capitol with a resolution declaring November 15 Capitol Records Day in the city. Beginning that evening, the spire on top of the Capitol Tower that has always emitted “Hollywood” in Morse code will change to “Capitol 75,” and will continue to flash in that manner for the next 12 months.

The Capitol Records 75th Anniversary Collection – Vinyl Reissue Program

To select 75 albums that represent the best of Capitol Records from among literally thousands of works the company has released over the past 75 years, the label convened an advisory board of noted music journalists, authors and renowned creative figures to decide on the final list of albums that comprise The Capitol Records 75th Anniversary Collection. The result spans myriad Capitol eras and musical genres, and includes best sellers, influential works and lesser-known gems (see below). The reissue program begins this month, and titles will be available through music retailers throughout 2017.

Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - USA edition
Crate and Barrel & American Airlines Partnerships

Leading home furnishings retailer Crate and Barrel has partnered with Capitol for its 75th Anniversary celebration to feature The Capitol Records 75th Anniversary Collection in stores nationwide. The collection can be found within The Listening Room, where consumers can find an exclusive collection of furniture, accessories and cutting edge audio equipment. American Airlines continues their partnership with Capitol Records and Universal Music Group to celebrate a Hollywood Icon and its contribution to music around the world. In 2017, American Airlines will continue their commitment to the industry by launching, “Fly to the Beat” – a Global Music platform, connecting consumers to their favorite musicians – including Capitol artists — and moments across five continents.

75 Years of Capitol Records – TASCHEN Release in December

To commemorate Capitol’s extraordinary history of recorded music, TASCHEN is publishing the official account of Capitol Records from its founding year of 1942 through to today. To be released December 15, 75 Years of Capitol Records follows the label’s evolution and the making of some of the greatest music of the 20th and 21st centuries. The book includes hundreds of images from Capitol’s extensive archives, as well as a foreword by Beck and essays by cultural historians and music and architecture critics. This photographic and musical history includes the label’s most commercially successful, creative and important artists whose work has defined Capitol Records, music and popular culture for the past eight decades. 75 Years of Capitol Records is also available at Capitol’s online store.

Capitol Records Docu series – Produced by Nigel Sinclair / Whitehorse Pictures

This series – planned for release in the autumn of 2017 – will tap into the creative passions of Capitol’s artists, the hidden glories of the company’s extensive archives and the many stories that have taken place within the Capitol Tower throughout its 75-year as one of the world’s premiere music companies. But it will be more than just the illustrious history of such a storied label; it will also tell the story of America’s love  affair with popular music and an exploration of how Capitol’s
artists and their music have helped shaped social movements, transform our popular culture and helped define our lives. This docuseries will be produced by Nigel Sinclair’s Whitehorse Pictures, the creative team involved in numerous music-centered documentaries, including the award-winning No Direction Home: Bob Dylan and the just-released The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years. Each episode in this docuseries will be directed by a past or present-day Capitol artist or other cultural luminary who will bring a unique and knowledgeable perspective to the stories being conveyed.
Revolver - Capitol records edition.


The Capitol Records 75th Anniversary Collection  
(alphabetical by artist)

1: Ashford & Simpson: Solid, 1984
2: Beastie Boys: Paul’s Boutique, 1989
3: Beck: Morning Phase, 2014
4: Blind Melon: Blind Melon, 1992
5: Bob Seger: Night Moves, 1976
6: Bobbie Gentry: Ode To Billy Joe, 1967
7: Bobby Darin: You’re The Reason I’m Living, 1963
8: Bonnie Raitt: Nick of Time, 1989
9: Bonnie Raitt: Luck Of The Draw,1991
10: Buck Owens: Buck Owens, 1961
11: Cannonball Adderley: Mercy Mercy Mercy,1966
12: Coldplay: Parachutes, 2000
13: Crowded House: Crowded House, 1986
14: Dean Martin: Dino: Italian Love Songs, 1962
15: Duke Ellington: The Duke Plays Ellington, 1953
16: Foo Fighters:Foo Fighters, 1994
17: Frank Sinatra, In The Wee Small Hours, 1955
18: Frank Sinatra: Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! 1956
19: Frank Sinatra: Come Fly With Me, 1958
20: Frank Sinatra: Frank Sinatra Sings For Only The Lonely, 1958
21: Freddie Jackson: Rock Me Tonight, 1985
22: Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps: Bluejean Bop, 1956
23: George Clinton: Computer Games, 1982
24: George Harrison: All Things Must Pass, 1970
25: Glen Campbell: By the Time I Get to Phoenix, 1968
26: Grand Funk Railroad: We’re an American Band, 1973
27: Heart: Heart, 1985
28: James Taylor: James Taylor, 1968 (would be nice if they used the Apple label)
29: Joe South: Introspect, 1968
30: John Lennon: Imagine, 1971
31: Johnny Mercer: Accentuate the Positive, 1957
32: Judy Garland: Judy at Carnegie Hall, 1961
33: Katy Perry: Teenage Dream, 2010
34: Kingston Trio: Kingston Trio, 1958
35: Knack: Get The Knack, 1979
36: Les Paul and Mary Ford: Les and Mary, 1955
37: Linda Ronstadt: Heart Like a Wheel, 1974
38: Louie Prima: The Wildest, 1956
39: Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly: Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, 1977
40: Mazzy Star: So Tonight That I Might See, 1993
41: MC Hammer: Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em, 1990
42: Megadeth: Peace Sells: 1986
43: Merle Haggard: Mama Tried, 1968
44: Miles Davis: Birth Of The Cool, 1957
45: Nancy Wilson: How Glad I Am, 1964
46: Nat King Cole: Unforgettable, 1953
47: Natalie Cole: Unpredictable, 1977
48: Neil Diamond: The Jazz Singer, 1980
49: Norah Jones: Come Away With Me, 2002
50: Peggy Lee: Is That All There Is, 1969
51: Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon, 1973
52: Radiohead: OK Computer, 1997
53: Raspberries: Raspberries, 1972
54: Richard Thompson: Rumor & Sigh, 1991
55: Ringo Starr: Ringo, 1973
56: Robert Glaspar: Black Radio, 2012
57: Rosanne Cash: Black Cadillac, 2006
58: Sam Smith: In The Lonely Hour, 2014
59: Steve Miller Band: Fly Like an Eagle, 1976
60: Tavares: In The City, 1975
61: Tennessee Ernie Ford: Sixteen Tons, 1960
62: The Band: Music From Big Pink, 1968
63: The Band: The Band, 1969
64: The Beach Boys: Surfer Girl, 1963
65: The Beach Boys: Pet Sounds, 1966
66: The Beatles: Meet The Beatles, 1964
67: The Beatles: Revolver, 1966
68: The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967
69: The Beatles: The Beatles, 1968
70: The Beatles: Abbey Road, 1969
71: Tina Turner: Private Dancer,1984
72: Various: Oklahoma, 1955
73: Various: Funny Girl, 1968
74: Wanda Jackson: There’s a Party Goin’ On, 1961
75: Wings: Band on the Run, 1973

For Beatles fans, the big news here is that "Meet The Beatles" gets a re-release on vinyl. It was deleted on vinyl when The Beatles' catalogue was streamlined in 1987 to consist of just the UK albums, but has been brought back as a CD on two occasions. But will it be in "Duophonic" stereo this time? ;-) We have no information about whether "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" will feature the yellow line on the top of the cover or whether or not it will contain the dog whistle and the gibberish at the end of the record, or if "Revolver" will be missing three songs. It probably will, though.