News
July 30th, 2005
MORE THAN SUFFICIENT SCHEMES
If there's ever been a band with invariably interesting off-shoot projects, it's KING CRIMSON. When members of the Fripp stable go on a limb the results are always interesting, yet the conception of drummer Ian Wallace looks more interesting than anything. CRIMSON JAZZ TRIO that, alongside Ian, include Jody Nardone on piano and bassist Tim Landers do what the name suggests and what was Wallace's original idea, "to rearrange some of Crimson material in a jazz format”. In May, they did so - and the samples of the band's work can be listened to on the new website. Bring out the album now!
BITS GATHERED FROM COINCIDENCE
For many years an enigma that those puzzled sought to solve even through the rubbish he took out, Bob Dylan went in the open now, at first with the "Biography" book and then with a Martin Scorsese picture "No Direction Home: Bob Dylan" that will make its screening debut in the US on September 26th. Not the first documentary on His Bobness, it's the only one narrated by the bard all the way through and sprinkled with exclusive interviews with such close associates of his as Joan Baez, Allen Ginsberg and Pete Seeger.
Still, it's the music that lies in the heart of any thing Dylan, so the movie is accompanied by "No Direction Home - The Soundtrack. The Bootleg Series Vol. 7", out on August 30th. All bar two tracks previously unreleased, the 2CD-set is close in its content to the first installment of the archival series and, like other parts in-between, comes in a slipcase with a 60-page color book filled with liner notes by Andrew Loog Oldham and Al Kooper and the songs details.
CD 1:
1. When I Got Troubles (recorded by high-school friend, 1959)
2. Rambler, Gambler (Minneapolis, 1960)
3. This Land Is Your Land (Carnegie Chapter Hall, 1961)
4. Song To Woody (the "Bob Dylan" album, 1961)
5. Dink's Song ("Minneapolis Hotel Tapes", 1961)
6. I Was Young When I Left Home ("Minneapolis Hotel Tapes", 1961)
7. Sally Gal (take #1, "The Freewheelin'" out-take, 1962)
8. Don't Think Twice, It's Alright ("Witmark Demo", 1963)
9. Man Of Constant Sorrow (TV show, 1963)
10. Blowin' In The Wind (Town Hall, NY, 1963)
11. Masters Of War (Town Hall, NY, 1963)
12. A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall (Carnegie Hal, 1963)
13. When The Ship Comes In (Carnegie Hall, 1963)
14. Mr. Tambourine Man (first complete take, "Another Side" sessions, 1964)
15. Chimes Of Freedom (Newport Folk Festival, 1964)
16. It's All Over Now, Baby Blue (take #1, "Bringing It All Back Home" sessions, 1965)
CD 2:
1. She Belongs To Me (remake take # 2, "Bringing It All Back Home" sessions, 1965)
2. Maggie's Farm (Newport Folk Festival, 1965)
3. It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry (take #9, "Highway 61 Revisited" sessions, 1965)
4. Tombstone Blues (take #9, "Highway 61 Revisited" sessions, 1965)
5. Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues (take #5, "Highway 61 Revisited" sessions, 1965)
6. Desolation Row (take #1, "Highway 61 Revisited" sessions, 1965)
7. Highway 61 Revisited (take #6, "Highway 61 Revisited" sessions, 1965)
8. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat (take #1, "Blonde On Blonde" sessions, 1966)
9. Stuck Inside Of Mobile (take #5, "Blonde On Blonde" sessions, 1966)
10. Visions Of Johanna (take #8, "Blonde On Blonde" sessions, 1965)
11. Ballad Of A Thin Man (ABC Theatre, Edinburgh, 1966)
12. Like A Rolling Stone (Free Trade Hall, Manchester, 1966)
THE OLD HAND IS SLOW
It's been quite a time since Eric Clapton presented his fans with an album of new songs, and though many think tackling Robert Johnson's blues and playing Albert Hall with CREAM suit Slowhand better, he's back with a bagful of - mostly - originals. "Back Home" is the title of the album that'll see the light of day on August 30th. Eric must be in top form if he takes to covers again, as his covers always shine. This time he choose George Harrison's optimistic "Love Comes To Everyone" and Stevie Wonder's "I'm Going Left" originally recorded by Stevie's wife Syreeta Wright. The band, up to the material if not more, include Steve Gadd in drums, Andy Fairweather-Low on guitar and Billy Preston on keyboards while among the special guests are Stevie Winwood and Pino Paladino. Hopefull, Clapton has made the best of the situation.
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1. So Tired |
WE'LL BE WATCHING 'EM
No matter how Sting try to turn "Every Breath You Take" into a political statement, the song remains the domain of his old band, THE POLICE. Still missed two decades after the trio called it quits, any new bit of their history is welcomed, and the "Synchronicity Concert" DVD, to be released on September 5th, is a treasure. The film was shot in in November 1983 and, originally directed by 10CC's Godley & Creme, now emerges in glorious video and audio that includes three mixes: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, and 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo. But it's the massive bonus section that draws the "indispensable" tag with it.
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1. Intro |
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July 24th, 2005
LOST LONG JOHN
"Someone saved my life tonight", sang Elton John thirty years ago of the man whose name he adopted as his new surname. The life of Sugar Bear of the song, of Long John Baldry, wasn't saved, and the music legend passed away at the Vancouver General Hospital, on July 21st. Aged only 64, John's life was claimed by chest infection - a bitter irony: it's from John's chest that his magnificent voice roared mightily. A mentor for both Reg Dwight, the future Elton, in BLUESOLOGY, and Rod Stewart in THE HOOCHIE COOCHIE MEN and STEAMPACKET, Baldry had a big hand in shaping British blues as we know it now. There's a smattering of his albums' re-issues are out just now, and there's no better way to remember Long John than to listen to his songs.
WHEN LES IS MORE
The guitar legend, Les Paul, the one whose name a famous Gibson model bears, turned 90 this year, and celebrations are afoot. A part of this is the veteran's new album, titled simply "Les Paul and Friends", as simply as it gets. To be released on August 29th, it features artists old and new but all famous to say the least, especially when it comes to Sam Cooke. Yes, it's the Sam Cooke, and it was Jeff Beck's idea to use the original vocal tracks of the man who died more than thirty years ago. The STONES, ZZ TOP, GOO GOO DOLLS and BON JOVI fans will all find something to relish here, even if they've never heard of some nonagenarion guitarist.
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1. Intro |
WILL THERE BE AN ANSWER?
The rumours grow on and on about the imminent DVD release of THE BEATLES' "Let It Be". Some sources even state it'll come out in September, which looks quite unlikely, as there's still no advertising that surely must accompany such a project. At the same time, there's a certain logic: if the movie is to indeed appear at first on three discs, as a collectors' edition, and then, three months later, as a regular one-disc pressing, the later version would hit the stores around Christmas - to become a great present.
Regarding the delay in such a long overdue issue, the grapevine attributed it to the late George Harrison objections before yet now the reason is said to be the sheer amount of work which had to be done not only on a 5.1 surround sound mix but also on additional material. There was much material shot under the guidance of Michael Lindsay-Hogg that never made it to the original 80-minute film, and some of it, including the complete rooftop gig, will hopefully be released now for all to enjoy.
THE BOLSHIE ROCKIN'
When Moscow Deputy Mayor Mikhail Men, a son of Russian Orthodox priest and dissident, decided to re-record the songs he's written as a young man, he didn't hesitate to contact Glenn Hughes and Joe Lynn Turner who toured Russia at the time, to supply vocals. The two agreed and returned to Moscow some time ago in order to help out. The resulting album, "Made In Moscow", is released now as a regular and a limited, including a DVD of making of the CD, edition. Not that the songs match the singing though...
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1. Arianna |
July 15th, 2005
THE WINNING BET
It'd be quite dramatic to listen to a new BEE GEES record, with two-part harmonies where used to be three majectic voices. But Maurice is gone and Barry and Robin Gibb's trepidations are understandable. Still, the brothers pursue some projects currently, one of these being a theatrical musical called ''You Win Again'', after the song off 1997's "E.S.P." album, that follows the template of QUEEN's ''We Will Rock You'' and ABBA's ''Mama Mia''. The production telling a story of a fashion designer and the model he falls in love with will be taken to both Broadway and London's West End by the end of 2006. Sounds quite banal, but there's always the music...
MIGHTY MIGHTY WHITEY
Alan White now has a band of his own, WHITE, which is no news already. The news is that YES' drummer took his buddies - singer Kevin Currie, bassist Steve Boyce, guitarist Karl Haug and the old friend, keyboard maestro Geoff Downes, who surprisingly find time off touring with ASIA - to the studio. The group's debut record, solid progressive rock, is finished at the moment, and there's a fascinating Roger Dean-commissioned artwork already submitted. As of release date, it's July 18th, and some snippets of new songs can be listened to at the ensemble's new site. And here's the tracklisting of the album:
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1. New Day |
THE REGAL DOINGS
QUEEN, now officially the biggest album selling band in the UK chart history who, with 1,322 weeks on the hit parade, exceeded THE BEATLES' result of 1,293 weeks, aren't going to stop - if QUEEN + Paul Rodgers could be accounted for as the same act. Nevertheless, this combination will release live CD on September 12th and a DVD and LP on October 24th. All three formats come from the Sheffield performance of May 9th, but the DVD is to also include rehearsal and backstage footage, interviews and highlights from the outdoor shows. Hopefully, the concert recording will appear in its entirety. The set played on that day looked - and sounded - like this:
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Reaching Out |
I’m In Love With My Car |
RE-KOOPER-ATING AGAIN
It's been a long time coming for legendary Al Kooper whose proper solo album was last heard back in the '70s. Now the meister's back and still strong. His tasty "Black Coffee" album is out on July 12th and has been available on iTunes even some days before that. Quite an impatience here - deservedly! THE BLUES PROJECT and the BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS fans must form a line.
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1. My Hands Are Tied |
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THE MODERN PSYCHOSIS
While Robert Fripp leads his current version of KING CRIMSON, his former band mates quench the thirst of those who miss the group's old indentity. Operating under the 21ST CENTURY SCHIZOID BAND moniker, sax player Mel Collins, flautist Ian McDonald, drummer Michael Giles, his bass-toting brother Peter and guitarist Jakko Jakszyk toured the Land of Rising Sun back in 2002. The document of the tour, the "Live In Japan" DVD recorded in Tokyo on November 6th, features classic CRIMSO material and numbers from the players' solo records, such as McDonald's "Drivers Eyes". Extra features include interviews, the footage of "The Official Bootleg Vol 1" recording as well as that from the debut performance at Canterbury Fayre Festival and Queen Elizabeth Hall.
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1. Schizoid Intro |
PLAYING WITH MAIDEN-NESS
Sometimes recording a tribute album feels like running amok. We've heard Latin tribute to BLACK SABBATH, and now time comes for something no less unusual: "The Piano Tribute To Iron Maiden" recorded by famous Scott Lavender and set for release on August 2nd. Still, it somehow makes sense, as MAIDEN are one of the most melodic metal collectives. Aces are high, even though axes are replaced with keys.
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1. Two Minutes To Midnight |
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COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
Four years down the line from the marvellous "Not Of This World", PENDRAGON are ready to bring forth their new album, "Believe". Seemingly less fantasy-driven than previous efforts, the record will find its way to the fans' hands on August 29th as both a regular disc and a limited edition which is to include a DVD with rare live footage, studio diaries and other snippets of the band's world shot on a home video recorder.
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1. Believe |
SOMEWHERE IN THE BACK
Paul McCartney's never been famous for thinking up strange album titles, but what comes out on September 12th is Sir Ex-Beatle's 20th post-Fab studio recording, and Paul let his imagination fly. Get it: "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" - that's the title! As for the songs, their nomers are funny as well, yet that's rather fab!
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1. Fine Line |
THE AUSSIE DUAL LAYER
Teaming up with hard rock legends in LIVING LOUD wasn't enough for the Australian belter Jimmy Barnes. International fame beckons, and the singer invited some fine singers to be duetting with him on "Double Happiness", a double album that comes with a bonus DVD and is out om July 18th. If Jimmy's relatives vocalising with him all over the record are of questionable interest to the most, the same can't be said of partners like Joe Cocker or Tina Turner. The guy goes far!
CD 1:
1. Sit On My Knee (with Dallas Crane)
2. Out Of Time (with Tim Roger)
3. Got You As A Friend (with Mark Lizotte)
4. Settle For Me (with EJ Barnes)
5. Take Some Time (with Mahalia Barnes)
6. Resurrection Shuffle (with THE LIVING END)
7. Say It Ain't So (with Rasshan Patterson)
8. Say It Ain't So (Club Mix)
9. Attention (with Andrew Roachford)
10. The Same Woman (with Jackie Barnes)
11. What Will They Say (with Swanee)
CD 2:
12. I'll Be There (with Elly-May Barnes)
13. Run (with Mica Paris)
14. Piece Of My Heart (with Tina Harrod)
15. Ain't No Mountain (with Juanita Tippens)
16. Higher (with Gary Pinto)
17. Bird On A Wire (with Troy Cassar-Daley)
18. Cold Cold Heart (with Smokey Dawson)
19. Simply The Best (with Tina Turner)
20. When Something Is Wrong With My Baby (with John Farnham)
21. Good Times (with INXS)
22. Guilty (with Joe Cocker)
23. The Weight (with THE BADLOVES)
July 3rd, 2005
FIGURE OF EIGHT
It finally happened and everyone's slightly mad! With all the expectations for the Live 8 enterprise, people have been waiting for one thing, and PINK FLOYD indeed got back, Roger Waters, if still sidelined a bit, having fun and giving a good hug to David Gilmour in the end to bring the smile to all the faces in the Hyde Park audience and all around the world. Strangely, during the band's four-song set - "Breathe", "Money", "Wish You Were Here" and "Comfortably Numb" - camera men let Rick Wright less close-ups than to Rabbit Bundrick along the lines of THE WHO's "Who Are You" / "Baba O'Riley" extravaganza. Of other surprises should be mentioned Elton John and Pete Doherty's rendition of T. REX's "Children Of The Revolution" and Paul McCartney's dusting off "Helter Skelter", while DEEP PURPLE rocking out Toronto reminded many of great ol' times. Now, let's wait for the DVD set.
THE BASE IS COVERED
Without much ado, one classic band are back. BABE RUTH never had the recognition they deserved, yet their debut album, 1972's "First Base", is highly collectable - and not only because of Roger Dean's marvellous cover artwork. Now, lacking the guitarist Bernie Marsden whose claim to fame lay with WHITESNAKE and who's now co-leading M3 CLASSIC WHITESNAKE, the group reunited, comprised of the original members Janita 'Jenny' Haan on vocals, Alan Shacklock on guitars, Dave Punshon on keyboards and Dave Hewitt on bass, and resorted to the studio to emerge with their first longplay since 1976. Stakes aren't high yet the expectations are.
A WORD TO THE WORLD
Happy and unhappy are YES fans this year, as the veterans keep them on their toes with new releases - without even recording a new album. Sometimes something old may come as new, and here are but two examples.
July 12th is the street date for the "Yes' Greatest Video Hits" DVD. Nothing new, surely... while many don't know there are videos for old classics like "Madrigal" and "Into The Lens". And then, there's a pristine quality to the videos.
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1. Wonderous Stories |
But if the aficionados have known this material for a long time and cherished it in any quality, they will undoubtedly welcome "The Word Is Live", a three-CD box that's out on August 23rd. Save for the opening BBC cuts, first appearing on "Something's Coming", the songs thereon are all previously unreleased, and though the set won't make the fans get rid of their bootlegs, Steve Howe's participation in archival research and mixing shows: the band care.
Disc 1:
1. Then (BBC, 1970) |
Disc 2:
1. Apocalypse (Detroit, 1976) |
Disc 3:
1. Heart Of The Sunrise (Oakland, 1978) |
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KNOCKIN' ON THE PEARLY GATES
The end of 1982 was the time when a band called GILLAN were approaching their end, which was unbeknownst to them then, of course. The next summer came the offer BLACK SABBATH that Ian Gillan, with the distance between him and bassist John McCoy growing, accepted and left the rest, keyboard player Colin Townes, drummer Mick Underwood and guitarist Janick Gers to their own devices. Still, on November 6th they came down the Glasgow Apollo stage with a storm, and a CD "Mutually Assured Destruction - Glasgow 1982", out soon on Angel Air, is a convincing document of this. For additional value, the album has two bonus cuts recorded in Munich om June 29th, 1981.
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1. What’s The Matter? |
SOLDIERING ON
In a studio he rocks, but it's on-stage that Chris Farlowe fully comes alive. Sadly, there's been not too many live records of his in the last decade, and to many the definitive one still remains COLOSSEUM's "Live!". To right this wrong, the great bear man comes up with "Hungary For The Blues" recorded with THE NORMAN BEAKER BAND in, of course, Hungary in June 2000 and taken to this day by way of last two tracks laid down in October 2004. Taking in mostly Farlowe's solo hits, the purchase is essential.
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1. I Don't Want To Sing The Blues No More |
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THAT'S HOW IT GOES
Was it Snowy White backing PINK FLOYD at Live 8. Seems so. Yet this kind of work is but a footnote of the great guitarist's career which encompassed stints with THIN LIZZY and Peter Green's combo. Experiencing solo Snowy in concert is something different, and those who isn't able to attend his performances is person will have the possibility to pretend they can - with a DVD entiltled "The Way It Is - Live", out on August 29th. Here's a lotta blues, including Greeny's and Hendrix's, so LIZZY fans should apply carefully.
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1. No Stranger To The Blues |
KICK THE ASS TO HEAVEN
SCORPIONS fans have been missing a good DVD from the band for quite a long time. Now, they can breathe in and then breathe out, as "Unbreakable World Tour 2004: One Night in Vienna" is that answer to their prayers - with a full live show, an hour-long documentary and some bonuses. Read the interview with Klaus Meine here.
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1. New Generation |
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