Last-Minute Gift Guide: Outstanding Music and Movie Titles

With Christmas and Hanukkah fast approaching — both arrive on Dec. 25 this year —here is an eclectic list of great new music and film titles available now. 

Multi-Format Titles

As The Rolling Stones were prepping to headline two nights at legendary Wembley Stadium in June 1999 — the band's first London concerts in four years — they announced a surprise show at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire for June 8, 1999. A truly intimate crowd of only 1,800 fans were on hand to hear The Rolling Stones perform a wide-ranging set of enduring hits as well as rarely-performed gems over an unforgettable 96 minutes. "Welcome to Shepherd's Bush," Mick Jagger notes to kick off the event. "I've been waiting to say that for a little bit." On Dec. 6, 2024, Mercury Studios released the concert film "Welcome to Shepherd's Bush" via multiple formats that fully capture the amazing once-in-a-lifetime show. (The title reviewed here marks the first ever 4K UltraHD release and includes a Dolby Atmos sound option). "Welcome to Shepherd's Bush" is also available via 2LP black vinyl package, direct-to-consumer two-LP set in 180-gram white vinyl, Blu-ray+2CD, and via a 2CD limited edition package of only 15,000 worldwide.

While Stones fans will be thrilled with the fiery versions of hits including "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (But I Like It)," "Honky Tonk Women" (the latter featuring guest Sheryl Crow), and trio of crowd-pleasing classics ("Tumbling Dice," "Brown Sugar" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash"), the real thrill of the title is the inclusion of so many seldom-heard nuggets. Indeed, the set includes the only known performance of "Moon Is Up" (from the band's Voodooo Lounge album), a stellar track bolstered by a melodic chorus that features Jagger on blues harp. "Melody" (from Black and Blue) is performed for only the second time ever, and another welcome rarity includes the catchy blues rocker "Brand New Car" bolstered by Ronnie Wood's wah pedal adorned guitar work. 

Keith Richards is featured on lead vocals on two strong performances ("You Got The Silver," "Before They Make Me Run"), and other highlights from the concert include the rollicking show opener "Shattered," freewheeling rocker "Respectable," and driving version of the classic "Route 66." Information: mercurystudios.co.

Artist: Chicago & Friends

Title: Live At 55 (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Chicago, Robin Thicke, Robert Randolph, Chris Daughtry, Steve Vai

Tell me more: Available via Blu-ray+2CD, 4K UHD, 2CD, 3LP, digital audio and digital video, "Live At 55" celebrates the 55th anniversary of the release of Chicago's groundbreaking double-platinum debut album Chicago Transit Authority. A 160-minute concert event recorded in front of an enthusiastic audience in Atlantic City, NJ over two nights, wonderful new concert film finds the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers joined by a number of musical stars including Robin Thicke, Chris Daughtry, Steve Vai, VoicePlay, Judith Hill, Robert Randolph and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram. The concert features Chicago performing cuts from the Chicago Transit Authority album, as well as many of their biggest hits and "unplugged" a cappella arrangement of their material. The final selection, "25 or 6 to 4," features the complete parade of guests joining the band to perform the rocker. Information: mercurystudios.co.

Audio Titles

Artist: Mark Farner

Title: Closer To Home (Righteous Rock Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mark Farner, Grand Funk Railroad

Tell me more: Mark Farner, the original lead singer of Grand Funk Railroad, is back with a marvelous new 10-song album showcasing his top-tier talents as singer, songwriter and guitarist. Along the fiery "Anymore" and authentic title track, there is a new 55th anniversary version of the beloved number 1 hit "I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)." Farner's new album is produced by Mark Slaughter, who also co-wrote and contributed guitar and bass playing on the disc. Closer To Home is available on audio CD and on red vinyl. Information: markfarner.com.

Artist: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Title: Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 2 (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Bonamassa

Tell me more: One of the greatest blues-rock guitarists of our time, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and his amazing band (including first rate lead singer Noah Hunt) are back with a follow-up of 2023's Dirt On My Diamonds Vol 1. Available on digital, audio CD and via a limited edition 180 gram "Blue Marble" vinyl LP, Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 2 is loaded with infectious material ranging from the grooving opener "I Got A Woman" and Southern fried "The Middle" to the funky New Orleans-flavored "Pressure." Information: mascotlabelgroup.com.

Artist: The Blasters

Title: The Complete Concert (Liberation Hall)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blasters, Dave Alvin

Tell me more: Captured live during the Blasters' first-ever international tour in May 1982 at the Venue in London, England, only six of the songs were previously released via a 12-inch vinyl EP later that same year. Now Liberation Hall has released the complete concert, a raucous celebration of the celebrated rockabilly band's 

';mngreatness. Phil Alvin (vocals, guitar), Dave Alvin (lead guitar), Bill Bateman (drums), John Baez (bass guitar), Lee Allen (tenor sax) and Steve Berlin (baritone sax) perform a slew of great cuts including "Crazy Baby," "American Music" and "Marie Marie" sure to please fans of the Blasters. Information: TheBlasters.com.

Artist: Blue Moon Marquee

Title: New Orleans Sessions (Blue Moon Marquee)
You might like if you enjoy: Fats Domino, Geno Delafose

Tell me more: Listening to Blue Moon Marquee's New Orleans Sessions is to be transported to another place and time. The JUNO-Award winning British Columbia-based indie blues duo (A.W. Cardinal and Jasmine Colette) have released a joyful 10-track album crafted over a mere two days positioned one year apart! The result is an energetic romp through the sounds forged in the early 20th century. Standouts include the driving Memphis Minnie sortie "Black Rat Swing," bewitching "Trickster Coyote" and Delta blues-minded "Some Ol' Day." Information: bluemoonmarquee.com.

Movie Titles

Film title: A Christmas Carol (VCI Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: A Christmas Carol, classic holiday films of the 1950s

Tell me more: The finest cinematic adaptation of English author Charles Dickens' classic 1843 novella "A Christmas Carol" remains the 1951 film starring Alastair Sim as "Scrooge." Now the bona fide classic has been released in a wonderful Blu-ray + DVD package. In addition to the outstanding and deeply affecting film itself which truly is one of the great films of the 1950s, there are a myriad of bonus features that make this a fantastic addition to any film lover's home library. A introduction from Leonard Maltin, "Silent Dickens" (a collection of early examples of Dickens on film), "Alastair Sim Version: Too Good to be Shown only at Christmas Time" and more. Information: amazon.com or vcientertainment.com.

Film title: The Dead Don't Hurt (Shout! Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Classic and modern westerns, actor Viggo Mortensen, actress Vicky Krieps 

Tell me more: There are not enough great westerns produced nowadays, so the arrival of "The Dead Don't Hurt" (out now on Blu-ray courtesy of Shout! Studios) is all the more reason to celebrate. The film is set in 1860s San Francisco, where independent Vivienne Le Coudy (Vicky Krieps) finds herself drawn to Danish immigrant Holger Olsen (Viggo Mortensen) and accompanies him to his Nevada homestead. When Olsen goes off to serve in the Civil War, Le Coudy must survive on her own. And when Olsen returns the couple have to face new challenges. The film is ultimately a compelling portrait of a woman determined to stand strong in a 19th century society dominated by men. Information: shoutfactory.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore announce new LP

Americana fans can rejoice at the news that Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore are joining forces. Check out the media release before for details on the duo's forthcoming album and tour dates...

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore announce new album: Downey to Lubbock

Worldwide release date: June 1, 2018

Available for Pre-Order NOW!

“It’s like we’ve been playing together since we were kids,” says Downey, California’s Dave Alvin of his musical partnership with Lubbock, Texas native Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Given their myriad of shared influences and the undeniable chemistry the pair exhibits on ‘Downey To Lubbock’ (June 1/Yep Roc Records), it seems hard to believe they haven’t. 

Friends for over three decades, it took Alvin - the founder of seminal punk roots band The Blasters – and Gilmore, of the pioneering country-folk trio
The Flatlanders, until last year to collaborate at long last. Embarking on a spontaneous twelve-city tour, the two seasoned veterans of the road found a mutual love of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues, Texas and West Coast Country Music, traditional folk and early Rock n Roll. Their duo sets could effortlessly drift from Merle Hagard to Sam Cooke to the Youngbloods, and the pair had so much fun they began planning a record as soon as the tour wrapped.

The result is ‘Downey To Lubbock,’ a twelve-song collection that takes on a diverse range of American music spanning nearly one hundred years. Along with ten covers, Dave Alvin wrote two originals for the record: the autobiographical title track and the fantastical “Billy The Kid and Geronimo.”The latter sees Alvin and Gilmore trade verses as their folk heroes have a prescient bar room debate on morality, oppression and injustice.

You can get more information and ordering details via the official Yep Roc Records site here.

DAVE ALVIN & JIMMIE DALE GILMORE TOUR DATES

May 25 - Strawberry Fest - Grass Valley, CA
June 1 - Heights Theater - Houston, TX
June 2 - Antone's - Austin, TX
June 3 - Kessler - Dallas, TX
June 7 - Word Café Live - Philadelphia, PA
June 8 - City Winery NYC - New York City, NY
June 9 - Narrows - Fall River, MA
June 13 - Rams Hear - Annapolis, MD
June 14 - Birchmere - Alexandria, DC
June 16 - Shea Theater - Turner Falls, MA
June 17 - Clearwater Fest - Cotton on Hudson, NY
June 20 - Sportsman Bar - Buffalo, NY
June 22 - Valley Dale Ballroom - Columbus, OH
June 23 - Club Café - Pittsburgh, PA
July 21 - Americana Music Fest - Telluride, CO
July 25 - Belly Up - Solana Beach, CA
July 26 - Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA
July 27 - Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA
July 28 - Moes - Santa Cruz, CA
July 29 - Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Chico, CA

Classic Sounds Celebrated on New Releases

A stylish 1980's rock 'n' roll film, and a trio of musical tributes available on audio CD and digitally highlight a new crop of releases available now.

Title: Streets of Fire {Collector's Edition} (Shout! Factory)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blasters, the Fixx, the Shout! Factory collector's edition of the 1974 film "Phantom of the Paradise"
Tell me more: The two-disc Blu-ray collector's edition of Streets of Fire is cause for celebration for fans of the cult classic. Originally released in 1984, the film's catch phrase "A Rock & Roll Fable" plays out over each frame thanks to writer-director Walter Hill's sharp instincts, great on-screen performances (including Diane Lane, Michael Pare, Rick Moranis, Willem Dafoe and Amy Madigan) and songs penned by the Blasters (the band appears on screen playing two of their songs), Tom Petty & Belmont Tench, the Fixx and others. The look and style of the film artfully blends '50s cars and retro cityscapes with '80s hair styles and music video trappings of that era; the result is a look and feel that belongs to this fast-moving 93-minute movie alone. The 2K high-def transfer of the film looks and sounds fantastic and there are extras galore, including a new "The Making of Streets of Fire" documentary, vintage featurettes, a theatrical trailer and still gallery. Information: shoutfactory.com.

Title: Red Hot: A Memphis Celebration of Sun Records (Americana Music Society Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Early recordings featuring Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis; Bobby Rush
Tell me more: A love letter to Memphis' Sun Records and its founder Sam Phillips, Red Hot: A Memphis Celebration of Sun Records exudes a joyful and nostalgic spirit celebrating the groundbreaking sounds of the 1950s. A number of roots and Americana artists join forces across the 10-track title, revisiting classic tracks spanning blues, country and rockabilly and first forged by Carl Perkins (a great "Sure to Fall (In Love With You) featuring Valerie June, Jimbo Mathus and Amy LaVere), Johnny Cash (Alvin Youngblood kills "Folsom Prison Blues"), Howlin' Wolf ("Moaning' at Midnight" with Luther Dickinson and Lightnin' Malcolm) and other greats. Blues legend Bobby Rush, 83, is a direct link with the original icons who recorded in Memphis in the 1950s and delivers a rousing original "Tough Titty," a tribute to the late Junior "Mr. Blues" Parker. All proceeds from the Americana Music Society will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Information: AmericanaSociety.org.

Artist: Stanton Moore: The Songs of Allen Toussaint
Title: With You In Mind (Cool Green Recordings / Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty, Dr. John
Tell me more: One of the late 20th century's leading American musical voices, Allen Toussaint (who died in November 2015 at age 77) was a musician, songwriter, arranger and record producer who helped spread the New Orleans R&B sound around the globe. The newly-issued tribute Stanton Moore: The Songs of Allen Toussaint celebrates Toussaint with 10 glorious selections produced by Moore (who also plays drums on the disc) that feature many of the players influenced by Toussaint's extensive artistic touch. The funky "Here Comes the Girls" kicks off the buoyant collection and features Cyril Neville (lead vocals, trombone) and Trombone Shorty (trombone solo) joining forces. Spiritual forays ("Life"), instrumentals (the rousing "Java" featuring Trombone Shorty, trumpeter Nicholas Payton and alto sax player Donald Harrison Jr.), ballads ("All These Things") and uptempo romps (the jazzy "Night People") are handled with an equal amount of energy and musical dexterity, all fully honoring the legacy and free wheeling spirit of the groundbreaking Gert Town, Louisiana native. Information: stantonmoore.com.

Artist: Robert Kraft Trio
Title: North Bishop Ave. (Resistor Record Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Bill Withers, the James Hunter Six, Robert Cray
Tell me more: Austin-based singer-songwriter Robert Kraft has a smooth and soulful voice able to deliver deeply affecting material that draws comparisons with vocal greats such as Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye. On his new seven-song disc "North Bishop Ave." the Robert Kraft Trio (Kraft, guitarist JD Pendley, bassist Lindsay Greene) join forces with some great guest players and backing vocalists for upbeat material ("So Beautiful" and "I Want to Show You," both featuring some hot guitar work from Pendley), tender ballads ("Gotta Have You," "Alone With You") and a rhythmic cover of the 1950 Leon Payne song "You've Still Got a Place In My Heart." Fans of traditional smooth soul, Motown and R&B will love this album. Information: TheRobertKraftTrio.com.


Robert Kinsler

So-Cal Hoedown brings alt-country, roots rock and rockabilly legends together

The Blasters performing in the Yost Theater /
Photo courtesy of Bob Steshetz

The So-Cal Hoedown
With: Wanda Jackson, Shooter Jennings & Waymore's Outlaws, Nekromantix, the Blasters, Slim Jim Phantom Trio, more
Where: Downtown Santa Ana
When: August 13, 2016

When the much-anticipated 20th anniversary of Hootenanny was suddenly cancelled two years ago, lovers of the annual event that drew lovers of rockabilly, alt-country and old school punk music as well as restored classic hot rods and pin-up fashion wondered where a similarly-styled festival might emerge as a worthy replacement.

Pope Paul / Photo: Bob Steshetz

On Saturday (August 13, 2016), the first-ever So-Cal Hoedown mostly delivered on the vibe and style that made Hootenanny a truly unique OC fest. With the obvious exception of the location (the rural setting of Hootenanny's Irvine Lake vs. a four-block spread in downtown Santa Ana), the faithful gathered on a blistering Saturday to celebrate with some of the best-known musical heroes across the roots spectrum providing the soundtrack.

The performances this writer caught across an eight-hour span were mostly inspired, beginning with Pope Paul & the Illegals, the first act to play the Main Stage. The Santa Ana-based singer-guitarist Pope Paul and a rotating set of other players blended rockabilly with a good dose of country swing, blues and honky tonk including on several sterling originals ("Home Just Ain't No Place For Me," "Stars Don't Shine in Santa Ana"). 

While the Slim Jim Phantom Trio's claim to fame is the namesake of Stray Cats fame, the threesome's secret weapon is singer-guitarist Jamie James (formerly of the Kingbees), who provided some rousing vocals and easy-going cheer throughout a set ripe with covers of notable rockabilly-era staples. Slim Jim also delivered a strong vocal performance of the Stray Cats' "Rumble in Brighton" and an inspired take on "Rock This Town."

Sean Wheeler of Throw Rag

Fans of hardcore punk soon found their reason to brave the hot sun and come out to the Main Stage. Orange County's Cadillac Tramps turned in a blistering 45-minute performance. Lead vocalist Mike "Gabby" Gaborno's wit offered a perfect counterbalance to flat-out rocking material, with the two-guitar attack of Brian Coakley and Jonny Two Bags hitting home on the hard-edged "Cadillac Hearse" and the rocking "Train to Fame."

Throw Rag followed up with an entertaining showcase where singer-showman Sean Wheeler led his troupe through songs that somehow blended rockabilly, punk and psychobilly while he used articles of colorful clothing, body movements and the tattoos on his body to enhance the show. Of course, being armed with killer tracks like the infectious punk rock gem "Rule Maker" and catchy "Bobby Wayne" didn't hurt either.

"Metal" Marty Chandler

The standout of the day was Supersuckers, a band that took advantage of every second of its 45-minute set to unleash its brew of alt-country and Southern rock courtesy of material awash in solid songcraft and delivered with powerful performances. The set was launched with "Holdin' the Bag" (the title track off Supersuckers' latest album), which used textures from a banjo to add depth; singer-guitarist Eddie Spaghetti sang powerfully and lead guitarist Marty Chandler was a wonder on the fretboard, particularly on the fun "Jibber-Jabber" and country-styled rocker "Good Livin'." 

While the hard-hitting Nekromantix provided enough sonic firepower to fuel a growling mosh pit, the trio's music was a mostly one dimensional take on psychobilly. The lone exception was the original "Nekrofelia" that was bolstered by a bit of melody.

Phil Alvin of The Blasters / Photo: Bob Steshetz

The day's high-profile closing acts veered the music back to rockabilly and country sounds. The Blasters thrilled an audience packed into the Yost Theater, with singer-rhythm guitarist Phil Alvin leading the quartet through a mix of early rock 'n' roll, roots, rockabilly and blues rock. Early highlights included "Dark Night" and "Trouble Bound."

Shooter Jennings played two sets in one: he launched his outing with an acoustic set, accompanied by his own guitar or keyboards. His second set teamed him with Waymore's Outlaws. Like his late father Waylon Jennings, Shooter is a true country outlaw and his material often highlighted the rift between authentic country and fabricated mainstream artists who have few real life ties with the themes they sing about. "The Gunslinger," "Nashville From Afar" and "4th of July" were among the many nuggets.

Wanda Jackson /
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Closing out the set was legendary singer Wanda Jackson, who acknowledged early on that a recent series of surgeries and knee replacement left her having to perform while sitting down. "By golly, I'm here," she said with the audience cheering. Jackson, 78, has a career stretching back to rock's infancy (she toured with Elvis Presley and briefly dated him in the mid 1950s). Although her voice at times lacks the authority of her youth, she offered up faithful version of her early rockabilly and country hits, the best being the early rock hits "Rock Your Baby" and "Riot in Cell Block #9" as well as her rockabilly ballad "Funnel of Love."

Robert Kinsler
Editor's note: This review was originally posted on The Orange County Register Web site on August 14, 2016. A special "Thank You" to Bob Steshetz for the use of his photos taken at the event.

X, The Blasters and Mike Watt celebrate the past at The Observatory

Here is my re-posted review of my concert review that was originally posted on the Orange County Register Web site on Friday, July 10, 2015, and ran in the print edition of The Orange County Register on Saturday, July 11, 2015.

X goes back to the beginning at the Observatory

BY ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

From left, drummer DJ Bonebrake, singer Exene Cervenka and guitarist Billy Zoom of X perform at the Observatory in Santa Ana on Thursday night. Photo: Drew A. Kelley

By the time X took the stage at The Observatory around 10 p.m. on Thursday night (July 9, 2015), the capacity crowd was already fully aware of an announcement that was issued earlier that day that guitarist Billy Zoom has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. And when the long-time Orange County resident was spotted on the stage a few minutes before showtime checking on his guitar and equipment, there was a heartfelt group chant with his name.

Expectations for the concert were obviously high, with Zoom reportedly set to perform on this night and a trio of subsequent nights at the venue with each concert featuring one of X’s seminal albums played in its entirety. Zoom will then take a break from playing to undergo chemotherapy treatments beginning next week.

Thursday's performance was divided in two parts, with the full performance of the band’s Ray Manzarek-produced 1980 debut filling the first act and ultimately serving as the strongest part of the show. Watching the lineup of singer Exene Cervenka, bassist-singer John Doe, drummer D.J. Bonebrake and the aforementioned Zoom tear through one of punk rock's most compelling and essential albums was a thrill, with Cervenka and Doe's distinctive joint harmonies effective from the moment they were heard on the opener “Your Phone's Off the Hook, But You're Not” while a good-sized number of concertgoers participated in a mosh pit to add to the spirit.

While Zoom had to understandably sit on a stool while performing the show, his guitar playing was spot-on, including on a powerful version of The Doors’ 1967 classic “Soul Kitchen” and even more forceful version of the quartet's own “Los Angeles” a few minutes later.

The fast-paced punk rock song “The World's a Mess; It's in My Kiss” ended the first half of the night, with Cervenka acknowledging the appreciative crowd and energy of the night: “Thank you all for coming.”

The band then took an eight-minute break, and that’s when concertgoers (and the band) had to deal with challenges that appeared to affect both of the amplifiers that Zoom was using. His primary amp was suddenly very muddled with no high tones, and a secondary amp would cut out here and there, obviously hampering the power and flow of songs (even seminal tracks such as “The Hungry Wolf,” “White Girl” and “Devil Doll” during the second 50-minute half where there were several long interruptions where Zoom and his guitar tech attempted to improve things).

The highlight of that troubled set was a propulsive and spirited “The New World,” on which Cervenka and Doe again blended their soaring voices, while the band's distinctive rock attack was showcased.

The large crowd remained throughout the night, supporting Zoom and one of Southern California’s most groundbreaking bands ever without complaint.

“Orange County, thank you very much,” Cervenka said with obvious appreciation before leaving the stage.

The technical glitches that marred the 90-minute X outing were thankfully nowhere to be heard during the two openers’ sets.

The Phil Alvin-led Blasters turned in a potent 50-minute set featuring their original blend of roots music, rockabilly, punk, blues rock and more. With the amazing guitarist Keith Wyatt at his side, Alvin and company performed all their best-known tunes (“American Music,” “Marie Marie” and “Border Radio”) with fire, and outdistanced those gems with a haunting “Dark Night,” with that song finding Wyatt tapping into his inner John Fogerty for an extended solo that had the crowd cheering in appreciation.

Opening the night was legendary singer-bassist Mike Watt, who led his small San Pedro-based outfit (dubbed the Secondmen) through a 30-minute set of genre-defying rock that might best be described as progressive-punk. The well-known leader of fiREHOSE and the Minutemen impressed those who came early with material that allowed all three of the musicians to showcase virtuoso chops.

X Guitarist Billy Zoom diagnosed with Bladder Cancer - Fund set Up To Help Zoom and Family

Very sad breaking news. But I am joining the countless others wishing Billy Zoom a full recovery from cancer...

Billy Zoom, left, with Exene Cervenka

IMMEDIATE TREATMENT TO BEGIN  – BILLY ZOOM WILL STILL PERFORM AT ORANGE COUNTY ALBUM PLAY SHOWS THIS WEEKEND

REPLACEMENT TO BE NAMED FOR JULY-AUGUST DATES SO X CAN CONTINUE WITH THE TOUR IN SUPPORT OF ZOOM

(Los Angeles, CA – July 8, 2015)  Legendary guitarist, punk legend, and all-around nice guy, Billy Zoom, has been diagnosed with cancer.   Today Zoom was given the news that he has an aggressive form of bladder cancer and immediate treatment is necessary to fight the disease.  The 67-year-old musician/producer/electronics wiz will begin chemo treatment next week. 

In early 2010, Zoom revealed that he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer.  After undergoing a radical prostatectomy, the cancer was caught in its early stages and he was given the ‘all clear’. 

X and Zoom are committed to this weekend’s 4-album play shows at Orange County’s The Observatory where Billy will join his longtime bandmates on stage to play songs from his iconic bands first four albums.  Joining X for these shows will be The Blasters and Mike Watt.

X will continue with their previously announced July and August mid-west and east coast tour dates as planned in support of Billy and his family.  A replacement for Zoom will be announced shortly.

X and manager, Mike Rouse, have begun a fund to help Zoom with his upcoming medical costs. 

Statement from X: 

“In the music community, we all take turns helping each other.

Punk rock and benefits: you name the cause, and the bands and fans will be there. 

Now it's our turn to help Billy Zoom, the wittiest, smartest, nicest, best guitar player & friend we know.  We would do anything to help him get better, help take care of his family, and lessen his woes.

Please keep Billy in your prayers and send some positive energy his way!

Donating a few bucks will take away some of his financial stress and worry.

And it's the punk rock thing to do.”

Please donate to Support Billy Zoom’s Kick Cancer Fight by visiting:

http://www.gofundme.com/yx66a4

Friday finds: former Doves singer Jimi Goodwin, The Ramones, Brian Wilson, Eels & Steve Perry, Phil & Dave Alvin, Amazon

Happy Friday everybody. Here is a pretty lengthy roundup of musical news and notes going into the weekend...

Former Doves singer Jimi Goodwin has released a solo album, and just unveiled another music video related to his Odludek album. Read more at Music Minded here.

The Ramones' legacy lives on

Better late than never; the Ramones' seminal debut has finally been certified gold. It only took 38 years! Read more here.

Brian Wilson's next album may well have a number of special guests including Frank Ocean, Zooey Deschanel and Lana Del Rey. Read the Stereogum article here.

Eels and former Journey singer Steve Perry continue to make music news together. Read Jeff Miller's story on the unlikely pair in The Orange County Register here.

Speaking of unlikely pairs, Phil and Dave Alvin (of The Blasters) have finally recorded another full-length album together. Read all about it courtesy of Kelli Skye Fadroski's article in The Orange County Register. 

Finally, Amazon has launched a streaming music service.

Stagecoach 2012: Americana artists shine

Chris Isaak led his band through a wonderful hour-long set at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio on Saturday, April 28, 2012.

Although I would encourage you to check out all my full-length posts (as well as those penned by Ben Wener and George A. Paul) on the Soundcheck blog, I wanted to provide a brief overview of all the acts I caught yesterday. I didn't get to review either singer-fiddler Sara Watkins, Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys or The Mavericks for The Register. But I did get to see them perform all (or part) of their respective sets on Saturday in Indio. It's impossible to catch all of the action on all three stages.

The winner for sure was the comeback concert from The Mavericks, the legendary band that kicked off their current North American tour at the festival. Raul Malo sounded terrific, his tenor soaring in that ethereal way it did when I first reviewed the band back in the 1990s. And the band was terrific (if bit mixed a bit loud through the P.A. system). "What a Crying Shame" (my favorite song from the band) was amazing to hear again, as was the Mavericks' progressive mix of traditional country music and rockabilly.

Earlier I enjoyed seeing the legendary Ralph Stanley, who is now in his mid eighties! He sounded great and everybody (thankfully) yelled out and cheered their appreciation for this bluegrass pioneer.

Saturday kicked off for me with the chance to see Carlsbad, California based fiddler-singer Sara Watkins warm up the crowd. I loved her new song (I think the title is "Lock and Key") off her forthcoming new album. She has a nice soprano voice and her touch on the fiddle was perfect.