NewsMay 29, 2002YOURS IS NO DISGRACEStrange things happening! Internet is considered a tool for making people closer, a community. More specific thing with such a purpose is a web forum; unfortunately, destined to be a meeting place for like-minded ones, it may turn out an arena for freaks who, instead of keeping their hands jerking off, stick them to a PC keyboard in order to abuse intelligent folks. That was the case with a message board of Glenn Hughes' official site. Off-topic and abusive remarks not on Funk Man's music but his sexual preferencies (he's heterosexual) etc finally led the moderators to close the board altogether; with all the activity thereon, editing didn't make sense. Glenn's own reaction is following: Still, die-hard fans can log in to another Hughes' forum and keep on celebrating the artist's music. And music keeps on cooking! A couple of concerts of the HUGHES-TURNER PROJECT Japanese tour were recorded for a future release. Some sources say, it could be August, a time when PURPLE graduates may hit European stages. CARVED IN STONE
Another sad day: Mike Stone, one of the best rock producers died, aged only 51. Stone's magic hands' touch are on many an album he engineered and produced - by Keith Moon, JOURNEY and KISS to name but a few. It was him who worked on Lou Reed's "Transformer" and AMERICA's "Homecoming", "Funny Lady" by Barbra Streisand and "Bongo Fury" by Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart. His creative peak Mike achieved in the '80s, first with three first ASIA albums and then with WHITESNAKE's magnificient "1987". A great loss for music. ASIA's Geoff Downes said that the forthcoming "Anthologia: 20th Anniversary / Geffen Years Collection:1982-1990" containing three said albums and additional tracks, will be dedicated to Mike Stone's memory. SWEET DREAMS COME TRUEAmong other underestimated performers, Annie Lennox is a jewel bright. The more welcome is 2002 Billboard Century Award that British diva will receive this December in Las Vegas. The award is given every year to an artist who has not received the wider recognition of his or her ongoing work. Now it seems, sister is doin' it not only for herself. TAKEN FROM THE GEISHA PLACEIt was mentioned before but at last, it's out: on May 22nd Japanese fans could get hold of the new live album from RENAISSANCE, "In The Land Of The Rising Sun", recorded on March 16th, 2001 in Tokyo. On that date the band comprised three of five original members - vocalist Annie Haslam, guitarist Michael Dunford and drummer Terence Sullivan - as well as two keyboard players, Mickey Simmonds and Rave Tesar, and bassist David Keyes. Performance spread over two CDs, includes, alongside classic material, four songs of the group's latest studio work, 2000's "Tuscany", and three off Haslam's solo albums. Beautiful, but the question is: why there's no "Okichi-San"? A glaring omission. The question will go to the ensemble in an upcoming interview.
BEAST OF BURDEN, SHIFTING ALLThis year marks the 30th anniversary of one of the art-rock beasts, namely CAMEL, so the celebrative tour is due. No earlier though than a new album, titled "A Nod And A Wink", will see the light of day in the summer. The recording is underway currently to result in 55 minutes of seven songs. Even more appetizing is a perspective of the band doing an unplugged kind of album. Ten tracks are given to the fans to vote for here - and you can pick a favourite from all the CAMEL songs. The record will be out in time for the tour to be sold at the concerts intitially. THREE MOON - LIGHT SHADOWMike Oldfield isn't a lazy artist - especially, when it comes to another version of his classic, "Tubular Bells". Originally out in 1973, the album is to be re-recorded one more time and issued in 2003. But, before that, on June 3rd "Music VR", "stunning visuals with equally breathtaking musical themes", will hit the community. All this led Mike to sign a new three-album contract with Warner Music. The first of them is "Tr3s Lunas" which debutes alongside first episode of "Music VR" of the same title - the video will be included on the CD.
CARL THE BOUNCER"Working Live" is a title of the album soon to be released by a band called PALMER. The trio's shepherd is none other than veteran drummer Carl Palmer, who's touring now with guitarist Shaun Baxter and bassist Dave Marks. The ensemble plays progressive music, and the show called "An Evening with Carl Palmer" features many ELP numbers - "Fanfare For The Common Man", "Toccata", "Tank", "Hoedown", "The Barbarian", "Enemy God Dances With The Black Spirits" and "Bullfrog" among them - which makes a new CD very tantalizing. REPLAY OF THE WILD MUTATIONIn 1972, a spaceship crash-landed which brought on Earth some crooked creatures. That account made a foundation for David Bowie's "The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars". Thirty years down the line, the 30th anniversary reissue of the album is ready to take off and pencilled for release on July 8th, expanded with bonus disc featuring some songs tied-in with the album.
May 26, 2002DREAM OVER HEADJuly 13th is the day when Robert Plant's new album will be released. Previously rumoured to be called "Head First", the final title of the collection is "Dreamland". Except for two new Robert's originals, other songs are the '60s classics. Here they are:
May 22, 2002WANNA BE SEDATED?Rob Zombie is co-producing the RAMONES tribute album, that under the "We're A Happy Family" title should be out in August. The songs are classics... and some of the performers too: 1. Rob Zombie - Blitzkrieg Bop May 21, 2002REMOVED FROM YESTERDAYThat's the sad news. James Dewar, one of the greatest Scottish singers, passed away on May 16th, aged 59.
For many, Jimmy Dewar was the voice that gelled so pleasantly with Robin Trower's guitar, and it's with Trower that the vocalist found fame with, singing on the landmark albums "Twice Removed From Yesterday" and "Bridge Of Sighs". Yet it's Dewar's voice and bass graced the STONE THE CROWES records, all of them, smoothing off Maggie Bell's grit. His roll including work with another Scott, Frankie Miller, the only solo album Jimmy released - long after its recording - was "Stumbledown Romancer" produced by PROCOL HARUM's Matthew Fisher. James Dewar had been hospitalised for a few years after he had suffered brain haemorrhage and now succumbed to pneumonia. God bless his soul. LEMON DREAMERRobert Plant is busy promoting his upcoming album, "Dreamland". Preparations include launching Percy's own website at www.robertplant.com and a string of interviews. In Hamburg, on May 6th Robert's path crossed with that of his old buddy, Paul Rodgers, who's doing the same thing now with BAD COMPANY's "Merchants Of Cool". Like BAD CO offering their new single, "Joe Fabulous", on the band's site, Plant offers his "Darkness Darkness" here. The singer's tour starts on July 20th and there'll be a date with THE WHO on August 4th but before that ZEPPELIN warbler is to make a guest appearance on PRIMAL SCREAM's song "The Lord Is My Shotgun", playing harmonica. C'EST LA BESTA good one for those who like EMERSON LAKE & PALMER very much but find trio's "The Bootleg Series" a couple of CDs too many: there's a compilation called "The Best Of The Bootlegs" on the way. It's one's guess which live version of a certain classic is best yet what's on there: 1. Hoedown (13-8-1972, Saratoga Springs) A FAB SPRINGSince George Harrison's death, little was heard of Ringo Starr - until now, when KOCH Records, who released the drummer's "The Anthology... So Far", signed him for a new album to be out next spring. No details at the moment but the album may feature Paul McCartney and include a song written by George. In Ringo's own words, "George had given me a few song demos and I'd like to do at least one of them. Mark [Hudson, co-producer] and I were even discussing bringing in Dhani to record it with us." CRAZY TRAIN OF EVENTSThere's no man more active this year than evil ol' Ozzy Osbourne. June 25 will see the release of his "Live At The Budokan" album recorded in Japan in February. With a DVD to follow, that's what is on the CD:
That's from Ozzy himself but there are more Osbournes. On May 15th Sharon, Kelly and Jack Osbourne, plus their husband and father via satellite from UK, held a press conference in New York and announced June 11th as the release date for "The Osbourne Family Album" which will include the clan members' favourite tunes that go like this: 1. Pat Boone - Crazy Train (the family neighbour's version inspired the TV show theme) Yet it's not that important compared to Ozzy being invited to sing "Paranoid" before the Queen at Buckingham Palace on June 3rd. Only a month away from the artist's part in a dinner hosted by President Bush! On May 4th, Osbourne stood and bowed to be cheered by the audience of celebrities and journalists when the President's slide show included a still of vice-president Cheney urinating on his Oval Office door - a joke poked at the lifelong ban for Ozzy to perform in Texas. The reason for the ban was Ozz pissing on the Alamo Memorial back in 1982. Though the frenzy the rocker made prompted Bush consider invitation a mistake, the President said he's a fan of "The Osbournes" TV series. And he's not alone. Ozzy signed a $3 million-worth deal with Pocket Books for two "The Osbournes" books. One, a tie-in to the show, is to hit the shelves in November, while the second, a hardback family memoir, is penned in for a spring release. Before that - and the show's second run - there may be a cameo appearance of the Osbournes' in "Austin Powers: Goldmember" movie to be premiered in July. It was Mike Myers himself who paid a visit to Ozzy's house and asked the family if they would make it. May 14, 2002CRIPPLED INSIDEForget about Lennon and his "Cold Turkey"! If there's one musician who deserved an acclaim for an accurate depiction of drug, alcohol, or tobacco addiction, it's Ozzy Osbourne. This year is an year of honours for the old madman, and having received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame just recently, on May 9th Ozzy was given a PRISM Award in Los Angeles for his song "Junkie" off 2001 "Down To Earth" album. STONEAGE DAYDREAMEverchanging David Bowie is one of the supreme rock visionaries, so it's no surprise he's to be the subject of a historical retrospective scheduled for June 7th-September 15th in the Museum of Television and Radio in New York and Los Angeles marking the 30th anniversary of legendary "The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars" album. An exhibition called "David Bowie: Sound + Vision" will feature more than 50 of Thin White Duke's videos, rarely seen performances, documentaries and interviews. KING ENTERS THE BUILDINGThe legacy Elvis Presley left behind, when he died a quarter of century ago, is massive, to say at least. The more sensation, then, will make King's new collection, a 4 CD anthology comprising 100 unreleased tracks. "Today, Tomorrow & Forever" picks chronologically from almost every Elvis' session including live performance in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1956, Las Vegas' season of 1969-1970, out-takes from movie soundtracks with "Jailhouse Rock" among them and the title track, a duet with Ann-Margret. SLIP OF THE TONGUEIt's been some two month that KISS' "Live In Las Vegas - The Unseen Concert" DVD and video started circulating on the Web. With many a fan dissatisfied, the band issued a statement in which say they didn't approve the release that, moreover, isn't a complete show anyway. With the future of KISS still not clear, the debut issue of "Gene Simmons Tongue" - a glossy quarterly magazine said to be a cross between "Maxim", "Playboy" and "Rolling Stone" - is out on June 4th. BY NUMBERSIt's quite likely that this, or following year will eventually see a new album from THE WHO. At least, once the summer tour is over, the band will enter the studio to record a bunch of demos pushed forward by Roger Daltrey. Meanwhile, Pete Townshend is busy - as usual - getting ready some projects including a new novel and a 2 CD compilation of demos and rarities from his "Scoop" series. The last successful Townshend's release was his joint project with Raphael Rudd, who tragically died on April 1st. May 13, 2002A GLIMPSE OF HEAVENIt seems, after a long break, Rick Wakeman and Dave Cousins work together again. Having started with the albums Wakey recorded for Cousins-led THE STRAWBS before joining YES, the only other collaboration was Dave playing electric banjo on Rick's masterpiece, "The Six Wives Of Henry VIII", back in 1973. Now, when the keyboard wiz is back in YES, he still has an album to finish for the summer release. At the same time, recently Wakeman was telling about "rock" album, with his ENGLISH ROCK ENSEMBLE, while the one he's working on with Cousins consists of "mostly acoustic sounding music and songs". The release date is July though. Other musicians involved are Rick's long-time sidekicks Chas Cronk and Tony Fernandez as well as Ric Sanders of FAIRPORT CONVENTION. As for Cousins, last week he has been elected a Fellow of the RSA - The Royal Society of Arts. Congratulations! OUT OF NOWHERE, DRIVING LIKE RAINThe gap in the DEEP PURPLE remastering programme is getting narrow, and presently only the "Come Taste The Band" album master tapes are yet to be found. Last month saw the "Burn" masters resurface, and now "Stormbringer" reel-to-reels are unearthed - in excellent condition. More, this time there's enough material for bonus tracks, with instrumental rendition of "Highball Shooter", three vocal takes of "Soldier Of Fortune" and a Coverdale-sworn backwards intro of "Stormbringer" which goes, "Cocksucker, motherfucker, stormbringer!" With Roger Glover likely to take responsibility for remastering archive recordings, PURPLE are set to have a new producer for the album they're ready to give a go at. The mooted person is Michael Bradford who plays in Kid Rock's band. DANDYS OF THE UNDERWORLDSupergroup era continues! Three seasoned musicians - Neal Smith and Dennis Dunaway of the original ALICE COOPER GROUP and BLUE OYSTER CULT's Joe Bouchard - joined forces for the album called "Back From Hell". A rocking stuff with one song, “Love You Too Much”, co-written with Ian Hunter.
May 8, 2000A RETURN TO SENDEROne of the greatest songwriters ever, Otis Blackwell, died on May 5th, aged 70. Blackwell left a legacy of more than 1,000 including "Don't Be Cruel", "Return To Sender" and "All Shook Up" written for Elvis Presley, "Great Balls Of Fire" and "Breathless" for Jerry Lee Lewis, "Home In Your Heart" for Otis Redding and many many more hits. A great loss, indeed. DME recommendation: "Brace Yourself. A Tribute To Otis Blackwell" featuring Debbie Harry, Paul Rodgers, Tom Verlaine and others. THEY'RE ROLLING!
For the first time in their 40-years career, THE ROLLING STONES go on the road without a new album to promote, which won't diminish a number of punters who will attend the band's 2002-2003 North American tour. 32 dates were announced on May 7th at a press conference in New York. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts, who arrived in a yellow zeppelin with the STONES' trademark mouf 'n' lips that flew around northern NYC for 20 minutes, said the tour starts on September 5th in Boston. The venues will vary from stadiums and arenas to theaters and clubs, with different set lists performed at each type of venue and different set designs. The reason for the tour, as Mick Jagger revealed, wasn't only the ensemble's anniversary but a social issue too, "Either we stay home and be pillars of the community or we tour. We couldn't find a community that needed pillars." Anyway, there will be a two-CD anthology released before they go off with some new songs which will be recorded by the end of May. PET VIBRATIONSThe emotional core of the MOJO magazine 100th issue celebration this January laid in a Brian Wilson's performance at the Royal Festival Hall, while the heart of the Beach Boy set was a live rendition of the legendary "Pet Sounds"" album in its entirely. A miss for those who didn't chance to be there, "Pet Sounds Live" is to be released on May 27th documenting the winter's show. Tracks, in case anyone forgot it, go like this: This June Brian will turn 60, as well as his melodic rival Paul McCartney. Both composers are to take part at the forthcoming Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Deservedly. TIME FOR A WORDOn July 16th, the day before YES classic line-up go on tour, "In A Word: Yes (1969 - )" will hit the shelves. The most definitive retrospective including 55 remastered tracks ranging from the first band's album to the last, was produced by Steve Howe with a help from his mates and Rhino’s David McLees. 5 CD box is more valuable for six previously unreleased tracks: "Tango", "Never Done Before", "Richard" and "Backing Track 2" (1979's recordings by Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White), "Fist Of Fire" (alternate take from the 1989's ABWH sessions), and "Last Train" (out-take from 2001's "Magnification" album). Adorned with - who else?- Roger Dean artwork the package boasts also an 80-page booklet with Chris Welch-written liner notes, an essay from YES expert Bill Martin and a handful of tributes from the likes of Geddy Lee and Cameron Crowe. May 6, 2002
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Disc 1: Studio tracks & Early demosHolidays In The Sun |
Disc 2: Demos & RaritiesPretty Vacant |
Disc 3: LiveAnarchy In The UK |
THE NICE brief reunion at the Keith Emerson's new album launch showed how many fans of the band there are. So here's a reason for them to keep an eye - and archives - open, as quite soon a book on THE NICE will see the light of day. Entitled "Hang On To A Dream", it's to be published by Helter Skelter in August. The book, currently undergoing the third draft stage of editing, features lots of rare pictures and interviews with many of the key figures, among them PP Arnold, Ian Hague, Lee Jackson and Brian Davison - but not Emerson, who never care to reply to the author, Martyn Hanson.
In order for the book to be more exhaustive, Mr Hanson needs the complete list of the band's live dates and asks those in the know to write to:
Martyn Hanson
167 Sladepool Farm Road
Maypole, Birmingham, B14 5EB
England.
Paul McCartney added another regalia to his crown having become an honorary detective of the New York Police Department for the tribute concert he organised for the September 11th victims at the Madison Square Garden on October 20th. His honours Sir Paul received backstage at the same venue before his April 26th concert.
Still, much more concerned Macca was about the handwritten lyrics to 'Hey Jude" that was to be auctioned at Christie's on May 1st. Paul has won a High Court order and blocked the auction. The lyrics, he says, had disappeared from his home while a seller admits to have bought the artefact at Portobello Rd in London in the early '70s. Now the lyric sheet will stay at Christie's headquarters until ownership is established by trial or agreement.
It's arguable whether this band is BAD COMPANY as, with only Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke of the original line-up, they may as well have been called FREE. What's out of question is that it's from this four players we'll see the first BAD CO DVD and a Rodgers-led live album. The material was recorded at The Paramount Theatre in Denver, Colorado and at The Grove in Anaheim, California during a short yet sell-out January tour. The famous singer and drummer pair play now in company of guitarist Dave "Bucket" Colwell, who was a part of the band for the good part of '90s, and Rodgers' sidekick Jaz Lochrie on bass.
The tracks recorded are gold classics and two new studio singles, the first fresh songs since 1999's "Original Anthology": "Joe Fabulous", wriiten by Paul, and "Saving Grace" by Rodgers, Neal Schon and Geoff Whitehorn, a re-make of the songs debuted on the singer's "Now" album. The DVD special features include behind the scenes footage, a photo gallery interviews and more. The release date is May 21st.
CD:1. Burnin' Sky |
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DVD:1. Burnin' Sky |
During March and April those who flew by Delta Airlines had a unique opportuinity to listen to an exclusive audio program recorded by Peter Frampton, who paid tribute to his sadly missed friend George Harrison. The program featured George’s songs both solo and with THE BEATLES.
Luciano Pavarotti is keen on finding the unlikeliest artists for his international pop performances yet this year's choice sees the most curious collaboration to date. On May 28th in Modena, Italy the magic tenor will be joined by the grimy prince, Lou Reed, as well as Andrea Bocelli, Grace Jones, Sting and others.
At last, the unplugged album that PENDRAGON talked about is out. It's called "Acoustically Challenged" and was recorded at Radio 3 Warsaw, Poland during the 2001's "Not Of This World" tour. There is bonus multimedia section on the CD including live footage and pictures, interview with vocalist / guitarist Nick Barrett and his notes of the recording. It should be noted that drummer Fudge Smith didn't join his colleagues for the acoustic set comprised of:
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1. And We'll Go Hunting Deer |
The last track is taken from Peter Gee's debut album "Heart Of David" still pending for re-release.
Hardcore PENDRAGON fans - the Mob, that is - would like to get a hold of another product from the band. Together with the CD, at the foursome upcoming shows available will be a DVD titled "Live... At Last And More", hailing from Poland as well but the year was 1996 and the tour was promoting the "The Masquerade Overture" album.
Classic Pictures responsible for releasing such acclaimed gems as "Journey To The Centre Of The Earth" from Rick Wakeman's and ELP's "Pictures At An Exhibition" have two more titles out to be proud of.
The first is Jack Bruce performance from 1980 called "Jack Bruce and Friends", friends being Clem Clempson, David Sancious and Billy Cobham. It's the same tour that's documented on "Doing This... On Ice!" live CD but the songs differ:
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1. Intro |
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The second DVD is PROCOL HARUM's "Live In Copenhagen" recorded in Denmark on December 15th, 2001. All the hits and more, and a great guitar work from Geoff Whitehorn.
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1. Bringing Home The Bacon |
13. Beyond The Pale |