Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Sights and Sounds: R.E.M., 'The Art of McCartney,' Kenny Rogers,

There is all kinds of news and notes to share, including special collections featuring R.E.M. and a who's who of legends celebrating the music of Paul McCartney...

Six-DVD Collection Chronicles The Band's Special Relationship With MTV Through Live Performances, Award Show Highlights, And A New Feature-Length Documentary

Available On November 24 From Rhino

Documentary To Also Premiere Simultaneously On VH1 Classic And Palladia
LOS ANGELES - R.E.M. and MTV came of age together. From the start, their fates were intertwined, with the band releasing its first single in July 1981, just weeks before the network premiered its first music video. From that point on, MTV documented everything about R.E.M, their music, their stories, and ultimately, their decision to disband in 2011.

This entire story, beginning to end, is chronicled in REMTV, a new six-DVD set that includes live performances, award show highlights, and television appearances, as well as a new documentary about their shared history. REMTV will be available on November 24 at retail outlets for a suggested list price of $99.98.

"It occurred to us that there's all this footage of some of the band's absolute career highlights sitting in some MTV vaults in London and New York-- and thanks to a lot of effort and digging and arranging, this is our chance to share that music with various generations of R.E.M. fans in a pretty unique release," said longtime manager Bertis Downs. "And Alexander Young's documentary is a fine way to tell the story of R.E.M. through its various twists and turns, as captured in real time by MTV's cameras-- it has some great funny bits too!"

The first disc combines both of the group's performances on MTV Unplugged (1991 and 2001) and features the outtakes that debuted earlier this year on the audio release Unplugged: The Complete 1991 And 2001 Sessions, including songs like "Get Up," "The One I Love" and "World Leader Pretend."

"This is the first DVD project to unite material from all across Viacom's networks," said Bill Flanagan, EVP of the Viacom Music Group. "Not only are we drawing from the vaults of MTV - domestic and international - but from VH1, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon.  I don't think anyone realized just how much terrific R.E.M. footage we were sitting on. To gather the best of it in one collection is pretty overwhelming. R.E.M. started great, stayed great and ended great - here's the evidence."

The band's 1998 appearance on VH1's Storytellers opens the second disc, and has been expanded with unaired performances of several songs, including "New Test Leper" and "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville." Also featured are performances taken from various MTV award shows through the years, as well as the band's 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Longtime fans will certainly delight in two vintage performances included here. First is a 1983 performance of "So. Central Rain" and "Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)" from Livewire. The next clip features five songs the band played in 1984 on The Cutting Edge, including "Driver 8" and a cover of Brownsville Station's "Smokin' in the Boys Room."

The next three discs present a trove of rare live performances recorded between 1995 and 2008 in countries around the world. Of the 99 songs that are spread across these three discs, nearly half are unique song titles, offering a deep exploration of the band's live legacy. Especially noteworthy are two massive free concerts filmed for broadcast: Live In Cologne (5/12/01) and R.E.M. Live In Athens, Greece (10/5/08). More than a dozen songs from those shows did not air during the original broadcasts. Both concerts appear here in their entirety for the first time.

Undoubtedly, the heart of this superb collection is the new feature-length documentary, R.E.M. By MTV, included on the final disc. Drawing exclusively on archival events, the film traces R.E.M. and MTV in real time, which makes it feel as exciting and immediate as it did when it was happening. "All the energy and momentum of both the band and the network come roaring through," writes Anthony DeCurtis in the set's liner notes.

R.E.M. By MTV will also premiere simultaneously on VH1 Classic and Palladia later in November, marking its first television run in the United States. Additional information about air dates will be announced.
REMTV
DVD Listing

Disc One
Unplugged 1991
Outtakes 1991
Unplugged 2001
Outtakes 2001

Disc Two
VH1 Storytellers
Storytellers Outtakes
The Cutting Edge
Livewire
MTV 10th Anniversary Special
Video Music Awards 1993
Video Music Awards 1995
European Music Awards 1998
European Music Awards 2001
Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction 2007
The Colbert Report 2008
Disc Three
R.E.M. In Dallas
R.E.M. Uplink At Bowery Ballroom
Live In Cologne
Live In Cologne Outtakes

Disc Four
R.E.M. At The Tabernacle, London
MTV Sonic Milan
Rock AM Ring
Rock AM Ring Outtakes

Disc Five
Live At Rolling Stone, Milan
Live At Oxegen Festival
R.E.M. Live In Athens, Greece

Disc Six
R.E.M. By MTV
Deleted Scenes

For more information please visit:




The Art of McCartney to be released November 18, 2014
Collection a celebration of the music of Sir Paul McCartney

ALICE COOPER ‘ELEANOR RIGBY’ AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD NOW

42 NEW STUDIO RECORDINGS FEATURING BOB DYLAN, BILLY JOEL, WILLIE NELSON, SMOKEY ROBINSON, BRIAN WILSON, THE CURE, HEART, BARRY GIBB, JEFF LYNNE, DEF LEPPARD, ROGER DALTREY, OWL CITY, CORINNE BAILEY RAE, AND MANY OTHERS

Following hot on the heels of The Cure + James McCartney performing ‘Hello Goodbye’ on The Art of McCartney, comes another fantastic interpretation of a Beatles classic from a superstar artist

Eleanor Rigby by Alice Cooper is available to download now from www.theartofmccartney.com The Art of McCartney will be released November 18, 2014. 

Alice Cooper “Eleanor Rigby” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdsevtSO_FU

A fan of The Beatles since before he was ever performing Alice has been quoted as saying ‘We were way influenced by the Beatles' music, by the great songwriting of Lennon and McCartney. If you ask Ozzy and Steven Tyler the same thing, you'll find that there's a lot of melody in what we all do. We're always going to be a little more horse-powered than the Beatles were, but we always referred back to those melody lines’.

Behind the scenes video with Alice Cooper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5YSXISaIDw

The Art Of McCartney is a long awaited and very special project celebrating one of the most universally acclaimed songwriters of all time, Sir Paul McCartney. With backing provided by McCartney’s long time band, classic tracks such as Maybe I’m Amazed, My Love, The Long And Winding Road, When I’m 64, Let It Be, Helter Skelter, Eleanor Rigby, Live And Let Die have been recorded by some of the world’s greatest artists.

The caliber of artists showing their respect to Paul’s songwriting genius is truly staggering. Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, The Cure, The Who’s Roger Daltrey, Brian Wilson, Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, Dr John, Yusuf, Barry Gibb, Jamie Cullum, KISS, Chrissie HyndeELO legend Jeff Lynne, and many more have recorded McCartney songs exclusively for this album.

The Art Of McCartney is the brainchild of Los Angeles producer, Beatles and McCartney fanatic, Ralph Sall, who has driven this project from conception to delivery. Sall met and worked alongside Paul in 2003 when they revived a song from the 1971 Ram sessions for a movie soundtrack. Ralph then asked Paul and his publishing company if they would support his making this album to honour him. They came back with Paul’s own blessing and thumbs aloft for the project to go ahead.

Ralph became a man on a mission, first recruiting McCartney’s gifted backing guitarists, Rusty Anderson and Brian Ray, keyboard player Paul “Wix” Wickens, plus the larger than life drummer, Abe Laboriel, Jr. They know Paul’s extensive back catalogue intimately and this is the first time they have recorded his songs with anyone else since they first started working together with Paul over 12 years ago.

Ralph then set about approaching the world’s greatest performers to invite them to step forward and make their mark. This has been a labour of love, not only for Ralph but also for the artists who gave their time to be part of it. All have spoken of the importance of McCartney and his songwriting in their own careers and wanted to show their appreciation.

A key strength of The Art Of McCartney is the way these world class artists have got to grips with the sheer range and quality of Paul’s work. From his groundbreaking recordings with The Beatles, through to key moments with Wings and his solo compositions, they are all featured on the album.

Legendary Beach Boy, Brian Wilson, was the first to take up the challenge. Undoubtedly he set the bar very high with his rendition of Wanderlust from the underrated 1982 album Tug Of War.

There are very few artists whose own work rivals The Beatles. So when producer Ralph Sall approached Bob Dylan to take part, he knew it was ambitious. Dylan’s choice was Things We Said Today - a track from The Beatles’ soundtrack A Hard Days Night – and audiences will be captivated as he growls his way through his remarkable version.

There are so many great interpretations here but look out for Willie Nelson’s heartfelt YesterdayRoger Daltrey’s frenzied version of Helter SkelterB.B. King’s atmospheric On The Way and The Cure’s Hello Goodbye. Also Smokey Robinson who makes his version of So Bad from Paul’s Pipes of Peace album his own, his tender vocals taking the song in a new direction.

All 
aspects of Paul’s peerless back catalogue have been explored from The Beatles to his experimental early solo work, to Wings and his latter solo output. Lesser-known hidden classics such as Junk and Every Night are given a fresh outing and interpretation.

The lead off track from the album is The Cure’s take on The Beatles classic ‘Hello Goodbye’ which is the band’s first release in 6 years and also features Sir Paul’s son James on keyboards. The track is available for download now for those who pre-order The Art Of McCartney.

Whether it is The Cure’s Robert Smith, Corinne Bailey Rae, Smokey Robinson, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel or KISS, they each bring their own special talent to Paul’s much-loved songs. In so doing, they have created versions that are both new and classic at the same time.

The Art of McCartney is the very definition of the universal appeal and timeless magic of Sir Paul McCartney’s songs and songwriting.

The Art Of McCartney is an audiophile’s dream. It is available in five beautifully packaged formats for the McCartney fan in your life:

Strictly Limited Deluxe Boxset (shown above)

A limited run of 1,000 Deluxe Boxsets will include Alan Aldridge signed artwork exclusively available on The Art of McCartney online store.

·         2 pieces of specially commissioned artwork by Alan Aldridge
·         Bespoke Höfner guitar USB with FLAC files of 34 tracks
·         The Making of The Art Of McCartney – Collectors Edition DVD film containing behind the scenes footage from the recording studios and interviews with the artists
·         The Making of The Art Of McCartney - Audio documentary about the making of the album narrated by Bill Nighy 
·         Illustrated guide to The Art of McCartney within a 64-page 12” hardback book
·         4 black and white artcards
·         42 track triple CD
·         42 track quadruple 12”, 180 gram coloured vinyl 
·         Certificate of authenticity hand numbered

This deluxe box is a must for any fan of McCartney’s music

Strictly Limited Vinyl Boxset
·         42 track quadruple 12”, 180 gram coloured vinyl 
·         Illustrated guide to The Art of McCartney within a 12” bound book 

Triple Gatefold Vinyl
·         34 track triple 12”, 180 gram vinyl

CD Casebook
·         34 track double CD
·         16-page hardback book
·         The Making of The Art Of McCartney DVD film containing behind the scenes footage from the recording studios and interviews with the artists

CD Remus
·         34 track double CD
·         8-page booklet 

Standard Digital Album
·         34 tracks
iTunes Album (MFiT)
·         36 tracks and digital booklet

THE ART OF McCARTNEY TRACKLISTING

1. Maybe I’m Amazed - Billy Joel
2. Things We Said Today - Bob Dylan
3. Band On The Run - Heart
4. Junior’s Farm - Steve Miller
5. The Long and Winding Road - Yusuf / Cat Stevens
6. My Love - Harry Connick, Jr.
7. Wanderlust - Brian Wilson
8. Bluebird - Corinne Bailey Rae
9. Yesterday – Willie Nelson
10. Junk – Jeff Lynne
11. When I’m 64 – Barry Gibb
12. Every Night – Jamie Cullum
13. Venus and Mars/ Rock Show – KISS
14. Let Me Roll It – Paul Rodgers
15. Helter Skelter – Roger Daltrey
16. Helen Wheels – Def Leppard
17. Hello Goodbye – The Cure ft James McCartney
18. Live And Let Die – Billy Joel
19. Let It Be – Chrissie Hynde
20. Jet - Robin Zander & Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick
21. Hi Hi Hi - Joe Elliott
22. Letting Go - Heart
23. Hey Jude - Steve Miller
24. Listen To What The Man Said - Owl City
25. Got To Get You Into My Life - Perry Farrell
26. Drive My Car - Dion
27. Lady Madonna - Allen Toussaint
28. Let ‘Em In - Dr. John
29. So Bad - Smokey Robinson
30. No More Lonely Nights - The Airborne Toxic Event
31. Eleanor Rigby - Alice Cooper
32. Come And Get It - Toots Hibbert with Sly & Robbie
33. On The Way - B. B. King
34. Birthday - Sammy Hagar

The limited edition vinyl boxset and deluxe boxset features the following eight extra tracks; 

1. C Moon - Robert Smith
2. Can’t Buy Me Love - Booker T. Jones
3. P.S. I Love You - Ronnie Spector
4. All My Loving - Darlene Love
5. For No One - Ian McCulloch
6. Put It There - Peter, Bjorn & John
7. Run Devil Run - Wanda Jackson
8. Smile Away - Alice Cooper

The Art Of McCartney is available to pre-order now via The Art of McCartney Online Store, iTunes and Amazon:








Kenny Rogers Continues Holiday Tradition With
2014 Christmas and Hits Through The Years Tour


Celebrates 33rd Anniversary of Christmas & Hits Tour With Festive Show;
Rogers Records Holiday Song With Jim Brickman To Be Released This Fall

GRAMMY Award-winning Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Rogers will be performing holiday favorites and his classic hits across the U.S. and Canada when his 33rd Christmas tour – Christmas & Hits Through The Years with Special Guest Linda Davis - launches this November.  The legendary Rogers will be joined by GRAMMY Award-winner Linda Davis on a festive 25-date run that begins November 12th in Niagara Falls, Ontario and wraps December 23rd in Westbury, New York.  
 
Just this month, Rogers, along with his longtime friend Dolly Parton,received their fifth joint nomination as a duo for this year’s CMA Awards.  The title track duet from Rogers’ new album, You Cant Make Old Friends, which is also featured on Parton’s latest release, Blue Smoke, earned the collaborators a nomination in the Musical Event of the Year category.  Rogers and Parton also received a GRAMMY Award nomination earlier this year.
 
Rogers generates a fun, family-friendly atmosphere annually with his Christmas & Hits shows, which have become a holiday tradition.  His heartwarming performances of Christmas-time favorites like “White Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” and originals such as “Mary, Did You Know” are accented with the addition of a local choir and children in each tour city.  Rogers also performs his big hits such as “Lady,” “The Gambler,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town, “She Believes In Me,” and “Daytime Friends,” making this show a special treat.
 
Celebrating the holiday season, Kenny Rogers adds his legendary voice and incomparable style to Jim Brickman's original song "That Silent Night.” This song, along with fourteen new recordings, will be available exclusively at Amazon on Brickman’s album On A Winter's Night: The Songs and Spirit of Christmas.  The album, set for release on October 7th, can be pre-ordered at Amazon now.  A portion of all album sales will benefit The Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund.  The fund supports groundbreaking research for osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer.
 
Not one to rest on his laurels, Rogers is continuing to receive acclaim for his live performances and new studio recordings.  The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel observes of Rogers and his latest release (and 22nd career Top 10 country album), You Cant Make Old Friends, “his voice is still an instrument to be reckoned with” and in a glowing review, Country Weekly notes “you have to give Kenny a ton of credit for being willing to spread his wings in new directions—and even more for pulling it off.”
 
A trailblazing artist, Rogers has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide. Amazingly, Rogers has charted a record within each of the last seven decades.  He received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 47th Annual CMA Awards last fall.  The first country artist to consistently sell out arenas, Rogers quickly became a pop superstar as well – his 28 Billboard Adult Contemporary Top 10's is fourth-best all time among men, trailing only Elton John, Neil Diamond, and Elvis Presley.  Rogers has recorded 12 No. 1 albums and 24 No. 1 hits and is the RIAA’s 8th best-selling male artist of all time. He has received three GRAMMY Awards, 11 People's Choice Awards, 18 American Music Awards, eight Academy of Country Music awards and six Country Music Association awards.  For more information: kennyrogers.com
 

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