Four decades after sparking college-radio airwaves and launching R.E.M.'s career, "Radio Free Europe" broadcasts a new message. R.E.M. proudly announces Radio Free Europe 2025, a five-track benefit EP led by Jacknife Lee's never-before-released 2025 remix. The release celebrates the 75th anniversary of the "OG" Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and arrives just ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
75 years ago, the United States established Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which broadcasts news and information in 27 languages to 23 countries where free press is either banned or threatened. RFE/RL has been a lifeline to the outside world for people living under extreme censorship throughout the Cold War and into the present day.
Members of R.E.M. say this mission of promoting free expression has always resonated with the band:
“Whether it’s music or a free press – censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere. On World Press Freedom Day, I’m sending a shout-out to the brave journalists at Radio Free Europe,” says Michael Stipe, lead singer and founding member of R.E.M.
“Radio Free Europe’s journalists have been pissing off dictators for 75 years. You know you’re doing your job when you make the right enemies. Happy World Press Freedom Day to the ‘OG’ Radio Free Europe,” says Mike Mills, bassist and founding member of R.E.M.
A limited-edition 10-inch orange-vinyl pressing — available for pre-order now exclusively via the official R.E.M. store (https://ffm.link/remrfe-official) and independent record stores (https://ffm.link/remrfe-indies) — lands September 12. Proceeds from all vinyl sales will go to RFE/RL.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_rshoUeixk
Link to full YouTube playlist for Radio Free Europe 2025:
Friday, May 2, 2025
Monday, April 21, 2025
Collector's 30,000 vinyl records up for auction
A collector's 30,000-record vinyl collection is set to go up for auction in Surrey with an expected combined price of more than £80,000.
The sale, run by auctioneers Ewbank's in Send, will be held on Wednesday and Thursday.
The unnamed deceased collector had been buying records for more than 60 years and vinyl specialist John Silke said the collection was "jaw-dropping."
"This has been the biggest single cataloguing job of my career – an extraordinary experience," he added.
To read the full story, please click the link below.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74z0wwp8eyo
Owning 30,000 records makes me wonder who the collector is. Did he/she have any connection to music? Did they work in radio, a record store, or produce music? Certainly not a casual listener, but a music lover nonetheless! I would have a hard time remembering which album went where and where the albums I wanted to listen to were. Their collection may have been alphabetized. Cool story anyhow. Imagine exploring that massive vinyl collection. 🤔
The sale, run by auctioneers Ewbank's in Send, will be held on Wednesday and Thursday.
The unnamed deceased collector had been buying records for more than 60 years and vinyl specialist John Silke said the collection was "jaw-dropping."
"This has been the biggest single cataloguing job of my career – an extraordinary experience," he added.
To read the full story, please click the link below.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74z0wwp8eyo
Owning 30,000 records makes me wonder who the collector is. Did he/she have any connection to music? Did they work in radio, a record store, or produce music? Certainly not a casual listener, but a music lover nonetheless! I would have a hard time remembering which album went where and where the albums I wanted to listen to were. Their collection may have been alphabetized. Cool story anyhow. Imagine exploring that massive vinyl collection. 🤔
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Record Store Day Haul 2025
Honestly, I didn't think I'd end up with so many albums this year. I was convinced I'd strike gold with just two or three at most. But one album just flowed into the next. Those who shop in-store get first dibs, while online shoppers like me have to wait until the day after the kickoff. I was up bright and early on Sunday, eagerly anticipating the online event's launch. One of my absolute favorite independent record shops is Yellowdogdiscs.com. I had my sights set on this year’s live Talking Heads album, titled Talking Heads - Live On Tour '78. I was poised right at 8:00 AM, ready to pounce, but couldn't resist clicking a few minutes early. To my dismay, it sold out in a flash! I hurried over to other websites, but luck was not on my side.
When all else fails, turn to Discogs. And there it was, gleaming--the record I had been searching for! It was just three bucks more than the price on Yellowdogdiscs, while other sites had sold out and private sellers were asking for outrageous prices. So, I decided to make the purchase. I passed on this year’s RSD Blur album, The Magic Whip. I also searched for the 2024 Record Store Day Blur Parklife vinyl, but it was still marked up beyond reason. My next quest led me to Adam and the Ants's 2025 RSD gold edition of Prince Charming.
It was sold out everywhere. However, I stumbled upon a few UK websites claiming they would restock more copies on April 14th, so I held off until Monday. Once I woke up Monday, I began my search again, but disappointment struck as everything was still sold out. Given the immense popularity of the album and the high demand for its stunning gold vinyl, I knew it would vanish in the blink of an eye. So, I turned to an alternative site called oldies.com. This site is fantastic, offering amazing deals and substantial discounts on vinyl records and various music merchandise. Although their ongoing vinyl sale didn’t cover the releases from Record Store Day 2025, I still managed to find some goodies.
I snagged another copy of Nick Lowe's Pink and Prouder Than Previous album for a mere $10.00! Pretty happy about that since my copy is scratched. The Boomtown Rats Citizens of Boomtown record I actually spotted at Target over a year ago. I had wanted it after I listened to it in it's entirety just never bought it. Much to my surprise it was only $10.00 as well! So, I grabbed it along with a DVD and some more vinyl.
Other albums I purchased:
Saxophone Colossus (DVD) - Sonny Rollins
Jukebox Jump: Greatest Hits 1942-49 - Louis Jordan
Night Watch - Bob Holz
Adam Ant Is The Blueblack Hussar In Marrying the Gunner's Daughter (2-LPs) - Adam Ant
Cavestomp Presents: Are You For Real? (Psychedelic Splatter Purple Vinyl) - ? and The Mysterians
The ? and The Mysterians album is a gift for someone who loves the band. The purple splatter vinyl looked really cool as well. The purple splatter edition of this album was actually a 2022 RSD release, just not this year.
Fully satisfied, I checked out. Shipping is free if you spend $75.00 or more. This site also offers free shipping, and you only need to spend $50.00: rock-ola.com -- rock-ola.com has some good deals. Elton John's Breaking Hearts vinyl was only $14.00. I didn't buy anything there though. My heart was still set on Adam and the Ants's gold Prince Charming RSD 2025 release.
About eight o'clock that night, I saw someone posting in an Adam Ant music group on Facebook. They stated imusic.co had the album, so I, like everyone else, rushed over to the site and bought it. I was a little timid, as this seemed like something that was too good to be true given the fact that the album had sold out everywhere else online and had been out of stock all day. Nevertheless, I took a chance. I figured since I bought it through PayPal if it was a total scam I could dispute it and get my money back.
I was more concerned about possible import duties and customs processing fees. But through further research, I found paying duties and customs processing fees was relatively low. Since the vinyl record I purchased from the UK was valued under $800.00, I probably wouldn't owe duties or taxes. The U.S. has a de minimis threshold of $800.00, meaning imports below this value typically enter duty-free. You might be charged $5.00-$15.00 in customs clearance or handling fees only if USPS flags it (which is rare for vinyl records under $100.00).
Fingers crossed that everyone receives their albums. At eight o'clock at night, I didn't think I had a chance! I cannot wait to receive it, along with the other albums I purchased. This concludes the annual Record Store Day post. What a fun event!
When all else fails, turn to Discogs. And there it was, gleaming--the record I had been searching for! It was just three bucks more than the price on Yellowdogdiscs, while other sites had sold out and private sellers were asking for outrageous prices. So, I decided to make the purchase. I passed on this year’s RSD Blur album, The Magic Whip. I also searched for the 2024 Record Store Day Blur Parklife vinyl, but it was still marked up beyond reason. My next quest led me to Adam and the Ants's 2025 RSD gold edition of Prince Charming.
It was sold out everywhere. However, I stumbled upon a few UK websites claiming they would restock more copies on April 14th, so I held off until Monday. Once I woke up Monday, I began my search again, but disappointment struck as everything was still sold out. Given the immense popularity of the album and the high demand for its stunning gold vinyl, I knew it would vanish in the blink of an eye. So, I turned to an alternative site called oldies.com. This site is fantastic, offering amazing deals and substantial discounts on vinyl records and various music merchandise. Although their ongoing vinyl sale didn’t cover the releases from Record Store Day 2025, I still managed to find some goodies.
I snagged another copy of Nick Lowe's Pink and Prouder Than Previous album for a mere $10.00! Pretty happy about that since my copy is scratched. The Boomtown Rats Citizens of Boomtown record I actually spotted at Target over a year ago. I had wanted it after I listened to it in it's entirety just never bought it. Much to my surprise it was only $10.00 as well! So, I grabbed it along with a DVD and some more vinyl.
Other albums I purchased:
Saxophone Colossus (DVD) - Sonny Rollins
Jukebox Jump: Greatest Hits 1942-49 - Louis Jordan
Night Watch - Bob Holz
Adam Ant Is The Blueblack Hussar In Marrying the Gunner's Daughter (2-LPs) - Adam Ant
Cavestomp Presents: Are You For Real? (Psychedelic Splatter Purple Vinyl) - ? and The Mysterians
The ? and The Mysterians album is a gift for someone who loves the band. The purple splatter vinyl looked really cool as well. The purple splatter edition of this album was actually a 2022 RSD release, just not this year.
Fully satisfied, I checked out. Shipping is free if you spend $75.00 or more. This site also offers free shipping, and you only need to spend $50.00: rock-ola.com -- rock-ola.com has some good deals. Elton John's Breaking Hearts vinyl was only $14.00. I didn't buy anything there though. My heart was still set on Adam and the Ants's gold Prince Charming RSD 2025 release.
About eight o'clock that night, I saw someone posting in an Adam Ant music group on Facebook. They stated imusic.co had the album, so I, like everyone else, rushed over to the site and bought it. I was a little timid, as this seemed like something that was too good to be true given the fact that the album had sold out everywhere else online and had been out of stock all day. Nevertheless, I took a chance. I figured since I bought it through PayPal if it was a total scam I could dispute it and get my money back.
I was more concerned about possible import duties and customs processing fees. But through further research, I found paying duties and customs processing fees was relatively low. Since the vinyl record I purchased from the UK was valued under $800.00, I probably wouldn't owe duties or taxes. The U.S. has a de minimis threshold of $800.00, meaning imports below this value typically enter duty-free. You might be charged $5.00-$15.00 in customs clearance or handling fees only if USPS flags it (which is rare for vinyl records under $100.00).
Fingers crossed that everyone receives their albums. At eight o'clock at night, I didn't think I had a chance! I cannot wait to receive it, along with the other albums I purchased. This concludes the annual Record Store Day post. What a fun event!
Friday, April 4, 2025
The Call’s The Lost Tapes Album Found Me
Last month, while surfing YouTube, I discovered The Call’s The Lost Tapes. Apparently, it was released on March 18, 2024—how did I miss this?! That very night, I dove into the first four tracks, and just today, I've completed the album in its entirety. Remarkably, when I revisited those initial four tracks, they sounded even better. This is one of those rare albums that will never get old—it will always astound me.
The title, The Lost Tapes, hints at the treasures within: a collection of long-hidden gems. These songs were pulled from the vault, each track emerging from the depths of the band's storied history. Listening to "A Beautiful Lie," I couldn't help but think, “This must be from the early '90s!” Curiosity got the best of me, and some digging revealed I was spot on. It carries that same atmospheric essence you find in their 1990 album, Red Moon.
"A Beautiful Lie" features contributions from Garth Hudson of The Band, along with Danny Timms and the late Tommy Spurlock. It was recorded between 1991 and 1993, following the release of their 1990 album "Red Moon." In 2023, surviving members Tom Ferrier, Jim Goodwin, Scott Musick, and producer Ralph Patlan revisited these recordings, adding missing parts and completing the tracks to create the album as it stands today.
My favorite tracks: "Welcome to My World," "Only Love," "Beaten at Your Own Game," "Right Between the Eyes," "Amazed By You," "A Beautiful Lie," "Time In a Beer Bottle," "What a Ride."
“Welcome to My World” serves as a fantastic introduction, propelling us into an even greater experience. The guitar riffs in “Only Love” and “Right Between the Eyes” are simply stellar. “Amazed By You” captures that nostalgic Call energy—I really love that one. It’s a touch bittersweet to think these tunes remained unreleased all this time; imagine the joy we could have been experiencing decades ago.
I’ve been a loyal fan of this band for nearly 30 years, and it’s astonishing to realize that my affection for their music is as strong as ever.
Check out The Call’s The Lost Tapes—and if you like what you hear, go buy the album to support the band. They've earned it!
My first blog I had written about The Call in 2021: My homage to Michael Been and The Call...
The Call's website: https://www.the-call-band.com/
The title, The Lost Tapes, hints at the treasures within: a collection of long-hidden gems. These songs were pulled from the vault, each track emerging from the depths of the band's storied history. Listening to "A Beautiful Lie," I couldn't help but think, “This must be from the early '90s!” Curiosity got the best of me, and some digging revealed I was spot on. It carries that same atmospheric essence you find in their 1990 album, Red Moon.
"A Beautiful Lie" features contributions from Garth Hudson of The Band, along with Danny Timms and the late Tommy Spurlock. It was recorded between 1991 and 1993, following the release of their 1990 album "Red Moon." In 2023, surviving members Tom Ferrier, Jim Goodwin, Scott Musick, and producer Ralph Patlan revisited these recordings, adding missing parts and completing the tracks to create the album as it stands today.
My favorite tracks: "Welcome to My World," "Only Love," "Beaten at Your Own Game," "Right Between the Eyes," "Amazed By You," "A Beautiful Lie," "Time In a Beer Bottle," "What a Ride."
“Welcome to My World” serves as a fantastic introduction, propelling us into an even greater experience. The guitar riffs in “Only Love” and “Right Between the Eyes” are simply stellar. “Amazed By You” captures that nostalgic Call energy—I really love that one. It’s a touch bittersweet to think these tunes remained unreleased all this time; imagine the joy we could have been experiencing decades ago.
I’ve been a loyal fan of this band for nearly 30 years, and it’s astonishing to realize that my affection for their music is as strong as ever.
Check out The Call’s The Lost Tapes—and if you like what you hear, go buy the album to support the band. They've earned it!
My first blog I had written about The Call in 2021: My homage to Michael Been and The Call...
The Call's website: https://www.the-call-band.com/
Sunday, March 9, 2025
When Music Speaks: The Power of Sound and Emotion
This post feels like a continuation of last month's Roger Whittaker blog, in which I talked about how certain sounds evoke emotion. Classical music, especially pieces with a strong piano presence, evokes deep emotions. In particular, the piano can express such a wide range of emotions - it can be tender and delicate, or intense and dramatic. Almost like a voice of its own, it resonates and sustains notes, telling a story without words.
Classical composers like Chopin, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff were masters at using the piano to stir emotions. Chopin’s Nocturnes, Debussy’s "Clair de Lune," and Rachmaninoff’s "Elegy in E-flat Minor"—all of these pieces have that same power to transport you somewhere deeply personal. Since there are no lyrics to "tell you what to feel," your mind fills in the gaps. The emotion in classical music is open to interpretation, which makes it more personal—you might hear sadness, while someone else hears beauty or nostalgia. The way the music moves—through swelling crescendos, delicate pauses, or hauntingly repeated motifs—triggers emotions without forcing a single meaning on the listener.
One of my favorite songs since childhood is Don Henley’s "The End of the Innocence." Hearing it takes me back to simpler times, reminding me of places I visited, loved ones who are gone, and connections that have faded. Time makes me reflective, and this song amplifies that feeling. The blend of Henley’s soft vocals, poignant lyrics, and Bruce Hornsby’s elegant piano resonates deeply with me. It’s more than just a song; it’s an emotional experience.
It's a bridge to the past for me—one that instantly brings back memories of places, people, and moments that are now distant. That bittersweet mix of nostalgia and longing can be overwhelming, especially when paired with a song as beautifully melancholic as this one. The piano, in particular, has such a wistful, reflective quality, almost like it’s echoing time slipping away.
I think certain songs just hold time for us, and when we hear them, it’s like stepping into a memory. The way Don Henley delivers the lyrics, almost like a soft lament, makes the passing of time feel even more profound. It’s that rare kind of song that doesn’t just make you remember—it makes you feel the passage of time, the beauty of the past, and the weight of what’s been lost.
Music acts as a time machine, reviving the past and allowing us to revisit moments we thought were lost. "The End of the Innocence" is more than just a song; it's a portal to the people, places, and emotions that shaped those times. It uniquely preserves those memories. Sometimes I can't listen to it, but at other times I do to reflect. It's comforting to know those memories live in the music, lyrics, and emotions that resurface when I hear that song.
Classical composers like Chopin, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff were masters at using the piano to stir emotions. Chopin’s Nocturnes, Debussy’s "Clair de Lune," and Rachmaninoff’s "Elegy in E-flat Minor"—all of these pieces have that same power to transport you somewhere deeply personal. Since there are no lyrics to "tell you what to feel," your mind fills in the gaps. The emotion in classical music is open to interpretation, which makes it more personal—you might hear sadness, while someone else hears beauty or nostalgia. The way the music moves—through swelling crescendos, delicate pauses, or hauntingly repeated motifs—triggers emotions without forcing a single meaning on the listener.
One of my favorite songs since childhood is Don Henley’s "The End of the Innocence." Hearing it takes me back to simpler times, reminding me of places I visited, loved ones who are gone, and connections that have faded. Time makes me reflective, and this song amplifies that feeling. The blend of Henley’s soft vocals, poignant lyrics, and Bruce Hornsby’s elegant piano resonates deeply with me. It’s more than just a song; it’s an emotional experience.
It's a bridge to the past for me—one that instantly brings back memories of places, people, and moments that are now distant. That bittersweet mix of nostalgia and longing can be overwhelming, especially when paired with a song as beautifully melancholic as this one. The piano, in particular, has such a wistful, reflective quality, almost like it’s echoing time slipping away.
I think certain songs just hold time for us, and when we hear them, it’s like stepping into a memory. The way Don Henley delivers the lyrics, almost like a soft lament, makes the passing of time feel even more profound. It’s that rare kind of song that doesn’t just make you remember—it makes you feel the passage of time, the beauty of the past, and the weight of what’s been lost.
Music acts as a time machine, reviving the past and allowing us to revisit moments we thought were lost. "The End of the Innocence" is more than just a song; it's a portal to the people, places, and emotions that shaped those times. It uniquely preserves those memories. Sometimes I can't listen to it, but at other times I do to reflect. It's comforting to know those memories live in the music, lyrics, and emotions that resurface when I hear that song.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
INXS announces ‘Listen Like Thieves 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition’ LP and 3-CD set
INXS will release Listen Like Thieves (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) on May 9th via Rhino Records. The set will be available as a Deluxe Edition 3 CD/LP set containing a brand new 2025 remix by Giles Martin and Paul Hicks on CD and vinyl, extensive previously unreleased outtakes and demos, a rare BBC Recording, Live From The Royal Albert Hall, London, 1986 and a new interview with the band by acclaimed writer Paul Sexton. The Extended Edition 2 CD contains the new mix, whilst the the second disc has a selection of B-sides, remixes and live recordings. The single LP 40th Anniversary Edition vinyl contains the new 2025 mix.
This release really excites me. Demos & outtakes, the second disc, includes recordings I'm unfamiliar with, despite my extensive collection of INXS demos. Despite hearing the 1986 Royal Albert Hall show years ago, I haven't experienced the 2025 mix yet, which I am eager to hear. This remains a delightful addition, even though I already own the Listen Like Thieves LP. On my Atlantic 1985 pressing, the album title is much larger than on the 40th anniversary deluxe edition, which also features different artwork. I want this!
Source: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/inxs-listen-like-thieves-expanded/
This release really excites me. Demos & outtakes, the second disc, includes recordings I'm unfamiliar with, despite my extensive collection of INXS demos. Despite hearing the 1986 Royal Albert Hall show years ago, I haven't experienced the 2025 mix yet, which I am eager to hear. This remains a delightful addition, even though I already own the Listen Like Thieves LP. On my Atlantic 1985 pressing, the album title is much larger than on the 40th anniversary deluxe edition, which also features different artwork. I want this!
Source: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/inxs-listen-like-thieves-expanded/
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