Cliffs Vinyl Blog
A Great Day in Music History! 63 Years Ago!
63 years ago,, June 6, 1962, The Beatles— John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and drummer Pete Best — entered the EMI Studios at Abbey Road, St John’s Wood, London, for the very first time. The occasion was an audition set up after Brian Epstein, had trelenlesly pitched his northern boys to nearly every label in town. And finally, George Martin, head of Parlophone, took a chance on them a chance on them.
During the session, The Beatles performed a short set to showcase their versatility and songwriting promise. The selection included a cover of “Besame Mucho” — a Latin-flavoured standard — along with three original compositions: “Love Me Do,” “P.S. I Love You,” and “Ask Me Why.”Ron Richards was initially in charge of the session – George Martin was only brought in when balance engineer Norman Smith was struck by the quality of ‘Love Me Do’. Smith instructed tape operator Chris Neal to fetch Martin, who took over the rest of the session. Afterwards he invited them to the control room to talk and listen to the playback. It was unusual for a producer to be present for an artist test. However, on this day Martin stayed for for the entire session.
The Beatles didn’t make a very good impression, apart from visually. I mean, we heard nothing of John and Paul’s songwriting ability. They had tiny little Vox amplifiers and speakers, which didn’t create much of a sound at source.When the Beatles had left, and George turned to Ron Richards and said, ‘Well, what do you think?’ And Ron said, ‘I’ve seen a lot of groups come in for artists test, but this one – there is something special about them. I can’t tell you what, but there is something there.’ As I said, the test hadn’t gone too well, and I wasn’t impressed by their sound. But they had an appealing quality, a kind of charisma. And I told George, ‘In my view, I think they should be signed.’ And I’ll never forget, his last words to me before he left were, ‘Okay. I’ll think about it.’ I guess he made the right decision!
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Vinyl Sales Strong In 2025. Why?
In the fast-paced world of music consumption, the enduring charm of vinyl records is a heartening story for music lovers everywhere. Although digital downloads and streaming dominate, vinyl records still increasing sales in 2025 is a testament to their unique appeal. This resurgence began in the early 2000s, igniting the passion of new collectors and rekindling a love for tangible music formats. With roots tracing back to 1948 when Columbia Records first introduced the LP, the history of vinyl records is rich and storied. For the person thinking of starting a record collection, it's not just about the music but about connecting with a medium steeped in heritage and nostalgia.
One explanation for vinyl records remaining on the rise is their superior sound quality, which draws audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Unlike CDs or digital formats, which can sometimes compress the audio, vinyl offers an analog warmth that many say brings them closer to the original recording. Listeners often describe the sound as rich, full-range, and dynamic, offering a truly immersive experience. The vinyl format allows you to enjoy nuances in your favorite tracks, introducing a newfound depth to songs you might have heard a hundred times before. The joy of vinyl records is in these subtle intricacies, making the auditory journey all the more engaging.
Another captivating element of vinyl records is the artwork. The large, classic album covers provide a visual feast that has become an essential part of the vinyl record collecting experience. Imagine holding a beautifully designed 12-inch cover in your hands, feeling the texture and appreciating the creativity — it's a sensation that digital formats simply can't replicate. These covers often become iconic symbols of the music within, offering a tangible connection that adds depth to the musical journey. For those considering vinyl, this is a chance to transform your listening experience into a multi-sensory delight, where album art becomes as much a part of your music discovery as the songs themselves.
As we continue to witness vinyl records still increasing sales in 2025, their popularity shows no signs of waning. The decision to choose vinyl over other formats like CDs or downloads involves embracing a richer, fuller sound and engaging with music's visual and tactile aspects. Popular vinyl records, whether legacy classics or contemporary releases, offer a physical connection and storytelling element that invites collectors to share in a global celebration of music history. For anyone interested in tapping into the culture and community of vinyl record collecting, starting a collection promises a journey filled with joy — discovering music, appreciating artistry, and sharing the experience with friends.
50 Years Ago This Month, A New Look Fleetwood Mac Hit the Road!
50 years ago this month, Mayy15 1975, Fleetwood Mac undertook a tour, starting at the Civic Centre in El Passo. What made this tour different from countless other tours, is that is was the first gig with the bands two new member, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. The two hadjoined the bandin December 1974, the Macs being impressed with Lindseys firey guitar playing. Lindsei insisted on Stevie joining the band with him, so Fleetwood Mac had lead singer for the first tome.The set consisted of songs from the forthcoming "Fleetwood Mac" album, plus some Buckingham Nicks music fom their solo album. And as they say, the rest is history!
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So, What Was the First Recorded Rock and Roll Record?
SO…what WAS the first Rock record?
Bill Hayley’s “Rock Around the Clock”?
“Mystery Train” by Elvis?
Or maybe Chuck berry’s “Maybeline”?
Or Muddy Waters “Manish Boy”?
Well, it was none of those.
On March 3, 1951, music history was made when the first song said to be “rock and roll” was recorded. It was “Rocket 88.” Yes, this great rocky song was recorded by Chess Records at Sam Phillip’s studio in Memphis, (there’s that man again!) and is credited to Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats who were Ike Turner and his band, the Kings of Rhythm. Thi song was written by Brenston and Turner, though Turner was not originally credited. The song was based on the 1947 hit “Cadillac Boogie” and influenced by the instrumental hits “Rocket 88 Boogie” parts 1 and 2. “Rocket 88” was also about the popular Oldsmobile car the Rocket 88. Played in a style of jump blues with real swing, it was also given a raw, biting edge and featured a new technique called “fuzz guitar,” making it something new. Despite being different in sound, it was a hit and reached #1 on the R&B charts.Popular among the African-American community, “Rocket 88” also caught the attention of the white public, and Bill Haley and the Saddlemen (later Bill Haley and his Comets of “Rock Around the Clock” fame) did a cover version of the hit within a few months of its release.
Of course, those other songs have a claim to being the first Rock and Roll release, and many serious historians do not narrow it down to a single song but to important, influential records that defined the genre. Of those, “Rocket 88” is certainly one of the most significant. Sam Phillips, however, who had founded Sun Records, named it the first Rock and Roll release.Brenston would go on to become an alcoholic and died only aged 49 without having achieved any further musical accomplishment, while Turner went on to even more success, especially with his wife, Tina Turner, with whom he is an inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Turner was also nominated for 5 Grammy awards and won 2 of them! He died in 2007 after years of drug addiction and trouble with the law. Rock and Roll, however, lives on and is healthier than ever.
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Tips To Keep Your Vinyl In A1 Condition
1. The first step in vinyl record care is understanding how to handle them. Always keep your hands clean and avoid touching the grooves where the music resides. Use the edge and label for handling.2. Ensure you have quality inner sleeves for your albums. Replace any paper sleeves, which can scratch the vinyl, with anti-static, high-density polyethylene sleeves. This switch helps protect the records from dust and static electricity. And get a quality polythene plastic sleeve for the album cover. This will keep the cover in good condition over time. Some of my albums still have the original cheap covers and are not looking good.3. Cleaning your vinyl records regularly is essential for your vinyl collection. Dust and grime gather in the grooves, causing crackles and pops during playback. Using a carbon fiber brush before each play can remove the surface dust effectively.4. And you can practice wet cleaning. This involves spraying a cleaning fluid specifically designed for records, followed by a light rinse with distilled water. This method can restore the vibrancy of older records. I am guilty of not doing this often enough.5. Ensure your turntable is level and regularly check the alignment of your cartridge and the condition of your stylus. A worn-out stylus can damage the grooves irreversibly.6. Storing vinyl records correctly is vital in preserving their condition. It's best to keep them upright, similar to books on a shelf, as stacking them flat can warp the records over time. Use sturdy, dedicated storage, keep them out of the sunlight.7. Invest in a quality record player mat to minimize vibrations and static build-up during playback. A felt or cork mat can improve sound quality and add an extra layer of protection for your records.8. 9. Be mindful of how you insert and remove records from their sleeves. Avoid sliding them against the sleeve edges; instead, slowly ease them out, holding them by the edges. This prevents unnecessary scratches and preserves the record's surface quality.
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