12.30.05 (MusicPortal.com) JULIAN LENNON has sent out the following year-ending holiday newsletter: "Hi folks! Happy New Year everyone! And it's been quite a year. For Mum especially. Her book, 'John,' was published in September to great reviews and wonderful feedback from the fans. She has asked me to pass on her thanks for all your letters and emails and your support and kindness over the past few months. I know she especially enjoyed meeting so many people at her signings both in Europe and in the U.S. Thank you! I genuinely felt that the time was right for Mum to write her story, that her side was long overdue, and so I was really heartened by your positive response to the book. I sincerely recommend 'John' to all of you who in Mum's words want to know 'the real story of the real John, the man who made such an impact on the world.' Many people have said how much they enjoyed reading my foreword to Mum's book as well, so thanks for that as well. For me, the most exciting thing this past year has been the completion of my home studio. I've been having a great time these last few months, writing new songs and collaborating with Greg Darling and other musicians and friends. I was recently in the UK for a few weeks trying to finalize 'The Team' I've been putting together over the year, and it seems, so far, that my dream team is really coming together. They're all very talented people in their own right - details of who they are will be announced once everyone signs on the dotted line! If all goes according to plan I'll be in the studio this spring recording with my producer of choice, and hopefully -- once PR and marketing are organized -- you will be hearing something new from me, either by year's end of 2006, or first thing in 2007. In the meantime... All the best and Happy New Year - see you on the other side! Love, Jules." If you hadn't read it, JULIAN LENNON also issued a rare public statement this past Fall, prior to the 25th anniversary of his father John Lennon's death: As the anniversary of Dad's death approaches, I have, inevitably, started receiving many requests for interviews. I am not going to give any interviews on the subject; I genuinely feel that I have talked about Dad enough. But I do appreciate the enormous interest people have in my father and his legacy and so, in lieu of interviews, I am going to say just this: Dad was a great talent whose music and ideals are an inspiration to millions. Yet I have always had very mixed feelings about Dad. He was the father I loved who let me down in so many ways. Who knows how our relationship might have developed if he had not been murdered... It's painful to think that his early death robbed me of the chance for us to know each other better. What can never be taken away are his words and music - that's his legacy for me. It's in my blood for a start. Like Dad, I became a musician too, and -- as with many other artists in this world -- his words and music continue to influence me today and probably forever more. I expect there will be lots of other programs and profiles commemorating and celebrating Dad on and around December 8th... For Mum and me, that day will be one of private remembrance."
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12.29.05 (MusicPortal.com) Scandinavian Crossover Rock/Metal pioneers CLAWFINGER have sent out their latest newsletter to fans, which reads: "So the tour is closing in on us, good people, but before we focus totally on it we need to celebrate the New Year in good old fashion. In other words, we'll be eating and drinking too much in the company of friends and family, and then we as a human race will just start over with another year of madness, insanity and irrational behavior around the whole world to prove that we have learned absolutely nothing from all our wrong doings!" CLAWFINGER are also slated to play some live dates in Europe during the months of January, February and March, which they elaborate on in their newsletter: "Anyway, we have yet to rehearse or decide which songs we will be playing, but obviously we'll be playing quite a few from the new album, at least 6 tracks or so. Beyond that, we might try out a few old classics that haven't been played in a while, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the rehearsals go down and which songs seem to come across the best! Northern Swedish band Calm Chaos will be supporting us on the January dates - still haven't met the guys yet so I can't say much about them, but for anyone who likes Rage Against The Machine and crossover in general then I'm sure you'll enjoy them if your taste goes beyond listening to what other people consider trendy or not! Anyway, I hope they'll enjoy there time with us and of course vice versa! For February and maybe even further onwards, Treekillaz will be supporting us once again. Most of you who have seen us in the last few years most surely know what they sound like, but for those of you who don't know well it's punk rock pop metal with a grunge twist - damn, I hate trying to describe music, anyway it's good stuff! So people, be sure to buy your tickets, bring your party hats, good attitudes, cameras, and whatever else is required to create a good atmosphere! We're looking forward to partying with you, working on our tinnitus, and turning our days and nights around completely! We'll see you all soon - until then, take care and beware, it's a wild fucking place out there. All the same, enjoy the ride. Peace, Zak." Tour Dates: January 11th Hamburg, Germany [Knust] • January 12th Koln, Germany [Prime Club] • January 13th Fribourg, Switzerland [Fri-Son] • January 14th Zurich, Switzerland [X-Tra] • January 16th Wien, Austria [Planet Music] • January 17th Graz, Austria [Orpheum] • January 18th Ljubljana, Slovakia [Orto Bar] • January 19th Budapest, Hungary [Petofi Csarnok] • January 20th Prague, CH [Abaton] • January 21st Warsaw, Poland [Stodola] • February 18th Laax, Switzerland [Riders Palace] • February 19th Munchen, Germany [New Backstage] • February 20th Saarbrucken, Germany [Garage] • February 21st Luxembourg, Luxembourg [Rockhal] • February 22nd Utrecht, Holland [Tivoli De Helling] • February 24th London, UK [The Garage] • February 25th Nottingham, UK [Rock City] • February 26th Glasgow, UK [Cathouse] • February 27th Newcastle, UK [Academy] • February 28th Manchester, UK [Academy 3] • March 2nd Berlin, Germany [SO36] • March 3rd Luneburg, Germany [Garage] • March 4th Copenhagen, Denmark [The Rock] •
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12.29.05 (MusicPortal.com) ANTHRAX members Frankie Bello (bass), Charlie Benante (drums) and Scott Ian (guitar) got together in Chicago (where Benante lives with his wife) in early December to jam on new material. According to Ian, rough "skeletons" of three new songs came out of those sessions, with the band scheduled to continue writing in early 2006. ANTHRAX will kick off a 13-date U.S. tour on January 6th in Baltimore, Maryland. Support at the shows will come from GOD FORBID, SWORN ENEMY and MANNTIS. Commented Ian: "I'm itching to get back out on tour. The (Judas) Priest tour was great, but we were opening. Now we get to headline. More songs, more fun, more crushing, more beer, more insanity, more everything!!! This is the reason to get out of the house in freezing cold January. Come and get hot with us. This is the last run for a long time, and you don't want to miss it." ANTHRAX are expected to take a couple of months off following the U.S. tour so that Benante can spend time with his newborn child (which is due in February). A European headlining tour is tentatively planned for April. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon. Commemorating their 20th anniversary by touring with their original lineup for the first time in 13 years, ANTHRAX have been exclusively playing their classics from 1985 to 1991 since September both on the Gigantour as well as with JUDAS PRIEST. 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. One of the most acclaimed Metal bands in history, ANTHRAX reunited their original lineup of vocalist Joey Belladonna, guitarists Ian and Dan Spitz, Bello and 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, that DVD also spotlights 13 performances on the group's triumphant reunion tour. The "Alive 2 (2005)" CD reprised 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 added 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 have been released with newly remastered versions of their many classic tracks. The "Anthrax CDC" (www.anthraxcdc.com), home of the official ANTHRAX Worldwide Fan Club, is also now the main online source for exclusive ANTHRAX content, contests, merchandise, etc.
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12.28.05 (MusicPortal.com) QUEENSRYCHE returned to the studio this past Summer to record the long-anticipated sequel to 1988's acclaimed concept album, "Operation: Mindcrime." Praised by critics and certified platinum, the original remained on Billboard's album chart for more than a year, and its dynamic music and powerful message still resonate today. Rhino Records will help to unravel the mysteries of the original with "Operation: Mindcrime II," which will be released by the label on March 14th. The new sequel contains a 15-song story and is performed by the Seattle-based quintet that is QUEENSRYCHE -- vocalist and chief songwriter Geoff Tate, guitarists Michael Wilton and Mike Stone, bassist Eddie Jackson, and drummer Scott Rockenfield. Tate says the current political and social climate inspired him to revisit the storyline. "I left the original open-ended with the intent to come back with a sequel to finish the story up," he says. "Considering where we are today and how little things have changed, it was too ironic not to continue the story." "Operation: Mindcrime"'s intriguing and complex plot revolves around Dr. X, a political puppet master who brainwashes Nikki, the story's main character, to assassinate corrupt public figures. The story also includes Nikki's lover, Sister Mary. A former teenage prostitute who becomes a nun, Sister Mary is murdered mysteriously, leaving the cliffhanger "Who Killed Sister Mary?" Set 20 years after the original, "Operation: Mindcrime II" explores Nikki's fate after being released from prison and reveals the identity of Mary's killer. "I tried to put myself in Nikki's shoes and imagine what it would be like for him to come back to society after spending 20 years in jail stewing about what happened to him," Tate says. "I became fascinated with the concept of revenge and what that would do to a person like Nikki. The story is ultimately about how Nikki wrestles with his conflicted emotions. On one side, his base instincts are pushing him to kill those who wronged him. On the other side, his conscience -- represented by the spirit of Sister Mary -- urges him to learn from his past mistakes and find salvation." Earlier this year QUEENSRYCHE launched a sold-out tour featuring the original "Operation: Mindcrime" performed in its entirety with actors on stage portraying the characters alongside the band. Tate says the band plans to launch a tour in 2006 that will feature a stage performance of both "Operation: Mindcrime" albums in their entirety. "The actors on stage with us add a new dimension to the music," he says. "It's different than your typical rock show, but the audiences really got into the 'Mindcrime I' tour. It's exciting to have the opportunity to combine both albums into one show. It's going to be epic." Since their formation in 1981 near, QUEENSRYCHE have released nine studio albums. "Empire," the 1990 follow-up to "Operation: Mindcrime," sold more than two million copies thanks in part to the enormous success of the hit 'Silent Lucidity.' 1994's "Promised Land" was also certified platinum, and featured the hits 'I Am I' and 'Bridge.'
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12.28.05 (MusicPortal.com) EDGUY are currently rehearsing for their upcoming world tour, which will feature the band's biggest stage set to date in order to promote their new album, "Rocket Ride," which is slated for release January 20th via Nuclear Blast Records. More dates than those listed below will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. In Europe, the limited first edition of "Rocket Ride" will come out in a book version of the album, featuring a photographic history of EDGUY with never-before-seen pictures from their early days plus one bonus track , 'Land Of The Miracle (Live In Brazil).' "I can't tell how happy I am with the new album," says frontman Tobias Sammet. "The press seems to like it and the material kicks so much ass in the rehearsing room. Of course it's the same old story, same procedure as every year, some people are confused or offended by a few song titles and the artwork, but that's fine with us! That's what metal is supposed to do. Confuse, offend, irritate! Remain exciting and unpredictable!! The truest and most upright form of art you can get! As long as the music kicks! I think this is by far our best album because we dared a lot on a high quality level. 'Hellfire Club' and 'Mandrake' had balls, 'Rocket Ride' has the testicles about the size of a sperm whale family. Sascha Paeth delivered the best production of his career so far, and he can be proud of himself (and he is rich now!). We wish you all a Happy New Year, health and complacency. May all your wishes come true. See you on tour in 2006." Tour Dates: January 27th Manchester, UK [MDH] • January 29th Nottingham, UK [Nottingham Rock City] • January 30th Leeds, UK [University] • January 31st Glasgow, UK [Glasgow Academy] • February 1st Newcastle, UK [University] • February 3rd London, UK [Astoria] • February 4th Vosselaar, Belgium [Biebop] • February 6th Pratteln, CH [Z7] • February 7th Milan, [Rolling Stone] • February 9th Madrid, Spain [Aqualung] • February 10th Porto, Portugal [Hard Club] • February 11th Bergara, Spain [Sala Jam] • February 12th Barcelona, Spain [Razzmatazz 2] • February 14th Lyon, France [Transbordeur] • February 15th Paris, France [Elysee Mont Martre] • February 17th Stuttgart, Germany [LKA] • February 18th Kaufbeuren, Germany [All-Karthalle] • February 20th Langen, Germany [Stadthalle] • February 21st Koln, Germany [Live Music Hall] • February 22nd Oberhausen, Germany [Turbinenhalle] • February 24th Lichtenfels, Germany [Stadthalle] • February 25th Osnabruck, Germany [Halle Gartlage] • February 26th Hamburg, Germany [Markthalle] • February 28th Goteborg, Germany [Tradgarn] • March 1st Stockholm, Sweden [Arenan] • March 2nd Lund, Sweden [Mejeriet] • March 4th Fulda, Germany [Wartenberg-Oval - Angersbach] • March 15th Osaka, Japan [Quattro] • March 16th Tokyo, Japan [Liquid Room] • March 17th Tokyo, Japan [Liquid Room] • March 19th Taipeh, Taiwan [Family Theater] • March 21st Hong Kong, [China Hitec Auditorium] • March 24th Peking, China [Red Hall] • July 16th Vizovice, CH [Masters Of Rock]
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12.27.05 (MusicPortal.com) "The Gun Album," the latest studio release from Indie Pop/Rockers THE MINUS 5, will be released on February 7th via Yep Roc Records. The seventh full-length album from the band, it features the McCaughey/Buck/Ramberg/Rieflin line-up, as well as two tracks recorded in Chicago with WILCO, plus guest appearances from John Wesley Harding, Kelly Hogan, Morgan Fisher (Mott), Sean Nelson (Harvey Danger/Long Winters), and Colin Meloy and John Moen (The Decemberists). However, make no mistake that Scott McCaughey represents the heart and soul of THE MINUS FIVE, who have existed in one form or another since 1993. Songwriter/singer/instrumentalist for YOUNG FRESH FELLOWS (1983 to present), instrumentalist for R.E.M. (1994 to present) as well as instrumentalist/songwriter for TUATARA alongside R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, McCaughey has actually made many recordings and played many shows with a number of other artists since 1972. THE MINUS FIVE itself started when McCaughey realized he had a dumptruck-load of songs that YOUNG FRESH FELLOWS would either never get around to, or would wisely choose not to. His friends and fellow Seattleites Peter Buck, Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer were quick to volunteer to help him capture his vision, with those early sessions producing "The Hello EP" and "Old Liquidator." Many other luminants have since joined the ranks of THE MINUS FIVE over the years. A little historical background: UNCLE TUPELO opened for the popular YOUNG FRESH FELLOWS once at the Off Broadway in St. Louis, MO, circa 1988. There was an undeniable musical kinship struck between the bands, while years later other things would happen. For instance, Peter Buck produced UNCLE TUPELO's "March 16-20, 1992" album. Every so often, Scott McCaughey and Jeff Tweedy would find themselves at their wives' house in Chicago, playing each other records and new stuff their bands had recorded. On a night off on R.E.M.'s 1995 world tour, Tweedy learned a bunch of the songs off of "Old Liquidator," and played a set with McCaughey and Buck at the fabled and much-missed Lounge Ax. Somewhere along the line, Tweedy and McCaughey started talking about the desire to record together, and they kept talking about it over the years. After a GOLDEN SMOG show in Seattle, Tweedy, McCaughey and Barrett Martin recorded a new Minus 5 song entitled 'Childhood Lament,' which to this day resides carelessly on the unreleased "Let The War Against Music Begin Vol. 2" album. Tweedy's WILCO would later tour with R.E.M. in 1999, while McCaughey regularly contributed moogerfooger banjo to 'Misunderstood.' Then backstage in Munich, Germany came the Tweedy/McCaughey/Buck anthem, 'Lyrical Stance (I've Got A).' Later, in Toronto, Canada, Scott McCaughey and Jeff Tweedy penned 'The Family Gardener' and recorded a rough version of the song with Brian Paulson in a Raleigh, North Carolina Holiday Inn. In January of 2000, a two-week celebration of Lounge Ax (finally being evicted from its longtime home) brought McCaughey to Chicago to perform a set of new material with no rehearsal, featuring WILCO as THE MINUS 5. That set has since been widely bootlegged.
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12.27.05 (MusicPortal.com) The soundtrack album to the movie "Underworld Evolution" is slated for release on January 10th. The "Underworld" saga and it's accompanying musical scores are perhaps some of the most thoughtful, valued and respected genre film soundtracks continuing in the proud tradition of "The Matrix," "The Crow" and "Spawn." As "Underworld Evolution" continues the story, the new soundtrack album continue to set the tone musically. Contained here are an exclusive debut solo recording from Chester Bennington, as well as a new exclusive recording by PUSCIFER. Chester Bennington is best known as the lead singer for LINKIN PARK, while PUSCIFER -- who also contributed to the first "Underworld" album -- is a new outlet for highly respected and commercially successful musical figure Maynard James Keenan, best known as the frontman for both TOOL and A PERFECT CIRCLE. Another notable contributing member of PUSCIFER is Danny Lohner, the former NINE INCH NAILS guitarist - also a much sought-out songwriter, producer and remixer. It's also important to note that every song on the "Underworld Evolution" soundtrack album is exclusive to the set at the time of release. In addition to those mentioned previously are exclusive contributions from such varied and respected artists as MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, SLIPKNOT, MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO, CRADLE OF FILTH, as well as some of today's new and emerging bands like ATREYU, HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS, SENSES FAIL, ALKALINE TRIO, AIDEN, LACUNA COIL, TRIVIUM and more. Many of the 16 tracks also feature exclusive remixes by some of the most respected and sought after talents such as Danny Lohner, Chris Vrenna, cEvin Key and THE LEGION OF DOOM. Like Lohner, Vrenna also brings unique musical experience and sensibilities as a former member of NINE INCH NAILS. cEvin Key is the co-founder of SKINNY PUPPY as well as an established artist in his own right, remixing various artists of stature and releasing many solo albums under different monikers. Jack Dangers' exclusive MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO song also features the artist's first use of vocal performance in over six years, which is a rare treat for fans of the group. The "Underworld Evolution" movie is scheduled to open in theaters nationwide on January 20th. "Underworld Evolution" Track Listing: 1. Puscifer - The Undertaker (Renholder Mix) • 2. Chester Bennington Vs. Julien-K - Morning After • 3. Hawthorne Heights - Where Do I Stab Myself In The Ears (The Legion of Doom Remix) • 4. My Chemical Romance - To The End (RnR Cheryl Mix) • 5. Slipknot - Vermillion Pt. 2 (Bloodstone Mix) • 6. Alkaline Trio - Burn (Alleged Remix) • 7. Aiden - The Last Sunrise (Dusk Mix) • 8. Senses Fail - Bite To Break Skin (The Legion Of Doom Remix) • 9. Atreyu - Her Portrait In Black • 10. Trivium - Washing Away Me In The Tides • 11. Mendozza - Eternal Battle • 12. Lacuna Coil - Our Truth • 13. Gosling - Cat People (Putting Out The Fire) • 14. Bobby Gold - Why Are You Up • 15. Meat Beat Manifesto - Suicide • 16. Cradle Of Filth - HW2
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12.26.05 (MusicPortal.com) MODERN LIFE IS WAR will be playing a few shows in the northeastern U.S. in mid-January before heading over to Europe at the end of the month to play a month's worth of dates there with bands including THE EXPLOSION, PANIC, and OMISSION. In their few short years of existence since forming in Iowa at the beginning of 2002 with the goal of make sincere, youthful and passionate music, MODERN LIFE IS WAR have grown to become one of the more inspiring Punk/Hardcore bands in recent memory. With Dean Baltulonis (Give Up The Ghost, Madball, The Hope Conspiracy) at the helm to capture the band at Atomic Studios in Brooklyn, New York, "My Love. My Way" -- their 2003 debut album for Connecticut's Martyr Records -- crossed boundaries and won the support of the fans with it's unwavering passion and sincerity. Appealing to everyone from the jaded to the driven with their immeasurable heart and vigor, the band's new album, "Witness," was recorded and engineered by CONVERGE's Kurt Ballou at God City Studios in Salem, Massachusetts. "Witness" is not only a musical progression for MODERN LIFE IS WAR, but arguably closer to true artistic perfection than they've ever been. "Witness" is a story of real life struggle in contemporary rural America, as well as an artistic journey into the soul of personal rebellion - an introspective gaze into the bitter exile of their own lost generation. Lyrically captivating, musically discordant and soulfully haunting, "Witness" is both the crowning achievement and well-worn scar most artists strive for years to create. Tour Dates: 01/12 Washington, DC [Black Cat Backstage] • 01/13 Philly, PA [The 1st Unitarian Church] • 01/14 New York, NY [The Knitting Factory] • 01/27 Bochum, Germany [Matrix] • 01/28 Hengelo, Holland [Metropol - Reflectons Festival Pt. 1] • 01/29 Cardiff, UK [Ifor Bach] • 01/30 Sheffield, UK [DnR] • 01/31 Nottingham, UK [Old Angel] • 02/01 Manchester, UK [Star And Garter] • 02/02 Leeds, UK [Josephs Well] • 02/03 London UK [Barfly] • 02/05 Arnheim, Holland [Goudvishal] • 02/06 Bielefeld, Germany [Falkendom] • 02/07 Gothenburg, Sweden [Pustervik] • 02/08 Linkoping, Sweden [Skylten] • 02/09 Oslo, Norway [Sub Scene] • 02/10 Ibbenburen, Germany [JUZ Scheune] • 02/11 Saalfeld, Germany [Klubhaus] • 02/12 Katowice, Poland [Straszny Dwor] • 02/13 Gleisdorf, Austria [Kulturkeller] • 02/14 Munchen, Germany [Backstage] • 02/15 Dornbirn, Austria [Schlachthaus] • 02/16 Luzern, Switzerland [Treibhaus] • 02/17 Florence, Italy [CPA] • 02/18 Rome, Italy [Traffic] • 02/20 Toulouse, France [Carvan Serail] • 02/21 Bordeaux, France [TBA] • 02/22 Caen, France Bar [Laplace] • 02/23 Nevers, France Bar [Cafe Charbon] • 02/24 Lichtenstein, Germany [JZ Riot] • 02/25 Giessen, Germany [MUK] • 02/26 Antwerpen, Belgium [Hof Ter Lo - Reflections Festival Pt. 2]
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12.23.05 (MusicPortal.com) Veteran Rock vocalist ERIC BURDON is set to reveal his latest solo effort, "Soul Of A Man," which will be released via SPV Recordings on January 10th. There are few musicians that a listener recognizes even with closed eyes and among thousands of other voices. Such charismatic voices are what make music able to reach listeners across the globe. For over forty years now, ERIC BURDON has been gracing the world with his emotive and powerful voice, his infallible feel for authentic Blues/Rock, as well as his talent and energy. The old motto "it's the singer not the song" applies to Burdon quite fittingly. "Soul Of A Man," a 14-track recording, is at the interface of Rock, Blues, Folk and Gospel. The credo still applies to the former ANIMALS frontman that he is a tour de force, as much now as any other time in his accomplished career. "Soul Of A Man sees ERIC BURDON devote himself to more than a dozen diverse classics from the history of Blues music. Some slow and heavy, like 'GTO' or 'Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down,' some rocking, driving and demanding like 'Soul Of A Man,' 'Red Cross Store' and 'Devil Run.' Others are breathtakingly funky ('Kingsize Jones') or venturing into the world of Boogie ('Circuit Rider'). "This music has its own philosophy for me," Burdon says. "I'd go even further and credit blues with a healing effect, if you study it deeply enough." Now ERIC BURDON has picked out a good dozen classic songs, put his muse to them, and reshaped them. The lyrics of Mississippi Fred McDowell's 'Red Cross Store,' for example, were expanded, as was Howlin' Wolf's 'Forty Four.' The John Rabbit Bundrick original 'Devil Run,' is complemented by a number of statements on political and social issues of this era. Burdon explains: "My music is always about events in world history." In this context, it is important to note that all of his alterations are made with great respect for the originals. By collecting different types of Blues and putting his muse to them, ERIC BURDON brings new life to great masters. Burdon has devoted his album to the effort of resurrecting New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. To the great city of New Orleans and the cradle of Blues music that lies in the Gulf Coast. To the great Blues singers who have influenced Burdon all his life, and the icon that New Orleans is to the world. "Soul Of A Man" is produced by Grammy award winner Tony Braunagel. The band for the recording consisted of Johnny Lee Schell (guitar), James "Hutch" Hutchinson (bass), Mike Finnigan (organ) and Tony Braunagel (drums). Burdon was also supported by renowned musicians such as Carl Carlton (guitar), John Cleary (piano), Ivan Neville (background vocals, organ) and Lenny Castro (percussion). Despite all the healthy instrumental support, ERIC BURDON's voice continues to be at the epicenter of Blues and Rock four decades on and generations after his initial success with THE ANIMALS on 'House Of The Rising Sun' in 1964.
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12.23.05 (MusicPortal.com) Steamhammer/SPV Records has announced the coming release of two special edition versions of classic albums from Hard Rock/Metal veterans SAXON on February 17th. Over the years, the band have established themselves as one reliable act. The British outfit surrounding vocalist/mastermind Biff Byford have had the staying power that is otherwise rare to find among Rock and Metal bands. Even after almost thirty years on the road, SAXON sound as fresh as they did when they first started out and continue to stand for driving, high-decibel Heavy Metal of the gritty variety. As early as 1980, Record World magazine concluded that SAXON play "... the loudest, most powerful, haunting and bloodcurdling heavy metal around." Nothing much has changed about that - quite the opposite appears to be the case. As if they'd bathed in a fountain of youth, the five musicians present themselves more eager for action in 2006 than ever before - one of the reasons why Steamhammer/SPV will release last year's "Lionheart" and 1995's "Dogs Of War," in new, high-quality special editions. "Lionheart," first out in September of 2004 and immediately in the Top 50 of the German album charts with its driving sound, impressive cover artwork and ambitioned lyrics about witch hunters, King Richard Lionheart or the attitude of British soldiers to war unmistakably documents SAXON's British origins. At the same time, Biff Byford and band display an energy that is almost physical. Justly, Byford announced before the release of the recording: "Lionheart is the most powerful album we've ever cut." The new special edition will be out in a limited edition box of 10,000 copies worldwide, including a digipack (CD and bonus audio DVD) and exclusive lanyard/keyholder. The brand-new audio DVD features previously unreleased material, videos, rough mixes and a new 5.1 /96 K mix of the whole album. The new edition of the milestone "Dogs Of War" will be out as a SuPerValue Re-Release framed in black, with brand new liner notes done by Byford, plus two bonus tracks in live versions of 'The Great White Buffalo' and 'Denim & Leather,' both recorded live during the 1995 "Dogs Of War" tour. The booklet also comes in a new design with previously unpublished photos and cover artwork. The "Dogs Of War" album also features the final appearance by former original guitarist Graham Oliver, who left SAXON after the studio recordings and was replaced by Doug Scarratt during the 1995 world tour. Scarratt can be heard with the band for the first time on the two bonus live tracks. "Lionheart - Special Edition" Track Listing: 1. Witchfinder General • 2. Man And Machine • 3. The Return • 4. Lionheart • 5. Beyond The Grave • 6. Justice • 7. To Live By The Sword • 8. Jack Tars • 9. English Man 'O' War • 10. Searching For Atlantis • 11. Flying On The Edge "Dogs Of War - Special Edition" Track Listing: 1. Dogs Of War • 2. Burning Wheels • 3. Don't Worry • 4. Big Twin Rolling (Coming Home) • 5. Hold On • 6. The Great White Buffalo • 7. Demolition Alley • 8. Walking Through Tokyo • 9. Give It All Away • 10. Yesterday's Gone • 11. The Great White Buffalo (Live) • 12. Denim & Leather (Live)
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12.23.05 (MusicPortal.com) Band member Russell from UK trio THE RESEARCH checked in recently with the following update: "Hello Christmas lovers and friends of mine, I hope things are going good for you. The cold weather has taken Georgia under it's icy wing, and she's spreading the germ around the television studio. That's where we are at the moment, filming our DVD for 'Lonely Hearts Still Beat The Same.' Sarah got drunk as hell last night, and the hotel staff had to carry her out the bar because I convinced her to buy a bottle of Champagne for fifty pounds and then left her to drink it on her own. That's how we do Christmas around here. At the EMI artist's party we showed Athlete and Richard Ashcroft and Kate Bush how to have a good good time, and we were the last ones to leave again and I was sick a lot and for a long duration. I didn't wear my baseball cap because it was a dressy occasion and I met Lene Marlin and she fancied me. There have not been very many gigs to speak of because we have been busy repairing the van and preparing some plans for the other side of Christmas regarding giving our first long-playing album a proper send off. Do you know that in the new year, we are going on another tour around our own country and if you want to see us alive then you can buy tickets on our website and bring your resolutions along? I'm afraid that I have nothing to resolve with myself because I have been afraid of God since November 11th, 2004, but I'm sure Georgia will be settling some things with her inner demons. In any case, this is supposed to be about wishing upon you a very happy Christmas from our band. We all hope that you have good company and good food and good times and also some snow would be good. Thank you for sharing this year with us. I will do this again soon, I promise, love from Russell ("the disaster") and love from Sarah and love from Georgia. XXX." THE RESEARCH are also confirmed to play the following upcoming live dates in the UK: 01/16 Birmingham, UK [Barfly] • 01/17 Liverpool, UK [Barfly] • 01/18 York, UK [Fibbers] • 01/19 Sheffield, UK [Fuzz Club] • 01/20 Glasgow, UK [Barfly] • 01/21 Stockton, UK [Georgian Theatre] • 01/22 Manchester, UK [Dry Bar] • 01/24 Derby, UK [Victoria Inn] • 01/25 Nottingham, UK [The Social] • 01/26 Bath, UK [Moles] • 01/27 Northampton, UK [Soundhaus] • 01/28 Oxford, UK [The Zodiac] • 01/29 Southampton, UK [Joiners] • 01/31 Brighton, UK [Free Butt] • 02/01 Cardiff, UK [Barfly] • 02/11 Liverpool, UK [Uni] • 02/12 Newcastle, UK [The Other Rooms] • 02/13 Aberdeen, UK [Lemon Tree] • 02/14 Edinburgh, UK [Cabaret Voltaire] • 02/15 Leeds, UK [Faversham] • 02/17 Preston, UK [53 Degrees] • 02/18 Coventry, UK [Colloseum] • 02/19 Stoke, UK [The Sugarmill] • 02/20 Leicester, UK [The Charlotte] • 02/22 Bournemouth, UK [Bournemouth University] • 02/23 Turnbridge, UK [Forum] • 02/24 Norwich, UK [Norwich Arts Centre]
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12.22.05 (MusicPortal.com) BILL WYMAN was the first member of THE ROLLING STONES to actively pursue an extra-curricular, parallel solo career. During the 70s, 80s and 90s while still the bassist for the band, Wyman cut various albums, and tracks, of which the most significant feature on a career-spanning collection, "A Stone Alone: The Solo Anthology 1974-2002," which will be released as a deluxe, 2-disc CD set by Sanctuary Midline on March 20th. Frustrated by his lack of success in persuading his colleagues to record his songs, BILL WYMAN dabbled at management, production and songwriting. His albums "Monkey Grip" (1974) and "Stoned Alone" (1976) garnered favorable reviews with the press, but it was 1982's 'A New Fashion' single and the 1983 hit, '(Si, Si) Je Suis Un Rock A Star,' which pushed his solo career even further. His next major side project was the 1985 cover band WILLIE AND THE POOR BOYS, which also included Stones drummer Charlie Watts, Jimmy Page and Paul Rodgers. However, it was after he left THE ROLLING STONES in 1993 that BILL WYMAN formed THE RHYTHYM KINGS, which featured guitarists Peter Frampton and Albert Lee, as well as former PROCOL HARUM keyboardist Gary Brooker. THE RHYTHYM KINGS were an immediate success on every level, charting with a series of studio albums and establishing themselves as a major live draw. But hit albums or not, they remained essentially a live band, to which end they were billed as THE BOOTLEG KINGS - the hits from their live albums "Live In Europe" (1998), "Ride Again" (2000), "Travlin' Band" (2001) and "On The Road Again" (2002) providing the backbone of Disc 2 of "A Stone Alone: The Solo Anthology 1974-2002." Compiled and annotated by David Wells with input from BILL WYMAN himself, the inlay/booklet includes extensive interview material and many rare pictures and memorabilia, making this album a unique and definitive overview of his second-stage career. As a member of THE ROLLING STONES for three decades, BILL WYMAN established himself among the greatest bassists in Rock 'N' Roll history. In tandem with drummer Charlie Watts, he belonged to one of the most stalwart rhythm sections in popular music, perfectly complementing the theatrics of frontman Mick Jagger and the gritty guitar leads of Keith Richards. Born William Perks in London on October 24, 1936, BILL WYMAN was playing in a group called THE CLIFTONS when he was asked to join THE ROLLING STONES in mid-1962, replacing bassist and future PRETTY THINGS member Dick Taylor. Reportedly asked to join the group simply because he had his own amplifier, he was, at age 25, by several years the oldest member of the band. Regardless, his chemistry with the other band members was immediate, and with the subsequent arrival of Watts, the classic ROLLING STONES lineup was soon cemented. The rest of course is history, and before too long the Stones would be widely recognized as "The World's Greatest Rock And Roll Band."
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12.21.05 (MusicPortal.com) Anticulture Records recording artists INTERLOCK have sent out the following update to their fans: "With our badass credentials at stake, a somewhat celebratory mood has befallen the band of late, loathe as we are to admit it. Close to donning elven hats and tinsel earrings, we've settled into our festive feasts and prepared to watch the year end walk by, slapping its behind as it passes for good measure. Yes, we're proud to announce that the 'Crisis//Reinvention' Winter 2005 UK tour was a resounding success. We can safely say that we've visited almost every corner of our island in the glum, and as any routemaster multimap will tell you, that's a lot of corners. Now our beds have never felt so welcoming, nor our washing machines so used - little sluts that they are. We'd like to take a brief moment to offer our gifts of gold, nonsense and girth to the following people who have made this headline tour go that little bit more smoothly: James, for allowing us access to some of the best equipment available; Xtaster, for providing people like Dan Lister and their hardcore efforts to mobilize hordes; Zoe, our driver, mosh mistress and merch magician; James, our roadie, go-for, go-between and go-fucking-get 'em; Alice, our accounts guru, info queen and merch/sanity interfacer; Rob, for solving last minute panics and letting us disrupt his pints; The Anticulture Massiv - do we really have to explain why?; Support bands, or giving some of the best, and most diverse crowd warmers this side of an H-bomb; Friends/family, for momentarily lapsing their reasons wide enough to allow us some stopovers here and there, and most importantly... You - for buying and downloading our music, turning up when we're near, dusting off your air guitars and screaming our songs back at us. Thanks for showing us how you spend your weekends and for the practice in making our autographs look more 'metal.' It's been an amazing year for us - signing to Anticulture Records, the release of our debut album, making our first video, taking on Christina, the interviews and appearances, the parties and the award shows... But don't mistake this retrospection for hibernation, oh no. While you're blinking in awe at the contents of your stockings or busy contemplating stuffing holes in turkeys, we'll be hard at work sorting your treats for the new year such as the 'Skinless Remixes' EP, new merchandise, a European invasion, and some tasty UK dates, to mention but a few. You'd do well to watch this space - we've become rather good at providing solutions to them lately." INTERLOCK are slated to perform in the UK at Underworld in London on January 13th, Edwards No. 8 in Birmingham on January 26th, and The Barfly in London on February 5th.
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12.21.05 (MusicPortal.com) UK Metalcore monsters RAGING SPEEDHORN have been added to next month's "Annihilation Of The Wicked Tour 2006," which will be headlined by NILE. Other bands slated to perform on the upcoming U.S. tour include HYPOCRISY, SOILENT GREEN, DECAPITATED, and WITH PASSION. When RAGING SPEEDHORN first emerged onto the scene in the late 90s, Britain didn't know what hit it. Just three months after they formed, the band recorded their first demo with producer Roddy Stone. Featuring four dense slabs of bilious noise, it delivered a brutal uppercut to all those cynics who said that America was king when it came to aggressive music. The buzz on the grapevine was deafening. The demo sold more than a thousand copies to fans who wanted more than the latest bunch of sad-sacks with their saggy trousers and saggier sounds. Throughout 1999 and 2000, the RAGING SPEEDHORN phenomenon began to grow at a frightening rate. They played with -- and by some accounts, blew off the stage -- WILL HAVEN, BIOHAZARD, MINISTRY, and even BLUR guitarist Graham Coxon. Venues were laid to waste -- sometimes literally -- and fans flocked to the Speedhorn cause. In August of 2000, RAGING SPEEDHORN released their self-titled debut album. It delivered a full-force gut punch to the competition. Suddenly, their riotous brand of extreme noise terrorism was the sound of the streets. Suddenly, RAGING SPEEDHORN had arrived. They traveled the world, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In June of 2001, they opened the second UK Ozzfest with a performance of mind-blowing proportions. The same month, their very first commercially available single, 'The Gush,' pummelled its way into the UK Top 50 - a spectacular feat, considering the terror it inspired in radio and TV programmers. Their electrifying second album, "We Will Be Dead Tomorrow," followed with a bang. This year saw the release of their awe-inspiring third album, "How The Great Have Fallen." Produced by QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE associate Joe Baresi, the release is their mightiest album yet. Tour Dates: 01/12 Memphis, TN [Hi Tone Cafe] • 01/13 Houston TX [Engine Room] • 01/14 Ft. Worth, TX [Ridgles Theater] • 01/15 San Antonio, TX [Sanctuary] • 01/17 Tempe, AZ [Marquee Theater] • 01/18 Santa Ana, CA [Galaxy Theater] • 01/19 Los Angeles, CA [Key Club] • 01/20 San Francisco, CA [The Pound @ Pier 96] • 01/21 Orangevale, CA [The Boardwalk] • 01/22 Portland, OR [Barbati's Pan] • 01/23 Seattle, WA [El Carazon] • 01/25 Denver, CO [Bluebird Theater] • 01/26 Omaha, NE [Sokol Underground] • 01/27 Lawrence, KS [Granada] • 01/28 Sauget, IL [Pop's] • 01/29 Columbia Heights, MN [Star Central] • 01/30 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues] • 01/31 Cincinnati, OH [Bogart's] • 02/01 Cleveland, OH [Peabody's] • 02/02 Rochester, NY [Penny Arcade] • 02/03 Poughkeepsie, NY [The Chance] • 02/04 Worcester, MA [The Paladium] • 02/06 New York, NY [B.B. King's] • 02/08 Springfield, VA [Jaxx West] • 02/09 Norvolk, VA [Norva] • 02/10 Atlanta, GA [Masquerade] • 02/11 Tampa, FL [Masquerade] • 02/12 Ft. Lauderdale, FL [Culture Club]
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12.20.05 (MusicPortal.com) Trustkill Records has announced the signing of Long Island's THIS IS HELL. The Hardcore quintet have been killing it on a tour alongside MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD this past month, and have been hard at work touring incessantly in the U.S. and Europe as well. THIS IS HELL will enter Atomic Studios with producer Dean Baltulonis (Most Precious Blood, Sick Of It All) in February to record their full-length debut album for Trustkill, which should be released sometime in the Spring. Next month's issue of Alternative Press taps THIS IS HELL as one of the "Top 100 Bands To Watch" for 2006. In June of 2004, SCRAPS AND HEART ATTACKS former singer Travis Reilly joined forces with Jeff Tiu, Joe Osolin and Dan Bourke from THE BACKUP PLAN to form a new project. After adding Long Island Hardcore stalwart Rick Jimenez on guitar, the finished lineup for THIS IS HELL was in place. Collectively, they come with lots of experience, with band members having shared the stage with THE MOVIELIFE, EVERY TIME I DIE, and Hardcore legends BANE, amongst others. "Scraps And Heart Attacks and Backup Plan used to play together a lot, we always talked about starting a side project but it turned into a full time band," says THIS IS HELL's Reilly. The band have already proven that they are not here to mess around by quickly rushing out on the road representing their home stomping grounds in Long Island, New York. Two full, self-booked, U.S. tours have seen this motivated young troop trek across the country impressing audiences alongside the likes of KILL YOUR IDOLS, BARS and WITH HONOR. "Being in Scraps And Heart Attacks, I pretty much realized that if you want your band to make any progress you need to get motivated and be willing to do it by yourself. So, we did that. I booked our first tour, 2 months all over the US," says Reilly. After almost selling out of their 1,000 self-released, four song demos, Run For Cover Records caught wind of THIS IS HELL and their re-released demo, which was now out on vinyl. While out on their first cross-country tour, 500 seven inches were pressed and all were purchased by fans in under a month. "The 7 inches went up for pre-order, and before we knew it 200 of them were gone like that. We took 150 on our first tour and they were gone within two weeks. And before we knew it, the release was completely sold out," describes Reilly. With the buzz across the globe, including strong support from Australian Alternative radio, crowds are sure to be lining up on their upcoming European tour. "It's the most refreshing, catchy hardcore I've listened to all year, I can't help but sing along every time I hear them on the radio," exclaims Sarah De Borre, music director for PBS FM in Australia. PBS FM is now Australias' second largest Alternative community broadcaster with over 450,000 listeners each week. Punknews.org agreed, describing THIS IS HELL's demo as "A dark, raucous six minutes of introvert-based hardcore..." The band released their long-awaited debut EP this past April on State Of Mind Recordings, and by all appearances THIS IS HELL will certainly be raising the dead for Trustkill in the future.
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12.20.05 (AP) One of Country's hardest Rock bands will open for one of Rock's hardest Country bands in Omaha, Nebraska on January 29th, when BROOKS & DUNN will warm up for THE ROLLING STONES there. "We've thrown around the concept of opening for the Stones forever," singer Ronnie Dunn said Tuesday. "I can't believe we're doing it." When the duo got word of the invitation from their manager, they were told not to call or tell anyone until it was final. "Of course, we started calling our friends as fast as we could as soon as we walked out of the room," he said. Though billed as "The World's Greatest Rock And Roll Band," THE ROLLING STONES have drawn from Country music over much of their storied career. Their early 1970s albums "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile On Main Street," in particular both had strong Country influences often attributed to Keith Richards' friendship with Gram Parsons of THE FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS and previously of THE BYRDS. Over the years, Richards has also worked with George Jones and Willie Nelson, while THE ROLLING STONES -- individually or collectively -- have covered songs by Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, THE EVERLY BROTHERS and others. Country artists in turn recorded a tribute to THE ROLLING STONES in 1997 called "Stone Country," which had artists like Tracy Lawrence covering 'Paint It Black,' Sammy Kershaw singing 'Angie' and Colin Raye doing 'Brown Sugar.' Like many Country performers, Kix Brooks said he and Ronnie Dunn grew up listening to THE ROLLING STONES and performing their songs. Between them, they've seen the group in concert nearly a dozen times. "We were influenced by classic country acts like Merle Haggard and George Jones and Hank Williams, but also by Clapton and the Stones and all the rock acts like that," Brooks said. "I mean, what guitar player didn't start out with 'Satisfaction'?" The roots Rock influence is also apparent in BROOKS & DUNN's music, especially their recent albums. The songs are soulful, with slide guitar, horns, organ and soaring Gospel choruses. Alongside straight-ahead Country numbers are songs that echo artists like Leon Russell, Tom Petty, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, and vintage Stones. "I'm sure we've gotten as close to their licks as we can without ripping them off," joked Brooks. The nod to '70s Rock and Soul is deliberate. After studying theology at Abilene Christian College in Texas, Dunn moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Russell's Shelter Records was based, and artists such as J.J. Cale, THE GAP BAND, and, occasionally, Eric Clapton visited or recorded. "I soaked up all that stuff," Dunn said. By opening for THE ROLLING STONES, BROOKS & DUNN become an instant trivia question for obsessive Stones fans. The group's opening act announcements can be as anticipated as their set lists, with everyone from METALLICA to the BLACK EYED PEAS to Beck warming up the crowd in recent years. Other than shortening their act to fit the opening slot, Brooks said the duo won't change much on January 29th. "I don't think we should try to do what the Stones do," Brooks added. "Hopefully, it will be the best of what we do."
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12.19.05 (MusicPortal.com) "Rock & Roll Is Dead," the acclaimed new album from Swedish Rockers THE HELLACOPTERS -- whose multiple Grammy awards and Gold records in their home country have helped the quintet build a rabid fan base not only in their native Europe, but around the entire world -- will be released in America on January 24th. It marks the third title by THE HELLACOPTERS in as many years for Liquor And Poker Music. "Rock & Roll Is Dead" was released in Europe in June, at which point the band kicked off a six-month continental tour. Highlights included performances at "Rock Im Ring/Rock Am Park," Germany's largest annual music festival, as well as Hungary's "Sziget Festival," a week-long event with nearly 400,000 attendees. The band's travels will extend to the rest of the world in 2006, including their first U.S. tour in four years. With six acclaimed studio full-lengths and European tours alongside the likes of KISS, THE ROLLING STONES and FOO FIGHTERS under their belts, it's clear THE HELLACOPTERS have come a long way since its early days as a side project of then-ENTOMBED drummer Nicke "Royale" Andersson and BACKYARD BABIES co-founder and guitarist Dregen in 1994. With Royale on vocals and guitars and Dregen on lead guitar, bassist Kenny Hakansson and drummer Robert Eriksson (The Sewergrooves) completed the original rhythm section. The band's debut came as a three-track 7" single written and recorded in one day and released on Royale's Psychout label. That record was well received (it's now a collector's item that commonly sells for over $150), and the quartet was soon forced to make THE HELLACOPTERS a full-time endeavor. Recorded in the band's hometown of Stockholm at Atlantis Studios with long-time producer Chips Kiesbye (Sahara Hotnights, Millencolin) and engineers Michael Ilbert (The Hives, Supergrass, Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys, etc.) and Janne Hansson (ABBA, Sonic Youth, etc.), "Rock & Roll Is Dead" features guest appearances from THE HIVES' vocalist Howlin' Pelle Almqvist and THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES' guitarist Mattias Barjed, but as usual, it's THE HELLACOPTERS themselves who make the new album memorable. International hit singles spawned from "Rock & Roll Is Dead" such as 'Everything's On T.V.' and 'I'm In The Band' respectively poke fun at couch potato culture and Rock star celebrity, proving that even though THE HELLACOPTERS are practically a household name in Europe, they haven't lost their sense of humor along the way. The North American version of "Rock & Roll Is Dead" will be an enhanced disc including two bonus tracks not found on any other version of the album, as well as bonus music video clips for both 'Everything's On T.V.' and 'I'm In The Band.' Don't be misled by the album's title, however. "Rock & Roll Is Dead" is living proof that the genre is alive and well - and that as they begin their second decade of international conquests, THE HELLACOPTERS will continue to be a sonic force to be reckoned with.
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12.16.05 (MusicPortal.com) Rhino Records are releasing a second group of expanded and remastered versions of classic T. REX albums with the January 24th issue of "Tanx," "Bolan's Zip Gun," "Futuristic Dragon" and "Work In Progress." The four albums include three studio releases recorded prior to the tragic 1977 death of leader Marc Bolan, with the fourth disc featuring a collection of Bolan's home recordings and studio outtakes with the band. Each album will be released as a double-disc set. Like Rhino's first batch of T. REX reissues released on November 8th, the second set also features deluxe packaging and contains the original album along with non-album singles on the first disc. The second disc pulls back the curtain on T. REX's artistic process with a work-in-progress version of almost every song on the original album. These rare versions are previously unreleased in the U.S., and are compiled to mirror the running order of the originals. Released in 1973 at the height of T. REX mania, "Tanx" captures Bolan expanding the band's sound with the addition of a horn section and backup singers. Along with requisite rockers like 'Born To Boogie,' 'Country Honey,' and 'Highway Knees,' the album also contains the story-song 'Tenement Lady' and the searing ballad 'Broken-Hearted Blues.' The bonus disc's 23 tracks include 14 rough mixes from the "Tanx" sessions, plus four acoustic and bass guitar demos as well as five solo acoustic demos by Bolan. A refinement of the soulful Funk explorations Bolan began a year earlier with "Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow," 1974's "Bolan's Zip Gun" pared back the production to spotlight the taut interplay between the songs' rhythm section and melody on the singles 'Light Of Love' and 'Zip Gun Boogie.' The album includes the live staple 'Token Of My Love' as well as the stunning ballad 'Till Dawn,' Bolan's final work with longtime producer/collaborator Tony Visconti. The 19-track bonus disc includes early takes and rough mixes of songs from "Bolan's Zip Gun," along with outtakes of 'Do You Want To Dance' and 'Dock Of The Bay,' plus a live version of 'Zip Gun Boogie' recorded in Cleveland in 1974 during T. REX's final U.S. tour. After his previous sonic odysseys, Bolan revisited the classic T. REX sound on 1976's "Futuristic Dragon." Filled with strong songs, the Bolan-produced album includes the hit singles 'New York City' and the Disco ballad 'Dream Lady,' plus 'Chrome Sitar' and 'Dawn Storm.' The 20-track bonus disc includes two different mixes of 'Futuristic Dragon (Introduction),' plus three different versions of 'Casual Agent,' as well as a blistering outtake of 'Dawn Storm' that features the band playing with reckless abandon. Lastly, "Work In Progress" cherry-picks Marc Bolan's best unreleased and sometimes unfinished songs from throughout his career. The double-disc compilation features music recorded between 1972 and 1977, and contains everything from rudimentary acoustic song sketches and sprawling lyrical ideas to full-bodied Gospel songs and hairy guitar workouts. The first disc includes 33 tracks and is dedicated to Bolan's solo home demos, while the second disc includes 22 tracks and focuses on songs developed in the studio with T. REX.
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12.15.05 (MusicPortal.com) Hopeless/Subcity Records have announced the signing of New Jersey natives ROYDEN to a recording deal. The label adds: "We are very pleased to welcome them into our family; the 5-piece band caught our attention through their intensely creative drive, unique musical style, and their willingness to cause havoc in every situation. Royden draws on many influences, most notably Life, Injury, Post-Punk, and Metal, as well as from bands like At The Drive In, Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Talking Heads. Royden are currently writing and preparing to record their upcoming Hopeless Records debut to be released in the Summer of 2006. You can here demo versions of these new songs as well as some older Royden classics at www.purevolume.com/royden." Two years ago if you were to ask the five Garden State natives and current member of ROYDEN where they would be today, it is doubtful that their answer would have had anything to do with being in a band. After the breakup of their former band, MY COUSIN RAY, Nick, Treebo and Kerry parted ways to pursue individual interests. It seemed the three would never play together again. However, fate would bring the three men back together once more. Five demos cut at the bitter end of their former band's existence would soon attract the attention of a small, independent New Jersey label. After some discussion, the three were convinced to begin practicing together once more with the goal of cutting a 5-song EP for the independent label. Shortly thereafter, the search began for new another guitarist. Based on the recommendation of friends, Tim was soon added to the band in January of 2004. What ensued after his addition was 20 straight days of practicing, followed by one hectic week of recording, yielding the bands first release, entitled "Best Friends Our Worst Enemies." The EP debuted in May of 2004, and with the addition of Frank Rosania as the band's second guiatrist, ROYDEN quickly gained some notoriety in New Jersey. However, after a multitude of shows, one East Coast tour, and a number of Midwestern treks, Rosania decided to leave the band to pursue other interests in March of 2005. He was soon replaced with current ROYDEN guitarist Justin Sherwood. Soon after his addition, the band left to tour the Northeast and Midwestern sections of the U.S in the Summer of 2005. By the close of the Summer of 2005, ROYDEN had attracted the attention of California's Hopeless/Subcity Records. After receiving an offer, the band signed on to the label in the Fall of 2005, but the identity of exactly who the band was they'd signed then remained a mystery until announced by the label today. ROYDEN are currently in the process of writing their Hopeless Records full-length debut.
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12.15.05 (MusicPortal.com) It has been announced that Guitarist Peter Wichers has left Sweden's SOILWORK. His official statement on the matter reads as follows: "I have decided to part ways with Soilwork. This has been one of my hardest decisions to make, and Soilwork has not only been my band but my second family and very good friends for almost 10 years. I'm just worn out from all the touring, and I have reached a point in my life where touring is just not possible for me anymore. I need a break from the touring so that I can actually begin to build a more solid ground to stand on for the future. I have on this journey met so many amazing people, made so many new friends, played in front of thousands of people, and I got to travel to places I have always dreamed of visiting. Soilwork have reached a level I never thought was possible, and I am so proud to have been a part of this amazing band experience and working alongside with such amazing people like I have. I know that in order for Soilwork to reach a new level there has to be even more touring done, and I feel as if its only fair that someone else therefore fills my spot now instead of later. I have decided to continue with my second passion in life, which is music production and recording, and in order to achieve this goal I need to put all my time and energy into it. Soilwork and me will remain great friends and I wish them all the success in the future. I also wish to extend a gigantic 'thank you' to all the fans, the label, friends, bands and magazines for their great support and encouragement. I can also say that this is not the end for me in music, but the beginning of something new!" In other SOILWORK news, drummer Dirk Verbeuren -- who played on the band's most recent CD, "Stabbing The Drama," and has been touring with the group as a session drummer -- has announced the he will be joining the band as a permanent member: "It has been almost two years since Peter first gave me a call offering me to join Soilwork for their first headlining tour in Europe. Many tours and one album later, I feel like a part of the family. Be it on a human or musical level, everything has clicked perfectly since day one, and it has been a truly mindblowing experience. Therefore I am very happy to announce my becoming Soilwork's official full-time drummer! As some of you may already know, I also play in my own band Scarve, and I will keep on doing so." SOILWORK vocalist Bjorn "Speed" Strid had this to say: "Peter's decision came of course as a shock to me and the other guys in the band. I want you to know that we really respect his decision and that we wish him all the luck in the future. His decision will not affect Soilwork's touring, we will continue just as planned. A replacement will be announced in a month or so and i can assure you that we won't make you disappointed even though it's really hard replacing such an amazing musician and a loyal friend. I also want to take the time to welcome our amazing drummer and good friend Mr. Dirk Verbeuren on board. Lastly, I wanna say that I'll forever treasure every single moment I shared with Peter, and wish him all the best. You rock, bro!!!"
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12.14.05 (MusicPortal.com) Widely regarded as one of PHISH's finest live performances and called one of the "Greatest Concerts of the '90s" by Rolling Stone, their 1995 New Year's Eve show at Madison Square Garden is an amazing collection of the band's finest songs. Just in time to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of one of PHISH's proudest musical moments, the entire show will be featured on the Rhino Entertainment release "Phish: New Year's Eve 1995 Live At Madison Square Garden." The three-disc set will be available next week on December 20th at regular retail outlets and at www.rhino.com and www.phish.com for a suggested price of $29.98. The collection includes the complete three-set show totaling 27 tracks, and more than three and a half hours of prime PHISH. Although several official live albums by the band are available, "Phish: New Year's Eve 1995 Live At Madison Square Garden" is the first to feature one of the band's hallmark New Year's Eve concerts. Guitarist Trey Anastasio, drummer Jon Fishman, bassist Mike Gordon and keyboardist Page McConnell demonstrate their highly proficient musical skills while effortlessly navigating PHISH's vast repertoire, including several interesting cover songs, theatrical stunts, and an extended narration by Anastasio about his fabled musical thesis, "Gamehendge." The band kicks off the festivities with rousing renditions of "'Punch You In The Eye" and 'The Sloth,' before moving on to extended workouts of 'Reba' and 'The Squirming Coil' from PHISH's second album, 1991's 'Lawn Boy' and 'Maze' from 1993's concept album, "Rift." Adding an unexpected twist after 'Colonel Forbin's Ascent,' Trey Anastasio pauses during 'Fly Famous Mockingbird' to explain the band's creation of time in "Gamehendge," setting the stage for the band's New Year's stunt. The Vermont quartet then welcomes long-time lyricist Tom Marshall on guest vocals for COLLECTIVE SOUL's 'Shine.' Rock anthem 'Chalk Dust Torture' ends the set with soaring jams. In typical prankster fashion, Jon Fishman's mom, Mimi, appears onstage between sets and helps shave her son's shaggy beard and hair as he begins his transition from "Father Time" to "Baby New Year." PHISH opens the second set with an extended take on THE WHO's classic 'Drowned,' from the Rock Opera "Quadrophenia" (which they covered in its entirety the past Halloween), before segueing beautifully into 'The Lizards.' Next comes an experimental 'Runaway Jim' followed by 'Strange Design,' and a barbershop reading of 'Hello My Baby.' An epic, 20-minute 'Mike's Song,' one of the band's oldest songs that was eventually featured on Phish's 1997 live album, "Slip, Stitch & Pass," closes the set. As the crowd counts down to midnight, the band launches into 'Auld Lang Syne' before veering seamlessly into an acrobatic 'Weekapaug Groove.' PHISH then visit their 1988 debut, "Junta," for a 25-minute performance of Progressive Rock composition 'You Enjoy Myself,' then flow smoothly into 'Sea And Sand,' the second cover from "Quadrophenia," followed by the rarely played 'Sanity.' The band closes the third set with Edgar Winter's 'Frankenstein' before returning with the ultimate Rock 'N' Roll encore in 'Johnny B. Goode.'
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12.13.05 (MusicPortal.com) Drive-Thru Records recording artists HELLOGOODBYE have capped off 2005 with a bang by winning MTV2's "Dew Circuit Breakout." The "battle of the bands"-type competition began over a month ago with 6 bands as semi-finalists in contention to win the top spot. After a series of challenges, including live performances, HELLOGOODBYE were declared the winners live on MTV2 this past Saturday, December 10th. For that achievement, the Southern-California based band will receive several prizes, including $9,000 in musical gear, $10,000 cash, an opening spot on the MTV2 "$2 Bill Concert Series," and a guest appearance on a future MTV2 show. With their "OMG HGB DVD ROTFL" DVD just released on Drive-Thru and a full-length debut album slated for May of next year, HELLOGOODBYE are preparing to go all out in 2006, beginning with a two-month long nationwide tour in February and March with THE ACADEMY IS..., ACCEPTANCE and PANIC! AT THE DISCO, preceded by the following upcoming current dates as well: 12/13 Cleveland, OH [Grog Shop] • 12/14 Detroit, MI [Magic Stick] • 12/15 Chicago, IL [Beat Kitchen] • 12/16 Milwaukee, WI [The Eagles Club] • 12/17 St. Louis, MO [Creepy Crawl] • 12/26 Anaheim, CA [Chain Reaction] • 12/27 Anaheim, CA [Chain Reaction] • 12/28 Hollywood, CA [The Knitting Factory] • 02/01 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection] • 02/02 Toronto, ONT [Opera House] • 02/03 Buffalo, NY [Town Ballroom] • 02/04 Boston, MA [Avalon] • 02/05 Hartford, CT [Webster Theatre] • 02/07 Providence RI [Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel] • 02/08 New York, NY [Irving Plaza] • 02/09 Poughkeepsie, NY [Chance] • 02/10 Asbury Park, NJ [Stone Pony] • 02/11 Atlantic City, NJ [House Of Blues] • 02/12 Washington, DC [9:30 Club] • 02/14 Norfolk, VA [The Norva] • 02/15 Myrtle Beach, SC [House Of Blues] • 02/16 Atlanta, GA [Masquerade] • 02/17 Orlando, FL [House Of Blues] • 02/18 Ft. Lauderdale, FL [Revolution] • 02/19 Ybor City, FL [Masquerade] • 02/21 New Orleans, LA [House Of Blues] • 02/22 Houston, TX [The Engine Room] • 02/23 Dallas, TX [Trees] • 02/24 San Antonio, TX [The White Rabbit] • 02/26 Tucson, AZ [The Rock] • 02/28 Tempe, AZ [The Marquee Theatre] • 03/01 Los Angeles, CA [House Of Blues] • 03/02 Las Vegas, NV [House Of Blues] • 03/04 Anaheim, CA [House Of Blues] • 03/05 San Diego, CA [House Of Blues] • 03/07 San Francisco, CA [The Fillmore] • 03/09 Portland, OR [Crystal Ballroom] • 03/10 Seattle, WA [The Showbox] • 03/11 Boise, ID [The Big Easy Concert House] • 03/13 Salt Lake City, UT [In The Venue] • 03/14 Denver, CO [The Ogden] • 03/15 Lawrence, KS [Granada Theatre] • 03/16 Des Moines, IA [The House Of Bricks] • 03/17 Minneapolis, MN [The Quest] • 03/18 St. Louis, MO [Mississippi Nights] • 03/19 Milwaukee, WI [The Eagles Club] • 03/21 Cleveland, OH [House Of Blues] • 03/22 Columbus, OH [Newport Music Hall] • 03/23 Cincinnati, OH [Bogart's] • 03/24 Detroit, MI [St. Andrews Hall] • 03/25 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues]
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12.12.05 (MusicPortal.com) With their fourth Atlantic Records release, "Testify," San Diego multi-platinum Hard Rockers P.O.D. are ready to do just that come January 24th. Testify to the power of Rock; to the sway of perseverance and sweat; to the valor of hard work; to the might of unity; and to the importance of remaining true to your convictions. "To us, that word speaks for itself. It's powerful," P.O.D. front man Sonny Sandoval says of the one-word album title. "In our 13 years together that's what we've been doing. We've been testifying to the things that we believe in and that we've come to know." Since forming in San Diego in 1992, P.O.D. have never stopped testifying to the values that are at the core of the group. Indeed, "testify" is a word that has become synonymous with P.O.D. during the band's 14-year odyssey from a local band to "overnight" multi-platinum rock stars whose superb 2001 release, "Satellite," went triple-platinum, spawned such hit singles as 'Alive,' 'Youth Of A Nation,' and 'Boom,' and propelled the foursome to the elite of a new wave of Hard Rock acts. And even after undergoing a tumultuous line-up change in 2003 when original guitarist Marcos departed and was replaced by Jason Truby just weeks before the quartet was to begin work on the album that would eventually become "Payable On Death" (which went on to sell a million copies worldwide), P.O.D. remains at its core the same group that built a sizeable following on its own touring around the United States for years. "Six years into the mainstream and six years of seeing a whole other side of music the things that we believe in haven't changed," Sandoval, deliberately choosing his words and delivering each one with conviction, says. "If anything, the struggles or the things that we've experienced and gone through the past years have reinforced what we've believed all along. What we've been saying from the beginning and the faith that we have stands on our own, with or without music. On this record we never let go of that because that is the cornerstone of who we are as people. You realize it just comes down to that love we had in our heart to make music." Yes, P.O.D. have rediscovered their love for making music, for, in Sandoval's words, "putting little smiles on people's faces." Part of that rejuvenation comes from taking a much needed break. While Sandoval and drummer Wuv took their extended families to Italy, bassist Traa got married, and guitarist Jason Truby spent time at home in Arkansas, the quartet are feeling more amped than they have in a long time. "We're definitely ready to go out and do it," Sandoval says. "I just want to get on the road, for people to hear it and I want to go rock out. It's been so long since we played; the longest we've ever done it. But for us, because we've always been busy and we've always been doing it, I think it's essential that we took this time to recharge the batteries to be excited about the record, be excited about going on tour," Wuv adds. This time around, the band are... [full story]
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12.12.05 (MusicPortal.com) New Orleans will surely rise again, and SOURVEIN's "Emerald Vulture" EP is a testament to that fact. T-Roy and the band are back with a revamped lineup and the first of a trilogy of mini-albums to be released by This Dark Reign Records over the next few months. SOURVEIN came crawling into the East Coast / Southern underground in late 1992 with a single mission; to become one of the heaviest and most tour-worn bands in America. Inspired by heavy-weights like THE ACCUSED, MOTORHEAD, SAINT VITUS, BLACK FLAG and early CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, SOURVEIN took the DIY approach with their vision and created a lurking monster of audible despair and a word-of-mouth campaign that continues to build a cult-like following. Between the years 1993-1994, the band would release two demos and tour both the East Coast and deep South on five separate occasions. By 1995, the band finally caught the attention of a label, and a split 7" single with BUZZOV-EN was released entitled 'Another Day In A Lost Life.' Not long after the single's release, both bands hit the road and were tour partners for most of the year. 1996 would also see T-roy Medlin joining BUZZOV-EN as a second vocalist and programmer until that band's demise in 1999. In 1998, SOURVEIN relocated from their Northern Carolina homestead to the tattered and muddy streets of New Orleans, Louisiana. Since then, the band have been a Mardi Gras favorite for the past 8 years. Though a favorite across the country, SOURVEIN never seemed to strike up a deal with any labels to release an actual record. Stunning, since the band was a guaranteed sell-out everywhere they played, and people were clamoring for anything the band could offer up other than live gigs. The rarely seen split or compilation simply wasn't satisfying the masses any longer. In 1999, SOURVEIN signed a brief, but fruitful deal with the now defunct Game Two Records, via whom the band's self-titled debut release would finally hit the streets. Unfortunately, not long after the release of their long-awaited debut, Game Two would go belly up and the band would be forced to find a new home. That new home came (and went) quickly when Frank Kozik of Mans Ruin came knocking. Then, to add insult to injury, while SOURVEIN were out developing their next release, Mans Ruin would go belly up as well, leaving the band high and dry yet again. However, the group's luck would finally take a turn for the better while performing in Hollywood. A chance meeting with Greg Anderson of Southern Lord paved the way for a new record deal, and "Will To Mangle" was finally released in 2003. Critically acclaimed, that album topped many a favorites list, with the band perched to dominate with an ever-growing popularity on the new heavy music scene. 2005 finds SOURVEIN and This Dark Reign working together, with "Emerald Vulture" being recorded in Virginia. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina hits, which delays and demoralizes the band. Once those wounds begin to heal, and while T-Roy is in North Carolina visiting family, another hurricane hits and levels a lot of areas in that state. Yet SOURVEIN remain steadfast survivors, with national and international tours currently in the works.
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12.09.05 (MusicPortal.com) On February 6th, Sanctuary Visual Entertainment will release "Live From The Dark," a stunning concert spectacular from Swedish Rockers EUROPE. The 2-disc DVD features 19 tracks, and offers just short of 4 hours of classic material from the band playing live and at their very best. "Live From The Dark" was recorded during EUROPE's sold-out show at London's legendary Hammersmith Apollo gig earlier this year, as part of their successful "Start From The Dark" tour. Joey Tempest, John Norum, Mic Michaeli, Ian Haughland and John Leven bring viewers the classic EUROPE line-up on the new release, and prove with out doubt that that the band are back and sounding great. Masters of Melodic Hard Rock, "Live From The Dark" sees EUROPE serve up exhilarating performances of classic show stoppers 'Hero,' 'Carrie,' 'Got To Have Faith,' and the anthem which propelled them into superstardom, 'The Final Countdown.' Disc 2 of "Live From the Dark" is a real gem for fans as well, as it's packed with exclusive extras including "Behind The Tour" backstage bonus material, band interviews, taxi diaries from all five band members and even interviews with the audience. The second disc also boasts an extensive band biography, discography and videography, plus the promotional videos for 'Spirit Of The Underdog,' 'Heart Of Stone,' 'Got To Have Faith,' and 'Hero.' To call the union of EUROPE long-awaited is an understatement. Recent festival gigs have proved beyond all doubt that the audience certainly hasn't forgotten about the band, either. Looking back, the strengths of the bands classic line-up seem so obvious. The combination of Joey Tempest melodies and John Norum riffs. The bands exquisite musicianship and friendship. The way their playing fits together. All of that and a fresh and modern edge, can be found on EUROPE's first new release in many years. Drummer Ian Haugland described the reunion as simply returning from a lunch break. Tempest and Norum met when they were around 15-16 years old, and formed the band FORCE. When they got fed up with playing covers of their favorite bands, and started to write their own songs. Their confidence grew when they started playing around Stockholm. Rumors started to spread of a band from Upplands Vasby who spent endless hours in the rehearsal space and were an incredible live act. They were told by record companies that they should cut their hair and start to sing in Swedish if they wanted a record deal, but EUROPE went their own way and had the strong belief that one day all the hard work would pay off. Their national breakthrough came through winning a band contest, changing their name in the process. A friend had, without telling the band, sent a demo. Out of 4,000 bands around 80 were chosen to perform live around the country and EUROPE won. The prize was to record an album. In Sweden they joined the big league instantly. Their first release soon went gold, and from then on they became the touring band they are today.
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12.09.05 (MusicPortal.com) HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak has posted the following message on the band's official website: "That's it, we are now back home in Sweden and there are no more shows scheduled. We had a fantastic five weeks on the road with Stratovarius! Thank you Timo, Timo, Jorg, Lauri and especially Jens, I will miss all of you guys tremendously! But we will meet again down the road, of that I'm absolutely sure. "Shakra and the twenty-something crew members completed this tour and helped make it a great success, and things would never have been as good without you. In fact, we had more people than ever before in pretty much every city, which in itself is a testament to how strong a package this was. So thank you everyone, who showed up and participated in making every show memorable for us on stage and, hopefully, for you in the audience as well. Lastly, our crew, who worked their asses off every single day, there is no way in hell we could have done this without you guys (and girl). We thank you all! Now on to a very sad note, as Sweden lost a great, hilarious, outrageous comedian this weekend. As hard as it was to believe at first, Micke Dubois, a.k.a. 'Svullo,' chose to take his own life. Hammerfall had a special relationship with the man, as several of us grew up with his incredible antics and worshipped the fast wit and insult humor he was so good at. Anders (Johansson, drums) played on a great album of his, 'Radio KRM,' in the beginning of the nineties. Svullo was also our man at the scene at the Grammy Awards a few years ago, when we were unable to attend ourselves. The last time either of us saw him was at Pub Anchor in Stockholm last Spring, when he hosted a karaoke competition. I will always remember the many over-the-top antics and funny moments Micke Dubois brought us, and many of his immortal comments live on in my daily life. As will the memory of a great, pioneering comedian, who was disgustingly funny long before many of the 'Jackass' boys became double digits. R.I.P., Micke!" - Oscar. When you talk about today's Heavy Metal scene, you have to talk about Sweden's HAMMERFALL. Founded by Oscar Dronjak in 1993, He enlisted friend Jesper Stromblad and later Joacim Cans (vocals) to create the songs for and record the classic "Glory To The Brave" album. Since Stromblad and two more members decided to concentrate on their other bands, Cans and Dronjak were left to replace the entire line-up even before the album was released. Regardless, "Glory To The Brave" became the album the Metal scene needed and was waiting for: straight, hard-hitting songs that instantly became hymns, getting everybody to talk about the band. Although it was a hard period for metal, HAMMERFALL entered the German charts at position #38 and made everybody feel the power of Heavy Metal music once more. "A metal heart is hard to tear apart," the band sang, and it rang true. HAMMERFALL became one of the the most successful newcomers ever on the Metal scene and made two more excellent records in "Legacy Of Kings" and "Renegade," which were followed by 2002's "Crimson Thunder" and the band's current "Blood Bound" album.
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12.09.05 (MusicPortal.com) LINDA RONSTADT's four seminal Capitol Records solo albums that were originally released between 1969 to 1974 have been compiled for the first time in a new 2-disc package entitled "The Best Of Linda Ronstadt: The Capitol Years." Due for release on January 24th, the 47-track collection includes the albums "Hand Sown... Home Grown," "Silk Purse," "Linda Ronstadt" and "Heart Like A Wheel" in their entirety, as well as five previously unreleased studio recordings and concert performances. A leading figure in California's Country/Folk movement of the late 1960s, LINDA RONSTADT began her musical career with THE STONE PONEYS, releasing three Capitol albums with that group before striking out on her own with the 1969 release of her "Hand Sown... Home Grown" solo debut. Eager to invoke her abilities as a Country singer, she tore passionately into Nashville-spawned songs like 'Break My Mind' and 'The Only Mama That'll Walk The Line.' "Silk Purse followed in 1970," still showcasing Ronstadt's Country and Honky-Tonk prowess, while also stepping into new territory with the gracefully-arranged Pop ballad, 'Long Long Time,' earning her first Grammy nomination. She tapped Elliot Mazer to produce "Silk Purse," recommended by Janis Joplin, who'd worked with him on her "Cheap Thrills" album. Disc 1 of "The Best Of Linda Ronstadt: The Capitol Years" is comprised of these first two solo albums and three previously unreleased bonus tracks in 'It Won't Be Easy,' an outtake from the "Hand Sown... Home Grown" sessions, 'He Darked The Sun (Nashville Version),' an outtake from the "Silk Purse" sessions, and 'Orange Blossom Special,' which was recorded live at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, California in 1971. LINDA RONSTADT's convivial associations within the then-thriving Los Angeles Folk/Rock music scene often resulted in collaborative gold. For her 1971 self-titled album, Ronstadt enlisted producer John Boylan and some Rock-leaning session musicians from the L.A. scene in Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, who would later form THE EAGLES. They collaborated on an eclectic selection of Country and Pop/Rock songs, including tracks written by Eric Anderson, Jackson Browne and Neil Young, illuminating Ronstadt's versatility as a vocalist and a performer. The self-titled "Linda Ronstadt" peaked at #35 on Billboard's Country Albums chart, with Browne's 'Rock Me On The Water' cracking Billboard's Top 100 Pop Singles chart. 1974's "Heart Like A Wheel" was LINDA RONSTADT's breakout smash, which made it to #1 on both the Pop and Country Albums charts. She also topped the Pop Singles chart with the #1 hit 'You're No Good,' doling out a powerful vocal and lyrical lashing. For "Heart Like A Wheel," she partnered with producer Peter Asher and recorded a variety of standards and contemporary hits in creative new arrangements with several Los Angeles session musicians. Ronstadt won her first of seven Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance with 'I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You),' which also reached #2 on the Country Singles chart. 'When Will I Be Loved' hit #1 on the Country Singles chart, and also reached #2 on the Pop Singles chart and #3 on the Adult Contemporary Singles chart, further cementing LINDA RONSTADT's enduring and widespread appeal. Disc 2 of "The Best Of Linda Ronstadt: The Capitol Years" pairs "Linda Ronstadt" with "Heart Like A Wheel," and adds three bonus tracks, including two previously unreleased live recordings in 'Kate' and 'Long Long Time.' Also making its CD debut is 'Can It Be True,' the original b-side to 'I Fall To Pieces.'

12.08.05 (AP) Some met JOHN LENNON in person, others knew him from the television, still others never knew him at all. On Thursday, they gathered by the hundreds in Central Park's Strawberry Fields to remember the pacifist Rock star murdered 25 years ago by a deranged BEATLES fan. Generations from across the world, if not quite the universe, united to celebrate Lennon's life and his message of peace - playing his music, singing his songs, imagining what might have been if the ex-Beatle had survived the December 8th, 1980 shooting outside his Manhattan apartment building. Yoko Ono was among those at Strawberry Fields, walking through a horde of hundreds of Lennon fans before stopping at a flower-covered mosaic paying tribute to Lennon with its one-word message: "IMAGINE." "His message is still the same: peace and love and live the best you can," said Martha Wagner, who came into Manhattan from Dover, New Jersey with a scrapbook full of newspaper clippings about Lennon. She remembered hearing news of the slaying on television: "My heart stopped. I screamed." Kim Polson, 50, of Manhattan, recalled seeing Lennon in an Upper West Side coffee shop four months before the shooting. She was late for work that day, hanging around and listening to Lennon's conversation. "I'll be late for work again today," said Polson, one of the early arrivals at Strawberry Fields on the anniversary - a bitterly cold day. "John Lennon made me late again." The scene was much the same in Lennon's hometown of Liverpool, England, where scores of fans from around the world remembered him with white balloons, flowers and prayers. The balloons, carrying written tributes to Lennon, were released into the sky. "I just wrote 'Merry Christmas John' on my balloon," said James Andrews, a 9-year-old from Bournemouth, England. "I love the Beatles, and especially John Lennon." A short service was also held beside a statue of Lennon on Liverpool's Mathew Street, where THE BEATLES played early in their career at the Cavern Club. Lennon's songwriting partner and fellow Beatle Paul McCartney told the British Broadcasting Corp. that Lennon was "one of the great men of the 20th century ... I will always feel some kind of link with John." In New York, locals and tourists stood side-by-side near the Lennon-inspired Central Park mosaic. One man played BEATLES music on an acoustic guitar, as visitors piled off tour buses to stop at Strawberry Fields. They brought flowers, candles and bittersweet memories. "He entered people's hearts, and made us softer toward each other," said Cummings Dass, 65, who came to Manhattan from Trinidad for the anniversary. "When he died, a part of the music died with him." If Lennon were alive, he would have turned 65 in October. Across the street at the Dakota, the apartment house where Lennon was killed, fans walked respectfully past police and security guards. Traditionally, Ono lights a candle in her apartment window in the evening as a show of solidarity with the crowd gathered in the park. JON LENNON, who had turned 40 years old just two months before, was returning with Ono from a recording studio when he was gunned down at about 10:50 p.m. Fans of the singer marked the moment Thursday night with silence. A second moment of silence began at 11:15 p.m., the approximate time of Lennon's death. City officials planned to close the park at 1:00 a.m., as they have for several years over the objection of fans who want an all-night vigil.
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12.08.05 (MusicPortal.com) The new AMORPHIS album, "Eclipse," is scheduled for release on February 17th via Nuclear Blast Records. The first single from the album, 'House Of Sleep,' will be released January 4th. Introducing new vocalist Tomi Joutsen (ex-SINISTHRA), AMORPHIS' 7th full-length release in their 15-year career marks a fresh start for the Finnish band. Thematically, however, the group has come full circle, returning once more to the subject of the "Kalevala," the Finnish national epic that provided the inspiration for the classic "Tales From The Thousand Lakes album." "Eclipse" tells the tale of Kullervo, the ill-fated "Kalevala" hero whose tragic childhood and ensuing struggle for a place in society result in despair, evil deeds and ultimate self-destruction. The lyrics are adapted from Kullervo's "Story" (1982, transl. Anselm Hollo), a play by Paavo Haavikko (b. 1931), one of Finland's most esteemed contemporary poets. Matching the dramatic twists and turns of the Kullervo saga, AMORPHIS' music evokes an encompassing range of emotions unmatched by any of their previous albums. From the surprising tenderness of the piano-dominated 'House Of Sleep' to the unbridled fury of 'Perkele (The God of Fire),' the band intrepidly set out to explore a more diverse territory than ever on their eternal quest for the perfect melody. And the growls are back with a vengeance on "Eclipse" as well. The cover artwork for the album was created by Travis Smith, who is renowned for his collaborations with OPETH, ANATHEMA, KATATONIA, ICED EARTH and numerous others. The first pressing of "Eclipse" will be a limited digipack edition featuring the bonus track 'Stonewoman.' Founded in 1990 in Helsinki, AMORPHIS have slowly worked their way up to the top of the European Metal scene in the last decade or so. However the term "metal" doesn't necessarily get to the point anymore when describing the band. Sure, originally the disciples around AMORPHIS mastermind Esa Holopainen were definitely Death Metal, but gradually developed into a serious Rock act as well. Their big breakthrough was in 1994 with their last really extreme album, "Tales From The Thousand Lakes." After intensive touring in support of that album, they decided to take on new musical spheres, first recorded in 1996 on the "Elegy" album, which became a psychedelic Progressive/Folk Metal masterpiece of sorts. Encouraged by that success, AMORPHIS followed up "Elegy" with the excellent "Tuonela," which became the most successful album so far for the band, entering the Top 50 on the German album charts. In early Spring of 2000, AMORPHIS entered Finnvox Studios in Helsinki with producer Simon Efemy to record 2001's "Am Universum," an album signified by its beauty and intensity. "I would say that 'Am Universum' is our saddest and musically most melancholic album until now, says Esa Holopainen. "Eclipse" Track Listing: 1. Two Moons • 2. House Of Sleep • 3. Leaves Scar • 4. Born From Fire • 5. Under A Soil And Black Stone • 6. Perkele (The God Of Fire) • 7. The Smoke • 8. Same Flesh • 9. Brother Moon • 10. Empty Opening • 11. Stonewoman (Bonus Track)
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12.07.05 (MusicPortal.com) When SPARKS' last album "Lil' Beethoven" hit the streets, critics lauded and applauded, fans smiled smugly with overdue vindication and fellow musicians wept when faced with the reality that, once again, the band had raised the bar by which all other albums should be judged. Now SPARKS are poised to present "Hello Young Lovers," their 20th album on February 6th, with the first single from the album, 'Dick Around,' slated for release on January 30th. To achieve such enormity and expansiveness, Angeleno brothers Ron and Russell Mael worked in a limitless vacuum for the best part of 18 months. The only inspiration taken from any current music for the new offering was the provocation to go as far as possible in the opposite direction. Once again, the Mael brothers are joined by Tammy Glover (drums) and Dean Menta (guitar), with guest musicians Jim Wilson (guitar) and Steve McDonald (bass). The artists who would come to be known for posterity as Sparks commenced inventing their often-copied, seldom-equaled brand of music back around 1970, when Pop was young and brash and the Southern California airwaves were awash with a contingent of post-British Invasion inspirations like THE KINKS, Syd Barrett's PINK FLOYD, and THE SEEDS. The purchase of countless shiny-sleeved import LPs, and dogged pilgrimages to gigs by now-deified (or defiled) artists, convinced young Ron and Russell Mael that this enticingly provocative presentation would be the ideal means by which to impress upon the public their idiosyncratic take on life, art, and everything. And so the brothers commenced banging around, first in separate groups, then together in MOONBAKER ABBEY and URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT (one of their first recordings being the presciently named 'Computer Girl.') Their efforts crystallized in 1971, with the addition of another pair of brothers, Earle and Jim Mankey, and drummer Harley Feinstein, incorporated under the uncommon name of HALFNELSON. Produced by wonderboy and kindred spirit Todd Rundgren, the group's startlingly original, eponymously titled debut yielded a local hit ("local" being Montgomery, Alabama), then vanished from view - notwithstanding an American Bandstand appearance and a write-up in regional Texas newspapers (earned the hard way by the connection of Russell Mael's head with the business end of a prop sledgehammer). Their label, with the mysterious logic that only record companies possess, decided that their sportcentric moniker was responsible for the album's less-than-stellar performance, and suggested a Marx Bros.-inspired name change: thus SPARKS was born. Rereleased upon an unsuspecting nation, the appropriately altered (but no better-selling) LP was to prove that marketing strategy decidedly spurious. Nevertheless, an excellent second album, the equally unprecedented "A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing," was released as a follow-up, with high Psychedelia cred coming from helmer James Lowe of THE ELECTRIC PRUNES. Once again, clever nomenclature didn't translate to runaway revenues; and the group found itself at an impasse. The icebreaker came from across the... [full story]

12.06.05 (MusicPortal.com) After eight studio albums and another long and successful tour supporting "Nord Nord Ost," SUBWAY TO SALLY will present themselves in a more quiet and intimate fashion in April of 2006, focusing on just playing music together instead of the typical big Rock show, which is why the band chose to entitle the upcoming tour of Germany "Nackt," which is the German word for "Naked." Not wanting to jump on the "Unplugged" bandwagon that was racing through the music world several years ago, SUBWAY TO SALLY have always used a wide range of acoustic instruments anyway, and will rediscover some of their favorite tracks from the last 10 years that the band have been in existence. The best part for die-hard fans of SUBWAY TO SALLY is that the set list will feature songs that have not been played for a long time. The band have also invited cellist B. Deutung along, known for his work with INCHTABOKATABLES and DEINE LAKEIEN. After SUBWAY TO SALLY's "Engelskrieger" ("Angel's Warrior") album managed to enter in at #9 on the German Media Control Charts in 2003, the band returned strong this year with a new single in 'Sieben' ('Seven') and new album in "Nord Nord Ost" ("North North East"). In cooperation with film orchestra BABELSBERG, SUBWAY TO SALLY created a musical and poetically appealing release in their latest offering. Although still having a modern touch, the music features medieval melodies throughout: The emotional 'Schneekonigin' ('Snow Queen') melds bagpipes with Classical arrangements, 'Sieben' catches you with a catchy main melody, while 'Lacrimae '74' shows up with romantic stringed instruments. But also the tragic 'Feuerkind' ('Fire Child'), the pushing 'Feuerland' ('Fire Land'), the winking 'Das Ratsel II' ('The Riddle Part II,' actually a riddle about the band itself) and the blooming 'Eisblumen' ('Ice Flowers') keep a lot of highlights ready for the listener. All in all, "Nord Nord Ost" is a SUBWAY TO SALLY album for every fan and adorer of diversified German Rock music, on which about 40 instruments can be heard. In addition miscellaneous programming and choirs arranged for three voices complete the complex production. With new drummer Simon Michael (who replaced long-time drummer David Patsch) completing the line up, SUBWAY TO SALLY played 18 festival shows this year -- among them Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park. "Nackt" Tour Dates: 04/07 Leipzig, Germany [Anker] • 04/08 Magdeburg, Germany [Factory] • 04/09 Kiel, Germany [Max] • 04/11 Hamburg, Germany [Grunspan] • 04/12 Koln, Germany [Alter Wartesaal Am Hauptbahnhof] • 04/13 Hannover, Germany [Capitol] • 04/15 Gotha, Germany [Stadthalle] • 04/16 Aschaffenburg, Germany [Colossaal] • 04/19 Freiburg, Germany [Jazzhaus] • 04/20 Nurnberg, Germany [Hirsch] • 04/21 Ludwigsburg, Germany [Scala] • 04/23 Pirmasens, Germany [TBC] • 04/25 Bochum, Germany [Christophkirche] • 04/26 Wuppertal, Germany [Musiktheater Rex] • 04/27 Osnabruck, Germany [Kirche] • 04/28 Osnabruck, Germany [Kirche] • 04/29 Bremen, Germany [Schlachthof] • 04/30 Berlin, Germany [Passionskirche]
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12.05.05 (MusicPortal.com) Crucial Blast Records' SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM are currently putting together a quick tour in January through the Midwest, South, and East Coast U.S. Their debut full-length album, "Alpha Males And Popular Girls," is currently floating around and freaking out as many as it is blowing away. SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM complete their metamorphosis from purveyors of mid-90's Art-damaged powerviolence to modern blastpop visionaries on the new offering. Sugarcoated and venomous, the ten songs on "Alpha Males And Popular Girls" marry monstrous metallic riffing and surreal, swirling Pop seizures to cyclones of gasoline-soaked noise skronk and arena-sized Rock blowouts that are fronted with utter sass and ferocity, courtesy of SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM frontwoman Libby Schaub. A boldly imaginative debut, "Alpha Males And Popular Girls" is chock full of infectious hooks and crazed heaviness that references BLONDIE and Indie Pop as much as it blasts powerviolence and NAPALM DEATH, pulverizing technical Metalcore, neon-hued Dance Punk, gleaming melodic bliss, and mutant stadium Rock anthems all in the same breath. Once a reactionary Grind/Hardcore outfit, SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM's unpredictable live performances and eccentric releases generated small renown in the New Jersey underground scene, influencing troupes of nay-sayers in their future musical endeavors. Languishing in either brilliant obscurity or asinine celebrity, SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM anticipated that a crossroads was being approached: A specific point in time in which sheer talent and artistic panache could seamlessly merge and consequently quench the collective appetite of a parched audience starving for originality and innovation. Utilizing elements from everywhere, SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM have skillfully resharpened their sound, thus forging a uniquely balanced, infectiously schizophrenic equilibrium of Thrash, Blues, Doom, and Rock with a dancy, noir edge. In the process of revamping the overall aesthetic of their music, the band bravely razed the foundation upon which their material was originally erected into an ash-heap of smoldering rubble. Upon surveying the wreckage, the band has thus created a more comprehensive musical upgrade by opting to swing a wrecking ball through the remaining ruins and set the demolished debris ablaze. Simply put, SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM are an adrenaline shot thrust into the murmuring heart of Rock 'N' Roll - a savage wake-up slap in the face of conventional music. Tour Dates: 01/04 Buffalo, NY [Broadway Joes] • 01/05 Pittsburgh, PA [Mr. Roboto Project] • 01/06 Ypsilanti, MI [Elbow Room] • 01/07 Detroit, MI [Small's] • 01/08 Indianapolis, IN [Melody Inn] • 01/09 Johnson City, TN [The Hideaway] • 01/10 Lexington/Louisville, KY [TBA] • 01/11 Nashville, TN [The Muse] • 01/12 Dallas, TX [Double-Wide] • 01/13 Austin, TX [Room 710] • 01/14 Fort Smith, AR [House Show] • 01/15 Birmingham, AL [TBA] • 01/16 Atlanta, GA [Lennys] • 01/17 Chapel Hill, NC [Reservoir] • 01/18 Washington DC [DC9] • 01/19 Baltimore MD [Talking Head] • 01/20 New York NY [Sin-e]
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12.05.05 (MusicPortal.com) Southern California quintet MANNTIS were recently added to the "They're Still The Law Tour" featuring ANTHRAX, GOD FORBID and SWORN ENEMY, which kicks off January 6th at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, Maryland. That trek will be preceded by a string of West Coast headlining shows by the band. MANNTIS recently completed a highly-successful run on the "10 Years Of Brutality Tour" alongside HATEBREED, MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, FULL BLOWN CHAOS, GIZMACHI and IF HOPE DIES. Their blistering, unrelenting set caught people's attention and proves that this band is able to deliver the goods in front of any crowd. Meanwhile, the band will shoot a new video for the track 'Weathered Soul' with up-and-coming director Rob Hall (Josh Todd, feature film Lightening Bug) this weekend. Look for it to make its Fuse and MTV2 debut early next year. MANNTIS vocalist Jake Sirokman checks in with the following report: "Hello, hello you all! We are currently home for a couple weeks after a long and productive tour with Hatebreed. We had an amazing time and hung with some great bands including Most Precious Blood and Full Blown Chaos. At this time, we are just relaxing and hangin' with the family, friends and girlfriends before we head out for our headlining Christmas tour up north. When we return we will spend the holidays at home, and then it's off in January with the legendary Anthrax with direct support from God Forbid and Sworn Enemy. We cannot explain how stoked we are to be part of this bill. Well, this is it for now, and we hope to see you all on the road." The group's critically-acclaimed new album, "Sleep In Your Grave, which was produced by Cameron Webb (Danzig, Motorhead, Social Distortion), is now available and goes straight for the jugular with its scorching guitar work and pummeling rhythmic assault. The recent additions of guitarist Daniel Racardio and drummer Josh Feathers have added a whole new dynamic to MANNTIS' already stellar live show. Upcoming Tour Dates: 12/14 Portland, OR [Rock & Roll Pizza] • 12/15 Tacoma, WA [Hell's Kitchen] • 12/16 Seattle, WA [The Premier] (Toy Soldier Bash) • 12/17 Richland, WA [Ray's Golden Lion] • 12/18 Spokane, WA [Fat Tuesday's] • 12/19 Tacoma, WA [The Cat Box] • 12/20 Eugene, OR [The Wow Hall] • 01/06 Baltimore, MD [Rams Head Live] • 01/07 New York, NY [Nokia Live] • 01/08 Hartford, CT [Webster Theater] • 01/10 Allentown, PA [Crocodile Rock] • 01/11 Columbus, OH [Newport Music Hall] • 01/12 Sauget, IL [Pop's] • 01/13 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues] • 01/14 Minneapolis, MN [First Avenue] • 01/15 Lawrence, KS [Granada] • 01/17 Omaha, NE [Chez Paree] • 01/18 Boulder, CO [Fox Theatre] • 01/20 San Francisco, CA [The Pound] • 01/21 Los Angeles, CA [The Avalon]
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12.02.05 (MusicPortal.com) Castle Music have announced the February 27th 3-disc release of STEVE MARRIOTT's "Tin Soldier - Steve Marriott Anthology," the first ever cross-career collection of one of British Rock's finest songwriters and frontmen. From roots as a successful child actor -- Marriott played the coveted role of the Artful Dodger in the musical "Oliver!" -- he then met bassist Ronnie Lane and joined his band THE PIONEERS, which morphed into one of the greatest Mod bands of all time, THE SMALL FACES. Released with the full cooperation of the remaining members of that group, this 3-CD slipcased set includes of plethora of unreleased material, plus numerous obscure and unavailable tracks - making it a must-have purchase for the collector. As a joint venture with Universal Music Group, "Tin Soldier - Steve Marriott Anthology" includes all of STEVE MARRIOTT's biggest hits with both THE SMALL FACES and HUMBLE PIE. The set also includes a rare recording of 'Consider Yourself' from Oliver!, recorded at the start of Marriott's successful career, which was cut short by a fatal house fire in 1991. STEVE MARRIOTT was born on January 30th, 1947 in London. A successful child actor, by the mid-'60s he was working in a local music shop, where he first met Ronnie Lane. Though best known in the U.S. for their hit 'Itchycoo Park,' THE SMALL FACES enjoyed much greater success at home in the UK, reeling off a series of hits there in songs such as 'All or Nothing,' 'My Mind's Eye,' and 'Lazy Sunday,' as well as the classic 1968 album "Ogden's Nut Gone Flake." The chart popularity of 'Lazy Sunday' rankled STEVE MARRIOTT, however. He'd recorded the song as a joke and it was released despite his objections, and when the more thoughtful 'The Universal' failed to crack the Top 20, his dissatisfaction only increased. Marriott's tenure with THE SMALL FACES ended after he stalked offstage during a New Year's Day 1969 performance. He soon recruited ex-HERD guitarist Peter Frampton to form the Hard Rock combo HUMBLE PIE, and after months of woodshedding at Marriott's Essex cottage the group issued its debut single 'Natural Born Boogie,' cracking the UK Top Five. The album "As Safe As Yesterday Is" followed, but again American success eluded STEVE MARRIOTT until the release of the 1971 HUMBLE PIE live album "Performance - Rockin' The Fillmore," which went gold. Although Frampton left the band soon afterward, 1972's "Smokin'" was a relative triumph, reaching the U.S. Top Ten. Subsequent efforts failed to achieve the same heights, however, and HUMBLE PIE disbanded in 1975. After the release of the solo album "Marriott," in 1976 STEVE MARRIOTT joined in a SMALL FACES reunion, then four years later reformed HUMBLE PIE with original drummer Jerry Shirley. After two more albums, the group again dissolved. Marriott lived in the United States from 1979-1983, after which he moved back to London, and spent the better part of the 80s playing in various bands. STEVE MARRIOTT was planning to reunite with Peter Frampton again when he lost his life in a tragic house fire on April 20th, 1991.

12.01.05 (MusicPortal.com) On February 7th, multi-platinum recording artists COLLECTIVE SOUL will release their first-ever live DVD, entitled "Home: A Live Concert Recording With The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra." The upcoming release will be issued on the band's own El Music Group record label, and will also be available as a two-disc CD set. Recorded in April of 2005, the concerts were filmed in the band's hometown of Atlanta, Georgia during two special sold-out performances featuring the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. The 20-song collection spans ninety minutes and encompasses hits from throughout COLLECTIVE SOUL's seven studio albums, including their latest, "Youth." DirectTV will also broadcast "Home: A Live Concert Recording With The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra" as its' "Free View Concert" throughout December. Recording in an orchestral musical setting was a new experience for COLLECTIVE SOUL, and enabled them to reinterpret their own #1 hits. Songs such as 'Shine,' 'December,' as well as 'The World I Know' and 'Precious Declaration' have all been given a new twist due to the sound of the recording, and the fact that the newly independent band now have the rights to their own songs and can give them new life. Seamlessly merging their music with the symphonic arrangements, "Home: A Live Concert Recording With The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra" enables fans to experience COLLECTIVE SOUL founders Ed Roland (vocals/guitars/keyboards), Dean Roland (guitars) and Will Turpin (bass/percussion) along with Joel Kosche (guitars) and Ryan Hoyle (drums) like they never have before. Comments Ed Roland: "Working with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra was really a unique experience. I never imagined that all of these young musicians could make our songs sound so beautiful in the most classic sense." "The kids really brought everything up a level by helping to create another dimension in the music" states Dean Roland. "Those two nights were one of the highlights of my career thus far. After the first night of rehearsals, both the band and symphony found an amazing blend of two musical entities." Adds Will Turpin: "We had been dreaming about this idea for a decade, to finally perform Collective Soul songs with a full orchestra was truly a dream come true. Performing with the Atlanta Youth Symphony was a big part of the energy level, and the kids and the band felt excited and privileged to be a part of that evening." COLLECTIVE SOUL are celebrating one of their best years ever in 2005. Selling over 250,000 copies, the "Youth" album is highlighted by the disc's three singles in 'Counting The Days' (which hit #4 on the Rock Radio Charts), 'Better Now' (which hit the Top Ten on both the R&R and Billboard Hot AC charts), and the newly-released third single 'How Do You Love,' which is the fastest-charting single in the band's history. Beyond traditional radio play, 'Better Now' is included in high-profile NASCAR promos, Kellogg's Special K commercials, and was included on actress Denise Richards' TV show "Sex, Love & Secrets" along with the band performing the song on an episode of "Charmed." 'How Do You Love' is also featured in the new Richard Gere film, "Bee Season."
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12.01.05 (MusicPortal.com) Following up last year's highly acclaimed "Top Ska" album, legendary Ska Selector GAZ MAYALL returns January 16th via Trojan Records with "Gaz's Rockin Blues - Club Classics," a new collection in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his popular London club night of the same name. Having first made his mark on the London club scene in the early eighties playing a wild selection of vintage Jamaican and R&B sounds, his aptly named "Gaz's Rockin Blues" nights -- London's longest running one-nighter held every Thursday night at St Moritz Club on Wardour Street in Soho, where he occasionally plays live with his Ska band THE TROJANS -- continue to draw huge crowds. Comprised of celebrities, dreads, mods and skins, everyone is united by their desire to hear and dance to GAZ MAYALL's latest selection of killer tunes. Now, for the very first time, a wide selection of his club favorites stretching from early Blues and R&B from the 1950s through to classic Ska and Rocksteady from the 60s and 70s have been brought together on this deluxe 2-disc set, which includes tracks from the likes of THE KINKS, THE SPECIALS, GAZ'S REBEL BLUES ROCKERS (Mayall's first band), THE 101'ERS (featuring Joe Strummer from THE CLASH), Nina Simone, John Mayall (Gaz's father), and Desmond Dekker. GAZ MAYALL originally launched "Gaz's Rockin' Blues" nights on July 3rd, 1980, following a stint at the now-legendary Two-Tone club on Oxford Street (1979). The eldest son of British Blues legend John Mayall, Gaz was raised on a healthy diet of R&B, and frequented every Beat, Pop and Rock festival he could. As a child, he first discovered Reggae on the football terraces during the skinhead era (1968-1972). By the time he was 17, GAZ MAYALL regularly purchased entire Reggae and Ska record collections for dirt-cheap prices at street markets that included Portobello Road and Brick Lane. A passionate and devoted fan of Rock 'N' Roll, Boogie Woogie, traditional Irish music, World Music, Soul and Funk as well, Mayall was heavily influenced by family friend and mentor Alexis Korner, Radio One DJ and Blues musician. These days, GAZ MAYALL owns a world renowned collection of predominantly black dance music, ranging from tribal drum beats to the latest sounds in Drum 'N' Bass. For the past twenty years, Mayall has run his own record label, Gaz's Rockin' Records, producing Ska acts and recording artists around the world. The label launched in October of 1985 with the debut release of 7" and 12" singles from POTATO 5, which inevitably led to the imprint's first album release, "Floyd Lloyd & Potato 5 Meet Laurel Aitken" (1987). The record label was conceived alongside the promotion of the "Gaz's Rockin' Blues" club, and was based on the sound system style of 1960's Jamaican Ska labels that included artists such as Prince Buster, Coxsone Dodd, and Duke Reid.

[ Rock News: November 2005 ]
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