Mars goes to war

Posted By JANE STEVENSON

Musicians often fear the dreaded sophomore slump, but what about the third-album lawsuit?

Not so much.

L.A. rockers Thirty Seconds To Mars found themselves embroiled in a $30-million lawsuit, when the group was sued by their label, EMI, after leaving the record company just two albums into a five-album contract.

No surprise, then, that the three man band -- featuring singer-guitarist and famous actor Jared Leto -- named their recently released third CD,This Is War.

In addition to Leto (who had big roles inMy So-Called Life, Requiem For A DreamandPanic Room),Thirty Seconds To Mars includes Leto's brother and drummer Shannon Leto, plus guitarist Tomo Milicevic.

"We had a giant corporate battle," said Jared Leto, 38, in an interview in Toronto shortly after the album's release in December.

"We had sold millions of records around the world, and had tons of success, and we were celebrating -- and then it's that age-old story. You find out that not only are we not going to get paid a single penny, but that we were millions of dollars in debt. So we decided to fight. We made this record on our own, financed it ourselves, and we went to war. It's amazing what you're capable of when you're backed into a corner."

Under California law, Thirty Seconds To Mars was allowed to leave EMI after seven years with the label, and they had signed with EMI nine years previously. In the end, the two sides settled out of court and the band remained with EMI.

"EMI addressed our concerns before we actually went to trial," Leto said. "It took a while. It was quite a battle. But eventually they did the right thing. And that was to take steps to treat us fairly."

This Is War,which follows Thirty Seconds To Mars' 2002 self-titled debut and 2005's multi-platinumA Beautiful Lie,was co-produced by U2 collaborators Flood and Steve Lillywhite.

"It's not a record of U2 influence," Leto pointed out. "It's a distinctly Thirty Seconds To Mars record. And I think the exciting thing, really, is becoming more of who we really are. And that's been a lot of fun. It certainly was an interesting time in the history of the world. We made this record and the entire planet fell apart while we were making it. There was all kinds of economic turmoil, the housing market, financial crisis, so it was a transformational period for us creatively as well."

Perhaps, more significantly,This Is Warfeatures fan involvement on all fronts.

The group had members of their fan community, called The Echelon, show up at clubs throughout the world -- including Toronto's Tattoo Rock Parlour -- to be part of the recording process.

"I don't think it's been done in quite this way before," Leto said. "It started in Los Angeles. There were a thousand people that came out to a place called The Avalon, and joined us in this interactive recording experiment, and it went so well we did it in eight different countries around the world, including Canada."

They also set up an Internet site on which fans could contribute vocals and sounds to the album digitally, through their computers, at home using new technology.

"It's actually tens of thousands of people all over the world that sang on that song (the first singleKings and Queens),and many other songs," Leto said. "So it was a timely kind of thing to do. It was a way to bring a bit of the live show to the album."

Additionally, the album features 2,000 different covers submitted by fans -- some famous, some not -- from around the world.

For example, the album art QMI Agency got was a self-portrait from up-and-coming director Spencer Susser in a fake moustache.

"It's been exciting for me because I started as a visual artist," said Leto, who was studying photography and filmmaking before he dropped out to act as a way of getting into directing.

"To do these things likeFaces Of Mars,I mean really this is just an art project. When you see them all together, the disparate nature, it's really striking, the different faces from all over the world, it's really compelling."

As Thirty Seconds To Mars tour -- they're currently headlining arenas in Europe and begin a North American leg April 9 in Las Vegas (all dates thereafter to be determined) -- fan involvement is a natural.

"The audience is in the band now," Leto said. "So it's just phenomenally exciting. It's really, really something to be a part of, for us, and I think and hope for the audience. The call-and-response. Everyone knows their part."


SOURCE: http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2458372

The Last Vestige puts ‘style’ back into stylus

by Chelsea Kruger

ALBANY, NY – In a poor economy, a Pine Hills music store battles the digital music age and assists in the comeback of an almost forgotten format of music: the vinyl record.

The Last Vestige Music Shop carries a wide array of vinyl records, which were last popular in the 1960s through the 1980s and is more successful better than most music stores today. Since the economic downturn and advent of mp3’s, many music stores, such as the Circuit City in Crossgates Commons on Washington Avenue Extension, have shut their doors after being unable to compete with the ease and cheapness of digital music.

Aware of this fact, the owner of The Last Vestige continues to offer obsolete forms of music, including eight tracks, audio cassettes, and vinyl records as the store’s primary focus. The Last Vestige still sees a relatively steady stream of revenue, whether it be from pedestrians or online shoppers.

The sole proprietor of The Last Vestige Music Shop, Jim Furlong, has been selling vinyl records since the early 1980s. Up until 1984, Furlong operated an exclusively mail order business via telephone where he sold vinyl records from his home to customers all over the world. Furlong has been collecting and trading records to expand his collection since this time frame.

Selling outdated forms of music recording was somewhat of a hobby turned job to Furlong, he said.

“I’m a big fan of music,” said Furlong. “All kinds of music.” Furlong currently enjoys listening to jazz music, but when he first opened The Last Vestige, he listened to the trendy punk and pop music of the 1980s.

Read the rest of the article here:   http://blog.timesunion.com/pinehills/the-last-vestige-puts-%e2%80%98style%e2%80%99-back-into-stylus/22/

Music Notes & Vinyl Record News

Cap’n Jazz Reunion Show; Deluxe Vinyl Announced

Influential but long since defunct Chicago punk emo group Cap’n Jazz has announced an official reunion show. For those who are taking notes, the January 22nd reunion show was never official – more of a surprise to play alongside Joan of Arc’s variety show (a band they notably influenced) at the time. The upcoming July 17th event at Chicago’s The Bottom Lounge promises to be grander in every aspect.

The band’s cult-like following is especially impressive when you take into account that they only released one full-length album: Burritos, Inspiration Point, Fork Balloon Sports, Cards in the Spokes, Automatic Biographies, Kites, Kung Fu, Trophies, Banana Peels We’ve Slipped on and Egg Shells We’ve Tippy Toed Over – better known as Shmap’n Shmazz - way back in 1994.

Jade Tree is reissuing on vinyl not only this album but also combining material from early singles, compilation tracks, and split releases: all of which the band did a plethora of in their short but active years. The double LP goes beyond the original compilation CD’s release several years back by offering bonus material not included on its original issue including never before seen photos, show fliers, and new liner notes by Tim Kinsella. The deluxe reissue, entitled Analphabetapolothology, will be available on vinyl only care of Jade Tree on June 15th

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Gearhead Records releases new Hellbound Glory record

Gearhead Records announced that the brand new record by outlaw country artists Hellbound Glory hit the streets for sale Tuesday, February 16. The new record, "Old Highs and New Lows," is the second official full-length for the Reno, NV based "scumbag country" band.

This is the second release for the band with punk n' roll label Gearhead Records, but is actually the third record they've recorded.

"The songs on this record are a mixture of brand new tracks, and re-recorded tracks from their first self-released out of print record," said label owner Michelle Haunold. "The band was never happy with the recording on that first album, so we took some of the best tracks from that out-of-print CD and updated them while they were in the studio recording the new material. They added banjo, pedal steel, and fiddle to all the tracks to give it that feel of classic old country, and it turned out great. I can't wait for people to hear this record!"

"We're really excited about the new record and the additional musicians the helped flesh the sound out," said lead singer and songwriter Leroy Virgil. "We play with these guys whenever we're in Sacramento and it adds so much to my songs. I'm really happy with the recording and can't wait to get out there and play these songs for our fans."

The new CD is available for purchase direct from Gearhead Records, or from their distributor Burnside Distribution. It will be available in independent retails stores worldwide February 16. A vinyl version will be released later this year.

Hellbound Glory formed in 2004, playing original rebel country songs in the style of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Hank Williams. The band has played over 300 shows since their first official record Scumbag Country, also available from Gearhead Records, opening for such legends as David Allen Coe, Junior Brown, and Jesse Dayton as well as Wayne Hancock and Hank III.

Gearhead Records established its presence in the rock n' roll/punk rock world in 2000 with the success of The Hives from Sweden, followed shortly after with hits from Sweden's The Hellacopters New Bomb Turks (Columbus OH) and The Wildhearts (London, UK). Hellbound Glory is the first country band signed to the label, and has proved to be a favorite with punks and rockers alike.

For more information or to set up an interview, please contact Gearhead Records owner Michelle Haunold directly. View the label website at http://www.gearheadrecords.com/ or MySpace.com/GearheadRecords.

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SAADI announces March 9 release for debut 12” EP ‘BAD CITY’ available as download and limited edition White Viny

As Paper Garden Records continues to expand its PR roster with the best up and coming acts across all genres, the radiant pop eccentric mastery of NYC’s SAADI is the perfect electropop delight to start off the new year! 2010 looks bright for this blossoming artist, with a Pianos residency already up and running for January and a 12” EP being released on March 9th.

Saadi’s 12″ Bad City EP is a rhythm-centric foray into catchy and likable futuresounds, lovingly pressed on 150g WHITE vinyl and comes with a free digital download.

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Massive Attack ‘Heligoland’ - Triple Gatefold Deluxe Edition, available to pre-order from The Vinyl Factory now!

Working closely with Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja and designer Tom Hingston, this special edition of the band’s acclaimed new album has been crafted to the very highest standards by The Vinyl Factory, and is available to pre-order now.

Housed in a unique black-glitter coated triple gatefold sleeve, this deluxe edition includes Heligoland’s 10 tracks on heavyweight double vinyl and CD, plus an additional 12″ containing four new Massive Attack tracks and a 28-page booklet with exclusive artwork and photography, housed in a striking, black-glitter covered sleeve.

Heligoland features guest vocals from Damon Albarn, Hope Sandoval, Martina Topley-Bird, Guy Garvey and Tunde Adebimpe. Long time cohort Horace Andy makes a return alongside Massive Attack founding members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall.

Full product details:

* Two 180-gram heavyweight vinyl records, containing Heligoland’s 10 tracks, crafted on the legendary EMI 1400 in Hayes, Middlesex.
* Exclusive bonus 180-gram heavyweight 12″ vinyl, containing four additional new Massive Attack tracks and remixes.
* Exclusive 28-page booklet, featuring new Robert Del Naja artwork and Massive Attack tour photography.
* CD, containing the full album, housed in a black pochette, with a black-glitter coated cover.
* Triple gatefold sleeve featuring unique black-glitter coated cover artwork by Robert Del Naja.

This deluxe edition is available to pre-order now from The Vinyl Factory.

http://www.thevinylfactory.com/

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Broken Social Scene Reveal New Album Title and Cover, Premiere ‘World Sick’

Broken Social Scene have revealed the album art for their highly anticipated May 4th Arts + Crafts release, Forgiveness Rock Record. The first song off of the record, “World Sick,” is now streaming at Pitchfork.com.

The multi-hued, shimmering ”World Sick” is a bold, shiver-inducing opus of grace, romance and warmth, and a perfect reminder of what has kept the Toronto collective a beloved favorite in the minds of its rabid fans worldwide.

Produced by the band and John McEntire (Tortoise), and recorded in Chicago (Soma Studios) and Toronto (The Schvitz Studio), Forgiveness Rock Record is, as previously reported, “a record driven by love.” The band has two planned stops at the upcoming SXSW in Austin next month, as well as a stopover at the annual Sasquatch festival in May.




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New Aerosmith Reunion Tour Dates Announced

Is the soap opera over?  Looks like troubled Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler may be “Back in the Saddle” for an upcoming concert with his Boston, MA bandmates.

Following months of his increasingly erratic behavior (dancing offstage, hijacking concerts, invading Home Depot, etc., etc.), Tyler’s bandmates had started to put out word that they were auditioning singers to replace him.

However, now news is springing up that the band, seemingly on the verge of breaking up just short of celebrating four decades (!) together, has surprised everyone by signing on to play at the massive 2010 Download Music Festival this summer—giving fans ample reason to believe the group has reconciled, at least temporarily.

An all-star affair, the 2010 Download Festival is also set to include performances from the likes of AC/DC, Them Crooked Vultures, Deftones, Motorhead, Megadeth, Simon Cowell’s least favorite band: Rage Against the Machine, and many more.

The 2010 Download Festival takes place June 11-13.

This Date In Music History-Febraury 20

Birthdays:

Nancy Wilson (1937)

Barbara Ellis - Fleetwoods (1940)

Buffy Sainte-Marie (1941)

Lew Soloff - Blood Sweat & Tears (1944)

J Geils - J. Geils Band (1946)

Walter Becker - Steely Dan (1950)

Jon Brant - Cheap Trick (1954)

Sebastian Steinberg - Soul Coughing (1959)

Ian Brown - Stone Roses (1963)

Neil Primrose - Travis (1972)

Brian Littrell - Backstreet Boys (1975)

Edwin Graham - The Darkness (1977)

Chris Thile - Nickel Creek (1981)

Rihanna (1988)


They Are Missed:

In 1980, Bon Scott, singer from AC/DC was pronounced dead on arrival at a London hospital after a heavy night's drinking. Scott was found in the passenger seat of a friend's parked car. The official coroner's report stated that he had "Drunk himself to death." after suffocating on his own vomit.



Born on this day in 1945, Alan Hull, guitarist, singer of Lindisfarne. Hull died of a heart attack on November 17, 1996.

Born today in 1951, Randy California, guitar, vocals, Spirit,. He died on January 2, 1997 when rescuing his 12 year-old son after he was sucked into a riptide in surf off Hawaii.

Born on this day in 1967, Kurt Cobain, guitar, vocals, Nirvana. Cobain committed suicide on April 5th 1994.




History:

In 1958, and billed as 'The Big Gold Record Stars,' Bill Haley and his Comets, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmie Rodgers all appeared on the first date of a six day tour of Florida.

Jimi Hendrix made his stage debut in 1960 when he played a show at a High School in Seattle.

The Beach Boys recorded "Don't Worry Baby" in 1964.

Gary Lewis and the Playboys started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1965 with "This Diamond Ring."

"Goodbye Cream" opened in Baltimore in 1969. The film was of Cream's November 26, 1968 farewell concert at London's Royal Albert Hall.

In 1970, the single "Instant Karma," by The Plastic Ono Band was released in the US. John Lennon had written, recorded and mixed the track all in one day on the January 22, 1970.



The soundtrack to 'Jesus Christ Superstar' went to #1 on the US album chart in 1971.

Alice Cooper and Badfinger appeared at The Convention Hall in San Diego, California in 1972. What a show......

In 1974, Cher filed for separation from husband Sonny Bono. She filed for divorce not long afterwards. They had been married for 10 years.

Winners at this years Grammy Awards in 1977 included - Stevie Wonder for Best album with 'Songs In The Key Of Life', and Best Vocal performance for "I Wish." Best album went to Chicago for 'Chicago X' and Best new artist went to the Starland Vocal Band. Yep, the Starland Vocal Band....

Bon Jovi begin recording their third album, “Slippery When Wet” in Vancouver in 1986. With “You Give Love A Bad Name” and “Livin’ On A Prayer,” the album sells over 10 million copies.

The all girl group Expose went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1988 with "Seasons Change."

The biographical TV movie, "Little Richard" aired on NBC in 2000.

In 2003, 100 people died after pyrotechnics ignited a club during a gig by Great White in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Great White singer Ty Longley was also killed in the accident. Two brothers who owned the club were charged, along with the former tour manager with involuntary manslaughter. Foam soundproofing material at the edge of the stage set alight and the blaze spread quickly in the one-storey wooden building as fans all tried to escape through the same exit. Great White began a tour in July 2003 to raise money for the survivors and families of victims.

Scissor Sisters went to #1 on the US album chart in 2005 with their debut and self-titled album, also a #1 in the UK.

In 2007, Electric Light Orchestra issue an expanded and remastered version of their '77 album, "Out Of The Blue," to mark the disc's 30th anniversary. There are three previously unreleased tracks and notes co-written by ELO frontman Jeff Lynne.

The Who's Pete Townshend and Lou Reed perform together for the first time in New York in 2007. During the Attic Jam, Townshend plays a four-song solo acoustic set before being joined onstage by Reed. The two roll through a trio of Velvet Underground songs.

In 2007, the hair salon where pop star Britney Spears shaved her head set up a website to auction her hair for more than $1million dollars. The website, buybritneyshair.com, claimed to have been set up by salon owner Esther Tognozzi and included photos of the hair, saying it is "absolutely authentic". As well as the hair, the winning bidder would also get the hair clippers Spears used, a blue lighter she left at the salon and the can of Red Bull she was drinking at the time. Meanwhile, Spears has been spotted in Hollywood sporting a short blonde wig. Stay Tuned.....

Vinyl Record News

KING DIAMOND Albums To Be Reissued On Colored Vinyl

Massacre Records will release new vinyl versions of six KING DIAMOND albums on March 26:

* The Spider's Lullabye (1995)
* The Graveyard (1996)
* Voodoo (1998)
* House Of God (2000)
* The Puppet Master (2003)
* Give Me Your Soul ... Please (2007)

These gatefold LPs are strictly limited and handnumbered. The six vinyls will be in different vinyl colors.

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The Fall Readies its 28th Studio Album

Good news for the fans of Mr. Grumpy: Mark E. Smith and The Fall are ready to release a new album.

The British O.G. post-punk outfit returns with Your Future Is Our Clutter April 27 from Domino Records. The album's set to be released only digitally and on vinyl, and is their 28th studio album.

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Minus the Bear Inks with Dangerbird

Minus The Bear is now kicking it like a wild donkey with Dangerbird Records.

The post-hardcore act inked a deal with the Silver Lake, Calif. label, and will release its still untitled album sometime this spring. The label debut, the act's fourth LP, follows up 2008's Planet of Ice.

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Against Me Unveils Cover, Vague Release Date

Against Me has a cover completed and a vague indication of when its next album will turn up in stores.

Tom Gabel unveiled the cover to the band's upcoming White Crosses on his blog yesterday, and indicated that the act hopes to see the album in stores in early June. He didn't nail down a specific release date, nor did he unveil a track listing. White Crosses follows up 2008's New Wave (Sire).







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US release date for Peter Gabriel

It's being reported that Peter Gabriel has recently announced that he will be releasing his new album project, 'Scratch My Back', via EMI Label Services in the US on the March 2, 2010 .

'Scratch My Back' is the first part of a series of song exchanges in which Gabriel and other leading artists reinterpret each other's songs. The album contains interpretations of songs originally by artists such as Radiohead, Neil Young, Arcade Fire, Lou Reed, Talking Heads, Bon Iver and many more.

Gabriel describes this as a very personal record, with twelve songs performed only with orchestral instruments and voice. He made the choice not to include guitar or drums on the album.

In addition, EMI Label Services will make an exclusive 7" AA vinyl release available at independent retailers to celebrate Record Store Day in the US on April 17th. The 7" features Peter Gabriel's "The Book of Love" and "Not One of Us"; a track written by Gabriel and performed by Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields.

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Cracker marks 20th year with tour as acoustic duo

In the early '90s the alternative-rock country group Cracker broke through with hits like "Low" and "Teen Angst" off their self-titled debut and the platinum-selling "Kerosene Hat." The band is currently in its 20th year together, and singer David Lowery and guitarist Johnny Hickman are marking the anniversary with an acoustic tour.

Lowery got his start in the '80s with the alternative group Camper Van Beethoven, which sometimes tours with Cracker. The two groups have also shared members, like bassist Victor Krummenacher. Cracker explored multiple genres, including a Lowery and Hickman teaming up with the bluegrass group Leftover Salmon for bluegrass takes on Cracker songs with "O' Cracker Where Art Thou?" Earlier in the decade Cracker toured dive bars under the name "Ironic Mullet," performing country covers by Dwight Yokam, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams, Jr. These songs became the basis for 2003's "Countrysides."

Last year Cracker released its 10th studio album, "Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey." The album includes the single "Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out With Me."

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RECORD CRACK: New Massachusetts label unleash their first vinyl release

Breakfast Of Champs Records are a new label out of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts who have a small handful of CD’s under their belt, but they’re about to release their first piece of vinyl with two local indie rock/pop bands: Truman Peyote and Turtle Ambulance.

Each band has a side to themselves, two songs each. The record comes out on March 2nd, you can pre-order the record by going to the Breakfast Of Champs store.

http://bocrecords.bigcartel.com/


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WHITESNAKE Signs With FRONTIERS RECORDS

Frontiers Records has announced the signing of legendary rock band WHITESNAKE.

Singer David Coverdale and the rest of the group have already started composing new material that promises to deliver one of the finest chapters in WHITESNAKE's career. "We are off to a very good start, with the new songs taking positive shape. It feels good, fresh and exciting," explains Coverdale.

A February 2010 interview posted on WHITESNAKE's official web site, Coverdale stated:

 "My health and my voice have never been better. I am pleased with how I'm sounding on the demos of the new songs. Very secure, good tone, very powerful. No worries, baby. None whatsoever. I am so disappointed that I had to cancel the show and the U.S. tour, but these things happen. Fortunately, it doesn't happen a lot to me and the problem I had is not something that is ongoing. It was a one-time problem, some kind of blister on one of my vocal cords, and it hurt. The cure was simple — rest. I would have been able to tour again had there been an opportunity six weeks later. The human voice is a very fragile instrument, no matter how well you take care of it, and I assure you I invest in every vocal protocol you can possibly imagine. Ask any of my throat specialists. It was just one of those things."

WHITESNAKE's appearance at U.K.'s Download festival in June 2009 coincided with action-packed re-releases of the multi-platinum albums "Slip Of The Tongue", marking its 20th anniversary, and "Slide It In", which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

WHITESNAKE's latest album, "Good To Be Bad", was released through SPV/Steamhammer in April 2008. In addition to the regular jewel-case version, a limited-edition two-disc set contains an extra CD in a cardboard sleeve, as well as a poster, photocard and sticker.

New Album Cover Art

MGMT reveal cover art for new album 'Congratulations' Cosmic duo get surfy for their new album art

MGMT have revealed the cover art for their forthcoming new album 'Congratulations' (pictured).

The Brooklyn duo have teamed up with cartoonist Anthony Ausgang for the surreal cover, which depicts a surfing cat set to be swallowed up by a giant cat-shaped wave.

The band joined forces with Ausgang after they met through experimental musician Pete 'Sonic Boom' Kember of Spacemen 3 and Spectrum, who helped produce 'Congratulations'.

Ausgang also praised the pair for being direct about the cover art. "The most important thing was that MGMT wanted the 'look' of my style of painting and gave me only a few points that I had to hit," he said. "Naturally, the process took some time but they were always cool with the criticisms. A lot of people who commission a painting only know what they don't want; fortunately MGMT knew what they wanted and let me do it my way."

'Congratulations' is due for release on April 12.

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Lady Gaga Unveils Cover Art for “Telephone” Remixes, Featuring Beyonce

On Tuesday, Lady Gaga released the cover art for her upcoming “Telephone” remix album, featuring Beyonce. The album drops on March 2 and, against my better judgment, I’m semi-excited to hear the Passion Pit remix.

“Telephone” is the upcoming single from Gaga’s second album, The Fame Monster, and features R&B diva Beyonce. If you remember, Lady Gaga also guested on the Beyonce’s track “Video Phone.”

This Date In Music History - February 18

Birthdays:

Yoko Ono (1933)

Bobby Hart - singer/songwriter (wrote "Last Train To Clarksville," "I'm Not Your Stepping Stone" and "Scooby Doo Where Are You"). Sold over 40m records (1939)

Herman Santigo - Frankie Lymon And The Teenagers (1941)

Dennis Deyoung - Styx (1947)

Juice Newton (1952)

Robbie Bachman - Bachman Turner Overdrive (1953)

John Travolta - actor, singer, (1978 US & UK #1 single with Olivia Newton John, "You're The One That I Want") (1954)

Brian James - The Damned (1955)

Dr Dre - NWA (1965)


They Are Missed:

Guitarist Bob Stinson from The Replacements died from a drug overdose in 1995, his body was found in his Uptown, Minneapolis apartment. Founding member of The Replacements, was also a member of Static Taxi.


History:

In a low point not only for Rock ‘n’ Roll but music in general, Pat Boone’s white-bread cover of “Tutti Frutti” hit #12 on the pop charts in 1956. Little Richard’s original didn’t make a dent though it is infinitely superior. This is nothing less than a crime. But it does shows the power of segregation in the ‘50s.



The Platters' classic cut "The Great Pretender," started a two-week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1956.

The Everly Brothers recorded "When Will I Be Loved" and "Let It Be Me" in 1959.

Also in 1959, Elvis Presley went to the Lido Club in Paris while on leave from the US Army, eventually singing a song after-hours for the employees.

Ray Charles recorded "What'd I Say" in New York City in 1959. The song had evolved in concert as a call-and-response between Charles and his female back-up singers. It became Charles' biggest hit to date, reaching #1 on the R&B and #6 on the pop charts.

The Beatles saw the Elvis Presley film, "Fun In Acapulco" at a Miami drive-in in 1964.

Working at Abbey Road studio’s in London in 1965, the Beatles recorded two new songs: John Lennon's "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" and a new Paul McCartney song "Tell Me What You See."

In 1966, Beach Boy Brian Wilson recorded the future classic song "Good Vibrations," which went on to become the band's third US number-one hit. As a child, his mother told him that dogs could pick up "vibrations" from people, so that the dog would bark at "bad vibrations" Wilson turned this into the general idea for the song.



Today in 1967, the song "Kind of a Drag" by the Buckinghams topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

David Gimour replaced Syd Barrett in Pink Floyd in 1968. Barret had gone checked himself into a psychiatric hospital and then gone into seclusion.

Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees married Lulu in London in 1969 (Robin Gibb was the Best Man-- the marriage lasts four years).

The Jimi Hendrix Experience appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, London in 1969.

Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band made their New York debut at Unganos in 1971.

In 1974, KISS released their first album "KISS."

Yes played their first show at Madison Square Garden in 1974.

In 1978, winners at this years Grammy Awards included Fleetwood Mac, Album of the year for 'Rumours', The Eagles, Record of the year for "Hotel California" and Best pop vocal performance, The Bee Gees for "How Deep Is Your Love."

The song "Sign O' The Times" was released by Prince in 1987.

Debbie Gibson started a five-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1989 with 'Electric Youth.'

Vince Neil quit as lead singer of Motley Crue in 1992. After 11 years with the group he says he wants to spend more time on his career as a race car driver. The band reunited on the "American Music Awards" 5 years later

In 2000, an American court ordered the release of FBI files relating to John Lennon's interests and activities including his support for the Irish Republican cause and the Workers Revolutionary Party. The British Government told the US that it wanted the files to remain secret. MI5 also had files on Lennon, which they had passed on the FBI during the 70's.

In 2005, the three surviving members of Alice In Chains perform at a tsunami-relief benefit concert in Seattle and raise over $100,000. Filling in for the late Layne Stayley are Tool/A Perfect Circle frontman Maynard James Keenan, Puddle of Mudd's Wes Scantlin and Damageplan's Pat Lachman. Former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic hosted the event.

In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in 2006, the Rolling Stones gave a free concert before a crowd of over 1 million people at Copacabana Beach.

‘The Greatest Songs of the Fifties’ by Barry Manilow was at #1 on the US album chart in 2006.

Norah Jones scored her third US #1 album in 2007 with 'Not Too Late,' also a #1 in the UK and over 20 other countries.

In 2008, Carpenters fans were objecting to plans to have pop duo's former family home in Downey, south of Los Angeles knocked down. The current owners of the house, said they objected to fans looking in the windows and leaving floral tributes. The five-bedroom house was immortalised when it featured on the cover of The Carpenters' 1973 hit album Now & Then.

Vinyl record sales are surging | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Life/Travel

Vinyl record sales are surging | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Life/Travel

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The return of vinyl

Photo by Jim Hannon

Chris James puts a vinyl recording onto a USB turntable that is connected to his computer.

I would like to thank the TimesDaily newspaper (Florence, Ala. http://www.timesdaily.com/) and the author Russ Corey for the exclusive rights to republish this interesting article:

The return of vinyl

Vinyl records see re-emergence in Shoals

By Russ Corey

Staff Writer

Chris James may have grown up during a time when the vinyl record was being replaced by the CD, but like a lot of young people, he's rediscovering why vinyl records were so popular in the first place.

There are numerous articles on the Internet trumpeting the return of the vinyl record and how it continues to increase in popularity even as overall album sales, mainly CDs, continue to slip.

James was first introduced to vinyl records by his parents, who had a collection that included The Doors and Three Dog Night.

"That's really how I started liking music in general," said James, bass player for the local alt-rock band Lauderdale.

Vinyl records have a more natural sound and more room to provide listeners with liner notes and album artwork. While they might not be as prevalent in record stores as they once were, you can find vinyl records in used record stores, flea markets, junk stores, online and at live shows.

"You can get into different kinds of music that way, too," James said.

Shoals-based recording artist Jason Isbell said he insists a new album includes a run of vinyl records when he's negotiating a record contract.

"Listening to vinyl as a kid was such a ritual," Isbell said. "You had to actually physically maintain your record player; you had to flip (the record) over from side A to side B."

Even though there's only one side to a CD, Isbell said he arranges the tracks on his albums with an ending to what would be side A and the beginning of side B.

Many say the sound of a vinyl album has a warm sound as opposed to the sometimes "brittle" sound of a CD.

Patterson Hood, a former Shoals resident and founder of the rock band Drive-By Truckers, also is a fan of vinyl because it provides the best sounding and best looking way to own music, he said.

"It sounds better than CDs or MP3s," Hood said. "While it doesn't have the convenience of the MP3, some people still like to listen at home and have a physical format."

Most of the Truckers' catalog is available on vinyl, and the vinyl version of their upcoming release, "The Big To Do," will include an extra track that will not be included on the compact disc version.

"It's a good one, too," Hood said. "I included three extra tracks on the vinyl version of my last solo album this past year."

And like many artists, the new album will include a CD version of the album so it can be downloaded to an MP3 player or listened to in a car CD player. Vinyl albums also provide a larger medium for artwork than a CD.

"There's just the aesthetic aspect to it," Isbell said. "You can hang a record on your wall; you can put them on display in your house. I believe in quality artwork on record covers."

Jamie Barrier, songwriter and guitarist for the Pine Hill Haints, Rise Up Howling Werewolf and The Wednesdays, has released his bands' music on vinyl for years, on both 12-inch LPs and 7-inch discs.

Barrier's Arkam Records has 40 releases, 80 percent of which were 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl records. "I sell more of it every year," Barrier said. "There's a certain type of market of people that never quit listening to it."

Even when vinyl lost its mass appeal, fans of punk and alternative music expected vinyl releases.

Barrier agrees that in many cases, people want something tangible to complement their digital downloads.

Logan Rogers, president of Lightning Rod Records in Nashville, said care has to go into estimating how many vinyl records an artist might sell. "It's a more expensive process, so we definitely have to be fairly realistic about what you can sell," Rogers said. "You don't want to manufacture too many."

Lightning Rod released "Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit" on CD and vinyl. Rogers said the vinyl version is a double-LP that includes a copy of the CD.

"If you pick up the LP at the store or at the concert, you can immediately stick the CD in your car and listen to it," he said.

Eli Flippen, owner of Pegasus Records, Tapes and CDs in Florence, has been selling new and used vinyl records for years. Flippen said he stocks as many LP versions of new releases as he can.

Used record sales have been strong, especially classic rock from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles are some of the most popular, he said. High school and college students hearing vinyl for the first time are detecting differences between the LP and MP3 versions of the songs.

"People kind of realize that the old analog warmth is more pleasing," he said.

SOURCE:  http://www.timesdaily.com/

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15, 2010


DEAR JERRY: A friend told me that my copy of “Introducing the Beatles,” which I bought in the mid-'60s, might be a very valuable original, or just as likely could be a fake.

What is the current value of an original? How do I know if it's real or a not?
—Shannon Houseman, Milwaukee

DEAR SHANNON: I'll tackle the first question, which is somewhat complex, then tell you what you need to know to determine if anything in the first part matters.

First is the near-mint price range, followed by the essential identification details:

$20,000 to $30,000: “Introducing the Beatles” STEREO (Vee-Jay VJLP 1062).

Front cover reads “Englands (sic) No. 1 Vocal Group,” though back cover neither mentions nor pictures the Beatles.

Instead, back has photos and publicity for 25 “Other Fine Albums of Significant Interest,” a subjective mix of earlier Vee Jay LPs by Jerry Butler; Jimmy Reed; 4 Seasons; Frank Ifield; John Lee Hooker; Eddie Harris; and others. Collectors refer to this as the “ad back” cover.

Reportedly, Vee Jay was at the time embroiled in a dispute over song licensing rights, and not wanting to further fan the litigious flames, decided against calling attention to the tracks on the album r— especially “Love Me Do” and “P.S. I Love You.” Notification to cease issuing these two songs had already been sent to Vee Jay.

On subsequent pressings, Vee Jay replaced those two tracks with “Ask Me Why” and “Please Please Me,” along with a listing of all 12 tunes on the back cover.

Interestingly, labels for stereo discs show the selection prefix/number as VJLP 1062, yet front cover has only “SR-1062.”

$8,000 to $12,000: “Introducing the Beatles” MONO (Vee-Jay VJLP-1062).

Same as above for stereo ad back, but with monaural sound and without SR-1062 on the cover.

$8,000 to $12,000: “Introducing the Beatles” STEREO (Vee-Jay VJLP-1062).

Variation of above issue, using the same front cover. Back cover, however, has no printing whatsoever. Whether caused by a production error, or intentionally left blank so as to have product for sale during the changeover from ad back to column back covers, we do not yet know. Appropriately known as the “blank back” cover.

$5,000 to $7,500: “Introducing the Beatles” MONO (Vee-Jay VJLP-1062).

Same as above for stereo blank back, but with monaural sound and without SR-1062 on the cover.

$15,000 to $20,000: “Introducing the Beatles” STEREO (Vee-Jay VJLP-1062).

Second issue. Front cover is the same as first stereo issue. Back cover lists contents in two columns; six titles on Side One, the last of which is “Love Me Do,” and six on Side Two, the first being “P.S. I Love You.”

Later pressings replaced “Love Me Do” with “Ask Me Why” and “P.S. I Love You” with “Please Please Me.”

This and future versions all have the column back cover.

$4,000 to $6,000: “Introducing the Beatles” MONO (Vee-Jay VJLP-1062).

Same as above for second issue stereo column back, but with monaural sound and without SR-1062 on the cover.

$4,000 to $6,000: “Introducing the Beatles” STEREO (Vee-Jay VJLP-1062).

Third issue. Stereo records can be found in stereo covers, though many came out in mono covers with “Stereo” or “Stereophonic” stickers affixed. Record labels and column back cover reflect the inclusion of “Ask Me Why” and “Please Please Me” instead of “Love Me Do” and “P.S. I Love You.”

$800 to $1,200: “Introducing the Beatles” MONO (Vee-Jay VJLP-1062).

Record labels and column back cover reflect the inclusion of “Ask Me Why” and “Please Please Me”

As we are so fond of pointing out, the price ranges stated are ONLY applicable to copies with both the cover and the record in at least near-mint condition.

Damaged goods, or even those showing slight wear and tear, will have values lowered by an amount commensurate with their flaws.


IZ ZAT SO? Unfortunately, many mono copies and nearly every stereo “Introducing the Beatles” in captivity is a five dollar counterfeit. Authentic stereo copies, of any of the three versions, are extremely rare, as evidenced by their grandiose values. Most folks will never even see one in person.

There is a lengthy checklist collectors use to spot a fake LP, but one quick and reliable test is to look at the record label.

Originals have both the LP title, “Introducing the Beatles,” and the artist credit, “The Beatles,” ABOVE the center hole.

This is true no matter which version you have, and applies to both mono and stereo.

Counterfeits have only the LP title, “Introducing the Beatles,” above the center hole, and place the artist credit, “The Beatles,” below the center hole.

Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column.

Jerry's Question page: Ask your question here.

Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368

E-mail: jpo@olympus.net

Visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com

All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.

Copyright 2010 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission

2010 Blues Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

The Blues Foundation has announced the inductees for the Blues Hall of Fame in 2010, including Louisiana-born, Chicago-based bluesman Lonnie Brooks, highly-esteemed blues singer and harpist Charlie Musselwhite and singer, songwriter, guitarist and social activist Bonnie Raitt.

Among the other individuals that are being recognized by the Foundation this year include "The Father of the Blues" W.C. Handy, jug band pioneer Gus Cannon and Cannon's Jug Stompers, and the writer of many great "drinking songs," including "One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer," Amos Milburn.

American roots music writer Peter Guralnick and the legendary host of the King Biscuit Time program on KFFA radio in Helena, Arkansas Sonny Payne, are the non-performers being inducted this year. Sam Charters' groundbreaking research on the blues in the 1950s and '60s resulted in several books including this year's Classics of Blues Literature inductee - The Bluesmen.

The following singles or album tracks will be inducted during the ceremony: "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)" by Otis Rush, "Fever" by Little Willie John, "Key to the Highway' by Big Bill Broonzy, "Match Box Blues" by Blind Lemon Jefferson and "Spoonful" by Howlin' Wolf. These albums are also being honored: Strong Persuader by Robert Cray, Hung Down Head by Lowell Fulson and I Hear Some Blues Downstairs by Fenton Robinson.

The induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 5, at the Memphis Marriott Downtown in Memphis, Tennessee, the night before the 31st Blues Music Awards. Plans are underway now individually honor each of the inductees that night.

The Hall of Fame committee, consisting of scholars, record producers, radio programmers, and historians, is chaired by Jim O'Neal, founding editor of Living Blues.

On May 6, the night after the Blues Hall of Fame inductions, The Blues Foundation will present the Blues Music Awards for the 31st time. Performers, industry representatives, and fans from around the world will celebrate the best in Blues recording, songwriting and performance from the previous year at the Memphis Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis.

The presenting sponsors are The Gibson Foundation and BMI. ArtsMemphis, bandVillage, Casey Family Programs, Eagle Rock Entertainment, FedEx, I 55 Productions, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Tennessee Arts Commission and Vividpix and Design also sponsor the Blues Music Awards.

The following are the new inductees in each of the categories:

Performers

•Lonnie Brooks - One of Chicago's top blues performers, Brooks plays a unique combination of Louisiana and Chicago blues. The singer/guitarist started his career in the in the mid-50's with zydeco's Clifton Chenier and soon had a couple of regional hits on Goldband Records. After moving to Chicago, he started doing session work (Jimmy Reed's Big Boss Man) but it wasn't until the late-70's that he came into his own as a performing artist, recording a series of albums for Alligator Records.

•Charlie Musselwhite - A firm member of the San Francisco club scene in the 70's, Musselwhite actually started his career in Chicago sitting in with greatest such as Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson. After his first album, Stand Back! Here Comes Charley Musselwhite's South Side Band, became popular on San Francisco radio, he moved west and worked with Harvey Mandel, Robben Ford and Luther Tucker, among others. It wasn't until the late-80's that Charlie ventured out to tour worldwide, causing his career to finally take off.

•Bonnie Raitt - In a career that has seen numerous changes in style, Raitt has always held her commitment to the blues and has been one of the most vocal supporters for organizations and charities that provide services for older blues performers. Her earlier albums contained a good portion of blues music and critics applauded both her soulful voice and her superb guitar playing. Even after becoming a mainstay of rock and pop radio with her 1989 album Nick of Time, Raitt continued to insist on taking some of the great names in blues on tour with her.

•W.C. Handy - Known as the Father of the Blues, Handy brought the traditional music of the rural south into the mainstream, popularizing existing songs and writing new ones in the style. In 1914, he started his own publishing company in Memphis and began writing songs that would go on to become classics such as The St. Louis Blues, Beale Street Blues and Crazy Blues.

•Gus Cannon and Cannon's Jug Stompers - Cannon, a banjo player, along with his group the Jug Stompers, recorded for Victor between 1928 and 1930. Those records were not only popular in their original day but also were big among folk and rock artists of the 60's who turned out covers of his songs (Walk Right In by the Rooftop Singers, Viola Lee Blues by the Grateful Dead and Prison Wall Blues by the Lovin' Spoonful who revamped the song into Younger Girl).

•Amos Milburn - Milburn was famous for his driving boogie piano playing which he recorded for Aladdin Records in the late-40's and 50's. Among his 19 top ten R&B hits were Chicken Shack Boogie, Bewildered, Hold Me Baby, Roomin' House Boogie and Bad, Bad Whiskey. He also worked frequently with Charles Brown.





Non-Performers

•Peter Guralnick - One of great music writers, Guralnick has had three of his books inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, Feel Like Going Home, Searching for Robert Johnson and Sweet Soul Music. He also worked with Martin Scorsese on his Blues series for PBS.

•Sonny Payne - Payne has been the host of King Biscuit Time on KFFA in Helena, Arkansas since 1951 and still broadcasts the show today, racking up over 14,000 broadcasts. The show, which actually started in 1941, is the longest running regularly scheduled blues program in the world.

Classics of Blues Literature

•The Bluesmen by Sam Charters

Classics of Blues Recording: Singles and Album Tracks

•All Your Love (I Miss Loving) by Otis Rush
•Fever by Little Willie John
•Key to the Highway by Big Bill Broonzy
•Matchbox Blues by Blind Lemon Jefferson
•Spoonful by Howlin' Wolf

Classics of Blues Recording: Albums

•Strong Persuader by Robert Cray
•Hung Down Low by Lowell Fulson
•I Hear Some Blues Downstairs by Fenton Robinson

Music News & Notes

Gold Million Records - Where vinyl is king



================================

Fontana Partners With Psychopathic Records

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Fontana, the independent distribution arm of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Psychopathic Records, it was announced today by Ron Spaulding, President of Fontana, and Bill Dail, President of Psychopathic Records.

"Under Bill's leadership, Psychopathic Records has emerged as a truly innovative and successful entertainment company, and is exactly the type of entrepreneurial label that we like to be partners with," stated Mr. Spaulding. "We are looking forward to combining our expertise in sales, marketing, digital and distribution to help further develop their roster of artists."

"Psychopathic Records cannot state words that describe the excitement felt and portrayed around the company for our highly anticipated partnership with Fontana," commented Mr. Dail. "2010 marks the beginning of a successful, new era for Psychopathic Records."

Psychopathic Records, Inc., formed in Michigan in 1990, is home to the Insane Clown Posse (ICP), who debuted as Psychopathic Records' first artist with the Carnival of Carnage album in 1992 (up for Gold certification). ICP continues to be the highest grossing artist on the label, releasing many projects, including The Ringmaster (1994; Gold certified), Forgotten Freshness (1995; Gold certified), The Great Milenko (1996; Platinum certified), The Amazing Jeckel Brothers (1999; Platinum certified), The Wraith: Shangri-La (debuted at #15 on the Billboard Top 200, approaching Gold certification) The Wraith: Hell's Pit (debuted at #12 on Billboard Top 200, #1 Independent, 75,000 copies sold at debut), and most recently, Bang Pow Boom on September 1, 2009, which debuted at #4 on Billboard Top 200, #1 on Independent Chart, and has sold well over 100,000 copies to date.

Psychopathic Records also boasts a number of other cutting-edge artists including Twiztid, Blaze, ABK, Boondox and Mike E. Clark, while DJ Clay and AMB are signed to Hatchet House, Psychopathic's sub-label.

In addition to music, Psychopathic Records is also involved in sports, film and concert/video compilation DVDs. Psychopathic Records' Juggalo Championship Wrestling (JCW) was created in 1997, with several JCW tours and shows, as well as the release of two JCW DVDs: Slam TV! EPS 1-9 featuring West Side Wars and Slam TV! EPS 10-15 featuring Bloodymania. Film-wise, the company's first documentary, Shockumentary (1998; Platinum certified), tells the story of ICP and the Dark Carnival. The second documentary, A Family Underground (2009), gives viewers an inside look at the Juggalo subculture and their annual meeting, The Gathering of the Juggalos. Video and concert compilations include Insane Clown Posse: Bootlegged in LA DVD (2003; released/shipped out as Gold certified during debut week), and Psychopathic: The Videos (2007; Gold certified). Psychopathic Records first major motion picture, Big Money Hustlas was released in 1997, and its prequel, Big Money Rustlas, is planned for release sometime in 2010.

Coming up for 2010 is a special vinyl edition and gold edition of ICP's Bang Pow Boom, releases from DJ Clay, Boondox, Blaze, Twiztid and ABK, and the feature film Big Money Rustlas, the prequel to 1997's Big Money Hustlas.

ABOUT FONTANA

Fontana Distribution, the independent arm of UMGD, provides unparalleled sales and marketing support, as well as back office services, for a diverse roster of labels and their artists. Fontana distributes more than 80 labels including Eagle Rock, Downtown, Vagrant Records, American Gramophone, Kedar Entertainment, Last Gang, Savoy Label Group, ESL, Music World, Delicious Vinyl, Ipecac, Six Degrees, SMC, Upstairs Records, VP Records, and many others. In addition, Fontana distributes select projects from UMG labels worldwide.


SOURCE Universal Music Group

RELATED LINKS
http://new.umusic.com/
http://www.fontanadistribution.com/
http://www.psychopathicrecords.com/

Music News & Notes

Blue Rodeo release new record to rave reviews

Canada’s multi-platinum selling band Blue Rodeo releases 'The Things We Left Behind' in the US. this week. This is the band’s 12th studio record and the most ambitious to date. In a time where bands are posting “tweet songs,” Blue Rodeo is releasing an old-fashioned 16-song double record on CD and vinyl, and garnering attention from a new generation of fans who are discovering the band for the first time. Here's a couple of early reviews:

“Blue Rodeo has the Americana earnestness of Gram Parsons with a generous touch of British Invasion pop... leading the pack is One More Night, a shuffle sung by Cuddy and propelled by soul-savvy electric piano, a chorus full of killer hooks, beefy guitar twang,... and lyrics full of the sort of dark wanderlust that would make Hank Williams proud.”
LEXINGTON-HERALD LEADER

“Cuddy and Keelor both seem to be taking stock, reflecting on the passage of time and the state of the heart with penetrating but poetic insight... An absolutely stellar outing, this is unquestionably the strongest statement yet from a band that continues to set new standards with each release. Highly recommended!”
BLOGCRITICS

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JIMI HENDRIX 'Rock Band' Game Due Out Later This Year

According to Billboard.com, legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix will soon have his own "Rock Band" video game. Jimi Hendrix's stepsister, Janie Hendrix, who controls the late axeman's estate, let it slip during an Los Angeles Times interview that a Hendrix edition of "Rock Band" will be coming before the end of the year.

Read the entire report from Billboard.com.

http://www.billboard.com/

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WOE OF TYRANTS: 'Threnody' Artwork Unveiled  (I love heavy metal artwork!)

Ohio's WOE OF TYRANTS will release its third album, "Threnody", on April 13 via Metal Blade Records. According to a press release from the label, "This time around, the guys have seriously turned up the shred-knob and churned out some of the most exciting songs we've heard swirling around the Metal Blade offices in quite some time. On this record, you'll find equal parts speed, groove and over-the-top guitar soloing. Headbanging will be mandatory."

Commented vocalist Chris Catanzaro: "We have a brand-baby-spankin'-new record that we finished recording at the end of 2009 with Jamie King producing, and to embrace the cliché, 'This is the most epic brutal stuff we've ever done and we're stoked on it!'

WOE OF TYRANTS will support OVERKILL on the band's 25th anniversary North American tour, dubbed Killfest 2010, in April/May 2010. The trek will span the length of the U.S., hitting spots in Canada, with one final show at New York City's Nokia Theater. Additional support on the tour will come from VADER, GOD DETHRONED, WARBRINGER and EVILE.

WOE OF TYRANTS' second album, "Kingdom Of Might", was released in January 2009 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was engineered in its entirety by Joey Sturgis of Foundation Studios (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, GWEN STACY, BROTHER VON DOOM).

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/wot

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SOUNDGARDEN To Co-Headline This Year's LOLLAPALOOZA?

According to The Daily Swarm, the reunited SOUNDGARDEN is expected to co-headline the 2010 Lollapalooza festival in Chicago. Although promoters do not traditionally announce the lineup until spring, multiple industry sources have told The Daily Swarm that SOUNDGARDEN, GREEN DAY and LADY GAGA are locked in for the Aug 6–8 weekend event. Three more headliners are expected to be included when the complete lineup is announced.

The music world was rocked on New Year's Day (January 1) by the news — posted at singer Chris Cornell's web site and Twitter page, plus a new site called Soundgarden World — that grunge gods SOUNDGARDEN would reportedly reunite in 2010 after a 12-year absence. Rumors of a SOUNDGARDEN reunion have picked up steam in the last year, possibly because the band members are known to have gotten together to talk and three of them — all but Cornell — jammed together last March at a Seattle club.

Billboard.com, after the New Year's Day announcement was posted, reported that the band was in negotiations with several festivals, but that has yet to be officially confirmed or denied.

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Bear Hands Debut US Release This Week

Just when all the fuss is exploding on the Brooklyn indie art and pop rock scene, Cantora Records are ready to unleash Brooklyn's Bear Hands US debut single "What A Drag" on February 16th.

But this band doesn't sound like they are remotely influenced in the least by what's going on musically around them. They're breaking the mold making them a truly refreshing and stand out group, opening their own rift, letting everyone know there's a new sheriff in town. "What A Drag" will be available digitally, in addition to a 1000 limited run pressing of white vinyl.

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COVERDALE/PAGE - Special Edition On The Horizon?

In 1993, WHITESNAKE vocalist David Coverdale and LED ZEPPELIN guitarist Jimmy Page joined forces under the moniker COVERDALE/PAGE and released a self-titled album.

Although there are no plans for the pair to record any new material or reunite for any shows, Coverdale reveals that "EMI have recently been making overtures to me about putting a 'special edition' together after they heard there were several unreleased tracks... but, time & resource is the problem...

We've been archiving lots of tapes, cassettes & videos at home recently & we have discovered a ton of the demos Jimmy & I made which could be very interesting for some people to hear...

We also filmed a lot of our writing & recording sessions... so, I feel we could put a terrific 'special' together that would be a treat to have... but, in reality, JP & I have never discussed re-issuing, or making another CP album... There is always the possibility of something happening... I just can't see it in the forseeable future as I am busy with 'all things Whitesnake'...

Personally, I am thrilled I had the opportunity to work with one of my musical heroes... & to maintain a healthy, loving friendship with him...

At times, I feel some people don't understand that Whitesnake is my passion... I don't really look beyond what is possible outside... It's a very broad canvas for me to paint on... no boundaries... no restrictions... Oh... & I'm my own boss... Not too shabby..."

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Robert Plant Working On New Solo Album

Robert Plant is apparently in the midst of recording a new solo album entitled 'It�s Rude To Say No'. Zeppelin fansite Lemon Squeezings reports that Plant has been in Nashville working on the new record with producer Buddy Miller and that the new album will be released later this year.

The news comes via a reporter for the Herald Courier who was doing a piece on musician Darrell Scott, who apparently appears on the new record.

Scott is quoted as saying "Those two-plus weeks were some of the most memorable times I've ever had in the studio. ... The number-one thing is that Robert loves music. You think they're posing and just getting through it, but I was humbled with how Robert Plant loved the music -- old country, blues, rockabilly."

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ELP News

Emerson, Lake and Palmer are playing a high profile reunion gig this summer but before that gets started, two of the band's principles will treat lucky North American fans to a special unplugged tour. Here is the official Announcement: Keith Emerson and Greg Lake to tour USA in an exclusive intimate evening of musical retrospective highlighting the iconic music of Emerson Lake and Palmer, the Nice and King Crimson:

The two man show with keyboard legend Keith Emerson and the famed voice and guitars of Greg Lake is an intimate "unplugged" prelude to the highly anticipated reunion of Emerson Lake and Palmer at the High Voltage Festival in July, 2010 in the UK. It is unlike any show either of the two have performed before.

The fabric of the show is the iconic music composed by Emerson and Lake throughout their careers and audiences can expect new perspectives as well as new arrangements of classic favorites as Keith and Greg relate the stories of their songs and discuss the compositions and people that influenced the celebrated music the two created with the progressive rock bands that went down in history as the super groups that began a rock and roll era: King Crimson, the Nice, and Emerson Lake and Palmer. The show is completely new – the two have never performed together in this personal setting and audiences will be treated to an emotional perspective and a rare and personal insight into the music they love during an evening they won't forget, in an intimate theatrical setting far different from the theatrics of Emerson Lake and Palmer. - Dates and ticket info here:

http://www.keithemerson.com/

Beatles' Abbey Road studios up for sale

This article caught my eye:

Beatles' Abbey Road studios up for sale
By Tina Miles


THE Abbey Road studios – where The Beatles recorded most of their albums – is up for sale, it was reported.

The world-famous studios are to be sold by cash-strapped music group EMI.

EMI’s private equity parent Terra Firma is said to be hoping a sale of the studios – made famous by the 1969 Beatles album and zebra crossing cover shot – could raise tens of millions of pounds.

It is not clear if the sale plans would also include the Abbey Road brand as well as the property.

The move would help EMI to pay down some of the mammoth debts it was saddled with after Terra Firma’s highly-leveraged 2007 takeover.

Abbey Road has hosted artists including Liverpool singer Cilla Black.

Gerry and the Pacemakers recorded You’ll Never Walk Alone and Ferry Cross the Mersey at the studios.

The Beatles used Abbey Road for 90% of their recordings, naming their final album after the studios in 1969.

The world-famous album cover features the celebrated photo, taken by Iain Macmillan, of the band wandering across the pedestrian crossing in the road outside the studios.

It became one of the most copied album covers in history – with hundreds of Beatles fans visiting the site to re-create the famous cover. There were calls for the crossing to be moved over fears fans flocking to be snapped on the road were causing crashes. EMI used the studios for last year’s release of remastered Beatles albums.

However in recent years the studios have faced cheaper competition from recording facilities in other countries.

Recent recording advances have also added pressure to Abbey Road.

But it is one of the few venues able to accommodate a full orchestra, which has allowed producers to record scores there for films including Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Lord of the Rings.

A sale of the studios would raise much needed cash for its owner.

EMI, which counts Robbie Williams among its artists, posted a £1.75 billion loss for the year to March 2009 in accounts earlier this month.

EMI was touting for interested buyers to acquire the studios at number 3 Abbey Road in St John’s Wood, according to the Financial Times.

The group today remained tight-lipped on any sale of Abbey Road or if it was part of a wider asset sale.


SOURCE: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

Songwriters Hall of Fame Announces 2010 Inductees

The Songwriters Hall of Fame announced today that their 2010 inductees will include Leonard Cohen, Jackie DeShannon, David Foster, Johnny Mandel and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Hall of Fame Chairman and CEO Hal David said:

“We are looking forward to another memorable evening where we honor their extraordinary accomplishments.” The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 17 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York.

DeShannon, Foster and Mandel made the cut from the non-performing songwriter(s) ballot. Failing to be elected were nominees Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart, Luther Dixon, Mark James, Mutt Lange, Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, Jerry Rogovoy and Bert Berns, Billy Sherrill, Joe South and Paul Vance and Neil Pockriss.

Cohen and Earth Wind and Fire are coming in from the Performer/Songwriter ballot. Those nominated and failing to be inducted were Garth Brooks, Elvis Costello, Dion DiMucci, David Gates, Tommy James, John Mellencamp, Lou Reed, U2 and Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens).

The following are the biographies of each of the inductees from the Songwriters Hall of Fame Press Release:

Leonard Cohen:

Leonard Cohen received the Grammy 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his legendary career of artistic accomplishments in songwriting and performing. Over 2,000 covers of Cohen’s songs have been recorded by artists such as R.E.M., Bob Dylan, Elton John, Judy Collins, Willie Nelson and most recently, Justin Timberlake’s rendition of “Hallelujah” that appeared on Cohen’s 1984 Various Positions album. Cohen always had an interest in music, but it wasn’t until 1966 that his focus turned to songwriting after gaining international recognition for his poetry. Before he released a single song, Cohen sold the highly successful “Suzanne” to Judy Collins which later was included on his debut album, The Songs of Leonard Cohen in 1967 along with “Sisters of Mercy,” and “So Long, Marianne.” His next two albums, Songs from a Room and Songs of Love and Hate solidified Cohen’s iconic status with “Bird on a Wire” and “Famous Blue Raincoat.” His multidimensional lyrics have captured fans spanning generations and nationalities for decades. He was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (2006) and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2008) for his outstanding work. Cohen’s world tour, which inaugurated in May 2008, is still playing to sold-out crowds.

Jackie DeShannon:

Singer-songwriter Jackie DeShannon is best known as the soulful voice behind two of the 1960s most enduring, era-defining anthems – Burt Bacharach & Hal David’s “What The World Needs Now Is Love” and DeShannon’s own “Put A Little Love In Your Heart.” Her songs have been performed by such artists as Al Green, Annie Lennox, Van Morrison, Brenda Lee, The Carpenters, The Temptations, Marianne Faithfull, The Searchers, Ella Fitzgerald and Bruce Springsteen. In the early 1960s, Jackie partnered with Sharon Sheeley on dozens of songs (“Dum Dum,” “The Great Imposter,” “Breakaway,” “You Won’t Forget Me”). Collaborations followed with Randy Newman, Jack Nitzsche, Jimmy Page and John Bettis. In 1964, Jackie toured as an opening act for the Beatles. Writing solo, she composed the hits “When You Walk In The Room” and “Come And Stay With Me.” She earned a million-seller in 1969 with “Put A Little Love In Your Heart,” written with Randy Myers and Jimmy Holiday. DeShannon won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1982 for “Bette Davis Eyes” with writing partner Donna Weiss.

David Foster:

To say that everything David Foster touches turns to gold—and usually platinum—would be an understatement. This stunningly talented songwriter is a 15-time Grammy Award winner with an unprecedented 46 nominations, a recipient of seven Juno Awards, an Emmy Award in 2004 and a three-time Oscar nominee, all over the course of four extraordinarily successful decades. Foster’s career path soared in the 1980’s as he produced and wrote an extraordinary lineup of No. 1 singles, including Chicago’s “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” Peter Cetera’s “The Glory of Love,” and John Parr’s “Man in Motion” (St. Elmo’s Fire soundtrack). In 2007 he was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Foster has worked with the biggest and best talents in the music industry, including Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble’, Seal, Earth, Wind & Fire, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston and many more. Iconic songs in the Foster catalog include “After The Love Is Gone,” “I Have Nothing,” “Look What You’ve Done To Me,” “The Prayer” and “You’re The Inspiration.” Foster recently produced two top ten albums on the Billboard Top 200 Chart - Michael Buble’ (“Crazy Love”) and Andrea Bocelli (“My Christmas).


Johnny Mandel:

Johnny Mandel, the five-time Grammy recipient and Oscar and Emmy Award winner is a composer, arranger, instrumentalist and record producer living a life totally steeped in musical achievement. As a teenager, Mandel was a member of Joe Venuti’s orchestra, followed by employment as a player and/or arranger in bands led by Henry Jerome, Buddy Rich, Jimmy Dorsey, Woody Herman and Artie Shaw. In the late 1940s and early 50s, Mandel was an arranger and composer for radio and the new medium of TV. At the same time, he played trombone and wrote arrangements for the Count Basie Orchestra. The West Coast recording scene beckoned Johnny in 1954 where he began arranging sessions for stars like Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Mel Tormé, Jo Stafford, Tony Bennett, Chet Baker and Andy Williams. Hollywood film assignments began coming in for Mandel as well, beginning with the all-Jazz score he composed for I Want to Live in 1958. Many Mandel film scores have followed, among them The Americanization of Emily, The Sandpiper, M*A*S*H*, Being There and The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming. Mandel-composed standards include “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “Emily,” “Where Do You Start?” and “Close Enough for Love.” In recent years, Mandel’s career has continued to flourish as he has remained busy producing and arranging recordings for Natalie Cole, Diana Krall and, most recently, for Barbra Streisand and Willie Nelson, among many others.

Earth, Wind & Fire:

Earth, Wind & Fire is one of the most innovative and commercially invincible contemporary Pop / R&B music forces of the 20th century. Members Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Verdine White, Larry Dunn and Al McKay are known for their signature sound of fusing Pop, R&B, Rock, Latin, Funk, Jazz and African Music to win numerous awards. Earth, Wind & Fire has received 20 Grammy nominations; winning six as a group and its founding members, Maurice White and Philip Bailey, winning two awards each. The band was also awarded the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Signature Governor’s Award. Earth, Wind & Fire have earned more than 50 Gold and Platinum albums and have sold over 90 million albums worldwide. They have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2000) and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1995). The music industry and fans have bestowed Lifetime Achievement honors from ASCAP (Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award - 2002), NAACP (Hall of Fame - 1994) and the BET Awards (Life Time Achievement Award 2002). Two Earth, Wind & Fire classic songs have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame: “That’s The Way of The World” (2004) and “Shining Star” (2007). Earth, Wind & Fire have 12 American Music Awards nominations and four awards. The band is also known as having been the first African-American performers to sell out Madison Square Garden and to receive the MSG Gold Ticket Award. President Obama invited the band to perform at the White House for the first social event of the new administration. Through the decades their songs have been covered by recording artists such as Jerry Garcia Band, D’Angelo, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan and many others.