Thursday, March 5, 2009

Music News & Notes

Eminem Confirms Two 2009 Albums: “Relapse” Due May 19th

Eminem’s “Crack a Bottle” has become a hit on the singles chart, and now the album it likely comes from — his long-awaited comeback LP "Relapse" — finally has a release date. Interscope announced that Relapse is scheduled to go on sale May 19th, and a second album, titled "Relapse 2" will later in the year.

“A lot of people were expecting Relapse to drop last year. I was one of them,” Eminem stated in a press release. “Then Dre and I went back in the studio in September for a few days, and that turned into six months. We were on such a roll; we wound up with a ton of new music produced by Dre. Putting out Relapse 2 will let everyone get all of the best stuff.”

Eminem hasn’t released a studio album since 2004’s "Encore;" a greatest-hits compilation called "Curtain Call" was released the following year. In October 2008 he put out an autobiography called "The Way I Am," in which he confirmed a new LP was on the horizon:

“I’ve been recording the new album mainly in the crib. Makes it very easy for me. It’s like the old days, only there’s a lot more than a rusty four-track in my basement.” In December, he told Billboard, “Me and Dre are back in the lab like the old days, man. Just him banging away on tracks and me getting that little spark that makes me write to it.”

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Mustane Turns Down Invite

Dave Mustane has turned down an invitation from former Metallica bandmates Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield to join them at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Mustane wrote on his website:

"Metallica, as you know, has been selected to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So, it is with much respect that I say congratulations! I also had the nice surprise of hearing that they called to invite me to the pre-ceremony party the night before, and then to the actual ceremony. Unfortunately, as you all know, I will be winding down our European tour with Judas Priest, so I will be unable to attend. However, I'd like to say to Lars and James, I am so very proud of all you have accomplished.

"Thank you for the invitation and thinking of me."

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Sir Paul & Ringo

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are scheduled to play at least one song together on April 4 at New York's Radio City Music Hall. The show is a benefit for the David Lynch Foundation which supports transcendental meditation in schools. Also on the bill are Sheryl Crow, Donovan, Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper, Moby, Paul Horn, Betye LaVette and Jim James.

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Jane's Addiction to release massive box set

It includes 30 unreleased tracks

Jane's Addiction have announced that they will release a massive box set this spring.

'A Cabinet Of Curiosities' is due out in the US on April 21 via Rhino records, and features several rare recordings, demos and live tracks. The three CD, one DVD box set kicks off with five songs recorded in 1986 in Venice, CA including a previously unreleased version of 'Jane Says'.

It also includes rare demos of their classic tracks 'Three Days,' 'Ocean Size,' 'Classic Girl,' 'Summertime Rolls,' and 'Stop!' The second disc contains more unreleased demos along with a recording of the band rehearsing 'My Time' and a 12-inch remix of 'Been Caught Stealing'.

The set also includes Jane's Addiction covering Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love' and The Stooges' '1970'.

The DVD contains several videos including the one for 'Mountain Song' that was banned by MTV and candid home movies of the band. It also features 1990 performances taped in Milan for MTV Italy.

The box set comes packaged in a limited-edition wooden "curio cabinet" that features recreations of the band's early concert fliers, tickets stubs and other memorabilia. The set will also be available digitally.

Rhino has announced that it will release 180-gram vinyl versions of Jane's Addiction's landmark albums 1988's 'Nothing's Shocking' and 1990's 'Ritual De Lo Habitual' to celebrate Record Store Day on April 18.

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Mastodon Tour


Grammy-nominated hard rock juggernaut Mastodon have confirmed dates for their Spring U.S. tour in support of their second album for Reprise Records, CRACK THE SKYE. This first tour behind the groundbreaking new album will sweep across the U.S. and Canada playing to smaller theaters and clubs to insure a maximum and up close intimate environment in which to be exposed to brand new songs and old favorites for Mastodon fans.

Yet another highly collectable Mastodon item will become available for sale in the coming weeks. This time, a special Limited Edition 12" vinyl Paul Romano album artwork picture disc of Divinations, backed with the instrumental Score version of the track. This disc will go on sale beginning Tuesday, Mar 10, at select Hot Topic retail store locations and at Hottopic.com.

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Tork Ill

It's being reported that the Monkees’ Peter Tork has been diagnosed with a rare form of tongue cancer.

According to Popeater, Tork has Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, but luckily doctors discovered the tumor before it spread.

“I am extraordinarily grateful, amazed and humbled by the encouragement, affection and support I’ve received so far,” Tork said, adding he’ll be able to perform again in a matter of months.

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