Mike

Shotgun Records most current 45 release is unleashed today This release marks the first time out on 45 for this powerful version of "Power of Love" and is delivered by Don Varner ( penned by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham) This 45 is now available via all the usual suspects online and beyond. Paul m the man behind Selecta and Shotgun does mention in the pre-release forum thread both future plans and the thinking behind this fine release and the choice of sides. "...will soon issue a series of Quinvy / South Camp albums on Selrec / Shotgun but first I want to release a few 45s to focus on some individual tracks that deserve special attention - such as Power Of Love ' " ...It was overlooked by many when it appeared on one of the Charly LPs back in 1989 but now I hope it will reach more people. For the Shotgun single I've remastered 'Power Of Love' from a 2-track stereo mixdown tape and I'm very pleased with the quality. It's rich, warm and punchy and should sound great in the clubs....." "It would have been easy to issue 'Tear Stained Face' on Shotgun but it's always more of a challenge to create interest in something new or different. I chose 'Masquerade' for the flip side of this one but it was a difficult choice because Don cut so many great tracks at Quinvy - and I welcome any suggestions for future 45s and flip sides.that has plans to feature more..." The full forum thread can be read here DON VARNER - Power Of Love / Masquerade - Shot 108 - Out Today Selecta/Shotgun Records website http://www.selectarecords.com

Being reported is the sad news that we have just lost a great unique soul artist Gil Scott-Heron passed away on the afternoon of May 27th 2011 in a New York hospital aged 62 The below quotes are from the website komplicated.com A friend who answered the telephone listed for his Manhattan recording company confirms he died Friday afternoon at a hospital. Doris C. Nolan says he died after becoming sick upon returning from a European trip promoting the rerelease of "I'm New Here" with additional production by British remix guru Jamie XX. As is so often the case these days, the news broke via Twitter, with Scott-Heron's UK publisher Jamie Byng posting tweets saying ... Just heard the very sad news that my dear friend and one of the most inspiring people I've ever met, the great Gil Scott-Heron, died today. sad news RIP Gil Scott-Heron - The Needles Eye - Flying Dutchman [rs]57545[/rs]

Today May 21st 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On album. While there could be a case made that the over-promotion of such minor anniversary's in the mainstream media actually lessens the significance of the more notable ones, I suspect that such a viewpoint is more of a generation based one. The reaction of one younger member of my household (who has only recently 'discovered' this album) to the news of the 40 year mark and the below release certainly differed from my own. Anyway to mark this event two notable events to pass on One - The forthcoming release of a "super deluxe box set" by motown/universal to mark the occasion. This 40th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition contains 2 CDs + Vinyl LP + Gatefold Booklet with Rare Photos, Lyrics and New Essays. Highlights include: * A remastered version of the album plus 28 bonus tracks - 16 unreleased. * Original mono versions of the LP's hit singles. * A previously unreleased original `Quality Control test mix' of "What's Going On," mixed before Marvin had added strings, horns and additional vocals. * Several pre-album outtakes, recorded while Marvin was "on strike," waiting for his single to be released, including "Head Title," now in unedited form for the first time. * Several post-album instrumental jams with local musicians who included Ray Parker Jr. - a series of recordings made in Detroit before Marvin followed Motown to Los Angeles. * The original single version of a sequel to the album, "You're The Man," as well as two alternate versions. * The album's rare, original "Detroit Mix," previously issued on CD for the 30th anniversary, now on vinyl for the first time. The original announced release date was said to be during this month May 2011, however amazon are now running a june 7th date. amazon us link @ $45 (the uk has a very high price tag ?) Two - BBC world service show are broadcasting a radio show presented by Smokey Robinson (which am fairly sure was broadcast earlier as part of a series) What's Going On - Music That Defined A Decade To mark the 40th anniversary of one of the most influential albums ever released, Marvin Gaye's What's Going On - which was released in May 1971 - Smokey Robinson explores the social and political impact of this classic album and explains why Marvin's masterpiece still has resonance today. Link to info and show times, also states will be available as a free podcast/download (you can subscribe now so will automatically get it delivered) http://www.bbc.co.uk...rammes/p00gnxvs