Archive - Jan. 22nd - 31st, 2007

Wednesday, January 31st, 2007:

● Bad Side - Album Update (Press Release):
Bad Side is continuing work on their new CD, tentatively titled BAD SIDE II. The CD was originally scheduled for release the first week of March but due to scheduling conflicts with the studio, the CD is being pushed back to May of 2007. The band is very anxious to have the new material available to the public but will use the schedule changes to continue work on a companion DVD release to coincide with the new CD’s release. The DVD will feature pro shot videos, amateur audience clips, interviews with Jason and Melissa, backstage and road footage, clips from the studio making the new CD and more!

Bad Side apologizes to their fans for the delay on the new CD but jokes that their new CD will still be out before the new Guns & Roses CD ever sees the light of day. The band has leaked a couple of clips from the new CD on their myspace in both audio and video form, including the full length video for the new song “Let it Roll”. The band wanted to give everyone a taste of the band’s progress on the follow up to their debut CD that was released in October of 2005. “I think people are going to be blown away by the new CD”, says Jason Mapes, guitarist for the band. “We are just ecstatic about how the new CD is sounding and I know that when it finally hits the streets, people that liked the debut CD are going to freak about this one!” Melissa Krahnke adds that “the new CD is going to be classic Bad Side but with even more of an edge and raw feel!” Everyone can keep tabs on the band and the new CD by checking out the Bad Side Myspace at www.myspace.com/badsidemusic and official website at www.badsidemusic.com

● Eddie Money - Wanna Go Back ('07 Release Update):
Eddie Money released "Wanna Go Back" via online distribution in '06. Because of the great reaction from fans around the world, this disc will finally be released in stores this March. The first single, "You Don't Know Me" is this week's MOST ADDED song at reporting AC stations nationally.

If you haven't heard this track on your local radio station make sure you give them a call and request it. Currently the following stations are playing this single:
WJXB-KNOXVILLE, WLTJ-PITTSBURGH, KISC-SPOKANE, KKBA-CORPUS CHRISTI, KKMY-BEAUMONT, KQIS-LAFAYETTE, LA, KUMU-HONOLULU, KVKI-SHRIEVEPORT, KVLY-MCALLEN/BROWNSVILLE, KWAV-MONTEREY/SLAINAS, WHLG-FT. PIERCE,
WJKK-JACKSON.

Can't wait till March to pick up the new Eddie CD in stores?? Well, as of today, ALL 12 of the songs from "Wanna Go Back" are now available on iTunes for Download to you MP3 players and computer! Don't be confused if you see two versions of the CD cover art. Both have the same versions of each song so either will work and get you rockin'.

You can also Pre-Order the hard copy of the CD now directly from Warrior Records for a special price of- $10.98 (Will Ship On March 9, 2007.)

» Pre-Order CD Version (Includes Audio Samples & New Disc Art):
www.warriorrecords.com/eddiemoney/
 

» iTunes (Requires The Apple iTunes Program, See www.apple.com)

● Van Halen/Sammy Hagar - What Is Going On? (Island Report):
You've read about it, we've reported it and still more information comes around. Van Halen will be heading to the Hall Of Fame soon and with official word that Roth is back it's clear there is more to come from this band in '07. But what about Sammy Hagar? After his "Livin' It Up" release one would assume another big tour would already be setup, this is not the case. Directly from Sammy's Official Website:
 

RedHeads, The Wabo’s are going to take most of this year off except for the cruise, March 16 show in Cabo and The Tahoe Wabo’s 3rd Anniversary Shows on May 4, 5, & 6 and my birthday bash Oct. 6,8,9,12 & 13. There maybe a show here or there. I want to write some new songs, redesign my stage and gear up for the big 60 which will tentatively be the beginning of 08 and all thru the summer.

Until then, peace & love, Sammy
P.S. I’m really excited about the Hall of Fame

To top it off, Van Halen's Official Website has been taken offline completely. The only thing that shows up is the 2004 Tour logo. Look for tour dates, new band photo's and other news to find it's way onto the updated website once the design is complete.

● Corabi & Poley Added To "Independence Day" (Press Release):
The song order for the new Liberty N Justice CD "Independence Day" has been finalized and at this we are excited to announce two more singers.... John Corabi (x-Motley Crue / RATT/ Union) and "Soundtrack Of A Soul" alumni Ted Poley (Danger Danger) have been added to the new CD (the complete list of announced singers are below) you can check out the new tunes at www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2 or www.libertynjustice.net.

Liberty N' Justice "Independence Day"
1. Doubting Thomas John Corabi (x-Motley Crue/Ratt/Union)
2. Monkey Dance Jack Russell (Great White)
3. Soldier (TBA)
4. My Sacrifice (TBA)
5. Phoenix (TBA)
6. Independence Day Kelly Keeling (Baton Rouge/ Michael Schenker Group)
7. Meet My Monster (TBA)
8. Praying For A Miracle Ted Poley (Danger Danger)
9. Fade Jamie Rowe (Guardian)
10. Bullet,Train, Breakdown Jamie St.James (Warrant/ Black N' Blue)
11. Addiction Jani Lane
12. Wake The Dead (TBA)
13. Snake Eat Snake David Raymond Reeves (Neon Cross)
14. Alittle Bit Of Love Mark & Shannon Hovland (Hovland)

Guest Musicians Announced So Far:
Jerry Dixon (Warrant), Tommy Denander, Charlie Calv, Don Webster (Neon Cross)

● News Tidbits:
» Billy Joel Returns to Pop With New Single

» Henley says new Eagles album in the works - report
» Sony BMG settles with FTC over anti-piracy software
» Lavigne Sets Date for Clap-Happy New Album

Tuesday, January 30th, 2007:

● Madison Paige - "Nu-tunes" (Press Release):
Melodic rockers MADISON PAIGE, who have made name a name for themselves with their seamless blend of arena rock with modern sensibilities, have posted a brand new song to their Myspace page and website. The song, “What If Said,” is a stunningly powerful ballad that was first debuted a few months ago at the band’s hometown Hollywood acoustic show in Hollywood, CA.

In conjunction with the release of “What If I Said,” the band has launched “Nu-Tunes,” which gives fans the opportunity through their website to not only preview demos of songs the band is considering for inclusion on their forthcoming sophomore release, but to actually influence the album’s final track listing by telling MADISON PAIGE directly which songs are killer and which songs are filler. In addition to “What If I Said,” currently available for previewing are “Summer Rain” and “Time And Time Again,” (both significantly enhanced from the previously available online versions), “Without The World” and “Fisher King,” another song also debuted at their Halloween acoustic show. More “nu-tunes” will be added over the next few weeks.

The songs that make the cut will be recorded for a Summer 2007 release, the follow-up to the band’s successful 2004 debut album, Famous Last Words; that album was financed through advance orders from the die-hard fan base the band amassed while playing the Los Angeles club scene. The band is currently in discussions regarding their album and touring plans, both of which will be announced shortly.

Visit www.madisonpaige.net and www.myspace.com/madisonpaige to hear the songs and to let your voice be heard.

● Starter For 10 Soundtrack (Press Release):
Set in the U.K. in 1985, STARTER FOR TEN follows first-year university student Brian Jackson -- played by hot young Scottish actor James McAvoy -- through his quest to qualify as a contestant on the Granada Television quiz show University Challenge. At the same time, Brian begins his higher education and tutorials in the lessons of love. Ultimately, the youth-skewed college set film is a romantic comedy about love, class, growing-up and the all-important difference between knowledge and wisdom. With primary funding from HBO Films, STARTER FOR TEN is a co-production between London-based Scamp Film & Theatre (Sam Mendes and Pippa Harris) and Playtone (Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman), and is based on David Nicholls' novel of the same name. The film's mid-'80s setting takes full advantage of Rhino's all-star punk/post-punk/new wave soundtrack, featuring classic tracks from a host of legendary acts.

THE FACTS:
* All-star Brits 1985 "period" soundtrack for youth market romantic comedy.

* Late '70s through mid-'80s era U.K. punk, post-punk and new wave classics evoke the mid-'80s milieu portrayed in STARTER FOR TEN.

* Starring James McAvoy, the film opens February 16.

* Among the soundtrack highlights are five classic Cure cuts including "Boys Don't Cry," "Pictures Of You" and "In Between Days."

* Also features The Buzzcocks' "Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've?)," Psychedelic Furs' "Love My Way," and Echo & The Bunnymen's "Do It Clean."

* And, in keeping with McAvoy's character's Kate Bush fandom, the singer's "Man With The Child In His Eyes."

* Plus era-defining tracks from the Style Council, The Smiths, Tears For Fears, Yaz and more!

 

Track List:

1. In Between Days - The Cure
2. Love My Way - The Psychedelic Furs
3. Wonderful Life - Black
4. Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've?) - Buzzcocks
5. Six Different Ways - The Cure
6. Situation - Yaz
7. Ace of Spades - Motörhead
8. Love Song - The Cure
9. Man With the Child in His Eyes - Kate Bush
10. Pictures of You - The Cure
11. Do It Clean - Echo & the Bunnymen
12. Hurting - Tears for Fears
13. Boys Don't Cry - The Cure
14. Long Hot Summer - The Style Council
15. Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths

The soundtrack will hit stores February 13th.

● News Tidbits:
» The Police Will Kick Off the Grammys

» Clint Black Puts New Spin on Old 'Love Songs'
» Robert Fleischman - New Album Samples
» Alfred Introduces Van Halen 1984 Piano/Vocal/Chords And Guitar TAB Editions

Monday, January 29th, 2007:

● G3 - 2007 Tour (Press Release):
The 2007 incarnation of Joe Satriani's popular G3 tour will kick off on March 14th in Phoenix starring SATRIANI, JOHN PETRUCCI and PAUL GILBERT. The tour will play selected dates in North America throughout March and April. The starting tour itinerary follows with more dates TBA shortly.

The 2007 tour marks the 5th North American G3 run and the 12th G3 tour worldwide since its inception. The first G3 tour, featuring Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai, played to sold-out crowds throughout October and November, 1996 and was followed by successful treks in Europe, South America, Japan and Australia. The most recent North American G3 tour, in 2003, showcased Satriani, Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen and was documented in the platinum DVD G3 Live in Denver. Other platinum DVD's include the 1996 run and the 2005 Japanese tour with Vai and Petrucci.

JOE SATRIANI has been a worldwide guitar hero since his 1986 breakthrough album, Surfing With The Alien. Over 10-million albums and CD's later, in addition to 13 Grammy nominations including this year for his latest studio release Super Colossal, Joe continues to push the envelope of modern rock guitar playing. In October 2006, Satriani released Satriani Live!, as both a double audio CD and double DVD package. In addition to breathtaking, nine-camera footage of Satriani and his band tearing it up for more than two hours at their Anaheim stop during this year's Super Colossal tour, Satriani Live! captures them backstage and onstage on the last stop of that trek, with comments from fellow guitar legend Eric Johnson, candid moments with members of Joe's band and crew, and one amazing surprise unleashed by the audience that night in San Francisco.

Joe's G3 cohorts, JOHN PETRUCCI and PAULGILBERT, are each recognized as brilliant players - both as soloists and within the bands they are known by. John is the founding member and lead guitarist for Dream Theater, recording eight albums with the band, including their sophomore effort, 1992's Images and Words. The album proved to be a breakthrough commercial success as the song "Pull Me Under" became a surprise hit on both MTV and rock radio. John is also involved in several side projects including Liquid Tension Experiment with Tony Levin, Age of Impact and even a Sega Saturn game called Necronomicon. In 2005, John was involved in three releases. A solo album, Suspended Animation, Octavarium with Dream Theatre and he was included on the G3 Live in Tokyo CD and DVD.

Paul first became known for his work with Racer X and went on to platinum success with Mr. Big who topped the pop charts in 1992 with the ballad "To Be with You." Mr. Big disbanded in 1996, and a year later Gilbert made his solo debut with King of Clubs; Flying Dog followed in 1998, trailed by Beehive Live in 1999, Alligator Farm in fall 2000 and Get Out Of My Yard in August 2006.

A recent poll of the Top 100 Greatest Rock Guitarists ranked SATRIANI at # 7, PETRUCCI at # 11 and GILBERT at #14.

SATRIANI stated simply, "I can't wait to hit the stage with John and Paul, they are two of the scariest, most amazing players I've ever heard!"

Continuing with the same successful formula as in years past, fans will be treated to individual sets by each guitarist with their own bands before joining Satriani and his band on stage for an all-star jam session. As with previous G3 tours, special guest guitarists will be invited to join the jam at select dates around the country. Past guests have included Neal Schon, Gary Hoey, George Lynch, Billy Gibbons, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robert Fripp and Brian May.

» www.satriani.com
» www.johnpetrucci.com
» www.paulgilbert.com

● Goo Goo Dolls Unload On QVC:
Platinum-selling, chart-topping rock band The Goo Goo Dolls are scheduled to make their QVC debut on Tuesday, February 6 at 9 PM (ET) with a specially packaged, bonus material DVD and CD set three weeks before the scheduled street release date.

In a broadcast live from Washington, D.C.'s premier music venue Nightclub 9:30, QVC will grant viewers a special behind-the-scenes interview with The Goo Goo Dolls, who will share the inspiration behind their eighth album "Let Love In." Immediately following the interview, the QVC broadcast continues as the band takes the stage, giving QVC viewers access to the live Goo Goo Dolls concert.

The Goo Goo Dolls, John Rzeznik (vocals, guitar), Robby Takac (bass, vocals) and Mike Malinin (drums) are known worldwide for such blockbuster hits as "Stay With You," Black Balloon," "Iris" and many others. The band is currently on tour in support of the "Let Love In" album.

"Having The Goo Goo Dolls on QVC will expose the band to a new audience in a unique way and certainly attract new customers to QVC," said Rich Yoegel, director of merchandising for QVC. "In addition, the broadcast provides viewers with a kind of 'all access' feel, which many fans don't get to enjoy firsthand."

The Goo Goo Dolls "Live and Intimate" DVD with "Let Love In" CD set features music videos and rare acoustic tracks compiled especially for QVC (QVC Item #E02449) will be available at 800.345.1515 or www.QVC.com while supplies last.

● Anberlin - New Song:
You can now listen to another new track that will be on Anberlin's upcoming album "Cities." The songs Dismantle Repair & Godspeed are available for streaming only via the band's MySpace page: www.myspace.com/anberlin

● News Tidbits:
» B.B. King Released, Back to 'Old Self'

» Smashing Pumpkins Book German Tour Dates

Friday, January 26th, 2007:

● Dokken Live 1981 From Conception & More (Press Release):
We posted Don Dokken's comments about their upcoming CD & DVD but now we are graced with the official press release courtesy of our friends at Rhino Media.

 

Dokken ruled the charts and airwaves in the '80s with a trio of platinum albums powered by an unforgettable mix of metal and melody. The band is currently in the studio recording their ninth album, and first for Rhino Records, Lighting Strikes Again, set for release this summer. In anticipation of their new album, Rhino revisits the quartet's early days with a pair of releases packed with unissued material.

The first release, a CD entitled FROM CONCEPTION: LIVE 1981, captures Dokken in an early, previously unseen concert recorded before the band signed with Elektra. The second release is the DVD debut of the band's first home video, the platinum-certified UNCHAIN THE NIGHT, which is expanded with unreleased videos and new extended interviews with the band. Each will be available separately on March 13.

FROM CONCEPTION finds singer Don Dokken, guitarist George Lynch, drummer Mick Brown, and bassist Jeff Pilson ripping through 10 unreleased live performances of several songs that were eventually recorded for the band's debut album, Breaking The Chains, including "Live To Rock (Rock To Live)" "Night Rider," the album's title track and "Paris," a showcase for Lynch's formidable guitar heroics. The live disc also contains three previously unreleased songs that were excluded from their debut album because the label did not feel they were commercial enough at the time: "Goin' Down," "Hit And Run," and "Liar."

When Dokken released the home video UNCHAIN THE NIGHT in 1985, the band was touring for its second platinum album, Under Lock And Key. The original VHS release contained on- and off-stage footage shot by the band while on tour in Europe and America. Also included were videos of the hit singles "It's Not Love" and "In My Dreams" as well as "Into The Fire," "Just Got Lucky" and "Alone Again" from 1984's Tooth And Nail.

For its DVD debut, UNCHAIN THE NIGHT is expanded with four previously unreleased videos: "Burning Like A Flame," and "Heaven Sent" from 1987's Back For The Attack, plus "Walk Away" a studio track added to the 1988 live album Beast From The East. Also included is the video for "Dream Warriors," a song for A Nightmare On Elm Street III that featured the band and two stars from the film: Robert Englund (as Freddy Krueger) and Emmy' winner Patricia Arquette. The DVD also features a newly recorded interview with the band.

Dokken recently returned to their Redondo Beach studio to begin work on their ninth studio album, Lightning Strikes Again. Taking its title from a track on Under Lock And Key, the new album will be available this summer from Rhino Records, featuring founding members Don Dokken and Mick Brown along with Jon Levin on guitars and Barry Sparks on bass. The group is also plotting a world tour for later this year, set to begin in June.

FROM CONCEPTION: LIVE 1981
CD Track Listing

1. "Paris"
2. "Goin Down"*
3. "In The Middle"
4. "Young Girls"
5. "Hit And Run"*
6. "Night Rider"
7. GTR Solo
8. "Live To Rock (Rock To Live)"
9. "Breaking The Chains"
10. "Liar"*

* Previously unreleased songs

UNCHAIN THE NIGHT
DVD Track Listing

1. "Into The Fire"
2. "Just Got Lucky"
3. "Breaking The Chains"
4. "Alone Again"
5. "The Hunter"
6. "In My Dreams"
7. "It's Not Love"
8. "Walk Away"**
9. "Dream Warriors"**
10. "Heaven Sent"**
11. "Burning Like A Flame"**

** Unreleased videos with new commentary from the band

● Faktion - The B-Sides EP:
Faktion will release a new disc on March 20th, but it may not be what you think. "The B-Sides EP" will feature 5 unreleased Faktion songs including "Goodbye Brother", "Liquid Personality", "Slip Away", "September", and "Yourself." Supplies are limited, the price tag for this EP is currently set at $4.99. While the band has said the release will be on March 20th, they have also made it clear via their MySpace page that this date could end up being sooner then that.

For Audio Samples & Ordering Information: www.myspace.com/faktionbside

● McPhee - Live Video Chat Today:
Katharine McPhee will have a live video chat today via her official website. She will be discussing about her life, music and answering your questions. Check out her website today at 6pm PST/9pm EST.

We will have a mini review of her new album next week along with a few others.

● Winger - Demo Anthology:
On March 23rd, Winger will release "Demo Anthology" a collection of demos recorded during the 80's and early 90's. This 2 disc set will contain the following 32 tracks:

CD1
Madalaine; Hungry; Seventeen, State Of Emergency; Time To Surrender; Hangin' On; Headed For A Heartbreak; Only Love (*); Can't Get Enough; Loosen Up; Easy Come Easy Go; Rainbow In The Rose; In The Day We'll Never See; Under One Condition; Little Dirty Blonde; Star Tripper (*); You Are The Saint I Am The Sinner; In The Heart of The Young.

CD2
All I Ever Wanted (*); Skin Tight (*); Never (*); Someday Someway (*); Blind Revolution Mad; Down Incognito; Spell I'm Under; Hour Of Need; Junkyard Dog; The Lucky One; In For The Kill; No Man's Land; Like A Ritual; Who's The One; Written In The Wind (*); Until There Was You (*); Without Warning (*); Give Me More (*)
(*) denotes a song which is unavailable on album

"I think this is a very interesting release from a fan's perspective" says Kip Winger, "it shows how much the songs progressed from the early stages and also gives the fans the possibility to discover some hidden gems never released on any album, but that I thought was time to somehow release officially".

 

Audio Samples:
» Madalaine   » Rainbow In The Rose   » Spell I'm Under   » Written In The Wind

● News Tidbits:
» Stewart, ZZ Top to Perform at Jazz Fest

» EMI merges Capitol and Virgin labels in U.S.

» Tom Waits Revs Down Lawsuit
» Dead Or Alive singer sues plastic surgeon

Thursday, January 25th, 2007:

● America Breaks Top 200 (Press Release):
Marking their highest album debut since 1977, AMERICA celebrates the release of their latest album HERE & NOW (Sony BMG/Burgundy Records), which entered Billboard's "Top 200 Albums Chart" at #52. The critically acclaimed double CD HERE & NOW is the group's 16th charting album and sold 14,399 copies in its first week in stores. This is their first Top 100 charting release since 1982. The band launched the album Monday, January 15 on the "Late Show With David Letterman," performing "Ride On" with two of the album's guests, Ryan Adams and Ben Kweller.

 

The two-disc HERE & NOW set features one CD of new studio recordings by
AMERICA co-founders GERRY BECKLEY and DEWEY BUNNELL and was produced by
James Iha (ex-Smashing Pumpkins) and Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne)
plus a bonus CD of greatest hits material recorded at the XM Performance Theater. In addition to Schlesinger and Iha, special guests appearing on the new material include RYAN ADAMS, who plays on "Ride On," BEN KWELLER who joins JIM JAMES and PATRICK HALLAHAN of My Morning Jacket on a cover of their haunting acoustic tune "Golden," and IRA ELLIOT and MATTHEW CAWS of Nada Surf who join the group on their own rendition of Nada Surf's hit "Always Love."

AMERICA, who typically performs about 100 live dates a year, will be announcing Spring 2007 tour plans soon.

● DTE Energy Music Theatre Tops Them All In '06 (Press Release):
DTE Energy Music Theatre topped the 2006 year-end amphitheatre attendance charts of Billboard and Pollstar, marking the 16th consecutive year it has been listed first by a national entertainment trade publication. This dates back to 1991, the first summer the outdoor facility was owned and operated by Palace Sports &
Entertainment (PS&E). PS&E's high-ranking 2006 concert attendance numbers
also garnered the organization a #13 ranking out of the 100 Top Promoters
in Pollstar's year-end chart.
 

The chart-topping summer of 2006 saw DTE Energy Music Theatre venue host 77 events, including 17 sellouts, and more than 830,000 in attendance. According to the 2006 Top 100 tour charts of Pollstar, PS&E's three Michigan venues - The Palace, DTE Energy Music Theatre and Meadow Brook Music Festival - combined to host 50 of North America's top 100 tours.

In addition to the 50 top tours the organization hosted in 2006, five additional tours on the Pollstar Top 100 Tours list have announced dates at The Palace during their 2007 tour legs: Cirque du Soleil - "Delirium" on January 24, 25 and 27 (#5 on the top 100 list), Billy Joel on May 4 (#11), Eric Clapton on April 5 (#33), Blue Man Group on March 24 (#55) and Andre Rieu on May 20 (#49).

● Autographed Twisted Sister CD's Available For Limited Time:
The band has signed a limited number of albums, which are now for sale on eBay. Please visit the link below to access the sale or visit the band's MySpace page. No bidding is necessary, as all CD's can be purchased using the BUY IT NOW option. Please note that they are only available in limited quantities.

» http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZrebellionentQQhtZ-1

 

Signed Albums Available:

Come Out And Play, A Twisted Christmas, Still Hungry, Love Is For Suckers

 

- These albums are 100% legitimately signed by the band. Twisted Sister and their management are the ones doing this limited run, so rest assured that what you are purchasing is legit. Tony

● Anberlin Offer 2nd "Cities" Teaser:
Anberlin will be releasing their new studio album "Cities" on Feburary 20th. Currently you can purchase the first single entitled "Godspeed" via iTunes & other legal downloading services. If you would like to hear another new track off the upcoming album make sure you visit the band's MySpace page Sunday, January 28th at 11:59 PM/EST, 8:59 PM/PST.

● News Tidbits:
» Van Halen reuniting with Roth for summer tour

» Wynonna Judd & Meat Loaf Launch Internet Search Engines

» Rock Band Crowded House Set to Regroup
» Jimi Hendrix Energy Drink in Works
Wednesday, January 24th, 2007:

● Kevin Chalfant To Receive Award Of Honor:
(CHICAGO- January 2007) Rock/Country producer and singer Kevin Chalfant will be honored with an Award of Honor for his extraordinary contribution to the entertainment industry!

The presentation takes place at the 26th Annual Chicago Music Awards gala Sunday, January 28, 2007 (VIP Reception: 6 pm; Awards Ceremony/Concert: 7 pm) at the Park West Theatre, 322 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL.

As family, friends and/or associates of Kevin Chalfant, you are invited to attend and show your love, respect and appreciation for this outstanding Chicago icon. Tickets can be obtained from www.ticketmaster.com, 312/559-1212, Park West box office, or 312/427-0266. Visit www.chicagomusicawards.com for more information!

The special recipients for Lifetime Awards are:
Gospel legend Delores Washington of the Caravans; Jazz icon Fred Anderson; historic black film maker Ronn Pitts; Veteran radio disc jockeys Richard Pegue, Dick Biondi and Clark Weber. Special recipients for Award of Honor are: Chicago Gospel Festival coordinator/radio host Pam Morris; Oprah Winfrey XM radio producer, writer and radio host Mark Ruffin; Rock/Country producer and singer Kevin Chalfant; Veteran radio jockey Robert (Bob) Stroud, and from the land of Ethiopia, veteran African/Reggae Entertainer Zeleke Gessesse, who in the last three years help to build several schools in Ethiopia for thousands of children.

Among the performers will be: Darius Brooks, Rachel Barton, Malik Yusef, Indika Reggae Band, Nythia Rivera, Guayacol y Ale Nova, Lil Mann, D. Lawrence and others will be announced later.

The ceremony will be hosted by NBC 5 TV LeeAnn Trotter and Bluesman Frank Pelligrino of Kingston Mines.

 

See Kevin on MySpace: www.myspace.com/kevinchalfant

● Fleischman - "Look At The Dream":
As we recently mentioned Robert Fleischman will have a new website up soon. This will go hand in hand with the release of a new solo album, "Look at the Dream", which is due in March. Look for the album to hit iTunes in February, for those who prefer digital & want the material early.

 

Keep Checking: www.robertfleischman.com

● News Tidbits:
» Rocker Says Perry OK With Rebel Shirt

» Rocker Mellencamp says he wants to be heard

» Katharine McPhee - Full Album (Listen For Free)

Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007:

● REO Speedwagon - Everyone Loves A Happy Ending:

"Yeah, I know I promised more music. I have to go back East tomorrow, and will be out of the studio until next Wednesday. I'll do the necessary edits then, and with any luck we will have at least one new snippet by the end of next week.

We are laying down the final mix for "Let My Love Find You" at this moment, so we will be finished with our new album, "Everyone Loves A Happy Ending", in about two minutes. I could not be happier with the way this album has turned out.

More release date and tour info coming soon. Thanks to everyone for their patience. KC"

www.kevincronin.com

● Nural - New Album Underway:

I received this bit of information today via The Island's MySpace Page:

 

We have been writing our new album. It's coming out awesome! We have about 13 new songs and about 10 more ideas for songs that we haven't worked on yet. By the time we hit the studio we should have 20-25 new songs to choose from. We'll try to make this process as speedy as possible for you guys but, trust, we are really taking time to make this album amazing. This is really the first time we have ever "written an album." The Weight of the World is more of a compilation of songs that we had written when we were much younger and songs that were written a little before going into the studio to record the album.

 

If you haven't heard of this band then I suggest you give them a listen as their material is quite good. www.myspace.com/nural

● Bryan Adams On Sirius:
Bryan will be interviewed on "Kick Out the Jams with Dave Marsh" (SIRIUS Stars / channel 102, Jan. 28 @ 10 am ET and 1 pm ET).

Remember you can receive a free 2 day stream pass by simply using your email address. www.sirius.com

● News Tidbits:
» Billy Joel to Perform National Anthem at Super Bowl XLI

» Kelly Clarkson Partners With NASCAR

» McBride 'Wakes Up' To New Album, Tour

Monday, January 22nd, 2007:

● Jovi's "Lost Highways" Turns Out To Be A Dead End (Island First Reaction):

We posted our exclusive bits and pieces of the upcoming Bon Jovi album on our Best Of '06 Awards but now we've come across even more details. Clearly Jere has more knowledge about Bon Jovi and the group's history then I do. This is why I decided to take a backseat on this subject and allow Jere to share his comments about...

 

In an interesting development over the last 24 hours a couple snippets from two new Bon Jovi songs from their upcoming country influenced album under the working title “Lost Highways” have found their way into our mailboxes. This album is rumored to be released sometime in April and will be the band’s endeavor into the sound that they unfortunately discovered on the track "Who Says You Can’t Go Home" from their 2005 release Have A Nice Day.

Both Tony and I were able to preview these new tracks and the end result is something that if Bon Jovi intends to release this year will be nothing more than career suicide. I feel that a majority of fans will be insulted with the decision of this once iconic rock band turning their backs on their fan base in order to cash in and get hits. It’s no secret that over the last few years the ego of Jon Bon Jovi has become over inflated and it is obvious that he is desperate to get hits by any means necessary. Jon is so desperate to deliver on a mega anthem, which he hasn’t done since the band’s last creative gasp with "It’s My Life" in 2000. From there on out the band as limped on ever since trying to recapture legions with lackluster pop/rock tunes that have done little to help them. Instead it has all come back to cause further scrutiny from critics and fans alike.

The two new tracks are called “I Love This Town” and “Make A Memory” both of which are lackluster in delivery and have little staying power. If Jon is looking for a hit with one of these he had better re-evaluate his decision on this venture because it will result in a unkind backlash that in the end will cost Bon Jovi severely.

I Love This Town: Basically continues where "Who Says You Can’t Go Home" left off, yet features a heavier steel guitar presence. Any hope for Richie’s signature heavy guitars are grim with the guys taking a page out of Toby Keith’s book, the end result feels like a blatant rip-off of Keith’s "I Love This Bar." What’s even worse is there is no element to set this song as being a Bon Jovi original. Usually even with the dullest material from Jovi’s career the tracks will retain a certain aura that listeners can distinguish automatically that it is Bon Jovi and quite simply "I Love This Town" is a dud.

Make A Memory: Is the better of the two, yet is perhaps the most pop influenced track that Bon Jovi has ever recorded in their 20+ years of existence and I don’t mean that as a compliment; "Make A Memory" has no feeling behind it whatsoever. There are several hints of a pure classic Bon Jovi chorus but it is overshadowed by Jon’s feeble attempt to sound like a Richard Marx cloan (and that’s no disrespect to Richard either). It’s simply depressing to see and hear a band that brought us such anthems as "Livin’ On A Prayer" and "Wanted Dead Or Alive" become a shell of their former selves.

So there you have it folks a little preview of the upcoming Bon Jovi album and if this is any indication as to how the entire album is going to sound then a majority of fans who fell in love with this band back in 1986 will be very disappointed. This is so far removed from the New Jersey syndicate and that’s including "This Left Feels Right" in this equation. If the reaction turns out the way I think it will, then it is going to shake this band to it's very core and the aftermath will push fans further away. - Jere

 

This Bon Jovi material just continues to prove that our theory about today's music is a 100% accurate. The hard to the core rockers who started the big boom in the 80's have gone down the road of greed. They are so into nailing down a hit and snagging another paycheck that they have forgotten their core fans that helped them become popular. Today, in an age where major labels are all about glitz and glamour, a big band like Bon Jovi should be putting their foot down and bringing in talent that continues the sound that made them famous. Apparently that is too much to ask. - Tony

 

A full review will be placed on the website closer to the official release date (when announced). As always, the review will be our final comments about the material until another "Best Of" comes around.

● Dokken Live 1981 From Conception:

Dokken has been busy working on Live CD & DVD, but who knew? Don Dokken posted the following via Dokken's Official Website:

 

Hi everybody here's the artwork for all of you. The cd is called Dokken Live 1981 From Conception. The release date is March 13th '07 and I think the DVD is coming out at the same time, but will find out for sure by Friday, the videos on the DVD are "breaking the chains", "just got lucky", "burning like a flame", "alone again", "dream warriors", "into the fire", "walk away", "the hunter", "in my dreams", 'its not love", "heaven sent", and the unchain the night video. there will be also some commentary of Mick and myself talking about the making of the videos, so there's the update for now, I think I forgot one video but can't think of it right now cause I'm fried. Take care everyone D D (Don Dokken)

● NineDays - Slow Motion Life (Part 1):

It has been a while since we've heard any new material from this group. Out of all the issues that has plagued this band a new album has finally been released, sort of. This is part 1 in a 2 part set that together will make up a full album.

 

Part 2 will be released in a few months and will contain an additional 6 tracks. To hear 2 audio samples from this newly released EP, visit: www.myspace.com/9days

 

A Girl in California
Suddenly (A Brown Eyed Girl)
Worth Fighting For
Just As Through With You
New Shoes
Brand New Me

 

For additional band information visit: www.ninedaysmusic.com

● Warrant - First Full Length DVD - March '07:

The ALL new OFFICIAL DVD is titled: WARRANT Born Again D.V.D. Delvis Video Diaries. It features 12 NEW music videos from the 12 bombastic songs off of the Warrant CD Born Again. With video edits from Jerry Dixon, Steven Sweet & Tommy Thayer. Bonus features include: 30 minutes of in the studio recording sessions, the making of Born Again. Also backstage on tour funny video debauchery of The Down Boys. We have also added to two slide shows for your viewing pleasures. Feel free to enjoy all this video magic with your neighbor's, cranking up your surround sound unit to 11! We will have an exact release date soon.

 

For Up To Date Information: www.warrantweb.net

● Introducing The Ibanez Jem 20th Anniversary:

Steve Vai and Ibanez proudly present the 20th Anniversary Jem - celebrating 20 years of groundbreaking and innovation together.

The new Jem features a hand-made clear acrylic resin body with 3D threads of color that swirl through the guitar body. When the tone knob is pulled up, the guitar glows green (this effect can be seen on the Vai.com Homepage). The tuner heads are also made of material to match the body, and crown a 5pc Jem Prestige neck with a rosewood board and pearl/abalone tree of life inlay. The body is equipped with DiMarzio Trans Jem pickups. You can see more of the guitar on Ibanez's new website.

Ibanez is also releasing a second new Jem - in black! The Jem77V is a companion of sorts to the Universe 777VBK, and features a black basswood body with pearl binding, mirror pickguard, DiMarzio Breed pickups and a tree of life inlay on a rosewood board. You can see this guitar here.

 

News Source: www.vai.com

● Upcoming "Off The Record" Guests:
Sunday (January 28th) will feature the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, as well as more of Joe's conversation with Graham Nash.

Sunday (February 4th) will feature the music of The Doobie Brothers as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist/singer Patrick Simmons.

Sunday (February 11th) will feature the music of The Kinks, as well as conversation with Ray and Dave Davies.

Sunday (February 18th) will feature the music of Bob Seger and Joe's brand new conversation with Bob.

Sunday (March 4th) will feature the music of Van Halen and conversation with Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar.

 

Additional Information: www.unclejoe.com/xotr.html

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