THIS WEEK IN ROCK

June 23, 2019

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

#OnThisDay June 17, 1965
The Kinks make their live US debut at the Academy Of Music in New York. Following the tour, the band is refused work permits by the American Federation of Musicians. Though no reason is given for the ban, it’s widely believed that The Kinks’ rowdy onstage behaviour is to blame.

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#OnThisDay June 18, 1948
Columbia Records introduces the 33 1/3 rpm LP, a format that revolutionises recorded music. This new format enables each side of vinyl to contain 23 minutes of music – something could never be achieved on a 78rpm disc. What’s your favourite format and why?

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#OnThisDay June 19, 1971
Carole King begins a five-week residency at the top of the US charts with ‘It’s Too Late’/’I Feel The Earth Move’. Did you know that ‘It’s Too Late’ scooped the Grammy for Record Of The Year?

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#OnThisDay June 20, 2005
Jamiroquai release their sixth studio album, ‘Dynamite’. The album’s first single, ‘Feels Just Like It Should’, reached No. 8 in the UK singles chart whilst topping the Billboard Dance Charts in the US. Good work, fellas!

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#OnThisDay June 21, 1981
Odyssey crack the UK Top 5 in the singles charts with the amazing ‘Going Back To mY Roots’. Did you know that it was written by legendary songwriter Lamont Dozier?

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#OnThisDay June 22, 1985
Prefab Sprout release their second studio album, ‘Steve McQueen’. Containing the hit ‘When Love Breaks Down’, the album makes it to No. 4 in NME’s End Of The Year Poll for Best Album.

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#OnThisDay June 23, 1989
George Michael receives the Silver Clef Award for outstanding achievements to British music. Other recipients of the award include Jamiroquai, Eurythmics and The Clash. The current holder is Roger Waters.

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

The Story of George Michael’s Careless Whisper

It’s been forty-years since George Michael unleashed Careless Whisper into the world with its iconic sax solo and instant confessional chorus, but it took several years of uncompromising dedication to create the chart-topping hit we know and love.

Celebrating 40 years of Careless Whisper!

To commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the release of George Michael’s much-loved iconic masterpiece ‘Careless Whisper’, George Michael Entertainment, GME, and Sony Music will be releasing the ‘Careless Whisper EP’ this fall.

Listen To Bruce Springsteen: Songs from Around the World Vol. 2

Listen to unforgettable performances of “Tunnel of Love,” “Darkness on the Edge of Town” and “Human Touch,” all available to stream for the first time ever.

Bruce Springsteen announces 40th Anniversary Vinyl release of Born In The USA

Get the 40th anniversary edition of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born In The U.S.A.’ pressed on translucent red vinyl. The collector item includes an exclusive booklet with archival material from the era.

George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’ hits 1 Billion Streams on Spotify!

George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’ has just joined the Spotify #BillionsClub!

Bruce Springsteen – Fan Favourites

Bruce Springsteen has penned an audacious number of anthems. With too many hits to choose from, let’s shine a light on some fan favourites.

Bruce Springsteen – ‘Best Of’ Out Now!

Celebrate the music of Bruce Springsteen with a collection of original songs spanning his storied 50-year recording career, from 1973’s Greeting from Asbury Park, NJ to 2020’s Letter To You.

WHAM! Re-Release Their Iconic Albums ‘Fantastic’ and ‘Make It Big’

We’re delighted to announce that WHAM!’s ‘Fantastic’ and ‘Make It Big’ albums will be released on vinyl for the first time in over 30 years! Pressed on both limited edition colour and black vinyl. Available everywhere on 22nd March. Pre-order now

Spotlight in Stereo – Valentine’s Day Duel!

It’s the most romantic day of the year if you’re happily in love. If you’re not, then it’s quite possibly the most tedious, lonely and depressing one on the calendar. Ever the diplomats, here in the Spotlight Office we want to include all our colleagues in the celebrations and commiserations, so we created two Valentine’s playlists; one for Everybody In Love and another for those who are Single.

WHAM! Make history as ‘Last Christmas’ claims its first ever UK Christmas No.1!

Britain’s much-loved duo WHAM! have claimed the Official UK Christmas Number 1 with ‘Last Christmas’ for the first time since the song was released nearly 40 years ago!