Fifty years ago, an avid Who fan named Marty Scott and his two childhood friends from New Jersey began to sell records in their college dorms. They traveled to England after graduation and went searching to find a Who album that was not available in the USA. He realized there must be others who wanted it too. This was the start of importing rock albums by JEM Records. Carrying on through the 70's and 80's as the premier independent distribution and label group, Jem helped many labels get national distribution, broke artists via radio and retail, and released hundreds of albums.

Now, fifty years after its operation from a trailer in the parking lot of a "one-stop,” JEM Records continues as the premier "power pop" rock label. On August 5th, Jem will release the third (after John Lennon and Brian Wilson) "Celebrates" album with JEM Records Celebrates Pete Townshend, once again presenting it's artists' interpretation of a rock icons' songs.

“The album brings the JEM Records stable of artists together to celebrate Pete’s legacy as a writer of incredible and intense songs; the guitarist that made the ‘windmill power chord’ a stable of every guitarist’s attack; and the creator of the term ‘Power Pop,’ the banner of which Jem carries today as the leading label of that genre.” Marty Scott, producer & director of the album.

The compilation includes: “Baba O’Riley” and "I Can't Explain" by Lisa Mychols & Super 8 “So Sad About Us” by The Gold Needles; “I’m Free” and “A Quick One,” The Grip Weeds; “Let My Love Open The Door” by The Midnight Callers; “I Can See For Miles” by The Weeklings; “The Seeker” by Nick Piunti; “Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand” and “Glow Girl” by The Anderson Council “Let’s See Action” by Richard Barone;  “The Goods Gone" by The Gold Needles; “The Kids Are Alright” by Johnathan Pushkar; and “Substifool” by The Airport 77s.

The album cover is by Anthony Parisi, artist/concept by Toni Scott.  The album was mastered by Kurt Reil at The House of Vibes in Highland Park, New Jersey.

 

COLUMNS

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