New Album Reviews

September.14th.2007 - Friday
 

News Tidbits

Interesting Articles

Music Related: (Links Are Subject To Change)

◊ Billboard Bit - Tom Petty
◊ Prince to sue YouTube, eBay over music use
◊ Brian Wilson Hoping To Record 'Lucky Old Sun'
◊ The Cure Reschedules North American Tour
◊ Johnny Cash To Receive Pardon
◊ Music industry betting on 'ringle' format
◊ Matchbox Twenty - Pick Your Package

Annie Lennox North American Tour

September.13th.2007 - Thursday

Iconic artist Annie Lennox will begin a North American headlining tour on October 8th in San Diego, California in support of her new album, Songs Of Mass Destruction, set for release October 2nd on Arista Records.

The tour, 'Annie Lennox Sings' will continue through November 11th with only fifteen intimate performances in as many cities. Performing in smaller venues, this tour, the 3rd of her solo career, will give fans the opportunity to enjoy her new material and beloved classics in a special and extraordinarily rare environment. Annie's exquisite voice and mesmerizing stage presence will be illuminated in this once in a lifetime concert experience.

In the fifteen years since the release of her debut solo album, Diva, in 1992, Annie Lennox has built the most successful career of any British female artist in pop music history. She has sold over 78 million records worldwide, scored numerous Top Ten hits around the world, and earned four Grammy Awards. Annie co-wrote and performed "Into the West," from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, which won the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 2004.

Annie Lennox's appearance with Sting on 2004's 'The Sacred Love Tour' drew packed houses and rave reviews all across North America. The Seattle Post Intelligencer declared, "Lennox's voice was spectacular," and the Chicago Tribune called her "one of the great blue-eyed soul singers."

Here is Annie Lennox's current itinerary, with additional dates and details to follow:
 

October
8 San Diego CA Civic Theatre
10 San Francisco CA Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium
11 Los Angeles CA Wilshire Theater
14 Dallas TX McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
16 Boulder CO Macky Auditorium
18 Minneapolis MN State Theater
19 Chicago IL Cadillac Palace
22 Detroit MI Music Hall
23 Toronto ONT Massey Hall
25 Washington DC Lisner Auditorium
28 Nashville TN The Ryman
29 Atlanta GA Cobb Energy PAC
31 Miami FL Carnival Center

November
3 New York NY United Palace
6 UNICEF Benefit at Cipriani Wall Street [series subscribers only]
10 Philadelphia PA Merriam Theater
11 Boston MA Symphony Hall

Accomplice On TV

Artist Release

Skye Sweetnam Gives Fans A Sneak Peak

Island Report

Bo Bice "See The Light" (Update)

Island Report

Track List Added For "See The Light"

News Tidbits

Interesting Articles

Music Related: (Links Are Subject To Change)

◊ Tommy Lee Quits Motley Crue
◊ Another New Kevin Cronin Posting
◊ Demand For Led Zeppelin Tickets Crashes Site
◊ Preorder Springsteen's New Album, Receive Bonus
◊ Visit "The Island" On Imeem.com

LeAnn Rimes On QVC

September.12th.2007 - Wednesday

LeAnn Rimes has been mesmerizing audiences with her soulful voice and textured lyrics since she exploded onto the music scene at the age of 14. Now, over a decade later with more than 20 industry awards, including the "Artist of the Year" Grammy, and a dozen albums, the Southern-born songstress will once again be exciting fans when she makes her QVC debut on Saturday, September 15 at 4 PM (ET).

Broadcasting live from Rising Sun, IN, QVC Presents Q Sessions Live Featuring LeAnn Rimes will give viewers a sneak peek of Rimes' much-anticipated new album, Family, three weeks before its scheduled release. QVC shoppers will also have the opportunity to purchase Family with a bonus CD, created especially for QVC.

"LeAnn Rimes is one of the most talented and well-respected young artists in music today," said Rich Yoegel, director of merchandising for QVC. "We are excited to offer our viewers this special performance and the
opportunity to hear songs from the new album nearly a month before its release date."

Rimes made her country music debut in 1996 with the break-out record, Blue, a multi-platinum album that netted her two Grammy Awards, making her the youngest recipient in history. She also went on to win three Country Music Awards and 12 Billboard Awards that same year. Her most popular song, "How Do I Live," made her a cross-over success, selling more than three million copies and spending an unprecedented 69 weeks on the U.S. Hot 100, a record that still remains unbroken.

"I look forward to appearing and performing live on QVC and giving my fans the opportunity to get a sneak peek at my new album, Family," said Rimes.

Family will be available through QVC at 800.345.1515 or www.QVC.com while supplies last. (The CD cannot be purchased until Sept 15th. Type in LeAnn Rimes in their search area on that day for details.

Jesse Lang On Cities Live! Radio

Artist Release

The Drama Club Hits Cage Rattle Radio Tonight!

Press Release

Bo Bice "See The Light"

Artist Release

News Tidbits

Interesting Articles

Music Related:

◊ Led Zeppelin set for reunion gig in London
◊ Stevie Nicks Won't Reunite With Fleetwood Mac
◊ Jazz Keyboard Great Zawinul Dies at 75
◊ Hurtsmile - Gary Cherone, Download New Songs Free

"Live From SNL! Music Performances" (Updated Information)

September.10th.2007 - Monday

SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT in association with Broadway Video Entertainment and NBC Universal Video, Music & Product Development, is set to release "Live From SNL! Music Performances From Saturday Night Live" exclusively at Target stores nationwide beginning September 9, 2007.

The exclusive 11-track compilation, which is produced by NBC Universal and Broadway Video Enterprises and distributed by Sony BMG, marks the first live album from the hit NBC late night series in nearly a decade and the first-ever exclusive SNL album of its kind.

Drawing from the last four seasons (2003/04 - 2006/07) of "Saturday Night Live," the album features live performances from artists including Avril Lavigne, Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Kelly Clarkson, Arctic Monkeys and more.

"We think this is a great way to present these artist's frontline records in a unique format for our guests, "said Sue Peterson, Senior Music Buyer, Target. "By creating this exclusive CD, we're able to capture the excitement of SNL's live performances and further position Target as a true entertainment destination."

"Over the years the powerful music performances on Saturday Night Live have helped to establish the show as a central force in popular culture," commented John Ingrassia, President of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT's Commercial Music Group. "We're pleased to be a part of this special release, which features many SONY BMG artists and offers fans a chance to continue to enjoy SNL's music highlights long after the episodes have aired."

Shelli Hill, Vice President, Video, Music, and Product Development for NBC Universal Television Distribution, added "Millions of viewers tune-in every Saturday night and watch unique and exciting performances by superstar bands. This album will prominently position their records and fans will now have a chance to own many of these great live SNL musical performances."

John Head, Executive Producer for Broadway Video, stated, "These exquisitely recorded live performances offer a unique opportunity to hear 11 great bands in a very special setting."

The album includes chart-topping singles such as Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend," Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone," and Maroon 5's "Harder To Breathe." It also features popular hits including Foo Fighters "Best Of You" and Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out."

 

1. Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend
2. Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone
3. Foo Fighters - Best Of You
4. Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
5. P!nk - Trouble
6. Nausea - Beck
7. Dave Matthews - Save Me
8. The Shins - Phantom Limb
9. The Strokes - You Only Live Once
10. Maroon 5 - Harder To Breathe
11. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out

Loverboy "Just Getting Started" Release Dates

Island Report

Ra - New Album Update

Bulletin

Terri Clark - New Album Pushed To '08

Island Report

Barry Manilow - Greatest Love Songs Of The 70's "QVC Edition"

Bulletin / Email

News Tidbits

Interesting Articles

Music Related:

◊ MTV will premiere the new Evanescence video for "Good Enough" on TRL today and Amy Lee will be there to make the introduction. Tune in to check it out. "Good Enough" will also be featured as an "Unleashed" premiere on MTV2 today.

◊ Bo Bice's new record "See the Light," due out October 23 as the first release from his newly formed $ugarmoney/StratArt Records, teamed Bo up with producer Frank Liddell. The result is a fresh and soulful take on Bo's Southern Rock roots; it's the album he was born to make! BoBice.com

◊ Hanson crosses "Great Divide" with anonymous airplay
◊ MTV Aims to Return to Its Days of Glory
◊ Led Zeppelin Announcement Expected Next Week
◊ Kid Rock Questioned By Police After Attacking Tommy Lee
◊ Genesis Not Planning Past North American Tour
◊ Kevin Cronin - Newsletter Update

New Island Casts

September.7th.2007 - Friday
We wanted to end the week with a little something special for all those who continue to download the Island Cast episodes. You can now download 2 brand new episodes of our continuing series. Download links & show notes are listed below. As always if you are subscribed via iTunes then the shows should download automatically.
 

Show Notes: Episode 9

09.07.07 - Friday

Preview Codenamed: Blackbird, Episode 9 pays a visit to Alter Bridge land for a preview of their upcoming album Blackbird. We look at 4 brand new tunes, the album artwork and more!

Episode Details:
Total Size 22meg, Running Time Approx. 23min, Recorded In 128kbps.
Can Be Listened To On PSP/IPod/Zune/PS3/Windows PC, Mac, Apple Computer or other systems that support the .MP3 format.

To Download: www.garageband.com/mp3cat/.UZCMZS6D5Kmj/01_Island_Cast___Episode_9.mp3 (Right Click & Save As)

◊ Artist Sites/Fan Sites:  
www.alterbridge.com, www.alterbridgeband.net, www.myspace.com/alterbridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

Show Notes: Episode 8

09.07.07 - Friday

Time To Play Catch-up, Episode 8 goes where no Island member has gone before! We look at the latest from Faith Hill, Queensryche, Sammy Hagar, LoudLion, Mitch Allan, Carrie Underwood & more.

All coming down to a discussion on Van Halen hitting the road with David Lee Roth, what exactly are fans going to get?

Episode Details:
Total Size 55meg, Running Time Approx. 57min, Recorded In 128kbps.
Can Be Listened To On PSP/IPod/Zune/PS3/Windows PC, Mac, Apple Computer or other systems that support the .MP3 format.

To Download: www.garageband.com/mp3cat/.UZCMZS6D5aCu/01_Island_Cast___Episode_8.mp3 (Right Click & Save As)

◊ Artist Sites:  
        Faith Hill- www.faithhill.com, LoudLion- www.myspace.com/loudlion,
        Queensryche- www.queensryche.com,
        Sammy Hagar- www.redrocker.com,
        Carrie Underwood- www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com,
        Van Halen- www.van-halen.com,
        David Lee Roth- www.davidleeroth.com
        Mitch Allan- www.mitchallan.com

 

Full Show Notes In The Media Section

Rocktober

September.6th.2007 - Thursday

Rock out and accessorize for a cause during Rocktober at Hard Rock Cafes worldwide! Hard Rock International, together with 2007 Oscar(R) winner, two-time Grammy(R) winner, breast cancer survivor, and multi-platinum recording artist Melissa Etheridge, announces the launch of Rocktober -- a month-long commitment to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research through sales of a collectable Rocktober pin, a series of live music events and special Pink Cocktails at Hard Rock establishments around the world.

Since it was established in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world, exemplified by one of its mottos, "Love All, Serve All." "Hard Rock's commitment to philanthropy has always been our foremost priority," said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International. "Our Rocktober program truly epitomizes and reinforces this belief, focusing our global brand on raising funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer."

Through the proceeds of a special limited-edition 2007 Hard Rock Breast Cancer Awareness Pin, which will be launched by Melissa Etheridge on September 25th, Hard Rock will donate 100 percent of net profits to breast cancer research organizations. This pin, the eighth in the Rocktober Series, features a gold based double-neck guitar with a pink ribbon -- a symbol for breast cancer supporters -- dangling from the head stock. The pin also features the powerful message "Stop Breast Cancer for Life" on the body of the guitar. Beginning September 17, this symbolic 2007 Hard Rock Breast Cancer Awareness pin will be sold exclusively at select Hard Rock International properties worldwide, including Cafes, Hotels and Casinos and on www.hardrock.com for $11.00. One hundred percent of net profits from sales of the Pin will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, this year's Rocktober beneficiary.

Rocktober will also feature live music events, kicked off with Melissa Etheridge's album release concert, at Hard Rock Cafes worldwide. These events highlight artists throughout the month to raise additional dollars for this worthy cause. Last year's events included performances by such artists as The Go-Go's, Alexa Ray Joel, Melanie C and Bonnie Tyler. The 2007 Hard Rock Rocktober artist lineup includes live music with Griffin House, Finding Stella, Jenny Owen Youngs, Sons of William, and many more!

Casting Crowns Debuted #2

Press Release

Y&T Updates

Bulletin / Email

News Tidbits

Interesting Articles

Music Related:

◊ Tenors lead tributes to Pavarotti
◊ $13M settlement expected in R.I. club fire
    ◊ Great White Fire Defendants Agree To Settle
◊ Ringo Starr is 'in it to play'
◊ "SNL" musical performances due on Target CD
◊ Record Industry Hopes Late Arrival Of Blockbuster Artists Will Turn Around Dismal Sales Year

Amy Grant: Greatest Hits w/DVD

September.5th.2007 - Wednesday

Special edition packages have proven to be successful in the past few years because they give the core fan the extra content they crave from the artist. The special edition of Amy Grant’s new Greatest Hits release will not disappoint her fans. Plans include a bonus DVD full of music videos, photo galleries, excerpt from Mosaic (book) read by Amy, newly recorded live acoustic performances, new interview footage, and past performances from the vault (never before released) —about 40 min in all.

Amy Grant—the music tells her story. She has been making records since she was a teenager and if you ask her what’s been the most meaningful memories along the way, it wouldn’t be the 30 million records sold, the number one radio songs, the number one albums, or the touring…it would be the people and lives she’s encountered along the way. With the release of this new Greatest Hits collection, we have assembled the best songs of her entire career (so far) that provide evidence into why Amy is CCM’s most celebrated artist but moreover, why her music has connected with the hearts of millions over the years and why she gains new fans everyday.

 

1. Simple Things
2. Takes A Little Time
3. Lucky One
4. House Of Love
5. Baby Baby
6. Every Heartbeat
8. Good For Me
9. I Will Remember You
10. Lead Me On
11. Saved By Love
12. Stay For Awhile
13. Find A Way
14. Thy Word
15. Angels
16. El - Shaddai
17. In A Little While

CD 2:
1. Lead Me On (Music Video)
2. Every Heartbeat (Music Video)
3. Baby Baby (Music Video)
4. House Of Love (Music Video)
5. Takes A Little Time (Music Video)

This package will be available for purchase on 10/01/07, but you can pre-order by clicking here.

Matchbox Twenty - Exile On Mainstream (Update)

Island Report

From The Inside II

Email

News Tidbits

Interesting Articles

Music Related:

◊ Frankie Banali And Friends - Win A Signed Ludwig Supraphonic Snare Drum
◊ Aerosmith Hitting The Studio In November
◊ Bruce Springsteen - Radio Nowhere (Music Video Stream)
◊ Beatles' 'Help!' Expanded For New DVD
◊ Evanescence Announce Plans For North American Fall Tour
◊ Kelly Clarkson, After Scrapping Summer Tour, Announces 24-Date Fall Schedule
◊ Led Zeppelin Promoter Fuels Reunion Rumors
◊ Sting And Denis Leary Clash Over Hair
◊ Amazon.com to launch music service in September: report
◊ Morello a villain in Guitar Hero III
◊ Diddy to produce Notorious B.I.G. film
◊ 'Idol' Tour Faces Empty Seats

i-94, "Bit's And Parts"

September.4th.2007 - Tuesday

Los Angeles and London: combined the two music Mecca’s have been responsible for half the greatest songs of the last four decades. So it’s only fitting that when you merge the two into one musical metropolis you get I-94, three English ex-pats and a L.A. musician, who take songwriting to new levels. The quartet is back on the scene with a new record, BITS AND PARTS, which is packed tight with songs that would sound great coming out of your car speakers, computer, iPod, or wherever, right next to U2, Snow Patrol, Lifehouse, Coldplay and Switchfoot.

Hollywood has taken notice. The foursome’s songwriting has caught the attention of many Music Supervisors. Among the movies and TV series that have featured the songs of i-94 are, “Men In Tress” (ABC), MTV’s “Laguna Beach”, “The Hills”, “Road Rules” and “Road Rules Challenge” (the band is now featured on MTV.com), A & E’s “Roller Girls”, National Lampoon’s “Half Baked”, ABC’s “Cutting Edge 2”, TLC’s “LA Riding Club”, Showtime’s “Reversal Of Fortune”, “Smallville,” “Six Feet Under,” “Without A Trace”,” “Crossing Jordan,” Major movies and Lifetime TV movies.

While the band is thankful to have the support of Hollywood and to see their music on the big and little screen so much, they also love to see fans discover i-94 in their natural habitat: on stage.

On their new record, "Bits and Parts", i-94 reveals the full range of their musical dynamic from the fragile, intimate songs, “Hold Me Now” and "Mindless song" to the catchy sass of “These Days” and crunching, energetic rockers like "When she comes round",“Dont Fade Me Out” and “Know My Name”. With tracks such as “The Sun Will Rise Again”, "Too low" and “Alone Again” the band serve up powerful anthems with epic style. Yet, they also show a more mellow side to their music as displayed in the songs "Losing You” and the hooky arpeggio piano of “Bits and Parts”. These songs have an addictive quality that is further amplified by well annunciated lyrics delivered by Arnell. His velvety, smooth voice sooths the ear, while he adjusts his it slightly to add a bit of grit and kicks it up for higher register crooning.

From being multi instrumentalists with Danny, Matt and Angelo creating and playing string and keyboard parts, to the engineering, production and mixing skills of Arnell to creating the artwork it was completely self contained. They recorded an finished this record for absolutely no money, using no studio outboard gear,(well. just a Focusrite mic pre) and plug ins on Pro Tools MAC OS 9 and 10. “This album shows that all you need is a vision and pair of ears”, laughs Arnell.

 

 1 When She Comes Round
2 Dont Fade Me Out
3 Alone Again
4 Way Back Home
5 Bits and Parts
6 Know My Name
7 The Sun Will Rise Again
8 Everybody Has The Right
9 Too Low
10 These Days
11 Hold Me Now
12 Celebrity
13 Losing You
14 Mindless Song

To Purchase Click Here, Sound Samples Also Available

Classic "Boston" Added To....

Bulletin / Email

News Tidbits

Interesting Articles

Music Related:

◊ Ashlee Simpson - New Album Fall 07
◊ Rock Stars More Likely to Die Young
◊ Rocker Breaks Back While Sleepwalking
◊ Previous 2 Weeks News, Has Been Archived

New Island Casts Available This Week!

New Album Reviews

August.31st.2007 - Friday
 

Faith Hill Debuts new Single On Ellen DeGeneres Season Premiere

Press Release

Nikki Sixx To Speak On Capitol Hill

Press Release / Update

Motley Crue founding member Nikki Sixx whose brutally honest upcoming book The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star (due September 18th from MTV Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster) chronicles his battles with drug addiction and his road to recovery, will be a featured speaker at the 18th Annual National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month luncheon on Capitol Hill, September 6th. He is the first rock star to speak at this event -- a particularly ironic distinction since he was once one of the wildest men in rock.

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals invited Sixx to share his story at this national forum alongside Terry Cline, Ph.D, Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and H. Westley Clark, MD, JD, MPH, Director, SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

The Heroin Diaries, and accompanying CD, The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, (released August 21st via Eleven Seven Music) offers insight into Sixx's self- destruction with substance abuse, and his subsequent freedom from addiction. The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, written and produced by Sixx: A.M. (Sixx, James Michael and DJ Ashba), was inspired by haunting diary entries that became The Heroin Diaries. Although the album was not intended for radio, the lead single, "Life Is Beautiful" is already in the top 20 on the rock radio charts.

News Tidbits

Interesting Articles

Music Related:

◊ NBC cancels iTunes contract
◊ Sony pleads innocent in latest rootkit fiasco
◊ Two Who DVDs set for release
◊ Marley Family to Sue Universal, Verizon

For those in the states, have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.
Next Update, September 4th (Tuesday).

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