Friday, May 30, 2008

Stock Tips



The much delayed Sam Phillips we solicited earlier this year is now ready to ship. If you paid by check you will get your backorder automatically. If you ordered any other way you will need to reorder it from the June mailer. If in doubt, give us a shout and we’ll let you know.

The stock shortage with the limited edition Darden Smith live album is finally over. We have begun shipping them again today. Again, if you don’t know where you stand contact us.

The Mavericks covers disc and the Richard & Linda Thompson Live disc are just about gone so don’t delay. Ditto on the new Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson disc. These are fine discs that are in short supply that we will likely not be able to import any longer.

Gretchen Peters fans will be thrilled to know that we are now able to offer all of her in print discs at popular prices.

Avett Brothers sneak preview


Click the link below to stream the new single from North Carolina's favorite sons, The Avett Brothers, "Murder in the City," from their upcoming EP, The Second Gleam.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Minor Flyght Delay

Still circling the runway...


We got word this afternoon that the Byrds reissue "Live At Royal Albert Hall, 1971" is still a few more days away. From what we can tell thirty seven years wasn't enough time to get this one out on time. Trust me, this stuff drives us crazy too.

All orders are still in the queue and will ship as soon as the discs land at our hangar. Please amuse yourself in the meantime and don't let your luggage out of your site while inside the terminal.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Utah Phillips Passes


1935-2008

It's never a good day to say a final goodbye, but a quick read of this article reveals a life well lived and a treasure trove of music preserved for future generations and historians. Nearly all of his recordings yield essential listening.

He didn't achieve the stature of Guthrie, Seeger or some of the others, but he inspired countless musicians with his songs, stories, involvement in labor causes, wit and gentle nature. He will be best remembered for his signature song "Rock Salt And Nails" which has been covered countless times. To gauge the impact of this song you need only to run a search and see how many other songwriters chose to cover it.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

It Was Forty Years Ago Today

It's alright now...



Although to some it might seem like it was yesterday, it has indeed been forty years since The Rolling Stones released this single and fired the shot heard round the world. The newest single, from England's former newest hit makers, "Jumpin' Jack Flash," ushered in a new era in their now endless career.

We can't say we weren't tipped off. The opening salvo from Mick telling us to "Watch it" gave us fair warning of what was coming. The song was from no existing album and would only show up on compilations over the years. The picture sleeve features one of their last photo shoots with the soon to be late Brian Jones.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this song was that it represented the final piece of the puzzle that was their sixties persona. Free of competing with The Beatles, either real or imagined, they offered up this charging electric folk rocker that few could have seen coming. The music would provide the yet to make his mark Rod Stewart an important element of his signature sound, while the lyrics seemed as though they came straight from a Dickens novel.

It peaked at #3 on the US charts and paved the way for their next non album single "Honky Tonk Women."

Here they are performing the song live in New York in 1969 before heading to California and their date with the Altamont Speedway.




Friday, May 23, 2008

Save Us Some Cake


Every day is somebody's birthday, and today is no exception.

Although it's been a long time since she's had any new music out, we can't forget Shelly West and her many hits during the "Urban Cowboy" era. She hits the big 5-0.

Hard to believe that Jewel is no longer a teenager with the biggest selling debut album of the year, but time marches on. At 34 she's still charming us with her amazing voice. Check out her upcoming country flavored album.

Enjoy your day ladies!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Another Place and Another Time...


Just got an advance copy of the next Tony Joe White album. It's called "Deep Cuts" and it features him revisiting ten of his early songs in a new setting. Son Jody backs the old man by offering a dizzying palette of new loops and beats that transform some familiar songs for todays ears and technology. After a couple of listens his lengthy take on "Willie And Laura Mae Jones" is essential listening.

An old dog learns some new tricks and shares them with us. The perfect way to kick off summer.

Off And Running

Welcome to the official Village Records blog. We intend for this to be a fun and informative corner of our site for our customers. Please check here from time to time for up to date information on releases, reviews, links, videos, photographs, product delays and anything that we think you will enjoy as much as we do.

Your comments are always welcome and we look forward to your input on anything posted here.

Corky & Bill