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.
Errols Weekly Music Update. 