Tag Archives: December

Dire Straits: Communiqué

Leave a comment

Dire_Straits_Communique

On June 15, 1979, “Vertigo” label released “Communiqué”, the second Dire Straits studio album. It was recorded November – December 1978, at “Compass Point Studios” in Nassau, Bahamas, and was produced by Barry Beckett and Jerry Wexler. The album cover was designed by Phonogram’s advertising agency “Grant Advertising” and in 1979 it won album cover of the year in the “NME” awards. “Communiqué” was certified  Platinum in the UK, and 2 x Platinum in France.

Personnel:

  • Mark Knopfler– vocals, lead and rhythm guitars
  • David Knopfler– vocals, rhythm guitar
  • John Illsley– vocals, bass
  • Pick Withers– drums
  • Bear – keyboards
  • Jack Nuber – engineer
  • Thelbert Rigby – tape operator
  • Gregg Hamm – mixing
  • Bobby Hata – mastering
  • Paul Wexler – mastering supervisor
  • Bob Ludwig– remastering
  • Alan Schmidt – art direction

Track listing:

All tracks by Mark Knopfler.

  1. Once upon a Time in the West
  2. News
  3. Where Do You Think You’re Going?
  4. Communiqué
  5. Lady Writer
  6. Angel of mercy
  7. Portobello Belle
  8. Single-Handed Sailor
  9. Follow Me Home

 

Aretha Franklin: Aretha Now

Leave a comment

Aretha_Franklin_-_Aretha_Now

On June 14, 1968, “Atlantic” label released “Aretha Now”, the fifteenth Aretha Franklin studio album. It was recorded December 1967 – April 1968 at “Atlantic Studios” in New York, and was produced by Jerry Wexler. The album was certified Gold in the US by the “RIIA”.

Personnel:

  • Aretha Franklin – lead vocals, piano
  • Spooner Oldham – organ, electric piano, piano
  • Tommy Cogbill – guitar, bass
  • Jimmy Johnson – guitar
  • Bobby Womack – guitar
  • Jerry Jemmott – bass
  • Roger Hawkins – drums
  • The Sweet Inspirations – backing vocals
  • Carolyn Franklin: backing vocals
  • Wayne Jackson: trumpet
  • Charlie Chalmers: tenor saxophone
  • Andrew Love: tenor saxophone
  • Floyd Newman: baritone saxophone
  • Willie Bridges: baritone saxophone
  • Tony Studd: bass trombone
  • King Curtis: tenor saxophone
  • Seldon Powell: tenor saxophone
  • Frank Wess: tenor saxophone, flute
  • Haywood Henry: baritone saxophone
  • Bernie Glow: trumpet
  • Melvin Lastie: trumpet
  • Joe Newman: trumpet
  • Tom Dowdand, Arif Mardin – arrangements
  • Robert Honablue: engineer

Track listing:

  1. Think – Aretha Franklin, Teddy White
  2. I Say a Little Prayer – Burt Bacharach, Hal David
  3. See Saw – Steve Cropper, Don Covay
  4. Night Time Is the Right Time – Big Bill Broonzy
  5. You Send Me – Sam Cooke
  6. You’re a Sweet Sweet Man – Ronnie Shannon
  7. I Take What I Want – Isaac Hayes, Mabon “Teenie” Hodges, David Porter
  8. Hello Sunshine – Jimmy Cliff, King Curtis, Ronald Dean Miller
  9. A Change – Dorian Burton, Clyde Otis
  10. I Can’t See Myself Leaving You – Ronnie Shannon

Sonic Youth: Rather Ripped

Leave a comment

4 T

On June 13, 2006, “Geffen” label released “Rather Ripped”, the fourteen Sonic Youth studio album. It was recorded December 2005 – January 2006, at “Sear Sound” in New York City, and was produced by Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley and John Agnello.

Personnel:

  • Thurston Moore– vocals, guitar, design
  • Lee Ranaldo– vocals, guitar, additional recording
  • Kim Gordon– vocals, bass
  • Steve Shelley– drums
  • TJ Doherty – recording
  • Aaron Mullan – engineer assistant, additional recording
  • Chris Allen – engineer assistant
  • Anthony Fontana – engineer assistant
  • John Agnello– additional recording, mixing
  • Greg Calbi– mastering
  • Christopher Wool– artwork
  • Brandy Flower – design
  • Amanda Decadenet – band photography
  • JP Robinson – front cover design
  • Don Fleming– additional vocal production

Track listing:

All tracks by Sonic Youth.

  1. Reena
  2. Incinerate
  3. Do You Believe in Rapture
  4. Sleepin Around
  5. What a Waste
  6. Jams Run Free
  7. Rats
  8. Turquise Boy
  9. Lights Out
  10. The Neutral
  11. Pink Steam
  12. Or

Lush: Split

Leave a comment

Split

On June 13, 1994, “4AD” label released “Split”, the second Lush album. It was recorded October – December 1993, at “Rockfield Studios” in Wales, “Berry House” in Sussex, and “Abbey Road Studios” in London, and was produced by Mike Hedges, Emma Anderson, Miki Bereney, Chris Acland, and Phil King .

Personnel:

  • Emma Anderson– vocals, guitars
  • Miki Berenyi– vocals, guitars
  • Phil King– bass
  • Chris Acland– drums

Track listing:

  1. Light from a Dead Star – Miki Berenyi
  2. Kiss Chase – Miki Berenyi
  3. Blackout – Emma Anderson
  4. Hypocrite – Miki Berenyi
  5. Lovelife – Emma Anderson
  6. Desire Lines – Emma Anderson
  7. The Invisible Man – Emma Anderson
  8. Undertow – Miki Berenyi
  9. Never – Never – Emma Anderson
  10. Lit Up – Emma Anderson
  11. Starlust – Emma Anderson, Miki Berenyi
  12. When I Die – Emma Anderson

Elton John: Empty Sky

Leave a comment

Empty Sky

On June 6, 1969, “DJM” label released “Empty Sky”, the debut Elton John studio album. It was recorded December 1968 – April 1969, at “Dick James Music Studios” in London, and was produced by Steve Brown.

Personnel:

  • Elton John– vocals, acoustic piano, organ, electric piano, harpsichord
  • Caleb Quaye– acoustic and electric guitars, conga drums
  • Graham Vickery – harmonica
  • Tony Murray – bass guitar
  • Nigel Olsson– drums
  • Roger Pope – drums, percussion
  • Don Fay – tenor saxophone, flute
  • Clive Franks – tape operator, whistling
  • Frank Owen – engineer
  • Gus Dudgeon, John Tobler – linear notes

Track listing:

All tracks by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

  1. Empty Sky
  2. Val-Hala
  3. Western Ford Gateway
  4. Hymn 2000
  5. Lady What’s Tomorrow
  6. Sails
  7. The Scaffold
  8. Skyline Pigeon
  9. Gulliver/Hay Chewed/Reprise

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds: The First Born Is Dead

Leave a comment

The_Firstborn_Is_Dead

On June 3, 1985, “Mute” label released “The Firstborn Is Dead”, the second Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds studio album. It was recorded November – December 1984, at “Hansa Studios, in Berlin,and was produced by Nick Cave, Blixa Bargeld, Barry Adamson, Mick Harvey and Flood.

Personnel:

  • Nick Cave– lead vocals, harmonica
  • Blixa Bargeld- guitar, slide guitar, piano, backing vocals
  • Barry Adamson- bass, guitar, organ, drums, backing vocals
  • Mick Harvey– drums, guitar, organ, piano, bass, backing vocals
  • Julia Heinglein – photography

Track listing:

All tracks by Nick Cave, except where noted.

  1. Tupelo – Barry Adamson, Mick Harvey
  2. Say Goodbye to the Little Girl Tree – Mick Harvey
  3. Train Long-Suffering –  Nick Cave
  4. Black Crow King – Blixa Bargeld, NickCave
  5. Knockin’ on Joe –  Nick Cave
  6. Wanted Man – Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash
  7. Blind Lemon Jefferson – Barry Adamson, Blixa Bargeld, Mick Harvey, Nick Cave

Deacon Blue: Raintown

Leave a comment

Raintown

On June 1, 1987, “Columbia” label released “Raintown”, the debut Deacon Blue album. It was recorded December 1986 – February 1987, at “Air Studios” in London, and was produced by Jon Kelly.

Personnel:

  • Ricky Ross – lead vocals
  • Lorraine McIntosh – harmony and backing vocals
  • Graeme Kelling – low voice, guitar
  • James Prime – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Ewen Vernal – bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Dougie Vipond – drums, percussion
  • Chris Rea – slide guitar
  • J. Cole- pedal steel guitar
  • Jimmy Helms, George Chandler, Jimmy Chambers – backing vocals
  • Oscar Marzaroli – photography

Track listing:

All tracks by Ricky Ross, except where noted:

  1. Born in a Storm
  2. Raintown
  3. Ragman
  4. He Looks Like Spencer Tracy Now
  5. Loaded – James Prime, Ricky Ross, Graeme Kelling
  6. When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)
  7. Chocolate Girl
  8. Dignity
  9. The Very Thing
  10. Love’s Great Fears – Ricky Ross, James Prime
  11. Town to Be Blamed – Ricky Ross, James Prime

James Taylor: Hourglass

Leave a comment

Hourglass

On May 20, 1997, “Columbia” label released “Hourglass” the fourteenth James Taylor studio album. It was recorded December 1996, at “Chalker’s Creek” in Massachusetts, “Westlake Audio”  in Hollywood,  “Right Track Studios” in New York City, and was produced by Frank Filipetti and James Taylor. The album won “Grammy Award” for “Best Pop Album” in 1998.

Personnel:

  • James Taylor – vocals, guitar, harmonica
  • Bobby Mann – guitar
  • Ross Traut – guitar
  • Dan Dugmore– pedal steel guitar
  • Jill Dell’Abate – vocals
  • David Lasley– vocals
  • Kate Markowitz– vocals
  • Arnold McCuller– vocals
  • Valerie Carter– vocals
  • Shawn Colvin– vocals
  • Sting– vocals
  • Clifford Carter– keyboards
  • Stevie Wonder– harmonica
  • Edgar Meyer – bass
  • Jimmy Johnson– bass
  • Carlos Vega – drums
  • Luis Conte– percussion
  • Branford Marsalis– soprano and alto saxophones
  • Michael Brecker– tenor saxophone, EWI
  • Yo-Yo Ma– cello
  • Mark O’Connor– fiddle
  • Ed Rockett- penny whistle
  • Ted Jensen – mastering

Track listing:

All tracks by James Taylor, except where noted.

  1. Line ‘Em Up
  2. Enough to Be on Your Way
  3. Little More Time with You
  4. Gaia
  5. Ananas
  6. Jump Up Behind Me
  7. Another Day
  8. Up Er Mei
  9. Up from Your Life
  10. Yellow and Rose
  11. Boatman – Livingston Taylor, M. Taylor
  12. Walking My Baby Back Home – Fred E. Ahlert, Roy Turk
  13. Hangnail

808 State: ex:el

Leave a comment

808state_ex-el

On May 9, 1991, “ZTT Records” label released “ex:el”, the third 808 State studio album. It was recorded September – December 1990, at “Revolution Studios”.

Personnel:

  • Graham Massey – synthesizer, drums, engineer
  • Martin Price – performer
  • Björk Guðmundsdóttir – vocals
  • Bernard Sumner – vocals
  • Raagman – vocals
  • Michael Haas – engineer
  • Daren Tidsey – additional engineering
  • Aaron Chakraverty – mastering
  • Trevo Johnson, Tony Panas – design

Track listing:

  1. San Francisco
  2. Spanish Heart
  3. Leo Leo
  4. Qmart
  5. Nephatiti
  6. Lift
  7. Ooops
  8. Empire
  9. In Yer Face
  10. Cübik
  11. Lambrusco Cowboy
  12. Techno Bell
  13. Olympic

The Style Council: Our Favourite Shop

Leave a comment

Our-Favourite-Shop

On May 9, 1985, “Polydor” label released “Our Favourite Shop”, the second Style Council (The) studio album. It was recorded December 1984 – March 1985, and was produced by Peter Wilson and Paul Weller. The album cover was designed by Paul Weller and Simon Halfon.

Personnel:

  • Paul Weller– vocals, guitars, bass guitar, synth, design
  • Mick Talbot– Hammond organ, keyboards
  • Camille Hinds– bass
  • Steve White– drums, percussion
  • Helen Turner – piano
  • Peter Wilson – keyboard sequencing
  • Kevin Miller – bass
  • Clark Kent – contra bass
  • Gary Wallis– percussion
  • Dee C. Lee– vocals
  • Lenny Henry– vocals
  • Tracie Young– vocals
  • Alison Limerick– vocals
  • Stewart Prosser – trumpet, flugelhorn
  • David DeFries– trumpet, flugelhorn
  • Mike Mower – flute, saxophone
  • Chris Lawrence – trombone
  • Patrick Grundy-White – French horn
  • Steve Dawson – trumpet
  • Billy Chapman – saxophone
  • John Mealing– orchestration, string arrangement
  • Anne Stephenson – violin
  • Charlie Buchanan – violin
  • Jocelyn Pook– viola
  • Audrey Riley– cello
  • Simon Halfon – design

Track listing:

All tracks by Paul Weller.

  1. Homebreakers – Mick Talbot, Paul Weller
  2. All Gone Away
  3. Come to Milton Keynes
  4. Internationalists – Mick Talbot, Paul Weller
  5. A Stones Throw Away
  6. The Stand Up Comic’s InstructionsBoy Who Cried Wolf
  7. A Man of Great Promise
  8. Down in the Seine
  9. The Lodgers (or She Was Only a Shopkeeper’s Daughter) – Mick Talbot, Paul Weller
  10. Luck – Mick Talbot, Paul Weller
  11. With Everything to Lose – Steve White, Paul Weller
  12. Our Favourite Shop – Mick Talbot
  13. Walls Come Tumbling Down! – Paul Weller