Reuters is reporting that Bob Dylan will be releasing his new album early to Citibank customers, a concept that would have been unimaginable during the singer's 1960s protest years. Citibank customers who participate in the bank's rewards programs will be able to download Dylan's forthcoming "Christmas In The Heart" -- yes, its a Christmas album -- one week before the album's release date on October 13.
From Citigroup's press release:
"Aligning with industry pioneer, Sony Music Entertainment, reinforces our commitment to providing our members with unique and rewarding experiences," said Nancy Gordon, executive vice president, Citi's ThankYou Network. "This relationship gives our members virtually instant access to one of the most important music collections in history, in addition to promotional offers involving some of the most exciting artists in the recording industry. And it's a great opportunity for members to use very few points to get a reward that has such a broad and passionate appeal among consumers."
At first read, I thought to myself, what a sell out, from this iconic musician, tell me it ain't so!! Thankfully, Dylan will be giving all of his proceeds from the record to charity, so I guess that he knows what he is doing.
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30 Seconds to Mars Soliciting Fans' Faces for Album Cover
In April, 30 Seconds to Mars held the Summit, which allowed fans to come to Los Angeles and sing on the band's new album, 'This Is War.' In their continuing quest to be the most audience-friendly act out there, the group is spreading the love even further by letting fans grace the album cover.
So how can fans get on the 'This Is War' cover? The first 2,000 people who submit their mug to the 'Faces of Mars' campaign on the 30 Seconds website and meet the proper specifications will be on one of 2,000 individual covers for 'This is War' actually going to stores.
"I've started to see some of the faces coming in and they look amazing," frontman Jared Leto tells Spinner. "This is something that's being done for the very first time, so from the graphic art side of things, it's very compelling and unique. To be able to turn the camera away from the band and toward the audience I think follows in the tradition and spirit of 30 Seconds to Mars."
According to Leto, this isn't a publicity stunt but a "thank you" to the band's followers. "I thought that the 'Faces of Mars' campaign would be a way to acknowledge all the people who have supported us throughout the years," he says.
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R.E.M. Members Perform With Former Drummer Bill Berry
Ex-R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry reunited with former bandmates Peter Buck and Mike Mills at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Ga., on Monday night. The gig, which was headlined by Buck's side projects the Baseball Project and the Minus Five, marked Berry's first performance since he played with R.E.M. at the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Berry joined members of both bands onstage for the show's encore and drummed on covers of the Beatles' 'The Ballad of John and Yoko,' the McCoys' 'Hang on Sloopy' and 'Teenage Head' by the Flamin' Groovies. Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers had earlier joined the Minus Five on a cover of Neil Young's 'Revolution Blues,' while R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, who was in the crowd, didn't perform
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Producer Greg Ladanyi Dies
Grammy-Winning Producer Greg Ladanyi Dies at 57Posted 8 hours ago by John D. LuerssenComment (1)Greg Ladanyi, a Grammy-winning producer who worked with Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Fleetwood Mac, Warren Zevon and Toto, died Tuesday after sustaining severe head trauma in an onstage accident last week in Cyprus. Ladanyi, 57, was on tour in with Anna Vissi, an artist signed to his label, Maple Jam Music Group.Officials said Ladanyi fractured his skull after falling 13 feet during Vissi's performance at Nicosia's GSP stadium. He also suffered multiple fractures to the ribs and chest when he slipped down a gap between the stands and the ground level at the venue, just before the start of Vissi's concert.
According to reports, Ladanyi's family is honoring his wish to donate his organs. "It was Greg's wish to donate his organs to help other people," a family representative announced. His lungs and his liver will reportedly go to transplant patients in the UK and Israel.
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Sony's Legacy label announces massive reissue of Phil Spector's entire Philles Records catalog
Phil Spector's entire Philles Records recordings will be reissued through Sony's Legacy Recordings label under an agreement between Sony Music Entertainment and EMI Music Publishing announced Wednesday. The first release will be Phil Spector's "A Christmas Gift for You" on Nov. 10.
"A Christmas Gift for You" was one of only 12 full-length albums to be released during the history of the Philles Records label. Originally released in 1963 with its original title, the album was later repackaged and retitled as "Phil Spector's Christmas Album" for the Beatles' Apple Records
Artists whose recordings will be reissued under the agreement include the Ronettes, the Crystals, Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans and Lenny Bruce. The new deal covers the United States with an international roll-out to follow. Reissues planned include digital and physical releases, including CDs and vinyl 12" and 7" with replica artwork, plus releases of titles drawn from the original albums and singles and b-sides from the Philles Records catalog. New compilations, including best of collections and rarities compilations, plus reproductions of original singles and albums are also planned. Many of these original Philles Records releases were exceedingly rare on vinyl. All releases in the new project will be newly remastered.
Philles Records was launched in 1961 by producer/songwriter/recording artist Phil Spector and veteran music business executive Lester Sill and took its name from the first names of its founders. By 1967, 18 Philles Records had charted on America's Top 40, including "Uptown" (#13), "He's A Rebel," (#1), "Da Doo Ron Ron" (#3), and "Then He Kissed Me" (#6) by the Crystals and "Be My Baby" (#2) and "Baby I Love You" (#24) by the Ronettes.
"There may be no pop music more iconic than 'Be My Baby' or 'Da Do Ron Ron'," said Adam Block, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Legacy Recordings, in a statement. "The Philles 'Wall of Sound' is embedded in our musical DNA, the craft of these recordings, the quality of the songwriting and the power of the productions have established a standard that continues to inspire artists and musicians. The style, attitude and voices of great artists like Ronnie Spector and Darlene Love remain a presence in pop culture. We are delighted to be bringing these records to a whole new generation."
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No Rainbow Reunion Likely
Tony Carey has told Classic Rock magazine that will most likely never be a reunion of Rainbow.
“I’d love the chance to get on stage again with Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie Dio and Jimmy Bain. We could have Bonny Rondinelli or Greg Smith on drums, replacing Cozy Powell. But I tell you right now, it will never happen.
“Ronnie needs the aggravation of working again with Ritchie like he needs a new asshole. And Ritchie is so into his renaissance music, with Blackmore’s Night, that I doubt he even thinks about getting Rainbow back together. So, anyone who is holding out the hope of a reunion? Forget it.”
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