The Beatles - Revolution
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Album Cover Art
Molly Hatchet - Locked and Loaded 2003
"Locked and Loaded" is an spectacular showcase of one of Southern Rock's longest running bands and features a good variety of material from both the early and later years of the band.
"Locked and Loaded" is an spectacular showcase of one of Southern Rock's longest running bands and features a good variety of material from both the early and later years of the band.
Country Music Awards
Here is an update on the Country Music Awards:
George Strait Receives Four ACM Award Nominations
The Academy of Country Music announced their nominees for their annual awards at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville today. Picking up nominations are such Country acts as: Brad Paisley, Heidi Newfield, George Strait, Kenny Chesney and newcomer Jamey Johnson.
Album of the Year nominations are to be announced in March and fans will be able to go to GACTV.com between February 13 and March 5 to vote in the three new comers categories with the winners being announced on March 9. The three winners will then go on to compete in the Top New Artist category. Like last year, fans will also vote for Entertainer of the Year.
The awards are scheduled for April 5 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will air on CBS.
The full nomination list in music categories with veteran artists highlighted:
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Male Vocalist
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Keith Urban
Female Vocalist
Miranda Lambert
Heidi Newfield
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack
Vocal Group
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Randy Rogers Band
The Lost Trailers
Vocal Duo
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Joey & Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland
New Male Vocalist
Jamey Johnson
James Otto
Jake Owen
New Female Vocalist
Sarah Buxton
Julianne Hough
Ashton Shepherd
New Vocal Duo or Group
Eli Young Band
The Lost Trailers
Zac Brown Band
Vinyl Review
Continuing our new feature, my friend in vinyl, Ted, over at myvinylreview.blogspot.com has been kind enough to allow me to reprint his vinyl record reviews. What Ted offers are unbiased reviews of vinyl new releases, audiophile reissues, and more. I hope you enjoy his insights:
Reader's Request: Prince and the Revolution--Purple Rain 180 gram vinyl
Today's review is the first of what will be an ongoing feature of My Vinyl Review-- The Reader's Request, with the title to be determined through a reader's poll held the previous week.
A week ago, in anticipation of this release, I pulled out my original Bernie Grundman-mastered vinyl copy of Purple Rain and played it all the way through for the first time in over twenty years. What surprised me most was how this record is much more than an eighties time capsule, and despite some dated production values, has held up surprisingly well since its release twenty-five years ago. The other thing that really stood out was that despite living in the soul bins of nearly every music store, this is a rock record.
Warner/Rhino continues its reissue program by tackling this 1984 classic, with Kevin Gray once again behind the mastering console. The original release, mastered by Bernie Grundman, has the somewhat bright, if not cold sound typical of many eighties recordings. That observation aside, the sonics are generally excellent, with a good soundstage, centered vocals, and decent bass reproduction. By today's standards, however, one would have to point out that a listener could be prone to fatigue after extended listening.
The Warner/Rhino reissue, mastered by Kevin Gray, doesn't depart from the original in any significant way, but does make a few subtle changes. The vinyl is cut at an overall lower volume and the tone is slightly less bright--the result is that the listener can turn up the volume louder without experiencing the fatigue associated with the brighter mastering. The other difference that really stands out is a much more prominent kick drum on faster songs such as Baby, I'm a Star.
The reissue includes a repro of the printed inner sleeve and the 180 gram vinyl is housed in a plastic sleeve now used with all pressings in the Rhino series. Conspicuously absent is a poster of Prince and the Revolution that accompanied all first pressings.
Should you buy this reissue? It depends. Vinyl was still king when this record was originally released and sold in the millions, so there are still plenty of copies floating around in nice condition. I wouldn't say that this reissue is essential, given the excellent sound of the original. The reissue addresses the primary shortcoming of the original pressing, the brightness, without overdoing it so much as to change the character of the recording. To some listeners, that alone would justify picking it up.
Recommended, but not essential.
SOURCE: http://myvinylreview.blogspot.com
Reader's Request: Prince and the Revolution--Purple Rain 180 gram vinyl
Today's review is the first of what will be an ongoing feature of My Vinyl Review-- The Reader's Request, with the title to be determined through a reader's poll held the previous week. A week ago, in anticipation of this release, I pulled out my original Bernie Grundman-mastered vinyl copy of Purple Rain and played it all the way through for the first time in over twenty years. What surprised me most was how this record is much more than an eighties time capsule, and despite some dated production values, has held up surprisingly well since its release twenty-five years ago. The other thing that really stood out was that despite living in the soul bins of nearly every music store, this is a rock record.
Warner/Rhino continues its reissue program by tackling this 1984 classic, with Kevin Gray once again behind the mastering console. The original release, mastered by Bernie Grundman, has the somewhat bright, if not cold sound typical of many eighties recordings. That observation aside, the sonics are generally excellent, with a good soundstage, centered vocals, and decent bass reproduction. By today's standards, however, one would have to point out that a listener could be prone to fatigue after extended listening.
The Warner/Rhino reissue, mastered by Kevin Gray, doesn't depart from the original in any significant way, but does make a few subtle changes. The vinyl is cut at an overall lower volume and the tone is slightly less bright--the result is that the listener can turn up the volume louder without experiencing the fatigue associated with the brighter mastering. The other difference that really stands out is a much more prominent kick drum on faster songs such as Baby, I'm a Star.
The reissue includes a repro of the printed inner sleeve and the 180 gram vinyl is housed in a plastic sleeve now used with all pressings in the Rhino series. Conspicuously absent is a poster of Prince and the Revolution that accompanied all first pressings.
Should you buy this reissue? It depends. Vinyl was still king when this record was originally released and sold in the millions, so there are still plenty of copies floating around in nice condition. I wouldn't say that this reissue is essential, given the excellent sound of the original. The reissue addresses the primary shortcoming of the original pressing, the brightness, without overdoing it so much as to change the character of the recording. To some listeners, that alone would justify picking it up.
Recommended, but not essential.
SOURCE: http://myvinylreview.blogspot.com
Music News & Notes
Limp Bizkit Reuntited
The original lineup of Limp Bizkit is reuniting for a tour and new album, according to a statement from Interscope Records.
Fred Durst, Wes Borland, Sam Rivers, John Otto and DJ Lethal were last together in the fall of 2001, after which Borland left the band to focus on his own music.
Limp Bizkit has essentially been on hiatus since then and Durst has been devoting his time and energies to directing and acting in films.
Although all dates are not confirmed yet, the band is scheduled to play international festivals this spring, including shows in Eastern Europe, as well as Germany's "Rock Am Ring" and "Rock Im Park" festivals.
According to a joint statement released by the crew: “We decided we were more disgusted and bored with the state of heavy popular music than we were with each other.”
Limp Bizkit was one of the most popular rock bands in the world and their first three albums have sold in excess of 20 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
============================
New KISS LP
Paul Stanley has recently confirmed the start of recording a new KISS album. "It's a KISS album in the most true and classic sense. We're recording it in analog, not digital, and writing it ourselves."
============================
Ozzy Working On New Music
Ozzy Osbourne is said to be putting his annual Ozzfest festival on hold for 2009 while he completes work on a new album. The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2007's "Black Rain" is due around Thanksgiving and will be co-produced by Osbourne with Kevin Churko.
============================
Top Ten Moneymakers for 2008
Interestingly the top five moneymakers are also the five acts that earned the most on tour, and in the same order, according to Billboard Boxscore.
1. Madonna: $242,176,466
2. Bon Jovi: $157,177,766
3. Bruce Springsteen: $156,327,964
4. The Police: $109,976,894
5. Celine Dion: $99,171,237
6. Kenny Chesney: $90,823,990
7. Neil Diamond: $82,174,000
8. Rascall Flatts: $63,522,160
9. Jonas Brothers: $62,638,814
10. Coldplay: $62,175,555
The original lineup of Limp Bizkit is reuniting for a tour and new album, according to a statement from Interscope Records.
Fred Durst, Wes Borland, Sam Rivers, John Otto and DJ Lethal were last together in the fall of 2001, after which Borland left the band to focus on his own music.
Limp Bizkit has essentially been on hiatus since then and Durst has been devoting his time and energies to directing and acting in films.
Although all dates are not confirmed yet, the band is scheduled to play international festivals this spring, including shows in Eastern Europe, as well as Germany's "Rock Am Ring" and "Rock Im Park" festivals.
According to a joint statement released by the crew: “We decided we were more disgusted and bored with the state of heavy popular music than we were with each other.”
Limp Bizkit was one of the most popular rock bands in the world and their first three albums have sold in excess of 20 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
============================
New KISS LP
Paul Stanley has recently confirmed the start of recording a new KISS album. "It's a KISS album in the most true and classic sense. We're recording it in analog, not digital, and writing it ourselves."
============================
Ozzy Working On New Music
Ozzy Osbourne is said to be putting his annual Ozzfest festival on hold for 2009 while he completes work on a new album. The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2007's "Black Rain" is due around Thanksgiving and will be co-produced by Osbourne with Kevin Churko.
============================
Top Ten Moneymakers for 2008
Interestingly the top five moneymakers are also the five acts that earned the most on tour, and in the same order, according to Billboard Boxscore.
1. Madonna: $242,176,466
2. Bon Jovi: $157,177,766
3. Bruce Springsteen: $156,327,964
4. The Police: $109,976,894
5. Celine Dion: $99,171,237
6. Kenny Chesney: $90,823,990
7. Neil Diamond: $82,174,000
8. Rascall Flatts: $63,522,160
9. Jonas Brothers: $62,638,814
10. Coldplay: $62,175,555
This Date In Music History-February 12
Birthdays:
Ray Manzarek of the Doors turns 70.
Chynna Phillips- Wilson Phillips (1968)
One-time Genesis guitarist and GTR founder Steve Hackett was born in London in 1950.
Jim Creeggan- Barenaked Ladies (1970)
They Are Missed:
The late Lorne Greene ("Ringo") was born in 1915.
Eldee Young of the Ramsey Lewis Trio and Young/Holt Unlimited died of a heart attack in 2007.
Sammi Smith ("Help Me Make It Through The Night") died in 2005 after a long illness.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins died in 2000 (age 70), after complications from surgery.
Oliver ("Good Morning Starshine") died of cancer in 2000.
In 1983, songwriter and jazz piano player Eubie Blake died at age 100 in New York.
History:
In 2007, over 50 years after he first appeared on the US charts with a cover version of The Charms' "Two Hearts,” crooner Pat Boone was receiving major US radio airplay for his new CD "Pat Boone R&B Classics - We Are Family". His rendition of "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" was the track most in-demand by listeners.
In 2003, former Doors drummer John Densmore took legal action against The Doors keyboard player Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger for breach of contract, trademark infringement and unfair competition. The band had reformed with ex-Cult singer Ian Astbury and former Police drummer Stewart Copeland. Densmore said "It shouldn't be called The Doors if it's someone other than Jim Morrison singing." He would win the lawsuit in July, 2005 and the new ensemble was forced to stop calling themselves The Doors. As it should be.
In 1976, the Sex Pistols launched their first U.K. tour with Eddie & The Hot Rods.
Jimi Hendrix returned home to Seattle in 1968 where he received a key to the city and an honorary high school diploma. He also played for the students of Garfield High School from which he had dropped out. Hendrix was thrown out of the school at the age of 16, apparently for holding the hand of a white girl in class.
"Roundabout" was released by Yes in 1972.
In 1964, Beatlemania hit New York as the group played two shows at Carnegie Hall tonight. The New York Times said the audience gave a better performance than the band. The New Street Music record store offered to send anyone who buys a Beatles record to a barbershop next door to receive a free Beatles haircut.
In 1961, The Miracles' "Shop Around" became Motown's first million-selling single. In the following ten years, The Miracles would have six more million sellers.
In 1965, 18 year-old Donovan Leitch appeared on the UK music show Ready Steady Go!, where he performed his debut single "Catch The Wind". The tune would reach #4 in his homeland and #23 in the US.
In 1967, London police busted Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithful on drug charges.
The Silhouettes hit #1 with "Get a Job" in 1958.
In 1972, "Let's Stay Together," by Al Green, dislodged Don McLean's "American Pie" from it's month-long reign at #1.
“Eat a Peach,” by the Allman Brothers Band was released in 1972. Mixing live and studio material, it features the last studio recordings by Duane Allman.
Ray Manzarek of the Doors turns 70.
Chynna Phillips- Wilson Phillips (1968)
One-time Genesis guitarist and GTR founder Steve Hackett was born in London in 1950.
Jim Creeggan- Barenaked Ladies (1970)
They Are Missed:
The late Lorne Greene ("Ringo") was born in 1915.
Eldee Young of the Ramsey Lewis Trio and Young/Holt Unlimited died of a heart attack in 2007.
Sammi Smith ("Help Me Make It Through The Night") died in 2005 after a long illness.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins died in 2000 (age 70), after complications from surgery.
Oliver ("Good Morning Starshine") died of cancer in 2000.
In 1983, songwriter and jazz piano player Eubie Blake died at age 100 in New York.
History:
In 2007, over 50 years after he first appeared on the US charts with a cover version of The Charms' "Two Hearts,” crooner Pat Boone was receiving major US radio airplay for his new CD "Pat Boone R&B Classics - We Are Family". His rendition of "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" was the track most in-demand by listeners.
In 2003, former Doors drummer John Densmore took legal action against The Doors keyboard player Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger for breach of contract, trademark infringement and unfair competition. The band had reformed with ex-Cult singer Ian Astbury and former Police drummer Stewart Copeland. Densmore said "It shouldn't be called The Doors if it's someone other than Jim Morrison singing." He would win the lawsuit in July, 2005 and the new ensemble was forced to stop calling themselves The Doors. As it should be.
In 1976, the Sex Pistols launched their first U.K. tour with Eddie & The Hot Rods.
Jimi Hendrix returned home to Seattle in 1968 where he received a key to the city and an honorary high school diploma. He also played for the students of Garfield High School from which he had dropped out. Hendrix was thrown out of the school at the age of 16, apparently for holding the hand of a white girl in class.
"Roundabout" was released by Yes in 1972.
In 1964, Beatlemania hit New York as the group played two shows at Carnegie Hall tonight. The New York Times said the audience gave a better performance than the band. The New Street Music record store offered to send anyone who buys a Beatles record to a barbershop next door to receive a free Beatles haircut.
In 1961, The Miracles' "Shop Around" became Motown's first million-selling single. In the following ten years, The Miracles would have six more million sellers.
In 1965, 18 year-old Donovan Leitch appeared on the UK music show Ready Steady Go!, where he performed his debut single "Catch The Wind". The tune would reach #4 in his homeland and #23 in the US.
In 1967, London police busted Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithful on drug charges.
The Silhouettes hit #1 with "Get a Job" in 1958.
In 1972, "Let's Stay Together," by Al Green, dislodged Don McLean's "American Pie" from it's month-long reign at #1.
“Eat a Peach,” by the Allman Brothers Band was released in 1972. Mixing live and studio material, it features the last studio recordings by Duane Allman.