Fall Out Boy with No Doubt and others will perform at the Meadowlands Sports Complex as part of the Bamboozle Tour. The full lineup will be announced on Mon. April 27, 2009. FOB will perform on Sat. May 2, 2009. No Doubt will perform on Sun. May 3, 2009. Tickets on sale Friday Nov. 28 at noon. For more information go to: http://www.thebamboozle.com/bamboozle/tickets/?section=buytickets
Patti Smith & her band at the Bowery Ballroom on Mon. Dec. 29. Tickets on sale today at noon. $40.
The Pogues at the Roseland Ballroom on Thurs. & Fri. Mar. 12 & 13, 2009. Tickets on sale Friday morning at 10:00 a.m.$59.50.
The Fray at Webster Hall on Wed. Feb. 4. Tickets on sale next Sat. Dec. 6 at noon. $27.50(pre-sale ticket information at their website).
Rascal Flatts with Jessica Simpson at Madison Square Garden on Thurs. Feb. 12, 2009. Tickets on sale next Saturday Dec. 6 at 10:00 a.m. Prices should be in the range of $50 – $70.
Nickelback with Seether and Saving Abel at the Izod Center on Fri. Mar. 6, 2009. Tickets on sale Sat. Dec. 13 at 10:00 a.m. Prices will range from $50 – $70. Pre-sale tickets through I-Tunes, fan club and Citicard members.
Dropkick Murphys at Roseland Ballroom on Fri. Mar. 6, 2009. Tickets on sale next Fri. Dec. 5 at 10:00 a.m. $29.50
Other items:
Lots of new releases this week, so here they are in no particular order:
Chinese Democracy- Guns N Roses– I struggled with this purchase for a couple of days but after some internal debate with myself, I decided to make the plunge. Review to come soon. I wasn’t all that impressed with the 30 second samples from I-Tunes but then decided that would not be fair to judge a whole album. The reviews are mixed on I-Tunes, they range from it is garbage to it is the best release in 2008. (Slow down let’s not get crazy, that honor belongs to Shinedown). As I mentioned in prior weekly updates, I do like the title track and the third track “Better.” Again review to come. Blabbermouth gave it a 6.5 rating out of 10. The listeners gave it a 6.8 rating.
808s and Heartbreak- Kayne West– I actually like the song “See You in My Nightmares” (featuring Lil Wayne). From what I can tell from the 30 second samples, this album tends to trend towards the pop world more than the rap world. Some of the songs sound slow and intense; no doubt a reflection on the passing of his mother. The synthesizer seems to be prevalent on almost every song and his vocal style along with that sound may have reached its peak.
24 Hours- Tom Jones– Go ahead & laugh but you know what, this album sounds fresh and brisk. I totally forgot to add Mr. Jones to the list of who was left off the Rolling Stone “Top 100 singers of all time.” Take a listen to the following tracks and tell me they don’t sound good: “If He Should Ever Leave You”, “We Got Love”, “Sugar Daddy”, “Never” and “More than Memories.” Good stuff right here.
Day and Age- The Killers– From what I have read in a few different outlets, the Killers have made a solid record with their third studio album. I personally did not like “Sam’s Town” and kind of fell off their band-wagon. “Losing Touch” sounds good, although it sounds identical to U2-that’s not a bad thing. “Spaceman” and “Joy Ride” sound like it could have been on “Hot Fuss.” I may have to take the plunge to get back on the band-wagon.
Happy in Galoshes- Scott Weiland– See now when I listened to the 30 second samples on this album I was immediately impressed with the sound. This guy has been through a lot of turbulence in his life but I have to say he is in the right business. His music touches a chord with me, especially with STP, (not Velvet Revolver). I love the song “Paralysis”- eerily similar to the sound of David Bowie. It has a nice sound as the drumming really stands out. Speaking of Bowie, Scott does a funky remake of “Fame” and again sounds just like him! The most popular download- “Missing Cleveland” should be on rock radio in the next hour or so, that’s how good it is. “Killing Me Sweetly” will be another legitimate hit, no doubt! Be on the lookout for this album- it is a sleeper that will open your eyes.
Electric Arguments- The Fireman– This band, featuring Paul McCartney, has a good sound. From what’s been written this is McCartney’s best stuff since his early days with Wings. “Sing the Changes” is a catchy tune that should be on classic rock radio in no time. “Nothing too much just out of sight” conjures up memories of Helter Skelter and is some of the heaviest sound McCartney has ever produced. “Traveling Light” sounds like something Emerson Lake & Palmer would perform today if they were putting out new stuff. Overall doesn’t sound too bad.
The goof of the week goes to Rob Zombie. After months of putting together a collection of all the songs he did with White Zombie- Let Sleeping Corpses Lie-(64 tracks by the way) – he forgot to proof read the credits because apparently other members of WZ were not credited. Mr. Zombie is fuming and said he in no way intended to discredit the other members. Printed copies of the second version have the corrections and are being shipped out now.
My favorite old school song of the week belongs to “Don’t Pull Your Love” by Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds. Remember this song?
This is my favorite time of the year and I have to say that there are plenty of new albums out there for the holiday season. Again in no particular order:
Marshmallow World & Other Holiday Favorites- Raul Malo– OK so this is not new, it came out last year but for you folks out there who do not have this album- you need to purchase it right now. (It was released in Sept. 2007). This is by far, the best Christmas album released in the past 10 years!I had to find a way to get this out there, I will probably do the same thing next year- it’s that good. He’ll be at the Highline Ballroom performing these classics in a few weeks. Check it out!!
Holiday Spirits- Straight No Chaser– If you are in the mood for traditional holiday music sung a cappella then you need to rush out and buy this CD. All I can say is “Wow.” Listen to the amazing harmonies on “Carol of the Bells” and tell me you’re not hooked? Or take a venture into “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and tell me you don’t like it. It’s impossible. You will hear this album while shopping in the stores;then you will ask the person at the register- “who is singing that song?” and I’ll bet you the response will be this album.
Christmas Favorites- The Radio City Rockettes– Continuing on the theme of beautiful harmonies, this album is a must if you like that sort of thing. These are the types of songs you heard while growing up and wondered where that sound has gone. It’s here. I have to say that I am a fan of this CD and not ashamed to admit it.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas- Brian McKnight– One word for this man: class. Listen to this album and you will know what I’m talking about. This is a perfect album for your Thanksgiving and/or Christmas gatherings. His version of “Adeste Fideles” is absolutely stunning. His voice is crystal clear and flawless, after hearing this; his name might have to appear in the top 100 singers of all time.
A Swinging Christmas- Tony Bennett (featuring the Count Basie Big Band). Another “wow” factor here as I try and recover from his name not appearing of RS list. Can you get any better than Tony? (Especially during the holidays?). Of course his classic “Winter Wonderland” is on this album. Listen to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and you’ll be writing to RS this week to complain on his non-appearance on the list. (I know- enough already with the list but I’m still upset). His daughter, Antonia, makes an appearance on this album as she helps out Tony for the song “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” She sounds awesome!!
Come Darkness; Come Light- Mary Chapin Carpenter– If you are looking for some new songs as well as some traditional songs, look no further than this album. This is a collection of heartfelt songs.
New Thought for Christmas- Melissa Etheridge– Can you really go wrong with anything Melissa does? If you are opposed to electric guitars for Christmas songs, then this album is not for you. But if you like a little spice in your eggnog, then this album is for you. There are a few songs that are low key but as always her passion shines through the loudest.
Christmas Spirit- Los Lonely Boys– How about a bluesy touch of Christmas? This album has a groove that will knock your stocking off the chimney. Check it out. ‘Nuff said.
Christmas Rocks- Brian Setzer– How about a big band sound, tinged with “rockabilly” and “boogie woogie” that will have you dancing in no time? Look no further than Mr. Setzer. This is his greatest Christmas hits. I love it!!
A Very Cool Christmas- Dean Martin– Who is cooler than Dean? No one!! It’s hard to find an artist who does Christmas songs better than Dean. This is an instant classic.
Speaking of Christmas music, Lite-FM 106.7 (in NY) has started playing all Christmas music. I love it when they do this- no it is not too early- think about how time flies. Enjoy it while it is here. Go to http://www.1067newyork.com/main.html and click on “listen live”.
The top 1,043 rock songs of all time will be played on New York’s only classic rock station, Q104.3 beginning today at 1:00 p.m.
Richie Sambora and Heather Locklear are spending Thanksgiving together this year. Could it be they are getting back together? They divorced in 2006.
This week’s I-Pod shuffle landed on “Superconductor” by Rush from the album Presto, so you know I had to go back and listen to the whole CD. Now maybe it is because I haven’t listened to a lot of Rush lately but I had forgotten how much I love this album. Now I know the Rush fan will scoff at this notion, but I like this album better than any one that they made. Now keep in mind that I jumped on the Rush bandwagon with “Moving Pictures” and forward. I know, understand and respect the landmark albums for the Rush fan which include “2112”, “Farewell To Kings, and “Hemispheres .” Now I would accept the fact that all these albums are “better” than Presto but what I’m telling you is that this is my favorite Rush album. (Believe it or not- Counterparts is my second favorite). And to boot, I will say that the song “The Pass” is the best song that Rush has ever written or recorded. (And you know that they have many songs to choose from). From a lyrical standpoint it is hard to find a better songwriter than Neil Peart. (You thought I was going to say better drummer than anyone else, right. He is right up there at the top with his skin skills).
The album starts off with the “stop and go” tempo of “Show Don’t Tell.” I love this song, the chorus is addicting as you will find yourself singing it all day long. Geddy Lee’s vocals and bass work is outstanding as well as Peart rolling drum work throughout. “Show Me Don’t Tell Me.. Hey order in the court..” Listen to this song (and the entire album) with a good set of headphones and you will not be disappointed. “Chain Lightning” has an upbeat groove that will have you bouncing your head and up & down. The bridge into the chorus is top notch as the “stop & go” effect continues. It really is amazing the sound that emanates from just three people. Love the ending with the baritone voice that says “That’s Nice.” Now track # 3 “The Pass” again is the best song that Rush has ever written in my opinion. The bass work just hooks you in along with the passionate lyrics topped off with Geddy’s vocal approach. The first time I heard this song I knew it was special and it still sounds brand new. I’m at a loss of words to try and describe how much I love this song, don’t ever tell me that you think the song is just OK or that is not good. I was raised to not say anything if I didn’t have anything good to say, so take that approach. When Geddy passionately cries “Christ what have you done”.. Again at a loss for words. Track # 4 is my second favorite Rush song of all time and that is “War Paint.”“No more of his excuses it has to be today..” The production of these two songs is of the highest quality and talk about passion? This song has an infectious groove that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. When it reaches its crescendo with the heavy bass lines and the pounding drums I say can it get any better? “Boys and Girls together paint the mirror black, the mirror always lies.” “Scars” is sort of a “quasi dance like” song that highlights the drumming skills of Mr. Peart. The chorus on this song (as well as the others) is addicting. Then it’s on to the last song on side 1- “Presto.” How great is this song? It gets you from the first note played and you ask yourself “Why couldn’t I write this song?” The bridge into the guitar solo for me is the best part of the song. “Don’t ask me I’m just improvising… can’t you see my temperature is rising..” If I was a drummer I would love to play this song as well.
Side 2 starts off with the aforementioned “Superconductor” a rocking head-banging (Ok not so much head banging but you get my drift). This song use to get a lot of air time on classic rock FM radio back when the album came out. “Anagram” (for Mongo) is the coolest lyrical song ever written, again in my opinion. It’s a play on words as Peart creates words using the same letters, or contains letters from larger words. “Miracles will have their claimers” is my favorite one of the song. Now I will admit when I first heard “Red Tide” I wasn’t so enthralled but after giving it more listens, it really grew on me and it could be one of the best songs on this album. Lifeson’s guitar work on this song is really impressive. “Hand Over Fist” was also another song that took me a while to grasp but when it did, it grabbed me and made me realize how good it is.It seems to be a soft song but at points it gets real rough and has a driving force to it. The bridge is the best part of the song as Geddy takes over on bass and vocals. Of course, the drumming is always there and keeps the song moving along.The “Available Light” starts out with a slow groove but you know at some point it is going to take off and it does about one minute into the track. The chorus is epic like and all three guys bring it home with their separate but forceful skills on bass, guitar and drums. What a perfect song to end this classic album.
Like I said, there probably are “better” Rush albums but for me- this is the one!! Key tracks again: “The Pass” and “War Paint.”
Negotiations between the Beatles and I-Tunes have stalled and Mr. McCartney says it could be a while before it’s settled. Or maybe it won’t be settled.
Back on this day in 1982, Lionel Richie had his first number 1 hit as a solo artist with “Truly.” 1982?? Can it be that long ago??
Back on this day in 1968, Cream performed its last concert at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London.
If it is your birthday today, you share the same birth date with the legendary Tina Turner.
Errols Weekly Music Update. 