Shinedown at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza on Tues. Mar. 31. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. (I’m so IN even if I go by myself again)
Van Morrison at the Beacon Theater on Wed. & Thurs. Mar. 3 & 4. Pre-sale begins tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. for American Express cardholders only until Thurs. Feb. 12 at 10:00 p.m. General public on sale is next Friday Feb. 13 at 9:00 a.m. $90 -$350.
Franz Ferdinand at the Roseland Ballroom on Thurs. May 7. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $27.50.
Ne-Yo with Musiq Soulchild and Jasmine Sullivan at Radio City Music Hall on Sun. Feb. 22. Tickets on sale this morning at 11:00 a.m. (says 11:00 but I would check at 10:00 just to be safe) $39.50 – $79.50.
Disturbed at The Izod Center on Wed. Apr. 22. Tickets on sale next Fri. Feb. 13 at 10:00 a.m. $36.50 – $46.50. This is the “Music as a Weapon Tour” and will also feature Killswitch Engage, Lacuna Coil and Chimaira.
Ratatat at Terminal 5 on Tues. April 21. Tickets on sale today at noon. (Pre-sale for American Express ends at 11:00 a.m this morning) $23.00.
Other items:
Today is my younger brother’s wedding; our whole family could not be more excited for him and his bride. Weddings are always a fun time and usually one of the highlights is the couples’ first dance. I’ve polled some of my friends and here are some of the wedding songs that span the last 40 years or so. OK so the first song that I did not recognize and I know I’ll take some heat for this (but at least I’m honest, right?) is from the legendary Stevie Wonder– “Ribbon In The Sky.” I know, I know, you can stop yelling at your computer screen and after listening to it I give it a total two thumbs up!! After just one listen I can tell it’s a Stevie masterpiece. (Ok you can start to breathe slowly as you calm down).Another song that I didn’t recognize (yes it does happen contrary to popular belief) is the beautiful “For You” by Kenny Lattimore. This is a beautiful song!! Keeping with the theme of the songs that I didn’t know- my other brother’s wedding song was “Beautiful in My Eyes” by Joshua Kadison. This song came out in 1993 and the only time I heard it was at his wedding and now while researching it on I-Tunes. Again total two thumbs up on this tune as well. My cousin’s song “I’ll Still Be Loving You” by Restless Heart is a song that I am unfamiliar with but again when I listen to it, I can see why it was picked as their first dance song. My mother and father’s wedding song was “When We Get Married” by The Dreamlovers and even though I didn’t know it, it goes without saying that I love it. My mom was also a fan of doo-wop and as you all know how much my Dad still loves it to this day.
Ok songs that I recognized:Here’s one for you that really is that perfect wedding hall song – “After All” by Cher and Peter Cetera. Definite tear jerker for family and friends as they watch the couple embrace on the dance floor. “All My Life” by Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville is another picture perfect song -actually my wife and I danced to this in the “middle” of our wedding. My wife wanted this to be our wedding song but I was too keen on “I Don’t Want to Live Without You” by Foreigner. (Have I told you I wanted to be Lou Gramm?).My cousin and her husband could not decide on one song so they had “All My Life” and also “Love Will Keep Us Alive” by The Eagles. Wow I love that song!!! It puts me in a trance. “Heaven” by Bryan Adams is a flat out phenomenal song and I want to get married again so that I can dance with my wife to this song. “I’ve been waiting for so long for something to arrive, for love to come along…” “At Last” by Etta James is still as stunning today as it was when it was released back in 1961. Beyonce’s version at the Inauguration was fantastic but I always come back to Etta’s version. “What a Wonderful World” by the incomparable Louis Armstrong gives me chills every time I hear it. Whenever and wherever I am, I immediately stop what I’m doing and just listen to this timeless classic. Really doesn’t get much better than this song. “Cherish” by The Association is one of my all time favorite songs (I know, I know, I say that about every song). Go back and listen to this memorable tune by one of the best vocal bands ever. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King– don’t you just love the beginning of that song? I have to admit that I love the version by John Lennon as well. Not too many can sing it like Mr. King but John comes close.
Now there are so many songs to pick from because it really is a personal choice by you and your partner. But here are some classic wedding songs: “Always and Forever” by Heatwave (more than half of Brooklyn’s population had this as their wedding song from the 1970’s through 2000). “Endless Love” by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross (stunningly beautiful); “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frankie (Frank Sinatra– this and many other songs that he has done, probably have been played at more weddings than any other performer? You think?) Oh but hold on I know the fans of The King- Elvis– are screaming at their PC right now saying what about “Can’t Help But Falling In Love?” Relax I agree.. What an immortal song. This puts tears in my eyes every time. “Only You (And You Alone) by The Platters reminds me of my Dad and how much he loves this song. I grew up on “Doo Wop” and am forever grateful. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers; (brings tears to my eyes as this was one of my mother’s favorite songs); “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole; (nothing to say I’m speechless); “You Are Everything” by The Stylistics (awesome tune, I always wished I could hit those high notes that Mr. Thompkins did so gracefully); “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross (one of the best male vocalists ever); “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (powerful voice but yet so gentle- originally done by Dolly Parton); “If” by Bread; (My aunt and uncle’s wedding song back in 1970’s- another song that really touches the heart); “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin (here’s the other half of Brooklyn’s wedding song); “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker (written by Mr. Preston but made famous by Joe; can’t get enough of this song); “When You Say Nothing at All” by Alison Krauss (angelic voice-‘nuff said); “You and I” by Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle (perfect song for marriage).
I also received some funny comments for songs: “Fight The Power” by Public Enemy; “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC; “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett; “I Hate Everything About You” by Ugly Kid Joe; OK I’ll stop… that’s just not right….
Not only has Tickemaster been ripping us all off for years, now they have a subsidiary called TicketsNow. Beware: you have been forewarned. They are out to screw you. Apparently fans of Bruce were re-directed to this site, where supposed tickets were on sale for many times the “face value.” A NJ congressman, Bill Pascrell, has written a letter to the FTC and The Department of Justice to look into the relationship between the two entities. I hope they take them down.
Marilyn Manson is filming a new video for his 9 minute song “I Want To Kill You Like They Do In The Movies.” New album is called “The High End of Low.” No release date has been announced.
My favorite “old school” song of the week is “Rock Me” by Steppenwolf. This band floats under the radar but had some really good tunes. “Rock Me” has that psychedelic feel to it, especially the bongo and drum solo towards the end. Groovy man!! “Magic Carpet Ride” brings down the house every time as well.
I forgot to mention in last week’s “One Hit Wonder” topic in the “flower power” era one of my favorites- “In The Summertime” by Mungo Jerry. I make my sons sing this song with me every time I hear it- they have no choice- and how cool is the band’s name? One has to like it just based on their name. “Alright Alright.. ccchh, cccch, ungh..”
Rumor has it that Van Halen will record some brand new tunes this year. Eddie has said that after Wolfie graduates and he gets married in June, he will jam with his son & brother Alex and ask Diamond Dave if he’s doing anything. If not, he says that Dave is more than welcome to record with them and possibly reunite for another tour. I’m greedy- I hope they do it and I’ll be there again!!!
Disturbed’s “Inside The Fire” should win the category for best “hard rock song” for the Grammy’s this Sunday night. They are up against Motley Crue, Mars Volta and Rob Zombie.
Aerosmith will be inducting Run DMC for this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame festivities on April 4. How cool is that?
I’m so disappointed in Etta James for ripping into Beyonce and the President because they used her song “At Last” for the inauguration. Frankly I’m shocked that someone at her age could say something so juvenile. I know she may have been upset but her outburst was uncalled for.
Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell and Charlie McCoy were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Roy Clark is a legend and one of the best guitarists ever!!! His spot on “The Odd Couple” is flat out phenomenal.
My favorite song of the week is “I Hear You Knocking” from Wynonna Judd from her new album “Sing Chapter 1.” She has jumped into the fray of recording cover tunes and I have to admit there are more than a few songs that she hits out of the park- this being one of them. She gives Dave Edmunds a run for his money on his cover of this classic Fats Domino song.(On a separate note do you know that you can’t get Edmunds original version of this song on I-Tunes, very frustrating) Check out her passionate filled version of “Ain’t No Sunshine” and I’m letting you know right now that you will be very impressed.
Eminem is back and has released a new single “Crack a Bottle” featuring Dr. Dre (of course) and 50 Cent. I have given it a few listens and it’s not that bad.
Melinda Doolittle has put out her new album “Coming Back to You” and all I can say is “wow!!” Do you want some “old school” R&B? Look no further than this solid effort. The first track “Fundamental Things” will grab you in a head lock and not let go. You will take notice from this former American Idol and before long you will think that you have been listening to a seasoned veteran R&B singer. Check out the song “Wonderful”- it will blow you away. “I Will Be” will definitely become a huge hit. “Declaration of Love” – sounds like- dare I say- something that The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha, would perform. Yes, I went there. “I’ll Never Stop Loving You” is probably the best tune on the CD. This could be a future “first dance” song at weddings to come. Not for nothing just plunge for the entire album because I’m telling you right now this album and her career will take off in no time. I took the plunge and know I won’t be disappointed. Buy It NOW!!!!
Did you catch the stirring rendition of The Star Spangle Banner performed by Jennifer Hudson before the Super Bowl? I have to say that ranks up there with the colossal version performed way back by Whitney Houston. Jennifer’s version is now available on I-Tunes. Bruce was also in top form during the halftime show.
Back on this day in 1981, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney began recording “All Those Years Ago” as a tribute to John Lennon.
Back on this day in 2005, Paul McCartney performed at halftime for SuperBowlXXXIX.
Sadly back on this day in 1998, Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys (“God Only Knows”) passed away from complications of cancer.
If you were born on this date, you share a birthday with Natalie Cole and Fabian (also known as Fabiano Anthony Forte).
Errols Weekly Music Update. 