News and notes: Muse, Deep Purple, RiffTrax live

Here are a few items to kick off the day on a high note...

"Madness," the debut singe from Muse's new album The 2nd Law is set for release on Aug. 20, 2012. The new track will impact radio around the globe on Monday, and is set to be available the same day via digital retailers.

Muse will release their sixth studio album The 2nd Law on Warner Bros. Records on Tuesday, Oct. 2, and a short film previewing the album is also available and can be viewed at the band's official Web site.


Eagle Records has just announced the release of Re-Machined – A Tribute To Deep Purple’s Machine Head album on September 25, 2012.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of this landmark album and in recognition of the influence of the band, and of Machine Head in particular. Some of rock music’s biggest names have each contributed a version of their favorite track on the album to create Re-Machined – A Tribute To Deep Purple’s Machine Head.

Re-Machined features specially recorded tracks from Jimmy Barnes & Joe Bonamassa, Black Label Society, Chickenfoot, former Deep Purple Mk III member Glenn Hughes with Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iron Maiden, the “supergroup” Kings Of Chaos (featuring Joe Elliott, Steve Stevens, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum), Metallica, Carlos Santana & Jacoby Shaddix and Steve Vai.

There are two wildly differing versions of the album’s most famous track “Smoke On The Water”, one from guitar hero Carlos Santana with vocals by Jacoby Shaddix and one from alternative rockers Flaming Lips, and Metallica have contributed their own special take on “When A Blind Man Cries”, a track recorded at the “Machine Head” sessions but originally released as the B-side to “Never Before”.

Iron Maiden’s “Space Truckin’” cover was actually recorded back in 2006. Lead singer Bruce Dickinson explains, “Initially we didn’t think we’d be able to contribute anything due to our touring commitments. Then we remembered ‘Space Truckin’ which we’d recorded as a single B-side during our A Matter Of Life And Death album session, but never used. However now, thanks to Kevin Shirley’s remixing skills, we’re able to include it on Re-Machined”

TRACK LISTING:


1) Smoke On The Water – Carlos Santana & Jacoby Shaddix

2) Highway Star – Chickenfoot

3) Maybe I’m A Leo – Glenn Hughes & Chad Smith

4) Pictures Of Home – Black Label Society

5) Never Before – Kings Of Chaos (Joe Elliott, Steve Stevens, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum)

6) Smoke On The Water – The Flaming Lips

7) Lazy – Jimmy Barnes with Joe Bonamassa

8) Space Truckin’ – Iron Maiden

9) When A Blind Man Cries – Metallica

10) Highway Star – Glenn Hughes / Steve Vai / Chad Smith

RiffTrax, left to right, Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy and Michael J. Nelson.

I know where I'll be tonight.   The comedians of Mystery Science Theater 3000 are coming back to select movie theaters nationwide, as they take on one of the worst films of all time with RiffTrax Live: ‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate on Thursday, August 16 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT (and tape delayed 7 p.m. MT / 8 p.m. PT). Audiences will enjoy the wise-cracking commentary of Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett of RiffTrax.com, and be treated to the abysmal acting, outdated effects and seemingly endless cat fights featuring The Master’s many girdle-clad wives featured in “Manos.” As an added bonus, fans will also receive a selection of free digital goodies.

Tickets for RiffTrax Live: ‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. Hope to see all of you (laughing) there!