'LennoNYC' DVD set for release on Dec. 7

ON THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH, CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOHN LENNON WITH AN INTIMATE, UNPRECEDENTED LOOK AT THE MUSIC LEGEND’S SOLO CAREER

'LennoNYC' – Produced with Complete Support of Yoko Ono – Features Rare Recordings of Lennon’s Greatest Hits: “Mind Games,” “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,” “I'm Losing You,” “Nobody Loves You When You're Down and Out,” and “Imagine,” Plus Never-Before-Seen Footage and New Exclusive Interviews



Historic DVD ($24.95 suggested retail price) from A&E Home Entertainment Follows Sold-Out Screenings at the New York Film Festival and the Highly Anticipated Television Premiere on PBS’ AMERICAN MASTERS Series



IN STORES DECEMBER 7

(ORIGINAL STREET DATE WAS 11/23)

NEW YORK, NY – This fall marks the 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s tragic death and what would have been his 70th birthday. As the world remembers the iconic musician and his entire solo album catalog is, is re-released, A&E Home Entertainment presents the DVD premiere of LENNONYC, a singular documentary telling the definitive story of Lennon’s post Beatles’ career. Produced with complete support from Yoko Ono and featuring never-before-heard studio recordings from the Double Fantasy sessions, never-before-seen outtakes from Lennon in concert, as well as home movies that have only recently been transferred to video, LENNONYC is a highly personal journey into the soul of the musical legend during a pivotal time in his post-Beatles life. The immersive LENNONYC will premiere on television November 22nd on the PBS AMERICAN MASTERS series, and will make its DVD debut on December 7th (originally 11/23) from A&E Home Entertainment for $24.95srp.

LENNONYC takes an intimate look at the time Lennon, Ono and their son, Sean, spent living in New York City during the 1970’s. Following the breakup of the Beatles, the film follows the family as they move to Manhattan in 1971, where Lennon sought to escape the mayhem of the Beatles era and focus on his family and private life. And, as much as New York made an impact on Lennon and Ono by offering them an oasis of personal and creative freedom, so too did they shape the city. At a time when New York faced record high crime, economic fallout and seemed to be on the verge of collapse, Lennon and Ono became beloved fixtures in neighborhood restaurants, at Central Park, at sports events and at political demonstrations. Lennon and Ono also bonded with millions of their fellow New Yorkers in their experience as immigrants.

At the same time, Lennon created some of the most acclaimed songs and albums of his career – most of them written at his apartment at The Dakota on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. And, LENNONYC boasts rare recordings of the solo hits: “Mind Games,” “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,” “I’m Losing You,” “Nobody Loves You When You’re Down and Out,” and, of course, “Imagine.”

Featuring newly-recorded exclusive interviews with Ono, who cooperated extensively with this production, LENNONYC offers unprecedented access to Lennon’s life, access to never-before-seen material from the Lennon archives and conversations with those closest to him including Elton John, David Geffen, photographer Bob Gruen (who took the iconic photograph of Lennon in front of the skyline wearing a “New York City” t-shirt) and many others, LENNONYC is singularly poised to portray the story of Lennon’s life as it has never been told before – and as it will never be told again.



A&E Home Entertainment, part of the Consumer Products Division of A&E Television Networks (AETN) is a video distributor of non-theatrical programming , featuring collectible DVD editions of the high quality programming from A&E Network and HISTORY, as well as acquired classic programming. A&E Home Entertainment brings the best of critically acclaimed entertainment presented in award-winning packaging to the special interest category. For more information about ordering these and other titles from the A&E Home Entertainment Collection , call 1-800-933-6249 (A&E). In addition to placing orders by phone, A&E Home Entertainment products may be purchased online at ShopAETV.com.

Def Leppard's Phil Collen to perform at Guitar Center's 'Sessions'

What: Phil Collen, lead guitarist for Def Leppard, one of the most recognized rock bands in the last 30 years, will make a special appearance and performance at the Hollywood Guitar Center as part of their “Sessions” series.



Collen is the axeman responsible for those unforgettable riffs on the bands multi-platinum albums Hysteria and Pyromania, in addition to the many albums that followed. Together, he and his bandmates in Def Leppard have sold over 65 million albums world-wide and continue to perform in sold-out arenas all over the world.



Join Phil for a special “Sessions” event as he discusses his 28 + year career with Def Leppard, his side-project Manraze (with Simon Laffy and Sex Pistols’ Paul Cook), his extensive PC1 Jackson guitar line and his recent ventures into Nashville songwriting. Learn how Collen’s personal health and fitness regime helps him to stay energized and keep his creative center. The evening will also include an ending jam session with his writing partner, CJ Vanston on keyboards and Leland Sklar on bass.



When: Friday, December 3rd

Performance: 7 – 9 PM



Where: Guitar Center Hollywood

7425 West Sunset Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90046

(323) 874-1060

GuitarCenter.com/Events


Please note while the event is free to the public, the venue has "Limited Capacity."

Curt Smith set to release 'This Is Christmas' on Nov. 29

Curt Smith set to release 'This Is Christmas'

Tears For Fears co-founder's first original holiday song

Curt Smith, co-founder of seminal music group Tears for Fears, will release “This Is Christmas,” his first original holiday song, on November 29, 2010. Smith is releasing “This Is Christmas” via his KOOK Media label as a standalone single, which will be available in digital format from iTunes, Amazon MP3, and other online retailers. It will also be available as a signed, limited edition CD single, sold only at concerts and via Smith’s website.

“This Is Christmas” tells the story, Smith says, “of an adult visiting his parents at Christmas and lamenting how he’s always made to feel like a child when he returns home. It culminates in his realization and acceptance that they’re family after all, and nothing will (or even should) change that.” Fittingly, backing vocalists on the track include Smith’s daughters Diva and Wilder, along with Charlton Pettus (Smith’s longtime friend and collaborator) and his children Georgica and Harry, Jason Joseph, Simon Steadman, and a chorus comprised of local school children.



“This Is Christmas” will be featured in the December 15 episode of the USA Network series “Psych.” “I’d been attempting to write a holiday song for years,” Smith says, “but always found them a bit trite and forced. I was trying again when Psych’s James Roday approached me about licensing a song for the holiday episode of “Psych.” Once he sent me a clip of the scene he had in mind, it all made sense and the song came together naturally.”



Like Smith’s previous solo efforts, he’s releasing “This Is Christmas” under a Creative Commons license. The license Smith uses allows others to freely share, perform, and remix his work, so long as the uses are non-commercial, Smith is credited, and any derivative works carry the same license. Smith shares production credits on the song with Charlton Pettus.



Smith will play several Los Angeles-area solo gigs in 2011, along with planned Tears For Fears tours in South America and the U.S. West Coast.



Curt Smith Official Website: www.curtsmithofficial.com

Record Store Day's Black Friday Sale

I received this email from Pepperland Music in Orange, CA. Sadly, the number of indie music stores continues to dip. So I wanted to share this and hope many of you will join me in heading out to a favorite record store this coming Friday.

They are doing it again.

We will be receiving some cool limited edition LP and 45 rpm records by
U2, George Harrison, Drive by Truckers, Metallica and so many other
artists for sale November 26th, the Friday that follows Thanksgiving.

Many people are unaware of Record Store day. When they found out that
major lables issued only 1000 Rolling Stones 45's or limited Beatles
records and only for this event, they asked to be signed up on our mailing
list so we could let them know.

There is not a major push on this November event, since usually Record
Store day usually happens in the Spring.

This is from record store day and below a link for the titles. Just
remember, not every indie store will get everything!

So, get here on Friday and stock up. We remember one record that is now so
rare it went from $5.99 to $200 in just a few days. Word is out that your
local indie record store may just be the place to be this
Post-Thanksgiving-Shopping-Melee-Day, also known as Black Friday. And
that’s because indie stores across the country will be the place to get
special releases created just for you, for giving and getting this holiday
season, and they’re scheduled for release on Black Friday.

Now, this is not Record Store Day, Jr. or RSD 11 or Son of the Return of Record Store
Day. This is just a group of special releases that you can only find at
record stores. Some of them are uber-limited, some of them are available
at record stores before they’re available anywhere else. But they’re all
special, and they kind of fly in the face of what Black Friday has become,
which is “I have to shop, let’s see how fast and cheap I can get it over
with”. The magic of these pieces is that every one of them is something
someone will really LOVE to get, and you’ll really ENJOY giving. And
you’ll have the extra nice feeling of supporting a local independently
owned business during the holidays. So check out the list of titles (link
below), and keep in mind that not all stores on this page will carry
everything, so start a conversation with your local store. Or print this
out as a Wish List and hide it where your gift-giving loved ones are sure
to find it.

Link to titles:

http://www.recordstoreday.com/Page/958

Give the Gift of Music this year, by shopping at your favorite local
record store.

Pepperland Music
850 N. Tustin St.
Orange, California 92867
714-639-0909
www.pepperlandmusic.com

Upcoming releases aplenty: David Gray, Duran Duran, Maroon 5, Depeche Mode

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARTISTS

I've been listening to tons of new music and watching a slew of the latest music DVDs getting ready to post an in-depth gift guide and a holiday music roundup in the next week or so, but I did want to get a jump on those posts and share some news on a number of new upcoming releases with all of you music lovers out there.

Duran Duran 'All You Need Is Now' is set for release on Dec. 21 as a digital LP exclusively on iTunes Store

Having sold 80 million albums worldwide, Duran Duran are back with their newly announced 13th studio album entitiled All You Need Is Now. The four original members of Duran Duran - John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Nick Rhodes and Simon Le Bon - will release the record first in the form of a 9-track digital LP, due out exclusively on the iTunes Store on December 21st. An expanded physical package will be available for purchase on CD and vinyl with special deluxe options in February 2011. The first single from the record, title track “All You Need Is Now,” will be available worldwide on December 14th exclusively on the iTunes Store. Produced by the Grammy Award-winning Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Adele, Kaiser Chiefs, Lily Allen) and mixed by Spike Stent (Madonna, Björk, No Doubt), the record is a return-to-roots homage to Duran Duran’s most celebrated musical panache.

David Gray ‘Live from the Artists Den’ Limited Edition DVD

With the heart of folk music at his core, David Gray showcases his signature mix of acoustic instrumentation and electronic samples on his new limited edition DVD Live from the Artists Den. Filmed in high-definition, the singer/songwriter recorded this once-in-a-lifetime performance at the Broad Street Ballroom in New York City playing songs from his album, Draw the Line as well as classic hits like “Please Forgive Me,” “Sail Away,” and“Babylon." This limited edition DVD includes 14 songs – including 4 songs not shown in the TV broadcast, a full 20-minute interview with music journalist Alan Light, a 34-page hardbound book package and a collectible print of a handwritten card from David Gray.

The limited Edition DVD can be purchased exclusively at Barnes & Noble on November 30, 2010.


Depeche Mode ‘Tour Of The Universe - Live In Barcelona’ (Capitol Records) Available in DVD, Deluxe Box Set and Blu-ray

Depeche Mode has unveiled their extensive 21 track DVD, Deluxe Box Set & Blu-Ray package, Tour Of The Universe - Live In Barcelona, just in time for the holiday season. A spectacular and extensive live DVD, the release features two recent sold out nights at the Palau St Jordi in Barcelona, Spain on November 20 and 21, 2009. These concerts were part of Depeche Mode's acclaimed Tour Of The Universe, which saw Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andrew 'Fletch' Fletcher playing 102 shows across 40 countries to over 2.7 million people. Their epic trip across the globe was one of the most successful tours of recent history and saw the group performing an array of stunning material, spanning their impressive 30 year history.


The deluxe edition and the blu-ray available exclusively at Amazon.com. For a sneak peek of the DVD fans can log on to www.depechemode.com.



Maroon 5 ‘Hands All Over’ Limited Edition 3D Box Set

GRAMMY award winning recording artist Maroon 5 is giving fans more than just the music with this limited edition 3D box set of their highly anticipated third studio album, Hands All Over. Featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the record, this box set gives the ultimate fan a 360 degree view of how Hands All Over came to be.

The ‘Hands All Over’ Limited Edition 3D Box Set contains:
3D Hands All Over box design
140-gram standard vinyl
Deluxe CD
Deluxe digital
Making-of album DVD
Photo book
3D glasses
Exclusive promotional items including stickers and a keychain


The ‘Hands All Over’ Limited Edition 3D box set can be purchased exclusively on the band’s website: www.Maroon5.com.

Curt Smith delights crowd at McCabe's Guitar Shop

Photo cutline: From left, singer Curt Smith with "Psych" cast members Kirsten Nelson, James Roday and Timothy Omundson at McCabe's in Santa Monica on Nov. 19. Smith's forthcoming holiday single "This Is Christmas" will be featured on the Dec. 15 episode of "Psych."

Photo credit: Richard Glasband

Whenever I have previously seen an established artist play large sold-out venues and then get the chance to see them in an intimate setting where the vibe is decidedly more casual, it always seems surreal.
Such was the case when one half of Tears for Fears, Curt Smith, performed a full-length showcase at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica on Friday night, Nov. 19, 2010.

Fans began lining up several hours before the doors opened to get a seat up front, but even those who arrived just prior to showtime were rewarded with chairs that equal those within the first dozen rows at Verizon Wireless or Honda Center.
But it wasn't simply the intimacy of the famed guitar shop that made the show so unique. Smith himself used the opportunity to perform a number of artful covers of songs he admittedly wished he had penned, as well as hits from Tears For Fears and material from his burgeoning solo career.

The release of Smith's full-length solo effort Halfway Pleased in 2007 seemed to initiate a new direction for the artist, with songs tackling the complex relationships he has forged with family, friends and the world around him.
"Seven of Sundays," "Coming Out," "Aeroplane" and "Snow Hill" were among the introspective and memorable songs from that disc he performed over the course of his show at McCabe's.

Among his most recently-penned tracks unveiled was "Perfectly...Still," a song he noted that had only been performed live once. "We have yet to perform it successfully," he mused before playing a seemingly-perfect take. The song details how a man has a wonderful wife and children, but is tempted to throw it away for a romantic encounter in an exotic country far from home. As performed on Friday, complete with sparse layers and excellent harmonies from several members of his band recalling the sound of Zero 7, it was a powerful song that earned him some of the loudest cheers of the night.

Smith noted that he used rare solo shows like this to perform versions of favorite songs from other artists. This night, he opened the proceedings up with an emotive version of the Cars' "Drive," here delivered to the accompaniment of his lone guitar. Later in the night, backed by all three members of his excellent band, Smith delivered a one-two punch with an astonishing cover of Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees" and a reworking of Coldplay's "Yellow."

Both of those covers showcased Smith's unique tenor able to mine new emotions out of oft-heard Brit rock staples.
Smith also featured his far-reaching vocals with sparse, stripped down versions of favorites such as "Mad World" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."

The night ended in true big-time fashion with Smith noting that he had recently guest starred on an episode of the USA series "Psych" and invited several members of that series' cast on stage to perform with him. Actors James Roday, Timothy Omundson and Kirsten Nelson provided well-sung vocals on a gigantic version of "Shout" to the delight of the fans.

A wonderful performance from start to finish. And the performance was a strong reminder that Tears For Fears fans hope that outfit issues another album soon.

“LENNONYC” on PBS on November 22

REMEMBER TO TUNE IN FOR AMERICAN MASTERS “LENNONYC” on PBS November 22


Film explores Lennon’s life in New York City during the 1970s as a father, husband, activist and artist.

(November 11, 2010) – New York City, NY – 20,000 people showed up in NYC’s Central Park to watch an early screening of “LENNONYC” on October 9th, what would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday.


The much acclaimed American Masters film will now air on PBS on Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 at 9 p.m. (check local listings). (December 8th will mark the 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s death.)



For clips and podcasts, visit, pbs.org/americanmasters.



LENNONYC features never-before heard studio recordings from the Double Fantasy sessions and never-before-seen outtakes from Lennon in concert and home movies that have only recently been transferred to video. It also features exclusive interviews with Ms. Ono, who cooperated extensively with the production and offers an unprecedented level of access, as well as with artists who worked closely with Lennon during this period, including Elton John and photographer Bob Gruen (who took the iconic photograph of Lennon in front of the skyline wearing a “ New York City ” t-shirt).



PBS will also celebrate Lennon’s life by launching a new website video exhibition, "Remembering Lennon," tied to the airing of LennoNYC on PBS. Starting Nov. 18, user-generated videos will be accepted through the PBS Arts website (www.pbs.org/arts), which was launched earlier this year to help Americans experience the arts and explore the creative process through virtual exhibits, videos, and original interactive features. Viewers' Lennon videos will join those from "Double Fantasy" guitarist Earl Slick, photographer Bob Gruen, PBS President Paula Kerger, fans who attended screenings of the film, and more.



About WNET.ORG


New York public media company WNET.ORG is a pioneering provider of television and web content. The parent of THIRTEEN, WLIW21 and Creative News Group, WNET.ORG brings such acclaimed broadcast series and websites as Need To Know, Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, Charlie Rose, Secrets of the Dead, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, Visions, Consuelo Mack WealthTrack, Miffy and Friends, Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps and Cyberchase to national and international audiences. Through its wide range of channels and platforms, WNET.ORG serves the entire New York City metro area with unique local productions, broadcasts and innovative educational and cultural projects. In all that it does, WNET.ORG pursues a single, overarching goal – to create media experiences of lasting significance for New York , America and the world. For more information, visit www.wnet.org.

Paul McCartney to perform at the Apollo Theater

Paul McCartney to play at the World Famous Apollo Theater for the first time

Exclusive concert for SIRIUS XM listeners to air live across six channels on SIRIUS XM

SIRIUS XM to launch month-long "Paul McCartney's Band on the Run Radio" channel devoted to the music of Paul McCartney

NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2010 -- SIRIUS XM Radio announced today that Paul McCartney will perform at Harlem's world famous Apollo Theater for the first time at an exclusive, invitation-only concert for SIRIUS XM listeners. The concert will celebrate SIRIUS XM reaching 20 million subscribers, a milestone the company expects to achieve shortly.

The concert, which will be held on Monday, December 13, 2010 at 8 p.m. ET, will feature McCartney performing songs from his unrivalled back catalog, including many Beatles, Wings and solo classics, for SIRIUS XM subscribers. As a thank you to its loyal subscribers, SIRIUS XM will broadcast the concert live nationwide as well as offer lucky subscribers the opportunity to attend the unprecedented event.

SIRIUS XM will also launch "Paul McCartney's Band on the Run Radio," a month-long 24/7 commercial-free music channel devoted to McCartney's legendary and expansive music catalog, including music from his solo records, tracks from every Wings album as well as the iconic songs he recorded with The Beatles. "Paul McCartney's Band on the Run Radio" will launch on Monday, November 29 at 3 p.m. ET and air through Sunday, December 26 at 11:59 p.m. ET on SIRIUS channel 33 and XM channel 27 and SIRIUS XM Bootlegs, SIRIUS Internet Radio, SIR channel 812, and XM Radio Online, XMRO channel 90.

The channel's launch coincides with the recent re-issue of Paul McCartney & Wings' number one album from 1973, Band on the Run, the first title to be released as part of an extensive overhaul of McCartney's complete catalog of solo recordings. The month-long channel will also feature a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this landmark album, hosted by McCartney himself, as well as newly discovered live performances of Wings tracks recorded at Abbey Road Studios from The Paul McCartney Archive.

"Reaching 20 million satellite radio subscribers is an important milestone for SIRIUS XM," said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SIRIUS XM Radio. "Sir Paul's performance at the Apollo Theater is our way of thanking our subscribers; we are thrilled to offer them an opportunity to attend the event and listen live to this once-in-a-lifetime concert on SIRIUS XM."

Currently celebrating its 75th anniversary season, the legendary non-profit Apollo Theater is known for launching the careers of countless legendary performers, and has been a catalyst for artistic excellence and innovation since it opened its doors in 1934.

Subscribers may enter to win tickets to the event through various call-in promotions across SIRIUS XM's diverse music, talk and sports on-air channels. SIRIUS XM subscribers can also enter for the chance to win tickets by going to www.sirius.com or www.xmradio.com for Official Rules and complete details. One grand prize winner will be awarded four tickets to the exclusive concert, a paid trip to New York City, two nights lodging, an "Everything Plus The Best Of" SIRIUS or XM subscription for the lifetime of the subscriber's radio, an opportunity to be a guest DJ on "Paul McCartney's Band on the Run Radio" and an autographed copy of the Band on the Run deluxe edition box set. All opportunities to win tickets to the concert are limited to listeners who have been an active SIRIUS or XM subscriber continuously since November 15, 2010.

The concert will air nationwide live on six channels including "Paul McCartney's Band on the Run Radio," Howard 101, one of Howard Stern's two exclusive SIRIUS XM channels, Underground Garage, Classic Vinyl, The Coffee House and '70s on 7.

"Paul McCartney's Band on the Run Radio" is the latest example of SIRIUS XM's original, limited-run, artist-branded channels dedicated to iconic musicians. In addition to its current lineup of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Radio, Elvis Radio and Radio Margaritaville, SIRIUS XM has previously offered limited-run channels such as "Elton!," "The Who Channel," "Mandatory Metallica," "Rolling Stones Radio," "AC/DC Radio," "Led Zeppelin Radio," "Miles Davis Radio," "The Spectrum of John Mellencamp," "Radio R.E.M.," "Coldplay Nation," "ABBA Radio," "Neil Diamond Radio," "Jay-Z Nation," "Garth Brooks Radio" and "Duran Duran's Red Carpet Radio," among many others.

For more information, please visit www.sirius.com or www.xmradio.com.

'Gift Wrapped II: Snowed In' to feature tracks from Devo, Goo Goo Dolls, Oasis & many more for the holidays

COLLECTION FEATURES BRAND-NEW RECORDINGS, EXCLUSIVE TO GIFT-WRAPPED, FROM KARA DIOGUARDI AND JASON REEVES, CAVO, THE GOO GOO DOLLS, REGINA SPEKTOR, DEVO, RACHAEL YAMAGATA, OASIS, THE READY SET, TEGAN AND SARA, THE FLAMING LIPS, FOXY SHAZAM, PLUS MUCH, MUCH MORE


NOVEMBER 8, 2010 — Burbank, CA — Warner Bros. Records’ 2009 digital holiday album Gift Wrapped: 20 Songs That Keep on Giving was such a smashing success that the label has created a new collection for this year’s holiday season. Gift Wrapped II: Snowed In, which features 11 brand-new recordings and five highly coveted and previously unavailable tracks, will be released digitally during Thanksgiving week. Extra-special bonus content will also be announced soon. Furthermore, a limited-edition two-LP vinyl pressing will be available as a gift only from surprise locations, and not available for sale.



Here’s what you need to know about the Gift Wrapped II: Snowed In:


· BRAND NEW ORIGINAL SONGS : Devo’s quirky and warming “Merry Something To You,” Cavo’s stunning "Home For Christmas" (also with exclusive Song Mixer), Kara DioGuardi and Jason Reeves’ original smash "New York in Wintertime,” American Bang’s heartfelt "Christmas Song,” and Rachael Yamagata’s melodic "Baby Come Find Me At Christmas,” amongst others originals by The Goo Goo Dolls who deliver a trembling acoustic version of “Better Days,” and Regina Spektor, who contributes a somber and eye-opening “December.”


· COVERS: The holiday cover songs run the gamut in ambition and diversity. Foxy Shazam take on the risqué and controversial "Heaven on Their Minds" from Jesus Christ Superstar. The Ready Set bring a modern and anthemic sensibility to Paul McCartney's classic “Wonderful Christmastime,” Oasis cover their fellow U.K. rocker's Slade's "Merry Christmas Everybody," The Dirt Drifters bring country to the U2 version smash "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” Everest dusts off the Marvin Gaye deep-cut “Christmas in the City,” Stardeath and White Dwarfs shed a whole new light on Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” and Tegan and Sara master a lovingly harmonious version of The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late), which features their mom on guest vocals.



· STANDARDS: Warner Bros. Records is honored to include the late Ben Keith’s “Les Trois Cloches,” featuring vocals by Neil Young and Pegi Young (Neil’s only vocal holiday track), the Hitman David Foster also delivers a captivating arrangement of “Carol of the Bells,” The Spill Canvas bring a true-to-form rendition of “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” WMG newcomers House of Heroes capture an incredible "O Come, O Come O Emmanuel," and The Flaming Lips contribute a live and crowd-involved version of “Little Drummer Boy.”



Happy holidays everyone!



The track-listing for Gift Wrapped II: Snowed In is as follows:



Cavo “Home For Christmas”

Ben Keith (Feat Neil Young and Pegi Young): “Les Trois Cloches”

Oasis “Merry Christmas Everybody”

American Bang “Christmas Song”

Jason Reeves and Kara DioGuardi “New York in Wintertime”

Tegan and Sara “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”

Regina Spektor “December”

Devo “Merry Something To You”

David Foster “Carol of the Bells” [Instrumental]

The Ready Set “Wonderful Christmastime”

Foxy Shazam “Heaven On Their Minds”

The Goo Goo Dolls “Better Days” [Acoustic Version]

Rachael Yamagata “Baby Come Find Me At Christmas”

Everest “Christmas in the City”

The Dirt Drifters “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

The Spill Canvas “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”

Stardeath and White Dwarfs “Last Christmas”

House of Heroes “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

The Flaming Lips “Little Drummer Boy” (Live)

Franklin “Hanukkah, Oh Channukah” (Bonus track)

The Red Elephant “Brooklyn Sleigh Ride (Bonus Track)




Also look out for exclusively sequenced Gift Wrapped CDs at Hot Topic (Gift Wrapped: Stocking Stuffer) and at independent music retailers (Gift Wrapped: A Change In Season) on November 22nd, 2010.

Queensrÿche set to reissue deluxe 'Empire' on Nov. 9

QUEENSRŸCHE’S TRIPLE-PLATINUM ‘EMPIRE’ REMASTERED AND EXPANDED FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION, TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 9 BY CAPITOL/EMIDeluxe 2CD and

Digital Packages Feature Remastered Original Album Plus 13 Bonus Tracks, Including 10 Previously Unreleased Live Recordings

Hollywood, California – Queensrÿche has partnered with Capitol/EMI for the Nov. 9 release of an expanded 20th Anniversary Edition of the band’s triple platinum-certified breakout album, Empire. The new 2-CD and digital packages both include the remastered album, featuring six hit singles, including the #1 smash “Silent Lucidity,” as well as 13 bonus tracks, among them 10 previously unreleased live performances recorded in 1990 at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. The 2-CD package is presented in a lift-top box with five postcards, a fold-out poster and a booklet featuring photos from the band’s personal archive.

After building a devoted fan base with album and EP releases throughout the 1980s, including 1988’s critically acclaimed Operation: Mindcrime, Queensrÿche broke into the mainstream across North America and abroad with the 1990 release of Empire. In the U.S., the album peaked at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and its hit ballad “Silent Lucidity” quickly became a heavy rotation staple at rock radio and on MTV, topping Billboard’s Modern Rock singles chart and earning Queensrÿche the coveted MTV Viewers Choice Award for the song’s music video. Empire also made the U.K.’s Top 10, and the album’s international success led to Queensrÿche’s 18-month headlining “Building Empires” world tour, the band’s longest trek to date.

Empire also features the Billboard Top 10 Modern Rock hits “Jet City Woman” and “Another Rainy Night,” the Top 20 single, “Anybody Listening?,” and the Top 30 singles “Best I Can” and Empire.” In addition to the aforementioned live recordings, Empire (20th Anniversary Edition)’s bonus tracks include “Last Time in Paris” from the Ford Forlaine soundtrack, “Dirty Lil’ Secret,” and the band’s cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair.”

Since forming in Bellevue, Washington in 1981, Queensrÿche has sold more than twenty million albums around the world. For more information, visit Queensrÿche’s official web site: www.queensryche.com

QUEENSRŸCHE
EMPIRE
(20th Anniversary Edition)
[2CD, digital]

DISC 1

1.Best I Can
2.The Thin Line
3.Jet City Woman
4.Della Brown
5.Another Rainy Night (Without You)
6.Empire
7.Resistance
8.Silent Lucidity
9.Hand On Heart
10.One And Only
11.Anybody Listening?
12.Last Time In Paris [Bonus Track]
13.Scarborough Fair [Bonus Track]
14.Dirty Lil’ Secret [Bonus Track]
DISC 2 (previously unreleased: all tracks recorded live 11/15/90 at London’s Hammersmith Odeon)

1.Resistance
2.Walk in the Shadows
3.Best I Can
4.Empire
5.The Thin Line
6.Jet City Woman
7.Roads To Madness
8.Silent Lucidity
9.Hand On Heart
10.Take Hold Of The Flame

NPR Music streams 15 new Bruce Springsteen songs from 'The Promise'

Photo credit: Frank Stefanko

NPR MUSIC STREAMS 15 NEW BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN SONGS FROM 'THE PROMISE'
2-CD SET OUT NOV 16 FROM COLUMBIA RECORDS

From Nov. 1 to 16, 2010, NPR Music will stream songs from Bruce Springsteen's new 2-CD set The Promise (The Lost Sessions: Darkness On The Edge of Town). Songs include superb alternate renditions of 'Racing In The Street,' and 'Candy's Room,' Springsteen's own versions of hits he penned for others including 'Because The Night' and 'Fire,' as well as never-before-heard songs from the 'Darkness?' sessions with the E Street Band.

NPR First Listen: Bruce Springsteen's 'The Promise': http://n.pr/8Z6CSo

In addition, go to the New York Times' Arts Beats blog to watch the music video for the song 'Save My Love' featured on 'The Promise' 2-CD set. The video includes contemporary footage as well as footage from the Sessions.

New York Times Arts Beat: Bruce Springsteen's 'Save My Love' video: http://nyti.ms/9p4pDe

On Nov. 16 two new Bruce Springsteen releases will become available from Columbia Records. The first is The Promise the 2-CD set with 21 never-before-released tracks from the 'Darkness' sessions. The second The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge of Town Story is a six-disc deluxe package (three CDs and three DVDs) featuring internationally celebrated documentary 'The Promise: The Making Of Darkness on the Edge of Town.'

For more information, visit: http://brucespringsteen.net

BMI honors Paul Rodgers with 'Million Air' Award

BMI HONORS PAUL RODGERS WITH “MILLION AIR” AWARD

FREE’S “ALL RIGHT NOW” SURPASSES FOUR MILLION AIRPLAYS IN THE U.S.


Los Angeles, CA – November 4, 2010 – BMI has presented Paul Rodgers, singer songwriter and founding member of Free with a new “Million Air” award to acknowledge four million performances of Free’s hit song "All Right Now." Million Air awards are presented to songwriters in recognition of songs that receive two million or more U.S. radio and television performances. A radio staple for 40 years, the song has also surpassed a massive 2,000,000 radio plays in the UK (as of 2000). “All Right Now” appeared on the band’s “Fire and Water” album in mid-1970. The single was an international #1 hit in over 20 territories and landed at #2 on the UK charts and #4 on Billboard Hot 100.

“When I started writing ‘All Right Now’ the lyrics and the melody flowed easily. It felt special and it’s still special to me and the fans. It’s a ‘must play’ in my solo set,” said Paul Rodgers.

Recently, “All Right Now” topped the UK’s Planet Rock radio fan poll as the “Greatest Rock Single,” in “one of the most decisive polls” they’ve ever run beating out 39 international chart-topping hit songs from artists such as Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, AC/DC, The Eagles, Queen and Guns and Roses. Previous Planet Rock polls placed “All Right Now” on the “Best Summer Rock Song,” “Greatest Rock Riff of All Time” and “Ultimate Driving Songs” charts.

After a five-year skyrocketing run of success, Free would disband in 1973 and Paul Rodgers would go on to form and front another legendary rock band, Bad Company. Earlier this year, “The Very Best of Free and Bad Company featuring Paul Rodgers” greatest hits collection, featuring Rodgers’ greatest works during the legendary ’68-’73 era of Free and ’73-’82 era of Bad Company, became Bad Company's first top 10 chart appearance since 1979, Free's first since 1991 and was Rodgers’ return to the charts following his 2007 certified Gold debut solo DVD “Live in Glasgow” which charted at #1 in Canada, #2 in Japan, #3 in the US and #4 in the UK.

Following a U.S. summer tour run, Paul Rodgers and Bad Company recently wrapped their first concert tour of Japan in over 30 years culminating with a three night stand in Tokyo.