Record Store Day, Big Star Third Vinyl Reissue

 

For Big Star fans and record collectors the world over, April 16 is going to be a big day. BIG. Aside from just being Record Store Day, it also marks the release of the newest Big Star reissue: The ultimate version of the mysterious, occasionally misunderstood, and almost always under-appreciated Third. Along with a Buck Owens 7″ (featuring early and unreleased recordings), this special edition of Third will be the inaugural release from Omnivore Recordings, and it’s a doozie. Take a look at this exploded view:

From Omnivore’s official press release:

 

Big Star Third [Test Pressing Edition] is a special edition vinyl release limited to 2,000 pieces worldwide. The album has been described as a lost record re-discovered years after it was recorded, one that has seen many track listings, titles and album covers. It’s been dubbed a classic, and an enigma. The Omnivore Recordings edition comes complete with replicas of the original tape box, tracking and lead sheets, mastering card and is pressed on 180 gram vinyl. The new pressing was cut from the original assembly reel, on the same lathe at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis and by the very same engineers who cut it the first time, Larry Nix and John Fry. Pressed on high quality vinyl at RTI, this is the definitive version of this album. In the limited run of 2,000, five copies of the original test pressings signed by Big Star’s Jody Stephens, original mastering engineers Larry Nix and Ardent’s John Fry will be available at retail, randomly, worldwide. Take a peek inside Larry Nix’s Mastering room at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis as Larry, John and Jody prepare the actual new master being used for the new “test pressing” edition on YouTube.

About Omnivore Recordings:

Founded in 2010 by long-time, highly respected industry veterans Cheryl Pawelski, Greg Allen, and Brad Rosenberger, Omnivore Recordings’ vision is to preserve the legacies and music created by historical, heritage and catalog artists while also releasing previously unissued, newly found “lost” recordings and making them available for music-loving audiences to discover. Distributed by EMI in North America and Ace Records UK in Europe, Omnivore Recording’s current artist projects include limited edition releases by Big Star and Buck Owens with future projects by Townes Van Zandt and Leon Russell to be announced soon.

Omnivore Recordings official website: http://omnivorerecordings.com/

Become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/omnivorerecordings

Super 400 Update

 

Our favorite three piece powerhouse of rock, Troy, NY’s Super 400, had some kind words to say about their experience here at Ardent. Watch this video to see what they’ve been up to!

Memphis Music Launch This Weekend!

The Memphis Music Foundation in connection with Launch Memphis is proud to present an exciting new city-wide collaborative project - Memphis Music Launch. Presented by Archer Malmo, this innovative experiment will be the first ever of its kind, and will bring together songwriters, singers, rappers, musicians, engineers, producers, marketing representatives, graphic designers and volunteer entertainment attorneys, among others, whose only previous connection might have been sharing an area code.

Imagine it: an intensely focused weekend during which you and a team of creative-minded individuals work together around the clock to take a music concept from hair-brained idea to a full-fledged single — written, performed, and recorded — in just 48 hours. On Friday, April 8, all Memphis Music Launch participants will gather at the Emerge Memphis building before breaking into small groups to begin work on the top ideas selected by a group vote at the pre-event pitch day (Saturday, April 2nd). 48 hours later, the songs must be completely written and a “first draft” recording made.

Over the course of the 90 days following the weekend of April 8-10, groups will work to create polished recordings in four of the top studios in Memphis (Ardent Studios, Archer’s Music + Arts Studio, Young Avenue Sound, and The Grove), leading up to a July showcase with a ton of prizes awarded based on votes from the audience and a panel of judges.  Among the prizes are a pressing and distribution deal with Audiographics Masterworks and Select-O-Hits, a photo shoot by Joey Miller, logo and branding assistance from SACHË, designed merchandise from Bluff City Sports, a paid performance at the Peabody Rooftop Party booked by REG, and a bonus cash prize.

The event will literally be an around-the-clock undertaking, with food and drinks provided throughout the Memphis Music Launch weekend by the Beale Street Merchants Association.  Other event sponsors making this undertaking possible are Independent Bank, Center City Commission, Burch, Porter, and Johnson PLLC, Downtowner, and Memphis Flyer.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to launch that song, band, or big music idea you’ve wanted to release but lacked the time or resources to do so.  Early bird tickets are discounted and will be available through April 2, so reserve yours today and spread the word.

For detailed answers to questions you may have, visit www.memphismeansmusic.com/MML

If you have additional questions, email cameron@memphismeansmusic.com or john@memphismeansmusic.com for more information.