Blix Street Records to release "Best of Eva Cassidy" on November 13

One of the most beloved vocalists of the modern music, Eva Cassidy's legacy lives on. A new 'Best Of' collection should help satisfy fans of the late singer, as well as introduce her to new audiences...

On November 13, 2012, independent Blix Street Records will release The Best of Eva Cassidy, a compilation of the music of the versatile, much-missed vocalist praised for her emotional range and interpretive skills. Proof of both qualities abounds on the collection, which gathers 19 performances from the Washington, D.C.-based Eva Cassidy's previous albums and adds a previously unissued version of her popular "You Take My Breath Away." The Best of Eva Cassidy arrives on the eve of what would have been the singer's 50th birthday (February 2, 1963).

Cassidy's reputation has only grown since her untimely 1996 death from melanoma at the age of 33, earning her an international audience (more than 10 million CDs sold worldwide) and critical acclaim, with the Wall Street Journal praising her "perfect pitch, impeccable timing and vulnerability" and USA Today citing her "emotional ability to reach the depths of any song." Cassidy fans and newcomers alike will find much to savor in The Best of Eva Cassidy, whose program reprises the singer's greatest moments-among them her nonpareil reading of Sting's "Fields of Gold," John Lennon's "Imagine," Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" and Christine McVie's "Songbird," the title song of her first and still biggest-selling posthumous release. She likewise applies her unique, song-sympathetic voicing to folk (the fragile "Danny Boy" and the swinging "Wade in the Water"), standards ("Autumn Leaves," "Over the Rainbow") and the work of such contemporary singer-writers as Paul Simon ("Kathy's Song"), Bill Withers ("Ain't No Sunshine") and Cyndi Lauper ("Time After Time").

Of special note is the album's 'new' track, a version of Claire Hamill's inspirational tune that became one of Cassidy's signature songs.  While the 1993 'demo' version of the song concluded Eva's American Tune Album, this previously unheard recording was one of several works-in-progress tracks at the time of her passing in 1996.  This more musically evolved vocal performance simply reaches a new level. With the aid of new digital technology, Eva's former bandmates Chris Biondo and Lenny Williams recently enhanced Eva's original guitar/vocal studio recording.  After maximizing the sound quality of Eva's vocal tour de force, they augmented the production with piano, double bass and a string quartet, creating the definitive version of what is destined to become one of Eva's best-loved performances. "Hearing Eva perform my song was probably the most important moment of my career," Hamill says of Cassidy's earlier treatment of "You Take My Breath Away."   "I felt validated as a songwriter, a truly indescribable feeling. When I heard how a new version was to feature as the lead track on her new Best of Eva Cassidy album, I was literally over the moon. Eva will always mean the world to me.  Her beautiful voice will stay with me forever." "Any new track on an Eva Cassidy best-of album had the tall order of being competitive with the other 19 classic Eva tracks, which have together raised the bar for singers everywhere," explains Blix Street Records president Bill Straw. "Essentially, Eva had to top or at least equal her own best work. I believe she did it. Otherwise, we would not have put it on the album. Some of our people in England are saying this 'new' version of 'You Take My Breath Away' is the best 'sounding' Eva Cassidy recording ever, high praise indeed at this point. It is enough to say that Eva's 'newest' released performance is worthy for inclusion among her best. Eva fans will ultimately decide for themselves where it ranks for them among her many classics."   Initially shy and retiring, Eva Cassidy first appeared publicly in the Washington, DC-Maryland area, bowling over club patrons with her intensely personal, highly eclectic musical style. Following Cassidy's two locally issued albums, in 1998 independent Blix Street label took on the singer's catalog, initially releasing SONGBIRD (a compilation of tracks from the two albums, plus "Over the Rainbow" from the 1992 The Other Side duet album with Chuck Brown).  Blix Street subsequently reissued the earlier Live At Blues Alley and Eva By Heart albums.  But it was in 2001 that music enthusiasts sat up and took notice of Cassidy's compelling way with a song; that was the year that the Songbird compilation hit the top of the British album charts and captivated audiences the world over.  Songbird has now been certified Platinum in the U.S. Subsequent releases include Time After Time, two additional U.K. chart toppers, Imagine and American Tune (the former climbed to No. 1 on Billboard's Independent Albums survey, the latter to No. 5), the 2004 compilation Wonderful World followed by Somewhere in 2008 and 2011's Simply Eva (an album of alternative Eva-only guitar and vocal performances). The full track listing for THE BEST OF EVA CASSIDY: 1.  You Take My Breath Away   (new version)       2.  Kathy's Song 3.  Songbird 4.  What A Wonderful World 5.  Wade In The Water 6.  Ain't No Sunshine 7.  Time After Time 8.  Autumn Leaves 9.  I Can Only Be Me 10. Fields Of Gold 11. It Doesn't Matter Anymore 12. Imagine 13. Over The Rainbow 14. True Colors 15. Danny Boy 16. People Get Ready 17. Anniversary Song 18. Early Morning Rain 19. I Know You By Heart 20. Tall Trees In Georgia Visit: www.blixstreet.com

STAGECOACH: California's Country Music Festival to return to Indio, April 26-28, 2013

This just came in everybody...Roger McGuinn and Old Crow Medicine Show and Nick 13? Dwight Yoakam and Jerry Lee Lewis? Zac Brown and company? Needless to say, but I can't wait for Stagecoach!

STAGECOACH: California's Country Music Festival Returns For Seventh Year: Friday, April 26, Saturday, April, 27 And Sunday, April 28 At The Empire Polo Club In Indio, CA


TOBY KEITH, LADY ANTEBELLUM AND ZAC BROWN BAND TO HEADLINE

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- STAGECOACH 2013--set for Friday, April 26, Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, 2013--marks the festival's seventh year at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. This year, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum and Zac Brown Band headline the 3-day event with additional performances by Hank Williams Jr., Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Thompson Square, Tanya Tucker, Suzy Bogguss, Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, Rodney Atkins, Dwight Yoakam, Lonestar, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more. (Full line-up as of October 9th is below).

Tickets for STAGECOACH: CALIFORNIA'S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL POWERED BY TOYOTA go on sale Saturday, October 20th at 10 a.m. PDT at Stagecoachfestival.com. Three-day GA weekend passes are $239 with layaway available. New for 2013 all taxes, shipping and fees are included in listed ticket prices. What you see is what you pay!


Reserved seating options are also available. Children 10 and under are free.


Organizers are also pleased to introduce the NEW "Stagecoach RV Resort" providing a more private, personal and comfortable camping experience. All interested RV campers MUST submit a formal application available at www.stagecoachfestival.com prior to October 15th at 10:00am PDT. Only approved applications will have the ability to purchase a spot which accommodates up to six (6) people. Dry RV, tent and car camping have been discontinued for 2013.

For complete festival information, to review reserved seating options or to apply for an RV spot in the Stagecoach RV Resort, please visit www.stagecoachfestival.com.



STAGECOACH is produced by Goldenvoice and The Messina Group



..

Muse to kick off 2013 with Southern California dates

Ready for Muse?

In the wake of a high-profile appearance on Saturday Night Live over the weekend where the trio performed two cuts from their new sixth album The 2nd Law, Muse has revealed a number of North American tour dates on tap for 2013.

The group — guitarist/vocalist Matthew Bellamy, bassist Chris Wolstenholme and drummer Dominic Howard — will play Jan. 21 at Valley View Casino Center (formerly San Diego Sports Arena) and Jan. 23 at Staples Center. I'm also hoping the band will add a date here in Orange County too. Here is the full release:

Muse is touring in support of their sixth album The 2nd Law, which was released last week on Warner Bros. Records. Rolling Stone declared The 2nd Law as Muse's "biggest, craziest music yet."

Muse is Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme. Since forming in 1994, they have released five studio albums selling upwards of 15 million albums worldwide. The group's last albumThe Resistance reached Number 1 in 19 countries around the world, and they have won numerous awards around the world including a Best Rock Album Grammy Award and an American Music Award for The Resistance. In July 2012 Muse's song "Survival" was adopted as the official song of the 2012 Olympic Games. On October 2, the band released their 6th studio album The 2nd Law and performed their hit single "Madness" and "Panic Station" on Saturday Night Live on October 6th. To watch the performances, click HERE. 

MUSE 2013 LIVE DATES & ON-SALE INFORMATION

JANUARY

21^st         San Diego, CA                    Valley View Casino Center           On sale 10/12 at 10am

23^rd        Los Angeles, CA                 Staples Center                                On sale 10/12 at 10am

28^th        Oakland, CA                        Oracle Arena                                  On sale 10/12 at 10am

FEBRUARY

3^rd           Edmonton, AB                    Rexall Place                                   On sale 10/12 at 10am

4^th           Calgary, AB                         Scotiabank Saddledome              On sale 10/12 at 10am

6^th           Vancouver, BC                   Rogers Arena                                 On sale 10/12 at 10am

22^nd        Ft. Lauderdale, FL              Bank Atlantic Center                    On sale 10/12 at 10am

23^rd        Tampa, FL                            Tampa Bay Times Forum             On sale 10/12 at 10am

25^th         Orlando, FL                        Amway Center                                On sale 10/12 at 10am

28^th         Cleveland, OH                   Quicken Loans Arena                    On sale 10/12 at 10am

MARCH

2^nd          Detroit, MI                          Joe Louis Arena                              On sale 10/12 at 12pm

4^th           Chicago, IL                          United Center                                 On sale 10/13 at 10am

7^th           Minneapolis, MN              Target Center                                  On sale 10/13 at 10am

8^th           St. Louis, MO                      Chaifetz Arena                               On sale 10/12 at 10am

10^th         Tulsa, OK                            BOK Center                                      On sale 10/12 at 10am

APRIL

9^th           Toronto, ON                       Air Canada Centre                          On sale 10/13 at 10am

12^th         Boston, MA                        TD Garden                                        On sale 10/12 at 10am

15^th         New York, NY                     Madison Square Garden               On sale 10/12 at 9am

19^th         E. Rutherford, NJ               IZOD Center                                     On sale 10/12 at 9am

23^rd        Montreal, QC                     Bell Centre                                        On sale 10/13 at 12pm

26^th         Quebec City, QC               Colisée Pepsi                                    On sale 10/13 at 12pm

Porcupine Tree set to release 'Octane Twisted' on Nov. 20

Porcupine Tree delivered an incredible set when they performed at Coachella back in 2010. But a more recent performance is the subject of a forthcoming release that sounds killer. Here is the full release...

Porcupine Tree to release 2-disc live collection 'Octane Twisted' in November

It has been over three years since Porcupine Tree released its latest album The Incident, a collection that marked another step forward in the incredible journey of the band from a solo studio project created by Steven Wilson in the late eighties, to a Grammy nominated act and one of the world's most revered live bands currently selling out arenas across the globe. Now, Porcupine Tree is proud to announce the impending release of Octane Twisted, a double-disc live set recorded at The Rivera, Chicago, Ill. and Royal Albert Hall, London, U.K. to be released in North America on November 20, 2012 via Kscope.

  

Octane Twisted consists of The Incident - the band's 10th studio album - live in its entirety recorded in Chicago. The second CD contains five classic Porcupine Tree tracks also recorded in Chicago, along with three highlights from the band's landmark show at Royal Albert Hall. All the songs were recorded during the tour that supported The Incident, which went Top 30 in both the U.S. and U.K. in 2009.

  

A special edition version of Octane Twisted with a bonus DVD of the Chicago performance can be pre-ordered now at: https://www.burningshed.com/store/porcupinetree/product/51/4174/.

Florence + the Machine producing magic as Hollywood Bowl debut approaches

My review was originally posted on The Orange County Register's Soundcheck blog on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012. My review and the photo scanned from the cover of the Show section below ran in the print edition today, Saturday, Oct. 6.

Florence + the Machine’s dazzling performance Thursday night (Oct. 4, 2012) at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre in Chula Vista provided plenty of evidence that originality still matters.


Singer Florence Welch and her band of Brits served up 90 magnetizing minutes, playing a set weighted in favor of their second album, last year’s Ceremonials. From the incidental music that led into the soulful “Only If for a Night” and everything that followed, the ensemble truly captivated the crowd with its mix of indie chime, symphonic pop, soulful vocals and progressive rock in ways that worked their magic on a cool autumn night just as compellingly as they did at Coachella in April. (They make their Hollywood Bowl debut Sunday night, with an encore performance slated for Monday.)

Welch, in a beautiful long dress that suggested a distant time in her native England, performed on a mostly sparse stage bathed in sumptuous lights and enhanced via a rear-projection screen that always seemed to evoke just the right spirit for the songstress. Like a gifted actress, she could draw the rapt crowd in while positioned tightly against her microphone on “Cosmic Love” or dash around the stage gleefully, as she did amid a garden scene in the powerful “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up).”

A gifted and intense singer, Welch, 26, was still quick to smile and radiate the warmth that has built her a zealous following since arriving internationally a mere three years ago. “So much love … we love you,” she said before launching the ’80s-tinged synth-rocker “Breaking Down.”

After that song, as artful as it was straightforward, she discussed spending a few days in the city before this Southern California run, including a trip to the beach, catching a punk band at the Casbah and a visit earlier Thursday to one of the region’s most famous spots: “You guys have a brilliant zoo,” she said to cheers.

She then led the Machine through “Heartlines,” an otherworldly piece further spotlighting her soaring soprano with a richly melodic chorus.

The group ended its regular dozen-song set with “No Light, No Light,” once again immersing the audience in a fusion of light, music and theater. As the song grew in volume and power, Welch’s approach as bandleader grew more zealous, until heavy bass and robust backing singers helped bring the piece to an epic finish. Her encore included a dramatic reading of “Breath of Life,” a heroic song from the film Snow White & the Huntsman.

It doesn’t matter that the Weeknd, the moniker for Canadian singer Abel Tesfaye, got the prime opening spot. Further, it didn’t matter that he was provided a full 45 minutes to perform. His set was decidedly flat, and his overall approach as well as individual songs didn’t distinguish themselves in a way that excited the crowd.

On the other hand, the Maccabees kicked off the open-air evening with an exciting blend of alternative and experimental rock. Over the course of 30 fast-paced minutes, the South London outfit showcased a sound clearly influenced by Radiohead, Travis, the Cure and others in a rewarding romp that definitely drew notice with those who arrived for the 7 p.m. start time.

The highlight of the group’s very strong set was “No Kind Words,” drawing on inherent strengths with blasts of guitar (especially well-constructed leads), a propulsive rhythm section and loads of dynamics. Their songs are potent, but it’s the vibrant band’s style that left everybody wanting more. Those headed to the Bowl had best get there early to catch ’em.


Setlist: Florence + the Machine at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, Oct. 4, 2012

Main set: Only If for a Night / What the Water Gave Me / Drumming Song / Cosmic Love / All This and Heaven Too / Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) / Spectrum / Breaking Down / Heartlines (acoustic) / Leave My Body (acoustic with piano) / Shake It Out / No Light, No Light

Encore: Breath of Life / Dog Days Are Over


Florence + the Machine plays twice at the Hollywood Bowl, Oct. 7-8, with the Weeknd and the Maccabees opening at 6:30. Tickets are $28.50-$95. The venue is at 2301 N. Highland Ave.

'Hungarian Rhapsody: Queen Live In Budapest' coming November 6

These just came in...I love sharing the good news folks!

HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY – QUEEN LIVE IN BUDAPEST



QUEEN ‘HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY – LIVE IN BUDAPEST’ WILL BE RELEASED ON DVD, BLU-RAY and DELUXE EDITIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME ON NOVEMBER 6th

New York, NY (October 4, 2012)—Hungarian Rhapsody: Queen Live In Budapest is a must–see concert experience by legends of rock, Queen. It will be released on DVD, Blu-Ray, 2CD+DVD Deluxe Edition and a 2CD+Blu-ray Deluxe Edition on November 6, 2012 in North America


Originally filmed in 1986, this momentous concert movie has been re-mastered in high definition and superb 5.1 surround sound. An amazing performance is now available to be seen in crystal clear HD clarity.

Also included on the DVD and Blu-ray is a new 25 minute documentary feature entitled “A Magic Year”. This follows Queen from just after their historic show–stealing performance at Live Aid, London, on July 13, 1985, through the year leading up to the epic concert in Budapest. Using archive footage from rehearsals, interviews with the band in the studio and on the road during the Magic Tour - some of which has never been seen before - this fascinating feature has been specially created for this new release.

As part of the hugely successful 1986 Magic Tour that, poignantly, was the last to be played by the band with Freddie Mercury, Queen were for the first time able to include Hungary on the tour schedule. With three years to go before the fall of the Berlin Wall, this was the largest concert ever staged at the Népstadion, Budapest, and the first Western Rock Concert staged in a stadium behind the then Iron Curtain. It was of such significance to the Hungarian authorities and film industry that a group of the country’s top film cameramen and technicians were brought together to film it for posterity.

Staged for 80,000 ecstatic fans, the concert set includes favorite hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “I Want To Break Free,” and “We Are The Champions.”

“We’re delighted that Queen fans across the world will finally have the chance to relive this amazing moment for the band. We knew a stadium concert in Budapest was ground–breaking, but hadn’t quite anticipated what a historic night it would turn out to be. The concert looks fantastic on the screen in all its digitally re-mastered glory and the documentary does a great job of setting the scene – it really was an extraordinary time in the band’s history.” Brian May and Roger Taylor

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.

Heart returns with fantastic new studio disc 'Fanatic'

Ann (right) and Nancy Wilson of iconic rock band Heart perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in NYC on Oct. 2, 2012. Heart’s new album Fanatic was released on the day of the show. Photo credit: Peter Larson for iHeartRadio.

Speaking of Heart, the band is the focus of a special episode of Music Worth Buying this week, where TJR and yours truly celebrate not only the release of Fanatic, but the special retrospective collection Strange Euphoria released in June 2012. With this band having scored success on the Billboard charts in the 1970s, 80s, 90s and 2010, when are the Wilson sisters going to get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Other Lives premiere "Take Us Alive" on Pitchfork

I've been busy reviewing shows and shooting episodes of Music Worth Buying so have not been able to post as many times as I had hoped in the last week or so. But here is definitely a choice item I want to share...

Other Lives premiere "Take Us Alive" on Pitchfork

Mind The Gap EP out October 23, 2012 on tbd records
U.S. fall tour starts October 19th!

Other Lives announce the release of Mind The Gap EP out October 23, 2012 on tbd records.  The EP was recorded by the band this past summer in a studio in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, England and features the Atoms For Peace Remix of "Tamer Animals".  The EP also features the tracks "Dead Can" which was written during the band's recent world tour and was “mostly recorded in the van using a lap top, because we were touring so much. That's what gives it an electro feel" along with "Take Us Alive", which is “based on a violin loop that was written in my parents’ backyard", explains lead singer Jesse Tabish. Look out for Other Lives back on the road on a full U.S. tour this Fall.

'Mind The Gap' EP Tracklisting

01. Take Us Alive
02. Dead Can
03. Tamer Animals (Atoms For Peace Remix)
04. Dust Bowl

Tour Dates

10.19 - Fox Theatre - Boulder, CO
10.20 - Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
10.22 - Pink Garter Theatre - Jackson, WY
10.23 - Top Hat - Missoula, MT
10.25 - Neptune Theatre - Seattle, WA
10.26 - Electric Owl - Vancouver, BC
10.27 - Wonder Ballroom - Portland, OR
10.29 - Harlow's - Sacramento, CA
10.30 - Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA
11.01 - Don Quixote's - Felton, CA
11.02 - Soho - Santa Barbara, CA
11.03 - El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
11.04 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA
11.05 - The Crescent Ballroom - Phoenix, AZ
11.08 - Sons Of Hermann Hall - Dallas, TX
11.10 - Fitzgerald's-Upstairs - Houston, TX
11.12 - Bottletree - Birmingham, AL
11.13 - 3rd & Lindsley - Nashville, TN
11.15 - Gabe's - Iowa City, IA
11.16 - Cedar Cultural Center - Minneapolis, MN
11.17 - Turner Hall - Milwaukee, WI
11.19 - The Pyramid Scheme - Grand Rapids, MI
11.20 - Magic Stick Lounge - Detroit, MI
11.21 - Beachland Ballroom & Tavern - Cleveland, OH
11.23 - Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto, ON
11.24 - Cabaret Mile-End - Montreal, QC
11.26 - Space Gallery - Portland, ME
11.27 - Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA
11.28 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY
11.29 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY
11.30 - Rock and Roll Hotel - Washington, D.C.
12.01 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
12.03 - Brillobox - Pittsburgh, PA
12.04 - The Basement - Columbus, OH
12.07 - Schubas Tavern - Chicago, IL
12.08 - Lincoln Hall - Chicago, IL

For more information, including where to catch the band on tour this fall, visit Other Lives' official Web site here.

Radiohead shines on season premiere of 'Austin City Limits'

Radiohead singer-guitarist Thom Yorke

In a world of gizmos and gadgets, laptops and wi-fi, iPads and iPhones, and seemingly everything under the fluorescent sun isn't it great that television still matters.
That is abundantly clear on the season premiere of the ever-essential PBS television series Austin City Limits (ACL), which begins its 38th season on Oct. 6, 2012 with an hour-long performance featuring the groundbreaking British band Radiohead.

The episode marks the first time that Radiohead has ever appeared on ACL, and watching how amazing the band is via this early 2012 performance chronicled at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin, Texas is to see what happens when the strongest of modern rock heroes and best of compelling music television shows meet.

Although Radiohead is a relative youngster (the band released its debut single "Creep" in 1992) at 20 compared to ACL, whatever the delay in the two forces finally forging can be forgiven thanks to the magic displayed throughout the episode. Featuring material gleaned mostly from the band's recent discs (notably Hail to the Thief and The King of Limbs) and new material unveiled on this tour, Radiohead blazes through its genre-decimating blend of experimental rock and electronica in a setting that actually captures what the fuss is all about when discussing the acclaimed group.

Not only do Thom Yorke (lead vocals, guitar), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards, other stuff), Colin Greenwood (bass), Phil Selway (drums, percussion) and Ed O'Brien (guitar, percussion, backing vocals) look like they're having a blast, the live audience seems fully tuned in. In addition, the fantastic camera work and selection of shots collectively break down that wall between Radiohead and television viewers.

Among the highlights on the Radiohead ACL episode are the affecting "The Daily Mail," with Yorke beginning the song while seated at his upright piano before the rest of the band comes in as the song builds and builds. Later on during "The Amazing Sounds of Orgy," Yorke plays bass using it with a percussion-styled approach that layers well against Colin Greenwood's use of his own bass instrument.

And proving that no other band can rock quite like Radiohead is easy thanks to the jaw-dropping versions of "Morning Mr. Magpie" and even more forceful "There There" unleashed by the band.

Radiohead episode setlist:

Bloom
The Daily Mail
Myxomatosis
Morning Mr. Magpie
The Amazing Sounds of Orgy
Staircase
Identikit
There There
Feral
Idioteque
Paranoid Android

For more information, including details on future episodes, visit www.acltv.com.

Jason Aldean dominates Go Fest in Irvine

My review was originally posted on the Orange County Register site on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012. A special "thank you" to photographer Kelly A. Swift for the use of her great image of Jason Aldean taken at the show.

Jason Aldean dominates Go Fest

Jason Aldean in Irvine on Sept. 29, 2012.

Those hoping for an absorbing, mesmerizing concert experience at Go Fest 2012 were in the wrong place Saturday (Sept. 29, 2012). But if you were looking for decidedly over-the-top musical performances, a place to pound away beers, get in a bit of line dancing and check out all the other guys and gals, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater was definitely the place to be.



With a full slate of seven performers – and headliner Jason Aldean noting that this was actually just another stop on his ongoing tour behind 2010’s My Kinda Party – the fifth staging of Go Country 105’s Irvine event recalled Indio’s annual Stagecoach festival. All that was missing were the huge tents featuring alternative country and Americana artists.


The capacity crowd was mostly on its feet for both Aldean and Luke Bryan, further creating an energetic atmosphere for the last three hours of this seven-hour shebang.

Not surprisingly, Aldean was the strongest talent on the bill; the Macon native and his five-man group are among the most successful acts at fusing modern country with an arena-ready rock sound. While Aldean’s power ballads (notably “Big Green Tractor”) connect him to heroes like George Strait and Alabama, his upbeat songs, stripped of pedal steel and other traditional accoutrements, could fit well on a Bon Jovi album.

“Tattoos on This Town,” “Crazy Town,” “Fly Over States” and “Take a Little Ride” (the latter from his next album, Night Train) also boasted that oversized assault. But one of the finest moments in his 75-minute set was the title track from his coming disc (due Oct. 16), a mid-tempo and well-received song with an immediately infectious melody. He also closed the night out with a rousing version of “Hicktown.”

Fellow Georgia-born star Bryan delighted the crowd as well, although his seemingly contrived approach to performing (heavy on shout-outs like “what’s up, California?” and “where are all my beer drinkers?”) cemented the perception that his songs are secondary to the party environment he fosters. His best songs showcased catchy singalong choruses (“Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” “Country Man”), while his hour-long set ended with the crowd-pleasing “Country Girl (Shake It for Me),” bolstered by a “Billie Jean” disco beat.

Opening the action on the main stage, singer-guitarist Rachel Farley delivered roughly 20 minutes of lively new country but had trouble connecting to the crowd because of such unknown material. Dee Jay Silver, spinning a mix of country, rock and urban hits between acts on the big stage, pleased with propulsive mixes of Boston, AC/DC, Aerosmith, the Outfield and others.

Of the three acts that launched the bash on the side stage, singer-songwriter Matt Rogers impressed most. His half-hour, six-song set for those who arrived early showcased the Season 3 American Idol finalist’s rich baritone vocals and solid tunes. Highlights: his beautiful ballad “Coming Home” and the electrifying “Round Up.”

Aimee Mann delivers rousing performance in San Juan Capistrano

Photos courtesy of Bob Steshetz

I've caught Aimee Mann in concert a number of times since the 1990s and being a big fan of her songcraft, I have always been impressed. But last night's performance by the Richmond, Virginia native on the first night of her fall 2012 tour proved to be the best show I've ever caught from the celebrated singer-songwriter.

Mann is touring in support of her fantastic new album Charmer, and kicked things off here in the O.C. with an 80-minute performance at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. Backed by a terrific 4-man band (featuring multi-instrumentalist Jamie Edwards, as well as bassist-vocalist Paul Bryan, who also produced Charmer), the show featured more than half of the cuts from Charmer and enough classic material to thrill everybody in the near-capacity crowd.

When Mann came out on stage at 9:20 p.m., she acknowledged the heartfelt screams and applause of an obviously-delighted crowd: "Thank you so much. This is the first show of the tour...and the first show I've played with a full band in years."

And play they did. Melody is such an essential ingredient in Mann's approach that both folk-rock (say "Gumby" off Charmer) or sparse acoustic material ("Save Me," which she performed alone with her acoustic guitar, and the subsequent "Wise Up" where she was supported only by her guitar and a keyboardist) can address the darkest of topics and still rouse.

Mann is obviously comfortable performing stripped-down acoustic material, but many of the greatest moments on Thursday night came when she and her band rocked. Fans of her powerful, upbeat melodic rock got plenty of chance to groove. There was the textured Beatles-tinged approach of the duet "Living a Lie" where she traded lead vocals with Bryan (who ably handled James Mercer slot featured on Charmer), the '80s-flavored synthpop of "Crazytown" and joyful gloom of "Slip and Roll," the latter featuring some fantastic fret work courtesy of Edwards. "Jamie's over here doing eight things at once," Mann said before noting wryly:  "I have the leather jacket."

Speaking of tuneful delights, "Labrador," also off the new album, is obviously already a fan favorite based on the collective cheers when Mann announced that the song was coming next. Few shows fly by with the speed of this one.

The encore featured Mann taking over bass guitar duties on "King of the Jailhouse," with the artful harmonies of Bryan and Mann adding a welcome warmth to the song. Saving the best for last, Mann strapped back on her guitar and led the troupe through an epic version of "Deathly" that grew in power from its quient launch to its roaring finish seven minutes later.  

Opening was the Wisconsin band Field Report. Having just released their self-titled commercial debut a few weeks ago, the six-man ensemble performed an inspired style of dreamy Americana that draws natural comparisons with Band of Horses and The Wilderness of Manitoba. In an age where many newcomers grab the spotlight with bombast and hype, Field Report achieved that same sort of attention with well-crafted and sterling arrangements over the course of 40 fine minutes. Led by Chris Porterfield (pictured on left) the group was the rare opening act that really got fans listening and later earned the praises of Mann herself. From their strong opening ("Route 18") to the memorable closing song, the monumental "Fergus Falls," Field Report proved themselves more than ready on this night.

Visit the band's official Web site for more information.

Aimee Mann at The Coach House, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012

Main set: Disappeared / Gumby / Labrador / You Could Make a Killing / Lost In Space / Living a Lie / Charmer / Crazytown / Save Me / Wise Up / Slip and Roll / Soon Enough / That's Just What You Are / One / It's Not Safe
Encore: King of the Jailhouse / Deathly

Music Worth Buying episode: Dead Can Dance, Metric

On the latest episode of Music Worth Buying we celebrate the return of Dead Can Dance via Anastasis and Metric’s latest wonder Synthetica:

Aimee Mann kicks off tour at The Coach House tonight

Aimee Mann performs kicks off her Charmer tour at The Coach House. Photo: Sheryl Nields/Courtesy of the artist

No contemporary artist crafts songs quite like Aimee Mann. On her newly-issued album Charmer, the singer-songwriter offers up her literate observations via melodic and haunting songs that go down like vintage power-pop classics while boasting rich sonic colors and lyrical insights that artfully reveal themselves with each subsequent listen.


Retro '80s sounds permeate the cool neo-New Wave "Gamma Ray" and the album's winning title track. The undeniable "Labrador" is as catchy as any song released this year but further enhanced by Mann's emotive soprano conveying the song's deeper feelings of betrayal.

On "Living a Lie," she shares lead vocals with The Shins' James Mercer, their voices forming another magical point on a potent and powerful album.

The good news for Southern California fans of the artist is that Mann kicks off her tour in support of Charmer with a headlining show at The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. tonight (Thursday, Sept. 27). Adding icing on the cake is that the wonderful Americana band Field Report will open the show.

Tickets are only $25, and every seat at the legendary Orange County venue is a great one.

Information: 949-496-8930   Online information: http://www.thecoachhouse.com/

Coldplay to issue 'Live 2012' on CD/DVD, Blu-ray/CD and Digitally on November 20

Hardly a day goes by without another big announcement relating to high-profile releases coming between now and the end of 2012. Ready for some Coldplay?

Coldplay's aptly-titled 'Live 2012' set for release

Pre-order launches today for tour film / live album, coming via CD/DVD, Blu-ray/CD and Digitally on November 20, 2012

EPIX to exclusively premiere the concert event on November 17

On November 20, 2012, Capitol Records will release Coldplay's Live 2012, the band's first concert film / live album in nine years. It documents the band's Mylo Xyloto world tour, which has been seen by more than three million people since it began in June 2011. Premium network EPIX will premiere the tour film as an EPIX original concert event in the United States on TV, online at EpixHD.com, and on EPIX apps on hundreds of devices including Xbox consoles, iPads, iPhones, Roku players and more!

Read the rest of the media release below...

Coldplay 2012 media release Fans can check out the film's trailer and pre-order Live 2012 now at www.coldplay.com. The film was directed by Paul Dugdale, who helmed Adele's Live at the Royal Albert Hall and The Prodigy'sWorlds On Fire concert films. Live 2012 includes footage from Coldplay's shows at Paris's Stade de France, Montreal's Bell Centre and last year's triumphant Pyramid Stage headline performance at Glastonbury Festival. Coldplay's 2012 outing came in at No. 1 on Billboard's latest ranking of the year's top-grossing tours. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said: "The Mylo Xyloto tour has been the most fun we've ever had as a band. It's felt very uplifting right from the start; partly because we are proud of the music, the LED wristbands, the pyrotechnics, the lasers and all of that stuff, but mainly because of the amazing audiences that we've been playing for. Over the years, our crowd has become more and more a part of the concert itself. They're loud, diverse, full of soul, and make the songs sound much better than we can on our own. We wanted to try to bottle the incredible feeling that they give us, and hence our concert film." Live 2012 director Paul Dugdale said: "We wanted to make a film that was as intimate as it was epic, punctuating Coldplay's colour-drenched performance with candid portraits of the band. The set is curated from several concerts around the globe, using the 75,000-capacity Stade de France as the backbone. Myself and JA Digital wanted to approach this film in the same way Coldplay approach their stage show: it's essentially a film about people, and we wanted to highlight how the band have blurred the barrier between stage and audience to create a tour that reaches out to everyone from the front row of the stadium to those right at the back. It's a 90 minute kaleidoscope of emotions. My main objective as a filmmaker was to make the viewers' eyes widen and their hearts beat faster." Live 2012 will be available in the U.S. on CD/DVD, Blu-ray/CD and digitally.    Coldplay has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including seven GRAMMY®s, seven BRITs, six Q Awards and five MTV Video Music Awards. "Paradise," which won the VMA for Best Rock Video earlier this month, has 150 million views and more than 2.5 million downloads of the single have been sold.

Paul McCartney's 'Live Kisses' set for release on November 13

Here is the latest item to land in my inbox...I had a chance to catch 'Live Kisses' on PBS earlier this month and it was fantastic (Click here to see my review). The forthcoming DVD/Blu-ray/digital video release has a wealth of bonus material too!

Paul McCartney - Live Kisses set for release on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Video on November 13, 2012


Relive the magic of one of Sir Paul’s most intimate concerts ever as he performs standards from his critically acclaimed album 'Kisses On The Bottom'

New York, NY (September 24, 2012)—November 13, 2012 will see the release of Live Kisses – a stunning 13-song film, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, that captures the magic of an extraordinary evening in February of this year. In the intimate surroundings of Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, where Paul McCartney recorded much of his Kisses On The Bottom album, he was reunited with the all-star musicians who joined him on the record to bring the songs to life for a once in a lifetime performance.

This was a concert unlike any Paul had given before. Without his famous Höfner bass in hand or in fact any musical instruments, Paul took his place behind the same microphone that has captured some of the most iconic voices in history to focus on his vocal delivery as he led the assembled A-list group of musicians through a collection of the standards he grew up listening to in his childhood, as well as his own original composition “My Valentine.”

Streamed live to the world online, Live Kisses marked the launch of Paul’s Kisses On The Bottom album. The film tells the story of how, with the help of Grammy Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma, Diana Krall and her band, Paul created a critically acclaimed album, which featured guest appearances from Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder. The record represents a deeply personal journey through classic American compositions that a young Paul first heard his father perform on piano at home. Upon its release Kisses… topped the US Billboard Jazz album chart at number 1, as well as charting top 5 all around the world.

On the night the all-star line up were reunited to include musical director Diana Krall (piano), John Clayton (bass), Karriem Riggins (drums), John Pizzarelli (guitar), Anthony Wilson (guitar), Mike Mainieri (vibraphone) and conductor Alan Broadbent. Tommy LiPuma and Al Schmitt resumed their roles in the studio and special guest musicians on the evening included Abe Laboriel Jr. (from Paul’s touring band) on backing vocals and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh. Walsh performed the “My Valentine” guitar solo originally recorded by Eric Clapton on the studio album.

The concert was performed just hours after Paul brought Vine Street in LA to a standstill as he was presented with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Capitol Records Building. The night of the concert (February 9th) was also the 48th anniversary of The Beatles' U.S. TV debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Bonus Live Kisses material includes six versions of the “My Valentine” music video, directed by Paul and starring Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman as well as a “Making My Valentine” film. There are also two short films with behind the scenes footage filmed at the Mary McCartney album photoshoot for Kisses On The Bottom. The final extra is an interview with Paul and producer Tommy LiPuma talking about the story of the album, its conception and creation.

Live Kisses is an intimate and charming concert film which offers an insight into the music and songwriters that inspired Paul to go on to become the most successful songwriter and performer in modern history. Beautifully presented, Live Kisses comes with a 40-page hardback book containing photographs from the day itself, including the rehearsals.

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TRACKLISTING

1) I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter

2) Home (When Shadows Fall)

3) It’s Only A Paper Moon

4) The Glory Of Love

5) More I Cannot Wish You

6) We Three (My Echo, My Shadow And Me)

7) Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive

8) My Valentine

9) Always

10) My Very Good Friend The Milkman

11) Bye Bye Blackbird

12) Get Yourself Another Fool

13) My One And Only Love

Sights and Sounds: The Replacements, First Aid Kit, 'Live From the Artists Den'

This fall promises to provide a wealth of noteworthy releases. From Micky Dolenz' Remember and the Freddie Mercury documentary The Great Pretender (which are both set to arrive this Tuesday, Sept. 25), there is a wide range of new DVD/Blu-ray and album releases set to hit between now and the end of 2012, as well as music specials coming to television. Here are several high-profile releases that landed in my inbox late last week...

The Replacements 'Color Me Obsessed' comes to DVD on November 20, 2012

COLOR ME OBSESSED, the first documentary about famed 80's indie-rock band The Replacements, will be released in a two-disc DVD set (with 6 hours of extras) on November 20, 2012 via MVD Entertainment Group. Told through the eyes of fans, friends, and contemporaries, COLOR ME OBSESSED breaks from the traditional music documentary format of music and performances. Not looking to make a VH1/where-are-they-now style documentary, director Gorman Bechard took a unique approach, "I decided to present the band in a more iconic way," he explains. "I thought, people believe in God without seeing or hearing him but rather through the passion, faith, and stories of others. After watching COLOR ME OBSESSED, I'm pretty sure music fans will believe in The Replacements in much the same way." Telling the band's story was a project close to the heart for Bechard. Like many who were weaned on punk music he latched onto this brash young Minneapolis band with fervor. Dubbed "the last best band" by Spin Magazine, their live shows could be miraculous or downright disasters. Their fans, unwaveringly faithful. As critic's darlings, their albums were wrought with angry guitars and passionate well-written lyrics that hinted at potential commercial success. Yet, somehow, the band managed to continually shoot themselves in the foot. Their relative obscurity was a motivating factor in presenting their story on film. "The Replacements should have been the next Rolling Stones," Bechard says, "And to the people who loved them, I think they were." Combining over 140 interviews with rockers (Colin Meloy of The Decemberists, Craig Finn of The Hold Steady, Tommy Ramone, Grant Hart and Greg Norton of Husker Du, all three members of Goo Goo Dolls), journalists (Robert Christgau, Legs McNeil, Ira Robbins, Greg Kot, Jim DeRogatis), and fans both famous (Tom Arnold, Dave Foley, George Wendt) and not, Bechard delivers the obsessive tale of the most influential band you've never heard of, The Replacements. And though containing not one note of their music, COLOR ME OBSESSED is a documentary that really rocks.   Bechard is also releasing his Archers of Loaf reunion tour/concert documentary WHAT DID YOU EXPECT? on November 20. The film features the Indie rock icons playing two hometown concerts at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC. It premiered at NXNE in Toronto in June.   Website: www.ColorMeObsessed.com  FIRST AID KIT: "WOLF" VIDEO PREMIERE ON VEVO SINGLE & EXCLUSIVE ITUNES SESSION NOW AVAILABLE LIMITED EDITION DELUXE PACKAGE OF ACCLAIMED ALBUM THE LION'S ROAR COMING OCTOBER 2ND NORTH AMERICAN FALL TOUR BEGINS SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 First Aid Kit premiered their dreamlike, kaleidoscopic new video for single "Wolf" today on Vevo. Shot in the forest of Järvsö, Hälsingland in Sweden, the Johan Söderberg-directed video can be seen here: http://youtu.be/Czj7SyPNRto. "It's about our destruction of the planet," said the band. "But it's also about finding the animal within you. Because we know that underneath that polished, civilized exterior there is definitely a wild creature longing to howl or roar." "Wolf" is also now available as a single via all major digital retailers, including iTunes and Amazon. Last week, First Aid Kit's exclusive iTunes Session arrived on the iTunes store and features Swedish sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg augmented by a full string section for the first time. The session is comprised of slightly restyled arrangements of four songs found on their acclaimed sophomore LP The Lion's Roar; one each from debut album The Big Black and the Blue and their Drunken Trees EP; "Wolf"; and their celebrated cover of Patti Smith's "Dancing Barefoot", never before recorded. The Lion's Roar producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Monsters Of Folk) performs on all tracks, while Conor Oberst reprises his guest verse on "King of the World." First Aid Kit's North American fall tour - their biggest to date - begins on September 24 in Chicago, IL, and continues through October 20 in Seattle, WA, and includes an October 12 performance at the Austin City Limits Festival. A limited edition, deluxe package of The Lion's Roar will be available on October 2, which features additional tracks as well as a DVD of live on-the-road documentary Follow You Down and music videos for three The Lion's Roar tracks, among other items. A full itinerary is below. First Aid Kit continue to have an amazing 2012, performing earlier this month to a packed crowd from the main stage at the UK's Bestival fest (watch them play "Emmylou" here: http://youtu.be/PHkVWDaGkUs). Late last month, they performed Simon & Garfunkel's "America" at the Polar Music Prize ceremony to a standing ovation from Paul Simon himself (http://youtu.be/pa3xOakbGTo). The Lion's Roar was released on January 17th via Wichita Recordings and has already sold over 150,000 copies worldwide (over 50,000 in the US alone), while the band made their US television debut on Conan in April and performed at the Coachella, Newport Folk, and Lollapalooza festivals this year as well. Information: www.thisisfirstaidkit.com  Fifth season of 'Live From The Artists Den' set to premiere on October 5, 2012 New season features Norah Jones, The Wallflowers, Rufus Wainwright and Mayer Hawthorne On October 5, 2012, the fifth season of the innovative music series Live from the Artists Den will premiere nationally on public television with an episode featuring nine-time Grammy Award winner Norah Jones (check local listings). The New York Emmy-nominated show-about which the New York Times said, "on this show, the setting is a headliner, too"-connects music fans with a remarkable line-up of icons and emerging stars performing in unique and historic venues. The exciting new season features Norah Jones, The Wallflowers, Rufus Wainwright, and Mayer Hawthorne. Viewers can preview clips from the episodes on the Artists Den website at www.artistsden.com. The series is a production of Artists Den Entertainment presented by WLIW21 in association with WNET New York Public Media, and is distributed by American Public Television.   "People are always asking me what place I love to play the most," said Jones at her taping of Live from the Artists Den at the Green Building in Brooklyn. "I always say it's really not about the country as much as it is the venue. It's so nice to play in a place that has a good vibe." The season will air nationally on public television in many of the country's top markets, beginning this October. In the New York metro area, Live from the Artists Den will premiere Fridays at 10pm beginning October 5th on THIRTEEN and Saturdays at 10pm beginning October 6th on WLIW21. In the Greater Los Angeles area, the series will premiere Sundays at 8pm beginning October 28th on PBS OC; in Washington, D.C., Sundays at 11pm beginning October 7th on WHUT; in Dallas, Thursdays at 11pm beginning October 11th on KERA; in San Francisco, Tuesdays at 11pm beginning October 9th on KQED; in Philadelphia, Sundays at 10pm beginning October 7 on NJTV; and in Minneapolis, Saturday, October 6th at 10pm and Tuesdays at 11pm beginning October 9th on TPT. For premiere dates and air times in other markets, visit http://www.artistsden.com. Live from the Artists Den is filmed in high-definition. Beginning October 5 - Grammy Award-winner Norah Jones at the Green Building in Brooklyn, NY. October 12 - Multiplatinum rockers The Wallflowers at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco. October 19 - Vocal virtuoso Rufus Wainwright at the Church of the Ascension on New York's Fifth Avenue. October 26 - Soul phenomenon Mayer Hawthorne at the historic Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. For WNET New York Public Media, Executive in Charge: Gillian Rose. For the Artists Den: Executive Producer Mark Lieberman.    About the Artists Den Live from the Artists Den is a three-time New York Emmy®-nominated music television series that features popular recording artists performing in non-traditional settings throughout North America.Live from the Artists Den aired its 4th season nationally on public television in 2012, has expanded digitally through Hulu, Pandora, and Vevo, and is now broadcast internationally in Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Israel and Latin America. Featured artists have included Adele, Kid Rock, Ben Harper, Regina Spektor, Ringo Starr, The Fray, Raphael Saadiq, Death Cab for Cutie, David Gray, Corinne Bailey Rae, the Black Crowes, Alanis Morissette, Tori Amos, Elvis Costello and Robert Plant. Featured venues have included Graceland, the first art museum in America, a Masonic temple, a former Archdiocese cathedral, a 1930s silent movie theater, the world's oldest merchant sailing vessel, the New York Public Library, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A full listing of previously featured artists, TV episodes, and venues can be viewed at artistsden.com.