Weekly Update – Rocktober 17, 2008

MeatLoaf at the United Palace Theater on Sat. Dec. 6. Listen to WPLJ 95.5 this morning to find out pre-sale ticket information that begins 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. General public on sale is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $59.50 – $149.50.

Edgar Winter at The New York Fillmore at Irving Plaza on Mar. 6, 2009. Tickets on sale next Saturday morning Rocktober 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Todd Rundgren at The Blender Theater on Fri. & Sat. Dec. 26 and 27. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.  $36 – $43.

The Original Sugar Hill Gang at the Blender Theater on Sun. Dec. 6. Tickets on sale now.$25

Engelbert Humperdinck at the Chevorlet Theater in Wallingford CT (cool place) on Sun. Dec. 7. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.  $30.50 – $50.50.

Sister Hazel at The New York Fillmore at Irving Plaza on Sat. Dec. 13. Tickets on sale next Fri. Rocktober 24 at noon.  $23.50.

Reel Big Fish at Roseland Ballroom on Tues. Jan. 20, 2009. Tickets on sale next Sat. Rocktober 25 at 10:00 a.m.  $27.  Go to their website for pre-sale information which begins today.

Ray Davies at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Fri. Dec. 12. Tickets on sale next Fri. Rocktober 24 at 10:00 a.m.  $48 – $73.

Q-Tip & The Cool Kids at Nokia Theater on Tues. Dec. 2. Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon.  $33.50.

Other items:

Countdown to “Evolver” is still on (11 days and counting) as another single from John Legend was released this week and the song is “Everybody Knows.” Evolver hits stores on Rocktober 28 and I’m begging all of you to buy it the day it comes out. I already know that it is going to be an awesome album and I have not been able to listen to the whole album just yet.

Lucinda Williams new album “Little Honey” has a lot of buzz and good reviews everywhere. Her single “Real Love” has been picking up steam and sounds real good.There is a beautiful tune called “Knowing.” Check it out. And she does a “country-like” cover of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” Even I have to acknowledge that it is pretty good. Elvis Costello joins her for a funky version of “Jailhouse Tears,” I can see this one being played at the local pub with everyone singing along. “Honey Bee” rocks!!

James Taylor has recorded a song with Yo-Yo Ma and it is “Here Comes the Sun” off of Ma’s “Songs of Peace and Joy.” I saw them perform it live last week on Good Morning America and I have to say it is a beautiful version. Check it out.

Recommendation: My friend John watched the HBO documentary “Blindsighted” which is about a young boy who at the age of eleven started to go blind due from a hereditary disorder passed on to him genetically by his mother and stated that everyone needs to watch this. He said that it really has affected his way of thinking and sometimes when we think things are bad, maybe they aren’t as bad. Again this documentary has my favorite band right now in it- Shinedown.

Remember a couple of months ago when I told you about the new Elvis Presley Christmas Duets album, well it was released this past Tuesday. I have to say that it took me a few listens to get use to some of the versions of his classic Christmas tunes. Sometimes you can’t mess with perfection but overall I would say that most of the songs are a “thumbs up.” Just for good measure though, the record company made the last three songs performed only by The King himself.

Dr. Pepper is going to stand behind there proclamation that everyone in the U.S. will receive a free can of soda once Chinese Democracy is released. But they have stated that they will wait to see it hit the stores (I don’t blame them). Once that happens, rumor has it you will be able to go to their website and click on a coupon for a free soda. I love the fact that they are a company of their word, that impresses me in today’s world!!

My favorite song of the week is “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s. I heard it the other day and it brought me back to Cape Cod this past summer. This was definitely the summer song up there. Absolute phenomenal song, period end of story!!!

Last week when I put on the TV show “Life on Mars” I totally forgot about this classic tune by David Bowie. I was immediately hooked & had to go back and listen to a heavy dose of Mr. Bowie. The album “Hunky Dory” has some totally cool tracks on it. Check it out!!!

Last week I was in a restaurant and for one hour as we sat there piping through their speakers was the music of the legendary Chuck Berry- Mr. “Rhythm Supreme” as dubbed by Keith Richards. As I sat there listening to his music I realized that it had been a while since I had put Mr. Berry on in my household. How long has it been for you? Please do yourself a favor; go back and listen to any greatest hit compilation or anthology. (Over the weekend it was non-stop Chuck Berry playing in my house). The song that caught my attention and made me realize that this is my favorite Berry song was “Thirty Days.” Please make sure that this song is on whatever CD you purchase. Play this song LOUD and often. You will be dancing all over the place or make believe you are playing guitar like Chuck as you hop and skip all around the house. What a beat, what a song!! This song along with “Maybellene” and “You Can’t Catch Me” were the first three songs that he wrote for Chess Records back in the early 1950’s. “Maybellene” reached # 5 on the Billboard pop chart in the summer of 1955 and from that point onward to 1964; he laid the foundation for rock and roll music forever. How great is Maybellene? This song, along with “Johnny B. Goode” and “Rock and Roll Music” are part of the 500 songs that shaped rock and roll history according to the curatorial staff, along with rock critics and historians at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “Maybellene why can’t you be true… wouldn’t do no mo’re..” Listen to the recording and tell me it doesn’t sound fresh today? This is flawless and I wonder if he knew it was perfection back in 1955?

Think about how many songs that he has and that YOU know: “School Day (Ring Ring Goes the Bell),” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” “Reelin’ and Rockin’” and “No Particular Place to Go.” The list of songs is endless. How about “Nadine (Is it You?)?” The groove in this song is so infectious I can listen to it everyday. I love the piano playing in the background as well as the horn section, these are the desserts to his guitar work-which is the meat and potatoes. “You Can Never Tell” is a blast (which has been covered many times, including a fun version by Bob Seger) and should be on everyone’s party list for dancing tunes. Yes of course I know it was also used in the movie “Pulp Fiction” as Travolta and Thurman take their two fingers and cross them over their eyebrows. Listen to “Around and Around” and tell me you don’t have a smile that just emerges on your face. How cool is this recording? Talk about a finger snapping beat? The music just flows from every orifice in this man’s body. “Carol” is a rocking song that showcases his guitar skills (come to think of it-every song does but anyway..) “I got my eyes on you baby because you dance so good…” “Memphis, Tennessee” is a crystal clear recording when you listen to it and makes you feel like you are in the recording studio when he recorded it.

Now I know I may have missed some of his more popular songs but here’s my list of the lesser known songs that are flat out phenomenal. “Sweet Little Rock and Roller” (Ok maybe it is well known but still great, right?) “I Want to be Your Driver”- this had to be one of the songs that the Beatles listened to. “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” could be his best recording ever. Talk about rock & roll- this song has it all. It just may be listed in the dictionary as the definition of rock and roll. You want the definition of rhythm & blues? Try his “No Money Down” and tell me you’re not hooked? “So I eased on my brake and I pulled in the drive…” Or how about the slow groovin’ “Wee Wee Hours?” Now I know Jimi Hendrix listened to this song while he was growing up. Talk about the blues? Whoa man, this it it!! Feel it, breath it in, take it in- whatever you need to do. How great is this guy? “Little Queenie” (if you listen you’ll think “Run, Run Ruldoph”) is his classic sound and his voice is great on this recording. You can’t help but smile when you listen to this man’s records. Do you want to learn how to play guitar? If so, listen to “Guitar Boogie” and you’ll be signing up for lessons real quick. Or how about “Tulane?” This is a great song and was covered by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts as well. They do an honorable cover. The harmonica in Berry’s version gives it the edge on the recording over Jett’s, but again her version is hot as well.

Think about how many bands have covered Chuck Berry? We all know he was a major influence on the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys but there are endless acts that have been and still are influenced by this living legend. Mr. Berry was ranked # 5 artist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine for their list of “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.” He was also listed #6 by the same magazine for its “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”There is no way you don’t have songs by Chuck Berry in your music library, if you don’t and you know me personally- please don’t tell me. John Lennon once said “If you give rock and roll another name, you might call it Chuck Berry.” ‘Nuff Said!!! (He’s playing two shows at BB Kings on Wed. Dec. 31).

Elton John and Billy Joel will team up for a tour together next year. Last time they toured was back in 2002. I thought Billy played his final tour?

As you probably heard this week, Ringo Starr has informed fans that after Rocktober 20 (this Monday) he will not be taking any mail from anyone. He was warned everyone with “peace and love.” What? I never knew you warned people with peace and love? What I didn’t know (maybe you did) was that earlier this year, Starr was quoted from an interview, saying that there was nothing that he missed about his hometown-Liverpool. Irate fans then decapitated a topiary sculpture of Ringo that was in town.

Bon Jovi is being sued for $400 billion – Yes I said billion- by Massachusetts based (figures) musician Samuel Bartley Steele. Mr. Steele claims Jovi stole the lyrics to his song “Man I Love this Team” (which I will never mention their name on this site) and created their hit song “Man I Love this Town.” If he wins $400B over a song, the $700B bailout doesn’t sound like much of a fix to the economy now, does it?

Dave Grohl will have a street in his boyhood hometown named after him. (No date on the ceremony just yet). “Dave Grohl Alley” will be included in the town directory for Warren, Ohio. Pretty cool. On a separate note, the Foo’s are furious with John McCain for using their song “My Hero” on his campaign.

Today is Jim Seals birthday (“Seals & Croft”) and he turns 67. “Summer Breeze” is a classic tune.

Back on this day in 1962, the “Monster Mash” song by Bobby Pickett reaches number 1 on the billboard charts and this song re-enters the charts in both 1970 and 1973. In 1973, it climbed to # 10.

Weekly Update – Rocktober 10, 2008

John Legend at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair N.J. on Sat. Nov. 29 and Mon. Dec. 1. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders go on sale Sat. Rocktober 11 at 10:00 a.m until Fri. Rocktober 17 at 10:00 p.m. General public on sale is Sat. Rocktober 18 at 10:00 a.m.  $60 – $87.

Tim McGraw at The Mohegan Sun on Thurs. & Fri. Dec. 4 & 5. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.  $50 – $90.

Todd Rundgren at The Blender Theater on Fri. & Sat. Dec. 26 and 27. Tickets on sale next Fri. Rocktober 17 at 10:00 a.m.  Approximately $35 (based on other venue prices as the NY prices have not been announced).

New York Dolls at New York Fillmore at Irving Plaza on Sat. Dec. 27 Tickets on sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m.  $38.50.

Harry Connick Jr. at City Center Theater in NY on Fri. & Sat. Nov. 28 and 29. Also performing at the NJ Performing Art Center on Fri. Dec. 4. This is his Holiday Celebration Tour. Ticket information to follow.

Other items:

Its official: Chinese Democracy will be released in 2008 after 13 long years. Best Buy will release it on Sunday Nov. 23. Wow, I can’t believe it. I wonder if Dr. Pepper is going to follow through on their promise to give everyone, except for Axl and Slash (why not Slash, he had nothing to do with it?) a free can of soda. If you are going to see the new movie that is out today- “Body of Lies”- the ending credits will have a song from the album and it’s called “If the World.” This tune actually features the guitar work of both Robert Finck and Buckethead, who have both departed from G’N’R.

Oasis has released “Dig Out Your Soul” and customer reviews on I-Tunes give it an average rating of 4. Rolling Stone wasn’t as gracious as they gave it only 2.5 stars. I listened to the 30 second previews and some of it doesn’t sound so bad- maybe that is a sign that it is bad as I am not a big fan of this band.

Saliva has comeback this week with a new single “Family Reunion” off their fifth studio album “Cinco Diablo” which is set for release on Dec. 16. Singer, Josey Scott, has been sober for the past 9 months and credits Nikki Sixx for setting him on the right path. Imagine that? You know it’s 2008.

Tesla has released their seventh studio album- Forever More- check out the review on my page already listed.

Seal has recorded a cover version of Sam Cooke’s extraordinary “Change is Gonna Come” and I’ll give it thumbs up. It’s hard for me to hear someone else sing this song but then again it is so special that a contemporary artist such as Seal can keep the music of Mr. Sam Cooke alive and relevant to today’s generation. As always we need to pass on down to each generation, the greatness of Sam Cooke. You can check out the video here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXH13skpsNo

“Fix It” by Ryan Adams & the Cardinals is the new single released off of their upcoming album “Cardinology” due out Rocktober 28. Take a listen, I like it.

Joining the cast of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew on VH1 will be Steven Adler (original drummer for Guns & Roses) and Tawny Kitaen (remember her? She was married to David Coverdale and was in Whitesnake’s video “Here I Go Again”).Jeff Conaway will be profiled again. The first show airs Fri. Rocktober 17.

Forgot to mention this but the nominees for the 2009 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class were announced and they are: Metallica, Run-DMC, The Stooges, Jeff Beck, Chic, Wanda Jackson, War, Little Anthony & the Imperials and Bobby Womack. I say Metallica, Run, Stooges and Beck are a shoe-in. Little Anthony & the Imperials should get in. The others are a long shot in my opinion, although all of them had some great tunes.

Naughty By Nature is reuniting and will release a new album in the first quarter of 2009. Their last appearance together was in 2006, a one night engagement at BB Kings. Say “Aaay, Oooh, Aaay, Oooh!!!”

The Black Eyed Peas are due to finish their fifth album “The E.N.D.” next week. No timetable for release but should be before the end of the year. Will.i.am is predicting that this will be the last holiday season that you’ll be able to walk into a record store and buy one. I think he is right, Virgin Records is the only store I can think of in NYC that sells music.

Classic rock station Q 104.3 in NY has compiled their list of the top 10 songs from the best years of classic rock . You can check it out at http://www.q1043.com/pages/top10songs.html

Paul McCartney is furious with McDonald’s for using his image in his hometown of Liverpool. McCartney is a long time vegetarian campaigner and also an ambassador for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. I know someone who doesn’t like the Beatles but this has to put a smile on her face.

Eddie Van Halen is getting married again. Over the summer he asked for Janie Liszewski’s hand in marriage. Janie also serves as his manager.

Ok this week’s I-Tunes shuffle landed on “Jailbreak” from the same album title by Thin Lizzy (TL). This song definitely cracks my top 10 songs of all-time. No matter how many times I hear it I have to crank it up- LOUD.Jailbreak was the sixth album released by the band from Ireland with bassist and singer, Phil Lynott, at the helm. Unfortunately, the music world lost Mr. Lynott back on Jan. 4, 1986 at the young age of 36 to multiple organ failure. The boys formed back in 1969 and if you try and keep up with the members of Lizzy it will make you dizzy. The band is still together today. Jailbreak was really TL’s break-through album when it was released in March 1976, most likely due to the world-wide known tune “The Boys Are Back in Town.” Scott Gorham (still currently with the band) and Brian Robertson were the twin guitarists for the album and that was the sign of the times back in the 1970’s as Skynyrd and the Allman’s had multiple guitarists. It also inspired bands like Iron Maiden who covered “Massacre” (great song) from TL’s “Johnny the Fox” album.

This classic album kicks off with the aforementioned “Jailbreak.” This song also takes me back to MBIA’s boot camp class where we worked out to this song. The second track “Angel from the Coast” highlights that double sound on guitar. The guitar solos are sweet and Brian Downey’s stick work really keeps this song flowing. “Running Back” is a nice soft song that has the traditional TL sound. “Romeo and the Lonely Girl” makes me feel like I should be at a pub in Ireland with a mug in my hand singing along with the rest of the bar as we wail “Oh Poor Romeo Sitting out on his own-ee-oo..” C’mon this is a classic. Side one ends with the guitar driven “Warriors”- how cool is the echo effect on Lynott’s voice? This song is just flat out cool. The guitar solo is amazing and I am astonished on how this band doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Put a set of good headphones on and listen to this beauty.

Side two kicks off with the often played “The Boys Are Back in Town.” This song is huge. Think about it, when you hear it you instantly know it and I know it brings you back to some where in your life. This song makes me think of all the summers I spent with my grandmother, grandfather and uncle in Otisville, NY. “Friday they’ll be dressed to kill down at Ginos bar and grill.” Go back and take a listen and let it bring you back. “Fight or Fall” is a soft song where Lynott’s vocals are crystal clear and you can tell this man had a passion and compassion for the music he made. The production of his vocals is really different in this song and the guitar solo behind his voice is real nice. “The Cowboy Song” is my all-time favorite Thin Lizzy song and it is the third track on this side of the album. I love the bass work and the drums as they break into the rocking part of the song about a minute into it. “Roll me over and turn me over let me keep spinning till I hit the ground.” This song has everything you want in a rock tune- a grooving beat that has its ups and downs, finger snapping, “air guitaring” and sing out loud lyrics. This classic album ends with the smashing “Emerald.” Listen to the arrangement in this song- it sounds like it was recorded yesterday. Again with a good set of headphones you are quickly off into another world. The dueling guitar solos will have you pushing the headphones tighter to your head so that you are completely engulfed as the song rides out into the sunset. Whew what a ride. C’mon you know have 35 minutes in your car to listen to this classic album or 35 minutes on the train to work. No more excuses, take my word you will not be disappointed. The more you listen to this album you realize why Thin Lizzy was voted into VH1’s top 100 hard rock acts of all time. Crisp and clean!!!

On this day back in 1939, the real Eleanor Rigby died in Liverpool, she’s buried in the St. Peter’s church there.

Back on this day in 1979, the film “The Rose” starring Bette Midler was released. The film is loosely based on the life of Janis Joplin.

If you were born on this date today, you share a birthday with Mr. Diamond Dave-David Lee Roth and also Ms. Tanya Tucker.

CD Review: Forever More- Tesla

CD Review: “Forever More” by Tesla released on Tues. Rocktober 7, 2008:

By now every one of you out there should know how I feel about this band, there is not a harder working band out there and they have been doing it for 20 plus years now. Since reforming again in 2000 after a six-year hiatus, the boys from Sacramento, California have been touring almost every year and have been releasing new material, some classic tunes-along with some never released tunes (just this past August) and of course some covers- Real to Reel. “Into the Now” was released in 2004 and they blew the cover off the ball with that album. Now in 2008, they have exploded on to the scene again with the super solid “Forever More.” I seem to gravitate to bands that have passion and love the music they create. Tesla fulfills this criterion and just like fine wine, they only get better. One can not easily define this album to a certain musical style; it has it moments of softness (“Pvt. Ledbetter” “The First Time”), muscle (“One Day at a Time,” “The Game”), encouragement (“I Wanna Live”) and determination (“Falling Apart”). Now some might say that this album is not as “heavy” as prior albums (see “Psychotic Supper”) but if you listen carefully even the softer songs pack a nice punch.

Jeff Keith’s vocals are as strong as ever and the band has always been tight, this album is no exception. This is the first album with new guitarist, Dave Rude, who replaced Tommy Skeoch a few years back. He is the only “newcomer” on this album but he fits right in with the traditional heavy power chords that all Tesla fans are familiar with. If you are a Tesla fan (and how can you not be is the first question that enters my mind) this is a “must have” album. If you are a casual fan or not even a fan, give it a try- I promise you there are songs that you will enjoy.

As with most Tesla albums, they come right at you and the first four songs off of this album really spotlight how far this band has come together as they mix the sing-along choruses, great solos, along with their traditional melodic up and down arrangements that make them sound as fresh today as they did back in the 1980’s. Tesla has gone through many different music environments during their long career and yet in 2008 are still very relevant. There are very few bands that have survived but this band has persevered and it appears they still have a lot left to give. “I Wanna Live” is already on classic rock radio and is destined for stardom. The video is now available on their website www.teslatheband.com . The title track kicks it off with a heavy bass groove that will have you bopping your head up and down. “One Day at a Time” is a “kick it into gear” song that is perfect for working out. It’s a hard driving song with a great solo in the middle. “So What” will be a fan favorite at live shows, I can tell already. It is pure fun with a chorus that you will not be able to get out of your head. “Who cares? You’re telling everybody that the world turned bad.. So What?”

The next four songs turn to the softer side of Tesla but the arrangements in each of the slow songs rise as the chorus comes to the forefront and you find yourself swaying back and forth imagining yourself up in front of many fans belting it out like Mr. Keith. “Just In Case” and “Falling Apart” should be classic rock radio friendly and really are great sing along songs. The background vocals on “Falling Apart” really adds a nice touch and makes the sound more complete. The stand out in the middle of the album is “Breaking Free.” It sort of reminds me of “Changes” from Mechanical Resonance with its slow groove and the bridge in this song is fantastic that leads to the guitar solo. “All of Me” is a fast moving song where I can picture a mash pit forming quickly at their shows- not that this occurs at their shows but the pace of the song is what makes me think that this could happen.

The last four songs of the album capture the essence of what Tesla is all about. The songs are thoughtful, passionate, emotional and an uplifting ride that proves the growth of this band, both musically and lyrically. “The First Time” is a catchy rock tune for anyone who has that someone special in their life. “Be everything you want to be, you’re extraordinary.” I have so many ideas for a video for this song, so Tesla if you’re reading this I can direct it for free if you want. This is my favorite song on the disc. “Pvt. Ledbetter” is a beautiful song that really tugs at your heart. This could be the best song on the album. The song is a sad tale about all the brave men and women who are fighting this war, it may be tough for some families to listen to but again it’s a touching salute to the American soldier. “In a Hole Again” has a phenomenal bridge to solo that should really impress everyone. This song is an epic journey as the hooks in this song will grab you, pull you in and make you realize how talented this band really is. The album ends on a high note with “The Game” as Brain Wheat’s bass lines really stand out on this track. As usual, Troy Luccketta keeps this Telsa train rolling along with his mad skills on the drums. Frankie Hannon and Dave Rude are a one-two punch on guitar and I have to say they are one of the best duos out there today. Just see them once live and you will know what I am talking about. And what about Jeff Keith? He is the man and to me, the perfect frontman for this rock band called Tesla. There is an additional song on I-Tunes and it just says “Bonus Track.” I will go out on the ledge and say the name of the song is “My Way” and it’s the shortest track but it rocks as Troy’s drumming will have your head snapping up and down in no time.

Tesla has done it again, they have put out another high quality album and as a fan you can’t ask for anything more. This band is so consistent and has always been one of the best live bands out there for many years. It amazes me how they seem to fly under the radar but it doesn’t matter because the people who appreciate their body of work know what they are getting. I say “So What!!” “Forever More” is a superb follow-up to “Into The Now” – which is no small feat because a six year hiatus meant that they had so much new material waiting to come out of them. This new album has passion and it’s real. Feel it and buy it now!!! I can’t wait to see them at the Blender Theater on Rocktober 28.

Weekly Update – Rocktober 3, 2008

Oasis at Madison Square Garden on Wed. Dec. 17. Guests include Ryan Adams and The Cardinals. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.   $39.50 – $79.50.

Neil Diamond at The Mohegan Sun on Fri. Nov. 28. Tickets on sale Mon. Rocktober 6 at 10:00 a.m.

Govt. Mule at The Hammerstein Ballroom on Tues. & Wed. Dec. 30-31. Tickets on sale next Fri. Rocktober 10 at 10:00 a.m.   $40 – $79.50.

Tom Morello at New York Fillmore at Irving Plaza on Fri. Nov. 21. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.  $25.

Yo Majestry at The Blender Theater on Sat. Rocktober 25. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.  $19.

The Saw Doctors at Nokia Theater on Fri. Mar. 13, 2009. Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon.  $31.

The Outlaws at BB Kings on Fri. Jan. 16, 2009. Tickets on sale today at 10:00 a.m.$35 ($40 day of show).

Nas at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Fri. Dec. 26. Tickets on sale today at noon.   $52

Other items:

In what is being billed as their first ever joint concert, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen will team up for a benefit for Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama. Reports say the show will take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Thurs. Rocktober 16. Ticket prices will not be cheap, the starting price will be $500 and work its way up to $10,000. In other Springsteen news, he will be performing at halftime for the 2009 Super Bowl.

Its official: Best Buy has won the rights to distribute “Chinese Democracy” by GNR (or should I say Axl Rose as he is using the name GNR). However there is no word when it will be released. Ha! Stay tuned. It will be interesting to see if Dr. Pepper stands by their word and distributes a free can of soda to everyone if it’s released before Dec. 31.

Also official: Phish will reunite for shows in 2009. Check their website for further information.

And finally another official note (a sad one at that): There will be no Led Zeppelin reunion concert. Robert Plant has confirmed this on his website and has wished the other members “nothing but success with any future projects.” Thanks for killing the dream, Robert.

Lars has responded to the recent criticism (oh surprise, Metallica is being slammed again) that the new CD “Death Magnetic” is too loud. He said the same thing I’ve been telling you- somebody always has something to say when it deals with the boys from Metallica. He said he listened to it in his car and it rocked. The Wall Street Journal jumped into the fray last week as well citing Metallica’s sound quality and in addition they quoted one of the producers saying that he was embarrassed to be associated with the release. Now there is a petition of 12,000 people who are demanding that the album be remixed and re-released. Somehow I get the feeling if it is remixed its still going to be loud… because it’s METAL people!

Paul McCartney is teaming up with producer, Youth, and will release an album on Nov. 17 called “Electric Arguments” under the band name “The Fireman.”

T.I. had his new album – Paper Trail- out this past Tuesday and I have to say some of the songs sound pretty good. Average review from fans on I-Tunes is 4.5 stars. The songs that I like from the 30 second sample are “I’m Illy”“Ready for Whatever” “Live your Life” (with Rihanna) “Swing Ya Rag” and “Slide Show” (with John Legend).

Speaking of John Legend, this man is incredible- have you caught on yet? Another single was released from his upcoming album and it features Estelle and the song is “No Other Love.” I’m telling you folks, he may be the best artist out there today. He has some many great songs already.

New single by American Idol winner- David Cook- “Light On” was released this past Tuesday and I have to say my initial reaction is I like it. The song sounds like something that the band Hinder would do.

Keeping with the American Idol theme- Jennifer Hudson- released her self titled debut album and almost every track sounds phenomenal. “Giving myself” will be performed by American Idol contestants next year without a doubt. “Pocketbook” with Ludacris sounds great. Check out the gospel like “Jesus Promised Me a Home Over There”- you will get chills- freaking phenomenal. Total thumbs up on this debut!!!

HBO will run a documentary that will air next Friday Rocktober 10 at 7:15 (and will be played on HBO Family throughout the month) and it’s called “Blindsided.” The show is about a teenager, Jared Hara, who discovered at the age of 11 that he was going blind due to a hereditary disorder passed on to him genetically by his mother. The film explores his journey as he began to give up things he loved, such as hockey. But he took up guitar and Shinedown became his favorite band. When Shinedown came to his town, Jared’s dad arranged for him to meet with the members of Shinedown. He was able to jam with the lead guitarist on their tour bus and then was called up on stage to perform with the boys in front of thousands of people, which included his family. Nice!!

Megadeth has released their Anthology- Set the World Afire- if you are a fan you probably have most of the tunes. This album has 35 top notch songs for $17, not bad. Mustaine rocks!! \m/ \m/

Nickelback has released a new single “Gotta Be Somebody” and at first I wasn’t so crazy about it but it’s growing on me. Check it out.

The Killers have a new single “Human” and I have to tell you after their sophomore effort I started to put one leg out to jump off the bandwagon. This may make it two legs.

Christina Aguilera also has a new single out-Keeps Getting’ Better- and I also didn’t like it at first but this one has grown on me as well. She is now a bonafide superstar without a doubt.

For those of you out there looking for holiday music and want to get a head start -look no further than Faith Hill’s release of “Joy to the World.”  She also does a beautiful song for new parents- “A Baby Changes Everything.” That song alone is worth the price of admission.

James Taylor has jumped into the fray of releasing an album of covers and it is appropriately titled “Covers.” Highlights for me are “Wichita Lineman” (never thought anyone but Glen Campbell could do it right but this version sounds pretty good) and “Why Baby Why.” You can’t go wrong with anything that Mr. Taylor does, so pick it up.

OK for this week’s review of an album, I will not say that the following two albums are “classics” but these are recordings that were a favorite of mine while in my late teens and early 20’s. And I mean I listened to them so much that to this day I remember almost every word of every song. Now some of you may laugh, others may scratch their heads but it may lead some to venture out and take a listen. The first album was the self titled debut from Bad English. Now many will say that this really was a continuation of The Babys as three out of the five members of Bad English were from that band. Jonathan Cain- who went on to enjoy more fame with Journey- and still is- was the keyboardist. The bassist was Ricky Phillips and the lead singer was John Waite. Mr. Waite has had a very respectable career and he is one of my favorite male vocalists. His career has spanned many decades and he’s probably most well known for “Missing You.” (check out the re-recorded version with Alison Krauss helping out on vocals). The band’s lead guitarist was Neal Schonn- yes from Journey- after Journey split up in the 1980’s- they formed this band. (Did you know that Neal started out with Santana?) The drummer was Deen Castronovo. Now I won’t review every song like I usually do but this album is super solid- yes there are a few slow songs that take it down a little but overall even the ballads are very good.

The album kicks off with the rocking “Best of What I Got.”- Ok I acknowledge that this is glam rock but so what? That was the style back then in 1989. It’s a fun song and always sounds great when blaring from your speakers. The bass stands out in track # 2- “Heaven is a Four Letter Word”- and I just love the groove- you will be moving your head up and down to the beat. I remember them performing this song when they opened for Whitesnake- yes Whitesnake- I told you this was B.N. (Before Nirvana). The following songs deserve a listen from you as they knock the cover off the ball (in no particular order): “Tough Times Don’t Last,” “Ready When You Are “(this one could be the best track of the whole album-crank it up!!) “Rocking Horse” (a slow bluesy tune) and my favorite track on the album- “Lay Down.” John Waite’s vocals on this song shine brightly. Now most bands back in the late 1980’s had ballads- and these guys were no exception- but I would say that their ballads were exceptional. (how do you like that?). One of the reasons why I love this album is because it has one of my all-time favorite ballads- “When I See You Smile”- (song was actually written by Diane Warren). This song reminds me of my wife and it was almost our wedding song (it lost out to “I Don’t Want to Live Without You” by Foreigner). Come on you can’t tell me this song is not good- yes its sappy- but sometimes in life, you need sappy. This song is a total wave the arms in the air back and forth in the air for four minutes and seventeen seconds. Every time I hear it, a never ending grin emerges on my face as I think of dancing with my beautiful bride. I love it when Waite wails “Sometimes I want give up…” and then Schon wails with the guitar. Two other songs are great ballads as well- “Possession”and “Price of Love.”

The other album which I will recommend for purchase rewinds 10 years, back to 1979 and it is “Cornerstone” by Styx. Again some may laugh, some may ask why? But I love it. One of the main reasons now today is because it brings me back to my mother. She probably listened (not sure if she wanted to..but anyway) to that album as much as I did as I use to listen from my bedroom, with or without the door closed. Whenever I hear the opening song “Lights” I just wish I could turn back the clock and go back to my room in my parent’s house. This song cracks my top 20 songs of all time, I don’t know what it is about the song but to me it’s perfect. And like I said- it brings my mother to the forefront. “Why Me” is another great song- this is my favorite song with Dennis DeYoung on vocals. (Tommy Shaw does “Lights”). The saxophone and guitar trading licks is the highlight on this song as well. These first two tracks are perfect sing-a -long songs. OK so track # 3 is the ballad “Babe.” Go ahead puke all over it but when it was released it was a hit everywhere- even on the oldies station in NY “WCBS FM”-now back then CBS did not play any contemporary songs until this one came out. “Never Say Never” is a song that you will not be able to get out of your head. I love it!! Track # 5 “Boat on the River” is another one of my all-time favorite songs (I know I have many as my kids tell me all the time). I guess I gravitate towards Shaw’s songs. This track makes me go off into a haze and I try to emulate Tommy’s vocal style. Talk about a perfect album side (remember when WNEW FM use to play those?).

Now side 2 is not as great as side 1 but still has some solid songs. The rocking “Borrowed Time” will definitely bring you back (although I recognize the part where the “yes” and “no” could be irritating. This song sounds like it could have been on “Paradise Theater.”) “First Time” is the ballad for side two and is as sappy as Babe. The album winds down with “Eddie”- song about Ted Kennedy and Styx telling him not to run for President and the under-rated “Love in the Midnight.” This is the best song on side two and again it’s Tommy at the helm.

So now you have two obscure albums to research and see if you agree with me. Again give it a chance and I believe you will enjoy them. I always have and always will.

Sadly back on this day in 2000, Benjamin Orr, co-lead singer for The Cars, passed away at the young age of 53 from cancer.

Back on this day in 1982, John Mellencamp had his first number one hit with Jack & Dianne.

Back on this day in 1992, Sinead O’Connor caused quite a stir on Saturday Night Live by tearing a picture of Pope John Paul II. NBC received thousands of calls with complaints.