Cliffs Vinyl Blog
Ripple Records & Music
What was the address of your old record shop and what years did it operate ? I've been researching Adelaide music for many years and keeping track of
The Song That Actually DID Change Music Forever
How often have you read about a song or album that “Changed Music Forever”? Or, after this album, “music was never the same again”? Well, on October 5th, 1962 (yes, that’s 63 years ago) a record was released, and id DID change music forever. For on that day a band that George Martin had taken a chance on, released a single called “Love Me Do”. It got to Number 17 on the English charts, not bad for a Liverpool band with no exposure. Radio Luxembourg first played the record, a simple harmonica driven song featuring beautiful harmonies between Paul and John.And indeed, music was never the same. As “love Me Do” featured in the charts, unknown to the world they had already put down the song that would put them on the map forever.“Please Please Me" was released in January 1963. That was the track that rocketed the Beatles to immortality. But till then, the Beatles spent the last of 1962 as mere mortal musicians!
Continue reading "The Song That Actually DID Change Music Forever"
Seems Like Yesterday when "Yesterday" was released''''
…In fact it was !..., in October, 1965, written by Paul McCartney, “Yesterday” was released as a single. “Yesterday”” first came out on the album “ Help!” in August 1965, except in the United States, where it was issued as a single in September. The song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It subsequently appeared on the UK EP Yesterday in March 1966 and made its US album debut in the US on Yesterday and Today, in June 1966.
McCartney's vocal and acoustic guitar, together with a string quartet, was essentially the band's first solo performance. It remains popular today and, with 2,200 cover versions, is one of the most covered songs in the history of recorded music."Yesterday" was voted the best song of the 20th century in a 1999 BBC Radio 2 poll of music experts and listeners and was also voted the No. 1 pop song of all time by MTV and Rolling Stone magazine the following year. In 1997, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) asserts that it was performed over seven million times in the 20th century.
Continue reading "Seems Like Yesterday when "Yesterday" was released''''"
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!
Continue reading "A Great Day in Music History! 63 Years Ago!"
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.
Enjoy this site? Share with friends!
