Henry McCullough tribute/best of album includes Paul McCartney and Nick Mason

New book: “The Development of Large Rock Sound Systems” – Chris Hewitt

Recently published is The Development of Large Rock Sound Systems, Chris Hewitt’s homage to the development of amplified sound systems spearheaded by Charlie Watkins whose company, WEM (Watkins Electric Music) was synonymous with the supply of PA systems to a raft of artists and festivals through the 1960s and 70s. You need to have a basic understanding of the principals behind amplified sound systems to get a grasp on this book because it not only traces the history of sound systems but the individual components that made up those systems. It can get quite technically overwhelming but it is strangely compelling, not least because its author is a hugely enthusiastic authority, but is also a world renowned collector of vintage PA equipment. So much so that Chris has supplied his equipment for films including the recreation of the Live Aid stage for Bohemian Rhapsody and scenes in Elton John’s biopic Rocketman and more recently a recreation of David Bowie’s infamous July 1973 concert at Hammersmith Odeon for the soon to be released Sex Pistols film by Danny Boyle. (I’ll leave you to work out the connection.) Watkins began the design and manufacture of amplifiers, mixing desks and speakers in the early 1960s when pop music was on an upward trajectory and venues were becoming ever bigger which in turn demanded better equipment. It was also surprising to learn how late in the day stage monitors became the norm. Watkins, however, made a critical business error at the very outset – he thought that supplying the artists with his equipment for free – emblazoned with the recognisable red WEM logo – would encourage retail sales to would-be musicians. It is hardly surprising then that many acts took advantage of that offer – and not least Pink Floyd, but it ultimately became his downfall as other companies began making their own mark, including Marshall, Allen & Heath and Martin to name a few which ultimately spelt WEMs demise. Unsurprisingly, WEM also spearheaded the supply of PA systems to the burgeoning festival scene and supplied systems to the early NJF at Sunbury, Windsor and Plumpton; all the Hyde Park free festivals; Isle of Wight and Bath. For anyone interested in that scene alone this book is a must with plenty of rare photos – some of which that defy today’s health and safety regulations!

Beneath the Surface: lilac frog

Welcome friends! In todays Beneath the Surface feature we are off to the bottom of the garden, to dive deep into the pond life and relax on the lil pads with our new friend and obsession, lilac frog! He chats all things music below and you’ll want to get your flippers and webbed toes at …

The post Beneath the Surface: lilac frog appeared first on Turtle Tempo.

180g mono vinyl of Pink Floyd’s A Saucerful Of Secrets coming

For the 2019 Record Store Day, one of the more popular and sought after releases was a new mono edition of Pink Floyd’s second album, A Saucerful Of Secrets, released in 1968. This followed one year on from the equally popular mono edition of The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, the band’s superb 1967 debut album, released as part of the 2018 RSD. The mono mix on the album was remastered in 2017 from the original mono analogue tapes by James Guthrie, Joel Plante and Bernie Grundman. For those who missed out on this one-day-only release (which came with a Pink Floyd Records catalogue number of PFRLP29), there’s some great news. This excellent sounding mix is coming on heavyweight 180 gram vinyl, on April 29th 2022. It comes with the classic cover (with a removable sticker, featuring a great shot of the band), as per the picture shown here. The record labels mimic the original Columbia records labels. It has a catalogue number of PFRLP30, for those who are keeping track of all those – and we know a few people who are doing just that! ORDERING LINKS: Not all these are fully live yet but please keep trying if your chosen store doesn’t have it available yet. All purchases made after using one of our links make a small but vital contribution toward the site running costs, and we really appreciate it! A Saucerful Of Secretsmono 180g vinyl: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B09TMTCL2X/braindamage-20) Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07Z75QV5Y/braindamage-21) Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B09TMTCL2X/braindamageon-20) Germany (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07Z75QV5Y/braindamage0f-21) France (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07Z75QV5Y/braindamageon-21) Italy (http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B07Z75QV5Y/bradamonl-21) Spain (http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B07Z75QV5Y/braidama01-21)