Weekly Update – 06/13/08

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other items:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weekly Update – 05/23/2008

Janet Jackson at Izod Center on Friday Rocktober 17. Ticket info to follow.

Boys Like Girls, Good Charlotte and Metro Station at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Tues. Aug. 12. General public on sale next Sat. May 31 at 10:00 am. $29.50 (pre-sale is through fan club –started already and Z-100 – next Thurs. May 29).

The Legends of Country rock tour featuring Poco, Little River Band and Pure Prairie League at the Brookhaven Amphitheater in Farmingdale NY on Sun. Sept. 6. Tickets on sale next Friday May 30 at 10:00 am. $27.50 – $48.50

The following shows are in Atlantic City at the Borgota Event Center (BEC) or the Music Box at the Borgota (MBB):

John Legend Sun. July 6   BEC   Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon.

Aretha Franklin Fri. July 25  MBB   Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon.

The Killers  Fri. Aug. 1  BEC   Tickets on sale today at 10:00 am.

Jill Scott   Sun. Aug. 3  BEC    Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon.

Maroon 5  Fri. Aug. 8  BEC   Tickets on sale tomorrow at 11:00 am.

KT Tunstall  Fri. Aug. 8  MBB    Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon.

Stone Temple Pilots  Sat. Aug. 9  BEC   Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 am.

The Residents at the Blender Theater on Thurs. Rocktober 9. Tickets on sale today at noon. $40

Other items:

OK you have to check out my favorite new song of the week, you’ll will absolutely like this song “Strawberry Street” from a young woman named Lili Haydn. It’s off of her album “Place between Places” which was released this past March. I’m telling you….check it out.. Awesome violinist and singer. The rest of the album sounds pretty good (from the 30 seconds you get from I-Tunes).

Shock of the week (for real)- Steven Tyler supposedly checked into rehab this past week. I’m stunned, he’s been clean for years. Hope he is back on his feet soon!!

The Buzz: A news blog on Canadian music TV channel’s Much Music website reports that Led Zeppelin will play 4 dates in August at the Skydome/Rogers Center stadium and this will officially be announced shortly. No other shows will be announced, according to the report, and the band will not tour the U.S. Bummer. Field trip to Canada in August. Who is in?

3 Doors Down have released their 4^th studio album this past Tuesday, self titled and I have to admit these guys were at the top of my list back in 2000 and 2001 when they released “The Better Life” but they kind of slipped off the chart for me. This just may be the album that pulls me back. I love the opening track-“Train”- a hard rocking tune. These guys have mastered today’s rock ballads and “Let Me Be Myself” will be a radio hit, no doubt.

Green Day has put out a new CD but you wouldn’t know it by Green Day. The boys have disguised themselves as the “Foxboro Hottubs” and released “Stop Drop & Roll.” Really not that much different from what you are use to from them. This is not “American Idiot”- which is a classic- this is an album of short songs and just think of ‘Bill Haley & The Comets’ on steroids.

Judas Priest is back again, they have released two singles this week- “Nostradamus” (name of new album) and “Visions.” Sounds friggin’ awesome!! This is heavy metal at its best!! New album hits June 17. Big buzz on this album- with many already calling it an “Epic” and instant classic. \m/ \m/

Don’t want to brag or anything but I did tell you all back on the weekly update on April 25 that David Cook would be the next American Idol. He became better and better as each week went on. I will say that Syesha seems destined for stardom. Archuleta also has a career in front of him.

The final “Idol” shows have always been flawless and Wednesday night’s was no different. You have to admit, the show is done very well and now the exposure you can get is un-real. That is why I don’t blame Bryan Adams and Donna Summer for going on the show to promote their latest albums. I though both did a great job and you can’t tell me you don’t like Donna Summer- she has a song for everyone- pure fun.

This weeks I-POD shuffle landed on John Mellencamp and I had to go back and listen to my favorite album of his- “The Lonesome Jubilee.” Again it is hard to pick with him because I do like “American Fool” and “Uh-Huh.” (also love last year’s release- “Freedom’s Road”). By the time this album was released in 1987 I felt that Mellencamp was hitting his stride. He had come out of the “Cougar” shadow and was his own person and the Lonesome Jubilee really spotlights his lesser known-but quality songs- as well as some of his all-time greatest hits.

The album starts off with the explosive “Paper In Fire”- what a way to start off an album- makes me want to dance around with a fiddle. “She had a dream and boy it was a good one…” Then its on to the funky “Down and Out In Paradise” and the lyrics really hit home for many of us now. Track # 3 “Check It Out” is one of his most memorable songs and just a flat out superb groove. This is a “round the camp fire” sing –along- song that never gets old. “Forgot to say hello to my neighbor…” The “Real Life” is an upbeat song that will have you tapping your feet throughout. Again the lyrics throughout this album are so real and they relate to what is going on today. Side one ends with my favorite of the album- “Cherry Bomb.” This is another sing out loud- sing along song- and no matter how many times you hear it you just have to say- man what a great song!!

Side two has some of his most solid songs but lesser known to many. “We are the People”- “You know our thoughts are with you..” Please folks listen to what the man is saying. “Empty Hands” and “Hard Times for an Honest Man” are right up there as the best songs that he has ever recorded and no one seems to know them. “Hot Dogs and Hamburgers” is a goofy title a la Jimmy Buffet but again a real solid tune that doesn’t get much air time. The album ends with another silly named song- “Rooty Toot Toot”- but it will get you out of your seat and start dancing, play it loud at your summer BBQ and everyone will be dancing, I guarantee it.

The Lonesome Jubilee is narratives of what was going on back in 1987 when Reagan was President and with John you get the hard-hitting lyrics that describe the Middle American man’s pain. This album applies today but not just to Middle America. It has a little bit of everything- you will find yourself dancing, playing “fiddle”, singing out loud and listening to poignant lyrics. If you don’t have a Mellencamp CD (I find that hard to believe but…)- this is the one for you. Perfect summer album and PLAY IT LOUD!!!

On this day back in 1979, the Who’s “Kids are Alright” premiered in NYC. Tomorrow will be Bob Dylan’s 67^th birthday.

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.