In this issue

555 March In this issue: The Beatles in 1964: the gigs, the rarities, the move towards world domination; Martin Rev on synthpop and Suicide; Dwight Twilley: Rest In Power Pop; X-Ray Spex’s sax punk; the weird and wonderful world of Anthony Newley; Shed Seven: lad all over; Waterboys, Martin Carthy and the Mary Chain reviewed; and much more…

This month: The Vinyl Hunters

Jake and his grandad Dave Kapusta are affectionately known online as The Vinyl Hunters. Dave was a black cabbie who has been collecting records since the 60s, ranging from prog through to heavy metal.

6 mins

"Debbie Harry Asked Me to Join Blondie!"

Calling themselves 'Punk Music' in 1970, Suicide channelled the danger, artistic revolutions and Vietnam rage of beleaguered New York City into coruscating electronic onslaughts that were later hailed future blueprints. For keyboard magus Martin Rev it was part of the creative journey that started in the 50s with doowop then jazz and continued in the wake of Alan Vega's 2016 passing with the idiosyncratic solo albums he began unleashing 44 years ago. "I'm still searching, and I'm still being surprised," he tells long-term UK press champion Kris Needs.

10+ mins

THE Dwight STUFF

Tulsa, Oklahoma native Dwight Twilley, who died in October 2023, was one of the prime movers of power pop, up there with Badfinger, The Raspberries, Stories, Todd Rundgren, Shoes and Big Star. Combining Sun Studio sonics with Beatles melodics, Jim Morrison-ish good looks and a kinship with Tom Petty, he had everything going for him. He only had two big hits 1975's I'm On Fire and 1984's Girls - and yet this prolific and gifted singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, operating under his own name and the Dwight Twilley Band, released many superb albums. Here, his widow, Jan Rose Twilley, speaks with Bill Kopp about his life and music.

10 mins

THE JOY OF APEX

Even at the height of punk, when being different was paramount, X-Ray Spex stood out. Like The Mothers Of Invention a decade earlier, they railed against homogeneity and artificiality via a uniquely insurrectionary sax attack. Lois Wilson speaks to Lora Logic, Paul Dean and the late Poly Styrene's daughter Celeste about their incendiary individualism. Identity parade: Ian Dickson

10+ mins

THE ONE AND Jony

FILM ACTOR, THEATRE STAR, SINGER, SONGWRITER, AND LOVER OF BARBRA STREISAND AMONG MANY OTHER NOTABLE PARAMOURS, ANTHONY NEWLEY WAS A CHARMING MAN AND A PROUDLY UNCONVENTIONAL ARTIST. BUT WHY IS THIS EXTRAORDINARY TALENT SO FORGOTTEN? SPENCER LEIGH DELVES INTO HIS WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WORLD

10+ mins

IT'S A LAD, LAD, LAD, LAD WORLD

Dismissed as purveyors of blokeish mediocrity, Shed Seven were one of the most critically derided bands of the Britpop era. Yet the York fourpiece have outlasted their peers: rousing new album A Matter Of Time marked their 30th anniversary with a No 1 chart placing, the first of their career. Singer Rick Witter tells John Earls why he's able to laugh off \"meat and potatoes\" insults.

7 mins

IT WON'T BE LONG THE BEATLES IN 1964: THE FIRST 60 DAYS

As 1964 dawned, The Beatles were still virtually unknown in the United States, although I Want To Hold Your Hand was picking up massive radio airplay less than a week after its American release.

10+ mins

UNDER THE RADAR

Artists, bands, and labels meriting more attention

4 mins

THE ENGINE ROOM

The unsung heroes who helped forge modern music

4 mins

10 OF THE BEST This month: Ed Banger Records

DJ Mehdi Lucky Boy (Ed Banger 6143676, LP, France, 2006) £20

4 mins

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Record Collector Magazine Description:

Record Collector Magazine is a monthly magazine dedicated to all aspects of record collecting, from the latest releases to rare and vintage vinyl. It is published by Metropolis Group The magazine covers a wide range of topics, including:

* New releases: Record Collector Magazine reviews new albums from all genres, including rock, pop, jazz, blues, and classical music.
* Reissues: The magazine also reviews reissues of classic albums, as well as box sets and compilations.
* Rare and vintage vinyl: Record Collector Magazine features articles on rare and vintage vinyl, including profiles of record labels, artists, and producers.
* Collecting tips: The magazine provides tips on how to start collecting records, how to care for your collection, and how to find the best deals.
* Record collector interviews: Record Collector Magazine interviews record collectors from all walks of life, from celebrities to everyday people.

Record Collector Magazine is known for its high-quality journalism, its informative and engaging articles, and its commitment to providing its readers with the latest news and information about the record collecting world.