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.

Weekly Update – 05/16/08

Coldplay at the XL Center in Hartford CT on Thurs. July 3. Pre-sale on now through Best Buy until 10:00 p.m. tonight. Generalpublic on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $47.25 – $95.25

Coldplay at the IZOD Center on Rocktober 26. Tickets on sale June 14 at 10:00 a.m. More info to come.

Extreme at the Brookhaven Amphitheater in Farmingdale NY and the Fillmore New York on Fri. Aug. 1 and Mon. Aug. 4. Tickets for the L.I. show go on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. – $27.50 – $43.50. Tickets for the Fillmore show on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. – $36.

Collective Soul, Live and Blues Traveler at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Wed. July 30. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $47.50

Dave Stewartat the NY Fillmore on Thurs. Sept. 18. Tickets on sale today at 10:00 a.m. $52.50

Peter Frampton at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City on Sat. Aug. 2. Tickets on sale Sat. May 31 at noon. $35 – $65.

Ashley Simpson at the NY Fillmore on Thurs. June 24. Tickets on sale Sat. May 17 at noon. $51.50

The Faint at Terminal 5 on Mon. Aug. 18. Tickets on sale today at noon. $25

Built to Spill with Dinosaur Jr. and the Meat Puppets at Terminal 5 on Thurs. & Fri. Sept. 25 and 26. Tickets on sale now. $32.

Spiritualized at Terminal 5 on Sun. July 27. Tickets on sale today at noon. $30 ($35 day of show).

T.I. at the United Palace Theater on Thurs. June 12. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $69.75

Other items:

This past Tuesday Rhino Entertainment released “Nothing But the Best” from Frank Sinatra. It’s been 10 years since his death but his legacy will live on forever. I implore you to purchase this CD if you do not have any Sinatra in your library, I did. I know the songs but admittedly did not own any Sinatra, except for Christmas tunes. Now that I did it, you can too. C’mon you cannot ignore this man’s contribution to music and we all need to keep these songs going and pass it on down to the next generation. There are 22 songs on the CD. It is at its cheapest price right now-all new releases have its best price the first week it is out and then the price kicks up. Think of all your favorite Frankie tunes- it’s on this CD. Buy it now!!! 5 stars.

The Cure have released a new single called “The Only One” which has received an average rating of 4 stars from the listeners on I-Tunes.

Bryan Adams has released a new album this week and it is his eleventh studio production appropriately named “11.” Average ranking of 4 stars from I-Tunes reviewers. Looks like the most down loaded song from that CD is a track called “I Thought I’d Seen Everything.” This guy has been so consistent, a “pro’s pro.”

Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears are getting rave reviews for their new sophomore effort “Flight of the Night” and is the “editor’s choice” from I-Tunes.

Not a big fan of Coldplay but will admit that their new single “Vida La Vida” is a decent tune. The new album with the same name will be out on June 17.

Have to admit I am a little scared to purchase the new CD from Death Cab for Cutie called “Narrow Stairs” but as previously mentioned there was such a buzz about this album and the reviews so far average 4.5 stars out of 5. Indie rock is something that takes a while to grow on me. But who knows? I have a feeling I will be taken in.

The Toadies have announced that they will tour this summer (first time since 2001) in support of the release of their third studio album- “No Deliverance” set for release on Aug. 19.

Dokken’s “Lightning Strikes Again” is out now. If you want to go back to 1988- this album is for you. \m/ \m/

I’ve been getting some grief for not writing enough about Country music. Now if you have been following along the last couple of years, I have started to become more into this genre of music. It has always been a part of my life, a small part, and my mother always had country music playing in the house and I became familiar with the classic stars of country music.

As I have stated in prior updates, I love the band Little Big Town and I am also a big fan of the Dixie Chicks. So what I am getting to- is a review of one of the all-time country greats- Patsy Cline. What better place to start, right?

For people who really know me, they know that Karen Carpenter is my all time female vocalist. However, I can now say that Patsy Cline is right up there. Karen is 1A and Patsy is 1B.

Since there is no one particular album to point to because back in the ’50’s many artists released singles, so I will say that any collection of Patsy’s greatest hits is a must have for everyone. One of her first hits “Walking After Midnight” is a very recognizable song and her voice is perfect. My mother’s favorite song from Patsy is “Sweet Dreams” – a song of heartache from a broken relationship. There have been others who have sung this song- but none as good as Patsy’s version. Then how can you forget the incomparable “Crazy?” Wow what a song, for those of you who don’t know whom she is- start off with this song- and then tell me you’re not hooked? Many of her songs deal with relationships and my guess is a lot of it was personal to her. “I Fall to Pieces” is a beautiful song even though you can hear the pain in her voice as she sings it. My favorite song from Pasty is “So wrong,” every time I hear this song I stop what I am doing and am mesmerized by her vocals. Love the whole song top to bottom.”Back in Baby’s Arms” is an upbeat song that will have you singing along with her. “She’s Got You” is a song of hurt from a lost love and you will not be able to get the chorus of -“The only thing different, the only thing new” -out of your head. At different points of the day this song will come back to you and you will find yourself singing the chorus. My next favorite song from her is”Faded Love”- another song of a love gone astray. “I miss you darling more and more everyday.” Great song, period! OK I can have a third favorite, right? “Why Can’t He Be You” is another mesmerizing song that stops me in my tracks to make sure I listen to all the words. “Leaving on Your Mind” is another one of her classic tunes.

What can I say about Patsy Cline? It took me a long time to recognize her contribution to music, not just country music, and shame on me for that. So don’t make the same mistake that I made. Buy some of her songs and realize that this woman is an American classic and you will have a hard time finding a better voice anywhere. Thanks again Mom!

And staying with the country theme, I did purchase the new single, release this past Tuesday, from Chris Young called “Voices”- check it out, you will like it.

Ozzfest this summer will be a single day event on Tues. Aug. 9 in Frisco Texas. The Ozz man just finished an 11-month tour and wife Sharon says he deserves some time off. So it will be a one-day show. Tickets for this show go on sale on May 31. Metallica has been added.

Back on this day in 1990, the world lost one of its greatest entertainers of all time, Sammy Davis Jr. passed away on this day after his long battle with throat cancer.

Today is Janet Jackson’s birthday. She turns 42.

Weekly Update – 05/09/08

Madonna at the Izod Center on Fri. Rocktober 3^rd. Also at Madison Square Garden on Mon. & Tues. Rocktober 6 and 7. Fan club pre-sale starts this Monday May 12 at 10:00a.m. and goes to Thurs. May 15 at noon. Pre-sale tickets for Citicard members starts this Tueday May 13 and goes to Sat. May 17 at noon. General public on sale is Monday May 19^th at 9:00 am $55 – $350.

Toms River Fest 2008 featuring Carrie Underwood, Lifehouse, Push Play and more at the Toms River North Campus in NJ on Sat. Aug. 2 at 2:00 pm. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $35 – $75

Toms River Fest 2008 featuring Daughtry, Collective Soul, Live, Avril Lavigne and more at theToms River North Campus in NJ on Sun. Aug. 3 at 2:00 pm. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $35 – $75.

Sheryl Crow at the Mohegan Sun on Sat. July 26. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $45 – $60.

Tina Turner at the Prudential Center in Newark NJ on Wed. Nov. 28 and the Nassau Coliseum on Wed. Dec. 3. Pre-sale tickets on sale through tonight at 9:00 p.m. via the Oprah Winfrey show which gave a password. General public tickets on sale Mon. May 19^th at 10:00 a.m. $59.50 – $135.

Projekt Revolution featuring Linkin Park, Chris Cornell& The Bravery at Jones Beach & PNC Arts Center on Tues. & Wed. July 22 and 23. General public on sale is Sat. May 17 at 10:00 a.m. $30 – $80.

Third Day, Switchfoot, Robert Randolph & The Family Band and Jars of Clay at PNC Arts Center on Thurs. Sept. 13. This is a tour to benefit for the Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity. Tickets on sale next Fri. May 16 at 10:00 a.m. $24 – $119.

My Bloody Valentine at Roseland Ballroom on Mon. Sept. 22. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.$52

Smoking Popes at the Blender Theater on Sat. July 5. Tickets on sale today at noon. $16

Kittie & Dope at the Blender Theater on Tues. July 8. Tickets on sale today at noon. $20

Jakob Dylan at the Blender Theater on Tues. June 10. Tickets on sale Sat. May 10 at 10:00 a.m. $26

The Fratellis at Webster Hall on Fri. June 13. Tickets on sale today at noon. $25

Mindless Self Indulgence at Terminal 5 on Fr. June 27. Tickets on sale today at noon. $25

Hot Water Music at Terminal 5 on Sat. July 12. Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon. $22

Chaka Kahn and Musiq Soulchild at Nokia Theater on Tues. Aug. 12. Tickets on sale today at noon. $55 – $70.

Daryl Hall at the Highline Ballroom on Tues. July 10. Tickets on sale today at noon.

Other items:

Bon Jovi will apparently play a free show at Central Park on Wed. July 9. The show will be sponsored by Major League Baseball. (3 days before the All-Star game which will be hosted by the Yankees)

Donna Summer is back and her new album Crayons will be in stores on Tues. May 20. Back in March she released a single called “I’m a Fire” and it is currently #1 on billboard’s hot club dance chart. She also released another single on April 22 called “Stamp Your Feet”. Both songs are worthy of a purchase and I give both a thumbs up. She’s touring this summer all over the Tri-state area, including Atlantic City now. She will be performing at Bryant Park in NYC for the concert series for the “Today” show on Friday May 30.

Speaking of the concert series for the Today show, Mary J. Blige performs this morning at Bryant Park. The B-52’s will perform Mon. May 26.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters have released a new album called “Momofuku” and I-Tune listener’s are giving it an average rating of 4.5 stars. Listening to the 30 second samples, I have to say it didn’t sound too bad. If you like him, you’ll like the sound.

The Offspring will release their first CD in 5 years with “Rise & Fall, Rage & Grace” will hit on June 17. The first single “Hammerhead” was released this past week. Sounds pretty good. You’d be surprised by how many songs these guys have. Check out their greatest hits album. Solid effort.

Pearl Jam is starting work on their 9^th studio album and it will be produced by Brendan O’Brien- first time since 1998’s “Yield” CD. That CD is really good- a must have for PJ fans.

Candlebox (remember them?- “Far Behind”) will release their first album in 10 years. “Into The Sun” will be the name and the first single is “Stand” and can be heard on their “My space” page.

Rihanna has hooked up with Maroon 5 and have re-recorded 5’s hit from their second album “If I Never See Your Face Again.” Available on I-Tunes now, I picked it up. Rihanna is already “big” and is poised to become a superstar. Maroon 5 are super solid.

My younger son told me to get with it and download “Wall to Wall” by Chris Brown and I have to admit I like it. He also turned me on to Natasha Bedingfield’s “ Pocket Full of Sunshine.” I like both of these tunes. I returned the favor by playing “God’s Got It” from the Black Crowes, off of their Warpaint CD, and he loved it and put it on his I-POD. That made my day- A 10 year old liking the Black Crowes, how psyched am I?

I’m “luke-warm” on the new single from Weezer– “Pork & Beans.” Turns out they were pissed off that their record company wanted a “hit” and they recorded this. Sounds OK.

New favorite song of the week is “Give It To Me” from Madonna off of her new CD “Hard Candy.” A definite hit-mark my words.

This past week I was listening to a heavy dose of Kiss on my I-Pod and as many of you know I am a huge Kiss fan. Now I know for many people, they really don’t take them seriously. Now for all you Kiss fans please don’t freak out from what I’m about to say: My favorite album from them is “MTV Unplugged.” Now don’t get me wrong I’m ‘rightthere’ with their debut album, ‘Hotter Than Hell’ and ‘Dressed to kill.’ I love all of those albums from top to bottom. Also love ‘Rock N Roll Over’ and ‘Love Gun.’ But hear me out. MTV Unplugged showcases their musical talents (which most don’t give them credit for) and it will also pull in the people who say they are not fans of Kiss.

For the people who say they don’t like Kiss, please- just listen to this CD once (put it out of your head that it is Kiss- and listen) and I’ll bet you’ll play it for your friends. That’s what happened with me, I played it for my brother but did not tell him who it was and I believe it is now one of his favorites as well. This CD hits all the “Kiss-story” from their beginning to another one of my favorites- “Revenge” (which came out in 1992). Back on Aug. 9, 1995 Kiss performed at the MTV studios for this un-plugged session and the buzz back then was that the original band was getting back together for a reunion tour (which is still going on). This was the only time that Peter Criss and Ace Frehley-original drummer and lead guitarist- shared the same stage with Bruce Kulick (lead guitarist in 1995) and Eric Singer (drummer in 1995-who is now back with the band after Criss & Frehley were kicked out). The show starts off with “Coming Home” from Hotter than Hell (their 2^nd album) a song written by Paul Stanley & Ace. From the “opening bell” you can tell that they were on their game. Singer’s drumming is tight and Kulick’s guitar strumming is on target and you’ll be bopping and weaving your head to this one. Tune #2 is from Love Gun and “Plaster Caster” rocks the house with an upbeat tempo that will have you turning up the volume.It slows down a bit with another one from Hotter than Hell with “Going Blind” and I have to say Gene’s vocals are spot on; it’s a sing-a-long song. Then it kicks up with Stanley’s “Do You Love Me?” from ‘Destroyer.’ I know the lyrics are kind of silly but the song rocks and the volume will be up again on this one. Track # 5 “Domino” is a cool cut from ‘Revenge’ and Gene’s lyrics deal with his favorite topic- women. (Again I like the music). Kulick’s guitar solo is phenomenal.“Sure Know Something” from “Dynasty” will surprise you and you will not believe this is a song that Kiss would do. This is one of the songs that will pull you in. Track # 7 –“A World without Heroes” is an obscure song from one of their most unknown albums “The Elder” but again Gene’s vocals are spot on for the softer side of Kiss. The beginning of “Rock Bottom” stays soft in the beginning and then as Paul states “now it gets rough” and it kicks in and the volume has to be at full force as they blast their way through this “Dressed to Kill” classic.Track # 9 is another sing-a-long song with “See You Tonight” which is the “new” song performed that night.

Track # 10 “I Still Love You” from Creatures of the Night is the gem from this CD and Stanley’s passion pours through this song, the guitar and his voice on this song will mesmerize you.Then it’s on to my favorite track of the disc and that is “Every Time I look at you”- I know a sappy commercial love song but I love it. This is another song that you probably would not believe it is Kiss, if you didn’t know it. The last 4 songs is where they bring out Peter Criss and Ace Frehley and they jam to the cover of the Rolling Stone’s “2000 Man” off of “Dynasty”. A side note on this one is that when Ace came out, supposedly they had to do this song over and over and Stanley was pissed because Ace couldn’t get it right. And if you listen closely you can hear a little screw-up in the song- but you have to listen closely!!“Beth” – the classic from Peter Criss sounds like the original from “Destroyer.” Another side note- I saw Kiss for their 1996 reunion tour and Criss was suppose to do this song for the encore but the music started too early for him so he refused to sing the song. Weird just the music with no vocals- but they’re all here on this one.“Nothing to Lose” from their first one has everyone chipping in on vocals and with both drummers and two guitarists- this is the best version of this song period!! You have to like this song. The disc ends with the incomparable “Rock and Roll All Nite” and no matter how many times you hear this song- it never grows old- especially this version. This song is a “blast out- back yard” party song for this summer and any other summer. There’s no denying their space in music history. It may be a small part for many… but a huge part for the Kiss Army- a dedicated army to say the least. \m/ \m/

Coldplay will tour this summer into the fall and will stop at the I-ZOD center on Sun. Rocktober 29. Ticket info to follow.

Happy Birthday to Billy Joel, who turns 59 today. Other having a birthday today are Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield / Poco (64) and Tommy Roe turns 66 (“Dizzy”).

Back on this day in 1998, Puff Daddy performed with Jimmy Page on Saturday Night Live to do his song “Come to Me” which borrows heavily from “Kashmir.” Collaborations are cool and this one is a great song.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Update – 05/02/08

The following acts will be at Jones Beach and pre-sale are already on, so check the internet for your favorite acts to see how to get pre-sale tickets (usually made available for AMEX or Citi card members). Public on sale tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

James TaylorSun. June 22$26$79.50

Chicago/Doobie Bros.Fri. June 27$39-$135

Donna SummerSat. July 19$26-$109

Martina McBrideFri. July 25$26-$76

Poison/Dokken/BachWed. July 30$25-$77.50

Boston/SpeedwagonTues. Aug. 12$26-$79

Heart/Journey/TrickThurs. Aug. 14$31-$131

KTU’s BeatstockSat. Aug. 23$26-$149

The following acts will be at PNC Arts Center and pre-sale are already on, so check the internet for your favorite acts to see how to get pre-sale tickets (usually made available for AMEX or Citi card members). Public on sale tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

Frankie ValliSat. June 17$49.25-$99.25

Chicago/Doobie Bros.Wed. July 2$20.25-$125

MellencampFri. July 11$20.25-$80.25

3 Doors DownWed. July 16$20.25-$70.25

Donna SummerFri. July 18$20.25-$109.25

Boston/StyxSun. Aug. 10$20.25-$71.25

Poison/Dokken/BachTues. Aug. 12$20.25-$71.25

Heart/Journey/TrickThurs. Aug. 21No info.

Toby KeithFri. Aug. 22$34.75-$69.75

KTU’s BeatstockSun. Aug. 24$24.25-$149

Bloc Party at Webster Hall on Wed. & Thurs. Aug. 6 and Aug. 7. Tickets on sale today at noon. $26.

ButtHole Surfers at Webster Hall Tuesday July 29. Tickets on sale today at noon. $35.

Wolf Parade at Terminal 5 on Thurs. July 31. Tickets on sale today at noon. $20 ($22 day of show).

Neil Diamond at the Garden (third show added after first two sold out) on Fri. Aug. 15.Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $55-$120.

Echo & The Bunnymen at Radio City on Wed. Rocktober 1. Pre-sale on now through fan club. General public on sale next Sat. May 10 at 10:00 a.m. $39.50-$59.50.

Stevie Wonder at Jones Beach on Wed. June 18. Pre-sale tickets start tomorrow. General public on sale next Sat. May 10.

New Kids on the Block at Izod Center and Nassau Coliseum on Tues. &Wed. Sept. 23 & 24. Pre-sale starts this Monday at 10:00 am and goes to Sun. May 11 at 10:00 pm. General public on sale Mon. May 12 at 10:00 am. $36-$74.

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival at Nassau Coliseum on Wed. Aug. 6 at 2:00 p.m. featuring Slipknot, Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch, others and Black Tide. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 am $49.75. (If you have a Citi preferred card you can get tickets now)

Other items:

Coldplay will be playing a free show at MSG on Monday June 23. Check their web-site for further details.www.coldplay.com

Metallica is thinking of giving away their music for free. After seeing what Radiohead and NIN have done, Lars has stated that they might just do it.

This past week I had one of those “I love that song” moments and that song is “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu” by Johnny Rivers, a huge star who still going strong today. Go back and listen to the groove on this tune, I love the piano and his vocals. Grab a set of headphones and listen or crank it up in the house, whatever. Most will know Rivers from the ever- popular “Secret Agent Man.” He really has some solid hits such as “Summer Rain.” Check him out on I-Tunes or his web site www.johnnyrivers.com.

My favorite “old school” song of the week is “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” by The Spinners. This is another band that had memorable hits. The aforementioned song takes me back to the carefree summer days of the 1970’s when these songs were heard on 77 WABC AM radio.

CD Review: Mudcrutch by Mudcrutch, released April 29, 2008. This is a band that Tom Petty had formed back in the early 1970’s. In 1975, they released a single “Depot Street” which failed to hit the charts. Soon there after, Petty along with Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench formed the Heartbreakers. This past year they decided to get back together with Tom Leadon on lead guitar (and some good vocals) with Campbell. (Petty plays bass as mentioned last week). Back behind the skins is Randall Marsh. The album starts off with the traditional “Shady Grove.” The sound of this band is not that far off from what we all know as the Tom Petty sound. It is different from the Heartbreakers and thinking about it may be the country cousin to the Traveling Wilbury’s. Shady Grove kind of reminds me of something off Springteen’s “We Shall Overcome” CD.The single from the album “Scare Easy” is something that Petty would have done as a solo artist, a head shaking slow groove that would be good for your summer BBQ.

If you like the Byrds, there is a heavy influence throughout this CD. “Orphan of the Storm” is a country song that sort of sounds like something Roger McGuinn would do today.Track # 4 “Six Days on the Road” kicks it up a bit with a rocking twist that will get you dancing the “do-see-do.” Then what I love about Petty (and other such as the Black Crowes) is that the 5^th song is over 9 minutes long.“Crystal River” is a jam song that other bands would never dare to put on their album; if they did it would probably be the last song. I have to admit it’s a bit slow but it kept me hanging on. The second half of the CD gets progressively better with the highlights being “The Wrong Thing to Do,” “Lover of the Bayou,” “Topanga Cowgirl” and “House of Stone.”

This album will probably not get much airplay but who cares? True music fans will find what they like and if you are a fan of Tom Petty- you will not be disappointed with the purchase of this CD.

Def Leppard has released their first new album in a long time and its called Songs from the Sparkle Lounge. I-Tunes reviewers give it 4.5 stars on average.

Steve Winwood’s “Nine Lives” CD was released this past Tuesday. Check it out; this man is a living legend.

OK this weeks I-Tunes shuffle landed on a song by Led Zeppelin off of their double album “Physical Graffiti” and that song was “The Rover.” Boy, I had forgotten how much I love that song- so of course I had to go back and listen to the whole 4 sides (or now 2 discs). Just recently I have heard people make comments like “I never really got the whole Led Zeppelin thing.” Now I completely understand if Zeppelin is not your cup of tea. However, the can be no denial of their impact on the music world. You have to recognize their contribution and realize that these four guys are one of the most influential groups in music history. And talk about talent? To this day there has never been an equal to John Bonham behind the drums. He always had this way of playing that even just listening to him, you would say, “how can he do that so easily?” Go back and listen to “In My Time of Dying” and you’ll see what I mean. The drumming is phenomenal through out and you just can’t get enough of it. If I ever became a drummer this is the song that I would want to play. And this is just one song; there are so many more songs. I could go on a long time about Mr. Bonham but I will try to move on.

Getting back to Graffitti, I forgot to mention that my uncle was the one who turned me on to this back in the late 70’s. He really turned me on to some good bands when I was a kid. And I am trying to return the favor by passing it on. I remember while listening to the album as a teenager I would love to look through the cover and the inside sleeves for this classic disc. This has to be my favorite album design; I love the whole apartment building effect. Well enough about the cover, side 2 starts off with “Houses of the Holy” and most casual fans forget that this song is on this album. Then it kicks into “Trampled Under Foot.” There is no way you cannot crank up the volume on this song. This may have been one of the first “headbanging” songs to get things rolling. John Paul Jones organ solo flat out rocks. And again Bonham’s drums will have you bobbin and weavin’. And of course the incredible axe man- Jimmy Page. What can you say about this man that hasn’t already been said? Freaking phenomenal is what I’ll say. These guys were in a zone for this album and this is my favorite Zeppelin album. The ever lasting “Kashmir” ends side 2 and I know you have heard this song a million times but I’m telling you when you have not heard it in a while and then you put it on. Wow it’s like magic you just seem to drift away from everything for 8 and half minutes. I love Plant’s “Oooooooohhhh” or “Loooooow Yeah” “All I see turns to brown.” And was there a better front man than Robert Plant? How cool was he back in the day? It is really hard to come up with a better one.

Side three starts off with the incomparable “In the Light”- now I know for some of you out there you are scratching your heads and saying that it takes too long to begin and the song is way too long overall. However, just remember you were already drifting away with “Kashmir”- You are still there, so keep it going. You’re on that cloud so don’t jump off because you have “Bron-Yr-Aur” coming up and this instrumental will keep you in that groove. You are now totally relaxed and the beautiful “Down by the Seaside” will have you swaying your arms back and forth like all those kids in the front row of American Idol are doing to every song. Side three ends with another classic “Ten Years Gone.” One thing I will say there are not too many other bands that switch gears mid stream, start another groove within the song like Zep can do. This song is a perfect example of that.

Then it’s on to my favorite side of the album- side 4. It kicks off with “Night Flight”- “I received a message from my brother…” Again you have to listen to this LOUD!!! This is a family sing a long song. I would love to have millions of people listening to this song at the same time. It puts such a smile on my face when I hear this song- I get so psyched. Keeping the loud theme, it strolls right into “The Wanton Song”- Bonham’s skills shine brightly here. OK track’s #3 and #4 on side four are without a doubt my favorite Led Zeppelin songs EVER!! Now for most Zeppelin fans these songs probably don’t crack their top 10 favorite Zep songs, OK their top 50 favorite songs but that’s what is great about music- you can pick your favorite. “Boogie With Stu” starts off with such a cool groove with the piano and the drumming is spectacular. And Plant’s voice is spot on. Talk about being on a cloud? I am dancing right now as I listen and type. I am also “air-piano-ing.” Track 4 “Black Country Woman” could be the coolest song Zep ever made. “What’s the matter with you mama?” I love when the drums kick in and really ignite the tune. These two songs were my mother’s favorite as well. Whenever I would be in my room, as a teenager, with the door closed listening for hours to my music, she would always open the door for these two songs. I can see her now sitting at the dining room table shaking her head to the beat of Country Woman and squinting her eyes as she tried to emulate Plant’s vocals. I would have to play these two songs over and over for her as we both sat there and sung and danced our way through these tunes. I will never grow tired to listening to these songs. The classic disc ends with the blues/rockin’ “Sick Again.”

Now as I mentioned at the beginning you don’t have to like Led Zeppelin (I find it hard to believe that there are not at least a few songs that you could like but…) but you cannot dispute their place in music history. They are right up there as one of the greatest bands ever and their music is so diverse that you can’t label them into one category. So if you don’t own Graffiti- give it a shot- you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Gary!!

Back on this day in 2003, Barry White suffered a stroke. Two months later he passed away. Today is Engelbert Humperdinck’s birthday, he is 72. “Please release, let me go… for I don’t love you anymore…”