08.31.05 (MusicPortal.com) The debut from Chicago's MINSK, "Out Of A Center Which Is Neither Dead Nor Alive," is set to launch via At A Loss Records on September 25th. The band surges with a punishing and unique brand of post-Doom agression coupled with searing sub-melodies and an organic overall tone as if the band poured forth from the center of the planet. As that release date approaches, MINSK join HIGH ON FIRE, FU MANCHU, YAKUZA and more as part of Chicago's Electric City Rock Fest, with extensive touring to follow in support of "Out Of A Center Which Is Neither Dead Nor Alive." Drawing inspiration from a remote Belarussian city nestled deep amidst the in-betweens of the East and the West, a city that has been burned to the ground on several occasions only to be rebuilt like a Phoenix rising from its ashes, MINSK is a sort of dark cerebral experimentation - an emotive conceptualization that sears the visceral and hopes for something real. Their music lies somewhere between the conscious and the unconscious, a roller coaster of passion, noise, rhythm, and trance. Drawing its brand of eclecticism from a milieu of broadly spaced musical and conceptual influences, MINSK combine a sonic onslaught of dirge-like walls of Doom and Metal with HAWKWIND and JETHRO TULL-inspired 1970's Psychedelic Rock and tribal elements reminiscent of DEAD CAN DANCE. The vocals range from soulful singing, to three and four part anthemic arrangements, to barbaric screams, and the result is a dynamic and emotional piece of sensory overload that has been compared to NEUROSIS, MASTODON, CULT OF LUNA, ENTOMBED and ACID BATH. MINSK formed in the Summer of 2002, performing their first show in early 2003 and completing a demo CD, "Burning," in the Fall of that year. Still in the infant stages of their efforts, they embarked on a tour in support of "Burning," which took the band from Illinois to the West Coast and back. 2004 and 2005 have begun the realization of the band's labors, allowing them to share the stage with many incredible bands at the Templars Of Doom, South By Southwest, and Emissions From The Monolith festivals. Recording with producer Sanford Parker (Pelican, Unearthly Trance, Lair of the Minotaur, Venomous Concept) at Volume Studios has yielded both their debut album as well as a new bassist in Parker himself - also noted for his work in the band BURIED AT SEA.
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08.31.05 (MusicPortal.com) Pioneering Thrash Metallers ANTHRAX, one of that genre's most innovative and respected groups, are back with a vengeance. Commemorating their 20th anniversary by touring with their original lineup for the first time in 13 years, ANTHRAX are currently exclusively playing their classics from 1985 to 1991, both on the Gigantour in early September (western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest) and with JUDAS PRIEST from September 24th through October 18th (across Canada, as well as the East and Midwest of the U.S.) with additional dates to be added. Those classic tracks can also heard on ANTHRAX's most comprehensive "best of" collection ever issued, their first two-CD retrospective, "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991)," and first video compilation, the DVD "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991) The Videos" (both on Island/UMe Records), as well as on the separate live CD and DVD packages entitled "Alive 2 (2005)" (on Sanctuary Records) which document the group's momentous Summer 2005 reunion tour. All four packages will be released on September 20th. One of the most acclaimed Metal bands in history, ANTHRAX reunited their original lineup of vocalist Joey Belladonna, guitarists Scott Ian and Dan Spitz, bassist Frank Bello and drummer Charlie Benante for the "Alive 2 (2005)" DVD, capturing the actual meeting in which the five came together for the first time in over 10 years. Along with band rehearsals and behind-the-scenes footage, the DVD also spotlights 13 performances on the group's triumphant reunion tour. The "Alive 2 (2005)" CD reprises the audio for 11 of those songs ('Madhouse' and 'I'm The Man' are only on the DVD): 'Among The Living,' 'Caught In A Mosh,' 'I Am The Law,' 'A.I.R.,' 'N.F.L.,' 'Deathrider,' 'Medusa,' 'In My World,' 'Indians,' 'Time' and 'Be All, End All,' and adds the track 'Antisocial.' In a unique twist, the booklets from the DVD and CD releases form an exclusive poster. As for the original recordings, "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991)" marks the first time that ANTHRAX's recordings are being released with newly remastered versions of their classic hits. In addition, just prior to the release of the four landmark collections, the band will launch a new fan club web site (to supplement its longstanding anthrax.com headquarters). The Anthrax CDC, home of the official ANTHRAX worldwide fan club, will be the online source for ANTHRAX exclusive content, contests, merchandise, etc. AnthraxCDC.com will be the place to mosh in cyberspace.
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08.30.05 (MusicPortal.com) JOURNEY have announced that they have joined forces with Sanctuary Records Group. The label will release the band's 13th studio album, "Generations," on October 4th to U.S. retail outlets, with the first single 'A Place In Your Heart' set to impact at radio September 12th. The 14-track offering, which includes a 10-page booklet with new photos and lyrics, was recorded at The Record Plant in Sausalito, CA, where the band recorded 1986's multi-platinum "Raised On Radio." Their first new recording since 2002's "Red 13" four-song EP and 2001's full-length Arrival" album, it's what loyal JOURNEY fans have been waiting for. "There's a real sense of harmony and melody on this album filled with heartfelt lyrics," proclaims keyboardist Jonathan Cain. "It has the ballads that people would expect from us, and the rock 'n' roll that I think has the Journey signature sound to it. There's something for everybody. There's a mix of fun, playful songs along with some solid rock tracks. I don't think it's going to disappoint anyone." The band turned to an old friend, Kevin Elson, to produce "Generations." The man responsible for the band's multi-platinum "Escape," "Departure" and "Frontiers" albums, as well as their double-platinum "Captured" live album, it was long-time JOURNEY guitarist Neal Schon's idea to enlist Michael Fraser (Metallica, AC/DC, Aerosmith) to team up with Elson to engineer the sessions. The new album's title, represents the constancy of the band's followers throughout the past 30 years. "There's a whole new generation that has become fans of ours," says bassist Ross Valory. "For the last seven years in particular, I've been noticing that there are younger fans at the shows. Being that Journey has been popular for so long, there are at least three if not four generations of Journey concert-goers and listeners. We find people older than us and kids in the front row. So many of the lyrics on the album address the lives of these people." In an interesting twist, "Generations" is the first JOURNEY album in which all the band members get a shot at being the frontman. "Everyone is singing at least one, if not two songs on the new album," says Valory. "We've been doing that on the past few tours, and the audiences love it. We're spreading the talent around. I like to think of it as a blossoming of new singers who've just been playing their instruments before." As a sign of gratitude to the fans who helped put JOURNEY in the top 30 best-selling music groups of all time (over 75 million albums worldwide), copies of "Generations" have been given away free at most of the concerts along the band's current U.S. tour. However, the Sanctuary Records version of "Generations" includes two new songs in 'The Pride Of The Family' and 'Never Too Late,' - neither of which are on the disc being given to fans at concerts.
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08.29.05 (MusicPortal.com) LIZ PHAIR will launch her new album, "Somebody's Miracle," with a headlining tour of North America that kicks off in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on October 6th. Highlights include shows at New York's Irving Plaza (10/17,18), Chicago's Vic Theater (10/25) and at the House Of Blues in Los Angeles (11/7). "Somebody's Miracle," a bold, ambitious work featuring 14 songs written by Phair, has already captured critics' attention in advance of its October 4th release. "Liz Phair doesn't need your stinking 'indie cred.' She's not nostalgic for her bad-girl years. And she's back with her best album yet," said New York Magazine in a recent feature, which went on to note: "She is thinking about more than hooking up on this album; she is writing about stuff that is (even) more interesting than sex." Her stripped-down, sold-out Summer club tour, which was limited to eight cities, put her songwriting front and center. Said the New York Post of a recent show: "What's incredible about Phair, who just finished an intimate, two-show engagement at Joe's Pub, is how she musters the courage to sing about her deepest sexual desires. No other artist, male or female, comes close to understanding lust like Liz... As hot as her lyrics are, she's much more than a pretty blond waif who likes to talk dirty. Her songwriting and unconventional guitar playing shine through the steam." Later this month, Phil Harder will direct the video for 'Everything To Me,' the album's first single. "Somebody's Miracle" is the follow-up to Phair's 2003 self-titled album, which included the gold-certified single 'Why Can't I.' Tour Dates: 10/06 Ft. Lauderdale, FL [Revolution] • 10/07 Orlando, FL [House Of Blues] • 10/08 Tampa, FL [Janus Landing] • 10/10 Atlanta, GA [Roxy Theatre] • 10/12 Washington, DC [9:30 Club] • 10/14 Boston, MA [Avalon] • 10/16 Philadelphia, PA [Theater Of The Living Arts] • 10/17 New York, NY [Irving Plaza] • 10/18 New York, NY [Irving Plaza] • 10/22 Montreal, QC [Cafe Campus] • 10/23 Toronto, ON [Phoenix] • 10/25 Chicago, IL [Vic Theater] • 10/26 Milwaukee, WI [Pabst Theater] • 10/27 Minneapolis, MN [First Avenue] • 10/29 Denver, CO [Gothic Theater] • 10/31 Dallas, TX [Gypsy Ballroom] • 11/01 Austin, TX [La Zona Rosa] • 11/07 Los Angeles, CA [House Of Blues] • 11/08 San Francisco, CA [Fillmore] • 11/11 Vancouver, BC [Commodore Ballroom] • 11/12 Seattle, WA [Neumo's] • 11/13 Portland, OR [Crystal Ballroom] • 11/15 Anaheim, CA [House Of Blues] • 11/16 San Diego, CA [House Of Blues] • 11/17 Las Vegas, NV [House Of Blues]
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08.19.05 (MusicPortal.com) Vancouver Glam Punk Rockers THE BLACK HALOS have released their third album, "Alive Without Control, which was produced by Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden) for Liquor And Poker Music. The first release from the band in four years, "Alive Without Control" should turn any skeptic into a fan of THE BLACK HALOS in no time at all. With successful and sold-out performances at this year's Liquor And Poker Music showcases at the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, TX and Canadian Music Week in Toronto, Canada, the band are ready to take the world by storm with their unique brand of decadent and dark Rock 'N' Roll. "Alive Without Control" has been released in a deluxe Digipak with a unique embossed cover that must be seen to be believed, a Liquor And Poker Music sticker, and a free label sampler that features 19 tracks from the Liquor And Poker label roster. THE BLACK HALOS have just been confirmed to support Punk and skateboard legend Duane Peters' DIE HUNNS on the "Old Skars And Upstarts" tour that also features appearances from THE RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS, KINGS OF NUTHIN and ANGEL CITY OUTLAWS. The tour begins in September, and will see THE BLACK HALOS playing to fans from coast to coast. A full list of dates will be up on the Liquor And Poker website soon, so don't miss an opportunity to see some of the finest bands in the game prove why real Punk and Rock 'N' Roll is here to stay. And if that's not enough, the band will be doing a few West Coast warm-up dates on their way down to L.A. to film a video for the new song 'Three Sheets To The Wind.' Shane Drake (Clutch, Hawthorne Heights, etc.) is currently on tap to direct the video. "Ever since this beautiful nightmare began back in 1994, The Black Halos have always been an entity on its own comprised of 5 individuals who have united with the soul purpose of keeping the idiotsavantness of the music we love alive at any cost," says THE BLACK HALOS' vocalist Billy Hopeless. "From taking on tours that even to the most experienced and diehard bands seem impossibly ridiculous consisting of some of the most legendary/highbrow theatres and ballrooms as well as some of the darkest shitholes and unkown venues no crowd has been denied or unmarked by our passion, insanity, and debauchery. Throughout the history of rock 'n' roll, punk, alternative or whatever the magazines are calling it now, too many bands could be given as reference points. Even though we have studied the maps of the masters, we still refuse to learn from their past mistakes and have chosen to seek our own uncharted course to glorious errors."
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08.19.05 (MusicPortal.com) A remixed, remastered version of the CHICAGO live album "Chicago At Carnegie Hall" is being released next week on Tuesday, August 23rd via Rhino Records. The 4-disc set also features an hour of previously unreleased music in replica packaging. One of the most successful American groups in Contemporary Pop and Rock history, CHICAGO has sold more than 122 million albums throughout its remarkable career, scoring 21 Top 10 singles and five consecutive #1 albums along the way. To follow up the amazing success of the band's first three albums, CHICAGO released "Chicago At Carnegie Hall" in 1971, which captured the groundbreaking ensemble in peak form. After nearly 35 years, Rhino revisits the band's historic week-long stand at the venerable New York City concert hall. The set includes the original release along with a bonus disc filled with unreleased performances from CHICAGO's Carnegie Hall concerts, showcasing the band's famed horn section of Walt Parazaider on woodwinds, James Pankow on trombone and Lee Loughnane on trumpet, Robert Lamm's keyboards and vocals, bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera and the guitar virtuosity of the late Terry Kath. The set will be available for purchase at regular retail outlets and at www.rhino.com for a suggested retail price of $44.98. The first three discs feature the original set in its entirety, including stellar versions of 'Lowdown,' '25 Or 6 To 4,' 'Beginnings,' 'Make Me Smile,' 'Questions 67 And 68,' 'A Song For Richard And His Friends' and 'Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?' The bonus disc features unreleased versions of 'Listen,' 'Loneliness Is Just A Word' and 'Sing A Mean Tune Kid,' plus alternate takes of 'Introduction,' '25 Or 6 To 4,' 'South California Purples' and 'Free Form Intro (Naseltones),' a track which was written at sound check the day it was performed. The original four-album set hit #3 on the Billboard Pop Album chart, and sold more than a million copies. Now, as part of Rhino's ambitious CHICAGO reissue program, "Chicago At Carnegie Hall" has also been completely remixed and remastered by Loughnane and engineer Jeff Magid to present the album better sonically than ever before. Along with a 36-page booklet featuring original album artwork and liner notes by celebrated music writer Don Heckman, "Chicago At Carnegie Hall" includes deluxe packaging modeled on the original LP release. The new version includes an outer cardboard slipcase, four CDs in individual jackets, and three mini-reproductions of concert posters that were included in the original release.
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08.18.05 (MusicPortal.com) Solo artist BAG is slated to release his self-titled debut album on September 13th via Simmons/Sanctuary Records. If Beck and Bob Dylan had a baby boy and spoonfed him on toxic waste, they would probably would name him BAG. Every once in a while an artist comes along that breaks the mold, an artist who fails to fit into today's cookie cutter world, an artist unwavering in his fierce commitment to creativity and unyielding in his refusal to compromise. That artist is BAG. An extraordinary collection of quirky and twisted musical tomfoolery, BAG's self-titled debut is the inaugural release on KISS founder Gene Simmons' recently activated Simmons Records/Sanctuary imprint. Having received thousands of demo submissions for his new label, Simmons discovered BAG, one artist that stood out miles apart from the pack. "I first heard Bag, when a beautiful woman told me about him," recalls Simmons. "The first song I heard was, ironically enough, 'Blown Away.' I was." Quickly making BAG the first signing to his label, BAG states that "the only reason I have a record deal is because of Gene Simmons." "He got my tape through a mutual friend. He loved it, and two days later he flew me down to meet him and then I got signed to Sanctuary. My music is definitely not mainstream. It's left of center. Gene was one of the few people that got it, and championed it." Known simply as BAG, the artist reveals the meaning behind his unconventional name remains a constant source of speculation. "People ask me all the time about my name, and here's the story that I'm sticking with. It means "Bad And Good," "Boy And Girl," "Beelzebub And God," and "Brainy And Gorgeous." Immensely versatile, Bag's debut release is a consummate tour de force effecting a collision of playful musical hi-jinx, idiosyncratic lyrics and trippy grooves. "Bag is a one man band," says Gene Simmons. "He writes his own songs. Sings them. Lead vocals and background vocals. Plays all the instruments. Produces, mixes, and in almost all ways seems to have avoided the pitfalls of being in a band. Chances are this 'band' won't break up because of internal conflict. This one may actually stay together." The son of a psychiatrist, BAG was born in South America, and currently resides in Canada. His most notable past musical achievements include penning two songs for Gene Simmons' "Asshole" album and producing four cuts. "It was terrific fun working with Gene, and a fantastic learning experience. He's a great guy to work with..." [full story]
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08.17.05 (MusicPortal.com) New North American live dates have been confirmed for British trio DOVES in support of their recently released third album, "Some Cities." The tour, which kicks off September 12th in Boston, Massachusetts, will bring DOVES to such events as New York City's CMJ Music Marathon (September 14th), Texas's Austin City Limits Festival (September 25th), New York City's Across the Narrows Festival (October 2nd) and San Francisco's Download Festival (October 8th). "Some Cities," the follow-up to the band's 2002 breakthrough album "The Last Broadcast," entered the British album charts at #1. Initially inspired by the profound changes DOVES saw in their Manchester hometown, the album's wide-ranging texture runs from inner-city grit to celestial sweep and everywhere in between. Like its predecessors, "Some Cities" has been lavished with critical praise. Ten years ago, when DOVES first formed in the wake of the Acid House craze that swept through their hometown of Manchester, England, they were just three kids who wanted to have a good time. Twin brothers Jez and Andy Williams hadn't seen their old schoolmate Jimi Goodwin until they bumped into each other one crazed night on the dance floor at the popular Hacienda club. The Hacienda was Acid House central, the centrifugal force that spun out a generation of kids who wanted to do something for themselves. So they did the right thing - they formed a band. Tour Dates: 09/12 Boston, MA [Avalon] • 09/13 Montreal, QC [Spectrum De Montreal] • 09/14 Brooklyn, NY [Warsaw - CMJ Music Marathon] • 09/16 New Haven, CT [Toad's Place] • 09/17 Baltimore, MD [Sonar] • 09/19 Carrboro, NC [Cat's Cradle] • 09/20 Atlanta, GA [Roxy Theatre] • 09/22 New Orleans, LA [TwiRoPa] • 09/23 Houston, TX [Meridian] • 09/24 Dallas, TX [Gypsy Tea Room] • 09/25 Austin, TX [Austin City Limits Festival] • 09/27 Chicago, IL [Riviera] • 09/28 Columbus, OH [Newport Music Hall] • 09/30 Toronto, ONT Docks [Concert Hall] • 10/01 Northampton, MA [Pearl Street] • 10/02 Staten Island, NY [Across The Narrows Festival] • 10/04 St. Louis, MO [The Pageant] • 10/08 Mountainview, CA [Shoreline Amphitheatre - Download Festival] • 10/10 Anaheim, CA [House Of Blues] • 10/11 San Diego, CA [House Of Blues]
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08.17.05 (MusicPortal.com) Italian Experimentalist Metallers EPHEL DUATH have recently completed work on the highly anticipated follow-up to "The Painter's Palette" at Studio 73 in Ravenna, Italy. EPHEL DUATH Guitarist Davide Tiso checked in with the following update regarding the new album, entitled "Pain Necessary To Know": "I'm so happy to announce you that our new album, "Pain Necessary To Know" is ready. I have the master in my hand and the artwork on my PC! After two years to compose and five months to record, mix and master, you can easily understand my so excited state of mind. The sound is fat and circular, but at the same time so cutting. It's brilliant but dirty. There's desert and smelling water. Probably there's Zappa too! We've also finalized the artwork. Dirty water with medusas in the background. Medusas are perfect to symbolize the title of the album. You can't say you know a medusa if you have not felt around your body a sign of its touch. You can't say you have the slightest idea of what is the better life for you if you don't have around your thoughts the signs of pain. In my opinion pain is necessary to know. Only through a lot of different pains I've come to understand what is better for me...To play music!" EPHEL DUATH were spawned in February of 1998 to satiate the band members' desires to create, innovate and articulate the finest technical Black Metal. The duo, consisting of Tiso (guitars/vocals/synths) and Giuliano (guitars/vocals/bass/synths/programming), soon began to add flesh to the bare bones of their mutual vision. In October of 1998, the first EPHEL DUATH demo, "Opera," was unleashed upon a cynical world, and soon the group were being hailed as genuine forerunners in an aggressively over-populated scene. "Opera" set out the band's stall, showcasing their unique take on Black Metal, fusing complex rhythms, technical guitar and synth work, epic Classical scores and heart-soaring melodies. The response was overwhelming: Over 1000 demos were sold, with excellent reviews to boot. In 1999, EPHEL DUATH signed a deal with new Italian label Code666 and set about recording their debut album. In the meantime "Opera" blasted the mp3.com Black Metal charts, reaching No. 1 with more than 20,000 downloads, which led to mp3.com reprinting the demo onto CD for sale through their website. "Phormula," the band's debut album, was released via Code666 in 2000, which caught the ear of Elitist Records' Lee Barrett, with whom EPHEL DUATH signed a four-year recording deal.
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08.16.05 (MusicPortal.com) In 2002, FENIX TX stunned fans by announcing during a performance in Portland that the band was breaking up. Now, three years later at the urging of friends and fans, FENIX TX are reuniting for two Arizona live dates. The shows will be held this week at The Club House in Tempe on Friday, 8/19 and at The Rialto Theatre in Tucson on Saturday, 8/19 - after which the band are setting its sights on the open road. According to their label, FENIX TX will headline a Drive-Thru/Rushmore Records tour with ALLISTER, HOUSTON CALLS and DAY AT THE FAIR in October and November, with UK and Japan dates to follow that. The band will also record a live album, a first for the group, which formed in 1995. So what could bring the former members of FENIX TX -- Willie Salazar (vocals), Damon Delapaz (drums), Adam Lewis (bass), and Chris Lewis (guitar) -- together again? Unfinished business. "The break-up was so sudden," says FENIX TX frontman Willie Salazar: "We were caught up in our creative differences, we never got to say a proper goodbye to our fans, and I know that disappointed a lot of people, me included." After the split, the members pursued other musical projects, Salazar and Chris Lewis moving on to form DENVER HARBOR, releasing "Scenic" in October of 2004. However, fans from around the world continuously reached out to FENIX TX, asking them to reunite and perform. "We got together again and realized that playing together makes us happy," says Salazar. "We are familiarizing ourselves with each other and remembering the old songs, and we discovered that we're better musicians, the songs are tight." During their time together, FENIX TX released two albums, "Fenix TX" and "Lechuza" - selling over 600,000 albums and sharing U.S. and international stages with the likes of BAD RELIGION, BLINK-182, LESS THAN JAKE, 311 and NEW FOUND GLORY. The support the Arizona music community has shown the band over the years made it a no brainer for FENIX TX when choosing A spot for playing their first shows in three years and recording the live album. Fans can expect to hear old songs, b-sides, unreleased numbers, and a few covers thrown in for good measure. The unnamed album will be released later this year on Drive-Thru Records, who independently released FENIX TX's self-titled debut in 1997. That album was then re-released in 1999 by Drive-Thru and MCA Records, with the two labels jointly releasing "Lechuza" in 2001.
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08.16.05 (AP) VASSAR CLEMENTS, a fiddle virtuoso and A-list studio musician who played with Paul McCartney and an array of others, died at his home Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee after a battle with lung cancer. He was 77. Clements was hospitalized for 18 days earlier this year, receiving chemotherapy and other treatment. He had been under hospice care in recent weeks. "He had no quality of life since he'd been diagnosed," said daughter Midge Cranor, who added that the cancer had spread to his liver and brain. Clements - whose wife, Millie, died in 1998 - last performed February 4th in Jamestown, New York, Cranor said. "God blessed me in that I was able to hold his hand when he died," she said. Clements' work bridged various styles, including Country, Jazz, Bluegrass, Rock 'N' Roll and Classical. "When the rhythm is good, I can play it," he told The Associated Press in a 1988 interview. During his career, he recorded on more than 2,000 albums, joining artists as varied as McCartney, Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, Hank Williams Jr., Woody Herman, THE GRATEFUL DEAD, THE BYRDS and THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND. Clements, a Kinard, Fla., native who grew up in Kissimmee, Fla., also recorded more than two dozen albums of his own. The 2005 Grammy for best Country instrumental performance went to 'Earl's Breakdown' by THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND featuring Clements, Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs and Jerry Douglas. "He got his start in bluegrass, but he was equally comfortable playing bebop and jazz and rock 'n' roll, and he loved all those genres," said Jeff Hanna of THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND, which tapped Clements for their landmark "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" Americana albums and also toured Japan with him. "He could sit in with anybody." VASSAR CLEMENTS even recorded with the Monkees once - by happenstance. He was working on a recording session when someone asked him if he wanted to stay and play on another one. "I didn't know until later it was the Monkees," he said. Besides being a gifted musician, Clements was fun to be around, Hanna said. "He was incredibly hip," Hanna said. "He was just one of those guys. He was still the dapper Dan. My wife always said he was such a handsome devil. He always dressed impeccably." Clements, who appeared in Robert Altman's 1975 film "Nashville," taught himself to play at age 7 and had no formal training. "It was God's gift, something born in me," he said about his talent. "I was too dumb to learn it any other way. I listened to the (Grand Ole) Opry some. I'd pick it up one note at a time. I was young, with plenty of time and I didn't give up. You'd come home from school, do your lessons and that's it. No other distractions. "I don't read music. I play what I hear," Clements once said. VASSAR CLEMENTS was employed at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a year in the mid-1960s, working on plumbing. At various times, he also worked in a Georgia paper mill, was a switchman for the Atlantic Coast Railroad, sold insurance, and even had a potato chip franchise.
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08.16.05 (MusicPortal.com) THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN are breaking new ground with the release of their latest music video, 'Unretrofied.' The hyper-advanced clip is taken from the band's forward-thinking Relapse Records release, "Miss Machine." The 'Unretrofied' video was written and directed by Josh Graham (Enon, No Doubt, Jurassic 5) and features the band (vocalist Greg Puciato, guitarists Ben Weinman and Brian Benoit, bassist Liam Wilson and drummer Chris Pennie) "assembled as retro 'Westworld'-style robots as we witness the birth of 'The Dillinger Escape Plan.'" Response to the video has been positive, with FUSE accepting 'Unretrofied' into rotation on both its "Ovenfresh" and "Steven's Untitled Rock Show" programs. "Oven Fresh" gives the power of the programming over to the fans by allowing them to vote to see more or less of the hottest new videos each week. THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN appears as an "Oven Fresh" artist this week alongside 50 CENT, SILVERSTEIN, SYSTEM OF A DOWN and others. The 'Unretrofied" video has been added on MTV-U as well. The band also recently joined up with Dave Mustaine and company as part of the inaugural Gigantour alongside MEGADETH, DREAM THEATER, FEAR FACTORY and NEVERMORE. THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN are among the headliners every night for the remainder of the tour, which is scheduled to conclude on September 11th at the Clark County Fair in Ridgefield, Washington - shortly after which they will move on to a tour with UNEARTH, ZAO and A LIFE ONCE LOST. Tour Dates: 08/17 Pittsburgh, PA [Chevy Amphitheater] • 08/19 Portland, ME [Civic Center] • 08/20 Manchester, NH [Verizon Wireless Amphitheater] • 08/21 Poughkeepsie, NY [Mid Hudson Civic Center] • 08/23 Wantagh, NY [Jones Beach Amphitheater] • 08/24 Holmdel, NJ [PNC Bank Arts Center] • 08/26 Boston, MA [B Of A Pavilion] • 08/27 Reading, PA [Sovereign Center] • 08/28 Atlantic City, NJ [House Of Blues] • 08/30 Buffalo, NY [Darien Lakes PAC] • 08/31 Huntington, WV [Big Sandy Superstore Arena] • 09/02 Montreal, QC [Canada Bell Centre] • 09/03 Toronto, ON [Canada Molson Amphitheatre] • 09/06 Edmonton, AB Canada [Shaw Conference Center] • 09/07 Calgary, AB Canada [Calgary Exhibition] • 09/09 Vancouver, BC Canada [PNE Coliseum] • 09/10 Auburn, WA [White River Amphitheatre] • 09/11 Ridgefield, WA [Clark County Fair]
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08.15.05 (AP) FIONA APPLE is ending her curiously long hiatus from the business of making music. A year after 11 tracks were leaked onto the Internet, drawing praise from critics and fans, Epic Records announced today that Apple's "Extraordinary Machine" album will be released October 4th. It's been six years since FIONA APPLE's last album, "When the Pawn...," which was released in 1999. Since then, the young Grammy-winning singer has been treated to a deluxe serving of the frustrations of modern music: It isn't always easy to make a beautiful songs, and creative control is a nebulous concept at best. Last year, Apple and producer Jon Brion came up with a wonderfully complex construction of Brion's vision and Apple's voice. But after months of silence from Apple and Epic parent company Sony Music on a release date, all 11 songs popped up on the Internet, in high-quality MP3s, freely available for anyone who couldn't wait another minute. And there was not a buy link to be seen. Moreover, the album was very good. Tracks titled 'Oh Sailor' and 'Please, Please, Please' ooze the same sullen sultriness that made Apple's debut album, "Tidal," triple-platinum. How the album got online is a question that gets fingers pointing in all directions. What is known is that only Apple, Brion, recording engineers and the label had access to the songs - and Apple is now moving forward without Brion. The album now has 12 songs. One is new, and nine are reworked versions of leaked tracks. "Now that my album is finally finished, I am very, very excited to have people hear what we did. I am so proud of it, and all of us who worked on it," Apple said in a short statement released Monday. Through Epic, Apple refused several interview requests from The Associated Press. Mike Elizondo is now FIONA APPLE's new producer, who cut his teeth working under Dr. Dre, and most of his work has been with rappers such as 50 Cent and Obie Trice. Brion also wouldn't talk about his involvement with Apple's upcoming album. But his publicist, Ray Costa, denies Brion leaked the album. "That's one sore subject with him," Costa said, acknowledging the persistent rumors. And Brion insists that the version of "Extraordinary Machine" available online has been tweaked, and does not represent the music he and Apple created. "The version that's out there right now has been additionally manipulated even from what Jon had done before," Costa said. "Whether the album comes out, Jon's done his part." Some die-hard FIONA APPLE fans say what they've already heard was plenty good enough.
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08.12.05 (MusicPortal.com) One of the most successful Progressive Rock bands in history unleashes almost four hours of unreleased live performances that span nearly two decades as Rhino Records releases YES' "The Word Is Live" on August 23rd. The three-disc set will be available at regular physical and digital retail outlets and at www.rhino.com for a suggested retail price of $49.98. This 26-track collection follows YES' evolving sound, from early performances of 'Then' and 'For Everyone,' recorded back in 1970 on John Peel's Sunday BBC Program (the only previously issued tracks included in this compilation) to several songs recorded in 1988 at The Summit in Houston, Texas, including an excellent medley that features the songs 'Make It Easy' and 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart.' "The Word Is Live" also spotlights the different incarnations of YES from 1970-1988, with performances from the original lineup of lead vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Bill Bruford, keyboardist Tony Kaye and guitarist Peter Banks, as well as songs that feature guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, drummer Alan White, keyboardist Patrick Moraz, vocalist Trevor Horn, keyboardist Geoff Downes and guitarist Trevor Rabin. "The Word Is Live" captures one of Rock's preeminent live bands in full stride as they gallop through concert staples 'Yours Is No Disgrace' and 'I've Seen All Good People,' performed at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London in 1971, a euphoric 18-minute version of 'Awaken' at Chicago's International Amphitheater in 1979, as well as 'The Big Medley,' recorded in 1978 at The Forum in Los Angeles, which gives each virtuoso member a turn in the spotlight. Also included in "The Word Is Live" is an elaborate booklet featuring rare photos, an essay by vocalist/bassist Greg Lake of EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER, recollections from friends and fans about their favorite YES concerts (including Mike Tiano, who manages YES' website, and author and YES expert Bill Martin), as well as heartfelt tributes by some other unlikely artists, including RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' John Frusciante, RUSH's Geddy Lee, Matthew Sweet, Duncan Sheik, THE POSIES' Joe Skyward and FOO FIGHTERS' Taylor Hawkins. Founded by Anderson, Squire and Bruford in 1968, YES has been a dominant force in Rock music for more than three decades, and has created some of FM radio's most enduring and compelling hits. To date, YES have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and were recently honored with Rhino/Elektra's career-spanning five-disc CD box set, "In A Word: Yes (1969 - )."
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08.12.05 (MusicPortal.com) Coming Home Studios and SRS Labs will release a live DVD from DURAN DURAN this Fall, capturing the last two shows from the band's record-breaking 2004 run of sold-out concerts at London's Wembley Arena. Set for a simultaneous release in North America on October 25th, Europe on October 31st and the UK on November 7th in both single and double-disc editions, "Duran Duran: Live From London," captures vocalist Simon LeBon, guitarist Andy Taylor, bassist John Taylor, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and drummer Roger Taylor during their seventeen-date, 2004 UK arena tour. Marking the first shows to be recorded since the original lineup of DURAN DURAN got back together in 2001, the upcoming release features all of the hits from their 25-year catalog, together with live versions of some of the chart-topping singles from their most recent studio album for Epic Records, "Astronaut." Directed by award-winning filmmaker Lawrence Jordan in conjunction with Done & Dusted UK, and shot with fourteen state-of-the-art, 1080 24p high-definition cameras, "Duran Duran: Live From London" captures the excitement of the band's final two Wembley concerts on April 30th and May 1st, 2004 with its cinematic visuals. Playing in an energetic two-hour set, the DVD shows DURAN DURAN performing their biggest hits including 'Girls On Film,' 'Planet Earth,' 'Hungry Like The Wolf,' 'Save A Prayer,' 'A View To A Kill,' 'Wild Boys,' 'Ordinary World,' 'The Reflex,' 'Union Of The Snake' and 'Rio.' The upcoming two-disc set also includes a 10-track live bonus CD that features a new "3D bonus song" in 'I Don't Want Your Love,' which can be viewed with 3D glasses that are included in the release. With audio mixed by Jeremy Wheatley and presented in SRS Labs Circle Surround 5.1 dts, 5.1 Multichannel, and stereo, the sound quality of "Duran Duran: Live From London" recreates a true concert experience. Both packages also include a behind-the-scenes documentary, rare and candid interview footage, a photo gallery, and a unique audio-track voice-over by all five members of the band talking about the songs and the shows. Formed in Birmingham, England in 1978 by Nick Rhodes and John Taylor, DURAN DURAN have sold over 70 million records to date and have had an extraordinary career that's made them one of the most successful groups of the past few decades, Fusing Pop music, art and fashion to an unprecedented degree and single-handedly transformed music video production - taking the medium from a simple marketing tool into what is still one of the music industry's most valuable assets.
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08.11.05 (MusicPortal.com) "Back Home," ERIC CLAPTON's first album of new original material in nearly five years, will be released on Reprise/Duck Records on August 30th. Featuring twelve songs, five of which were penned by Clapton with creative collaborator Simon Climie, "Back Home" also includes 'Love Comes To Everyone' by the late George Harrison, THE SPINNERS' 'Love Don't Love Nobody,' a rendition of Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright's 'I'm Going Left,' and compositions by Vince Gill, Doyle Bramhall II and others. Produced by ERIC CLAPTON and Simon Climie, who together also wrote the album's debut single, 'Revolution,' "Back Home" additionally spotlights an all-star backing band, many of whose members have worked extensively with Clapton over the years, including drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Nathan East, guitarists Andy Fairweather Low and Doyle Bramhall II, and keyboardists Billy Preston and Simon Climie. Among the special guests appearing on "Back Home" are Steve Winwood (synthesizer), John Mayer (guitar), Robert Randolph (dobro), Chris Stainton (Fender Rhodes), Stephen Marley (percussion), Abraham Laboriel, Jr. (drums), Pino Palladino (bass) and Toby Baker (keyboards). The album also highlights string arrangements by Nick Ingman and performances by the KICK HORNS. "I wanted to make a studio album without quite knowing what it was going to be," remarks Clapton on the creative impetus behind "Back Home." Working closely with Climie, Clapton began recording over a year ago, working around his touring schedule and family commitments. "We kind of resigned ourselves to the fact that it was going to take a long time, but when we got stuck or if it wasn't moving fast enough we'd stop and do a Robert Johnson song. That would clear the air, and we'd go back and carry on for the new album. As a result, we ended up with a complete Robert Johnson album first, which was released last year as 'Me And Mr Johnson.'" It was through that writing and recording process, Clapton explains, that the theme of "Back Home" emerged. "One of the earliest statements I made about myself," he reveals, "was back in the late '80's, with 'Journeyman.' This album completes that cycle in terms of talking about my whole journey as an itinerant musician and where I find myself now, starting a new family. That's why I chose the title. It's about coming home and staying home. Even though," he adds with a laugh, "I'll be out on the road again next year, playing this music."
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08.11.05 (MusicPortal.com) Relapse Records recording artists HIGH ON FIRE have announced a string of U.S. tour dates in support of their current album, "Blessed Black Wings." The Oakland, CA trio will team up with EVERY TIME I DIE for a month long, 27-city trek that is scheduled to launch on September 7th in Poughkeepsie, NY. HIGH ON FIRE - vocalist/guitarist Matt Pike (ex-SLEEP), bassist Joe Preston (THRONES, ex-MELVINS) and drummer Des Kensel -- who have toured relentlessly since the release of "Blessed Black Wings" -- just completed a successful nationwide run as part of the inaugural "Sounds Of The Underground" tour alongside OPETH, LAMB OF GOD, CLUTCH and others. The band's latest video for the song 'Devilution' is currently in rotation now on both MTV2 and FUSE. HIGH ON FIRE are a supersonic exercise in conquest-by-volume. Equal parts molten Metal and earthquake panic, HIGH ON FIRE's MOTORHEAD-meets-SLAYER roar is outrageously loud and absolutely punishing. On "Blessed Black Wings", Matt Pike unleashes a devastating combination of bombastic guitar and howling war cries, weaving fantastical tales of supernatural beasts, forgotten battles and rivers of blood over an unstoppable bass and drum assault. HIGH ON FIRE are a class unto themselves, manhandling Rock music while locking into grooves that transcend time. Joining HIGH ON FIRE and EVERY TIME I DIE on the upcoming tour tour will be THE CHARIOT, THE RED CHORD and THE ESOTERIC. Tour Dates: 09/07 Poughkeepsie, NY [The Chance] • 09/08 New York, NY [Irving Plaza] • 09/09 Worcester, MA [The Palladium] • 09/10 Philadelphia, PA [TLA] • 09/12 Towson, MD [Recher Theater] • 09/13 Richmond, VA [Alley Katz] • 09/14 Charlotte, NC [Tremont Music Hall] • 09/15 Nashville, TN [Rockettown] • 09/16 Atlanta, GA [Masquerade] • 09/17 Tampa, FL [Masquerade] • 09/19 Houston, TX [Engine Room] • 09/20 Dallas, TX [Trees] • 09/21 Austin, TX [Emos] • 09/23 Tempe, AZ [Marquee Theater] • 09/24 San Diego, CA [Soma] • 09/25 Los Angeles, CA [House Of Blues] • 09/26 San Francisco, CA [Slims] • 09/27 Portland, OR [Loveland] • 09/28 Seattle, WA [El Corazon] • 09/30 Salt Lake City, UT [Lo-Fi Cafe] • 10/01 Denver, CO [Cervantes] • 10/02 Lawrence, KS [Granada] • 10/03 Minneapolis, MN [Ascot Room] • 10/04 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues] • 10/05 Detroit, MI [St. Andrew Halls] • 10/06 Cleveland, OH [Peabody's] • 10/07 Buffalo, NY [Sphere Entertainment Complex]
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08.10.05 (MusicPortal.com) DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE are set to release their new studio album, "Plans," on August 30th, the group's first release for Atlantic Records and the follow-up to their 2003 album, "Transatlanticism" (released on Indie label Barsuk Records). "Plans" was produced by DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE guitarist Chris Walla, who also produced the group's previous four releases. Never ones to stay off the road for long, DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE begin a seven-week North American headlining tour October 3rd in Vancouver, BC. Meanwhile, the band are keeping themselves occupied this Summer with select shows including Japan's famed Summer Sonic festival this weekend, a sold-out show at New York City's Central Park Summerstage August 18th and the Austin City Limits Festival on September 24th. DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE recently performed as part of the Lollapalooza festival and San Diego Street Scene ,where they previewed a few songs from the new album. The band are also slated to make their national television debut in support of "Plans" with a performance on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" on Tuesday, September 27th. Additionally, the band's Spring 2004 tour was documented on the recently released Plexifilm DVD, "Drive Well, Sleep Carefully," which was directed by noted filmmaker Justin Mitchell. The DVD features 13 live songs along with candid backstage and interview footage. DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE are slated to play the following confirmed tour dates in the Fall: 10/03 Vancouver, BC [Commodore Ballroom] • 10/04 Vancouver, BC [Commodore Ballroom] • 10/05 Walla Walla, WA [Whitman College] • 10/07 Salt Lake City, UT [In the Venue] • 10/08 Denver, CO [The Fillmore Auditorium] • 10/10 Minneapolis, MN [First Avenue] • 10/11 Minneapolis, MN [First Avenue] • 10/12 Chicago, IL [Riviera Theatre] • 10/14 Ann Arbor, MI [Michigan Theatre] • 10/15 Toronto, ONT [Kool Haus] • 10/16 Montreal, QC [Le Spectrum] • 10/17 Boston, MA [Orpheum Theatre] • 10/19 New York, NY [Hammerstein Ballroom] • 10/21 Carlisle, PA [Dickinson College] • 10/22 Providence, RI [Lupo's At The Strand] • 10/23 9:30 Club [Washington, DC] • 10/25 Philadelphia, PA [Electric Factory] • 10/28 Nashville, TN [War Memorial Auditorium] • 10/29 Atlanta, GA [The Tabernacle] • 10/30 Orlando, FL [Hard Rock Live] • 11/04 Dallas, TX [Ridglea Theater] • 11/05 Austin, TX [Stubb's Barbeque] • 11/08 Phoenix, AZ [Marquee Theatre] • 11/09 San Diego, CA [Soma] • 11/11 Los Angeles, CA [The Wiltern] • 11/13 San Francisco, CA [Warfield Theatre] • 11/16 Portland, OR [Crystal Ballroom] • 11/18 Seattle, WA Paramount [Theatre]
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08.10.05 (MusicPortal.com) In celebration of LES PAUL's 90th birthday this past June, Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing is releasing a new album, two new books, and host several special events in honor of the father of the electric guitar. Produced by Bob Cutarella and Fran Cathcart, "Les Paul & Friends, a new all-star collaborative CD, will be released Tuesday, August 30th. Many of music's top artists joined LES PAUL for a high-octane return to the recording studio, including Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, Billy Gibbons, Buddy Guy, Beth Hart, Steve Miller, Keith Richards, John Rzeznik, Richie Sambora, Neal Schon, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sting, Joss Stone, and more. An all-star celebration, "Les Paul & Friends" is LES PAUL's first new release since his Grammy-winning 1978 album with Chet Atkins, "Chester & Lester." The CD brings Paul together with a legion of his greatest fans, all of whom have learned a thing or two from the master and have achieved their own great successes in music. The artists joining LES PAUL on the Rock-charged album share one clear common bond: Paul is one of their most respected and beloved mentors. With advanced arthritis limiting his own ability to shred like the younger guns, and always more of a melodic pluck-and-flutter player himself, LES PAUL was happy to set loose his Rock 'N' Roll descendents on the leads and solos before adding his own signature riffs, trills and staccato exclamations to the arrangements. This past June 19th, one of the world's greatest gatherings of guitarists took the Carnegie Hall stage for "All For Paul: Les Paul's 90th Birthday Salute," a star-studded celebration presented by Gibson Guitar at the JVC Jazz Festival in New York. Beginning in August, Gibson will issue 12 special edition custom "Les Paul" guitars to commemorate Paul's 90th year. A new LES PAUL book is also slated to arrive in stores later this year: "The Les Paul Legacy" by Rob Lawrence is due from Hal Leonard Publishing on October 27th. "Les Paul In His Own Words," a limited-edition autobiography with each numbered copy signed by LES PAUL himself, was released June 9th by Russ Cochran Publishing. LES PAUL, born June 9, 1915 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, is not only one of the world's finest guitarists of all time, but is also a Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer, five-time Grammy Award winner, the inventor of the solid body electric guitar, and the pioneer of numerous enduring studio techniques, including multi-track recording and the use of reverb.

08.10.05 (MusicPortal.com) Abacus Recordings has announce the signing of New York Metalcore outfit SWORN ENEMY. The band are currently out on a headlining tour with FULL BLOWN CHAOS and SCARS OF TOMORROW ending with their performance at this year's Hellfest in New Jersey. The band recently finished up their sophomore album, "The Beginning Of The End," in San Diego during the month of June at Big Fish Studios. The album, which was produced by Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying), engineered by Steve Russell and mixed by Zeus (The Red Chord, Shadows Fall), will see a release date of October 18th. When discussing the mission of the new record, the response is simple, "To set the tone for the new age of metal," says SWORN ENEMY vocalist/frontman Sal Enemy. "This record signifies a new chapter for us as a band, a new style of music." Revolving around topics of politics, religion and everyday life, "The Beginning Of The End" showcases the band in their element - delivering heavy-hitting music with themes anyone can relate to. Forget what you know about them, SWORN ENEMY are pushing their personal metallic assault way into the red without any care or regard to the current Metalcore scene. "We don't follow any trends. We do it from the heart." Shaped by ideals surrounding everyday life's trials and tribulations with an honest desperation and urgency, Metal and Hardcore have been as much about attitude as about the music. Ushering in a new age of crossover, paved by acts such as ANTHRAX, AGNOSTIC FRONT and other New York-based vets, you can now add SWORN ENEMY to the list of bands forming a caustic hybridization of thrashy, intense Metal with the thud, and grit of Hardcore. Formed in the borough of Queens in late 1997, it didn't take long for the music world to take notice of the band's crushing sound and delivery. While the Hardcore underground boiled with excitement over the band, SWORN ENEMY recorded their debut EP, "Negative Outlook," for Stillborn Records, the label started by Jamie Jasta of HATEBREED in 2001. As the band's popularity grew, they signed to Elektra Records in early 2003 and released their debut full-length album, "As Real As It Gets," a lesson in brutal Metal/Hardcore crossover. SWORN ENEMY earned a coveted spot on Ozzfest 2003, and continued to tour in support of the new album. Parting ways with Elektra, but undeterred in their quest for delivering no-frills metallic Hardcore, the band re-solidified their line-up with Jamin Hunt on bass to replace Mike Couls, who went on to join AGENTS OF MAN.
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08.09.05 (MusicPortal.com) Rhino Home Video releases the first-ever JERRY GARCIA BAND DVD today, entitled "Live At Shoreline." The disc's release marks marks the 10-year anniversary of Garcia's passing in 1995. Later this month on August 23rd, Rhino Records will unveil LEGION OF MARY's first official release, "The Jerry Garcia Collection, Vol. 1: Legion Of Mary." "Live At Shoreline" includes the JERRY GARCIA BAND's entire two-hour-plus performance in 5.1 Surround Sound, while "The Jerry Garcia Collection, Vol. 1: Legion Of Mary," a two-disc set, features 14 live performances recorded during a series of West Coast concerts performed by the band in the mid-1970s. The "Live At Shoreline" DVD was recorded September 1st, 1990 at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California and remains one of the very few JERRY GARCIA BAND concerts to be filmed. A GRATEFUL DEAD show was originally scheduled for that date, but the band could not play due to the tragic death of their keyboardist Brent Mydland a few weeks earlier. Instead of canceling the show, the JERRY GARCIA BAND stepped in and delivered a poignant performance. Throughout the evening's two sets, the band performed an inspired mix of emotional covers including Motown classics 'How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You' and 'I Second That Emotion,' THE BEATLES' 'Dear Prudence,' Bob Dylan's 'Tangled Up In Blue' and 'I Shall Be Released,' Van Morrison's 'And It Stoned Me,' Peter Tosh's 'Stop That Train,' plus 'Run For The Roses' and 'Deal' from Jerry Garcia's solo work. In addition to the entire concert, "Live At Shoreline" also includes Blair Jackson's interview with GRATEFUL DEAD lyricist Robert Hunter, a mini-documentary, various interviews with band members, and photo galleries. Jerry Garcia formed LEGION OF MARY in 1974 for a seven-month concert run that spawned a treasure trove of electrifying performances known only to a few lucky concertgoers and dedicated tapers. The band -- Garcia, keyboardist and long-time collaborator Merl Saunders, saxophonist and flutist Martin Fierro and drummer Ron Tutt -- came together in December of 1974 to play an adventurous mix of Jazz and Funk. "The Jerry Garcia Collection, Vol. 1: Legion Of Mary" includes passionate interpretations of some Rock 'N' Roll classics. Blair Jackson's exhaustive liner notes include stories from former members about the band's development, and clear up some long-standing confusion surrounding the group's actual history.
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08.09.05 (AP) A man suspected of shooting Grammy-winning singer-songwriter MARC COHN during an attempted carjacking has been arrested in Denver, Colorado after a 5 1/2-hour standoff with police. Cohn, who had a hit with the song 'Walking in Memphis' and won the Grammy Award for "Best New Artist" in 1992, was shot in the temple late Sunday when a man fired into his band's van in a parking garage. Cohn, who is married to ABC news reporter Elizabeth Vargas, was treated at a hospital and released Monday. He canceled the remaining five stops on his tour with Suzanne Vega. The bullet grazed Cohn's driver and tour manager Thomas Dube, who also was treated and released. Denver Police spokesman Sonny Jackson said the bullet appeared to have been slowed by the van's windshield and by Dube before hitting Cohn. "Frankly, I can't tell you how he survived," Jackson said. Police arrested Joseph William Yacteen late Monday outside a vacant house where had holed up for hours, negotiating with police. The standoff ended when he was forced out by tear gas, pointed a gun at officers and was shot with a non-lethal rubber ball, Jackson said. Yacteen allegedly tried to stop MARC COHN's van after allegedly fleeing a downtown hotel where he had tried to pay his bill with a stolen credit card. Dube, who saw that he had a gun, sped up and swerved trying to avoid Yacteen, police said, and Yacteen fired one shot into the van. The van was carrying four people at the time. Yacteen also allegedly fired several shots while fleeing security guards and trying to take a car from a woman. He eventually disappeared in a stolen SUV, before being located at the vacant house, authorities said. Yacteen, 26, was being held on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery and other charges. In addition, an arrest warrant had been issued after he missed a court hearing in Denver July 15th on a drug and weapons charge. Cohn, who has often specialized in songs of loss and longing, said in a 1998 Associated Press interview that he had learned to focus on his family and his music instead of the pursuit of success. "I'm less obsessed today and (music) means more to me," he said. "I take it less for granted." When he won the "Best New Artist" Grammy in 1992, MARC COHN was also nominated for Song Of The Year and Best Male Pop Vocalist, each for 'Walking In Memphis' as well. "I didn't consider there would be more than one nomination. If anything, it would be best new artist," he said at the time. "To get three is pretty great." Among his albums are "Marc Cohn," "The Rainy Season" and "Burning The Daze."

08.08.05 (MusicPortal.com) British Rockers THE THIEVES have officially joined the lineup of Liquor And Poker Music. The label will release the group's new album, "Tales From The White Line, on October 4th. The U.S. home to bands such as NEBULA, THE HELLACOPTERS and BACKYARD BABIES, Liquor And Poker released THE THIEVES' "The White Line" EP late last year. The group felt so at home with the label that they soon signed a full deal to record "Tales From The White Line," their American full-length debut. Formed in the university town of Oxford, England, THE THIEVES -- consisting of the brothers Stokes (vocalist/guitarist Hal and bassist Sam) and drummer Jamie Dawson -- first made an impression through energetic live shows and a self-produced demo that managed to make it all the way to the BBC airwaves. But like fellow Oxfordites SUPERGRASS and RADIOHEAD, THE THIEVES' ambitions were global, and soon they found themselves bound for America with little more than three one-way tickets to Los Angeles in their pockets. There, they quickly caught the attention of Liquor And Poker, who soon released "The White Line." Although its sole intent was to raise the band's profile, that plan exceeded all expectations, earning positive reviews in major music publications and key national newspapers. Two nationwide tours -- including a stop at South By Southwest this past Spring -- helped THE THIEVES gain additional exposure, as did radio airplay on L.A.'s Indie 103.1. But "The White Line" was only a sign of things to come, as the band soon entered L.A.'s Royaltone Studios (Audioslave, No Doubt) with producer Chris Brown (Radiohead, Muse) in tow earlier this year, where THE THIEVES recorded eight additional songs to go alongside the four from the EP to complete "Tales From The White Line" - the result being not unlike AC/DC on acid, PINK FLOYD on uppers or THE WHO on a pub crawl. And while THE THIEVES are just one of many British exports to the U.S. in recent years, one listen to their infectious blend of Garage Rock, power chords and Britpop proves that they are not simply just another faceless new-wave-of-this-or-that outfit, or just some darlings of the latest trend. Simply put, THE THIEVES rawk like a proper British Rock band is supposed to.
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08.08.05 (MusicPortal.com) Band member Russell from UK trio THE RESEARCH checked in recently with the following update: "Hello again it's been a while and weve done some things I'd like to share with you and Georgia's done some things that we will all take to our graves. So, the album is recorded. John McEntire was perfect for us. We raced through it, recording all the instrument parts in three or four days and then we spent ages on the singing because we were all having problems. I sounded like an idiot until I found some massive sunglasses like the ones my mum wore in 1987 or 1988. Sarah's performances were going swimmingly until she went tone-deaf for lonely hearts still beat the same and Georgia inhaled too much conditioned air and blamed that for the fact that she kept losing her voice. Were really happy, though. If you saw us on the tour with Maximo Park and The Blood Arm, then I hope you didn't think we were rubbish. It was ace for us to play big venues to sold out crowds one night and then go back to more modest places and play to twenty or thirty people the next night. I felt sorry for bands that can't do that anymore. You should've seen us supporting the Go! Team. That was my favourite tour. I was really happy when I was on that tour. Well done also to every member of the Mystery Jets for making Georgia blush five times. I've never seen it happen even once before. Very clever. See you soon I hope. From Russell and my band mates." Meanwhile, a brand new single from THE RESEARCH will be released on August 22nd with either 'C'mon Chameleon' or 'I Love You But...' as the lead track, depending on whether you buy the CD or 7" single. There will also be a 2-track CD single and a white vinyl 7" single released featuring both songs, plus the bonus track 'Classifieds.' THE RESEARCH are also confirmed to play the following upcoming live dates in the UK: 08/12 Manchester, UK [The Rampant Lion] • 08/13 Leeds, UK [Faversham] • 08/18 London, UK [Underbelly] • 08/20 Scarborough, UK [Beached Festival] • 08/21 Brixton, UK [London Windmill] • 08/23 London, UK [93 Feet East] • 09/02 London, UK [Koko] • 09/18 London, UK [Cargo] • 09/20 Liverpool, UK [Barfly] • 09/21 Derby, UK [Victoria Inn] • 09/22 Leicester, UK [Charlotte] • 09/23 Northampton, UK [Soundhaus] • 09/24 Nottingham, UK [Social] • 09/26 Norwich, UK [Arts Centre] • 09/27 Birmingham, UK [Bar Academy] • 09/28 London, UK [Bar Academy] • 09/30 Manchester, UK [Night And Day] • 10/01 Leeds, UK [Faversham] • 10/02 Glasgow, UK [Barfly] • 10/03 Stoke, UK [Sugarmill]
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08.05.05 (MusicPortal.com) Hollywood Hard Rockers BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION's second album, "Runaway Brides," is set to be released September 27th via Shrapnel Records, after which the band are planning to support the album with a Fall U.S. tour alongside Earache Records recording artists ADEMA, who will be coming off a headlining tour of their own in support of their latest album, "Planets." After original BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION bassist Nikki Sixx succumbed to the demands to reform MOTLEY CRUE last year, lead vocalist London LeGrande, guitarist and co-founder Tracii Guns and drummer Scot Coogan recruited former AMEN bassist Scott Sorry to replace Sixx after his departure. The group soon entered into a new recording deal with Shrapnel Records founder Mike Varney, who signed the new incarnation of BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION at the end of 2004. Armed with a batch of strong new songs and a unified band spirit, they soon found themselves in the studio with veteran producer Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Free), the result of those sessions being "Runaway Brides" -- an album on which they have not lost their step -- despite the departure of Nikki Sixx. "Runaway Brides" is a staggering collection of street-lethal driving Rock, imbued with both the classic Rock 'N' Roll spirit and the edge of modern youth. In the tradition of BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION, the music continues to be stripped down and raw with dark, melodic lyrics. 'White Trash,' the first single off "Runaway Brides," is soon to hit the airwaves, and is exactly what it appears to be from its title - paying homage to today's trailer park-style culture and the people that try to get out of it. From there, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION discharge a slew of slamming songs including 'Criminal,' 'Deadman's Ruin' and 'Lords Of The Mind.' "This is the record we always wanted to make," states Tracii Guns. "It has a great blend of modern rock heaviness with retro sounds and styles. It is the perfect 'Brides' record of today." Confirmed Tour Dates: 09/30 San Diego, CA [Canes] • 10/01 Santa Ana, Ca [The Galaxy Theater] • 10/10 Cleveland, Ohio [Peabody's] • 10/12 Passaic, New Jersey [Dingbatz] • 10/14 Saugus, Mass [The Palace Entertainment Center] • 10/15 Bedford, New Hampshire [Marks Place] • 10/21 Brooklyn, New York [Brooklyn Music Terminal] • 10/22 Springfield, Va [Jaxx] • 11/03 Los Angeles, Ca [The Key Club] • 11/08 Boise, Idaho [The Core] • 11/09 Seattle WA [The Fenix]
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08.04.05 (MusicPortal.com) Apple Corps has announced the upcoming release of "The Concert For Bangladesh - George Harrison And Friends" on DVD and CD in late October. "The Concert for Bangladesh" was the first benefit concert of its kind in that it brought together an extraordinary assemblage of major artists collaborating for a common humanitarian cause - setting the precedent that music could be used to serve a higher cause. The concert sold out Madison Square Garden and -- along with the Grammy Award-winning triple-album boxset and feature film -- has generated millions of dollars for UNICEF and raised awareness for the organization around the world, as well as among other musicians and their fans. Besides GEORGE HARRISON himself, the concert features some of his friends, including Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Leon Russell and Billy Preston. Performances include 'Here Comes The Sun,' 'Something,' 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps,' 'My Sweet Lord,' 'Just Like A Woman,' 'Blowin' In The Wind' and 'A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall.' During Bangladesh's struggle for independence from Pakistan, millions of refugees fled to neighboring India to escape hunger, disease and bloodshed. The crisis was deepened when massive floods hit the region. Alerted to the scale of the suffering by his friend Ravi Shankar, GEORGE HARRISON organized "The Concert For Bangladesh," which took place on August 1st, 1971. The DVD will be released as a 2-disc package by Warner Music Group in the U.S. on October 25th, and October 24th for the rest of the world. The new release includes the original 99-minute film, restored and remixed in 5.1, as well as 72-minutes of bonus material. Extras include a 45-minute documentary, "The Concert For Bangladesh Revisited With George Harrison And Friends," about the background to the two shows with exclusive interviews and contributions from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Bob Geldof. There is also previously unseen footage: 'If Not For You,' featuring GEORGE HARRISON and Bob Dylan from rehearsals, 'Come On In My Kitchen' featuring Harrison, Eric Clapton and Leon Russell at the sound check and a Bob Dylan performance from the afternoon show of 'Love Minus Zero/No Limit,' which was not included in the original film. Apple Corps/WMG will also simultaneously release a special deluxe version of "The Concert For Bangladesh - George Harrison And Friends" (limited to 50,000 copies worldwide) that will feature a 64-page book and other unique collectibles.

08.04.05 (MusicPortal.com) Syracuse-based quintet BRAND NEW SIN are currently preparing to embark on the "Summer Of Rock" tour next week, which is a three-week trek alongside SUPAGROUP and DOG FACED GODS. The group just completed a national U.S. tour with SCUM OF THE EARTH and SOCIETY 1 - their first nationwide trek since 2002. BRAND NEW SIN's latest video for the song 'Black And Blue,' shot by acclaimed director Dale Resteghini (Dillinger Escape Plan, Hatebreed), is now in heavy rotation on "Metal Asylum" and "Headbangers Ball," and has also been posted online. The band recently completed another video for the new track 'Days Are Numbered' with Resteghini as well. Look for that clip to make its network debut next month. Meanwhile, BRAND NEW SIN vocalist Joe Altier checks in with the following report: "Hello all. Brand New Sin are ready to hit the road again for a three-week East Coast run with Supagroup and Dog Faced Gods, and we are extremely excited to get back on the road. We decided to hit our strong markets once again and prepare for what is shaping up to be a huge Fall. Our time home has been restful but Brand New Sin are ready to do what we do best - play live! I wanna thank Headbangers Ball and Fuse for spinning the shit out of 'Black And Blue.' I don't think I have much more to say other than buy the disc, come to the show, drink beer and stay tuned for a possible major Fall tour announcement." BRAND NEW SIN completed successful strings of dates alongside MOTORHEAD, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, LIFE OF AGONY and FASTER PUSSYCAT earlier this year in support of their new full-length album, "Recipe For Disaster," which is currently available via Century Media. "Summer Of Rock" Tour Dates: 08/09 Pittsburgh, PA [Rex Theatre] • 08/10 Hartford, CT [Webster Theater] • 08/11 West Springfield, VA [Jaxx] • 08/12 Mt. Clemens, MI [Hayloft Liquor Stand] • 08/13 Cleveland, OH [Odeon] • 08/15 Baltimore, MD [Otto's] • 08/16 Raleigh, NC [Lincoln Theatre] • 08/17 West Columbia, SC [New Brookland Tavern] • 08/18 Atlanta, GA [Masquerade] • 08/20 Seminole, FL [Boomerz Boiler Room] • 08/21 Jacksonville, FL [Jack Rabbits] • 08/23 New Orleans, LA [One Eyed Jacks] • 08/24 Houston, TX [Fitzgerald's] • 08/26 Austin, TX [Stubbs BBQ] • 08/27 Fort Worth, TX [Ridglea Theater] • 08/29 St. Louis, MO [Creepy Crawl]
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08.03.05 (MusicPortal.com) London's famous Abbey Road Studios played host to a stellar line-up of legendary guitar gods in December of 2004 for a very special one-off tribute concert in honor of Elvis Presley, with musical direction from his first guitarist, first manager and life-long friend, SCOTTY MOORE. Universal Music has announced the coming October 3rd release of that concert in the DVD premiere of "A Tribute To The King," featuring songs made famous by Elvis Presley and performed by SCOTTY MOORE and some very well-known guests. Following on from the re-release of Presley's first single, 'That's Alright Mama,' it's only fitting that during a year which will see more celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of Rock 'N' Roll that the one and only SCOTTY MOORE should lead this exclusive tribute concert, showcasing the music made so famous by "The King." Moore was joined at Abbey Road Studios for the special concert by a roster of international guitar heroes including Eric Clapton ('That's All Right Mama,' 'Money Honey,' 'Mystery Train'), PINK FLOYD's David Gilmour ('Don't'), Mark Knopfler of DIRE STRAITS ('Blue Moon Of Kentucky,' 'Baby Let's Play House'), ROLLING STONES past and present Bill Wyman and Ronnie Wood, Steve Gibbons ('Heartbreak Hotel,' 'Don't Be Cruel,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine'), Mike Sanchez ('My Baby Left Me,' 'All Shook Up,' 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy') and many more. Over two dozen Elvis Presley classics in total (also including 'Shake, Rattle And Roll', 'All Shook Up' and 'Blue Suede Shoes') are captured on DVD in stunning 5.1 dts, 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound and 2.0 Dolby Stereo on the upcoming release. The DVD's producer also conducted extensive interviews with SCOTTY MOORE, Jerry Schilling, and the musicians who gathered at Abbey Road, in order to present a collection of bonus feature interviews, exclusive to "A Tribute To The King." While fans of Elvis Presley hold a warm place in their hearts for SCOTTY MOORE as Elvis' original guitarist, Moore is also cited as a genuine pioneer of the instrument's use in Rock 'N' Roll by guitarists worldwide. A musical role model, respected and admired by fans and guitarists alike, "A Tribute To The King" is a chance for fans to once more enjoy renditions of the songs made famous by Elvis Presley and the music founded by SCOTTY MOORE. Universal Music also plan to produce an exclusive, limited-edition version of "A Tribute To The King alongside the standard DVD release. 25,000 slipcase amaray versions will also be released, complete with limited-edition red foil lettering.

08.03.05 (MusicPortal.com) Electronic artist T.RAUMSCHMEIRE will release a new album entitled "Blitzkrieg Pop" via Mute Recordings on August 29th. "I actually wanted to produce the loudest pop record in history. Less epic techno, more short and crisp songs," he says. Debates on what "Pop" actually means are of no interest to the artist, whose concept has always been to deny having a concept. He has however, always known exactly what he is up to - sharing his wild desire for music with others, whether as T.RAUMSCHMEIRE, as drummer for his Punk band THE CRACK WHORE SOCIETY, as label boss of his own imprint Shitkatapult, or as promoter of various club events in his home base of Berlin, Germany. Although T.RAUMSCHMEIRE has been famous for his hyper-energetic, stage-breaking solo live shows, he has formed a three piece live unit featuring bassist Andreas Paruschke and drummer Dirk Mielenhausen along with sound engineer Allert Aalders as his stage band for all live concerts, which premiered in London in May - performing solo as a DJ only by consequence. "It's tougher work to play as a band of course, but it's more rock 'n' roll," he says. On "Blitzkrieg Pop," T.RAUMSCHMEIRE's excellent vocals appear for the first time. On rockers like 'Sick Like Me' (the first single from the album), and 'Blitzkrieg Pop,' his vocals are a revelation and the tracks truly rock. Big time. On 'A Mess,' the mic passes to his American colleague Quasimodo Jones, a troublemaker who also features as an arist on Shitkatapult, while 'A Very Loud Lullaby' (featuring ex-GUANO APES singer Sandra Nasic) pays a dedicated tribute to Stadium Rock history. "Blitzkrieg Pop" actually reveals the two sides of T.RAUMSCHMEIRE well. High-octane rock 'n' roll energy tracks for the live show, and more ambient sounds for the ear and heart. While recording the album, he hid in his studio for a year to relentlessly study "sounds with no beat," to which tracks like 'Untitled,' 'Rumpelkammer,' 'Der Grottenholm' or 'Patridiot' bear witness on the album. Other tracks were given a different slant, which gave the females a chance to sing. 'Diving In Whiskey' features Berlin's BPitchcontrol label boss, recording artist and DJ Ellen Allien, while '3 Minutes Happiness' is guested by French chanteuse Judith Juillerat. Juillerat had sent a demo to Shitkatapult which instantly grabbed T.RAUMSCHMEIRE's attention. "Judith also won a Bjork cover song contest in aid of Unicef. Her first album will be released soon on Shitkatapult," Raumschmiere added.
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08.02.05 (MusicPortal.com) Deluxe Editions of THE STOOGES' first two albums, "The Stooges" (1969) and "Fun House" (1970), are both being re-released as two-disc sets via Rhino Records on August 16th. Each expanded and remastered set includes the original album along with a bonus disc filled with rarities and previously unreleased tracks. THE STOOGES' provocative mix of aggressive nihilism and primal rhythms scared the hell out of America when the Detroit quartet -- led by the legendary Iggy Pop -- careened onto the music scene in 1969. The few brave souls who didn't flee in terror from the sound were lucky witnesses to the dawning of modern Punk Rock. Rhino certainly does THE STOOGES justice here, who literally helped spark a musical revolution with their raging, Doom-laden music and unpredictable shows. Iggy Pop provided a mesmerizing focal point for THE STOOGES with his apocalyptic lyrics, sneering delivery and confrontational performances. Drenched in overdriven fuzztone and wah-wah, guitarist Ron Asheton's unhinged solos added a menacing attitude, while bassist Dave Alexander and his brother - drummer Scott Asheton - joined together to create a relentless battering ram of rhythm. THE STOOGES' self-titled, John Cale-produced 1969 debut features the classics 'I Wanna Be Your Dog,' '1969,' and 'Real Cool Time.' The bonus disc is filled with ten previously unissued tracks including Cale's original mixes of 'Little Doll,' '1969,' 'I Wanna Be Your Dog,' 'No Fun,' three alternate vocal takes on songs including 'Not Right,' plus the full version of 'No Fun.' THE STOOGES returned a year later with "Fun House," which better captured the band's fierce energy as a live band, boasting stronger songs this time around. Despite being virtually ignored upon its release, "Fun House" went on to become an underground classic powered by the unbridled energy of 'Loose,' '1970' and 'L.A Blues.' The bonus disc includes more than an hour of rarities only available on the long out-of-print "1970: The Complete Fun House Sessions" from Rhino Handmade, includes demos of 'Lost In The Future' and 'Slide (Slidin' The Blues)' (two songs that did not appear on the original album), different takes of 'T.V. Eye,' 'Loose,' and 'Down On The Street,' along with bonus single mixes for 'Down On The Street' and '1970.' Both releases feature lavish booklets including rare photos, extensive liner notes and introductions penned by two Detroit Rock legends. Ben Edmonds provides the liner notes for "The Stooges" with an introduction from Alice Cooper, while Paul Trynka contributes the liner notes for "Fun House," while THE WHITE STRIPES' Jack White provides the introduction. "'Fun House' is to me the very definition of Detroit rock 'n' roll," White notes. "A milestone in rock 'n' roll so overlooked it's despicable."
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08.01.05 (MusicPortal.com) Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. in association with Universal Music DVD Video has announced the upcoming release of "Jimi Hendrix: Live At Woodstock (The Deluxe Edition)" on September 12th for the UK and September 13th for the U.S. The special two-disc DVD presentation stands as the definitive record of one of JIMI HENDRIX's most celebrated performances. The all-new deluxe set features all of the existing film footage from his unforgettable live set from Woodstock in August of 1969, newly re-edited and presented uninterrupted and in its original performance sequence. "Jimi Hendrix: Live At Woodstock (The Deluxe Edition)" includes never-before-seen versions of 'Foxy Lady,' 'Message To Love,' 'Hey Joe,' 'Spanish Castle Magic' and 'Lover Man,' as well as an all-new 5.1 and 2.0 stereo soundtrack mixed by Eddie Kramer, JIMI HENDRIX's original studio engineer. Where 1994's original VHS [and subsequent DVD] release of his Woodstock performance ran for only 57 minutes, Experience Hendrix has teamed with Warner Bros. to restore all of the existing film footage from the performance. The new edition was entirely re-edited by Jere Huggins, one of the original editors of the 1970 Academy Award-winning "Woodstock" motion picture. Huggins worked extensively with Experience Hendrix's Janie Hendrix and John McDermott, as well as noted Warner Bros. film restoration specialist Bill Rush to incorporate a variety of previously unseen camera angles and coverage. Rush has been involved in the careful, critically acclaimed restoration of many classic films, including "Public Enemy," "Casablanca," and "Out Of The Past." The result is an actual frame-by-frame digital restoration that presents JIMI HENDRIX at Woodstock in more vibrant color and detail than ever before. In addition to the full-length feature, "Live At Woodstock," "Jimi Hendrix: Live At Woodstock (The Deluxe Edition)" contains a multitude of special bonus features, including "The Road To Woodstock," a new documentary featuring Hendrix performance footage and new interviews with Woodstock promoter Michael Lang, and JIMI HENDRIX band members Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Larry Lee and Juma Sultan, among others. In addition to the newly re-edited color footage featured on DVD One, "Live At Woodstock: A Second Look" offers a totally unique perspective of Hendrix's performance that has never before been shared. Combining never-before-seen black and white video footage intercut with alternate camera angles filmed in color, "A Second Look" features uninterrupted footage of every performance featured on DVD One in its original performance sequence, as well as previously unreleased footage of 'Hear My Train A Comin' - a performance missed by the "Woodstock" film crew, presented here for the very first time.
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08.01.05 (MusicPortal.com) Nuclear Blast Records has announced the signing of Scandinavian Rap/Metal pioneers CLAWFINGER. Frontman Zak Tell had this to say: "Dear clawheads, hangarounds and other lowlifes! We are very happy to report that Metal label Nuclear Blast had the good taste to sign the reigning champs of 'Old School Crossover Nu Metal,' CLAWFINGER! We know that this is the start of a long-lasting and successful companionship that will bring us 'Money Power Glory'... We are keeping our clawfingers crossed! - Peace, Zak." CLAWFINGER was among the first bands that continuously mixed Metal with Rap and grooves. Their 1993 debut album, "Deaf, Dumb, Blind" is legendary in their home country of Sweden, and set a new tone for modern heavy music. Since then, CLAWFINGER never stopped and have put out a total of five studio albums, the last being 2003's "Zeros And Heroes." A new album by the band is scheduled for a November release. Two of the members of CLAWFINGER first met up at Rosenlund Hospital in Stockholm, where they served as orderlies, having it "up to here with shit and piss." Tell knew Rap, rhyming as he walked along the corridors, and Bard Torstensen knew Metal. After completing the band's lineup, their debut album was released by MVG in Sweden, Polygram in Norway, Metal Blade in North America and WEA everywhere else. "Deaf, Dumb, Blind" has since sold in excess of 600,000 copies - achieving Gold status in Germany, Sweden and Norway. Being a Scandinavian band, CLAWFINGER played at all the major festivals there in 1993. In the Fall, they undertook European tours with ALICE IN CHAINS and ANTHRAX. A 55-date European headline tour took place in the Spring of 1994. In 1995, their second album, "Use Your Brain," was released. That album has since sold over 400,000 copies worldwide. CLAWFINGER played the gigantic Monsters Of Rock Festival in South America that same year. After four years of hard work, the band took a well deserved break, during which the members spent some months with their closest friends and family and "got their batteries reloaded." Back together again, they were clearly inspired and had lots of new ideas and melodies. In short, they developed and branched off in some new musical directions for their third album in 1997, the self-titled "Clawfinger." Noticeably more melodic this time around, "Clawfinger" was followed up by "A Whole Lot Of Nothing" in 2001, after which "Zeros & Heroes" was released to positive reviews.
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[ Rock News: July 2005 ]
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