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 – 01/09/09

Morrisey at the Bowery Ballroom & Webster Hall on Sat. Mar. 21 and Wed. Mar. 25. Tickets on sale this morning at 11:00 a.m. $75

Allman Brothers are back with their annual trek at the Beacon Theater for their March Madness. (last years shows were cancelled as Gregg battled Hep C) They will play the following dates: Mar. 9,10, 12-14, 16, 17 and 19-21. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders only on this morning at 10:00 a.m. until next Thurs. Mar. 15 at 10:00 p.m. General public on sale next Friday Jan. 16 at 10:00 a.m. $60.99 – $150.99

David Byrne at Radio City Music Hall on Sat. Feb. 28. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders only on sale this morning at 9:00 a.m. until Sun. Jan. 11 at 9:00 p.m. General public on sale this Mon. Jan. 12 at 10:00 a.m. $39.50 – $129.50.

Dave Matthews Band with at Madison Square Garden on Tues. April 14. Tickets on sale next Sat. Jan. 17 at 10:00 a.m.  $70.

George Clinton & the P-Funk Allstars at B.B. Kings on Thurs Feb. 26. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $37.50.

The Dead (yes that’s right the surviving members of the Grateful Dead- Warren Hayes will be lead guitarist) at the Nassau Coliseum, Madison Square Garden and Izod Center on Fri., Sat. & Tues. Apr. 24, 25 and 28 & 29. Pre-sale tickets go on sale on Tues. Jan. 13. General public on sale Fri. Jan. 23. For more info go to http://dead.net/dead09

Phish at Jones Beach on Thurs. & Fri. June 4 and 5 and at Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden NJ on Sun. June 7. Limited number of pre-sale tickets for $49.50 at the following site: http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/ General public tickets on sale Sat. Jan. 30 at 10:00 a.m.

George Thorogood & The Destroyers at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Mon. & Tues. Mar. 16 & 17, at Capital One Theater in Westbury on Thurs. Mar. 19. (and a few other places in the Northeast). Ticket info to follow (but you know the Ridgefield ticket prices will be steep).

Other items:

OK you know I just write about music (but you know I love it, right?!!) well there is someone else in my family that actually makes music. His name is Devin Arne and believe me folks- the music is in him!!And he is sharing it with the rest of us. I am not saying this just because he is my aunt & uncle’s son. I’ve always had a hunch that he is going to make it big and now I have the proof. Log on to www.devinarne.com click on to the link under the “soundcloud” heading and listen to “Why Are You Leaving.” (this should be on the radio right now) He also remixes songs, take a listen to “I Can See.” I can honestly say that I would purchase these two songs in a heartbeat!!! Devin- very impressive and I can’t wait for the first album release. Keep us posted!!

OK folks just got word that the Metallica shows have been lights out. The set list looks flat out phenomenal. I want in!! Please I beg of you, if you have never experienced a live show from the boys from California, please go to one of the shows in the tri-state area. If you don’t like it, I’ll refund your money. I myself, am waiting for them to come to Madison Square Garden. I can’t do the Nassau or New Jersey venues, it’s just not the same energy and excitement- but that is just me- you may feel differently.

I have to admit I enjoyed watching VH1’s Top 100 Hard Rock Songs of all time last week during the holidays. I could do without the comedians that they get to make the silly comments. I want fellow musicians only (and maybe music critics) because I like to hear how other bands/solo artists appreciate other artists- that will always be interesting to me. Bret Michaels did a good job as host. Now I’ve seen many disparaging comments about the list but I have to say overall I agree with the majority of the songs on the list. I absolutely love the fact that Foreigner made the list with “Hot Blooded.” They kind of get the “pop” label but if you are a true fan of Foreigner- you know the real deal. Also loved the fact that Sammy Hagar made the list with “I Can’t Drive 55”- I caught a lot of grief one weekly update for saying that is one of my all time favorite songs. Or how about “Breaking The Law” by Judas Priest!!! I LOVE that friggin’ song!!! (reminds me of the old Beavis & Butthead shows where they were always singing “breaking the law, breaking the law”). Or how about “Jailbreak” by Thin Lizzy? Ha!! Told you!! These guys are so under-rated it sickens me. Listen to this song and tell me it doesn’t belong on the list??!!! Are you kidding me???- this song rocks your socks off!!!!! I said that AC/DC would finish first with “Back in Black” or “For Those About to Rock”- well “Back in Black” finished # 2. (“For Those” did not make the list). The number one song was “Welcome to The Jungle” by Guns & Roses!! I can’t really disagree.

Rumor has it that Aretha Franklin will be among one of the stars performing at President-elect Barack Obama inauguration on Jan. 20. Bruce Springsteen is rumored to be playing on Jan. 18 at the National Mall.

Apparently this Led Zeppelin tour without Mr. Plant is destined to happen. Mr. Page is currently auditioning singers for the upcoming tour. One rumor has Steven Tyler performing lead vocals. (That peaks my interest a little bit- a little bit- got to admit).

Styx will perform the national anthem prior to the Steelers-Chargers game this Sunday. They will also perform an a capella version of their classic “Renegade” which has become a battle cry for Steeler fans cheering on the defense. I hope they show both songs on TV. Please CBS do the right thing!!!

My favorite old school song of the week is “Love Removal Machine” by The Cult from their monster album “Electric.” This song also made the top 100 hard rock songs of all time.

“And 5, now this is most important, Rat…comes down to making out… whenever possible.. put on side 1 of Led Zeppelin IV”

Abbey Road – Side 2- The Beatles

Ok this is easily a “classic” album in total and side 1 is no slouch (especially “I Want You”) but side 2 could be the best album side of all time. (yes Ed- I agree). The reason for this is the 16-minute “medley” of short songs that blended into each other, which for 1969 was well ahead of its time. These short songs were mostly written during the “White album” and “Let It Be” sessions but mastered for Abbey Road.

Abbey Road was recorded between July and August 1969, this work was started after the Beatles actually started to work on “Let It Be.” (which officially is their 12^th and last album). Tensions between the band members were very high when they started work on Let It Be (the first name was actually going to be “Get Back”). It became so bad that the sessions ended. Sensing the end, Paul McCartney approached George Martin (producer) and suggested that they record an album together “like the way they use to.” McCartney wanted to go out on top. Martin agreed but wanted it done his way. Just before the release in September 1969, John Lennon was in hiatus with The Plastic Ono Band, which effectively was the first sign of the conclusion of the Beatles

Side Two starts off with the classic “Here Comes the Sun” written by George Harrison. His two songs on this album are so beautiful, it is just amazing the talent this man had. I love the that soft guitar touch that radiates throughout the song. The song was written while George was bored in a Apple board meeting, it was influenced by Eric Clapton’s “Badge.” By the way Joe Brown does a great version on the “Concert for George” DVD. (you should all own that!!) “Because” is a song that puts me in a trance. I can’t get enough of the harmonizing vocals. The vocals were performed by John, Paul and George but then were “triple-tracked” to make it seem like 9 singers. This could be their best “harmonizing” song. Then the “medley” starts: “You Never Give Me Your Money” was written by Paul and supposedly based on the financial problems with Apple. I love the part where they say “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 hope that you will go to heaven…” “Sun King”reminds me of “Because” with the overdubbing of the harmonies again. It is so soft that you kind of float away, especially during the Spanish lyrics. Then it kicks into gear with the catchy “Mean Mr. Mustard”- written by John on their trip to India. Before you know Polythene Pam is right in your lap with the great drumming part by Ringo that keeps you rocking along. And the guitar solo by George really adds the spice. “Oh Look Out” as your are now in the bathroom waiting for someone to come through as “She Came in the Bathroom Window” blares through your headphones. How cool are Paul’s riffs on the bass? (song was written by Paul based on a true story of a fan coming through his bathroom window in his residence). Then it’s on to my favorite two songs on the album “Golden Slumbers” and “Carry That Weight.” It is hard to find two better songs in the history of music. I get the chills every time I hear Paul’s passion. And then how great is “Carry That Weight?” Ringo was “forced” into doing the drum solo-which to me is the best solo in any song- simple but great. Then as Paul, George and John rip into the guitar solos, you are sitting there saying “Is this the Beatles?” This is almost “metal.” I LOVE IT!!! It is so LOUD right now that I may be waking up my wife and kids!!! Then just like that- you are really floating away with the piano- as the song comes to its majestic end. “The love you take is equal to the love you make.” These could also be the best lyrics ever. “Her Majesty” lasts 23 seconds but is a solid punch that makes you want more.

Fun Facts: Abbey Road was the only Beatles album that was recorded on an 8-track tape machine rather than the 4-track used on all prior albums. The “moog synthesizer” played by George was used in many of the songs, including “Because,” “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” and “Here Comes The Sun.” One of the assistant engineers on the album was Alan Parson’s- who went on to engineer one of the most popular albums ever- “Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd and of course- the Alan Parson’s project. The photographer for the album, Iain McMillian, was given 10 minutes to snap the photo- this photo for the album cover has been the most famous and imitated in history. Rollingstone named it the 14^th best album of all time from their list of the top 500. Again, side one is fantastic but side two is historic.

The son of “The Big Bopper” a.k.a. J.P. Richardson, who died along with Buddy Holly and Richie Valens in a plane crash in 1959, is selling his father’s casket-which he was buried in for 48 years- on E-Bay. In 2007, his son moved his body to a “more visible” location and now has this empty casket. I don’t know about you but that is creepy. I sort of understand Gene Simmons selling “Kiss” caskets before you leave earth but selling caskets after someone has been buried in it? I’m out.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Ron Asheton, 60, the guitarist for The Stooges, who passed away on Jan. 6. He was found at his home in Ann Arbor Michigan, there was no sign of foul play or drug use.

Back on this day in 1971, Elvis Presley was named one of the ten outstanding young men of the year by the U.S. Jaycees.

If it is your birthday today you share the same birth date with Joan Baez, Crystal Gayle, Dave Matthews, David Johansen and Jimmy Page. Happy Birthday to you all!!!

Weekly Update – 05/30/08

Elton John at Mohegan Sun on Fri. Nov. 14. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $100 – $167.

The Fab Faux at Radio City on Sat. Sept. 20. Tickets on sale next Sat. June 7 at noon. $45 – $125.

Paramore at the Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Sat. Aug. 16. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $31.

David Crosby and Graham Nash at Capital One Theater in Westbury NY on Tues. Rocktober 14. Tickets on sale Sun. July 13 at 12:30 p.m. $51.50.

New Kids on the Block at Madison Square Garden on Mon. Rocktober 27. Pre-sale tickets on sale Mon. June 2 at 11:00 a.m. to Sun. June 8 at 10:00 p.m. for American Express cardholders. General public on sale Mon. June 9 at 11:00 a.m. $41 – $79.

Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat and Vanilla Fudge at the Capital One Theater in Westbury NY on Fri. Sept. 26. Tickets on sale this Sunday at 12:30 p.m. $41.50 – $51.50. \m/ \m/

Black 47 at Jenkinsons Pavilion in Point Pleasant NJ on Mon. July 7. Tickets on sale Wed. June 4 at noon.

Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd with Rev. Run at PNC Arts Center on Sat. Aug. 30. Tickets on sale next Sat. June 7 at 9:00 a.m.

I know its early for Christmas but Raul Malo will be playing at the Highline Ballroom on Fri. Dec. 12 and tickets are on sale now. $35. His Christmas album released last year was by far the best one in a long time.

Other items:

If you are a fan of Al Green (and who isn’t?) take a listen to his new CD released this past Tuesday “Lay It Down.” He still sounds the same after all these years. This CD sounds like the “classic” Al Green we all know and love. “Take Your Time” is the most popular song (according to I-Tunes) and it is a duet with Corrine Bailey. He also does a duet with John Legend with “Stay with Me.” This sounds like an instant classic already.

Check this one out, the Red Rocker- Sammy Hagar– has formed an All-star band called Chickenfoot and he has grabbed Michael Anthony (formerly of Van Halen) for bass, Joe Satriani on lead guitar (and what a lead, huh?) and Chad Smith (Chili Peppers) on drums. Talk about talent? I’ll give it a listen if the album comes out.

Usher has released his 5^th studio album- Here I Stand- and the average rating from I-Tunes is 4 stars. Seems like every one of his CD’s has at least 15-20 songs, so if you are a fan-you get your moneys worth.

Cyndi Lauper has released a new CD “Bring Ya to the Brink” and it received an average rating of 4.5 stars. CD is a techno / dance type and should have a couple of songs that will hit the radio, a la Z-100 type.

New favorite song of the week is “Surrendering” by Candlebox. This is the second single released this month- “Stand” was the first- and if these two songs represent what the whole album is going to sound like-then watch out- these guys will be back in a big way.

My other favorite song of the week- a country tune – is “Off the Hillbilly Hook” by the Trailer Choir. Just a fun song, period.

My new favorite video of the week is a tie between Maroon 5 with Rihanna with “If I Never See Your Face Again” and “Last Name” by Carrie Underwood. Both of them are very cool and the songs as well.

Totally missed this one, back on May 6 Shinedown released a single called “Devour.” Sounds heavy man. I totally love this band and you should too. (“Us and Them” is a friggin’ phenomenal album).They have lost half their original band members but this new single sounds like it has a little “Disturbed” in it. The new album “The Sound of Madness” hits on June 24. Can’t wait.

Headbangers listen up.. you want a totally rocking song for your collection? Download “Hell Yeah” by Rev Theory. Enough said.

Steven Tyler is in rehab because of his pain in his foot. According to Tyler, the move was necessary after a series of surgeries to correct long-standing foot injuries aggravated by years of physically taxing live performances. “The doctors told me the pain in my feet could be corrected but it would require a few surgeries over time,” Tyler says. “The ’foot repair’ pain was intense, greater than I’d anticipated. The months of rehabilitative care and the painful strain of physical therapy were traumatic. I really needed a safe environment to recuperate where I could shut off my phone and get back on my feet.”

I-Tunes always has some cool songs for their commercial- the most recent is “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay but I finally tracked down the other cool song they had going for a while and it is “Shut Up and Let Me Go” by the Ting Tings. Love it.

OK came across Boston this week on my I-Tunes shuffle and at last week’s Van Halen concert we talked about what a classic their debut album is. Unfortunately Brad Delp passed away last year but his legacy remains with us all. And that legacy is their first album. I know I say this all the time but can you find a better album? This is without a doubt a desert island disc. Shame on you- if you don’t have this album in your library.“More Than A Feeling” kicks it off and I love the beginning, middle and end. No matter how many times you hear it, just a great song. By the way every song on this album is a classic and also a hit on the radio. “Peace of Mind” – how many times have you heard this one? I’m listening now and it is cranked up. Friggin’ love it. “Now you’re climbing to the top of the company ladder…Take a look ahead.. Wooh.” This one has to be a song in the air guitar contest coming to BB Kings next month. How cool is the beginning of “Foreplay Long Time”- love the bass and drums as it makes its grand entrance to the part where everyone recognizes the song and says “Oh yeah I love this song.” Delp’s vocals are so solid in this song, I always wished I could sing this song up on stage the way he does.

“Rock and Roll Band”- c’mon now how great is this song? My walls are shaking right now as I am typing (my wife is telling me to turn it down). How can you not listen to this song loud? This was a boot camp classic back in the day. I get pumped up every time I hear it. Then it’s on to my all time favorite Boston song “Smokin’” Oh man I’m grooving right now, its in over-drive. Talk about a classic head banging song? This was another boot camp classic- how can you not move to this song- this is a great exercise song, period! Then it cools down with “Hitch a Ride.” Love the background vocals throughout. This song brings me back; way back to my teenage years- I love going back, don’t you? “Something About You” starts off real quietly and then the classic Scholz/Goudreau guitar riff, which is so distinctive, kicks in and you’re off singing along again. “When I get angry I say things I don’t want to say… well there was something about you.” The last song “Let Me Take You Home Tonight” is my second all time favorite Boston song. Love the drums in this one (I can see Sib Hashian’s afro flying in the air as he’s pounding away) and again Delp’s vocals just bring me home. Then with about a minute left in the song it really speeds up and as you bounce your head faster, you have to ask yourself- why couldn’t I write this song?

The more I think about this album, the more I am convinced that this has to crack the top 10 “first” albums of all time. I can’t say enough about this album. For those of you who are not familiar with this album, please I beg of you- Buy it now!!! You will not be disappointed. If you have it, go back and listen again and again. LISTEN TO IT LOUD!!!! By the way this album is the best selling debut album of all time with over 17 million copies sold.

Back on this day in 1963 Lesley Gore had a #1 hit with “It’s My Party” and back on this day in 1973, Paul McCartney had his first non-Beatles #1 hit with “My Love” (with Wings- great song).

Weekly Update – 01/25/08

The Cure at Radio City Music Hall on Sat. June 21. Pre-Sale starts this morning at 10:00 and goes to 10:00 p.m. tonight. Password is HETHECURE. General public on-sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $65-$95.

My Morning Jacket at Radio City on Friday June 20. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00. $39.50.

Rush at PNC and Jones Beach on Sat. July 12 and Mon. July 14. Pre-Sale starts tomorrow at 10:00 until noon on Fri. Feb. 1. Visit their website http://www.rush.com/ to find out more information on pre-sale (its a whole big production where you have to purchase something). General public on sale is Sat. Feb. 2 at 10:00 am. $45-$150.

Gavin DeGraw at the Bowery Ballroom on Tues. Mar. 4. Tickets on sale today at noon. $25. Very cool venue, one of my favorites to see a show.

Tom Petty at the Garden on Tues. June 17 and at the Rock (Prudential Arena in Newark NJ) on Wed. June 18. Ticket info to follow. Pre-sale information on his web site. http://tompetty.com/ If you have not seen Petty you need to go. It’s a pure hit fest and just a very cool show.

Jackson Browne solo acoustic tour will hit the Music Box at Borgota in Atlantic City on Fri. Mar. 28th and at the Chevrolet Theater in Wallingford CT on Sun. Apr. 6. Ticket info to follow. Go to website for more information http://www.jacksonbrowne.com/

Other items:

Ok, my absolute favorite new song of the week is “Guitar Slinger” by a new Country band called Crossin Dixon. Come on now-check it out at http://www.cmt.com/videos/crossin-dixon/157151/guitar-slinger.jhtml I-Tunes sells the song and the video. You can not tell me that you don’t like this song. Listen to the vocals, perfect harmonies. I’m really getting into Country music, I don’t know what the heck is going on.

Speaking of rock turning country, the Red rocker, Sammy Hagar will kick off a tour in May with country stars Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and others. Come on, tell me you don’t like “I Can’t Drive 55?”… you can’t.

And just to keep it going with the same vibe, Tim McGraw has wrote a song with Def Leppard, “Nine Lives” which will be on Leppard’s new CD “Sparkle Lounge” to hit on Mar. 18.

And now to get even more diverse I picked up a Jazz CD called “Sides of Blue” featuring Wynton Kelly, John Coltrane and The Bill Evans Trio. I absolutely love it. Perfect CD if you are entertaining folks at a dinner party. Very bluesy type of jazz. Very cool CD and I recommend it highly.

Lenny Kravitz new single “Bring it On” is straight out of the Led Zeppelin song book. Listen to this song and tell me it doesn’t sound like something Zeppelin did 30 years ago. Lenny is the man. Can not wait to see him next Friday at the Hammerstein. He’s all about peace and love and if you have not seen one of his shows- you are missing out. Man has lots of talent.

Sheryl Crow’s new single “Love is Free” is a catchy pop tune and I’d give it a thumbs up. Her new CD “Detours” is out on Feb. 5th.

The Police generated $142 million dollars in 2007 and sit on top of the Forbes list of top album and concert sales. Van Halen came in 9th with $63.8 million. (but we all know who put on a better show- no offense to the Police fans).

Back on this day in 1962, Sam Cooke released his infectious single- “Twistin’ the Night Away.” The song soon made number 9, and became Cooke’s third top 10 hit. Again Mr. Cooke is my all time favorite singer.

Today is Etta James birthday, she turns 70.