11.30.04 (MusicPortal.com) PAUL McCARTNEY has been tapped to perform in the Super Bowl XXXIX Halftime Show on FOX at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, February 6th, the NFL has announced. "We are extremely pleased to work again with Paul McCartney, one of the greatest musicians of our time, to create a memorable show," said Steve Bornstein, the NFL's executive vice president of media. Added Bornstein, who will oversee the show for the NFL: "As one of the world's most beloved artists and incomparable live entertainers, Paul McCartney will deliver an inspirational performance." "There's nothing bigger then being asked to perform at the Super Bowl," said McCartney. "We're looking forward to rocking the millions at home and in the stadium." "We're thrilled Paul McCartney has agreed to perform at halftime of Super Bowl XXXIX," said FOX Sports Chairman David Hill. "He is one of the world's most influential rock artists, and his music has been part of our culture for 40 years. He, more than any other musician, lives up to this year's Super Bowl theme of "Building Bridges." His music bridges generations, countries, cultures and musical genres. I'm also sure that the duet Paul performed with Terry Bradshaw at Super Bowl XXXVI was such a major event, that he couldn't wait to reunite with Terry in Jacksonville." This will be McCartney's second Super Bowl appearance. He provided a memorable pre-game performance at Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans in 2002, the first Super Bowl after the tragic events of September 11th.

11.29.04 (MusicPortal.com) Earlier this month during a live concert appearance at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California, THE TUBES' lead singer and frontman Fee Waybill was bitten by a number of "Mouse Ear" bats. Waybill, who co-found the pioneering early shock rock band from San Francisco, has spent the past week in Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles undergoing injections for rabies and a series of blood tests. "This is the last time we play Agoura Hills," says Waybill. "Had we known that the area was awash with bats, we would have thought twice about playing the venue. The bat situation in California is getting out of hand. This is the first time any kind of animal has attacked me during a performance. The Tubes may be perceived to be an outrageous rock 'n' roll band, but this is too extreme." For the past week, Waybill has been slowly recovering while being placed on a rigorous health and fitness regime. Personal trainer Larry Gillespie says: "Fee's a trooper. Bat bites can drain the energy from your central nervous system, but Fee is making a speedy recovery and should be up to speed for THE TUBES' forthcoming "Wild West Show" UK concerts at the following venues beginning next week: 12/05 Stourbridge, UK [Rock Cafe] • 12/06 London, UK [Shepherd's Bush Empire] • 12/07 Liverpool, UK [Carling Academy] • 12/08 Glasgow, UK [King Tut's Wah Wah] • 12/09 Birmingham, UK [Carling Academy] • 12/10 Bristol, UK [Carling Academy] • 12/11 Manchester, UK [Academy 3] • 12/13 Penzance, UK [The Acorn Theatre] • 12/14 Portsmouth, UK [Southsea Parade Pier]

11.26.04 (MusicPortal.com) With their debut album "A Drawing Of A Memory Of A Photograph Of You" due in early 2005, Los Angeles-based SPACE MTN are keeping busy. Having spent the Summer playing a series of club dates in California and working on the upcoming album, SPACE MTN are about to take to the screen with director Joaqiun Baca-Asay. Recently awarded the MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography, Baca-Asay shot a video with SPACE MTN in Los Angeles late last month. Using cutting-edge digital technology combined with live sound, Baca-Asay is creating a performance video for the band's first single, 'Hovercraft,' that will be featured on "A Drawing Of A Memory Of A Photograph Of You." Principal songwriter, bassist and vocalist Dina Waxman (The Lemonheads, Three, Yuichi, Emma Peel, Bedroom Walls) has crafted songs that give a voice to those who are struggling to understand how to relate to the world around them. With the help of several Los Angeles Rock contemporaries including drummer Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, The Vandals), strings players Joe Zimmerman and Josh Segal (Brazzaville) and several others, SPACE MTN has created an album that is incredibly well produced without sounding slick, incredibly smart without being obtuse, and incredibly infectious without sounding too sweet. Waxman's vocals howl and whisper, while Chris Jacks' (Fly) guitar and keyboards weave around her contagious bass lines and burst forth during the band's powerful choruses. SPACE MTN are planning a West Coast tour sometime in December, with dates and venues yet to be decided.
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11.24.04 (MusicPortal.com) Twenty-five years after THE CURE began their global musical invasion with their debut disc, "Three Imaginary Boys," Rhino Records will give the album its first-ever U.S. domestic release on December 7th. A deluxe two-disc edition loaded with previously unreleased tracks, the release of "Three Imaginary Boys" marks the kickoff to Rhino Records' coming revitalization of THE CURE's lengthy catalog of past albums and singles. In the coming months, each title by the band will receive a sonic upgrade and be released as a deluxe double-disc set featuring the original album on one CD and numerous rarities on the other. In addition, each revitalized release by THE CURE will come with a 16-page booklet filled with photos and tour memorabilia from the personal archives of vocalist Robert Smith, as well as a track-by-track commentary and notes by U.K. music scribe Johnny Black. Cure fans have long clamored for "Three Imaginary Boys," an energetic 1979 U.K. debut which features songs incuding '10:15 Saturday Night,' 'Grinding Halt,' 'Fire In Cairo,' and a quirky rendition of Jimi Hendrix's 'Foxy Lady.' The band's debut U.S. album, "Boys Don't Cry," featured many of the songs on "Three Imaginary Boys," along with singles like 'Jumping Someone Else's Train' and 'Boys Don't Cry.' The Rhino reissue offers the original U.K. album with an added previously unreleased instrumental in 'The Weedy Burton,' as well as a 20-track bonus disc which includes the additional tracks from "Boys Don't Cry," previously unreleased studio and home demo versions, live renditions, and other curiosities. In total, the package includes... [full story]
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11.23.04 (AP) With the bright lights of lower Manhattan shining on the stage, U2 played a surprise outdoor concert Monday in a waterfront park beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Although the MTV-organized show hadn't been publicly announced or advertised, thousands lined up at the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, a riverside park between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and across from the New York skyline. Most people said they heard about the show through word-of-mouth or postings on U2 fan web sites. The concert was for an MTV special called "mtvJAMMED: U2," set to air December 10th. Led by frontman Bono, U2 played songs from their new album, "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb." Although the album wasn't scheduled to be released until today, many fans had already downloaded the songs and sang along with the choruses. Deb Pruitt, 47, left her home in Culpeper, Va., at 4 a.m. to see the concert. She met her daughter, Melissa, who was flown in from Los Angeles after winning a U2 raffle. "It's totally worth it not to sleep at all and drive eight hours to be here," said Pruitt. "We're big fans." Before the concert, U2 spent the day playing on the back of a flatbed truck that wound through city streets as a film crew shot the band for a new video. When the waiting fans in Brooklyn saw the truck crossing the Manhattan Bridge with the band on board, they screamed and waved at the rockers. "It was an incredible show," Zain Deane, 30, said after the band's 45-minute set. "U2's the best. And there's nothing like the skyline at night."
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11.23.04 (MusicPortal.com) Remaining fairly quiet since their last studio album, 2001's "Toxicity," SYSTEM OF A DOWN have been holed up since July with producer Rick Rubin, pumping out an extraordinary amount of material that has justified the release of a double-disc album early next year, entitled "Hypnotize/Mesmerize." The twist, however, is that each of the two full length discs will be released individually, six months apart, with "Hypnotize" slated for a March/April release and "Mesmerize" set to hit stores around August/September. SYSTEM OF A DOWN guitarist Daron Malakian says that while they never intended to do a double album, the recording sessions were so prolific, and the quality and cohesion of the tracks so good, that it was impossible to split the set up. "We didn't chase this idea, it chased us," Malakian comments. "When we started recording, we were focused on making every song the best it could be. Doing a two-album set never entered into our thought process. But when we looked at all the songs we had and arbitrarily tried to choose 'the best' 14 for one album, we realized we had two albums' worth of really great songs, and that they all connected with each other." As with past SYSTEM OF A DOWN releases, fans can expect the album to have strong political and social currents running through it. "There has been a great deal of upheaval ... for all of us over the past year or so," says vocalist Serj Tankian, "and that has brought forth a lot of emotional material. There's a good amount of social commentary in the new songs, as well as songs where we deal with love, reminiscing, relationships, politics and funny experiences."
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11.22.04 (AP) TERRY MELCHER, a record producer and songwriter who aided the careers of RY COODER, THE BYRDS and THE BEACH BOYS, has died at the age of 62. Melcher, the son of actress Doris Day, died Friday night at his Beverly Hills home after a long battle with melanoma. Melcher co-wrote the hit song 'Kokomo' for THE BEACH BOYS. The song was used in the movie "Cocktail," and was nominated for a Golden Globe award in 1988 for best original song. He also performed on that band's classic album, "Pet Sounds." In the early 1960s, Melcher began singing as a solo act, and later paired with future Beach Boy Bruce Johnston to form the group BRUCE & TERRY. The pair had several hits, then went on to form THE RIP CHORDS, who recorded the 1964 hit, 'Hey Little Cobra.' In the mid-1960s, Melcher joined Columbia Records as a producer. Working with THE BYRDS, he produced their top-selling version of Bob Dylan's 'Mr. Tambourine Man' and other hits, including 'Turn, Turn, Turn.' Melcher also produced hit songs for PAUL REVERE AND THE RAIDERS and worked with THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS. In 1969, TERRY MELCHER's name became linked with the grisly Charles Manson murders. Melcher once rented the home where actress Sharon Tate and a group of her friends were murdered by Manson followers. Rumors circulated that Melcher, who knew Manson, was the real target because he had turned Manson down for a record contract. Los Angeles police discounted the rumors. Melcher had since moved to Malibu, and police established that Manson knew of his new address.

11.19.04 (MusicPortal.com) Hopeless Records has announced the signing of EVER WE FALL. The Portland, Oregon trio provide a fresh alternative to the often-typical Indie scene, with flavors varying from ambient/emotional to Pop-influenced Rock. Appealing to fans of everything from Emo to Hardcore, EVER WE FALL are a good bet for breakout success in 2005. The band has been honing their craft in Portland for the past two years, and spent this past Summer on their first-ever U.S. tour. Ranging in age from 17 to 19 years old, the members of EVER WE FALL are currently preparing to do some more touring as well as continue writing some new tunes to go on their debut full length set to hit the streets in 2005. Vocalist/Guitarist Adam Brazie had this to say about the signing: "We're so excited to be signing to one of the labels that we've grown up listening to, and a label that we have so much respect for. Plus being label-mates with our brothers Kaddisfly just tops off the excitement!" The Hopeless full-length will be the follow-up their debut EP, "Endura," which was released through Rise Records, a label the band signed with in September of 2003. Recorded at London Bridge Studios in Seattle with John Goodmanson (Death Cab For Cutie, Vaux, Sleater-Kinney) at the controls, EVER WE FALL recorded the 6-song EP in 4 days. The ironically titled debut release is a stunning, relentless call-to-arms, wrapped inside dense walls of guitar layered with acoustic guitars and piano.
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11.18.04 (MusicPortal.com) A six-song preview EP by Alternative Rock singer/songwriter TARA ANGELL entitled "Down And Out: The Come Down EP" has gone online on the Rykodisc Records website here. The "Come Down EP" is an exclusive free preview of six of the songs to come on TARA ANGELL's upcoming full-length debut album, "Come Down," which is slated to be released by Rykodisc sometime in February. Angell's music is a collection of classically poignant songs, combining the Southern Gothic tradition of dark humor and years of experience studying the great North American songwriters of the 20th century. Angell's songs are deeply sensitive, and come from life spent in and around New York City's underground culture, which is where she has lived for many years. With guitar in hand, TARA ANGELL's sexy attitude and pure determination quickly garnered notice within the New York City music scene -- not exactly an easy accomplishment for any artist. Club owners, musicians and music-lovers found themselves drawn to her songs and her sultry voice, and simply needed to hear more. In 2002, "Come Down" was completed, which she took to Austin, Texas, where she was accepted to perform at SXSW, after which Rykodisc VP of A&R Jeff Rougvie immediately offered Angell a recording deal. With regard to her live show, TARA ANGELL likes to mix it up. She performs solo/acoustic, as a trio, with a full band, and sometimes solo with just an electric guitar in hand.
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11.17.04 (MusicPortal.com) Aussie Rockers JET will get down to writing the songs for the follow-up to their highly successful debut album, "Get Born." when they take a well-deserved break from the limelight and their hectic touring schedule soon. Also, says bass player Mark Wilson: "I will start my regimen to get extremely fat, 'cause I got a couple months off." "We want to get Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson to guest on the album - as many talentless people as possible," joked JET drummer Chris Cester. "We want as many people who don't write their own songs as possible. That's the whole point. What the world needs are more talentless people." "We've been playing these songs for many years, even before the album was recorded, 'cause these were the songs we got our deal with," said Wilson. "We've been touring for a long time, and after you've been doing it for a while, all you want to do is write new songs and record new songs." "If we had new songs to play," added guitarist Cameron Muncey, "it would be really nice." Meanwhile, a new JET live DVD entitled "Family Style" is slated for a worldwide release next Tuesday, November 23rd. Featuring live concert footage shot in London in front of 4,000 fans, backstage moments and more, "Family Style" brings all the raw energy JET fans have come to expect from the group, plus several previously unreleased songs (in the North American territories) in the tracks 'Sweet Young Thing,' 'Hey Kids,' 'Take It Or Leave It' and 'That's Alright Mama.'
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11.16.04 (MusicPortal.com) Multi ARIA award winner DIESEL will be releasing his first live DVD on November 29th, entitled "The First Fifteen '89-'04 Live." One of Australia's most respected contemporary artists, he recently celebrated 15 years of music in a sold out, one-night-only show with a three-part performance encompassing solo acoustic, "stripped back" band and "slam dunk" electric, at Sydney's Metro Theatre this past Spring, wwhich show was recorded live on high definition video in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. DIESEL first erupted out of Perth in 1988 with his band THE INJECTORS, after which he launched his solo career in 1991 with the release of the single 'Love Junk,' followed by his debut album "Hepfidelity, which sold over 300,000 copies and delivered hit songs such as 'Tip of My Tongue' and 'Man Alive.' In 1993 the release of DIESEL's third album, "The Lobbyist," reached No.1 on the Australian charts, securing the ARIA for Best Male Artist for the second consecutive year. 1994's "Solid State Rhyme" became another multi-platinum smash for DIESEL, yielding more hits in 'All Come Together' and 'Fifteen Feet Of Snow.' The next few years spawned the Blues album "Short Cool Ones," "Soul Lost Companion" and "Hear," which received an ARIA nomination in 2003 for Best Independent Album. After forming his own independent Hepfidelity Records label, DIESEL released several singles, followed by the album "Singled Out," featuring stripped down acoustic versions of his better known songs.

11.15.04 (MusicPortal.com) Maverick Records has announced the signing of Pop-tinged Alternative Rockers AMERICAN HI-FI. The group's Maverick debut, "Hearts On Parade," was produced by Butch Walker along with the band, and is set for a March 1st, 2005 release. The themes on this new album reflect the transitions shaped largely by frontman Stacy Jones' relocation to Los Angeles last year after finding himself without a record deal. "We were just about to hit the road with Matchbox Twenty to promote our sophomore album, when our record company decided the future of music was with Emo bands," reflects Jones. "We thought we had it made -- a record we were proud of, a great tour and then the rug gets pulled out from under us." While settling into his new surroundings and adjusting to life without any definite future plans, Jones used his songwriting as a creative outlet. "After Island let us go, we took matters into our hands, built a studio, and made the record on our own terms," said Jones. "We were confident that we would find a home for this record." AMERICAN HI-FI have toured the U.S. extensively over the past year, including a co-headlining stint with friend Butch Walker. The collaboration continues tonight as 3/4 of the band back Walker as the opening act on the current Avril Lavigne tour, after which AMERICAN HI-FI and Walker will do a co-headlining tour come December 4th.
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11.12.04 (MusicPortal.com) After being celebrated for more than a decade for their consistently riveting live show, long-time Jam Fusion/Rockers RUSTED ROOT will be releasing their first live album this Tuesday, November 16th. Aptly entitled "Rusted Root Live," the new two-disc set features 22 tracks that span the group's more than 12-year career, including 2 brand new songs in 'Jack Kerouac' and 'Ecstatic Drums,' plus a cover of the Neil Young song 'Powderfinger.' "Rusted Root Live" will be issued on the band's own Touchy Pegg/DKE Records label, with a song list that ranges from such early favorites-turned live staples as 'Cruel Sun,' 'Ecstasy,' 'Martyr,' 'Cat Turned Blue' and the hit single 'Send Me On My Way' (all from 1992's "Cruel Sun"), to the popular 'Blue Diamonds' and the rousing title track from the band's last studio effort, 2002's "Welcome To My Party." Veering, like most previous RUSTED ROOT albums, into Eastern and African-sounding directions, the electrifying and powerfully rhythmic "Rusted Root Live" features the Pittsburgh-spawned band's original line-up of Michael Glabicki (lead vocals, guitar), Jenn Wertz (vocals, guitars, percussion), Liz Berlin (vocals, guitars, percussion), Jim Donovan (drums, percussion, vocals), Patrick Norman (bass, guitar, baritone vocals, percussion) and John Buynak (electric guitar, percussion, flute).
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11.11.04 (MusicPortal.com) Seattle-based Indie Rock quartet DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE have joined up with Atlantic Records via a long-term, worldwide deal. The band's current album, "Transatlanticism," along with their back catalog and an upcoming live EP set for a Spring release will remain on Barsuk Records. Future DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE recordings will be released by Atlantic and distributed domestically via WEA and outside the U.S. via Warner Music International, with future vinyl releases still being distributed stateside via Barsuk. DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE guitarist/producer Chris Walla comments: "Only a year ago, it seemed impossible that any major label could present us with a contract that we'd consider sgning. Not only were we wary of leaving the comfortable situation we've had at Barsuk, but since Josh and the rest of Barsuk have been close friends of ours and have matched us hour-for-hour working for the success of the band, we'd never have made a move without their blessing. We're so excited that Atlantic came to us with everything we could have asked for. We're looking forward to continuing to do exactly what we already do, but with more resources to make the records that we've always wanted to make. Atlantic's willingness to support the way we do things in terms of marketing and creativity has been so exciting and, best of all, we've clicked personally with a core group of people at the company. We expect the transition will be a seamless one."
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11.10.04 (MusicPortal.com) Sanctuary Visual Entertainment has announced the upcoming release of a live JACKYL DVD. "Live From The Full Throttle Saloon," this January 24th, which captures the band performing a storming set at The Full Throttle Saloon, the ultimate rock 'n' roll venue located in South Dakota. The audience contains a large portion of bikers, who clearly revel in JACKYL's heady brew of Southern Boogie and Rock-heavy sound, with which the band responds in kind by delivering some of their better known tracks including 'Mental Masturbation,' 'Push Come To Shove,' 'Secret Of The Bottle,' 'You Want It Heavy' and many others. JACKYL vocalist Jesse James Dupree comments: "We've been on tour constantly since the release of our first album in 1992, so it's only natural to put out a live release. We did issue a limited-edition live album in Europe in 1995 since we weren't going to be able to make it over there to tour -- and there have been live B-sides, a CDR recorded in Seattle at which the members of Nirvana were slam-dancing to 'I Stand Alone,' and a track on Woodstock '94 which we were proud to be a part of -- but Live at the Full Throttle Saloon is our first body of work to include songs from all of our albums. The real star of this live recording is the crowd. On You cannot manufacture the likes of 15,000 people singing along with 'Down On Me' or 'Dirty Little Mind.' We went balls-out at this show. There was a lot of excitement and adrenaline," says Dupree. "That's what you get with a straight-up, greasy rock 'n' roll band. As a unit, we're a punch in the gut."

11.09.04 (MusicPortal.com) Following the recent release of A PERFECT CIRCLE's third studio album, "eMOTIVe," will be a special CD/DVD package, interestingly dubbed "aMOTION." The double-disc set is the ultimate APC fan collection, with the CD featuring nine remixes of many of A PERFECT CIRCLE's favorites such as '3 Libras,' 'The Outsider,' and 'Weak And Powerless,' retooled by such artists as MASSIVE ATTACK, DANNY LOHNER and the band's very own JAMES IHA. "aMOTION' is slated for release via Virgin Records next Tuesday, November 16th. While the "aMOTION" CD features newly interpreted songs from the band's catalog, rhe "aMOTION" DVD content gathers together unexpurgated versions of A PERFECT CIRCLE's amazing video output, including 'Judith' (directed by David Fincher of "Fight Club" fame), 'Thinking Of You,' and the sardonically funny 'Counting Bodies Like Sheep To The Rhythm Of The War Drums' clip. Also featured is a stunning live take on 'The Noose,' along with a brand-new video for the song 'Blue,' directed by Jose Perez, who won the opportunity to helm the clip via an online contest held on A PERFECT CIRCLE's official web site, www.aperfectcircle.com. As if that weren't enough, the 'aMOTION' DVD includes the three 'Blue' runner-up videos, exclusive commentary, a photo gallery, and a trio of trailers for the cult film series, "Bikini Bandits."
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11.08.04 (MusicPortal.com) Geffen Records band PAPA ROACH moved to the top of the charts six weeks ago, and as of the end of last week it looked like they practically own it. The band's first single off their current album, 'Getting Away With Murder,' has been #1 for six weeks straight at Active Rock radio as well as #4 at Modern Rock, with no sign of slowing down. As icing on the cake, the band's new track "Scars" had a massive week at radio, emerging as #1 Most Added at Modern Rock, Active Rock and Mainstream Rock. PAPA ROACH's latest album, "Getting Away With Murder," premiered at #17 on the Top 200. Currently, the band is on the road with support being given by label mates TRUST CO. Formed in Northern California in 1993, PAPA ROACH is comprised of vocalist Jacoby Shaddix, guitarist Jerry Horton, bassist Tobin Esperanceand drummer Dave Buckner. They made their recording debut with the 1994 EP "Potatoes For Christmas," followed by their full-length debut "Old Friends From Young Years" and two more indie EP's. When they released their second full-length album, "Infest," in 2000, all hell broke loose for PAPA ROACH. The album went triple-platinum, powered by the mega-hit single 'Last Resort.' With their 2002 CD, "lovehatetragedy," the band scored a #2 debut on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and a coveted slot on EMINEM's Anger Management Tour.
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11.05.04 (MusicPortal.com) YELLOWCARD's first-ever DVD, "Beyond Ocean Avenue: Live At The Electric Factory," has been released through Capitol Records. The DVD features over an hour of quality concert footage from YELLOWCARD's sold-out May 2004 performance at Philadelphia's Electric Factory, mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound. The attention YELLOWCARD has received since the release of their third album, "Ocean Avenue," this past Summer has been huge. With major hits like 'Way Away,' 'Ocean Avenue' and 'Only One,' they have built a loyal following of young fans. But even with their break into the major scene, this Florida band still remains relatively well-respected within the "underground" scene. Also included on the "Beyond Ocean Avenue: Live At The Electric Factory" DVD is the "Beyond Ocean Avenue" documentary, which chronicles the band's rise from Indie label heroes to the main stage at the Warped Tour and beyond. It's a frenetic, behind-the-scenes look at life on the road with YELLOWCARD -- everything from surprising unsuspecting fans to hunting for lost violins to getting spur-of-the-moment tattoos. "Beyond Ocean Avenue: Live At The Electric Factory" DVD Track Listing: 1. Believe • 2. Miles Apart • 3. Life Of A Salesman • 4. View From Heaven • 5. Avondale • 6. Starstruck • 7. Powder • 8. October Nights • 9. A.W.O.L. • 10. Empty Apartment • 11. Ocean Avenue • 12. Breathing • 13. Back Home • 14. Way Away • 15. Twentythree • 16. Only One
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11.04.04 (MusicPortal.com) A remixed and remastered version of JOHN LENNON's album "Rock 'N' Roll" has been released. With the new version supervised by Yoko Ono, "Rock 'N' Roll" is the fourth of JOHN LENNON's solo efforts to be remixed and remastered by Capitol Records. The album, which was originally released in 1975 and is considered by many as one of the most highly revered albums of his post-Beatles career appears this time around with four bonus tracks and a new selection of black and white Lennon photographs in the booklet. The bonus tracks are 'To Know Her Is To Love Her' and 'Angel Baby,' both remastered, a never-before issued version of the track 'Since My Baby Left Me' (which was originally included on "Menlove Avenue"), and a reprise of 'Just Because' with an alternative ending and a very special Christmas message to fellow Beatles Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and the British people. Ono was inspired to include this version of the track for all the Lennon and Beatles fans across the world. "Rock 'N' Roll" originally paid tribute to JOHN LENNON's teenage idols, including Chuck Berry, Gene Vincent, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Ben E. King and Buddy Holly. Sessions for the album began in L.A. in 1973 with Phil Spector producing. Lennon returned to the album and completed it the following year, retaining three tracks produced by Spector. "Rock 'N' Roll" was originally produced by JOHN LENNON.
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11.03.04 (MusicPortal.com) Aussie Alternative Rockers GELBISON will release their sophomore album, "See The World," Monday November 8th via EMI Records. The new effort is a warm invitation into the world of GELBISON, an album of a band finding itself, becoming looser and more approachable. "Before we started recording, I really didn't know if we could do it," admits GELBISON vocalist/guitarist Edo. "All the dramas of life had just mounted up. I'd just broken up with my girlfriend, Dave (Galafassi, ex-drummer) had married and decided to leave the band, and the weight of expectations that comes with a second record, was getting to me." As a result, the emotions expressed go from the aching to the euphoric. "See The World" takes stylistic and musical leaps from GELBISON's debut album, "1704." The listener will find hints of the band's passion for Electronica, ambient loops, cinematic orchestration and the stripped back Folk/Country simplicity the Kahn Brothers found in their Nations By The River collaboration. But the fact that GELBISON do it with such subtlety is further evidence of their artistic growth and the strength of the new album. "On '1704,' we explored a wide range of our personalities and influences," Edo explains. "The canvas felt limitless and we tried to incorporate everything we love about music into the one painting. On 'See The World' the canvas is still full, but somehow the picture is clearer."
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11.02.04 (MusicPortal.com) THE ROLLING STONES' 2-disc live album, "Live Licks," has been released by Virgin Records. The new release documents the band's "Licks World Tour 2002/3," one of the most successful tours of THE ROLLING STONES' career. "Live Licks" not only features many of the band's hits, but also 11 unique tracks that have never been recorded live by the group in their 42-year career. THE ROLLING STONES took the 'Licks Tour' around the world, often playing cities they had not been to before in Eastern Europe and the Far East, and toured the world celebrating their four decades together in a way only they could, playing to over two million people in a range of venues, packing out clubs, arenas and massive stadiums. "Live Licks" is illuminated by guest performances from Sheryl Crow, who appears on 'Honky Tonk Women,' and Soul legend Solomon Burke, who guests on his own 'Everybody Needs Somebody To Love,' which shows the Stones highlighting a performer that they have drawn much inspiration from during their career. "Live Licks" stands as a snapshot of the band in a celebratory mood, reeling off tracks from their illustrious catalogue, with classics such as 'Paint It Black,' 'Brown Sugar', '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' and 'Gimme Shelter', lesser known gems such as 'Rocks Off' and 'Worried About You', 'Monkey Man' mixed with choice cover versions such as 'Rock Me, Baby,' and Keith Richards' unique version of Hoagy Carmichael's 'The Nearness of You.'

11.01.04 (MusicPortal.com) Experimental Pop/Rocker TORI AMOS has announced the unveiling of two new projects come February -- a new CD entitled "The Beekeeper," which will be released on 2/22, and her first book, "Tori Amos: Piece By Piece," which was co-written with journalist Ann Powers. Currently, Amos is putting the finishing touches on "The Beekeeper," which she's recording and self-producing in her UK studio Martian Engineering. On unique new tracks like 'Sweet The Sting,' 'Sleeps With Butterflies,' and 'Ribbons Undone,' TORI AMOS incorporates vintage organs, Afro-Cuban drums and Gospel choirs, working once again with here long-time musical partners, drummer Matt Chamberlain and bassist Jon Evans. "The Beekeeper is musically inspired by the fact that the piano has realized that she has an organ - with my right hand on her organ and my left hand on her piano keys, I have been changed by the relationship between these two beautiful creatures, the Bosendorfer piano and the B3 Hammond organ," Amos says. In the book "Tori Amos: Piece By Piece," the usually private TORI AMOS gives a rare inside look into many intimacies of her life as both a private individual and a very public performing musician. The book, published by Broadway Books (a division of Random House), will be released on February 8th. On Thursday, February 24, TORI AMOS and co-author Powers will make a special appearance at the 92nd Street Y in New York City.
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[Rock News: October 2004]
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