Thursday, January 15, 2009

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2009 Inductees

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have announced their newest inductees. Making the hall are:


Metallica - The group brought metal back down to earth and enhanced the thrash genre with the use of high speed and volume while playing what ammounted to much more intricate compositions than other groups of the time. They crossed a niche genre to the mainstream and became a major recording act, selling over 60 million albums. Twenty five years after their debut, Death Magnetic recently topped the charts and has sold over on million copies in its first four months.

Run-D.M.C. - Only the second rap group to be inducted after Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five who went in in 2006. It was their crossover with Aerosmith on Walk This Way that helped move rap into the mainstream. They were also the first rap group to assemble fully realized albums with their 1986 entry Raising Hell being the first rap record to go platinum. On a sad note, Joseph "Run" Simmons and Daryl "DMC" McDaniels will be accepting the award without their partner Jam Master Jay who was murdered in 2oo2.

Jeff Beck - This is Beck's second trip into the hall, after being inducted in 1992 with the Yardbirds . Here, he is being honored for his solo work and as one of the most respected guitarists of the rock era able to play everything from straight rock to jazz.

Little Anthony and the Imperials - The group had one of the longest runs of any Doo Wop group, managing to segue from Tears on My Pillow in the 50's to the smoother R&B/pop sound of Goin' Out Of My Head in the mid-60's. Sammy Strain , who is being inducted with the Imperials, is also on his second time around. He was also inducted back in 2005 with the O'Jays.

Bobby Womack - Volumes could be written about Womack's career and his influence over the world of R&B, from his early days working with Sam Cooke to his songwriting (It's All Over Now, I'm a Midnight Mover, Breezin', That's the Way I Feel About Cha ), guitar playing (for Aretha Franklin, Ron Wood & Others) and performing. His solo hits included a remake of Lookin' for a Love (originally recorded by his group the Valentinos 12-years earlier), Woman's Gotta Have It and If You Think You're Lonely Now .

Wanda Jackson (Early Influence) - Jackson was one of the four nominees but did not receive enough votes for induction, so the separate committee on early influences put her through. She emerged during the 50's as a force in both Rockabilly and Country music. Her country hits included In the Middle of a Heartache and Right or Wrong while she charted pop with the same songs plus the rocking Let's Have a Party. She continues touring today.

Dewey Lyndon "Spooner" Oldham (Sideman) - Organist from Muscle Shoals who did much of his recording at FAME studios. He played on Percy Sledge 's When a Man Loves a Woman , Wilson Pickett 's Mustang Sally and Aretha Franklin's I Never Loved a Man . He was also a songwriter, pening Cry Like a Baby (Box Tops ), I'm Your Puppet (James & Bobby Purify ), Sweet Inspiration (Sweet Inspirations ), It Tears Me Up and Out of Left Field (both Percy Sledge).

Bill Black (Sideman) - Bass player for Elvis Presley from his Sun days until 1958 and, later, as leader of Bill Black's Combo who had R&B and pop hits with Smokie Part 2, White Silver Sands and their own version of Presley's Don't Be Cruel .

D.J. Fontana (Sideman) - Drummer for Elvis Presley from his Lousiana Hayride and Sun days through 1969. Afterwards, he became a studio musician for artists from Johnny Cash to Paul McCartney.

Passed over were the Stooges , who have been nominated seven times, Chic , who were on their fifth and War .

Hall President and CEO Joel Peresman noted that "This year’s class of inductees truly represents what the Hall of Fame is all about. From classic artists that began their careers in the 50’s and 60’s to those that have defined the modern sound of rock and roll. These artists demonstrate the rich diversity of rock and roll itself. We are proud to honor these artists and celebrate their contribution to rock and roll’s place in our culture."

Reactions from the new members:

Lars Ulrick of Metallica - "I'm not going to give a whole schpeel about 'come back in 20 years or something.' I'll fucking take it right now. I'm fucking psyched that anybody still gives a shit about this band."

Daryl "DMC" McDaniels (to Rolling Stone) - "I can't even comprehend this is happening. I want to let the world know that there are others receiving this honor with us. I'm talking about our heroes Afrika Bambaataa, Treacherous Three, the Cold Crush Brothers and DJ Kool Herc."

Bobby Womack - "This is just the greatest, I’m extremely happy. My very first thought was...I wish I could call Sam Cooke and share this moment with him. This is just about as exciting to me as being able to see Barack Obama become the first black president of the United States of America. It proves that, if you’re blessed to be able to wait on what’s important to you, a lot of things will change in life. Being able to work, perform and make people happy is where it’s at. I haven’t been home in almost 30 years, so having this happen in my hometown is really icing on the cake. I’m looking forward to going home."

Anthony Gourdine - "I got to personally thank Paul Schaffer, who really spearheaded this thing, along with Billy Joel, Paul Simon and even Madonna's people from what I hear. I got the call on my birthday. What a great present!"Former guitarist Dave Mustaine was not listed as an inductee with Metallica. He left in 1983 to form Megadeath. The band made the decision based on which members were in the band long enough to be a major influence on their sound.

This year's induction ceremony will be April 4 at Public Hall in Cleveland and will be broadcast on Fuse TV.

SOURCE: http://mog.com/blog_post/content/723/1196054

Classic Rock Videos

Proud Mary - Creedence Clearwater Revival

The Best Album Covers Of 2008!

One of my favorite sites, www.gigwise.com has released their favorite cover art for 2008. Here is the top five, with Gigwise.com's comments. To see the whole list, please go to Gigwise



5. Nas: 'Untitled' – Originally set to be titled 'Nigga' and then 'Nigger', despite eventually being untitled due to the massive public uproar, Nas' 2008 album still packs a punch. Musically it is hard-hitting and thought provoking, while the cover shows a shirtless Nas with flagellation scars forming the shape of the letter N; a direct reference to the racial slur and also how slaves were whipped and tortured.







4. Grails: 'Doomsdayer's Holiday' – Weird as fuck, the shocking image of a semi-naked female with a gargoyle's head riding a pig-like creature is like something out of a drug-induced nightmare. The fact that the Oregon instrumental rockers decided to use it as their album sleeve can only be commended highly.






3. Sebastien Tellier: 'Sexuality' – Gigwise has described this record as a 'sexed-up, throbbing erection of an album', so it seems perfectly natural that the artwork fits. Hilarious, tongue-in-cheek and slightly risqué, Tellier describes this album cover as his own “sexual fantasy”. The work of a clearly warped but brilliant mind!






2. Lil Wayne: 'Tha Carter III' – Nothing short of genius, the hilarious image of a baby Lil Wayne fitted with bling, tattoos and a grey suit is one of the most enduring record covers of the year - if not the decade. Better still, Wayne made a devastating awesome album to match.






1. James: 'Hey Ma' – The unforgettable cover to James' tenth studio album has overshadowed the music itself. A baby choosing between a gun and his toys, it's a pertinent comment on violence in the contemporary world. Despite the artwork being banned from billboard advertising campaigns, the media storm around the cover has secured the band priceless publicity. Best album cover of 2008 by a mile.

Rock & Roll Tidbits

Before assembling AC/DC, Malcolm Young played with the Velvet Underground- not THE Velvet Underground; Young’s band mates were Australians who simply stole the name.

One of Motley Crue’s earliest stage gimmicks was to light their pants on fire. Brings new meaning to the term- ‘liar, liar-pants on fire.’

In 1963, the brother and sister team of Nino Tempo and April Stevens took "Deep Purple" to Billboard's number one position. The same song had topped the charts for Larry McClinton in 1939 and would become a #14 hit for Donny and Marie Osmond in 1976.

1950s crooner Perry Como, who scored many hits including "Round and Round", "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes" and "Hot Diggity", was the seventh son of a seventh son.

The Righteous Brothers' hit "Unchained Melody" was never intended to be a single. It was recorded as an album cut and later pressed on the "B" side of the 45 "Hung On You". When it was released, DJs flipped the disc over and "Unchained Melody" quickly rose to #4 in the US and #1 in the UK.

Barry Manilow recorded his vocal and piano parts for "Mandy" in just one take.

Elvis Presley was a devoted animal lover. He owned dogs, mules, horses, peacocks, chickens, a turkey and had a silly mynah bird that said, “Elvis! Go to hell!”

We all know that Elvis loved his food. “I like it well-done,” the legendary icon stated. “I ain’t ordering a pet.”

While we are on the subject, it seems that rowdy Allman Brother Dickey Betts was out riding his motorcycle one day and he was hungry. So he stopped his machine, jumped a fence and killed a cow. As he was butchering the animal, a cop passed by and quickly arrested the bloody Brother.

The first known million selling recording was by Ben Selvin and his Orchestra. It was a two sided hit featuring "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" and "Darandella", recorded in 1919.

Guitarist Henry Gross, who hit the US charts in 1976 with "Shannon", was one of the founding members of the rock and roll revival group, Sha Na Na.

For the year 2005, the top earning dead celebrity in the US was Elvis Presley, who still generated $45 million worth of business. John Lennon was third with $22 million.

The Beatles 4th UK #1 single, "Can't Buy Me Love", had advanced sales of over 2.1 million, setting the record for the greatest advanced orders in the UK.

The most expensive guitar in the world is a Fender Stratocaster once owned by Eric Clapton. Nicknamed "Blackie", it sold at auction for $959,500. on June 25th, 2004.

In early 1957, RCA Records released two versions of a song called "Young Love", one by Tab Hunter, the other by Sonny James. Both records caught on and by the first week of March, Hunter's rendition was number one in the US, while James' version was number 4.

When Cher topped the Billboard Hot 100 with "Believe" in March, 1999, she became the first female over the age of 50 to have a chart topping record.

When Elvis was drafted into the US Army in March, 1958, his monthly pay went from $100,000 to $78.

Bobby "Boris" Pickett, who topped the Billboard Pop chart in 1962 with "The Monster Mash", once had his tour bus break down outside of a town called Frankenstein, Missouri.

When asked about their controversial hit song "One Toke Over The Line" during an interview with Brewer and Shipley, they said that "toke" had nothing to do with marijuana, but meant token or ticket. Hence the line about "sittin' downtown in a railway station."

When The Beatles' single "Ticket To Ride" was first issued, the fine print under the title said "From the United Artists Release Eight Arms To Hold You", which was the original name for the film Help!

News & Notes

McCartney hints at reunion with Ringo


SIR PAUL McCartney has revealed that he is desperate to work with Ringo Starr again.

The singer said he would "love to" work with his former Beatles bandmate again in the near future.

Speaking to US TV host Barbara Walters, he said: "We don't rule it out - it would be great.
"He's a great drummer and we're used to each other. Let's hear it for Ringo."

Sir Paul then praised Starr's recent request to fans not to ask him for his autograph anymore.

He said: "Why doesn't he sign his autographs anymore? I think that is so ballsy.
"If he doesn't want to spend his day writing to people, he's allowed."

He then turned to the camera and gushed: "I love you Ringo."

The 66-year-old legend also spoke about John Lennon and how proud he was to have been his friend and bandmate.

He said: "I look back on it now and I am just very proud to have been John's collaborator. I mean we were just kids.

"We just lucked into each other. We were just so easy with each other."

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100,000 Surplus Vinyl Records To Hit The Auction Block!


The University of North Texas College of Music in Denton, Texas is selling 100,000 vinyl LP records from its library collection. The auction is being held online and is open to the public. This unusual auction is expected to generate plenty of interest!

Denton, TX (PRWEB) January 15, 2009 -- The University of North Texas College of Music in Denton, Texas, one of the nation's finest comprehensive music schools, has contracted with Slapsale.Com to sell at online auction 100,000 surplus LP records from its extensive collection.

Labels include Capitol, Decca, Mercury, RCA, Reprise, Jazzology, Seraphim,
Somerset, Angel, and many others representing all musical styles.

The records are being sold in lots of 100, and aren't sorted in any particular manner other than label. After an initial quantity of 10,000 records (100 lots) closes online on January 21, the additional 90,000 records will be offered. There are sure to be some great deals!

There is no cost or obligation to register for the auction. Buyers are responsible for removing their own records, the University will not ship them. Interested persons should visit the website at Slapsale.com for auction terms and condition, inspection dates, and other information.

The auction is open to the public.

http://www.slapsale.com/

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Malefice Reveals New Album, "Dawn Of Reprisal," Cover Art

British metallers, MALEFICE, have revealed the cover art for their forthcoming new album "Dawn Of Reprisal."


"Dawn Of Reprisal" was recorded and mixed by Dan Weller and Justin Hill (ex SikTh) at Fortress Studios London and Timeless Studios London, mastered at 360 Mastering by Dick Beetham.

The band comments on the new album, "'Dawn of Reprisal' is a massive step forward for all of us as a band, and individuals. MALEFICE has matured a lot in a short space of time and one listen to this new record will show you that. We've crafted our sound into what we all missed about metal. Killer riffs, punishing drums, intense vocals and songs you can break your neck to!"

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Depeche Mode To Release New Album In April

Depeche Mode will release their new album on April 20th, it's been announced.

'Sounds Of The Universe' was recorded last year in studios in California and New York.

Speaking about the project in December, frontman Dave Gahan said the album was like “looking outside and a yearning for somehow coming together”.

The frontman added he thought the band had made a “great record”.

'Sounds Of The Universe' is the follow-up to 2005's 'Playing The Angel'.

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Jeff Beck To Play 'Super Gigs' With Eric Clapton

In Japan next month...

Jeff Beck, who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, has announced two gigs with Eric Clapton.

The pair will perform together at Japan's Saitama Super Arena on February 21st and 22nd.

Beck assumed Clapton's role in The Yardbirds in 1965 when the guitarist left the group.

The two shows in Japan form part of Beck's extensive spring tour of the Far East, which also includes a series of shows in Australia.

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Neil Young Names New Studio Album

It could be out in March...


Neil Young has revealed that his 31st studio album will be called 'Fork In The Road'.

The LP, which will be comprised entirely of new material, is expected to be released in March.

The title track is currently streaming on Young's official website along with a homemade video.

'Fork In The Road' will be Young's first solo album since 2007's 'Chrome Dreams II'.

Young recently revealed that he had finished work on his latest album with Crazy Horse, entitled 'Toast'.

Young said the album was “completely” different to his previous releases with the band and an “amazing listening experience.”

At present, it's not clear when 'Toast' will be released.