Weekly Update - 07/18/08

The Who at the Mohegan Sun on Tues. Rocktober 28^th and the Borgota Event Center in Atlantic City on Fri. Rocktober 31st. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.$75- $175. They will also be at the Izod Center on Wed. Rocktober 29- No ticket info on this venue yet.

Willie Nelson with Jakob Dylan at Radio City Music Hall on Thurs. Sept. 25th. Also at the House of Blues in Atlantic City on Sat. Sept. 27. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.  $44.50 - $80.50.

Coheed & Cambria at Terminal 5 from Wed. Rocktober 22 thru Sat. Rocktober 25. Tickets on sale today at 11:00 a.m. $120 for 4 day pass. (I’m assuming $30 for each night on a single basis).

Todd Rundgren at the Music Box at the Borgota in Atlantic City on Sat. Aug. 2. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

Jordin Sparks with Jesse McCartney at Nokia Theater on Tues. Aug. 19. Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon. $39.50

Other items:

Did you remember to watch the VH1 Honors show for The Who last night? Could there have been a better group to open the show than the Foo Fighters? I think not. How friggin’ good were they? Their energy is electric and their version of “Young Man Blues” was incredible. I jumped out of my seat while watching and called friends just to make sure they were watching (you can catch a repeat of this show over the weekend). Then Gaz Coombes from Supergrass joined the Foo’s to cover “Bargain” and I was blown away. The Foo’s look like they have so much fun out there and I can’t say enough about these guys. The highlights for the show were the following: Pearl Jam. It’s amazing how grandiose this band has become as they now are no longer the new guys on the block. Dare I say that their version of “Love Reign O’er Me” is better than the original? If not, it’s pretty close. And they did an awesome job recreating one of my favorite Who songs- “Real Me.”

Wayne Coyne in that inflatable space ball was real cool and his band, The Flaming Lips, did a nice job on the medley from Tommy. I’ll throw in Incubus as well (I thought they were done) with their cover of “I Can See for Miles” and “I Can’t Explain.” And of course The Who (obviously not the same without Entwistle and Moon). I thought their set was top notch as well and my favorite performance from them was “My Generation.” The coolest clips they showed last night was one where John Entwistle was shown playing the bass so fluently and effortlessly. He could really play- check out his work on all the Who songs and one in particular- “Boris The Spider.”

John Mellencamp released his “Life, Death, Love & Freedom” album this past Tuesday. Very different from what you’d expect. If you are a Mellencamp fan just remember that Mr. T. Bone Burnett produced this project and it has his “sound” all over it. Definitely no songs like “R-O-C-K in The USA” here. Average rating on I-Tunes is 3.5 stars.The comments range from “brilliant” to “I thought he was dead.”“My Sweet Love” sounds like something that was left off of the Plant & Krauss album “Raising Sand.” Mellencamp has stated that he needed to do this album and doesn’t care if he sells five copies.

Bruce Springsteen has released a four song EP along with the accompanying video through I-Tunes and it is his “Magic Tour Highlights.” I have to admit this is very cool and I like it. Alejandro Escovedo joins Bruce & the E-Street Band for his new single “Always A Friend” (which is my new favorite song of the week). Tom Morello joins them for a rendition of “The Ghost of Tom Joad.” The legendary Roger McGuinn joins them for a version of “Turn, Turn, Turn.” (Tell me he doesn’t sound like Tom Petty or should it be Petty sounds like McGuinn?) And the video for “4^th of July, Asbury Park” has the last performance of one of the original E-Street members, Danny Fedrici, who passed away this past April from melanoma. Everyone involved is waiving their royalties and all the money from the sale of this CD/DVD will go to the Danny Federici Melanoma Fund. A nice touch!!

Go out and purchase the Randy Travis song “Faith in You” from his latest album “Around the Bend.” Great song period!!

Remember a few months ago I told you about the song “Addicted” from Ace Young, well his new CD is finally out and I will now change my stance and say that his other single “You Redeem Me” will be the song of the summer. This is pop music at its best.

My favorite old school song of the week is “Teacher” from Jethro Tull. I know, I’m still pissed that they beat out Metaliica for the first heavy metal Grammy but these boys had some good tunes and I recognize that.

Another old school favorite this week is The Who’s “The Punk and the Godfather” from Quadrophenia. This is the Who’s week by far.

I have to tell you that I am thisclose to buying the seemingly great collaboration between Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis “Two Men with the Blues.” This is a recording of their performance in January 2007 at Lincoln Center in NY City. This sounds terrific. I am going out on the ledge (just from the 30 second samples) and say that this is a must buy.

Received an e-mail this week from my friend Chris and it was a clip from You Tube featuring an 11 year old, Sungha Jung, playing acoustic guitar. You have to take a look and a listen: Go to :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uG_y8_FiKM&feature=related and you will also see many other tracks he has performed. Awesome.

Miracle happening this coming Tuesday, from the pages of Mr. Axl Rose, Zach De La Rocha is appearing from the ashes and will put out a new CD with his band- One Day As A Lion. He’s not in Axl’s category but he is number two when promising to put out new material and taking more than 7 years to do it.

This weeks I-Tune shuffle landed on “Carry On” by Crosby, Stills Nash & Young from their 2^nd album but first with Neil Young. Of course I had to go back and listen to the classic album “Déjà vu.” I love the guitar work on Carry On and their vocals together rank up as one of the all-time greatest harmonizing team ever. This album lands on #147 on Rollingstone’s magazines list of the top 500 albums. “One morning I woke up and knew you were really gone.” I love the bridge in this song as they break to “where are you going now my love, where will you be tomorrow… questions of…” This song was penned by Stephen Stills and cracks my top 50 songs ever. Track # 2 is the great “Teach Your Children” written by Graham Nash. Did you know he was part of The Hollies? Everyone knows this song and you can’t say it’s not good. Track # 3 belongs to David Crosby with “Almost Cut My Hair.” Now this song puts me back at Woodstock (if I was old enough). Then its on to Mr. Young with “Helpless”- now no offense to Young’s fans but this doesn’t fit the album. I understand each one of them were taking turns writing tracks but it kills the flow. And I love this song.

Track # 5 is my favorite of this album, a song written by Joni Mitchell but this version is by far the best: “Woodstock.” Now I know you are all going to tell me you have heard this song a million times but how can you not love the intro to this song? Once you hear it- you’re hooked- you have to listen to the whole song again. The walls are bleeding right now. This is the perfect summer song!! Blast it at your next BBQ. “By the time we got to Woodstock…” I can listen over and over and over. How cool is the title track? Oh man just pure greatness with their harmonizing vocals at the beginning? “If I had I ever been here before I would probably know just what to do… Don’t you?” It then morphs into a psychedelic tune where you find yourself playing air bass guitar and wondering what kind of stuff Crosby was on when he wrote it. Track #7 is another Nash popular tune- “Our House.” Years ago I was embarrassed to admit that I love this song but can no longer deny it. (even the “La, La, La” part). (On another note it was the ending song on last night’s show on CBS- Swingtown).

I guess if I was old enough back in the early 70’s I would have been a big fan of Stephen Stills because I seem to gravitate to the songs that he wrote and this is especially true with track # 8: “4 + 20.” It’s a beautiful song but with some powerful ending lyrics. Track #9 belongs to Mr. Young and this is probably one of the best songs he has ever written: “Whisky Boot Hill/ Down, Down, Down/ Country Girl (I think you’re pretty).” I especially like when all four are singing “If I could stand to see her crying.. I would tell her not to care…” The last track was actually written by Young and Stills (I guess when they weren’t all fighting). “Everybody I Love You” is the song that has the most “kick” on this album. I can’t say enough about the harmonizing vocals, excellent here again.

Déjà Vu was released in March 1970 and it still stands the test of time. This is a “must have” in your music library. I always told my parents that I was born too late because I wish I could have been in my late teenage years when all this great music was at its height. I’m always drilling my father on why he was stuck in the 1950’s with the “doo wop” music. He was 26 in 1969 and could have gone to Woodstock and rode the wave of all the great music in the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s. Oh well I digress… Now I have read that this album is “overrated” by the non-baby boomer generation and my response is that is “crazy talk” (sorry Monica I had to use your term). This is a very special album; you all need to run out and purchase it- if you don’t have it. If you do, listen to it again and feel the greatness.

Today is Dion’s birthday. He turns 69. His biggest hit “Runaround Sue” was number 1 for two weeks in 1961.

Birthday wishes today also for Martha Reeves. She was born in Alabama in 1941. Her band had six top ten songs.

Back on this day in 1977 Barry Manilow had the number 1 hit with “Looks Like We Made It.” And on this day in 1988, Richard Marx had the number one hit with “Hold On to The Night.”

Weekly Update - 07/03/08

Eddie Vedder at the United Palace Theater on Mon. & Tues. Aug. 4th and 5^th. Tickets on sale next Fri. July 11 at 10:00 a.m.$79.

The Goo Goo Dolls at the House of Blues in Atlantic City on Dec. 31. Pre-sale tickets begins tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. and goes to July 31 at 10:00 p.m. General public on sale is Fri. Aug. 1 at 10:00 a.m. $52 - $67.

Indigo Girls at the House of Blues in Atlantic City on Thurs. Sept. 25. Tickets on sale this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. $32 - $41.50.

Apocalyptica will be at Nokia Theater on Fri. Sept. 26. Tickets on sale now. $20.

Lindsey Buckingham at the Nokia on Sun. Rocktober 19. Tickets on sale next Sat. July 12 at noon.

Dion at the Mohegan Sun Cabaret on Thurs. thru Sun.Aug. 28 – Aug. 31. Tickets on sale this Mon. July 7 at 10:00 a.m. $40.

Wingstock 2008 at the First Energy Park in Lakewood NJ on Sat. Sept. 13, featuring Peter Wolf, Kansas and a “Huge Act” to be named later. Tickets on sale Mon. July 14 at noon. $35. Eight ticket limit.

Other items:

John Mayer has released “Where the Light Is- Live in Los Angeles.” This guy is growing on me. Great guitar player and nice vocals. He does a real cool version of Tom Petty’s “Free Falling.” Check it out. Supposedly Target is the place to buy it. You get both CD and DVD for $17.99.

My new favorite song of the week is from a Country Band called The Lost Trailers and the song is “Holler Back.” These guys have been around for a long time, they sound good- check them out.

My two favorite “old school” songs this week are “Mr. BoJangles” by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band “On and On” by Stephen Bishop. The Nitty Gritty Band re-recorded this hit with Keith Urban and Dierks Bentley but I like the original better. Jerry Jeff Walker actually wrote the song but I like this version the best- it’s been covered by many artists, including John Denver and Bob Dylan.

LL Cool J has released a new single called “Baby” featuring The Game. Very disappointed in LL, this song is juvenile and a big step backwards at this point in his career. I don’t know if he’s trying to get “street cred” but the cursing and the lyrics are laughable.

Fans of Little Feat, myself included, will be glad to know that 14 of their greatest hits have been re-recorded by various artists which include Dave Matthews, Chris Robinson, Jimmy Buffet, Vince Gil, Brooks & Dunn and Bob Seger.

Caught some needling on why no review of Motley Crue’s new release “Saints of Los Angeles.” I’m almost there. I don’t want to piece-meal it from I-Tunes and then realize I want the whole CD. The first five songs sound awesome. I’m a huge Crue fan so I most likely will take the plunge. And I totally agree that the video for “Saints of Los Angeles” is real cool, this is the way a rock band is suppose to look and sound like. Excellent song and video.

I have now solidified my favorite track on “Evil Urges” by My Morning Jacket and the honor goes to the “Librarian.” This song is phenomenal. Again, I can’t say enough about this album but if there is one song to get- this is the one. On another note about this album- you had to see the faces of my boys when I played “Highly Suspicious” for them. Talk about priceless. They hated it.

And not for nothing I am real close to getting “Real Animal” by Alejandro Escovedo that was just released this past Tuesday. Last week I mentioned his new single “Always a Friend” and as I listen to the 30-second previews on I-Tunes- it sounds like a smash hit!!

This week’s I-Tunes shuffle landed on “You May Be Right” by Billy Joel, so of course I had to go back and listen to my one and only album by Mr. Joel- “Glass Houses.” This was his seventh studio effort, which was released back in 1980. I know this album alienated fans from his first six albums but you know what? - it dragged me in. Now for myself back in 1980, it was not cool to own a Billy Joel album, so the people who knew me back then- probably never knew that I bought this. (I had a metal image to uphold). Now I recognize Mr. Joel’s space in American music history and he can’t be denied, but I was never a real “big” fan. I like a lot of his stuff but again this is the only album that I have ever purchased from his extensive library. And yes I have seen him live and have to admit I liked the show. He has earned his place in music history.

Now for me, the opening breaking glass sound on “You May Be Right” symbolized that he was shattering his image of just being a piano man and was ready to rock and roll. Say what you will about this song but when it’s cranked up loud (as I have it now) this is a fun rock and roll song. “Sometimes A Fantasy” is a cool song and I love the hook. With a good set of headphones, the background vocals come through great. I love the drum parts to “only you can give me satisfaction.” Again play this loud. “Don’t Ask Me Why”- well don’t ask me why but I love this song- I know its soft but there is a soft side to me. “Don’t wait for answers, just take your chances.” Sort of reminds me of something Paul McCartney would sing. OK now I know you have heard “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me” over a thousand times, especially in the summer of 1980 but you know what? It’s a great song.

Tell me you don’t like “All for Leyna?” Oh man I wore this album out and this is my second favorite track. I love the piano work and the bridge of the song that takes it into “I’m failing in school, losing my friends…” is something that I can listen to over and over. If you have the album- side 2: track # 1: “I Don’t Want To Be Alone” is not only my favorite song on this album, this could very well rank up there in my top 20 songs of all time. Can you say “desert island” song? I have always wanted to perform this song a la karaoke style. How cool is this song? “She said she meet me in a bar at the Plaza Hotel, wear a jacket and a tie-eee-eye..” It has a funky stop and go beat that flows real well and Billy’s vocals are spot on. Perfect bar song. Then for all sports fans, “Sleeping With the Television On” starts with the National Anthem and then back in the old days the TV would turn off and you’d hear just a steady noise. “Your Eyes are Saying Talk to Me… This isn’t for me to say Dianne… All Night Long..” I believe this is one of his all time classic songs, I know a lot of folks out there probably think I’m sleeping with the television on right now. And how cool and rocking is “Close to the Borderline” – I love it- crank it up. How many songs by Billy Joel can you say “Crank it Up?” I love the guitar throughout. “A buck three eighty won’t buy you much these days… I don’t change channels, so they must change me..” How many Billy Joel songs can you “air guitar” to? Come on, this is probably the only one. The album closes with “Through The Long Night,” a great slow song and Joel’s vocals are top notch. It’s a sing along song for the whole family- take it on your next trip together.

Glass Houses spawned two number 1 hits for Mr. Joel: “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” and “Don’t Ask Me Why.” “You May Be Right” peaked at # 7. Now there is not one bad tune on this album and it classifies as a “desert island” disc. It’s short and compact- like many albums were back in the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s. At the time I bought it, I knew it was a classic but again wasn’t too vocal about it. But now I will tell all of you- run out and get this album now!!! And he also won a Grammy for this album “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance”- would I steer you wrong?

Remember the VH1 Honors show this year is on Thurs. July 17 at 9:00 p.m. and the only band being honored is The Who. Should be a great show.

Back on this day in 1971, Jim Morrison died of a heart attack in France at the young age of 27.

Today would have been Laura Branigan’s 51st birthday, she passed away in Aug. 2004. She was born in Brewster NY.

Back on this day in 1988, Cheap Trick had its only #1 song with “The Flame.”

Weekly Update - 06/27/08

Bob Dylan at the Convention Hall in Asbury Park NJ on Wed. Aug. 13. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $50 - $75.

Squeeze with James at Radio City Music Hall on Friday Sept. 19. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $39.50 - $99.50.

O.A.R. with Ozomatli at the Borgota Event Center in Atlantic City on Thurs. July 31. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

Michael Buble at the Mohegan Sun on Tues. Dec. 2. Tickets on sale Monday June 30 at 10:00 a.m. $45 - $60.

Stars at Terminal 5 on Sat. Sept. 20. Tickets on sale today at noon. $30.

Ice Cube at Fillmore NY on Sun. Sept. 21. No ticket information as of yet.

From The Jam at the Blender Theater on Fri. Sept. 26. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $29.50.

Tantric at the Blender Theater on Sat. Aug. 2. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $16.

Other items:

Matt Sorum is fueling the fire of a possible Guns & Roses reunion by stating that talks are “already underway.” Supposedly the tensions between Axl and Slash have eased recently. Sorum may not even be part of the reunion as Steven Adler, original drummer, is slated to be, assuming he can keep clean.

Unfortunately I was not at the two Pearl Jam shows this week at the Garden. Without even being there I know the shows were great. And as an added bummer for me, Ace Frehley, joined the boys on stage for a version of “Black Diamond.” Now that must have been totally cool.

Check out a new song by Alejandro Escovedo “Always A Friend.” I like it, very cool. Sort of a cross between Springsteen and Costello. It appears on his new release “Real Animal.”

Supposedly the report that had Amy Winehouse already having emphysema at the young age of 24 is false, according to her publicist. (Oh yeah her publicist). The original report stated that if she doesn’t stop smoking cigarettes (and other un-mentionables) she will be confined to a wheelchair and have a permanent oxygen mask by the end of July.

Candlebox has released another single “A Kiss Before Dying” from the upcoming album “Into The Sun” to be released on July 22. Sounds good but are you kidding me with the bleeding of the customers? This is the third “single” released and when the album comes out, you have to buy the whole thing and you won’t get credit towards the album and you’ll have three repeat songs. Give me a break.

Really like the new song released by Buddy Guy “Skin Deep” with Derek Trucks as special guest on guitar. Excellent tune. Download it now!!

Foo Fighters have released a EP- Let it Die on I-Tunes. Four songs- two old/two new. Seems reasonable at $3.96.

Staind has released a new single “Believe.” Now I understand that each artist has a similar sound in their songs but this band takes the cake. In my opinion, this song sounds exactly like “Its Been A While” which sounds exactly like “So Far Away”.. which sounds like “Outside.” If he released all these songs together he had have a record for the longest song in history. C’mon do something different.

CD Review: “The Sound of Madness” – Shinedown released June 24, 2008. (3^rd studio)

OK I jumped on this group’s bandwagon after the release of their second album “Us and Them.” Actually I made the mistake a few summers ago by blowing them off as the opener for Rob Zombie & Godsmack at Jones Beach. Paul and I caught the tail end of their set and I have to tell you I was blown away by their sound. I was so mad at myself for missing their set and have waited patiently for their next release as well as the opportunity to see them live. And now with three albums under their belt, they should be a headliner from now on. For many of their fans,“Leave a Whisper” –their debut album- is still their favorite disc. I have to say that this is one very consistent band and all three CD’s are super solid. But I’m here to review their new one.

Like I said, I have been waiting for what seems an eternity for this new CD to come out. Part of the reason for this is the band was going through some tough times and parted ways with their original guitarist, Jasin Todd and original bassist-Brad Stewart. Nick Perri and Eric Bass have replaced them on lead and bass, respectively. The CD starts off with the single released a few weeks back “Devour”- it begins with a sound like a marching high school band is coming at you, then the guitar and piano kick in and then WHAM!!! A pure head-banging sound screaming out of your speakers with a rage. Wow it’s freakin’ loud, fast and furious. Brent Smith, in my opinion, now holds the current title of best vocals for a rock band on the planet. “Yeah I get it you’re an outcast” starts off the second song which is the title track. I love the bass and drums in this song. Crank it up baby!! My walls are shaking. Smith’s voice sounds different on this song than any other song that Shinedown has done. Then it slows down with “Second Chance” which will most likely end up on the radio soon. (WCCC of course out of Hartford CT).Take a listen to Smith’s vocals and tell me you are not hooked? “Cry for Help” is another blastoff which will have you either turning up the volume or running out of the room, depending on your mood. Right now I’m turning up the volume. So far for me this is the heaviest sound they have produced and if you are into it- you will love it. Whoa, as you catch your breath, track # 5 is there to slow things down a bit, although “The Crow & Butterfly” is still very heavy, especially with the chorus. Sort of reminds me of what Soundgarden would do these days, if they were still together.

OK for those of you out there who will not listen to me and purchase this whole CD because of the fear of listening to heavy music, then take my advice and download the best song on this album “If You Only Knew.” If you don’t like this song, then I give up. This would be the song that I would pick to represent what this band is all about. Not too heavy but very melodic and the vocals are top notch.Then its back too real heavy beats with track # 7 “Sin With a Grin.” Whoa man this stuff kicks butt!!! The “yo-yo” effect continues as it slows down again with “What a Shame.” Then back up again- off your feet- with “Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide”- OK admittedly a weird song title but it will rock your socks off. This is the shortest track on the disc at 3:11 but with a lot of pop. This album is unreal for all you Shinedown fans out there, this is something totally different. This album sort of reminds me when Skid Row surprised everyone back in 1991, with its’ sophomore effort “Slave to the Grind” which was harder and heavier than anyone expected. (Personally my favorite album from the Skidsters). Track # 10 “Breaking Inside” is my second favorite track on the disc and this will be on WCCC in a few weeks. “Call Me” is a striking track, which is destined for stardom, and since it has a lot of piano, more appealing to the general public. This ends the CD but if you purchase from I-Tunes you get three more tracks from this incredible band.

Now I hope that all of my praise for this band doesn’t fall on deaf ears (or eyes in this case). Please do not dismiss this band on me, like all of you have done to me with Tesla. Take heed, this is the best new band out there today!! The proof is in this album and their other two as well!!

Metallica’s new album has been named and it is “Death Magnet.” Are you kidding me? Come on now boys, you’re all over 40 and this is what you come up with? Of course you know I’m buying it when it comes out in September.

Back on this day in 1971 The New York Fillmore East concert hall closed down with performances by J. Geils, Allman Brothers, Beach Boys and Mountain.

Back on this day in 1964 the # 1 song “A World Without Love” was sung by Peter & Gordon but written by Paul & John- It is the first time a McCartney-Lennon song tops the pop chart for a group other than the Beatles.

Weekly Update - 06/20/08

Coldplay at the Izod Center on Sun. Rocktober 26. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $49.50 - $97.50

The Black Crowesand Patti Smith at the Borgota Event Center in Atlantic City on Sat. Rocktober 11. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

Bob Dylan at the Borgota Event Center in Atlantic City on Sat. Aug. 16. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

Other items:

Warrant fans will have to wait to see the original band members for the foreseeable future as the lead singer for Cinderella, Tom Keifer, hemorrhaged his left vocal chord and had to pull out of this summer’s tour with Warrant. Warrant is now scrambling looking for an opening act.

According to British newspaper The Observer, the Stones were considering transferring all rights to their back-catalog and future touring rights to the Live Nation. But the group insists talk of a Live Nation deal is false. In a statement, they say: “We are not in talks with Live Nation in connection with any record deal.”

Foreigner has released a new single “Too Late” this past Tuesday with a new singer Kelly Hansen. The album “No End in Sight” will be out later this summer. Mick Jones is still on lead. Jason Bonham on drums. I can’t go back, my allegiance is to Lou Gramm. They may have the same name but it will never be Foreigner.

Led Zeppelin has confirmed that there will be a DVD release of their performance last December in London. I guess if they don’t tour the U.S.- this is the next best thing, right?

CD review: “Evil Urges” by My Morning Jacket. OK as I mentioned last week I had a feeling that I was going to be drawn to this album. This is my first album from MMJ (their fifth) so I know from reading the I-Tune reviews that there a lot of unhappy MMJ fans who do not like the fact that they have “changed directions.” From my point of view, if they didn’t I’d still be watching from the sidelines. This will now entice me to look back to their first four CD’s, so if they are a “sellout” or I’m a “wannabe” MMJ fan, so be it. This is a super solid CD and dare I say the best new release in 2008. The CD starts off with the title track and it’s a song that will be hard to get out of your head. The chorus of “evil urges baby they be- part of the human way” will resonate in your brain and you will be singing it all day. Many of the songs on the album sound like something that Prince would record and this is one of them. “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Part 1” is a cool song that kind of reminds me something that Squeeze would record now if they were just starting out. “Highly Suspicious” is the lightning rod song of this CD that has people quickly taking sides- you either hate it or you love it. I’ve seen things written that have made me fall over with laughter on why this song should have never been recorded. I like it and this has Prince’s influence all over it. (Although Jim James vocals when he wanes “highly” can be a tad annoying but its part of the reason why the song works).

Track # 4 “I’m Amazed” is one of my favorites and the lyrics hit home. “I’m amazed by a divided nation… and I’m amazed what we accept in its place.” The guitar work and the overall production of this track is top notch. “Think You Too” slows down the pace but it is a nice song. It sounds similar to something the Eagles would perform and the lyrics are perfect if you want to dedicate it to someone who is close to you. It’s a perfect dance song with your significant other. This could be my favorite song on the CD, don’t know yet. Track #6 “Sec Walking” definitely sounds like Mac Davis to me. (Listen to “Baby, baby don’t get hooked on me” and tell me that’s not Mac Davis singing Sec Walking). I like this song as well, the background vocals are cool. “Two Halves” speeds things up a bit and sorry to keep comparing but it sounds like something U2 could do. It’s a very catchy tune and again the background vocals are solid.

Track # 8 “Librarian” reminds me of something that Peter Noone (Herman’s Hermit) could record now. Another beautiful song- listen with your head phones on and you will be off somewhere in a haze. “Look at You” is a slower song that is good. Tracks #10- “Aluminum Park”and #11- “Remnants” pick it up in tempo and are guitar driven songs with great backing vocals.Things slow down from there with the last two tracks- “Smokin from Shootin” and “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2.” I really like “Smokin” and the lyrics really make you think. Part 2 of “Touch” is alright, I have to let it grow on me. It starts off real psychedelic and then kind of goes “disco” a bit.

Again MMJ has grabbed a new fan because of this CD and I highly recommend it. There are so many different influences on it that there has to be something that will catch your ear. I say buy the whole CD but if you want to pick and choose, go to I-Tunes and down load away. Total thumbs up and as of right now it sits up on top as one of the best recordings this year. Have fun at the show tonight at Radio City!!!

This weeks I-Tunes shuffle landed on “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour and I had to go back and listen to their debut album- Vivid. This album hit in 1988. I remember the first time I heard “Cult” I was blown away, I love Vernon Reid’s solo in the middle of the song and this song needs to be on Guitar Hero (if it is not already).“I Want to Know” is a phenomenal song and just kicks butt. Will Calhoun’s drumming is so upbeat in this song and throughout the whole album. “How you feelin’?” What about the groove in “Middle Man?” And the vocals of Corey Glover are spot on for this song. “Desperate People” starts off with a frenzy head-banging effect and then kicks in with that slow groove with Glover screeching out. Then it’s on to one of their most popular songs “Open Letter (To a Landlord). “ This song received heavy airplay throughout the summer of 1988 and listening to the lyrics, it’s obvious that Living Colour was making a specific social point of view.

“Funny Vibe” is a song that has the walls shaking in my house and I just jump and dance all around in a circular motion. Again this is another song that gets right to the point lyrically. And how cool is it to have Chuck D. and Flavor Flav from Public Enemy contribute to the song? Then its on to my personal favorite of the album “Memories Can’t Wait.” Mr. Reid’s work on the song is just flat out fantastic while Calhoun keeps the train rolling on the skins. “Other people can go home.. I can never stop, I can never quit.” This song was actually written by David Byrne and Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads. “Broken Hearts” is a mix of a funky beats and then cools down. Great song. Track # 9 –“Glamour Boys” which I believe Mick Jagger helped write is a pure fun song and great for parties or backyard BBQ’s. (Jagger actually had a hand in landing these guys a deal with Epic Records- he actually hired Reid and Calhoun to play on his solo album- Primitive Cool). Then its on the familiar screech of Glover “Eeee yaaa.. what’s your favorite colour?” This short song packs a powerful punch and then lashes into the final song of the album “Which Way to America.” This song should also be on Guitar Hero. This is head-banging at its best. “Go West Young Man… Go West.”

Living Colour is an excellent band and they had some good songs & albums after Vivid but for me this is the one. Top to bottom there is not a bad song on the whole disc. If you don’t own it, run out and buy it now!!! Assaulting riffs throughout.

Lots of Birthday’s today. Cyndi Lauper turns 55, Lionel Richie turns 59, Anne Murray turns 62 and Brian Wilson is 66 today.

Concert Review- Tom Petty & Heartbreakers with Steve Winwood at MSG- 06/17/08

Concert review- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers along with opening act Steve Winwood at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday June 17, 2008

My brother and I purchased these tickets more than a few months ago and I had June 17 circled on my calendar with an exclamation point. Couldn’t wait to go. My thinking going in was, how could you top this show? You have two legendary icons sharing the greatest stage in the entire world. (I know I keep saying that the Garden is the best stage to see a show but now I have proof- jumping ahead a bit, when Petty took the stage, the crowd kept letting them know how appreciative they were for the performance that he & the Heartbreakers were putting on, Mr. Petty looked up into the crowd and said “This may be the best room for rock and roll on the planet.”) Everyone knows how I feel about Mr. Winwood, I can’t say enough about how great this man is. But you know what? He just didn’t have it as the opener. And when Petty and the Heartbreakers took the stage the entire mood of the show shifted into cruise control, they brought down the house.

Now for those of you who have been following along my reviews, they are usually positive. Now I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you should not go to see Steve Winwood whenever you have the opportunity. No, it was just that he didn’t have it that night. Heck, if you get three hits out of every ten at-bats, you’re considered royalty in baseball; you get my point? Far be it for me to say how it should have gone but if I were Mr. Winwood’s manager, I would have suggested playing as many of his hits as possible with the short time period that he was given. I totally understand he was out there to promote his new album “Nine Lives.” But in my opinion to get people to listen to your new songs, they have to be familiar with your classic tunes; especially in a big arena. The “die-hards” will go to the smaller venues and appreciate your new stuff. Here’s your opportunity to add more people to your smaller venues and again in my opinion, he did not do that. Believe it or not there were many people there who were unfamiliar with his work. Now he did an excellent version of “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and “Had to Cry Today.” However even in those songs, it appeared that he was going through the motions. He seemed so laid back that I had the feeling that he needed Mr. Clapton out there to pick up his game. (If you remember back to my review of their show in February, I stated that Clapton was so great that night because he knew he couldn’t phone it in with Steve on the stage with him). Then when he did “Higher Love”- he changed the sound so much that I felt like I was in the Caribbean, (and this is not a bad thing but we were at the Garden). And it just dragged on too long. So all in all, not one of Mr. Winwood’s better nights, but hey we all get a mulligan, right?

Now when Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers took the stage, you could feel the energy level rise and very quickly if I may say. The stage was loaded with amplifiers and cables- so much that there looked to be very little room for the band. For most of the night, it looked like if Petty took one more step, he would have fell off the stage. A classic look, kind of reminded me of the cover of the Who’s “Who are You” album. But high above them was technology at it’s best. For those of you who have kids, it looked like a transformer was hovering over them. The “face” of this transformer had a semi circle with three or four screens that highlighted the different band members. Then there were three “cube like” screens, hanging from the ceiling. (reminded me of the cubes that are in the children’s game – “Don’t Break the Ice”). So you had the old- the stage- and the new- the aerial screen show. Now Petty did not have a new album to promote but that did not mean he did not mix up the set list with some obscure songs because he did. However his library is so extensive that it is almost impossible to not know at least 80% of what he will perform. Talk about a sing along night? Has to be right up there with the Springsteen shows. Now if you have never seen Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers live, you really need to review your priorities.

The show started off with “You Wreck Me” from his solo Wildflowers album-an upbeat rocking song. It then slips right into one of my personal favorites- “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” Love the riff in the song. “.. I don’t know but I’ve been told you never slow down, you never grow old. Tired of screwing up…” The whole audience is singing word for word. The crowd is jubilant and is screaming “Petty, Petty, Petty” in between songs. He was blown away by the response and most appreciative of the feedback. The opening chords from “I Won’t Back Down” is heard and you could feel the roar of the crowd and everyone is ready to belt out “Hey baby there ain’t no easy way out.. I won’t back down.”

“Even the Losers” took me back to 1979 when “Damn the Torpedos” was released. I love going back in time, ahh the memories. Then it was on to arguably his most popular song- “Free Falling.” If you happened to be walking outside the Garden when this song came on, you had to hear the audience singing it. I actually pulled out my cell phone (I know-everything that I’m against) and called my best friend John and let him listen to his favorite Petty song. The shows next two songs were lesser known but still rocked the house. “Cabin Down Below” and “Sweet William” were excellent and from Sweet William onwards this is where Mike Campbell took over the show. This unsung axeman lies in the shadows of many other more popular guitarists but let me tell you- this man can shred. Staying on the subject of the band members- the drummer Steve Ferrone- kept the train a rollin’ with his excellent skills on the skins. And Benmont Tench on organ, piano and synthesizer was also awesome. The band went into Tom’s favorite Traveling Wilbury song- “End of the Line.” How can anyone not like the Traveling Wilbury’s? It’s impossible.

Afterwards, Mr. Petty called out Mr. Winwood to join the band and they blasted their way to two of Winwood’s classic tunes- “Can’t Find My Way Home” and “Gimme Some Lovin”. Ahh retribution- I looked over to my brother and said “Now that’s the Winwood I know.” To watch Campbell and Winwood share guitar solos back and forth was awesome. Then when Steve took to the piano/organ on “Gimme Some Lovin’” the entire Garden was really rocking. It was an awesome moment and feeling. At this moment the entire band had “caught the wave” and rode that wave for the rest of the show. It was a pure hit fest as the crowd sang along to such favorites as “Learning to Fly” “Don’t Come Around Here No More” and “Refugee.” My favorite song of the night was “You Don’t Know How it Feels”- makes me want to play harmonica and the drums- how cool is the groove in this song? The band came back out for the frenzied crowd and did three encores: “Running Down a Dream” “Mystic Eyes”- which I believe was a cover from Stack Waddy back in 1971 and then “American Girl.”

So Petty and his mates blew the cover off the ball. This was a great show and I’m begging you to see him before he decides to retire. Hopefully this doesn’t happen because you can tell that this is what he and his band mates love to do. They love music. It’s in them. It’s in me. Is it in you? Go out and enjoy!!!

Weekly Update - 06/13/08

My Morning Jacket at Madison Square Garden on Wed. Dec. 31. Tickets on sale Fri. June 27 at 10:00 a.m. $49.50

Van Morrison at the Borgota Event Center in Atlantic City on Sat. July 12. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

Kayne West at Madison Square Garden on Tues. Aug. 5. Tickets on sale today at noon. $49.50 - $154.50.

The Stooges at Terminal 5 on Fri. Aug. 8. Tickets on sale today at noon. $45.

Billy Idol at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Tues. Aug. 26. Tickets on sale today at 10:00 a.m. $42.50.

Beach Boys at the Mohegan Sun on Fri. Aug. 22. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $25

Paramore at the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park on Thurs. Aug. 28. Tickets on sale next Friday June 20 at 10:00 a.m. $35.

Other items:

I have a big problem now. Just read that AC/DC has an exclusive with Walmart to distribute their next album. Help me. Now, I know they never put out a greatest hits CD and they like to think that is not “selling out.” But what can they be thinking now? I know it’s all about the “Benjamins” but c’mon now?

Who has it better than Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters? This band is so scorching hot and everything he does seems to turn to gold. What I love about him is that he is a fan of all music. He has no problem with sharing the stage with anyone and guess what happened last week while they performed in London at Wembley Stadium? Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones joined the Foo’s on stage and performed “Rock and Roll” and “Ramble On.” Why couldn’t I be there?

Paul Stanley has denied the rumors that the band is launching an American Idol type of show to replace him and Gene. (even after their manager-Doc McGhee- confirmed those rumors). Stanley stated that any members will be “added” on and would not replace any members of Kiss.

Disturbed’s album “Indestructible” is number 1 on the billboard charts after one week (did I tell you?) and Weezer’s Red CD is number 4.

My Morning Jacket released their 5^th studio album- “Evil Urges” -this past Tuesday and its drawing rave reviews. As I listen to the 30 second samples on I-Tunes, I have to tell you it sounds real good. I will most likely take the plunge. Rollingstone gave it 4 stars!!

Motley Crue will be the guests on Larry King Live next Thursday June 19 at 9:00 p.m. The “Saints of Los Angeles” has been pushed back for release one week later than originally planned and will be out on June 24^th. A second song which is titled with a bad word which I will not use, is on their myspace page and sounds pretty good. But again you know how I feel about the cross language used in songs, no place for it.

Really like the single “Magic” from Robin Thicke which was released this past Tuesday.

Tickets for the final Police show at Madison Square Garden on Wed. Aug. 7 will be be doled out as thank-you gifts for donation pledges made to New York public television stations Channel 13/WNET and WLIW21, making the show the largest single fundraising event in the history of public television, according to a press release. The tickets will be given away beginning tomorrow to people who pledge at various levels ($750, $500, $350, $150) to either of the two stations.

This weeks I-POD shuffle landed on “Georgia on My Mind” from the legendary Mr. Ray Charles and yes I went back and listened to a whole bunch of Ray. I’m at a loss of words to characterize this man’s contribution to the music world. But one word stands out for me and that is how important he was to the music world. Can you imagine the world without the music of Ray Charles? There would be a huge void. Think of the countless people or groups he has influenced? He is another person that you cannot label as one type of music. He did country, blues, gospel, rhythm & blues, soul, rock & roll and it just continues. Think about this man for a second. You know there is a song that he has done that is one of your personal favorites. It is really hard to pick because the man has done so many great songs. So go out and purchase a greatest hits package- as there are endless to choose from.

“Georgia on My Mind” is right up there at the top of my list and it’s hard for me to say that this is not my favorite. But I have some other lesser-known songs (as far as popularity) but equally as great. Take “I Had A Dream” for example; I can listen to this song all day. It’s a bluesy finger snapping song that will have you trying to emulate Mr. Charles great vocals.“No One” is right at the top for me as well. “..No One ever shared all those dreams that I dreamed would come true…” And I have to say the women who sang background vocals on many of his songs are phenomenal, they add the spice. The arrangement in this song is so spectacular; that is the way he wanted it and produced it. “Nobody but you- yeah.”

“Busted” – whew- it’s endless the accolades you can throw at this man. I remember growing up and hearing this song way back when and of course I couldn’t admit this was great- c’mon I had The Cars and Foreigner as the bands that were cool back then. But you know what? I knew then and especially now know how special his songs are. His songs are timeless and should be shared with every generation.“I Can’t Stop Loving You”- Wow this is another song that I can listen to for days on end. Again the arrangement on this song is spectacular. It’s amazing how these recordings sound so pure and also like they were recorded yesterday. “Am I Blue” – You want to talk about a phenomenal song? Take a listen to the string instruments, his voice and quickly you are off somewhere in a trance. How about “Careless Love?” Or “Hallelujah I Love Her So?” I love the saxophone solo in the middle. “Ain’t that Love?” I could go on and on about his songs.

Now I will say that I also love his more popular songs such as “What’d I Say Parts I & II,” “Hit The Road Jack,” “I’ve Got a Woman,” and “America The Beautiful.” And how about the timeless classic “Night Time is the Right Time” –actually written by Nappy Brown- but made famous by Mr. Charles in late 1958. I’m at a loss for words for the way he performed this song. And do you remember back in 1985, when the members of the “Cosby” show lip-synched to this song? Theo starts it off on the steps; Rudy does the female’s part and then Mr. Cosby takes over with his facial expressions to the song. I can watch this over and over. You can to, go to: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2belk_cosby-show-sing-night-time-is-the-r_fun

This song and the way they portrayed it on the Cosby show puts an endless smile on my face and I have it cranked so loud in the house (no one is home) that the walls are shaking.

Bottom line is that if you don’t have Ray Charles in your music library, you need to rush out right now and get something. Keep his music alive!! Pass it down to your kids, grand kids, great grand kids- get the picture? The man was a genius. (On a side note, I saw him at an airport more than a few years ago as he sat right across from Howard and I. True story. I wanted to flip out the way two other women did when they realized it was him, but didn’t want to invade his space).

Back on this day in 1975, John Lennon made his last TV appearance and sang “Imagine.” He retires soon afterwards to become a household dad and raise his son, Sean.

Back on this day in 1986 Benny Goodman passed away at the age of 77.

Concert Review - Plant & Krauss at WAMU Theater - 06/10/08

Concert review: Alison Krauss & Robert Plant at the WAMU Theater within Madison Square Garden on Tuesday June 10, 2008.

Upon entering the WAMU theater my wife and I had no idea that soon we would feel that we were somewhere in the Appalachian Mountains, like in the movie “Cold Mountain.” Now this may sound strange but then I realized- this made perfect sense because the producer of the soundtrack to that movie was Mr. T. Bone Burnett. And there was T. Bone, up on the stage-playing guitar, enjoying the fruits of his labor- he was responsible for bringing Plant & Krauss together and produced their album “Raising Sand.”

The stage set up was very basic with everything being mostly black and the backdrop had long gold curtains. The band members were wearing old classic three-piece suits. The guitarist Buddy Miller wore a hat that made him look like Paulie from the “Rocky” series. There was a fiddle player and Krauss played the violin on many songs. The only thing missing was a campfire.

The show started with the bass lines to “Rich Woman” and the band continued a soft jam for a few minutes and then both Alison and Robert came from the back of the stage, down the sides of the stage; then faced each other and walked towards as if they were going to have a gun battle. Once they were in front of their respective microphones, they turned toward the audience and started to sing as the audience pelted them with a loud ovation. There he was, the living legend Mr. Robert Plant, still looking like a front man for a rock band. He still has the long hair with the goatee and is still in good shape. Next to him is the striking beauty- Alison Krauss. She in her own right has secured her place in folk and country music history. Together they looked like brother & sister as their full head of hair hovered over their microphones ringing out pleasing harmonies.

The second song did have some kick as Plant paid homage to Ray Charles and did an upbeat version of “Leave My Woman Alone.” Then for the third song, if you listened carefully you would recognize the lyrics and say to yourself “I know this song” but…Then it hits you it’s the Zeppelin classic “Black Dog” but its done with a folk and gospel feel to it. The audience filled in the “Aah Aah’s” every chance they could almost trying to egg the band on to play it like the original.After the song ends, there is a rousing ovation and Plant introduces his “buddy” Alison and she takes the audience through a mesmerizing set of three songs. “Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us,” “Through the Morning, Through the Night” and “Goodbye and So Long to You.” My wife said her voice reminded her of a cross between Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. At this point I really felt like I was back in time again, round a campfire, singing American classics and that is what the show was about. If you are expecting Led Zeppelin, you will be severely disappointed and if you don’t want your image of Plant shattered as the such- stay home.

Plant came back out and took the lead on vocals for the next three songs. “Fortune Teller” from Raising Sand and then did a song from his solo career- “In the Mood.” Again it was not like the original but it worked for me. Then one of my “dream” songs from Led Zeppelin was performed- “Black Country Woman.” As I mentioned a few weeks back in my review of the classic album -Physical Graffiti- this song, along with “Boogie with Stu” are my two all time favorite Zep songs. I had to pinch myself because I never thought I would ever hear this performed live, I seriously doubt that if a Zeppelin reunion does come to fruition, that this song will be on the set list. I loved the version of the song as Alison helped out on vocals. I stood up and applauded after the song ended.

After this song is where I think the band lost some of the audience as it really slowed down from this point onward. T. Bone did a few songs and then Krauss came back out and did some beautiful songs such as “Trampled Rose” and “Green Pastures.” The lights went low and there was nothing but Alison’s voice as she sang a cappella -“Down to the River to Pray.” From the audience you could see Robert running from the back of the stage to join Miller and Duncan off to the right of Alison. The three men were singing background vocals into a microphone that was hanging down from the ceiling, very old school style. At that moment, I felt like I was in church that was portrayed in the TV series “Little House on the Prairie.” This was one of the highlights of the show that probably had most talking after its end.

Plant took over on vocals and as he sang his second song after returning, “Nothing”- I look over at my wife and she is out cold. Sleeping. I said, “What happened?”- She said that it was too soft and boring. She wasn’t even that enthralled with “The Battle of Evermore” as Krauss made Sandy Denny proud with her female vocal input to this Zeppelin classic. “Please Read the Letter” did seem to drag on and at this point my wife was done. I heard the opening chords to “Gone, Gone, Gone” and told her that this song was fast so she could wake up. She looks at Plant and says he look like a robot, trying to contain himself to this type of music. She is convinced he just wants to break out and let loose with the classic howls of Zeppelin. Go figure, I thought this show would be good for her and she is actually asking for loud guitars and screeching vocals.

The show ends with three encores- “You Don’t Knock,” “One Woman Man” and “Your Long Journey.” My opinion is that this was a very solid show and that is because I knew what to expect. I went in with the mindset that this was a very different Robert Plant. My wife did not know what to expect and after a while the show became boring for her. I will say that their harmonizing vocals are perfect together and T. Bone knew what he was doing when he introduced the both of them.

Weekly Update - 06/06/08

Bob Dylan at the Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn NY on Tues. Aug. 12. Pre-sale on now through fan club. General public on sale next Fri. June 13 at noon. $55 - $100.Eight ticket limit per person.

Stone Temple Pilots at Jones Beach on Wed. Aug. 6. Pre-sale tickets start this morning at 10:00 a.m. for American Express cardholders. General public on sale next Sat. at 10:00 a.m. $29 - $69.

The Eagles at the Borgota Center in Atlantic City on Thurs. July 17. Also at the Mohegan Sun on Thurs. July 31. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.$165 - $265.

Jill Scott with Wyclef Jean at the Central Park Summerstage on Tues. Aug. 12. Pre-sale tickets on this morning at 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. tonight. (Nokia ticket rush) General public on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $66

Marc Anthony with Alejandro Fernandez and Aventura at Madison Square Garden on Thurs. Aug. 21. Tickets on sale this morning at 9:00 a.m. $49.50 - $256. 50.

Mars Volta at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Wed. Sept. 17. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $23 - $27.

Billy Idol at the House of Blues in Atlantic City NJ on Sat. Aug. 23. Tickets on sale Sat. June 21 at 10:00 a.m. $55

Madonna at MSG on Sun. Rocktober 12. Pre-sale next week for fan club and Citi card members. General public on sale next Fri. at 9:00 a.m. $64.50 - $354.50

Other items:

This week’s cover of Rollingstone Magazine has guitar legends and is a collector’s edition. Also names the top 100 guitar songs. Number 1 is Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry. Grab the issue and see if your list would be different.

CD review: Weezer- self-titled sixth studio album (otherwise known as the “Red” album) released this past Tuesday June 3, 2008.

OK I guess I was not too sure about picking this CD up because I was not so crazy about the first single released “Pork and Beans.” Everyone seems to love this song and I didn’t get it. It’s OK but… anyway I jumped on the Weezer band wagon a few years ago- the song that pulled me in was “Hash Pipe”- and I did purchase the full album “Make Believe” but I don’t have the history of the “Blue”, “Green” album or “Pinkerton.” You get the picture? Now “Make Believe” took me a few turns to finally pull me in and once I was in- well I love that CD. Now with the “Red” album I can tell you after the first listen I am hooked. This album has more of a “kick” to it than Make Believe.

First thing I noticed about this album was that Rivers Cuomo does not sing all the songs and this is OK because Patrick Wilson (drums), Brian Bell (guitar) and Scott Shriner (bass) all do a good job on the songs that they sing lead. The organization of the songs are crisp and tight. My recommendation for this album is a “buy.” You will not end up selling this one and it may become one of your favorites.

The album starts off with “Troublemaker” with Cuomo’s distinctive voice; Wilson’s drums kick in and you start to sway your head back & forth, up & down. I’m dancing as I’m typing- this is a good exercise song!! “The Greatest Man that Ever Lived” is a “Queen” like song in the sense that it has different parts as in Bohemian Rhapsody. It starts off with piano and then boom its hip hop Weezer coming at you with a heavy bass for 1 minute or so, then it turns into sort of a hymnal which transcends into head banging. This song also reminds me of what Green Day did with “American Idiot” where they had long songs that switched gears. My guess is this is something totally different from what Weezer has ever done and it works. Track 3 is the aforementioned “Pork & Beans”- again it may grow on me but it seems like they wrote the song in frustration and it’s sort of sounds like the same old Weezer to me, oh well. “Heart Songs” is a ballad about the songs that Rivers grew up on and he pays homage to Mr. Springsteen, Eddie Rabbitt, Joan Baez, Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, Quiet Riot, Slayer and many others. Track # 5 is my favorite track on this album, “Everybody Get Dangerous” is a guitar driven, hard hitting song that I can listen to over and over again. The last 30 seconds of the song reminds me of something the Stones would do and you will find yourself dancing and wishing that they had continued to jam on this song. (My guess is they will in concert).

Track 6 – “Dreaming”- is along the lines of track # 2 with many different key changes and different hooks, it works. Track # 7 is a song sung by Brian Bell and is totally different from Weezer’s sound and I really like it. Scott Shriner then steps up to the mike and takes the lead vocals on “Cold Dark World”- sort of a hip-hop / rock song all in one.It has a heavy beat to it and the chorus will be stuck in your head. “Automatic” is another rocking tune with Pat Wilson on vocals. This song was remixed by LA Riots for the upcoming video game Gran Turismo 5 Prologue so you know it has to be cutting edge. (Very solid song). The last song of the album (before all the extra bonus songs) is my next favorite song. “The Angel and One” is the longest track and sort of has an epic sound to it and this could be the best song on the album. It’s a song of peace & love and again has a majestic feel to it. The last 1:40 of the song could have been cut off but I guess they were “in the moment.”

The bonus tracks from I-Tunes- “Miss Sweeney”, “Pig”, “The Spider”, “King” and “It’s Easy” are all very good songs and are at a slower pace. The standout for me amongst the extras is “King.” If we lived in the U.K. we could have their cover of “The Weight” by the Band.Somehow I have to hear that version.

CD Review- “Indestructible” by Disturbed released this past Tuesday June 3, 2008.

OK there was a buzz about this CD and it seemed like June 3 would take forever to get here. “Inside the Fire” was released as a single a while back and how friggin’ great is that song? So I knew this was going to be good.The opening sound of this album is an alarm and its perfect because it’s a warning to brace you for something that is on the horizon. “Headbangers” unite: look no further than this CD. I give this a thumbs up, way up!! Wait…\m/ \m/….. “Indestructible” kicks it off with powerful chords, tight drumming and David Draiman’s dinstinctive vocals. What a way to kick off a CD then it heads into the aforementioned “Inside the Fire.” Whew I’m out of breath already with the constant pounding. But you know what? It continues with “Deceiver”- wow what a song!!! You know what?I’m going to end the write-up right here because it makes no sense to go on about how great this CD is. You need to listen yourself. This is the best head banging CD out this year. This is fresh metal at its best. You will find yourself shredding and banging your head from start to finish. I can’t say enough…. \m/ \m/\m/ \m/

I love the radio station 106.9 WCCC out of Hartford CT. On their site, www.wccc.com they have the following news about Shinedown: “The countdown is on for Shinedown. Not only do they have a new record coming out, but the time has come for them to return to the road. The band says in a new update sent to fans that they are currently in Nashville working on a killer show, complete with “lights, stage, and some bad ass rock and roll.” Singer Brent Smith says that the refurbished lineup is connecting on a whole new level. He tells us, “We’re beyond stronger than we’ve ever been and that’s just the fact of the matter. It’s the strongest band that it’s ever been.”

Radiohead released its greatest hits this past Tuesday. For some reason I-Tune listeners are giving it a thumbs down- not sure why.

Yes cancelled its summer tour. Frontman Jon Anderson suffered a severe asthma attack last month and has been diagnosed with acute respiratory failure. So it’s a no go until he gets better.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Bo Diddley who past away this week at the age of 79. Slash was quoted as saying that Bo was a pioneer and that he was a big influence in his music.

Rumor mill has Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley hosting a reality show to see who will win to take over their spots when they leave Kiss. They’ll even make money on the way out, did you expect anything different?

Van Halen’s tour has grossed more than $93 million.

Back on this day two years ago the rock and roll world lost one of its greats, Billy Preston passed away at the young age of 59. Man was a legend, period!

Back on this day in 1971 on the final Ed Sullivan show, the musical guest was Gladys Knight and the Pips.

Concert Review - The Eagles at MSG- 05/30/08

The Eagles at Madison Square Garden on Friday May 30, 2008

Based on the cover of the May 29, 2008 issue of “Rollingstone Magazine,” I was expecting to see the four men remaining in the Eagles on stage: Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Timothy B. Schmit and Joe Walsh. However the huge stage at the Garden was filled with many more musicians than I expected. The remaining Eagles were dressed in suits with white shirts and ties, the side musicians wore suits but with black shirts. The side musicians also had “assigned” spots off of the main stage. The show was very good with great moments and not so great moments. The music and singing were identical to the original recordings and that was very impressive. This was the perfect show to take my wife because it was a “well behaved” show, except for one person who did not stop talking from the moment she arrived at the show. As our friends who came with us stated, if you want to chat: stay home and play their records!!

For those of you who do not know, the Eagles have had a tumultuous career as a country-rock band. Frey and Henley are the lone two originals in the band. And for those of you who do know the story- these two originals remaining should come as no surprise. Now when bands like the Eagles play at an arena such as Madison Square Garden, they should know that the majority of the fans attending want to hear the classics. And if there is one thing you can say about the Eagles, they are smart. They played their new songs, from the “Long Road Out of Eden” at the beginning of each set (there was no opener and they played for nearly 3 hours). For me, those were the “not so great” moments. After an intermission, they came out with acoustic guitars and played five songs and I have to admit I was getting antsy.

But let me go back to the beginning, they started off with four songs from the new album and one that I liked the best was “Guilty of the Crime.” And that was the fourth song so I was getting warmed up and then there it was the opening chords to one of their best songs- “Hotel California”- Henley’s voice is spot on as he is drumming along to the song. Then it’s on to one of my personal favorites- “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and they perform the song perfectly. It was like I was back in my room as a teenager listening to the vinyl recording. Timothy B. Schmit takes the lead on the next song which I believe was his first hit with the group, “I Can’t Tell you Why.” Usually at concerts, bands shy away from the slower, softer songs but I guess that is one of the reasons why I liked the show- because these are the songs I wanted to hear. (there is a mellow side to me you know). The first set also contained the classics- “Witchy Woman” and “Lying Eyes.” Then the audience had a taste of what was to come a lot more in the second half- solo stuff from Henley and songs with Walsh on lead vocals and guitar. Henley did “Boys of Summer”- which I thought was good but Tina said it was too fast. Joe did “In the City”- off of The Long Run album. The first set ended with a rocking version of “The Long Run.”

As previously mentioned the second set started off a little slow. They did “Take it to Limit” differently from the original- probably because the lead singer of that song was Randy Meisner- who quit back in 1977. For me, the fun began again with “One of These Nights” and then I was blown away by the fact that Joe Walsh did some of his own material. “Life’s Been Good to Me” is one of my all-time favorite songs and I couldn’t believe Henley and Frey allowed Joe to do his own material. (you see they are getting soft). Anyhow there was a part of me that wanted them to rip off their ties and jam and get loud. Joe was the one to do this for me, he is the “class clown” of this band and he did what he does best- He had fun. Let me also say that the man can still shred. Henley followed up with “Dirty Laundry” and there was a cool video behind them that was showing crazy headlines, newspapers, magazines (they showed the aforementioned Rollingstone issue) and younger photos of the boys. Then it was onto “Funk 49” from the James Gang days with a full horn section to compliment the famous guitar riff in that song. “Heartache Tonight” was a great sing along song. “Life in the Fast Lane”- my uncle John’s favorite song- had me air guitaring and singing along. After that song, we had to leave because I was told the garage that I parked in was closing at 11:30 so our friends gave us the play by play after we were in our car. The show ended with “Rocky Mountain Way,” “All She Wants to Do Is Dance,” “Take It Easy” and my ultimate Eagles song “Desperado.” All in all a very good show and now I can tell my grand kids that I saw the Eagles!

 

Weekly Update - 05/30/08

Elton John at Mohegan Sun on Fri. Nov. 14. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $100 - $167.

The Fab Faux at Radio City on Sat. Sept. 20. Tickets on sale next Sat. June 7 at noon. $45 - $125.

Paramore at the Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Sat. Aug. 16. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $31.

David Crosby and Graham Nash at Capital One Theater in Westbury NY on Tues. Rocktober 14. Tickets on sale Sun. July 13 at 12:30 p.m. $51.50.

New Kids on the Block at Madison Square Garden on Mon. Rocktober 27. Pre-sale tickets on sale Mon. June 2 at 11:00 a.m. to Sun. June 8 at 10:00 p.m. for American Express cardholders. General public on sale Mon. June 9 at 11:00 a.m. $41 - $79.

Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat and Vanilla Fudge at the Capital One Theater in Westbury NY on Fri. Sept. 26. Tickets on sale this Sunday at 12:30 p.m. $41.50 - $51.50. \m/ \m/

Black 47 at Jenkinsons Pavilion in Point Pleasant NJ on Mon. July 7. Tickets on sale Wed. June 4 at noon.

Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd with Rev. Run at PNC Arts Center on Sat. Aug. 30. Tickets on sale next Sat. June 7 at 9:00 a.m.

I know its early for Christmas but Raul Malo will be playing at the Highline Ballroom on Fri. Dec. 12 and tickets are on sale now. $35. His Christmas album released last year was by far the best one in a long time.

Other items:

If you are a fan of Al Green (and who isn’t?) take a listen to his new CD released this past Tuesday “Lay It Down.” He still sounds the same after all these years. This CD sounds like the “classic” Al Green we all know and love. “Take Your Time” is the most popular song (according to I-Tunes) and it is a duet with Corrine Bailey. He also does a duet with John Legend with “Stay with Me.” This sounds like an instant classic already.

Check this one out, the Red Rocker- Sammy Hagar- has formed an All-star band called Chickenfoot and he has grabbed Michael Anthony (formerly of Van Halen) for bass, Joe Satriani on lead guitar (and what a lead, huh?) and Chad Smith (Chili Peppers) on drums. Talk about talent? I’ll give it a listen if the album comes out.

Usher has released his 5^th studio album- Here I Stand- and the average rating from I-Tunes is 4 stars. Seems like every one of his CD’s has at least 15-20 songs, so if you are a fan-you get your moneys worth.

Cyndi Lauper has released a new CD “Bring Ya to the Brink” and it received an average rating of 4.5 stars. CD is a techno / dance type and should have a couple of songs that will hit the radio, a la Z-100 type.

New favorite song of the week is “Surrendering” by Candlebox. This is the second single released this month- “Stand” was the first- and if these two songs represent what the whole album is going to sound like-then watch out- these guys will be back in a big way.

My other favorite song of the week- a country tune – is “Off the Hillbilly Hook” by the Trailer Choir. Just a fun song, period.

My new favorite video of the week is a tie between Maroon 5 with Rihanna with “If I Never See Your Face Again” and “Last Name” by Carrie Underwood. Both of them are very cool and the songs as well.

Totally missed this one, back on May 6 Shinedown released a single called “Devour.” Sounds heavy man. I totally love this band and you should too. (“Us and Them” is a friggin’ phenomenal album).They have lost half their original band members but this new single sounds like it has a little “Disturbed” in it. The new album “The Sound of Madness” hits on June 24. Can’t wait.

Headbangers listen up.. you want a totally rocking song for your collection? Download “Hell Yeah” by Rev Theory. Enough said.

Steven Tyler is in rehab because of his pain in his foot. According to Tyler, the move was necessary after a series of surgeries to correct long-standing foot injuries aggravated by years of physically taxing live performances. “The doctors told me the pain in my feet could be corrected but it would require a few surgeries over time,” Tyler says. “The ’foot repair’ pain was intense, greater than I’d anticipated. The months of rehabilitative care and the painful strain of physical therapy were traumatic. I really needed a safe environment to recuperate where I could shut off my phone and get back on my feet.”

I-Tunes always has some cool songs for their commercial- the most recent is “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay but I finally tracked down the other cool song they had going for a while and it is “Shut Up and Let Me Go” by the Ting Tings. Love it.

OK came across Boston this week on my I-Tunes shuffle and at last week’s Van Halen concert we talked about what a classic their debut album is. Unfortunately Brad Delp passed away last year but his legacy remains with us all. And that legacy is their first album. I know I say this all the time but can you find a better album? This is without a doubt a desert island disc. Shame on you- if you don’t have this album in your library.“More Than A Feeling” kicks it off and I love the beginning, middle and end. No matter how many times you hear it, just a great song. By the way every song on this album is a classic and also a hit on the radio. “Peace of Mind” – how many times have you heard this one? I’m listening now and it is cranked up. Friggin’ love it. “Now you’re climbing to the top of the company ladder…Take a look ahead.. Wooh.” This one has to be a song in the air guitar contest coming to BB Kings next month. How cool is the beginning of “Foreplay Long Time”- love the bass and drums as it makes its grand entrance to the part where everyone recognizes the song and says “Oh yeah I love this song.” Delp’s vocals are so solid in this song, I always wished I could sing this song up on stage the way he does.

“Rock and Roll Band”- c’mon now how great is this song? My walls are shaking right now as I am typing (my wife is telling me to turn it down). How can you not listen to this song loud? This was a boot camp classic back in the day. I get pumped up every time I hear it. Then it’s on to my all time favorite Boston song “Smokin’” Oh man I’m grooving right now, its in over-drive. Talk about a classic head banging song? This was another boot camp classic- how can you not move to this song- this is a great exercise song, period! Then it cools down with “Hitch a Ride.” Love the background vocals throughout. This song brings me back; way back to my teenage years- I love going back, don’t you? “Something About You” starts off real quietly and then the classic Scholz/Goudreau guitar riff, which is so distinctive, kicks in and you’re off singing along again. “When I get angry I say things I don’t want to say… well there was something about you.” The last song “Let Me Take You Home Tonight” is my second all time favorite Boston song. Love the drums in this one (I can see Sib Hashian’s afro flying in the air as he’s pounding away) and again Delp’s vocals just bring me home. Then with about a minute left in the song it really speeds up and as you bounce your head faster, you have to ask yourself- why couldn’t I write this song?

The more I think about this album, the more I am convinced that this has to crack the top 10 “first” albums of all time. I can’t say enough about this album. For those of you who are not familiar with this album, please I beg of you- Buy it now!!! You will not be disappointed. If you have it, go back and listen again and again. LISTEN TO IT LOUD!!!! By the way this album is the best selling debut album of all time with over 17 million copies sold.

Back on this day in 1963 Lesley Gore had a #1 hit with “It’s My Party” and back on this day in 1973, Paul McCartney had his first non-Beatles #1 hit with “My Love” (with Wings- great song).