the Rock Report

Hey … y’all still with me out there?!?! Good! Now, how about givin’ me a hand in openin’ this vault again, huh??

ABBEY ROAD is known as the last music ever recorded by The Beatles, at least as a foursome. But what you didn’t know is that the last trax of side 2 were laid to reflect their final bow, as such. After Carry That Weight (a reference to the fact that all four would be stereotyped as a Beatle for years to come), they kick in with some serious garage-style rock. That was to “go out with a bang,” as they came into the rock world. Following that, the harmonic The End were their parting words … ending in a beautiful crescendo. And that was it for any more new stuff from The Beatles. They were done.
Now, if you’ll notice, the rest between that and the last track was a split-second longer than normal; that signified the transition — and then, with a one electric chord cementing that, it breaks into Paul’s solo ditty, Her Majesty. That was John, George and Ringo’s way of saying, “Okay … if HE wants to keep going, it’s just HIS now.” It was cut short because … well, that’s all the time they had on the LP.

THIS DIAMOND RING, the first hit by Gary Lewis and The Playboys, actually had none of the group playing on it! Instead, Gary’s vocals were heavily backed by the overdubs of Ron Hicklin (incidentally, Al Kooper — who went on to form Blood, Sweat and Tears — wrote the song … and wasn’t happy with the way the Playboys’ version sounded).

TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS, by Mary McGregor, was actually recorded in an empty bathroom, because McGregor liked the natural echo.

A reader once sent me a RelicMail asking what the most expensive record would be. Well, it belongs to Paul McCartney and is worth around $180,000! The song is That’ll Be The Day and was recorded in 1958 by a group called The Quarrymen, with Paul, John, George, Colin Hanton and John Duff Lowe.

Tommy James’ hit, MONY, MONY, was actually named so thanks to the blinking initials on the Mutual of New York Insurance building! (Oh … the cover for Tommy James and the Shondells’ album, It’s Only Love, was the first pro photo shoot for Paul McCartney’s wife, Linda Eastman).

If you have an old 45 of The Beatles’ TICKET TO RIDE, check under the title and see if it has the fine print that says “From the United Artists Release Eight Arms To Hold You”. That was the original title of the movie Help!

RIGHT ON TRACK

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Now, when you click the on the link I just gave you a minute ago, you’re going to find not only the lighting that’ll suit you but also the fixtures as well … and all at a very affordable price!
It’s the safest and most logical way to light your home or office, so click on the link today, and start enjoying lighting where YOU need it tomorrow!

And, with that, I think it’s time to end this edition. Until next time, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side.

From the vault of the Rock Relic, this is … TRIVIA!

Okay, Rockaholics … here’s where we do a little nitpicking over the oldies rock scene. We’re diggin’ wayyyyyy down deep in the pile to find stuff you might not know concerning your faves:

For example, did you know that an airport in England used to play Tina Turner songs at full blast on its runways … to scare away birds?

If you noticed that Ricky Nelson’s song, Travelin’ Man had some of the same notes as Sam Cooke’s Another Saturday Night, it’s because the song was written for Cooke! He turned it down, and it made gold for Rick!

The velvety-voiced crooner, Perry Como, was literally the seventh son of a seventh son … (take THAT, Johnny Rivers!)

Monster Mash singer, Bobby “Boris” Pickett, once found his tour bus breaking down outside the town of … Frankenstein, Mo.!

Cher was a background vocalist on The Righteous Brothers’ You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.

The word toke in One Toke Over The Line by Brewer and Shipley actually was (and still is) a slang version of the word token (remember: They were “sittin’ downtown in a railway station”)

Two of Jim Croce’s biggest hit songs were inspired by real people. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown was a member of the Air National Guard who’d gone AWOL; and Big Jim Walker (You Don’t Mess Around With Jim) really was a pool-shootin’ son-of-a-gun from south Philadelphia.

Darlene Love, who sang lead vocals on The Crystals’ hits like He’s A Rebel, played Danny Glover’s wife in all four Lethal Weapon movies.

Disc Jockey Murray the K (aka “The Fifth Beatle”) and Bobby Darin were soaking their feet after playing a game of softball. Murray called his mother and told her what they were doing. She later called him back and said she had an idea for a song: Splish Splash, take a bath. They worked on the lyrics … and Darin’s hit song was born!

Fats Domino’s Blueberry Hill was probably his biggest hit … but many old-timers might remember it … because it was also a #1 hit with bandleader Glenn Miller back in 1940!

Now, we’ll continue this in the next post. Until then …

LET’S TALK REHAB

As you know, many past (and present) celebrities (as well as many “little people” like us) have had substance abuse problems — drugs, alcohol, etc. — and have had a hard time kicking the habit on their own! That’s why rehabilitation centers are so necessary.
Of course, it’s important that each and every person who’s admitted to one stay for the entire treatment program. There’s nothing good that can be accomplished without proper follow-through!
Now, for the folks over on the west coast, one of the best and most effective centers is Sunset Malibu. When you visit their site via the link I’ll give you in a moment, you’ll be able to tour the facilities, learn more about the treatment programs, and see why it has such a tremendous success rate!
And, after all, that success is what it’s all about, right? If someone has a problem with addiction and abuse, they’re there to help the patient regain control of his or her life. Their staff is helpful and understanding, but the regimen is necessarily strict; it has to be in order for the patient to re-discipline themselves and become an integral part of a clean world!
So if you or someone you know has a problem with substance abuse and addiction, be sure to get them into the drug rehab that works for their good! When you (or they) leave at the completion of their therapies and programs, you can be certain that life’s going to look good again! So click on that link right now, and get ready for a brighter and cleaner future!

That’s all for this post, folks. Until next time, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

Before we get to the third part of our series on Banned from Airplay, let me give you some of the latest news:

Over 20 million fans have requested tickets to the Led Zeppelin reunion concert, scheduled for Dec. 10 in London. This is prompting promoters to urge the group to consider a worldwide tour. As I write this, it’s under serious consideration.

Rod Allen, bassist and lead vocalist for the legendary Fortunes (You’ve Got Your Troubles, (Here Comes That) Rainy Day Feeling) began undergoing “debilitating treatments” for a serious, but unnamed health problem November 17. According to their official website, this does “not mean any lengthy stays in hospital” but has required the band to reschedule some dates and may cause Rod to miss some future concert appears. Our best wishes go out to Rod for a speedy recovery.

Nick Santamaria (Santos), lead singer of the Capris, announced at the group’s November 18 concert in Las Vegas that he was suffering from terminal mesothelioma (lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos) and the performance would be the group’s last. Again, our best wishes and prayers for this amazing performer.

Now … on with the show:

Wear My Ring (Around Your Neck Elvis’ song was panned and banned by many Catholics because — it promoted “going steady”!

D. O. A. Bloodrock’s 1971 (and only) hit was banned almost across-the-board, because it not only described the death of a teenaged girl in a crash (plane?), but, due to its music and tempo, gave many people nightmares! It was considered “too gory” for radio (however, Last Kiss was alright, right?).

ROCK MUSIC The BBC banned the whole genre from its airwaves until 1966 (partly. 1971, fully). Part of the reason: Promoters Jack Good and Larry Parnes promoted a stable of performers whose stage names were based on their … ahem! … sexual performance.

BAD BOY The Beatles’ rocker (from Beatles ‘65 here in the States) was banned from AOR stations because it promoted “juvenile delinquency.”

We’ll continue this in the next blog. But, for now …

THE BEST IS FROM THE SOUTH

As you know, I’m originally a Tarheel (for the uninitiated, that means “from North Carolina”), and can testify that it’s the home for the top furniture manufacturers in the nation!
Now, if you’re looking for the very best in armoires, bedroom or office furniture, chests, youth furniture and the like, you can’t do any better than go to Boyle’s Distinctive Furniture in Conover, NC! They’ve got the finest in name-brand furniture, and at prices that’ll make you feel as comfortable as the warm leather chairs they sell! You’ll get great service, furniture plans, speedy delivery … why, they’ll even help you create the piece you want with their excellent Design Service!
Now, remember: Christmas is almost here … so why not get someone you love some warm, beautiful and durable furnishings from one of America’s top furniture stores today? All you’ve got to do is click that link … and you’ll be on your way!

Well, that’s it for this edition. Until next time, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

We’re back … with more on banned records:

One novelty song that was banned from most airwaves during the late ’60s was Jerry Samuels’ They’re Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-Haaaa! (aka the story of my last marriage). Recorded under the name Napoleon XIV, Samuels added a twist to the product by recording the same song on the flip side of the record — backward! Anyway, many record execs thought it was demeaning to patients with mental disorders.

Brown-Eyed Girl was banned in some markets because the original dealt with teenaged pregnancy. So Van Morrison recorded an alternate version to please the stations.

Listen to this: In El Paso, a radio station stopped playing all records by Bob Dylan because … they couldn’t understand his lyrics! (hey … what’s so hard about understanding peace??)

Pictures of Lily by The Who was banned in most markets because execs said it referred to … er, “self-stimulation”? Funny … years later, those same execs freely played Imaginary Lover by the Atlanta Rhythm Section.
What’s the diff?

Record mogul Mike Curb, who was president MGM records in 1970, cancelled the recording contracts of 18 of the label’s acts because he believed they promoted hard drugs in their songs. Among them: Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme! (sure … and I guess his hit, Don’t Be Afraid, Little Darlin’, was a tempting lure into the psychedelic world! L-O-L!!)

In the aftermath of the Kent State shootings in 1970, the Ohio governor banned Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s Ohio from being played. He was afraid it’d cause more violence (ummm … wasn’t it … the National … Guard … that brought on the shootings?).

Now, I’ll have more of these in my next post. Until then, lemme ask you something: Why, after all the crazy censorship of the late ’60s and early ’70s, did the execs not say anything My Ding-A-Ling? (no … I meant the song! Chuck Berry recorded it!)

It’s a weird world …

A GREAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

It doesn’t come along very often, but when you find a lucrative business venture, you wanna jump on the bandwagon! And the folks at Foxy Jewelry have a great offer for you: When you go to their site (I’ll give you the link in a moment, so keep reading …), you’ll find some absolutely gorgeous fashion and costume jewelry — all lead-free! You’ll then notice you have a choice of either (a) buying it at retail, (b) purchasing it wholesale, or (c) making money by selling these lovely pieces — right from the comfort of your own home!
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So what’s holding you back? If you want a great home based business, click that link now! Remember … it’s a great way to make some quick Christmas money … and provide some excellent gift ideas!

Well, another post is written … but the banned records story continues. So stay tuned for the continuing saga. Until then, remember to keep your eyes on thoe skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

I was going over a number of old charts the other day when I found a really amazing little list: It was of all the banned records that were trashed by radio stations over the years. Man, if you remember we’re at the tail-end of the 07, and these vinyls seem tame to what the FM dial’s regularly playing these days!
Here … let me give ya some examples. Ready to laugh? Here we go:

Satisfaction — allegedly, sexually suggestive lyrics.
Double Shot of My Baby’s Love — The Swinging Medallions had to re-record it. The original was supposedly dirty!
Eve of Destruction — too “doomsdayish”
How Would You Feel? — Hendrix’s hit was banned in many areas because it told of … the plight of African-Americans!
Gloria — (the Them version) too suggestive. The Shadows of Knight’s cover changed “she comes to my room just about midnight” to “she comes down here …”
Rhapsody In The Rain — too sexual.
A Day In The Life — stations thought The Beatles’ lyrics “I’d love to turn you on” were about drug use.

PART II COMING UP IN THE NEXT POST.

TALK ABOUT INTEGRATION …

Look … every business wants to have 24/7 access to the communications and resources needed to make them a success. With so many services being outsourced to other countries, independent firms and such, it’s completely necessary to have that access when you want and need it!
One firm gives you that, and a lot more, with some tremendous software called BoxesOS v 3.0. You see, Epazz software offers more than just the standard bill-of-fare. With BoxesOS, you get full document management, extranets, project management functions, calendar and scheduling system, website creation and management … everything you need to be in control of your business!
It’s your total manage hosted solution … and includes powerful collaboration (to improve workflow) as well as in-depth personalization — all the way down to the end-user level.
And get this: Epazz offers a free 30-day trial of their software, so you can take it for a “test-drive” and see for yourself how good it works! Just contact them to get it set up, okay?
But, above all else, you get thoughtful, understanding assistance - Epazz works with you from start to finish! So if you want the best in collaboration software, just click on that link I just gave you … and see how BoxesOS v. 3.0 can work for you!

Well, that’s it for this post. Until next time (when we get to Pt. 2 of the “banned records”, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

Back-in-the-day, when I heard about a business planning their annual budget I’d kind of snicker and say, “Good Luck!” Because, you see, back then, whenever a business was going to take that important frugal step, you knew there’d be a bunch of “suits” sitting around the table, paper-and-pens at the ready, wracking their brains to come up with a sensible one.

Ahhhh, but then would come the hard part: Making it STICK! It almost seemed impossible, given so many “outside” expenses and overruns. Today, thanks to the internet and a company called Prophix, budgeting and planning has become not only easier, but more convenient to follow.

It has everything a company needs to build a secure and stable budget for the entire enterprise, from bottom-rung to top-echelon!
They provide interactive seminars to help the business — no matter what size — achieve its goals.
They also have highly skilled financial consultants, ready to help with solutions tailored to fit the needs of that business!

So for the most knowledgeable and sensible budgeting and planning for your business, be sure to take a minute to click that link I just gave you, and let Prophix be the ones to help you create just the right plan for you!

Have you ever heard the old saying, “He’s worth his weight in gold”? The reason is that gold is the most precious metal known to man — and the best way of preserving your wealth and purchasing power!

Of course, people have known that for centuries. It’s been an object of fascination since the ancient times, where the more gold you had, the more powerful you were deemed to be! Today, investing in the gold market is the smartest thing you could do to keep yourself financially stable! You see, it’s universally accepted, durable, and can be bought and sold anywhere in the world!

Naturally, in order to invest, you need the very best and most experienced investment leader to handle your account. That’s where Monex comes into the picture. You see, they know the in’s and out’s of the gold trade, and, just by clicking on the link I just gave you, you’ll find everything you want to know about the investment itself! You’ll find they offer the purest gold bullion as well, and, believe me, with inflation staring us in the face every day, it’s good to have something that’s certain to take the edge off rising costs! If you’ve got a family to feed, a house to keep up, kids going to college or a business that you’re building, gold bullion is the investment that will secure these and provide an extremely bright future!
It’s obviously logical to invest in something that’s financially infallible — especially when you have the most trusted pros in the business to help you do so! So click on that link now, invest in some of the amazingly-pure gold they have to offer — then sit back enjoy the confidence you feel when you know your financial future’s finally protected!

It was the nightclub to play, if you wanted to be “noticed” by record agents from LA to Boston. In fact, Elton John, James Taylor, Carole King and loads of folk artists called this California hotspot their West Coast home. The Troubadour, located on Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles, is celebrating its big 5-0 shortly, and they’re gonna do it in style!

Leading the festivities on November 28-30 will be the inimitable sounds of Carole King, who’ll be teaming with singer James Taylor for some great music! Both King and Taylor will be joining with their original band to churn out some of their greatest hits — as well as songs that got them on the superstar road after first playing there in 1969.

Personally, my fave track from Carole’s Tapestry LP (CD) is Beautiful. The song’s got a bouncy rhythm, is cleverly written and downright inspirational! Next to that is I Feel The Earth Move. It has some great “punches” in it, and the vocals (especially in the lyric block about “losing control”) are outtasight!

Taylor? Well, if he can stop singing about himself, (gee, James … You’re So Vain!) I could dig the song Your Smiling Face (despite the fact he mentions himself 22 times +/- in that song). Usedta sing that to my son when he was a baby — or at least part of it (I mean, the song. He was all there. Sometimes I wonder about me, BUUUUUT …) That and “Shower The People”.

Nonetheless, props to The Troubadour! Hootenanny West! Whatever you wanna call it … may it last fifty more years on the LA/music scene!

Well, that’s all this time. Until next, remember to keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side.

Over the past few months, I’ve gotten a number of emails at the RockRoom asking if I was any kin to this yokel (see the pic on the left). Yep, it’s the (infamous, crazy, weird) Unknown Hinson — a guy who puts the “sicK” in “music”.
Actually, we are related somehow — don’t ask me how, though (my granddaddy knew a lottttttta women). His gimmick is his looks — all put on (have you ever known a Hinson to look that weird?don’tanswerthat,please) The dude is quite a performer, though, and does some killer rockabilly.
Another question I’m constantly asked is if I’m kin to The Hinsons gospel group. Mebbe — I’m not exactly religious in the normal term (I have my beliefs and faith; let it go at that), but these folks are talented!
Here … lemme give you a very-quick 411 on my Relicatives:
My Uncle Kurt had five sons who were all musicians — country and bluesgrass were their specialty. I’ve had a couple of cousins who were dynamic DJ’s back-in-the-day. But the Relic stands on his own. I was (according to some. Well, maybe a handful. Okay … two, then) a famous local rocker (that word, “fame”, sticks in my craw. That and a buck will getcha a medium coffee at McDonald’s), decent DJ, and now overworked writer/announcer/DJ/promoter.
Unless someone comes up with another one of us, that’s it! Only one Chuck Hinson with those creds … but the best credential of all is that I carry my father’s name. And that, my friends, is worth more to me than all the accolades I could ever have otherwise!

HINSONS ARE ALL NCAA FANS, AND …

Face it, folks … for real, nail-biting sports excitement, nothing beats the collision between aggressive collegiate basketball teams! Full-court action between the country’s finest, though, is found at the NCAA! Sure, it’s fun to watch on the tube, but nothing beats the live action in the arena!
And now you can get tickets at some unbelievable prices … and with a 200% (right. Read it slowly: two … hundred … percent!) moneyback guarantee! All you’ve gotta do is click on the following link, which’ll take you to the best seats for the NCAA Tournament coming up in 2008 (selection will be on Sunday, March 16, with the first and second rounds starting at the Verizon Center in DC). Ticket Solutions specializes in getting tix to “sold-out” venues and prime seating from the start!
Now, since the rounds are going to be played all over the country, just check the schedule and give that link up there a good, solid “click”! Then, place your order … they’ll walk ya through it all!
And get out there, root for your fave team, and have fun!

You know, when you’re in a business situation (like the Relic is almost 24/7 these days) and have to fish for prospects, you go down every avenue possible to get good leads. Often, someone will suggest “harvesting” email addresses — which, incidentally, is illegal. Sometimes, you’ll hear “Well, check the newspapers!” But that isn’t too productive, either.

Actually, the best way is by going direct mail and getting a reputable list producer to provide you with tailored leads. And the best ones to do that are the fine folks at Martin Worldwide. They research these leads to make sure you get the best and freshest anywhere — people who are looking for just what you’re offering!
From business to consumer, mortgage and homeowner to specialty leads, they compile the leads that will be the most productive for you! Not only that, but, when you click on the link I’ll be giving you in a moment, you’ll see their offer of a free quote, give you $100 off your next order — even send you a catalog with all their categories in it! They also offer services to help you in your business, including print designs and marketing concepts!

I tried them out through another company awhile back, and the lists they provide contain some absolutely solid leads! Needless to say, my manager (at the time) was totally impressed with their product … and is still using them today! Try them once and you’ll be sold on their professionalism and some amazingly helpful product! And all you have to do to get started is to click on this purchase lists link! Believe me, you’ll not only be satisfied, but you’ll be thanking them for the extra revenue their lists provide! So click on that link today, and let Martin Worldwide be your business partner! You’ll be glad you did!