Wednesday, September 16, 2009
For our Italian-speaking visitors
Writes Paolo :
"...the current issue has a 12 page special about Gene Parsons, with special interview with Gene that I made last spring and an interview with John Delgatto, discography, reviews of Gene's records, memories from Beppe Gambetta about his playing with Gene, italian translation of Gene's lyrics and more..."
http://www.lateforthesky.org/
http://www.lateforthesky.org/organo-ufficiale/
Friday, September 11, 2009
Skip Battin Long Lost Album finally released...soon
Sierra Records is proud to announce the compact disc release, "SKIP BATTIN: TOPANGA SKYLINE" on October 17, 2009. Exactly 40 years ago on this date, Skip Battin made his first concert appearance as a member of the Byrds at Carl Edward King Memorial Gymnasium, Morris Harvey University, Charleston West Virginia!
This was to be Skip's second solo album, recorded in late July 1973, just days after the tragic death of Clarence White. Produced by the legendary Kim Fowley, it would include backup for the most part by the Country Gazette (Byron Berline, Roger Bush, Alan Munde and Roland White) along with Al Perkins. The album unfortunately never saw the light of day, until now. A decade ago Skip and I talked about releasing the album but it took all this time to make his dream come true. After Skip's passing in 2004, his son Brent took up the cause to see this album become a reality.
Taken from the original master audio tapes, each song (mostly Battin/Fowley originals) is as sharp and pointed as ever. Just wait until you hear Skip's bluegrass version of "Hully Gully", the old 1959 "Olympics" rock and roll classic. With the help of the Country Gazette's bluegrass chops, this album's sound could have predated Leon Russell's "Hank Wilson's Back" effort.
"Topanga Skyline" also boasts some additional bonus material. Two Battin songs from his 1981 release on the Italian Appaloosa label have been added, "Willow in the Wind" and my favorite all time Battin song,"China Moon" with the late, great Sneaky Pete on pedal steel.
At the end of the last song, there is a hidden track from Skip's rehearsals for the album with Clarence White on guitar. It is brief and very rough but it was was recorded just a few days before Clarence's untimely death, his last recordings in any form.
To further enhance this release, there is also a bonus MPEG video clip on the disc (accessed by PC or MAC computer only) of a rare 1965 solo appearance of Skip on a local L.A. TV teenage dance party show! With a 12-string guitar in his hand and sporting an Elvis hairdo, Skip lip syncs his latest 45 single!
"Skip Battin: Topanga Skyline" was to be part of a five album release back in 1973 that would include the album releases of Gene Parsons' "Kindling", Country Gazette's "Don't Give Up Your Day Job", Gram Parsons' "Sleepless Nights" later released as "Grievous Angel", and what turned out to be the never released "Clarence White" solo album on Warner Bros. Records. All five releases were to promote a Fall 1973 Concert tour with all these performers on stage with Skip providing the bass playing and adding his vocals. I wonder what a Gram Parsons/Skip Battin duet would have sounded like! The tour was to be kicked off by a "Folk/Bluegrass/
SONGS:SALTY DOG BLUES/BOLTS OF BLUE/STONE SOBER/RELAX WITH ME/DON'T GO DOWN THE DRAIN/WILLOW IN THE WIND/ROLL IN MY SWEET BABY'S ARMS/HULLY GULLY/FOGGY MOUNTAIN TOP/WINTERGREEN/
Place your order by paying now the prerelease price of only $15.00 and the shipping is FREE anywhere. After it's release on October 17, 2009, the price will be $19.00 plus shipping. Even then, this new Sierra release will only be available direct from Sierra through the end of 2009 with the commercial release scheduled for February 2010. Think of it as an early Christmas present to yourself.
Just double click the "Add to Cart" button below which takes you directly to Sierra order form where you can purchase this CD with Free Shipping.
It is also listed at the web store at
You can also order by check, money order, credit card by mail to: P.O. Box 5753, Pasadena CA 91117 (postmarked prior to October 17, 2009) or by email with your credit card at: mailorder@sierra-
Paypal is accepted only via the Paypal website (paypal.com) by sending payment using the Sierra Paypal account: mailorder@sierra-
(PLEASE NOTE: WHEN PLACING AN ORDER DIRECTLY FROM THIS EMAIL WITH THE "ADD TO CART" BUTTON, THE "CONTINUE SHOPPING" FUNCTION ON THE ORDER PAGE CURRENTLY DOES NOT WORK. YOU WILL NEED TO GO DIRECTLY TO SIERRA WEB SITE TO PLACE AN ORDER FOR ANY ADDITIONAL ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO MAKE AT THAT TIME.)
It is exciting to approach the end of the first decade of the 2000's with the release of a missing jewel like Skip Battin's "Topanga Skyline". Sierra Records hopes to have many more releases like this as the Company approaches it's 40th Anniversary in 2011.
Best personal regards,
John Delgatto, Founder/Owner/
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Woodstock and The Byrds
As bassist John York remembers:
"We were flying to a gig and Roger [McGuinn] came up to us and said that a guy was putting on a festival in upstate New York. But at that point they weren't paying all of the bands. He asked us if we wanted to do it and we said, 'No'. We had no idea what it was going to be. We were burned out and tired of the festival scene. So all of us said, 'No, we want a rest' and missed the best festival of all".
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Byrds roadie Dinky Dawson writes about his life on the road
Crawdaddy! magazine just posted an article by Byrds roadie/writer Dinky Dawson about their live gear and cutting-edge sound system on tour in 1970.
Check it out here: http://crawdaddy.wolfgangsvault.com/Article/Byrds-for-Gearheads.html
Monday, August 24, 2009
Byrds Induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame to be released soon on DVD
The Byrds Induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame will soon be available on DVD (october 20, 2009).
From the internet:
"If all those special moments from the Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, especially the legendary jam sessions, have been on your "I wish they'd release those" list, you're in luck.
Time-Life has just announced the release of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live DVD boxed set on Oct. 20.
The nine-DVD collection will contain 125 performances, plus speeches, toasts and roasts rock royalty saluting each other. Eight of the DVDs will feature an assortment of performances spanning more than two decades of ceremonies, as well as induction and acceptance speeches, and never-before-seen backstage and rehearsal footage.
The ninth DVD will feature "The Concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," a star-studded concert event which opened the
The set will be available only online at for $119.96 though www.RockHallDVDs.com or www.TimeLife.com.
Here are the set's list of performers, as announced in the press release:
AC/DC, Aerosmith, The Allman Brothers, The Band, Jeff Beck, Bee Gees, Chuck Berry, Blondie, Bon Jovi, Ruth Brown, Jackson Browne, Lindsey Buckingham, Eric Burdon, Jerry Butler, Solomon Burke, The Byrds, Johnny Cash, Chubby Checker, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Cream, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Bo Diddley, The Doors, Melissa Etheridge, Flea, Fleetwood Mac, John Fogerty, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Green Day, Dave Grohl, Buddy Guy, Emmylou Harris, Dhani Harrison, Taylor Hawkins, Isaac Hayes, Don Henley, John Lee Hooker, Bruce Hornsby, The Isley Brothers, Etta James, Mick Jagger, Jefferson Airplane, Billy Joel, Kid Rock, B.B. King, Ben E. King, The Kinks, Jonny Lang, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Jeff Lynne, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Mamas & The Papas, Martha & the Vandellas, Dave Mason, Paul McCartney, Metallica, Stevie Nicks, The O’Jays, Roy Orbison, Jimmy Page, Parliament-Funkadelic, Joe Perry, Tom Petty, Wilson Pickett, The Pretenders, Prince, Queen, Bonnie Raitt, The Rascals, R.E.M., Lou Reed, The Righteous Brothers, Robbie Robertson, The Ronettes, Axl Rose, Santana, Percy Sledge, Soul Asylum, Bruce Springsteen, The Staple Singers, Patti Smith, Booker T. & the MG’s, James Taylor, Traffic, Tina Turner, U2, The Who, Ann & Nancy Wilson, Steve Winwood, Ron Wood, ZZ Top."
R.I.P. Larry Knechtel
Larry Knechtel, a well-known studio musician who was a member of "the wrecking crew" and as such, played bass on The Byrds' first single (Mr Tambourine Man b/w I Knew I'd Want You), died on August 20, aged 69. He also played keyboards on The Byrds' Byrdmaniax LP.
He was also a member of David Gates' band Bread ('Guitar Man', 'Baby I'm-A Want You') during the seventies.
You can see an impressive but uncomplete list of his session work by visiting http://home.cogeco.ca/~mansion3/larryknechtel.html.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Manassas album of outtakes to be released in September
"The bits and pieces we were silly enough to leave off", Stills writes in the liner notes. Manassas, the country rock band he formed in 1971 with Chris Hillman of the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, released two albums: a self-titled two-disc set in 1972 and "Down the Road" in 1973.
"Pieces" includes alternate versions of two "Down the Road" songs, "Do You Remember the Americans" and "Lies", the latter featuring Joe Walsh on guitar. It also features Manassas versions of "Word Game" and "Sugar Babe", which first appeared on "Stephen Stills 2" in 1971, as well as "Like a Fox", which features a then-fledgling Bonnie Raitt on backing vocals.
In the "Pieces" liner notes, Stills writes fondly of Manassas as "the first steel-guitar-
MANASSAS "PIECES"
(*previously unreleased)
"Witching Hour"*
"Sugar Babe"*
"Lies" * (with Joe Walsh)
"My Love Is A Gentle Thing"
"Like a Fox"*
"Word Game"*
"Tan Sola Y Triste"*
"Fit To Be Tied"*
"Love and Satisfy"*
"High & Dry"*
"Panhandle Rag"*
"Uncle Pen"*
"Do You Remember the Americans"*
"Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and Loud, Loud Music)"*
"I Am My Brother"*
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
New Releases from Sierra Records
From John Delgatto:
There is no limit on the quantity you can purchase so that these special limited editions CDs can be move out quickly. To place your order for this CD, just double click the "Add to Cart" button below which takes you directly to Sierra web store. You can also order it at sierra-records.com or sierrarecords.net listed under "SUMMER SPECIALS"
And yes, the buy $30 worth, take 40% offer (discount code: 2015) is still valid for the entire catalog, even for this new offer! Again, throw in the Sierra 10 CD offer, get FREE shipping anywhere for your entire order.
While still awaiting the arrival of the previous mentioned Byrds DVD-EP, John Hartford and Old & In Way CDs, there are still even more upcoming releases about to hit the streets including unreleased performances by the late Skip Battin, The Gosdin Brothers and more, all exclusive to Sierra and not available from any other mail order, internet (amazon,ebay, etc!) companies.
Let's keep Sierra rolling through 2010 with your continued support for the best music on earth!
Regards,
John Delgatto, Founder/Owner
http://www.goestores.com/storename/sierrarecordsbookshomevideo/ViewDept-251900.aspx
New Blog for Byrds (and related artists) items for sale
It's at http://byrdsitemsforsale.blogspot.com/
Thank you for visiting.
For Sale - The World Turns All Around Him - A Tribute To Gene Clark
Friday, July 31, 2009
Flying Burrito Brothers japanese CD reissues
The reissues are as follows:
The Gilded Palace of Sin (with 1 extra track)
Burrito Deluxe (with 2 extra tracks)
The Flying Burrito Brothers (with 8 extra tracks)
The Last of the Red Hot Burritos (with 4 extra tracks)
Sleepless Nights (with 6 extra tracks)
Bonus Tracks are as follow:
THE GILDED PALACE OF SIN
The Train Song [Out Of The Blue]
BURRITO DELUXE
Sing Me Back Home [OOTB, Honky Tonk Heaven]
I Shall Be Released [OOTB]
LAST OF THE RED HOT BURRITOS
Wake Up Little Suzie (Live 1971) [OOTB]
One Hundred Years From Now (Live 1971) [OOTB]
Money Honey (Live 1971) [OOTB]
Roll Over Beethoven (Live 1971) [Close Up The Honky Tonks)
FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS
Tried So Hard (Single version) [OOTB]
Here Tonight [HTH]
Payday [HTH]
In My Own Small Way [HTH]
Feel Good Music [HTH]
Beat The Heat [HTH]
Did You See [HTH]
Pick Me Up On Your Way Down [HTH]
SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
Six Days On The Road HTH]
Just Because [HTH]
Lodi [HTH]
Bony Moronie [HTH]
To Love Somebody [HTH]
Break My Mind [HTH]
(between brackets, albums on which these tracks already appear - not exhaustive)
which means that there is ABSOLUTELY NO NEW, UNRELEASED TRACK ON THESE CDs.
Thanks to Simon Robinson for helping.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Gram Parsons Forums
Members and readers of the GRAM PARSONS FORUMS who wonder where the forums have gone, should click on the following link:
The official site is being reworked into another kind of site and the forums have been moved.
Monday, July 27, 2009
R.I.P. John Dawson
John Dawson, a founder member of The New Riders Of The Purple Sage in 1969, has died on July 21, 2009, aged 64.
Skip Battin played with John Dawson during his stint with the New Riders in 1974-1975.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Roger McGuinn in Belgium - July 19, 2009
Roger McGuinn played the Peer Rhythm And Blues Festival in Belgium yesterday (July 19, 2009).
The artists were (in no particular appearing order): Jeff Beck, Dereck Trucks, John Mayall, South Side Johnny, Roger McCuinn, Steve Winwood, Joe Bonamassa, Rod Piazza, Liz Haley & The Zydekatsflyers, Lightnin' Guy & the Mighty Gators, Boo Boo Davis...
We couldn't make it, but here's what a visitor from the Netherlands has to say:
Roger McGuinn was to me the highlight of the festival. This very sympathetic man brought us back to the 60s, with his typical jangling 12-string guitar sound and his soft high-pitched voice. The Byrds, but also a brilliant solo carreer. Turn Turn Turn, Mr Tambourine Man, You Ain't Going Nowhere, Pretty Boyd Floyd, Chesnut Mare and all those other fantastic songs. Seeing and hearing this man only was worth the trip to Peer.
Watch it here
Thanks to Arthur for the picture and the review
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
John York Discography
Thanks to him.
John York and Barry McGuire will be back in Europe in late september / early october for another leg of their "Trippin' The 60s" series of concerts (Switzerland, Germany and The Netherlands)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Byrds Flyght Will Soon Sell Its Byrds Collection
As far as records and CDs are concerned, we have a near-complete collection of every Byrds album release (official and unofficial) as well as every solo or group album release by the 11 ex-members and every participation by the 11 ex-members in other artists’ albums (except for recordings by and with David Crosby – we only have a few by him). We also have many 7’’ singles and E.P.s. Most of what we have can be viewed on Byrds Flyght’s pages.
So now is the time to get this rare item that you’ve been searching for for decades. Send an e-mail to Byrds Flyght at
with details of what you’re looking for, as well as the maximum price (including shipping) you’re willing to pay to get it. No funny low prices please. Serious offers only.
We will answer every e-mail, but of course we often have one copy only of each item. So don’t be disappointed if the answer is negative. If so, it’s either because the item has already been sold or because your offer doesn’t reach our own estimated value price. In the latter case, we will tell you so and give you a second chance to make a higher offer.
Friday, July 3, 2009
New John York (& Barry McGuire) live CD just released
Barry McGuire and John York have just released a live CD, recorded in December 2008 at one of their "Trippin' The Sixties" concerts.
Trippin' The 60s - The Show Songs Live
Green Green
The Times They Are A-Changin / Blowin' In The Wind
Mr Tambourine Man / Turn Turn Turn
Eve of Destruction
California Dreamin' / Monday, Monday / Creeque Alley
San Francisco
Dolphins
Everybody's Talkin'
Daydream
Hair
Do You Believe In Magic
Green Back Dollar
Joy To The World
Reason To Believe
If I Were A Carpenter
City of New Orleans
Woodstock / Dancin' In The Street
In My Life
Monday, June 29, 2009
Crosby, Stills & Nash - Album of covers
Songs that will appear on CSN's forthcoming album of covers:
Ruby Tuesday (The Rolling Stones)
Uncle John's Band (The Grateful dead)
Girl From The North Country (Bob Dylan)
Reason To Believe (Tim Hardin)
You Can Close Your Eyes (James Taylor)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Someone left us today...a big loss...
...we're talking about Sky Saxon (real name Richard Marsh) of course, of The Seeds fame.
Their 'Pushin' Too Hard' is one of Byrds Flyght's all-time non-Byrds-related favorites...
R.I.P.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmHTyLBIZ1g
Now, don't tell us about this other famous person who died today...this is a music blog.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
That's it....
Don't hesitate to write and ask for details, or for items not mentioned here...
Back to normal...
For Sale - Rusty Wier - Stoned, Slow, Rugged (LP with Chris Hillman)
For Sale - Beautiful Dreamer - The Songs Of Stephen Foster (sealed CD with exclusive Roger McGuinn track)
For Sale - Various Artists - WHEELS - A Tribute To Gram Parsons & Clarence White (sealed CD)
WHEELS - A TRIBUTE TO GRAM PARSONS AND CLARENCE WHITE (Live CD recorded in Nashville, October 1988, by various artists - italian release)
(Flying Burrito Brothers, Larry Murray, John Beland, Bobby Bare, Freddy Weller, Swampwater...)
sealed $20
To order or to ask for shipping details, just send a comment to this post. Comments won't be published.
For Sale - Skip & Flip 7" single (misprinted)
For Sale - Gram Parsons - Another Side Of This Life (sealed CD)
For Sale - Muleskinner Live (LP with Clarence White)
For Sale - The Chad Mitchell Trio Live At The Bitter End sealed CD (with Jim McGuinn)
For Sale - Roger McGuinn - 2004 Belgium signed poster
For Sale - Roger McGuinn - 2004 UK Tour signed leaflet
For Sale - McGuinn & Hillman - You Ain't Going Nowhere (misprint)
For Sale - McGuinn-Hillman - Sets of pictures, Belgium 1980 (repros)
For Sale - McGuinn, Clark & Hillman - Don't You Write Her Off +1 (7" pic sleeve single)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
For Sale - The Byrds - Historia De La Musica Rock #74 (Fifth Dimension - Spain Only)
For Sale - Gib Guilbeau - Classic Guilbeau 1968-1986 CD
Classic Guilbeau 1968-1986 (Official CDR by Gib Guilbeau on his Beautown Label - sent to us by Gib before factory pressed copies were made available - featuring Clarence White and Gene Parsons)
$20
To order or to ask for shipping details, just send a comment to this post. Comments won't be published.