Brian's Music Musings

Snags in bargaining have occurred between Soundexchange and the webcasters. Seems that Soundexchange offered the reprieve, but it's goal was to create a few sticking points, one which is called "Streamripping". That is the act of ripping live radio streams and then slicing the streams into songs. There is software than can do that easily, and the bottom line is that Soundexchange wants more security. Funny, I don't recall that being one of the topics when that said reprieve was offered. It can certainly be said that both sides are still not happy, and webcasters appear to be putting much more hope in the congressional bill that will reverse the decision. The Internet Equality act is not only backed by well over 100 organizations, but most recently, the powerful NAB threw their hat into that ring. As far as negotiations go, it seems a bit quiet right now. An interesting article, and even more interesting responses to the whole subject of Internet radio, can be found here.

I added two new pictures to the Tonettes page. One is the promotional picture for ABC and the other is an action shot from the same show that I have a posed picture of, on my site. It's interesting that there always seems to be more "stuff" out there for any artist you can think of. It's just a matter of finding it. These latest pictures came from Vince Castro, who was fairly close to the source.

Added this week to my website was the two sided workout by Joyce Harris, as Sinner Strong. Don't Knock It and Nobody But Me were issued on the Hollywood based Serock label. Don't Knock It is an amazing record, but was probably very tough to figure out which radio stations would be able to play it. It is uptempo, wild, gospel, and frantic, all on the same disc.

I have not had too many records that I have updated my site with, but I'm always buying records that I want. One that will probably make the Rockin Rebels site this week, is one of those that is not the same group, but is listed as Ray Fournia and the Rocking Rebels. If for nothing else, I will add it so there is no confusion in the fact it is not the same group. It's actually a pretty darn decent record. You done me wrong is a ballad with a minor group in the background. In retrospect, they could have done the song as a full-on doo wop. Still, a very pleasing record. The flip, Settle Down, is an uptempo rock and roll record with a nice sax break.

If you are familiar with Dick Plotkin's Debra label CD releases by the Aquatones, and other groups, you may or may not know that there was a Debra label in the late 1950's. From the Wilkes-Barre area of Pennsylvania, Near You was the first record as by Dick And The Halos. They re-formed as the Precisions with Sweet Dreams, and then a female group called the Gales did Tommy for the Debra label. It's somewhat complicated, but the Precisions became the Palisades, and recorded Chapel Bells as Debra 1003 in 1962. The problem was that someone already had that name, so it was unavailable. Apparently the research was done after they pressed a small initial run that was reported to be 100 copies. The first thing they did was print some new labels - of which I have only seen as DJ typed on them - and pasted them over the labels that said Palisades. They didn't get them all, as the picture shows, but on their next pressing, they were all stock copies showing the new name, the Magics. Several thousand of those were made, and the record had some good regional action including airplay on WKBW in Buffalo New York. So there are three ways to find the record. First as the Palisades, next with a Magics label pasted over it, and lastly as the Magics. See my page for a couple Debra records. The Palisades will be there soon.

A reprieve for Internet radio. But only a stay while details are worked out. I don't read it as a total win, as the amount of royalties to be paid still has to be negotiated. No doubt in my mind that Soundexchange blinked. Over the next 3 months talks will continue to hammer out the rates, and the question(s) remain, just what triggered the decision? Could it have been that Congress, though no that close to proposing a bill, was attempting to draft a bill that would be fair? Did Soundexchange catch a clue and realize that when 1000's of stations stopped broadcasting, they would certainly be considered the bad guy? I'm not sure it's either of those. By granting a reprieve, it allows the talks between the two parties, which could really get heated. It also allows Congress to continue either working on their legislation, or at the very least, watching those said negotiations. Now is not the time to remove pressure from your Congressman, since this is far from over. Internet radio broadcasters and listeners can breathe easier, but it's just temporary until this plays out -all the way.

An interesting side note to Internet radio: I have seen several articles published TODAY where the authors did not o their research, and had no idea about the temporary agreement that was reached. I would be fairly embarrassed to publish an article about a Major event, without realizing the latest news.

I was pre-empted on my radio show last night. Our station broadcasted the Worldfest, live, for the day. I'll be back next week for sure. I'm also hoping to have an interview air in a couple weeks. I had the pleasure to talk to Al Sanchez of the Storytellers of Los Angeles. They made just one record that was pressed on two different labels.

Updates on my Fleetwoods page: Several pieces of sheet music now have been placed near the 45's that match.

The day of Internet radio silence has come and gone. Tuesday, June 26th, many Internet radio stations went silent. Some had static, others ran announcements protesting the "decision" by soundexchange to hike the fees for on-line broadcasters to outrageous levels. The event received substantial publicity, and though they made a point, time marches on. July 15th is right around the corner, and the bill in congress is, well, still in congress. Friday Soundexchange made a concession to cap the fees for some larger stations, but it does not speak to the smaller broadcasters. The saga continues......

The Rockin Rebels page has now been updated with more information, a few more pictures and interviews with some key people. Although Tom Shannon's opinion is noticeably absent, it can certainly be found on many other websites. A big project, it is still like the rest of my pages, works in progress. My website is never done!

The latest first and second label I have is Johnny Aragon "There Was A Girl" and Someone". Released on Airlok and then 20th Century. Don't know much about him, but I should have that on my site this week.

I just got a flyer for the "Ultimate Doo Wop Show". The location is Merrillville, Indiana, and you certainly have advanced notice. The show is in September and features the Flamingos, Randy And The Rainbows, Capris, Volumes, Contours, and more. It's put on by Canterbury productions, and the tickets start at 45 bucks. Since Canterbury is involved, the group Stormy Weather is scheduled to sing. I have a CD from about 10 years ago by Stormy Weather, and it is very good accapella. After a Google search, it seems they are putting on several of these shows, and the line-ups vary by city. Check out http://www.canterburyproductions.com/upevents.htm