Vinyl Revival Quiz | Other Music

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. One of the most collectible and valuable singles was recorded early in this group's evolution. Recorded as an acetate in 1958 by The Quarrymen, it featured John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. Do you know this cover of a Buddy Holly and the Crickets song?

Answer: That'll Be the Day

In July, 1958 The Quarrymen recorded "That'll Be The Day/In Spite Of All The Danger", the first recording by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
Paul McCartney purchased the one pressing of this acetate from John 'Duff' Lowe (who played piano in the group) 23 years later. Estimated to be worth over 200,000 pounds (Record Collector Dec. 2012), he had 50 copies made for friends. The two songs appeared on the Beatles' compilation album "Anthology I" in 1995.

2. The increasing sales of vinyl records has gained momentum from well known musicians. These musicians question the 'compressed and hollow' sound of digital music. Which musician (of "Heart of Gold" and "Harvest Moon" fame) suggested that streaming services were a "huge step down from vinyl" (NY Times Aug. 2019)?

Answer: Neil Young

Neil Young suggested in this interview that digital streaming 'eliminates the sonic detail and shades' of analog records. Moreover he claimed that the vinyl format has a 'rich and warm' sound. ("New York Times" August 20 2019).
Young has been an activist from his early days particularly in the fields of environmentalism and anti-violence/war campaigns.

3. The first recording session by Elvis Presley is a highly prized collectable. Purchased by Jack White in 2015, you'll be happy if you can tell me the song title?

Answer: My Happiness

"My Happiness" was a pop music standard which Elvis recorded, along with "That's When Your Heartaches Begin", at the Sun Studios in August 1953.
Jack White (of The White Stripes) purchased the acetate for $300,000 in 2015. He released the record on his Third Man label as a 10" single on World Record Store day in 2015. ("BBC News" 2015)

4. According to Guinness World Records, Madonna is the best selling female artist of all-time. By combining her unique abilities as a singer, songwriter and performer, she has become the most successful solo act in popular music. Which of her best selling singles is also the title of a fashion magazine?

Answer: Vogue

Madonna began her music career with the top ten success of the single "Holiday".
Reinforced with her film appearances in "Desperately Seeking Susan" and "Evita", Madonna's versatility in combining singing, songwriting and acting facilitated her achievement as the highest grossing solo touring artist (to 2020) in modern music.(Billboard 2020)
Madonna was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.

5. The debut album by The Velvet Underground & Nico is one of the most powerful albums of the modern era. It is also known for its distinctive album cover. Can you name the 'famous' artist who designed the cover artwork?

Answer: Andy Warhol

The album "The Velvet Underground & Nico" is seen as a 'classic' by detailing themes of modern urbanity in songs such as "I'm Waiting for the Man", "Venus in Furs" and "Heroin". A 1966 acetate pressing in a plain sleeve sold for $25,000 in 2006 on eBay. It was placed at thirtieth in a list of the greatest albums of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.
Andy Warhol was manager of the group at the time and provided encouragement so that such 'dark' subjects could be explored.
He would later design the cover artwork for the Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" album.

6. The vinyl revival has been consolidated by the establishment of Record Store Day in 2008. This event promotes independently owned record stores by bringing together staff, fans and artists through live performances and special vinyl releases. Does Record Store Day occur on an annual basis?

Answer: yes

Record Store Day is an annual international event that generally occurs in April each year. Inaugurated in 2008 (U.S.A.), Record Store Day has official organizers in the U.K., Australia, Ireland, France and other countries.
By celebrating the 'culture' of independently owned stores via live performances, celebrity appearances and special releases/promotions, this event has led to increased sales of vinyl records.

7. An autographed copy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's final album is a extremely valuable collectable. Do you know the title of this record which included hit songs such as "(Just Like) Starting Over" and "Woman"?

Answer: Double Fantasy

The above-mentioned copy of "Double Fantasy" was autographed by Lennon five hours before his murder. This album sold for $150,000 in 1999.
The album went to number one after his death and won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1981.

8. In the 1970s, Punk rock music shook the music establishment with irreverent lyrics and resentment towards authority. Which controversial and collectable single by The Sex Pistols was banned by the B.B.C., despite its regal sounding title?

Answer: God Save the Queen

"God Save the Queen" was considered by authorities to be an 'assault' upon the monarchy by equating the Queen with a 'fascist regime'.
The vinyl single by A & M record label is extremely valuable as the company dropped the group six days after signing them! Only ten copies remain of the original 25,000 pressing and have sold for amounts between $8-15,000.(Record Collector).

9. Probably the most important and influential album of the rock era was released in 1967 by The Beatles. An innovative album cover and printed lyrics displayed the graphic content of the record. Can you name this concept album which combined elements of vaudeville, circus and avant-garde with (popular) songs?

Answer: Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band

Released in May 1967, Sgt. Peppers was awarded the 'Greatest Album of All Time' by "Rolling Stone" magazine. The record is one of the best selling albums in music history and won Grammy Awards for "Album of the Year" and Best Album Cover in 1968.
An original vinyl pressing of the album, signed by all The Beatles sold for $290,000 in 2013.

10. Vinyl records sales continued to increase in the first decades of the twenty-first century. The best selling album of modern times (up to 2020) was ironically released in 1982, when Compact Discs became commercially relevant. Do you know the title of this huge selling album by Michael Jackson?

Answer: Thriller

"Thriller" was Michael Jackson's sixth studio album, released in November 1982. The musical style was varied, incorporating pop, R&B, rock, funk sounds.Jackson released a music video in 1983 "Michael Jackson's Thriller" the following year, which facilitated its sales volume.
No less than seven singles were released from the album, two of which reached number one ("Billie Jean" and "Beat It")
It is estimated the album has sold over 66 million copies world-wide (R.I.A.A).

Source: Author redwaldo

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor 1nn1 before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Vinyl Revival Trivia Quiz

The collecting of vinyl records has become increasingly popular in the twenty-first century. This quiz explores some of the key aspects of this hobby.

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