Black Sabbath's 'The End' and Eric Clapton's 'Slowhand at 70-Live At The Royal Albert Hall' on 4K UHD set for release on Sept. 13, 2024

Check out the latest news from Mercury Studios. Fans of Black Sabbath and Eric Clapton will want to pick up these upcoming titles in September...Robert Kinsler

 

MERCURY STUDIOS PROUDLY PRESENT BLACK SABBATH THE END AND ERIC CLAPTON SLOWHAND AT 70-LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL ON 4K UHD ~September 13, 2024~

Pre-order Black Sabbath The End here Pre-order Eric Clapton Slowhand At 70 – Live At The Royal Albert Hall here

New York, NY (July 16, 2024) - Mercury Studios will unveil, for the first time on September 13, 2024, the 4K UHD releases of Black Sabbath The End and Eric Clapton Slowhand at 70 – Live at the Royal Albert Hall. The End formerly released on November 17, 2017 on DVD and Blu-ray, captured the final destination of that adventure – an unforgettable farewell show at the Genting Arena in Black Sabbath’s hometown of Birmingham. Filmed February 4, 2017, The End showcases the legendary line-up celebrating their storied career, marking the closure of a monumental chapter in rock history. With a hit packed set list including Iron Man, Paranoid, War Pigs and many more, the high production values, visual effects and pyrotechnics wowed fans, as the band delivered the most emotionally charged show of their lives. The 4K UHD includes the bonus feature The Angelic Sessions, an in-studio look at the band playing a selection of their favorite songs not played on tour. These intimate live sessions at Angelic Studios were recorded in the days after their final live performance, and mark the band’s final studio recordings. The End captures a once-in-a-career performance, an essential snapshot of musical history, and a fitting farewell to true innovators and original heavy metal icons, Black Sabbath.

TRACKLISTING 1. Black Sabbath 2. Fairies Wear Boots 3. Under The Sun / Every Day Comes And Goes 4. After Forever 5. Into The Void 6. Snowblind 7. Band Intros 8. War Pigs 9. Behind The Wall Of Sleep 10. Bassically / N.I.B. 11. Hand Of Doom 12. Supernaut / Sabbath Bloody Sabbath / Megalomania 13. Rat Salad / Drum Solo 14. Iron Man 15. Dirty Women 16. Children Of The Grave 17. Paranoid EXTRAS THE ANGELIC SESSIONS 1. The Wizard 2. Wicked World 3. Sweet Leaf 4. Tomorrow’s Dream 5. Changes Slowhand at 70-Live At The Royal Albert Hall was previously released on multiple formats including DVD and Blu-ray on November 13, 2015. This special landmark release, celebrating Eric Clapton’s 70th birthday at his favorite venue, includes career defining tracks like Cocaine, I Shot The Sheriff, Layla, Wonderful Tonight, Crossroads, Tears In Heaven, Hoochie Coochie Man and more. Following his 70th birthday in March of 2015, Clapton performed his 200th concert at London’s famous Royal Albert Hall in May, fifty years after his first performance there with The Yardbirds. Clapton’s 7-night run at the venue was acclaimed by critics and adored by the fans. The setlist blended vintage blues tracks and Eric Clapton classics from across his storied career. Eric Clapton has become synonymous with the Royal Albert Hall and this concert is the perfect combination of artist and venue creating a truly magical night for Eric Clapton fans everywhere.

TRACK LISTING 1. Somebody’s Knockin’ On My Door 2. Key To The Highway 3. Tell The Truth 4. Pretending 5. Hoochie Coochie Man 6. You Are So Beautiful 7. Can’t Find My Way Home 8. I Shot The Sheriff 9. Driftin’ Blues 10. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out 11. Tears In Heaven 12. Layla 13. Let It Rain 14. Wonderful Tonight 15. Crossroads 16. Cocaine 17. High Time We Went Bonus Song Little Queen Of Spades

MERCURY STUDIOS Mercury Studios is a full-service production studio, focused on telling compelling stories through the lens of music. Current and recent projects include Oscar and BAFTA award nominated American Symphony, directed by Matthew Heineman for the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions/Netflix, If These Walls Could Sing, directed by Mary McCartney for Disney+, My Life as a Rolling Stone for the BBC and MGM+, Shania Twain: Not Just A Girl for Netflix, This Town, a six-part series for the BBC from writer, creator, and executive producer Steven Knight, Linda Perry: Let it Die Here, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival and the recently announced One to One: John & Yoko from Oscar and BAFTA award winning director, Kevin Macdonald. Mercury Studios also produced Sam Smith: Live at the Royal Albert Hall for BBC, Billie Eilish’s Overheated at the O2 London and Lang Lang Plays Disney for Disney+. Editorially independent, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and represents the world’s leading catalog of music-related content, consisting of thousands of hours of premium music-driven film and television programming.

TJR and Robert Kinsler: Favorite 100 Songs of All Time, #11-#15

Check out the latest episode of 'Favorite 100 Songs Of All Time', where TJR and Robert Kinsler each discuss their top tracks (#11-#15):

Concert Films Showcase Classic Artists

With the holidays approaching now is a great time to consider picking up a number of new concert films available on blu-ray and/or DVD. All five performances were filmed in Europe but will definitely appeal to audiences on either side of the Atlantic.

Title: Hans Zimmer: Live In Prague (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer, Johnny Marr, Tina Guo
Tell me more: Hans Zimmer is among the rarest of musical talents. The famed composer/multi-instrumentalist has scored a countless number of outstanding movie soundtracks and attracted a far-flung fan base that rivals the most iconic of pop music greats. The newly-released Hans Zimmer: Live In Prague was filmed on May 7, 2016 (a few weeks after his already-legendary Coachella appearances) and features Zimmer and a total of 72 musicians (including his band, guests, an orchestra and choir) performing more than two hours of his music. While Zimmer himself plays keyboards, guitar, banjo and percussion along the way, the stellar line-up of top musicians make the wide-ranging sonic journey an intoxicating listen. Guitar great Johnny Marr (The Smiths, The The) joins the proceedings for many of Zimmer's most memorable works, including the anthemic "What Are You going To Do When You Are Not Saving The World" (from "Man of Steel") and the ambitious "Journey To The Line" (from "The Thin Red Line"). Information: eagle-rock.com.

Title: Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Sting, The Police
Tell me more: Filmed in April 2017, Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris is a rich journey through Sting's rich and wide-ranging 40-year career. Backed by a terrific band and several vocalists, Sting performs more than two dozen songs pulled from his time with The Police and subsequent solo career. The varied riches here include a lush arrangement of "Spirits In The Material World" whose power grows as the song moves along, the newly-penned melodic rocker "I Can't Stop Thinking About You," the heavy blues rocker "Petrol Head," a flamenco-tinged "Fields Of Gold" and buoyant take of the Police classic "Message In A Bottle (the latter which finds the audience singing, clapping and dancing around in palpable excitement)." Late set standouts include the reggae-flavored "So Lonely," a medley of "Roxanne" and Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," the world music-draped "Desert Rose" (notable for the dual guitar work of Rufus Miller and Dominic Miller) and a transcendent "Fragile." Sting also pays tribute to David Bowie via having his son Joe Sumner take over lead vocals as he leads the ensemble through a potent take of "Ashes To Ashes". Information: eagle-rock.com.

Title: Black Sabbath: The End (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi
Tell me more: Heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath closed out a 50-year legacy with a concert in the band's hometown of Birmingham, England on Feb. 4, 2017. That already-legendary show is celebrated on the aptly-dubbed "The End" (available as a DVD+CD or as a Blu-ray+CD set). Fans of Black Sabbath's hard-hitting rock will thrill at seeing singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and touring members Tommy Clufetos (drums) and Adam Wakeman (keyboards, guitar) run through their signature blend of heavy metal in front of a sold-out crowd. All the essentials are included on the set, including "War Pigs," "Behind the Wall of Sleep," "Iron Man" and emotional encore-ending "Paranoid." Director Dick Carruthers did a terrific job of capturing the band's musical style and relationship with fans courtesy of a creative mix of camera shots showcasing the band's performance and crowd reactions that immerses the viewer into this career-capping moment. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: The Who
Title: Tommy: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Who
Tell me more: Earlier this year, The Who performed the groundbreaking rock opera Tommy" at Royal Albert Hall, an event that marked the first time the British band had ever performed the opus in its entirety in concert. The event was captured and Tommy: Live at the Royal Albert Hall is essential viewing for rock fans. Written by guitarist-singer Pete Townshend, Tommy was released in May 1969 and almost instantly hailed as a masterwork. The rock opera is performed with energy and rock 'n' roll swagger by Townshend, singer Roger Daltrey and a group of talented players - including famed drummer Zak Starkey and singer-guitarist Simon Townshend. In addition to a memorable performance of "Tommy," The Who performed a mini-set of hits to finish out the night, including a rollicking take on "I Can't Explain" and deeply affecting "Love, Reign O'er Me." Information: eagle-rock.com.

Title: Donny Osmond: One Night Only (Gonzo Multimedia)
You might like if you enjoy: Donny Osmond, David Cassidy
Tell me more: Donny Osmond wrapped up his 2017 tour of the United Kingdom with a sold-out performance at the NEC Birmingham. That concert was filmed and has been released as a two-disc DVD, sure to appeal to fans of the singer-songwriter and one-time teen idol. The performance showcases Osmond's talents as a singer, dancer and all-around entertainer. The presentation has the feel of a Las Vegas-styled show but there is plenty to admire about Osmond's approach to honoring his family, friends (including Michael Jackson and Andy Williams) and adoring audience with a mix of hits from his teen years as well as his historic late 1980s comeback (including an animated version of "Soldier Of Love" and "Sacred Emotion"). Beyond his own hits, Osmond offers an uptempo reworking of Steely Dan's hit "Peg," revisits the Lennon & McCartney ballad "The Long and Winding Road" and showcases his strong vocals on the soulful Al Green classic "Let's Stay Together." Donny Osmond: One Night Only is also available on audio CD. Information: gonzomultimedia.co.uk.



Robert Kinsler

New Music: Aimee Mann, Ruthie Foster, The Creation, Night Ranger

Whether listeners are seeking out artful folk and pop rock, blues and soul, '60s garage rock or '80s-styled hard rock, there are outstanding new titles that will appeal to fans hungry for great new music.

Artist: Aimee Mann
Title: Mental Illness (SuperEgo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann, The Shins, The Both
Tell me more: Every time singer-songwriter Aimee Mann releases a new album it marks another reason to celebrate her exceptional and rare legacy. On her latest masterwork Mental Illness (the ninth solo album of her distinguished career, not counting her contributions to 1999's "Magnolia" and her role in the duo dubbed The Both co-starring Ted Leo), Mann scales back the more sweeping Beatlesque sonic textures of Bachelor No. 2 and Lost In Space in favor of a more sparse delivery in the service of her bewitching songcraft. Mental Illness finds an expanse where her introspective songs continue to be bolstered by an almost otherworldly touch festooned with melodic lines ensuring that even downcast themes shimmer and charm. On the baroque folk-flavored "Goose Snow Cone," Mann sings "Even birds of a feather find it hard to fly." Later on during the enticing folk rocker "Patient Zero," she sardonically sings "Life is grand / And wouldn't you like to have it go as planned." Even on the relatively straightforward "You Never Loved Me," there is a nuanced touch and emotional weight that fully lures the listener. An outstanding album (Editor's Note: Mental Illness is slated for release on Friday, March 31, 2017).
Information: aimeemann.com.

Artist: Ruthie Foster
Title: Joy Comes Back (Blue Corn Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi
Tell me more: Songstress Ruthie Foster's Joy Comes Back showcases the Austin, Texas-based artist's mighty touch via performances that masterfully blend soul, gospel and blues material. In addition to featuring an original song (the soul-stirring R&B ballad "Open Sky"), Joy Comes Back offers up a diverse mix of songwriters represented across its 10-track run. Gospel choruses are given their welcome due via an uplifting take of Sean Staples' "Joy Comes Back" (featuring some hot slide guitar from Derek Trucks) and a sweet take on Stevie Wonder's "Loving You is Sweeter Than Ever," while a reworked interpretation of Black Sabbath's epic "War Pigs" erupts as a heavy Chicago blues-styled firestorm. Elsewhere there is a seamless mix of soul and blues, notably on a wonderful version of Chris Stapleton's "What Are You Listening To." Foster is one of modern music's greatest singers, in large part, because she thankfully never resorts to overwrought or contrived pop excess. Joy Comes Back is a fantastic showcase of Foster's supernatural powers. Information: RuthieFoster.com.

Artist: The Creation
Title: Action Painting (Numero Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Early Who, early Kinks, the Jam, the Zombies
Tell me more: Originally recorded between 1965 and 1968, The Creation's Action Painting collection of amazing songs has been remastered from the original tapes by Shel Talmy and bring the English quartet's complete studio catalog (including four tracks by The Mark Four, a forerunner of The Creation) to audio CD. The recordings here leap across time and explode with youthful energy and garage rock grandeur. Rollicking rockers ("Making Time," "Biff Bang Pow," "How Does It Feel to Feel"), melodic power pop ("Try and Stop Me," "Tom Tom") and psychedelic rock ("Painter Man," "Nightmares," "Through My Eyes") are delivered with stylish perfection. The two-disc set comes in a beautiful package that includes an 80-page hard cover book (CD version) with a slew of unseen photographs, colorful images of original discography artwork and a historical essay penned by Dean Rudland. Information: NumeroGroup.com.

Artist: Night Ranger
Title: Don't Let Up (Frontiers Music SRL)
You might like if you enjoy: Damn Yankees, Journey
Tell me more: Fans of melodic hard rock will want to grab a copy of Don't Let Up, the 12th studio album from Night Ranger. The San Francisco-spawned rock quintet unleash plenty of hard-charging rockers in celebration of the band's 35th anniversary. In fact, this writer is certain that every track on the disc will please the faithful. The blend of driving hard rock rhythms, soaring vocal choruses and impressive guitar work featuring the tandem fast-fingered talents of Brad Gillis and Keri Kelli continues to be a surefire formula. Singer-bassist Jack Blades and singer-drummer Kelly Keagy continue to provide a strong rhythm section. The infectious "Somehow Someway," guitar-centered "Running Out of Time" and "Say What You Want," and decidedly melodic title track "Don't Let Up" are among the standouts on the 11-song LP. A deluxe edition of the album includes an additional track and a bonus DVD.  Information: NightRanger.com.

Robert Kinsler

Inbox Update: Dio, Coldplay, Academy of Country Music Awards winners

Here is a quick roundup of some of the noteworthy items to land in my inbox over the weekend...

Release of Dio's 'Live in London - Hammersmith Apollo 1993' to mark first-ever video release of the legendary concert

 Eagle Rock Entertainment to issue concert on DVD, SD Blu-ray, 2 CD and digital formats on May 13, 2014

Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the May 13, 2014 release of Live In London: Hammersmith Apollo 1993 on DVD, SD Blu-ray and double CD formats, from the incomparable Dio. 

This is the first ever video release of this classic 1993 concert and includes anthems such as “Holy Diver,” “Rainbow In The Dark,” “Strange Highways,” “Stand Up And Shout,” “Man On The Silver Mountain,” “Heaven And Hell,” “We Rock,” and more. Filmed at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on December 12, 1993, this concert film captures the then newly-reformed Dio on the last night of their European tour in support of the Strange Highways album. The line-up of Ronnie James Dio (vocals),Vinny Appice (drums), Jeff Pilson (bass), Tracy G (guitar) and Scott Warren (keyboards) delivered a blistering performance of tracks from their new album, previous Dio classics and favorites from Ronnie’s career with Black Sabbath and Rainbow. This powerful performance is presented in DTS Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1, and Dolby Digital Stereo.

In addition to this amazing concert, the AV formats offer a bonus Behind-The-Scenes feature entitled “Hangin’ With The Band”.

One of the most influential and celebrated vocalists / frontmen of hard rock and heavy metal, the late Ronnie James Dio’s commanding vocals and mammoth stage presence has resonated with generations of fans. His sophisticated, classical vocalization mixed with imaginative, fantastical song themes was genre-defining, establishing him as one of music’s most beloved icons. Live In London: Hammersmith Apollo masterfully captures him and his namesake band, Dio.

For a sneak peak at Live In London – Hammersmith Apollo, here’s a video of “Mob Rules” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEFcFGJBQzA&list=UUp0uxdUViQ2LTAqRePby68g

Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, Audio and Digital Media in the world.  Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition and 3D programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, U2, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 30 multi-platinum, over 50 platinum and over 90 gold discs, worldwide.  Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Toronto, Paris and Hamburg.

Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv

TRACK LISTING:

1) Stand Up And Shout  

2) Strange Highways 

3) Don’t Talk To Strangers  

4) Evilution  

5) Pain   

6) The Mob Rules  

7) Children Of The Sea  

8) Holy Diver  

9) Heaven And Hell  

10) Man On The Silver Mountain  

11) Drum Solo  

12) Heaven And Hell (reprise)  

13) Jesus, Mary & The Holy Ghost  

14) Hollywood Black  

15) The Last In Line  

16) Rainbow In The Dark  

17) We Rock  

18) Here’s To You

COLDPLAY REVEAL THE VIDEO FOR THEIR NEW SINGLE, "MAGIC"   The Song is taken from their new album, Ghost Stories, to be released May 19 Watch the video now at: http://youtu.be/Qtb11P1FWnc

Coldplay / Photo credit: Anton Corbijn Coldplay have revealed the video for their new single, "Magic." The single is currently available on iTunes. The video was directed by Jonas Åkerlund, and stars Ziyi Zhang (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) as a magician, with Chris Martin doubling up as both her loyal assistant and brutish husband. "Magic" is taken from Coldplay's new album, Ghost Stories, which will be released on May 19, 2014 on Parlophone/Atlantic Records. The album can be pre-ordered now from iTunes worldwide at itunes.com/coldplay. The full Ghost Stories tracklisting is as follows: 1. Always In My Head 2. Magic 3. Ink 4. True Love 5. Midnight 6. Another's Arms 7. Oceans 8. A Sky Full Of Stars 9. O  WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 49th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC® AWARDS George Strait named Entertainer of the Year; Miranda Lambert & Keith Urban tied with 3 wins Jerry Jones & George Strait announced the 50TH ACM Awards to be broadcast from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, April 19, 2015 on CBS-TV LAS VEGAS, NV (April 6, 2014) – Winners have been announced for the 49th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, a star-studded ceremony broadcast live last night on the CBS Television Network from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.  Fans named George Strait the Entertainer of the Year, the evening’s biggest honor and the second win of his career in that category. This year marked another record-breaking year with 1.5 million fan votes cast for Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year categories combined, and also marked the first time online fan voting for these categories were open to fans in Australia and Canada. The king of country music and newly crowned Entertainer of the Year, George Strait, also participated in a special moment with Owner, President and General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones during the telecast announcing the 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS to be broadcast LIVE from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. It was also announced that Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan will return to co-host the show.  Merle Haggard was honored with the Crystal Milestone Award, which was presented by Garth Brooks and celebrated with a tribute performance featuring Miranda Lambert and George Strait. Jason Aldean won Male Vocalist of the Year, his second consecutive win in this category. He has won an overall total of 7 ACM Awards. Miranda Lambert won for the fifth consecutive year as Female Vocalist of the Year, and is now the record holder for the most consecutive wins in that category. She is the leading female winner of the night, with a total of three trophies. Lambert also took the prize for Single Record of the Year for “Mama’s Broken Heart,” and Vocal Event of the Year for “We Were Us” with Keith Urban.   The Band Perry won their first Vocal Group of the Year award. This marks their third overall ACM win; they won the New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year award and New Artist of the Year in 2010. Artists Florida Georgia Line won Vocal Duo of the Year. This is their first win in this category, and third overall ACM Award win. Justin Moore received his first-ever Academy of Country Music Award tonight for New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohl’s Department Stores, a fan-voted category. Kacey Musgraves won Album of the Year as the artist and producer for Same Trailer Different Park. This award marks her first-ever ACM Award win. Keith Urban is the leading male winner of the night with a total of three trophies in two categories.  Prior to the telecast, Urban took the prize for Video of the Year as artist for “Highway Don’t Care” with Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift. He also won Vocal Event of the Year as artist and producer for “We Were Us” with Miranda Lambert. Both awards were presented off-camera. Following is the list of winners in the 11 categories voted on by the membership (excluding the Entertainer of the Year and New Artist categories, which were voted on by a combination of professional ACM members and fans): ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR George Strait MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Jason Aldean FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Miranda Lambert VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR Florida Georgia Line VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR The Band Perry NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY KOHL’S Justin Moore ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)] Same Trailer Different Park – Kacey Musgraves Producers: Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves Record Label: Mercury Records SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)] Mama's Broken Heart – Miranda Lambert Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf Record Label: RCA Nashville SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)] I Drive Your Truck – Lee Brice Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary Publishers: Beattyville Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Great Day At This Music (BMI), Happy Tears Music (ASCAP), Vistaville Music (ASCAP), Watch This Girl Publishing (BMI) VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award) Highway Don't Care – Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban Producers: Tameron Hedge, Chandra LaPlume Director: Shane Drake VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]*(Off Camera Award) We Were Us – Keith Urban And Miranda Lambert Producers: Nathan Chapman, Keith Urban Record Labels: Capitol Records Nashville, Hit Red Records, RCA Nashville About the Academy of Country Music Awards The 49th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry.  The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and was broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, R.A. Clark and Barry Adelman are executive producers.  Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

TJR's Top 10 Albums for 2013

For 2013 I was unable to rank my top 10 album....It's like asking me to pick which of my kids  I love more.....if I had kids that is.  

So here in no particular order are my Top 10 albums for 2013


Janelle Monae - Electric Lady
I am ecstatic to have discovered this R&B Prodigy, Her latest album is part 3 of larger sci fi funk concept piece and I am happy to say that the two previous albums are also must haves.

Get The Electric Lady Here  

The Lone Bellow - The Lone Bellow
Like the Fleetfoxes “Helplessness Blues” this album takes me out of time and into a timeless universe. The opening track doesn’t do a whole lot for me, but the rest of it floors me.
Get The Lone Bellow Here



Kasey Musgraves - Same Trailer Different Park
So many country music artists today want to write and sing songs about the trials and tribulations of everyday American life. Many of them do this with painfully unoriginal lyrics that beat you over the head with their themes. Not so with Kasey Musgraves who songs are catchy, who’s lyrics are original and also filled with irony, and double en tendre. And who songs talk about the pains, and happiness that make up everyday life. Get Same Trailer Different Park Here

Elvis Costello and The Roots - Wise up Ghost
Every once in a while an album really catches me completely off guard. Thus is the case with Wise Up Ghost. This collaboration with Elvis Costello and the Roots is genre bending and one of the most original albums I have heard in a long time. Get Wise Up Ghost (Deluxe) Here

Melissa Etheridge - 4th Street Feeling
This albums songs are cinematic in that they really transport you into the worlds and live and of the characters that inhabit her songs. I was only a casual fan before this album, - but now I have been exploring her catalog and I am beginning to fully appreciate her contribution to Rock’n’Roll Get 4th Street Feeling [Deluxe Edition] Here


Aerosmith - Music From Another Dimension
There are 9 stellar tracks on this latest (and who knows perhaps last ) album from Aerosmith. Remove the remaining 6 tracks and you have an Aerosmith album that is as good as “Toys In The Attic”.  Get Music From Another Dimension! Here

Paul McCartney - New
McCartney It’s amazing that after all this time that McCartney still has something New and interesting to musically communicate to the world, and even the deluxe edition with three extra tracks holds up to repeated listenings. Get New [Deluxe Edition] Here

Valerie June - Pushing Against Stone
While I was less than thrilled with her performance on the iTunes
festival, I was really taken with her debut album, that combines both folk, blues, and 50’s rock’n’roll. Get Pushin' Against A Stone Here

Rodriguez - Searching for Sugarman soundtrack
This soundtrack from the motion picture documentary offers nothing that you can’t get on the artists only two albums ever released, but it is through this soundtrack that I first was exposed to the music of this lost and overlooked 70’s answer to “Bob Dylan” who went by the name of
Rodriguez before vanishing into obscurity. Get Searching for Sugar Man (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) here

Natalie Maines - Mother
Albums of mostly covers can sometimes be a lot of fun but I tend to not put them into my top 10 lists. But this particular one is an exception. This album is a good example how the right artist paired with the right producer (in this case Singer songwriter Ben Harper) can produce great results. This album really sets a great mood and tone that makes all of this albums covers sound original. Get Mother here

Honorary Mention: Black Sabbath 13
This album would have probably been higher on my list if they had backed up on the compression a bit. There have been a few high profile comeback releases that have been (for me) killed by over-compression. This is not one of them. But I wish they had backed off on it a bit more and allowed more of the emotion of the performance to shine through. Aside from this, “13” is a welcome return to the classic Black Sabbath sound and will be fitting coda for them, if this ends up being their last album. 13 (Best Buy Deluxe)

Wished I could have gotten to: 

Gotye - Like Drawing Blood  is a superior follow up to last years Making Mirrors. The songwriting is just overall stronger. It’s too bad that it’s not getting the traction that “Making Mirrors” received. Get Like Drawing Blood here