Music News & Notes

Jim Croce's LPs To Be Reissued

Jim Croce's back catalog of three studio albums is scheduled for reissue in September by Rhino in tribute to the 35th anniversary of his death. "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" and "Life & Times" have never been available in their original form on CD while "I Got a Name" has been out of print for a number of years.

"For eight years, I've been trying to get the permission to re-release my dad's three albums on ABC Records," Croce's son AJ tells Billboard.com. "And just last week, I got the OK. So in September, they're going to be available for the first time on CD, and then also in their original form, on vinyl."

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Veteran McCartney Wows Audience

The Coachella Festival in Indio, California opened on Saturday with very impressive sets from a number of artists, but none seemed to get the crowd going like Paul McCartney. The iconic Beatle took the stage for a 2-1/2 hour set (well past the curfew) and covered his whole career from the Fab Four to Wings to his solo material.

But the emotional highlight was his announcement that Friday was the 11th anniversary of the death of his wife Linda. Barely keeping his emotions in check, he played a moving version of "My Love."

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Chickenfoot Release

The vinyl version of the debut album by the 'supergroup' Chickenfoot (Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith) will also include a bonus track, "Bitten By the Wolf."

It has also been revealed that the CD booklet will be printed on heat-sensitive paper so that, when you touch the band logo on the cover, pictures of the band are shown. Amazing stuff.

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Material Girl OK After Fall From Horse

Madonna suffered minor injuries on Saturday when she fell from a horse while riding in the Hamptons. It's reported that papparazzi jumped from behind a bush and startled the horse which threw the singer to the ground. She was taken to a Southhampton for treatment and released. According to her spokesperson, she was treated for minor injuries and bruises and will remain under observation by doctors. Can't a person get some privacy?

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Smashing Pumpkins Drummer Auditions Heating Up

System of a Down’s John Dolmayan was among the 12 drummers who auditioned for the Smashing Pumpkins, the band's official Website reported. Due to the overwhelming response, additional tryouts are scheduled to take place in May.

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James Yuill To Relase Debut Album In North America

London-based singer/songwriter James Yuill is set to release his debut album, "Turning Down Water For Air," in North America on May 26th. "Turning Down Water For Air" is a fusion of Yuill’s many influences, from the emotional songwriting of artists like Nick Drake, Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens to the dynamic beats of Justice, Chemical Brothers and Aphex Twins.

Following the release of debut hit single “No Surprise” last month, Yuill has released his second single, “No Pins Allowed,” via iTunes as part of a 6-track EP that also includes a remix from Post War Years and a cover of Radiohead’s “Packt Like Sardines In A Crushd Tin Box.”

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EW's Top Heartbreaking Songs

Entertainment Weekly recently posted the most heartbreaking songs of all time which, in turn, brought over 2,000 responses. They used these suggestions and their editor's knowledge on the subject to come up with the "50 Most Heartbreaking Songs of All Time."

What's interesting is that veteran artists sure knew how to pick songs about heartbreak. 78% of the selection are from singers and bands who have been performing for more than 25 years.

Here are the Top 10 songs by veteran artists that made EW's list:


1. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Hank Williams

2. I've Been Loving You Too Long - Otis Redding

3. Hurt - Johnny Cash

4. Everybody Hurts - R.E.M.

5. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart - Al Green

6. Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton

7. Landslide - Fleetwood Mac

8. Yesterday - Beatles

9. Purple Rain - Prince

10. Good Morning Heartache - Billie Holiday