LEGACY READER DIGEST

Legacy Reader Digest: September

September 30, 2016

Welcome to the latest edition of our Reader Digest, where we have curated the pieces we have enjoyed most on the web over the last month.

This September, in honour of The Boss, read Amanda Petrusich on Springsteen’s The River album in the New Yorker,
and join Ruth and Martin’s Album Club at the beginning, with a first listen to Darkness on the Edge of Town;
Journey through Bobby Gillespie’s favourite albums (featuring the Scream frontman’s love of The Clash) for his Baker’s Dozen selection in The Quietus;
One of the 20th Century’s finest writers, Elizabeth Hardwick pens a poetically personal profile of Billie Holiday in the March 4th, 1974 edition of the New York Review of Books;
Lester Bangs vs Lou Reed, Let it Rock, November 1973;
Pitchfork joins the dots of the explosive, astonishing summer of 1976;
and an astonishingly young Janis Ian performs as Leonard Bernstein analyses and waxes lyrical on the strange new pop music of 1966.

READ!

Springsteen’s Most Anxious Album – the New Yorker
““Everything dies, baby, that’s a fact,” Springsteen sings on “Atlantic City,” the album’s spectral, ominous second track. And he means everything: not just our corporeal selves, but our devotions, obsessions, sacred oaths. Somehow, that’s not even the song’s most shattering bit: “I got debts no honest man can pay,” Springsteen concedes in the second verse. It is as pure an admission of spiritual defeat as any other line in American verse.”

Ruth and Martin’s Album Club, Week 1: “Darkness on the Edge of Town”
“For me it is an album that reflects the realities of life, particularly the difference between living life and simply existing. But meaning aside, this is an album of 10 great tracks… So, I love it, all these critics love it. You’re 43, you’ve listened to loads of albums, why have you never listened to this one? WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU???”

Howls From The Soul: Bobby Gillespie’s Favourite Albums – the Quietus
“Punk rock was my portal and pathway to being a creative person. And the first Clash album was everything to set me on my way. Even now, I feel quite emotional talking about this. It’s the most emotional record the Clash made because there’s something really pure about it. I also think there’s a humanism that the Clash have that the Pistols didn’t, as the latter were just pure rage. For those reasons, this record is my life.”

Elizabeth Hardwick: Billie Holiday – The New York Review of Books
““Lady’s a little behind. She’s over-scheduled herself.” Groans and coughs from the bedroom. In the peach-shaded lights, the wan rosiness of a beaten sofa was visible. A shell, still flushed from the birth of some crustacean, was filled with cigarette ends. A stocking on the floor. And the record player, on and on, with the bright clarity of her songs. Smoke and perfume and somewhere a heart pounding.”

Lou Reed vs Lester Bangs
“Both Transformer and the single from it are enormous hits. Lou Reed is not only a legend: he’s a star. In one of the interviews he did last summer, Lou said: “I can create a vibe without saying anything, just by being in the room.”

He was right.”

Punk, Disco, and Silly Love Songs: Revisiting the Explosive Summer of 1976 – Pitchfork
“It’s the summer of 1976, and the American Bicentennial is exploding across the sky. Amid fireworks and the wanton merchandising of patriotism, the United States turns 200. It’s more than a nice, round number. After Watergate, Vietnam, and the 1960s, a decade during which the fabric of the country seemed to unravel, America stands. Just as unbelievably, the 21st century is now in view. We’re becoming aware that the 2000s—the future speculated on in so much science fiction—will soon arrive; Viking 1 lands on Mars, sending back indications of possible life and the iconic photo of a giant face among its mountains. It’s the end of old things, the start of new ones, and a celebration of our own unlikely survival”

WATCH!

“Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution” – 1967 CBS Special, hosted by Leonard Bernstein, featuring Janis Ian
“…This strange and compelling scene called pop music … It’s completely of, by, and for the kids. And by kids I mean anyone from eight years old to twenty-five … It raises lots of questions, but right now, for openers, here are the two that concern me most. One: why do adults resent it so, and two: why do I like it?”

#billie-holiday #bruce #james-mackey #janis-ian #lou-reed #primal-scream #reader-digest

Latest news

ARTIST OF THE MONTH – PRIMAL SCREAM

With this year marking the 30th anniversary of the epoch-defining ‘Loaded’, our artist of the month for August are the evergreen party starters, Primal Scream.

#artist-of-the-month #primal-scream

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E-STREET BAND – ‘YOU NEVER CAN TELL’

Recorded live in Leipzig, Germany in July 2013, this exhilarating video captures the thrill of catching Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band in their natural habitat.

#bruce #video-of-the-week

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

Leonard Cohen’s poetry recital, Eddie Vedder’s sea rescue, Rick Astley’s internet prank – it’s This Week In Rock.

#billy-joel #elvis #leonard-cohen #pearl-jam #primal-scream #rick-astley #simon-and-garfunkel #this-week-in-rock

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

From charts to shows, record releases to record-setters – it’s This Week In Rock…

#bob-and-marcia #bob-dylan #bow-wow-wow #dave-brubeck #david-cassidy #pearl-jam #primal-scream #this-week-in-rock

RECORD STORE DAY 2020

It’s that time of year again as we join the annual celebration of independent record stores up and down the country that is Record Store Day, with a whole host of releases exclusively available from your local music emporium on Saturday, June 20.

#rsd20 #cheap-trick #judas-priest #manic-street-preachers #miles-davis #nick-mason #primal-scream #record-store-day #toto

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

Landmark releases, fascinating trivia and chart topping hits – it’s This Week In Rock.

#acdc #big-audio-dynamite #bruce #carole-king #chicago #chicory-tip #foo-fighters #this-week-in-rock

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – THE LIVE SERIES CONTINUES

Presenting ‘The Live Series: Songs Under Cover’, collecting some of The Boss’ most arresting cover versions.

#bruce

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

The Manics win big, Bruce Springsteen, Hall & Oates and Edison Lighthouse all hit the top spot and Jimi Hendrix has the promoters excited. It’s This Week In Rock!

#bruce #george-michael #hall-oates #jimi-hemdrix #manic-street-preachers

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: PRIMAL SCREAM – ‘KILL ALL HIPPIES’

With Primal Scream’s 2000 album, ‘XTRMNTR’, about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, it’s entirely apposite that we should focus our attention on the record’s lead track and third single, ‘Kill All Hippies’.

#primal-scream #video-of-the-week

This Week In Rock

History-making meetings, career-defining releases, epoch-engendering live shows and more – it’s This Week In Rock…

#adam-and-the-ants #barry-manilow #bruce #foo-fighters #george-michael #johnny-cash #the-clash #this-week-in-rock

New Springsteen Vinyl Exclusives

On February 1st we’ll be reintroducing your turntable to five classic Bruce Springsteen LPs; ‘The Rising’, ‘Devils & Dust’, ‘Live In New York City’, ‘Live In Dublin’ and ’18 Tracks’.

#bruce

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

Landmark albums, live debuts and publishing history – it’s this week in rock…

#acdc #bruce #chicago #david-cassidy #jimi-hendrix #my-bloody-valentine #pearl-jam

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

Who did MTV declare the Best Act Ever in 2008? The answer may shock you…

#bruce #david-cassidy #elvis #kings-of-leon #manic-street-preachers #rick-astley

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

Many happy returns, legendary performances and landmark releases. It’s this week in rock…

#adam-and-the-ants #bay-city-rollers #bruce #goldfrapp #johnny-cash #pearl-jam #the-sweet

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

Intriguing collaborations, seminal singles, classic albums and breakthrough hits – it’s this week in rock. https://www.legacyrecordings.co.uk/news/this-week-in-rock-13

#billy-ocean #bonnie-tyler #bruce #jimi-hendrix #miles-davis #slade #the-kinks

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

Final shows, landmark shows, epic residencies and more. It’s This Week In Rock, rock history as it happened.

#bruce #elvis #jean-michel-jarre #lou-reed #manic-street-preachers #this-week-in-rock

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

Ozzy in the USSR, The Clash’s live London debut, many happy returns to David Crosby, the legendary Woodstock festival and more. It’s the week in rock as it happened…

#billy-joel #david-crosby-the-byrds #janis-joplin #miles-davis #primal-scream #the-clash #this-week-in-rock

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – ‘GLORY DAYS’

Directed by Academy Award-nominee John Sayles, this video – just like the song it’s illustrating – has lost none of its power since its original release.

#bruce #video-of-the-week

‘Blinded By The Light’ Soundtrack Out Now

We’re proud to announce that the blistering, Springsteen-fuelled soundtrack to Gurinder Chadha’s critically acclaimed movie ‘Blinded By The Light’, is out now.

#blinded-by-the-light #bruce

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

Landmark chart spots, classic shows and many happy returns – it’s this week in rock as it happened…

#bay-city-rollers #boz-scaggs #bruce #elvis #janis-joplin #manic-street-preachers #shakin-stevens #this-week-in-rock

THIS WEEK IN ROCK

Live debuts, awards, classic releases and a revolution in the recording industry. We look back at this week in rock history…

#bruce #carole-king #george-michael #jamiroquai #odyssey #prefab-sprout #the-kinks #this-week-in-rock

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: PRIMAL SCREAM – ‘ROCKS’

If any one song from their vast back catalogue perfectly encapsulates Primal Scream’s rock’n’roll side then it’s got to be ‘Rocks’.

#primal-scream #video-of-the-week

‘Born In The USA’ – 35th Anniversary

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s landmark album ‘Born In The U.S.A.’, we’re proud to present this 2013 performance of the album, filmed at the Hard Rock Calling Festival in London.

#bruce

Primal Scream – ‘Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Singles’ – Out Now

Ahead of this year’s vibrant festival season, Primal Scream are releasing ‘Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Singles’, collecting one of the most powerful single discographies in rock. Out now.

Plus check out new November/December tour dates…

#primal-scream

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – ‘CADILLAC RANCH’

The chances are that we ain’t ever going to agree on what the best Bruce Springsteen album is….

#bruce #video-of-the-week

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN’S MUSIC TAKES STARRING ROLE IN NEW FILM

The music of Bruce Springsteen takes a starring role in new film Blinded By The Light.

#blinded-by-the-light #bruce

Artist of the Month: Primal Scream

With one of the most powerful, diverse single catalogues in the history of rock – ‘Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Singles’ due out this month – our Artist of the Month for May is the unutterably incomparable Primal Scream.

#artist-of-the-month #primal-scream

PRIMAL SCREAM’S VELOCITY GIRL TO BE REISSUED ON 7″ VINYL WITH BRAND NEW TRACK

Primal Scream’s landmark 1986 single ‘Velocity Girl’ will be reissued on limited edition 7″ vinyl on May 24, alongside the release of ‘Maximum Rock n Roll: The Singles’.

#7 #broken #maximum-rock-n-roll-the-singles #primal-scream #reissue #velocity-girl

SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY – ALBUM & NETFLIX SHOW

As Bruce Springsteen’s sold-out one man show, ‘Springsteen On Broadway’ comes to a close in New York, we’re excited to announce the release of the accompanying soundtrack set and Netflix show.

#bruce

Xmas Gift Guide

Still short a few gifts? Don’t panic. We’ve got some great Xmas box set suggestions for you…

#billie-holiday #depeche-mode #earth-wind-and-fire #elvis #pnk #simon-garfunkel #the-clash #xmas-box-sets

‘Give Out But Don’t Give Up – The Original Memphis Recordings’. Out Now

Unheard and never before released, the Original Memphis Recordings from Primal Scream’s first ‘Give Out But Don’t Give Up’ sessions, are out now.

#primal-scream

Primal Scream: A Love Story

Since their formation in 1982, Bobby Gillespie and co. have soundtracked innumerable lives, from the gleeful hedonism of ‘Rocks’ to the plaintive ‘Cry Myself Blind’, there’s a ‘Scream tune for every mood and every moment.

#primal-scream

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: PRIMAL SCREAM

As we prepare to release the never-heard-before original Memphis recordings of ‘Give Out But Don’t Give Up’, Primal Scream our are Artist of the Month for October.

#primal-scream

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: LOU REED – ‘NO MONEY DOWN’

Watching this video from 1986, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Lou Reed was less a product of the Golden Age of Rock’n’Roll and more a creation of Skynet.

#lou-reed #video-of-the-week

FIVE JANIS IAN CLASSICS – OUT NOW

We’re proud to present five carefully curated and lovingly remastered vinyl & CD reissues from Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Janis Ian, out now

#janis-ian

‘BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: THE ALBUM COLLECTION Vol. 2, 1987-1996’ – OUT NOW

Presenting a new limited edition box set of some of The Boss’ finest work, long out of print, on remastered vinyl for the first time and available now.

#bruce

Artist of the Month: Bruce Springsteen

As we revisit one of The Boss’ most urgent, powerful eras, our artist of the month for May is the one and only Bruce Springsteen.

#artist-of-the-month #bruce

Win Classic Lou Reed Vinyl

Want to win six classic Lou Reed LPs?

#competition #lou-reed

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Bruce Springsteen – ‘Dancing In The Dark’

This week we turn to our attention to a watershed moment from The Boss (and not just because of Courtney Cox’s Dad dancing…)

#bruce #video-of-the-week

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’

Well, what else could it be this week?

#bruce #video-of-the-week

JANIS IAN: THE ESSENTIAL 2.0 – OUT NOW

‘Janis Ian: The Essential 2.0’ – the first ever career-spanning two disc set celebrating the acclaimed singer-songwriter – is out now.

#janis-ian

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Lou Reed – ‘I Love You, Suzanne’

The 1980s proved to be a cruel and unforgiving time for many artists of a 1960s vintage but Lou Reed had always been cut from a different cloth….

#lou-reed #video-of-the-week

70s smash hits

The biggest 1970s hits inluding Elvis, ELO, Bruce and more

#70s #acdc #bill-withers #billy-joel #blue-oyster-cult #boston #bruce #carole-king #david-bowie #dolly-parton #earth-wind-fire #elo #elvis #hall-oates #kansas #lou-reed #michael-jackon #paul-simon #toto

80 smash hits

The playlist time machine! Travel back to the 80s with retro hits from Michael Jackson, Wham, Madonna and more!

#80s #a-flock-of-seagulls #a-ha #aretha-franklin #billy-ocean #bruce #cyndi-lauper #dead-or-alive #eurythmics #george-michael #hall-oates #journey #michael-jackon #the-bangles #whitney-houston

Win Signed Screamadelica Swagnificnce

Fancy winning some exclusive ‘Screamadelica’ swag signed by Bobby Gillespie himself?

#primal-scream

2016 BOX SET ROUND-UP

Over the last 12 months, we at Sony Legacy have been proud to assemble some truly comprehensive compendiums of the most innovative and influential artists of all time. Here’s a look back at some of the greatest.

Read The Rundown...

#adam-and-the-ants #david-bowie #jean-michel-jarre #kris-kristofferson #lou-reed #manic-street-preachers #the-kinks

New York Rawk, From Lou Reed to The Strokes

Julian Marszalek reflects on Gotham’s impressive musical legacy…

#david-bowie #lou-reed #the-strokes

‘Lou Reed: The RCA and Arista Album Collection’ – Out Now

Just a reminder that this incredible box set is now available on both CD and Vinyl…

#lou-reed

Explore ‘Lou Reed: The RCA and Arista Album Collection’

Get to grips with one of the most comprehensive collections of Lou Reed’s solo work, available now.

#lou-reed

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: LOU REED

Our Artist of the Month is the late, great Lou Reed. Explore his legacy here.

#lou-reed

VIDEO OF THE WEEK – ‘A NIGHT WITH THE JERSEY DEVIL’ – BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

#bruce

Bruce Springsteen – ‘Born To Run’

Some fantastic reviews for Bruce Springsteen’s genre-defining autobiography, ‘Born To Run’.

#bruce

Win Lou Reed – ‘The RCA & Arista Album Collection’

We’re very proud to offer you the chance to win the most comprehensive anthology to date of the work of the quintessential New York rocker; Lou Reed.

#lou-reed #win

Lou Reed – RCA & Arista Album Collection – Out Now

The definitive Lou Reed collection, out now…

#lou-reed

A round up of the best from to read and watch on the web from September

#billie-holiday #bruce #james-mackey #janis-ian #lou-reed #primal-scream #reader-digest

Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run

Learn about Bruce Springsteen’s new book ‘Born To Run’!

#bruce

Win a copy of Bruce Springsteen’s new book!

Enter our prize draw for your chance to win a copy of the new book ‘Born To Run’…

#bruce

NYC Legacy Locations

Iconic artists photographed and mapped around New York City!

#bob-dylan #david-bowie #elvis #harry-nilsson #james-mackey #janis-joplin #michael-jackson #miles-davis #patti-smith #the-clash

LEGACY READER DIGEST: AUGUST

What to read and watch on the web this month!

Every month, we’ll gather up essential online pieces for you to enjoy!

#1970s #adam-ant #david-bowie #iggy-pop #james-mackey #kate-bush #lou-reed #manic-street-preachers #nicky-wire #patti-smith #paul-mccartney #reader-digest

Bruce Springsteen – ‘Chapter and Verse’

Bruce is back with a new book and a new album!

#bruce

LEGACY READER DIGEST: JULY EDITION

What to read and watch on the web this month!

Every month, we’ll gather up essential online pieces for you to enjoy!

#1960s #bbc #carole-king #james-mackey #janis-joplin #reader-digest #the-isley-brothers

Legacy Reader Digest: June edition

What to read and watch on the web this month!

Every month, we’ll gather up essential online pieces for you to enjoy!

#bob-dylan #carole-king #james-mackey #jimi-hendrix #reader-digest #the-stone-roses

Legacy Proudly Presents Janis Ian

We are thrilled to welcome Janis Ian back to the Sony Music family!

#janis-ian

50 Legendary British Albums

Legendary albums are available for a special price on iTunes…

#depeche-mode #electric-light-orchestra #primal-scream #sade #special-price #the-clash #the-stone-roses

Bruce Springsteen – Top tracks

Show tracks

Meet me in the city
Bruce Springsteen
The man who got away
Bruce Springsteen
Little white lies
Bruce Springsteen
The time that never was
Bruce Springsteen
NIght fire
Bruce Springsteen
and lots more!
...

#bruce #guitar

10 Facts About Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions

It’s the 10th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Seeger Sessions’! Here are 10 facts about the album…

#bruce

Iconic photographs mapped around London

Take a different look at classic album covers and iconic pix from the likes of Hendrix, Dylan, The Clash etc.

#bob-dylan #bruce #james-mackey #jimi-hendrix #manic-street-preachers #maps #the-clash #the-kinks

Lou Reed – Top tracks playlist

Show tracks

Walk on the wide side
Lou Reed
Sweet Jane
The Velvet Underground
Perfect day
Lou Reed
Street Hassle
Lou Reed
Dirty blvd
Lou Reed
and lots more!
...

#70s #chill #lou-reed #songwriter

Primal Scream – Top tracks

Show tracks

Movin' on up
Primal Scream
Country girl
Primal Scream
Rocks
Primal Scream
Loaded
Primal Scream
Come together
Primal Scream
and lots more!!
...

#indie #primal-scream

THIS WEEK IN CHART HISTORY – March 1972

In our new feature we look back at what was happening in the Official UK Albums Chart, just about 44 years ago

#carole-king #harry-nilsson #james-mackey #jimi-hendrix #paul-simon #simon-garfunkel #this-week-in

THIS WEEK IN CHART HISTORY – 26th February, 1984

In our new feature we look back at what was happening in the Official UK Albums Chart, exactly 32 years ago…

#james-mackey #this-week-in

Phil Spector, 1960s Pop and A Christmas Gift for You

“There’s nothing as fervent, pure or huge as the teenage imagination. It deserved a soundtrack to match.”

#james-mackey #phil-spector #ronnie-spector

Primal Scream: Screamadelica Reissue

“‘Screamadelica’ is one of this era’s most beautiful, far-reaching pieces of musical adventure…pretty much a perfect album”

#primal-scream

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Ties That Bind: The River Collection’

A comprehensive collection from ‘The River’ era.

#bruce

Happy Birthday Bruce!

It’s Bruce Springsteen’s birthday, and we’re taking a look back through his musical timeline…

#bruce

IN 1977 I HOPE I GO TO HEAVEN

THE CLASH, PUNK ROCK, AND BRITAIN IN THE 1970S

#james-mackey #the-clash

40 Years of Born To Run

Today we celebrate the spectacular album that is ‘Born To Run’ by Bruce Springsteen…

#bruce

Born in the USA

Bruce Springsteen

#bruce

Video of the week: Bruce Springsteen

Happy belated 4th of July y’all

#bruce #video-of-the-week

Bruce Springsteen On Vinyl

You can now get Bruce Springsteen’s first 7 albums on vinyl with re-mastered audio.

#bruce

Win a bunch of our favourite box sets!

We’re celebrating the launch of our website with a very nice competition for you guys…

#bruce #the-clash #the-kinks #the-manic-street-preachers #win

Record Store Day 2015

Take a look at what we released this Record Store Day.

#adam-ant #bruce #jimi-hendrix #john-cooper-clarke #johnny-cash #manic-street-preachers #record-store-day #rsd15 #sly-and-the-family-stone

Loaded

Primal Scream

#primal-scream

Lou Reed

The Original Wrapper

#lou-reed

Jazz

Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker and more

#aretha-franklin #billie-holiday #chet-baker #chill #duke-ellington #erroll-garner #jazz #kat-edmonson #miles-davis #sarah-vaughan #sonny-rollins #thelonious-monk #tony-benett #weather-report

Driving Rock Anthems

Get into gear with all your favourite rock classics from Journey, ELO, Boston, ZZ Top, Starship and Survivor, The Clash etc.

Dancing In The Dark

Bruce Springsteen

#bruce