Weekly Update – 03/13/2009

U2 at Giants Stadium on Thurs. Sept. 24. At Gillette Stadium in Foxboro Mass on Sun. Mar. 20. Ticket information to follow.

Jimmy Buffet & the Coral Reefer Band at Jones Beach on Wed. Aug. 26. Tickets on sale this Mon. Mar. 16 at 10:00 a.m. $56 – $156.

Nickelback at Jones Beach on Wed. July 15 and at PNC Arts Center on Tues. July 21. Tickets on sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. (Live Nation Event).

Dave Matthews Band at Jones Beach on Tues. & Wed. July 21 & 22. Tickets on sale this morning at 9:00 a.m. (Live Nation)

Taylor Swift with Kellie Pickler at the Madison Square Garden on Thurs. Aug. 27. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders only on now through 10:00 p.m. tonight. General public on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.$24.50 – $79.50.

Aretha Franklin at Radio City Music Hall on Thurs. Sept. 17. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders only begins today at 10:00 a.m. until next Thurs. Mar. 19 at 10:00 p.m. General public on sale next Fri. Mar. 20 at 10:00 a.m. $54.50 – $94.50.

Depeche Mode at Madison Square Garden on Mon. Aug. 3. Pre-sale on now for Citi card holders only until 10:00 p.m. tonight. General public on sale this Mon. Mar. 16 at 10:00 a.m.$49.50 – $129.50.

The Doves at Terminal 5 on Thurs. June 4. Pre-sale on now for American Express cardholders until 10:00 a.m. General public on sale today at noon. $32.

Cake at Terminal 5 on Fri. May 29. Tickets on sale now. $35.

MGMT at Unisoul Circus in Prospect Park (next to Wollman Rink) in Brooklyn on Wed. July 1. Pre-sale on now for American Express cardholders until 10:00 a.m. this morning. General public on sale today at noon. $30

James Morrison at the Webster Hall of on Thurs. Apr. 30. Pre-sale for American Express cardholders ends today at noon. General public on sale today at noon. $20

Explosions in the Sky at Central Park Summerstage on Tues. June 30. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders only until noon today. General public on-sale tomorrow at noon. $25.

India Arie at the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom on Fri. May 1. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders only until 11:00 a.m. this morning. General public on sale today at noon. $48.

Yanni at Radio City Music Hall on Fri. & Sat. May 1 & 2. Pre-sale tickets on sale this morning at 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. tonight. The password is HEYANNI. General public on sale tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. $55 – $125..

Tesla at The Chance in Poughkeepsie NY on Mon. Apr. 27; Also appearing at Toad’s Place in New Haven CT on Tues. Apr. 28 and the Wellmont Theater in Montclair NJ on Fri. May 1. Ticket info to follow.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds at BB Kings on Wed. Aug. 5. Tickets on sale Tues. Mar. 17 at 6:00 p.m.  $25 ($30 day of show).

Other items:

Have you heard Seether’s version of the 1984 hit “Careless Whisper” by Wham? I played the song for my wife without telling her who it was. As she is listening, she says “I know this song” and while she’s singing the lyrics word for word she is surprised that she likes the version because she says “it’s heavier than the original.” When I told her it was Wham’s hit she was shocked. (She has no idea who Seether is). I tell you, I like this version better than the original. Take a listen for yourself at http://www.imeem.com/seether

Carrie Underwood has covered the Motley Crue classic “Home Sweet Home” and I-Tunes has released it as a single. If you purchase the song before March 16, part of the proceeds from the sale of this song will go to The Humane Society of the United States. This is the “send-off” song for this year’s American Idol Contest as each contestant is voted off. I am a fan of this cover and have purchased it!!

Speaking of American Idol, I was happy that Anoop Desai was given another chance to be the lucky # 13 in the contest but after his performance on Tuesday night, he really deserved to be one of the two contestants that were voted off. I was surprised that Megan Joy Corkey made it through with her awkward cover of “Rockin’ Robin.” Simon was especially weird this week with his comments; he didn’t appear to be focused on the musical aspects of the contestants at all.

My new favorite song of the week is “Kiss A Girl” released by Keith Urban off of his upcoming album “Defying Gravity” which will issued on March 31. This is the second single, the first “Sweet Thing” came out in November.

My favorite “old school” song of the week is “I Saw the Light” by Todd Rundgren. The man has some big big hits and he is still going strong, probably at a theater near you very soon. Look for him!!

CD Review: “No Line on The Horizon” by U2 released Tues. Mar. 3, 2009

OK I have to admit I was swept up in all the frenetic wave of promotion for U2’s eleventh studio album- “No Line on the Horizon.” I have to say that they must have a good publicist team because they were every where last week: Mayor Bloomberg temporarily renamed a NYC street after the band, they appeared on the Late Night show with David Letterman for five straight nights (a first for this show) and then they topped it off with a free show in the Bronx (Fordham University) last Friday morning which was broadcast live on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” (GMA) Despite the media blitz, which was very appealing, the main factor on purchasing this album was do to my family’s enthusiastic response to their performance on GMA. They stated that the new songs were good and their concert was real impressive. This was the deciding factor which pushed me to click on the “yes” button to the phrase “Are you sure you want to download No Line on the Horizon?”

As I mentioned last week, I don’t get all the fuss made about this band but freely admit that I recognize their place in rock and roll history. I do admire and appreciate all the humanitarian efforts that Bono passionately participates in. He is a sincere and noble individual. Part of the reason for my not understanding the hoopla surrounding this band is due to my opinion that many of their albums in the past 15 years have not been that memorable. (and I know I just pissed off many U2 fans out there who maybe have jumped off my page and swore that they won’t come back). However, this album has clearly made up for all that and due to the inspiring & substantive effort by the boys from Ireland, I am back on the bandwagon. As the first quarter of 2009 approaches its end, this is clearly the best album for the year so far.

The album cover is very cool and the disc kicks off with the title track. It starts off with what seems to be “feedback- like” sound from The Edge on guitar as Bono awaits his entrance, the transition is real smooth and the song really kicks into gear once Larry Mullen Jr. pounds his way into your ears. You will be singing the line “I know a girl” throughout the day once you hear this song more than once. Track two, “Magnificent” starts off with a “White Stripes-ish” bass sound and then quickly turns into that very familiar sound that U2 fans are accustomed with. This song is being depicted as one of their best songs ever from many fans and critics alike. I’ll admit that it is “epic-like” and is a very inspiring song but I’m not ready to name it the best song on the album. (On a side note-it is also very hard to pick the best song on the album because there are many to pick from). With that I will say that “Moment of Surrender” is one of my favorites on the album. “I tied myself with wire to set the horse free” exclaims Bono in his passionate manner. I love the chorus “At the moment of surrender.. of vision over visibility..I did not notice the passers-by and they did not notice me.” This song is hypnotic and you will find yourself drifting off into a serene place. Track four, “Unknown Caller” is the “dark horse” on this album; it will definitely creep up on you before long and just may become your favorite track on the album. Very cool lyrics.. “I had driven to the seen of the accident and I sat there waiting for me..” The Edge has a notable guitar solo which drives the song home.

The album starts to pick the pace up a bit with “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight.” This is a fun song and sure to be a fan favorite at the live shows. If you listen carefully you can hear a tinge of Journey as part of the song sounds like part of “Faithfully.” Track six, “Get On Your Boots” (the first single released) has really grown on me and it is musically stirring as the arrangement is top notch. To me, this has a Lenny Kravitz feel to it and the song takes off when Bono shrieks “Let Me in the Sound” and Mr. Mullens applies a funky drum beat to enhance the quality. The Edge rips in and makes you glide your feet with his guitar playing. “Stand Up Comedy” keeps the upbeat part of this album going as you dance around the room singing “C’mon people stand up for your love.” This song is filled with a psychedelic funky beat that is infectious. Again the arrangement is top notch and both Adam Clayton (bass) and The Edge shine brightly on this “sure to be a radio hit.” Track eight, “Fez: Being Born” is U2 the way they are suppose to sound in 2009. This song is so contemporary and utilizes rap along with a classical touch that sets it apart from any song on the album. “White as Snow” takes the pace down a bit but it is my favorite track on the album. This is a beautiful song and I love it when Bono screams out “To Sleep the night shooting out the stars.”

Track ten, “Breathe” reminds of me of something that the Who might perform, it has a heavy drum beat with a rocking guitar riff, sprinkled with piano as Bono rips off a “rap-like” style to keep up with the pace. This is destined to be a fan favorite as well on their upcoming tour. The Edge again is at the top of his game on this tune as the whole band puts it together so well that you don’t want the song to end. This “classic” album ends with the emotional “Cedars of Lebanon.”The lyrics really hit home.

So there it is my adventure back into the world of U2. Yes it was a quick decision to dive into this album but after giving it a few listens, I am hooked. If you listen closely there is a message that eventually emerges and lets you know that despite all the real life experiences in the world right now, there is opportunity for optimism. It’s up to us people, U2 has led us to the water and before you know it, there is no line on the horizon.

Prince is following in the footsteps of U2 and will perform three nights in a row on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno beginning on Mon. Mar. 25 – Wed. Mar. 27. This is anticipation of his two new releases scheduled for Sun. Mar. 29: “LOtUSFLOW3R” and MPLSoUND” Both CD’s along with a third by Bria Valente will available exclusively through Target for a price of $11.98 (can’t beat that). He will also perform on Jay’s last show, scheduled for Thurs. May 28.

Jack White is giving Warren Hayes as run for his money as he is now starting his third band- The Dead Weather- includes Alison Mosshart of the Kills, Dean Fertita of Queens of the Stone Age and Jack Lawrence of the Greenhornes. Fertita and Lawrence also play alongside Jack in The Raconteurs. The Dead Weather debut album is expected in June.  Mr. White will be playing the drums for this band and Alison will sing lead on most tracks.

Keeping pace with those who seem to be everywhere… Bret Michaels is set to release a “tell-all” book on his life experiences. “Roses and Thorns” is due out in June. How does he have time to write a book as he is working on a solo album, getting ready to tour with Poison and seems to be on every show on VH1, no?

From the pages of “Say it Ain’t So”… the Wall Street Journal ran an article this week accusing some artists of cavorting with Ticket Master to retain tickets to their respective show(s) and then sell to the public through Ticket Exchange. The tickets are sold at a much higher value than face and Ticketmaster along with the artists, split the profit. Named acts include Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Elton John and Billy Joel. The only one that surprises me is Billy Joel, I thought he wasn’t an “uptown” guy.

Chris Daughtry is set to release his second album either in June or July. He has some help from Chad Kroeger and Richard Marx. That’s right I said Richard Marx. Apparently Daughtry mentioned Marx’s name and Chad called him up and the next thing you know, Richard appeared at the studio where Chris was recording. Daughtry says he is a huge fan of Mr. Marx.

From the pages of “Did you Know?”.. Did you know that Sammy Hagar made $80 million from selling an 80% share in his Cabo Wabo brand tequilas? Ooohh Faaa!!!

Back on this day in 2006, Black Sabbath, Blondie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Miles Davis and the Sex Pistols were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Sex Pistols did not attend the ceremony and turned down the induction. Punk until the end!!

Back on this day in 1967, The Beatles had the number one hit with “Penny Lane.”

Back on this day in 1978, The Bee Gees had the number one hit with “Night Fever.”

If it is your birthday today, you share the same birth date with Adam Clayton of U2 and Neil Sedaka.

Weekly Update – 03/06/09

Aretha Franklin at the Capital One Theater in Westbury NY on Sat. April 11. Tickets on sale this Sunday at noon. (Live Nation Event).

Nickelback at Jones Beach on Wed. July 15 and PNC Arts Center on Tues. July 21. Tickets on sale next Saturday at 10:00 a.m.  (Live Nation Event).

Dave Matthews Band at Jones Beach on Tues. July 21. Ticket info to follow. (Live Nation Event).

The Fray with Jack’s Mannequin at PNC Arts Center in NJ on Fri. June 19 and at Jones Beach on Thurs. June 25. Tickets on sale Fri. March 20 at 10:00 a.m. (Live Nation)

Ian Anderson at the Beacon Theater on Tues. Rocktober 13 performing the acoustic songs of Jethro Tull and solo material. Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon. $44.50 – $125.

John Prine and Justin Townes Earl at the Beacon Theater on Fri. May 15. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $40 – $75. American Express cardholders only can get them up until 9:00 a.m. this morning

Unwigged & Unplugged with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean (aka “Lenny” from Laverne & Shirley) and Harry Shearer will perform an acoustic set of music from Spinal Tap and The Folksmen (from “A Mighty Wind”) at the Beacon Theater on Tues. May 26. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $39.50 – $59.50.

Indigo Girls at the Highline Ballroom on Wed. April 15. Tickets on sale today at noon. $40 ($45 day of show)

Lady Sovereign at Highline Ballroom on Tues. May 5. Tickets on sale today at noon.$15 ($18 day of show).

Eric Hutchinson at Highline Ballroom on Thurs. May 7. Tickets on sale today at noon. $20 (I like his song called “Rock N Roll” and the video as well. His album “Sounds Like This” is very good and I bet you’d have a lot of fun at this show- for $20 you can’t beat it.)

Mastodon at the Music Hall of Williamburg Brooklyn on Sun. May 10. Pre-sale for American Express cardholders ends this morning at 11:00 a.m. General public on sale tomorrow at noon. $20

The Tragically Hip at Nokia Theater on Fri. May 8. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders only until noon today. General public on-sale at noon. $35.

Chris Botti at the Beacon Theater on Thurs. June 4. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders only until 8:00 a.m. this morning. General public on sale today at 10:00 a.m.$40 – $75.

Andrew Bird at Radio City Music Hall on Thurs. June 18. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders only until 9:00 a.m. this morning. General public on sale today at 11:00 a.m.$34.50 – $44.50.

The Toadies at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza on Wed. May 27. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. (Live Nation) apx. $20-$30.

Nine Inch Nails and Jane’s Addiction at PNC Arts Center on Sat. June 6 and Jones Beach on Sun. June 7. Ticket info to follow.

Ozomatli at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza on Fri. Mar. 20. Ticket info to follow.

Paul McCartney with Ringo Starr, Eddie Vedder, Donovan, Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper and others at Radio City Music Hall on Sat. Apr. 4. Tickets on sale this Monday at 11:00 a.m. for this benefit (David Lynch Foundation) concert called “Change Begins Within” set to raise funds to teach 1 million at-risk children to meditate- giving them long life tools to overcome stress. $79.50 – $504.50.

Other items:

Shinedown fans have voted and the next single to be released from their smash album “The Sound of Madness” will be “The Sound of Madness.” This song rocks, especially with the driving bass and bass drum in the beginning, I can picture Rocky punching the hanging meat in the freezer. C’mon people get on board already!!

I can’t ignore U2’s release of “No Line on the Horizon” this past Tuesday. As I mentioned Rolling Stone gave it a whopping 5 star review-which means it’s an instant classic. I don’t know what it is about this band, I started out liking them with War and Joshua Tree, etc. but I slowly lost my grip and really have not made my way back. I know and respect the fact that these guys are legends but sometimes I can’t understand all the fuss that surrounds them, especially with many of their recent albums-which have been “just OK.” Maybe this is the one that will bring me back, who knows?

Speaking of U2, they will perform a free concert at Fordham University this morning which will be televised on Good Morning America.

The Beatles will join the gaming ranks with the worldwide Wed. Sept. 9 release of “The Beatles: Rock Band” which will be available for the Wii, Playstation and X-box consoles. I can wait!!

I know this is not directly related to music but I am so upset that ABC has decided to cancel the new series “Life on Mars.” Wow, talk about not giving a show a chance. This show is the best show to come out since “24” in my opinion and the music played in the episodes makes it that much better. The cast is stellar and the writing is spectacular. Send in your protests now to ABC.

Drowning Pool is back with a new singer and a new album- “The Loudest Common Denominator.” Sounds pretty heavy but according to I-Tune listener’s the most popular songs are the two songs they re-recorded on an acoustic basis-“Shame” and “37 Stitches.”

This week’s I-Pod shuffle landed on “Born in the 50’s” from The Police off of their debut album, “Outlandos d’Amour” and I was blown away on how good this song is. Do you ever not hear a song in a long time and once it hits your ears again, it’s like.. well, the chocolate syrup on top of your banana split. So you know I had to go back and listen to their first album which is a classic and in my opinion-their best work ever. As many of you are aware, I was a huge Police fan “back in the day” and was devastated when Sting left the band to pursue a solo career. (Springsteen fans: you have Sting to blame for him leaving the E-Street band- many years ago as Sting convinced him he could do it on his own). To this day I do not own one song from Sting with respect to his solo career, call me a baby-say what you will-but other than Metallica losing out to Jethro Tull for best metal album way back when-this still gets me heated. Some other fact you should know- since I was a “youth” back in the 1980’s, I use to jump off a group’s “band wagon” once I thought a band became too popular or in my warped mind- “sold out.” So when “Synchronicity” was released I dove off, never mind jump! And even though, at the time, I loved “Every Breath You Take” I could not go against my rules and I did not purchase the album. (Yes of course I have the song now- not the album but that song. “King of Pain” drove me to a ledge because of its popularity [and how many times it was played on the radio that summer] and is one of my most disliked Police songs ever- yes I blame it on Sting). Ok I’m back.

The album starts off with the “punk-grunge like” song “Next to You.” You have to listen to this song (and the album) with the volume cranked up to….LOUD!!! Stewart Copeland is a phenomenal drummer and his bashing of the sticks throughout this song makes me want to become a drummer. Similar to Rush, the three piece band creates a sound that appears to be created by more than a trio. Andy Summers keeps it simple but crisp and clean on guitar. Sting’s vocals dragged me in when I first heard this song and I was hooked on their sound because back in 1978, there wasn’t anyone that created the same kind of music they arranged. This song is so good and short that I have to replay it again. Again a good set of headphones and you’re off for a good ride… Track #2 is the funky reggae sounding “So Lonely.” I can’t get enough of this song and this takes me back to my sophomore days at Brooklyn Tech with my good friend- Karen. She loved this song, how can you not? Sting’s bass work gets me all the time. On the first song I wanted to play drums and now I want to play bass. Andy’s guitar solo meshed with Sting’s bass playing is top notch. Then when Sting takes over on vocals you can feel his passion and I just have to play it that much louder!!!

“Roxanne” is arguably their most popular song ever recorded and who can forget Eddie Murphy with his headphones on in jail singing this classic in “48 Hours?” Andy kicks it off with the very distinctive guitar chords as Stewart is just waiting to get into the act. This song sounds as fresh today as it did in 1978. Listen to the whole arrangement of this track and tell me you are not impressed. The background vocals with the driving drum beats is what makes this song great in my opinion. Track #4-“Hole in My Life” goes back to the reggae/blues fusion that makes this song groove the way it does. Sting and Stewart shine brightly in this highly infectious song that will have your head bopping up and down as you pretend to play bass guitar. Side 1 ends with the highly energized punk style “Peanuts” which is topped off with a great guitar solo by Andy- man does he wail away or what?- then its back to the driving beats of Mr. Copeland. The song ends in a frenzy as Sting is howling “Oh No No…”

Side two begins with my all time favorite Police song and that is “I Can’t Stand Losing.”I can’t get enough of this song, I love the lyrics- “I guess you call it cowardness but I’m not prepared to go on like this…” Again there is a heavy influence of reggae music in this tune and mixed with the “punk-rockish” twinge, it really distinguished itself from any other song in 1978. Track #2 –“Truth Hits Everybody” is my second favorite Police song ever. You have to listen to this very LOUD!!! The whole song moves- the guitar, bass and drums- along at such a frantic pace that this could be considered a “head-banging” song but probably identifies with the punk side. This is a perfect “boot camp” song or for any other workout. If you want to be pumped up- put this on!! “We Were Born in the ‘50’s” keeps the head-banging and foot-stomping going strong as Sting’s bass playing is spectacular on this track. “They screamed when the Beatles sang…born in the ‘50’s..”This is another great song for your exercise regiment. The chorus is addictive and you’ll be singing it all day. “Be My Girl- Sally” is probably the most bizarre song I have ever heard (besides “No Anchovies Please” by the J. Geils Band off of their “Love Stinks” album). It really reminds me of something The Marx Brothers would have recorded if they were a rock band in the 1970’s. Now I won’t talk about the content of Andy Summers narration of his friend Sally but you can kind of guess. The last song on this classic album is the mostly instrumental- “Masoko Tanga.” (with Sting singing some incoherent lyrics) If this song doesn’t get you out of your seat, nothing will. I don’t know what he is singing about but the beat is all I care about. This song has reggae written all over it and all you need to know is that it will flat out make you want to dance.

A couple of favorite songs this week, in no particular order: “By Your Side” by the Black Crowes from the album titled “Three Snakes and One Charm.” This ranks high up there as one of my all time favorite songs from the Robinson boys & company. This song flat out grooves, rocks, rolls- it has every thing for your listening pleasure. “Something to Talk About” by Miss Bonnie Raitt. When’s the last time you have heard this song? It came on my I-Pod shuffle and I forgot how friggin’ great this song is. “It took a rumor to make me wonder.. thinking about you everyday…” Talk about an infectious groove, look no further than this song. “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi. I love this song!! I-Tunes just released the video of this song. (You still can’t get the single on I-Tunes, you have to purchase the whole “Crush” album- Bon Jovi knows this is probably their most popular song and will get more bang for the buck by making you purchase the entire album). Talk about a chorus that you can’t get out of your head?

Rumor Has It: Guns & Roses (or just Axl, c’mon now) will be performing at Stadiums this summer. Boy, it will be that many more people waiting for him to take the stage, if you get tickets make sure you’re sitting next to the nearest Exit signs just in case you have to avoid the riot.

Queensryche just released a new single “If I Were King” off of their upcoming album- “American Soldier.” I-Tune listeners have given it a 4.5 average star rating. Sounds pretty good.

Thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Sweet, singer of Stryper, his wife-Kyle Rae Sweet- passed away from cancer at the very young age of 52.

Sammy Hagar has released a video for the song “Loud” off of his Cosmic Universal Fashion. It’s pretty cool. My first sighting of Michael Anthony in a long time. Reminds you of Van Halen but the song clearly is a Hagar-like song, no doubt. Look for it on roadrunner records or You-Tube.

Back on this day in 1958, Sam Cooke made his first appearance at the Copacabana in New York. Can you imagine being there that night? Talk about being “on the ground floor” to witness shear greatness!! The man is a musical and national treasure.

Back on this day in 2004 David Crosby was arrested in NYC on possession of marijuana and weapons. 2004? C’mon David shouldn’t this have been 1974 or maybe even 1984.. but 2004?

If you were born today, Mar. 6, you share the same birth date with Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Kiki Dee, and Sylvia Vanderpool Robinson –(she had the hit “Pillow Talk” and was the half of Mickey & Sylvia who had the hit “Love is Strange”)