10.29.04 (MusicPortal.com) Mute Recordings has released Experimental Rock veterans THE RESIDENTS' 25th Anniversary Special Edition of "The Commercial Album," along with a 25th Anniversary Special Edition DVD. Since, in 1980, the nature of the band's music prohibited access to Pop radio, THE RESIDENTS originally envisioned "The Commercial Album" as a reinvention of the Top Forty format. With this concept, the group attempted to revolutionize the way popular music was heard. The contents of the new DVD include four short films THE RESIDENTS created back in 1980 based on songs from "The Commercial Album." Long considered as "ground breaking" music videos, these films are now part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The DVD's other contents both compliment and complete that project with an amazing collection of 56 one-minute films based on the original 40 "Commercial Album" songs. In order to produce this large number of films, in addition to themselves, THE RESIDENTS have assembled an outstanding group of 42 visual artists from around the world. Working in various forms ranging from animation, live action, and puppetry to drawing, photography and sculpture, the disc is a virtual film festival in miniature. THE RESIDENTS now enter their fourth decade as faceless "anti-stars," existing in the dim outskirts of mainstream awareness. During that entire time, they've consciously kept their origins and personal lives shrouded in mystery.

10.29.04 (MusicPortal.com) A new 2-disc DVD "The History Of Iron Maiden - Part 1; The Early Days" is to be released during the third week of November, almost 25 years to the day since Heavy Metal legends IRON MAIDEN first signed with EMI Records. The release is a unique collection of archive material packed onto 2 DVDs. "The Early Days" covers the beginnings of the band's career from the struggle to get gigs in East End pubs through to becoming - within just 5 years - a band capable of headlining arenas anywhere around the world, and achieving it without any radio support to speak of at the time. The new set isn't simply just a visual history of IRON MAIDEN, but more an intense and personal voyage of a remarkable group of individuals who shared one vision and worked hard to achieve that goal without making any compromises along the way. "The Early Days" also demonstrates the band's unique relationship with their fans - the foundation of which was laid correctly back in the very beginning. The first DVD contains nearly 2 hours of archived IRON MAIDEN live concert rarities that demonstrate the energy and power that propelled them to the forefront of the NWOBHM. DVD #1 begins with the band's first-ever concert video, "Live At The Rainbow," which was produced by EMI back in 1980 shortly after IRON MAIDEN were signed, and was one of the first-ever VHS concert releases. The video has not been widely available for some time, so fans can now see the band fronted by vocalist Paul Di'Anno... [full story]
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10.28.04 (MusicPortal.com) Wind-Up Records will release CREED's new "Greatest Hits" album on November 22nd. Featuring 13 songs, "Greatest Hits" also includes a bonus DVD featuring all nine of the band's promotional music videos, plus three additional and previously unreleased live performances of the songs 'Higher,' 'Torn,' and 'Weathered.' With over 30 million records sold internationally, and huge radio hits like 'With Arms Wide Open,' 'My Sacrifice,' and 'Higher,' CREED quickly became one of the biggest radio Pop, Rock and Metal radio bands of the last decade. Despite disbanding earlier this year (3/4 of the group went on to form ALTER BRIDGE, while vocalist Scott Stapp is forging ahead with a solo career), CREED's songs continue to live on with fans around the world and are still staple favorites on radio - a testament to the band's powerful songwriting, gigantic riffs and soaring melodies. "Greatest Hits" Track Listing: 1. Torn • 2. My Own Prison • 3. What's This Life For • 4. One • 5. Are You Ready • 6. Higher • 7. With Arms Wide Open • 8. What If • 9. One Last Breath • 10. Don't Stop Dancing • 11. Bullets • 12. My Sacrifice • 13. Weathered. Bonus DVD Tracklisting: 1. My Own Prison • 2. What's This Life For • 3. Higher • 4. What If • 5. With Arms Wide Open • 6. My Sacrifice • 7. Bullets • 8. One Last Breath • 9. Don't Stop Dancing • 10. Torn (Live) • 11. Higher (Live) • 12. Weathered (Live)
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10.27.04 (MusicPortal.com) "Beyond Description (1973-1989)," a remastered and repackaged epic 12-CD box set compilation from THE GRATEFUL DEAD, has been released through a distribution agreement between Grateful Dead Productions and Rhino Records. The set contains each of the band's studio albums for Grateful Dead Records and Arista Records, and features 15 hours of music and 162 songs, 68 of which are previously unreleased. "Beyond Description (1973-1989)" begins with 1973's "Wake Of The Flood," and features the ensuing '70s classics from the albums "Mars Hotel," "Blues For Allah," "Terrapin Station" and "Shakedown Street." The '80s are then documented with the albums "Go To Heaven," "Reckoning," "Dead Set," "In The Dark" and "Built To Last." Bonus tracks were selected based on outstanding performance and historical significance. They include a rare studio version of 'Catfish John,' the much-requested 'Equinox,' studio versions of 'Peggy-O' and 'Jack-A-Roe,' an early studio version of 'Fire On The Mountain,' and the only live version of 'Let It Rock.' In addition to acoustic and instrumental outtakes, live extras, alternate versions, and songs culled from band rehearsals, "Beyond Description (1973-1989)" features expanded versions of "Reckoning" and "Dead Set." Captured at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco and New York's Radio City Music Hall respectively, the original albums have been transformed into two-disc sets in order to accommodate additional material culled from those gigs.
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10.26.04 (AP) JOHN PEEL, a long-time British Broadcasting Corp. disc jockey whose enthusiasm for the offbeat, the eclectic and the obscure launched the careers of dozens of bands, has died, the BBC said Tuesday. He was 65. The broadcaster said Peel suffered a heart attack Monday while vacationing in Peru with his wife, Sheila. Dr. Alcides Vargas, who worked to revive Peel, told Peru's Radioprogramas radio that the DJ suffered a heart attack in a hotel in Cuzco, 350 miles southeast of the Peruvian capital, Lima. He was pronounced dead on the way to a clinic. Peel's program on Radio 1, the BBC's flagship pop music station, exerted a huge influence for more than 30 years. He was often the first to play demo tapes by little-known bands, and his enthusiasm propelled some to fame. Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said Blair - who once played guitar in a college band called UGLY RUMOURS - was "genuinely saddened" by the news. He said Peel "was a unique voice in British broadcasting who used that voice to unearth new talent and different subjects and bring them to the awareness and make them accessible to a much wider audience." Peel promoted Reggae, Hip-Hop, Punk and Metal on the sometimes conservative BBC, and championed acts ranging from JIMI HENDRIX and DAVID BOWIE to THE SMITHS, THE FALL, PULP and Northern Irish punks THE UNDERTONES, whose 'Teenage Kicks' Peel rated as his favorite song. His live studio sessions were coveted by bands, and many were released... [full story]

10.26.04 (MusicPortal.com) Century Media has announced the signing of Vegan Straight Edge quintet MAROON to a new recording deal. The band, originally from the North of Germany but currently residing in the East, offer a weighty mix of Hardcore mixed with Metal influences, along with an emphasis on political consciousness and a commitment to an alternative lifestyle. Having shared the stage with the likes of HATEBREED, AGNOSTIC FRONT, SWORN ENEMY, HEAVEN SHALL BURN and many others over the past six years, MAROON are now more than ready to invade America. Commented a band member on their new signing with Century Media: "This is a dream come true! We are very happy and grateful for being able to work with such a competent and professional label. If anybody had told us this would happen when we started the band, we would have declared them completely nuts, but now it's reality and we are proud to be part of the Century Media family! It's insane to be on a label whose releases we loved as kids and whose music still means so much to us. Bands like Unleashed, Grave, Tiamat, Ulver, Borknagar, The Haunted and our brothers Heaven Shall Burn are now our label-mates - that's more than an affirmation of our hard work over the past few years. With such a strong partner behind us we want and will be able to tour the USA and the rest of the world. We are looking forward to a busy future, and hope for a long cooperation with Century fucking Media - yes!!!"
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10.25.04 (MusicPortal.com) "100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong..." (Island Def Jam/UMe), a "thinking outside the box" box set from one of the most popular and successful bands in Rock history, will be released November 16th. Another landmark in BON JOVI's 21-year career, the mammoth four-CD, 50-song collection (plus a DVD) is not a greatest hits collection, but instead is comprised largely of previously unreleased recordings from the band's vast archive. In other words, the band's "greatest hits you never heard." Along with the 38 tracks that make their debuts are a dozen rarities from around the world. The earliest songs hail from 1985, the latest from 2003. Yet each CD was sequenced by the band as a complete album experience rather than chronologically. Also included is a bonus DVD featuring exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. In addition, the hardbound collector's box set package boasts a 64-page booklet with rare photos, fan testimonials, exclusive interviews, and personal content from the band. Marking the 20th anniversary of the band's debut album, "100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong..." is the group's first box set. Whereas most such packages recycle a greatest hits album and add a few previously unreleased bonuses, this collection offers fans the chance to discover their own never before released favorites by presenting dozens of songs that, for whatever reason, never made it onto an album. Typically, BON JOVI record upwards of... [full story]

10.25.04 (MusicPortal.com) HAMMERFALL have just finished the recordings for their still untitlednew album. Guitarist Oscar Dronjak posted the following message on the official HAMMERFALL website: For the past seven weeks, we have been hard at work on this, our fifth studio effort, and it's wonderful to be finished! When I have a bit more distance to the recordings, I will try to describe the contents so you will know what to expect in March. However, I can safely say that if you are a fan of HammerFall, you will not be disappointed this time around, either. We poured our hearts and souls - as well as blood, sweat and tears, mind you - into the production of this record, and I definitely think it shines through: the music is more alive than it ever has been before. We shall see what the professional music lovers will think about it next Saturday, when we will have a big listening session here at Lundgard for journalists from all over the world. It should be interesting and fun, but it's also a little nervous presenting your new material to other people. But I'm not really worried, as I know we have done our best and created another landmark in the upwards-moving evolution of our music. Praise is great, but neither good reviews nor bad ones would ever influence us in one direction or another. We are artists creating musical pieces for the world to love hate or disregard. Now, it is up to you do pass judgment. Our work is done, and I have to tell you: it feels fuckin' great! Up the Hammers!" - Oscar
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10.22.04 (MusicPortal.com) EVANESCENCE will release a new 2-disc live CD/DVD set on November 23rd via Wind-Up Records entitled "Anywhere But Home." Capturing their intense concert experience at The Zenith in Paris, France, this amazing first-ever live release from EVANESCENCE includes the entire show on DVD (directed by Hamish Hamilton of U2 and Peter Gabriel fame) as well as on a two-track mix CD, which includes the previously unreleased studio recording of the song 'Missing.' In addition, the DVD also features the band's four promotional music videos, an hour-long behind-the-scenes program, and some special surprises, discovered by the viewer as they navigate the menus designed exclusively for this special release. All of EVANESCENCE's hits from their multi-million selling debut "Fallen" are also included on the "Anywhere But Home" release, as well as the band's cover of the KORN song 'Thoughtless,' which has turned into a cult fan favorite. In other EVANESCENCE news, the band have recently wrapped a successful tour of the U.S. with label-mates SEETHER, and have been nominated for the upcoming 2004 American Music Awards in the category of favorite Pop and Rock band, duo or group. The American Music Awards take place in Los Angeles, CA this year on November 14th.
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10.21.04 (MusicPortal.com) Grammy winning, multi-platinum Pop/Rockers THE DOOBIE BROTHERS will issue a new CD and DVD on November 9th via Sanctuary Records, entitled "Live At Wolf Trap." The two new releases feature music from throughout the group's stylistically wide-ranging repertoire encompassing sales of more than 40 million records, and marks their first live recordings in eight years. Recorded during their 2004 Summer tour at the outdoor Wolf Trap National Park For The Performing Arts in Virginia, "Live At Wolf Trap" captures the venerable line-up of long-time members Tom Johnston (guitars/vocals), Patrick Simmons (guitar/vocals), Keith Knudsen (drums/vocals), John McFee (guitars/strings/vocals) and Mike Hossack (drums) at the peak of their live game. The song list features some of the THE DOOBIE BROTHERS' best-known work, along with choice cuts from their recent studio releases: 'Rockin' Down The Highway,' 'Jesus Is Just Alright,' 'Listen To The Music,' 'China Grove,' 'Black Water' and 'Long Train Running,' along with 'Little Bitty Pretty One' (from the "Long Train Runnin'" box set) and 'People Gotta Love Again' and 'Five Corners' from 2000's "Sibling Rivalry," among others. The DVD features a top-quality, multi-camera shoot along with 5.1 Dolby Surround, 5.1 DTS Surround, and Dolby Stereo audio mixes as well as an extensive photo gallery and new interviews with the group.

10.21.04 (MusicPortal.com) Metal Blade recording artists STARWOOD have announced they will commence a world tour in support of their debut album, "If It Aint Broke, Break It!," in their hometown of Hollywood, California on November 15, where they will share the bill at House Of Blues with the long-time rockers UFO. The next day, STARWOOD are off to the UK for a series of dates with ex-MOTLEY CRUE frontman Vince Neil. The tour announcement comes just as the band are shooting their first video for the song 'Subculture.' According to vocalist/guitarist Lizzy, who produced the recording with bandmate Joey Scott (drums & percussion/backing vocals), 'Subculture' is an invitation to those who will never be in the subculture of society to join STARWOOD and others like them in Hollywood. The video mixes performance footage with scenes celebrating the Hollywood scene the band celebrates in their music. 'Subculture' is just one of several tracks on "If It Aint Broke, Break It!" currently garnering nationwide airplay. Others include 'All My Girlfriends Have Boyfriends,' 'Whats Your Damage' and 'Backlash.' Lizzy says he chose to name the band after the famed 70s Hollywood club because The Starwood was where fans started seeing Metal bands on a regular basis, with the venue continuing to host shows by Rock, Pop and Punk bands - all elements that can be heard in STARWOOD's music. The band are also planning an extensive tour for sometime in 2005.
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10.20.04 (MusicPortal.com) MIDNIGHT MOVIES begin a new stateside tour tonight at UC Santa Cruz in support of their recently released debut album on Rykodisc/Emperor Norton Records. Dates running through mid-November will be played with support from CLINIC, after which the band will be in Europe. Upon MIDNIGHT MOVIES' return to the U.S. in early December, they will then play a string of west coast dates with EARLIMART. Look for another tour in January/February of 2005 with LUNA. 10/20/04 Santa Cruz, CA [UC Santa Cruz] • 10/21/04 San Francisco, CA [Bottom Of The Hill] • 10/22/04 Oakland, CA [Mile High Club ] • 10/24/04 Eugene, OR [WOW Hall] • 10/25/04 Seattle, WA [Neumo's] • 10/26/04 Portland, OR [Doug Fir Lounge] • 10/29/04 Minneapolis, MN [The Fine Line] • 10/30/04 Chicago, IL [The Abbey Pub] • 10/31/04 Chicago, IL [The Abbey Pub] • 11/02/04 Pittsburgh, PA [Mr. Smalls Theatre] • 11/03/04 Detroit, MI [Magic Stick] • 11/05/04 Toronto, ONT [Lee's Palace] • 11/06/04 Northampton, MA [Pearl Street] • 11/08/04 Portland, ME [Big Easy] • 11/09/04 Boston, MA [Paradise] • 11/10/04 New York, NY [Irving Plaza] • 11/11/04 Philadelphia, PA [Five Spot] • 11/12/04 Brooklyn, NY [Southpaw] • 11/14/04 New York, NY [Club Shout!] • 12/08/04 San Francisco, CA [The Independent] • 12/09/04 Eugene, OR [WOW Hall] • 12/10/04 Seattle, WA [Neumo's] • 12/11/04 Portland, OR [Doug Fir] • 12/14/04 Orange County, CA [Detroit Bar] • 12/15/04 San Diego, CA [The Casbah]
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10.19.04 (MusicPortal.com) STEREOPHONICS vocalist/guitarist Kelly Jones has written the title track for "Long Way Round," a seven-part documentary series following Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman on their epic motorbike journey, 20,000 miles around the world. The track 'Long Way Round' was recorded by STEREOPHONICS. Said Jones of his involvement with the project: "I got involved with Ewan and 'Long Way Round' after I met him at our show at the Royal Albert Hall. I gave him a film script I'd written to read, just for some advice & then I went along to the going away party of theirs, and we kept in touch during his round the world trip and our round the world tour. He asked me to write the title sequence song and I wrote a few lines down there and then and put the music to it when I got back from touring. It is a very, very simple song, just trying to catch the sentiment of being away from the people you love even though you love being away doing what it is you do at the same ti! me. Ewan played it to his wife and she phoned me and told me she loved it, and that's all that's important to me. I feel I captured what they both felt being apart from one another and the feelings they went through during the ride." "Long Way Round," which started in the UK earlier this year, took McGregor & Boorman across Europe, then through the Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada and across the USA to their final destination, New York City.
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10.18.04 (AP) Singer MARC ALMOND, whose band SOFT CELL scored a massive international hit in the early 1980s with their version of the song 'Tainted Love,' has been hospitalized after suffering severe head injuries in a road crash, police said. Almond, 47, was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle when it collided with a car in central London on Sunday afternoon, a spokesman for the City Of London Police said. He was thrown from the bike and suffered severe head injuries, the spokesman said, adding that his condition remained critical Monday morning. It was unclear if he had been wearing a helmet. The singer was in stable condition at the Royal London Hospital in the east of the capital, the hospital's governing body said in a statement Monday. The motorcycle's driver, who hasn't been identified, was also seriously injured, police said. SOFT CELL earned a No. 1 hit in Britain along with major U.S. airplay in 1981 with 'Tainted Love,' their electronic synthesizer-laden cover of a classic Gloria Jones soul song. Almond and fellow SOFT CELL band member David Ball broke up the duo in 1984, after which Almond began a successful solo career. MARC ALMOND scored another major hit with a cover of singer/songwriter Gene Pitney's 'Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart' in 1989, which he sang with Pitney.
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