Upcoming releases: Deep Purple, Sonia Leigh, The Dwarves, Bandana Splits

While I wait for tonight, and the arrival of U2's performance in Anaheim, here are a few things from my inbox I wanted to share.

Last weekend I caught an excellent show featuring supergroup Black County Communion, which includes lead singer-bassist Glenn Hughes.

Now the legendary Hughes will be featured in a stunning release set to arrive on June 28. Read on friends...

On June 28, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Deep Purple’s Phoenix Rising – a two-hour-plus revelatory documentary including 30 minutes of never-before-seen (not even on bootleg) onstage footage from Japan. Phoenix Rising will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, and in a special two-disc DVD/CD package [MSRP $19.98 for DVD/CD, $14.98 for DVD, and $19.98 for Blu-ray].


The release is cause for celebration amongst Purple fans due to the rarity of material. Extensive interviews with keyboardist Jon Lord and bassist Glenn Hughes tell the tale of a band caught by circumstance into one of its most controversial, extreme and exciting eras of its long career. Ian Gillan and Roger Glover were gone. A young unknown singer by the name of David Coverdale was recruited as was bassist Hughes. The results were the albums Burn and Stormbringer (both released in 1974). But then Ritchie Blackmore left the band. Against all odds, they rocked on, recruiting Tommy Bolin (from Zephyr and The James Gang). The album Come Taste The Band (1975) documents the short-lived Bolin era, an era that all came crashing down when the band announced in July of 1976 that it was breaking up. By December, Bolin would be dead due to a heroin overdose. Nine years of silence would ensue.

The never-before-seen 30 minutes, “Rises Over Japan,” has the Coverdale/Lord/Bolin/Hughes/Paice lineup delivering the goods in 1976 on eight songs: “Burn,” “Getting Tighter,” “Love Child,” “Smoke On The Water,” “Lazy,” “Homeward Strut,” “You Keep On Moving” and “Stormbringer.” (The double-disc package contains these eight songs on CD.) This segment is some of the only video footage that showcases Tommy Bolin performing in Deep Purple.

The 90-minute documentary portion, “Getting Tighter,” recounts the trials and tribulations of a band in turmoil, riding the rock’n’roll roller coaster to total excess. With its live images, backstage footage, never-before-told stories and original video material carefully culled from years of research, it’s a veritable bonanza for Purple fans and fans of Rock History. No stone is left unturned…and sometimes it’s not pretty. Gritty, truthful, wild, this is the story of an era in the 1970s that is simply unforgettable.

Eagle Rock Entertainment is an international media production and distribution company operating across audiovisual entertainment programming. Eagle Rock Entertainment works directly alongside talent to produce the highest quality programming output covering film, general entertainment and musical performance. Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices based in London, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Hamburg, & Paris.

Click here to visit Eagle Rock Entertainment online.


Sonia Leigh Rouses 50K New Fans at CMA Fest with "My Name is Money"



Georgia troubadour Sonia Leigh, whose gritty brand of southern blues is abuzz on the touring circuit, shows off her powerful pipes on debut single "My Name is Money," a bright, brash track that gives new life to dusty soul rock with nods to Joan Jett and Sheryl Crow. Listen to "My Name is Money" at: bit.ly/SoniaLeigh

Leigh performed the single several times at CMA Festival last week, including once with the Zac Brown Band at LP field in front of 50K fans. With its upbeat swagger, "My Name is Money" (out now on iTunes, hitting radio July 25) is sparking country, roots, and rock fans alike to get down with the "young, hot vintage" songstress.

Watch Sonia perform "My Name is Money" http://bit.ly/SoniaLeigh-Money

Said Leigh of the inspiration, "I wrote this song about how powerful money is and how impactful it can be to people's lives. I'm not for it or against it but I was just thinking if money could talk, what would it say?"

Leigh's national debut 1978 December (Southern Ground Artists, Inc.) is out August 30, 2011.

Purchase "My Name is Money" on iTunes at: http://budurl.com/mnim

http://www.sonialeigh.com


The Dwarves Are Born Again

THE DWARVES 25th Anniversary Tour:

A celebration of the most bizarre and misunderstood punk rock band of all time.



New release The Dwarves Are Born Again in deluxe CD or vinyl package (with bonus DVD) getting rave reviews from critics and fans alike...

The Dwarves are currently touring Europe, but will soon be back in the states to celebrate 25 years of pure punk rock insanity. There remains a great deal of unknown stories and anecdotes regarding the most bizarre and misunderstood band of all time...



For instance, did you know of the stabbings, bannings, arrests, assaults and secret peccadilloes of the last punk band standing?

Did you know that The Dwarves have been members of groups as diverse as KMFDM, Gnarls Barkley, Excel, The Queers and Scream?

Did you know their music has been featured in dozens of television shows from Viva La Bam and Jackass to Spongebob Squarepants or feature films like Hostel and Ghostworld?



Click HERE to see all 25 things you don't know about the Dwarves!

As for the tour, the fun starts in Baltimore on July 13:



Wednesday, July 13, 2011 10:00 PM

Baltimore, MD - Ottobar



Thursday, July 14, 2011 07:00 PM

Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar



Friday, July 15, 2011 08:30 PM

Brooklyn, NY - Knitting Factory Brooklyn



Saturday, July 16, 2011 10:00 PM

New York, NY - Studio at Webster Hall



Sunday, July 17, 2011 10:00 PM

Cambridge, MA - Middle East



Monday, July 18, 2011 10:00 PM

Newport, RI - Newport Blues Cafe


And as for the new record, The Dwarves Are Born Again features all your favorite heroes from the Dwarves long and twisted saga. Blag the Ripper, HeWhoCanNotBeNamed, Rex Everything and a cast of thousands return to crush the ears of a desperate public. Teamed with Top Ten producer Eric Valentine (Slash, All American Rejects) they have created a perfect mix of hardcore punk, ear soothing pop, and everything in between. Damaged celebrity cameos mix with twisted phone messages, ear splitting noise with dance friendly grooves, all delivered with the Dwarves trademark humor and intensity.


Website: http://www.thedwarves.com/



Brooklyn Based Trio, The Bandana Splits Release Self-Titled Debut Album Aug 16, 2011 via Tummy Touch Records




**New York City Summer Shows Announced!**


Sometimes all that glitters IS gold.

At first glance, The Bandana Splits look like a pin-up girl group from the early 60s, yet behind the cutesy façade lurks a serious power pop trio. Annie Nero, Dawn Landes, and Lauren Balthrop were brought together by geography and their love of The Andrews Sisters charm and Spector-like musicality. Along with producer Sam Cohen (Apollo Sunshine/Yellowbirds) The Splits have effortlessly crafted your new favorite record.

The Bandana Splits’ self-titled debut album sends listeners whirling through the space/time continuum, conjuring images of soda jerks and varsity jackets. However, they’re much more than a throwback piece. Recorded at Landes’ Saltlands Studio in DUMBO, Brooklyn, the record displays their unique songwriting and sweet 3-part harmonies performed live around an old RCA ribbon microphone. Accompanied by spastic guitar, Muppetesque drum and bass jams, and slinky organ riffs, Cohen sonically infused the record with Motown grooves, Brazilian psychedelia, and a tasteful dash of classic country schmaltz.

In support of their debut release, the girls are excited to be performing a bunch of shows around NYC this summer. You can feast your eyes and ears on the Bandana Splits at any, or preferably all, of the scheduled happenings below.
Tour dates:
June 18th – Brooklyn, NY - Littlefield (Farewell to Normal Scene Party)
June 21st – New York, NY - Joe's Pub (part of Make Music New York)
July 9th – New York, NY - The Mercury Lounge (7 pm w/ Elizabeth & the Catapult and Harper Blynn)

For more information, visit the Bandana Splits' official Web site.

Elbow, Imelda May, Yes & Styx announce upcoming tour dates

Elbow, who blew me away when they performed at Coachella earlier this year, has announced a number of North America tour dates in the U.S. this fall.

ELBOW TOUR DATES
09/18/11 - Austin City Limits, Zilker Park - Austin, TX
09/20/11 - Center Stage - Atlanta, GA BUY TICKETS
09/22/11 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC BUY TICKETS
09/23/11 - FDR Park - Philadelphia, PA
09/25/11 - Terminal 5 - New York , NY BUY TICKETS
09/26/11 - Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA - BUY TICKETS
09/28/11 - Sound Academy - Toronto, ON BUY TICKETS
10/01/11 - The Greek Theater - Los Angeles, CA



Following the success of build a rocket boys!, Manchester’s multi-award, Mercury Music Prize winning five-piece are pleased to announce a North American tour this fall in support of their 5th critically acclaimed studio album.


Since the release of build a rocket boys! this spring, the band made a whirlwind trip to perform at this year's Coachella Festival. As the sun set, the band wowed the crowds and critics alike with their powerful performance, complete with strings on stage and an impressive catalogue of songs, garnering impressive reviews hailing them as the highlight act of this years festival by many major publications.

Now, due to an overwhelming response, the band has decided to honor the demand and set their sights across the Atlantic again. The tour kicks off in the sunny south at the prestigious Austin City Limits, then up to the north-east for select shows including New York City's Terminal 5 before venturing all the way west, ending up at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles.


Earlier this year, elbow completed their first headlining UK arena tour, including 2 sold out nights at London’s O2 arena, confirming them as one of the worlds most treasured live and studio artists of our time. Later this month, the band will also be performing alongside Coldplay on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and support to Muse at Reading and Leeds festivals this summer.

Be sure to catch the band perform live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, September 21, 2011.


DECCA RECORDS TO RELEASE IMELDA MAY’S 'MAYHEM' ON JULY 19, 2011

U.S. TOUR DATES INCLUDE CENTRAL PARK SUMMER STAGE AND LOLLAPALOOZA


“Powerhouse…”—Dallas Morning News

“…an exceptional revivalist who is as retro-comley as she is robustly gifted…”—The Orange County Register

Decca is set to release Imelda May’s Mayhem on July 19. The release marks her second album in the states and her first on the label. America is already well acquainted with May through her performances on “The Tonight Show” in April, the 2010 Grammy Awards and a PBS Concert Special with Jeff Beck. With the release of Mayhem, she will embark on a string of summer dates including a July 21 album release party at New York’s Mercury Lounge, Central Park Summer Stage with Wanda Jackson and Lollapoolaza. (See dates on back)
May has achieved triple-platinum status in her native Ireland and gold status in the U.K., along with receiving numerous awards including Best Breakthrough Artist at the 2010 Classic Rock Awards, Best Female Artist of 2010 at the Irish Meteor Awards In the mean time, she’s graced TV screens in the U.K. performing on “Graham Norton” and a second time on “Jools Holland.” Mayhem has received four-star reviews from MOJO, The Daily Mirror, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph. The album reached number seven on the U.K. chart, remained in the Top Ten for two weeks and remained in the Top 50.
On Mayhem, May wrote 13 out of the 14 tracks including the title track and first single and U.K. hits “Inside Out” and “Psycho.” The album also contains a rendition of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love.” Her accomplished band includes husband Darrel Higham on guitars, Al Gare on double-bass, Dave Priseman on trumpet, and Steve Rushton on drums.
Performing a fusion of surf guitars, blues and rockabilly, May self-released her debut Love Tattoo, which went Triple Platinum. The album was picked up and released by Decca abroad and through Verve Forecast here. Since that time, May has shared stages with Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, David Gilmore, Shane Macgowan, Van Morrison, Lionel Richie, Wanda Jackson, Paul Brady, Jamie Cullum and Meatloaf. In 2009, Love Tattoo knocked Bruce Springsteen off the number one spot on the Irish album charts making May the first woman to grace the top spot in nearly 20 years. May feel in love with rockabilly and the blues at the age of nine. She went onto perform in burlesque clubs and was part of a swing troupe before breaking out on her own. She caught people’s attention not only musically but with her 50s look that has led her to grace the front cover of the Irish Sunday Times Style Magazine.

IMELDA MAY TOUR DATES
July 19 El Rey Theater Los Angeles
July 21 Mercury Lounge New York, NY
July 26 9:30 Club Washington, DC
July 27 Central Park Summerstage New York, NY
July 28 Trocadero Philadelphia
July 30 Brighton Music Hall Brighton, MA
August 7 Lollapalooza Chicago, IL
August 9 The Independent San Francisco, CA
August 11 Oregon Zoo Amphitheater Portland, OR
August 12 The Neptune Seattle, WA


YES AND STYX CO-HEADLINING U.S. SUMMER TOUR; SET TO KICK OFF JULY 4, 2011


The world's most quintessential prog-rock band YES joins forces with multi-platinum rock band STYX for a summer tour extravaganza. These two monster rock bands will embark on a 22-city summer tour starting July 4, 2011 and concluding August 3, 2011 in Mountain View, CA. Tickets are now on sale.



YES – The Legendary, Grammy® Award winning prog-rock band that has defined many a generation -- will be on tour in support of their new album FLY FROM HERE on Frontiers Records releasing July 12, 2011.



YES features a lineup of guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White, and lead singer Benoit David. YES will be reuniting with keyboard player Geoff Downes for this tour.



STYX--Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James “JY” Young (vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass), along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo—has an unmistakable sound all their own, and they continue to prove that they’re one of the hardest working bands in the music world thanks to a vigorous tour schedule that keeps them constantly on the road all across the globe.



“We are excited to have STYX on tour with us. I consider them to be in the vein of YES and the cutting edge of prog-rock in America,” says YES founder/bassist Chris Squire.



"When I first heard YES, I knew that the music world was forever changed,” says STYX singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw. “They took progressive rock to a place that had never been expressed in such an impressive yet accessible way. Who among you didn't make it a point to learn the acoustic guitar intro to ‘Roundabout?’ We're very excited to tour with them for the very first time."



FLY FROM HERE is the first album YES has recorded for close to a decade and was produced by the legendary Trevor Horn in the spirit that YES was founded. The return of Horn along with the Maestro’s that make up YES has brought back the fluid freedom that their music’s ingenuity is best known for. YES holds a shrewd insight and creative vision that challenges audiences as they stretch the boundaries of music.



STYX is currently putting the finishing touches on REGENERATION, VOLUME 2, the follow-up to 2010’s seven-song EP, REGENERATION, VOLUME 1, which contains six newly re-recorded classics--"Come Sail Away,” "Crystal Ball," "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man),” “Lorelei,” “The Grand Illusion” and “Sing For The Day”—and a brand new track, “Difference In The World.” The track listing for REGENERATION, VOLUME 2 is: “Renegade,” “Blue Collar Man,” “Too Much Time On My Hands,” “Queen of Spades,” “Coming Of Age” (Damn Yankees), “High Enough” (Damn Yankees), “Snowblind,” “Miss America.” Both volumes will be available for sale at every stop along the tour route.



YES’ performance will feature the title track from their new album FLY FROM HERE as well as the hugely successful and indelible catalogue of music from hit albums such as DRAMA, FRAGILE, CLOSE TO THE EDGE and 90125. Classics such as “Roundabout,” a seminal hit which consistently appears on “the best songs of all-time” lists, and the group’s #1 hit “Owner of a Lonely Heart” are sure to be featured for an evening of music not to be missed.



YES’ remarkable career has served to re-define the boundaries of rock for more than four decades, YES has played the role as a dominant driving music force selling over 30 million albums, reaching platinum status multiple times worldwide. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles have made each of the group’s player’s a virtuoso in his own right.



Spawned from a suburban Chicago basement in the early ‘70s, STYX would eventually transform into the virtual arena rock prototype by the late '70s and early '80s, due to a fondness for big rockers and soaring power ballads. Over the course of their 38-year career they’ve released 15 studio albums, 6 best-of compilations and 4 live albums, garnering 8 Top Ten singles. STYX has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Throughout their illustrious career, they’ve performed more live shows since 1999 than all of the previous years of its career combined. Two Super-Bowl appearances, Pollstar box office chart-topping tours with Def Leppard, Journey, Boston, REO Speedwagon and Bad Company (to name only a few), two more studio albums and no end in sight, STYX continues to conquer the planet, one venue at a time.



DATE VENUE CITY



**The tour kicks off with a July 4th show at Susquehanna Bank Center
in Camden, New Jersey.**



Tues, July 5 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel , NJ+



Thur, July 7 CMAC Performing Arts Center Canandaigua , NY+



Fri, July 8 MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Mashantucket , CT *



Sat, July 9 Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion Gilford , NH *



Mon, July 11 Nikon @ Jones Beach Theater Wantagh , NY+



Tues, July 12 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Bethel , NY+



Thur, July 14 Verizon Wireless Amp at Encore Park Alpharetta , GA *



Fri, July 15 Amphitheater at the Wharf Orange Beach , AL+



Sat, July 16 The Woods at Fontanel Nashville , TN *



Mon, July 18 Starlight Theatre Kansas City , MO *



Tue, July 19 Verizon Wireless Music Center Noblesville , IN *



Wed, July 20 DTE Energy Music Theatre Clarkston, MI+



Fri, July 22 Winstar Casino Thackerville , OK+



Sat, July 23 Zoo Amphitheatre Oklahoma City , OK *



Sun, July 24 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Maryland Heights , MO *



Tue, July 26 Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, CO*



Thur, July 28 Eagle River Pavilion Boise , ID *



Fri, July 29 Chateau Ste. Michelle Woodinville , WA+



Sat, July 30 Maryhill Winery Goldendale , WA+



Tue, August 2 Greek Theatre Los Angeles, CA+



Wed, August 3 Shoreline Amphitheater Mountain View, CA*



+ Denotes YES closes

* Denotes STYX closes



For additional ticket information please visit: www.yesworld.com or www.styxworld.com.

Releases from Bad Company, Ry Cooder, Larry and His Flask coming this summer

Bad Company 'Live At Wembley' is set for June 28, 2011 release on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray

New York, NY (June 14, 2011)—When legendary classic rockers Bad Company performed at the historic British venue Wembley Arena in London on a beautiful April 2010 spring night, high-definition cameras captured the whole evening in all its glory. On June 28, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Live At Wembley simultaneously on DVD, Blu-Ray and CD, through its Eagle Vision and Eagle Records imprints [MSRP $13.98 for CD, $14.98 for DVD, and $19.98 for Blu-ray].

There was magic in the air as all three original Bad Company members—vocalist extraordinaire Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs and drummer Simon Kirke—are augmented by bassist Lynn Sorensen and guitarist Howard Leese. (Original bassist Boz Burrell died in 2006.)

The set list is packed with every major hit, fan favorites and seldom-heard deep album cuts. The DVD and Blu-Ray includes a band interview.

Bad Company burst upon the rock’n’roll scene in 1973, and was immediately dubbed a super-group by fans and press alike, as its members all came from very successful popular bands: Free (Rodgers and Kirke), Mott The Hoople (Ralphs) and King Crimson (Burrell). They lived up to the hype for nine straight years with a string of six soulful hard-rocking albums. After a four-year break, they got back together minus Rodgers (who had formed The Firm with Jimmy Page). Rodgers returned in 1999.

Eagle Rock Entertainment is an international media production and distribution company operating across audiovisual entertainment programming. Eagle Rock Entertainment works directly alongside talent to produce the highest quality programming output covering film, general entertainment and musical performance. Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices based in London, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Hamburg, & Paris.

DVD and Blu-Ray Track Listing
1) Can’t Get Enough

2) Honey Child

3) Run With The Pack

4) Burnin’ Sky

5) Young Blood

6) Seagull

7) Gone, Gone, Gone

8) Electric Land

9) Simple Man

10) Feel Like Makin’ Love

11) Shooting Star

12) Rock And Roll Fantasy

13) Movin’ On

14) Ready For Love

15) Bad Company

16) Deal With The Preacher



CD Track Listing:

1) Can’t Get Enough

2) Honey Child

3) Run With The Pack

4) Young Blood

5) Seagull

6) Gone, Gone, Gone

7) Electric Land

8) Simple Man

9) Feel Like Makin’ Love

10) Shooting Star

11) Rock And Roll Fantasy

12) Movin’ On

13) Ready For Love

14) Bad Company

15) Deal With The Preacher



Ry Cooder's tools for citizens under siege



RY COODER'S PULL UP SOME DUST AND SIT DOWN - SIMPLE TOOLS FOR CITIZENS UNDER SIEGE!

THERE'S YOU, THE CITIZEN, RUNNING IN CIRCLES LIKE A HEADLESS CHICKEN. AND THERE THEY ARE, THERE THEY ALL ARE, HERDING YOU FASTER AND FASTER THROUGH THE CIRCLE MAZE OF LIES AND DISTRACTION. WHO CAN YOU BELIEVE, WHO WILL THROW OUT THE LIFE LINE?
YOU NEED SIMPLE TOOLS, AND THAT'S WHAT THESE SONGS ARE ALL ABOUT. LEARN HOW JOHN LEE HOOKER WILL FIX THE SUPREME COURT IF ELECTED. LEARN A STIRRING NEW WAR-WITHOUT-END CHRISTMAS SING ALONG. STUDY THE REPORT ON THE NEW-TIME JIM CROW HEAVEN BILL #1070. WHAT DOES THE OUTLAW JESSE JAMES HAVE IN MIND FOR GOLDMAN SACHS? WHY DOES GOD HATE TELEVISION? AND THERE'S MORE...

EVERY SONG A REVELATION, A BEACON OF LIGHT IN THE ENDLESS TUNNEL OF MODERN LIFE, AND IT CAN BE YOURS STARTING ON AUGUST 30.

Hear "No Banker Left Behind" from the album here: http://bit.ly/iqxYt7
Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down will be released August 30 on Nonesuch/Perro Verde Records. Preorder the album here to receive a free instant download of "No Banker Left Behind": http://www.nonesuch.com/albums/pull-up-some-dust-and-sit-down
Ry Cooder will perform with special guests Los Cenzontles at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco August 31st and September 1st 2011. Tickets available at http://www.gamh.com/tickets/ or 1-888-233-0449.

Track listing for Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down:
1. No Banker Left Behind
2. El Corrido de Jesse James
3. Quick Sand
4. Humpty Dumpty World
5. Dirty Chateau
6. Baby Joined the Army
7. Christmas Time This Year
8. Lord Tell Me Why
9. Simple Tools
10. John Lee Hooker for President
11. Dreamer
12. If There's a God
13. No Hard Feelings


Larry and His Flask Announce New Album, 'All That We Know',
Out August 9, 2011 on Silver Sprocket Bicycle Club

Everyone's favorite Oregon-based bluegrass-punk band LARRY AND HIS FLASK has announced plans to release their first full legnth, titled All That We Know, on August 9, 2011 via Silver Sprocket Bicycle Club. "All That We Know" will be available digitally on June 21 for those who can't wait for the physical product.

Known for their incredible live performances, LARRY AND HIS FLASK have rapidly taken off over the past two years, blowing the lid off of shows across the United States and Canada including national tours with DROPKICK MURPHYS, STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO, and TRAMPLED BY TURTLES. The band is currently on this summer's entire VANS WARPED TOUR, and you can catch them at any of the tour's stops across North America! The band is also slotted for several major festival appearances this fall including Riot Fest Philadephia, Riot Fest Chicago, Seattle's SoundFest, and Gainesville, Florida's The Fest 10.

Click here to visit the official Larry and His Flask Web site.

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Archers of Loaf, Cherri Bomb, Deer Clan Singers: releases set to land soon

Red Hot Chili Peppers Announce Track-Listing For 'I'm With You'

EAGERLY AWAITED NEW STUDIO ALBUM PRODUCED BY RICK RUBIN WILL BE RELEASED ON AUGUST 30, 2011 ON WARNER BROS. RECORDS

Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers have announced the full track-listing for their upcoming tenth studio album, I'm With You, which will be released by Warner Bros. Records on August 30, 2011. It is as follows:



"Monarchy of Roses"

"Factory of Faith"

"Brendan's Death Song"

"Ethiopia"

"Annie Wants a Baby"

"Look Around"

"The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie"

"Did I Let You Know"

"Goodbye Hooray"

"Happiness Loves Company"

"Police Station"

"Even You Brutus?"

"Meet Me at the Corner"

"Dance, Dance, Dance"



Recorded at East West In Los Angeles and Shangri-la in Malibu, CA, I'm With You was produced by Rick Rubin, who has produced the band's previous five albums, 2006's Stadium Arcadium, 2002's By The Way, 1999's Californication, 1995's One Hot Minute, and 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The album was mixed by Andrew Scheps and Greg Fidelman.



I'm With You is the band's first new album since the two-set Stadium Arcadium, which debuted at Number One in 28 countries around the world, including the U.S.- their first Number One album on the Los Angeles quartet's home turf. The album spawned three Number One Modern Rock hits: "Dani California" (which spent 14 weeks at No. 1 and is one of three songs in the history of Billboard's Alternative Chart to debut at No. 1), "Tell Me Baby," and "Snow (Hey Oh)." To support Stadium Arcadium, the Chili Peppers played to millions of fans around the world throughout 2007, including sold-out arena tours of Europe and North America, appearances at the Fuji Festival in Japan and Live Earth in London, and headlining slots at Lollapalooza in Chicago, and the Leeds and Reading Festivals in the U.K.



One of the most successful acts in rock history, Red Hot Chili Peppers have sold more than 60 million albums, including five multi-platinum LPs, and won six Grammy Awards, including "Best Rock Album" for Stadium Arcadium, "Best Rock Performance By a Duo or Group" for "Dani California, "Best Rock Song" for "Scar Tissue," and "Best Hard Rock Performance With Vocal" for "Give It Away." The band holds the record for the most No. 1 singles of all time at Alternative radio, a total of 11, and a combined 81 weeks at No. 1.



Red Hot Chili Peppers, which is singer Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, will perform for the first time in Hong Kong on August 9, 2011 at the AsiaWorld Arena as well as headline Japan's Summer Sonic Festival in Osaka on August 13 and in Tokyo on August 14. They will also headline at the Rock in Rio Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 24.






Merge Records To Reissue Archers of Loaf Albums
An Expanded Ikky Mettle to Be Reissued on August 2, 2011
Reunion Tour, Happening NOW!

Merge Records will reissue all four Archers of Loaf studio albums, starting with their acclaimed 1993 debut album Icky Mettle on August 2. Re-mastered by Bob Weston and featuring new liner notes by Robert Christgau, Icky Mettle will come with bonus material including the entire Archers of Loaf vs. The Greatest of All Time EP as well as singles and b-sides from the Icky Mettle era. It will be available on CD, limited-edition blue vinyl, and digital download. Reissues of Vee Vee, All the Nationís Airports, and White Trash Heroes will follow next year.

Download "What Did You Expect" from an out-of-print Merge 7-inch included on the Icky Mettle reissue.

Singer/guitarist Eric Bachmann, guitarist Eric Johnson, bassist Matt Gentling, and drummer Mark Price formed Archers of Loaf in Chapel Hill, NC, in 1991. Icky Mettle was the first of four studio albums for the band that seemed to personify what SPIN magazine deemed ìa tremendously optimistic time in underground music, that 15-minute period in the early 1990s when it looked like indie rock really might take over the world.î

After a now famous secret show opening for The Love Language at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC last January, Archers of Loaf kicked off their first tour since the fall of 1998 with a sold-out show at the Grey Eagle in their hometown of Asheville, NC. A raucous set at the Sasquatch Festival over Memorial Day weekend followed and was captured by NPR Music. The band will perform multiple dates at smaller venues across the country in an effort to replicate the more raw experience for which they are famous.

The band has just announced four additional shows: July 24 at The Earl in Atlanta, August 20 at Catís Cradle in Carrboro, NC, September 8 at MusicfestNW in Portland and September 9 at Neumoís in Seattle. Tickets are on sale now!

In addition to these dates, Archers of Loaf will make their late-night television debut on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on June 24.

Pre-order Icky Mettle on CD or LP now in the Merge store to receive an exclusive download of live video from the January 2011 show at Cat's Cradle, as well as a download of the re-mastered original album. http://www.mergerecords.com/ickymettle.

Hear the band's recent live in-studio performance on KEXP–Seattle: http://www.kexp.org/live/liveperformance.aspx?rID=33396
For pre-sale access, sign up for the fan club here: http://www.archersofloaf.net/sign-up/

ARCHERS OF LOAF 2011 TOUR DATES

June 3 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour
June 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour (SOLD OUT)
June 11 – Austin, TX @ Emoís
June 12 – Dallas, TX @ The LOFT at the Palladium
June 25 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (SOLD OUT)
June 26 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
July 8 – Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
July 9 – Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge (SOLD OUT)
July 22 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl (SOLD OUT)
July 23 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl (SOLD OUT)
July 24 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
August 5 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat (SOLD OUT)
August 6 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero

August 19 – Carrboro, NC @ Catís Cradle (SOLD OUT)
August 20 – Carrboro, NC @ Catís Cradle
September 2 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
September 3 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
September 8 – Portland, OR @ Music Fest NW
September 9 – Seattle, WA @ Neumoís (on sale Friday/Saturday)



ALL-GIRL ROCK PHENOMENON CHERRI BOMB SIGN TO HOLLYWOOD RECORDS
ALL-GIRL ROCK PHENOMENON CHERRI BOMB SIGN TO HOLLYWOOD RECORDS


L.A. BAND TO PLAY EUROPEAN SUMMER FESTIVALS

DEBUT EP DUE OUT THIS SUMMER

Hollywood Records has announced that it has signed all-girl rock group Cherri Bomb, one of the hottest up-and-coming bands coming out of Los Angeles.




The group - Julia Pierce (vocals/guitar), Nia Lovelis (drums/vocals), Miranda Miller (guitar/keyboards/ vocals), and Rena Lovelis (bass/vocals) – have begun recording their debut EP slated for release later this summer.




"We've been working so hard for three years - intense rehearsals, lots of gigging (including opening slots with the Smashing Pumpkins, Filter, Camp Freddy, and Chelsea Girls among others) - it was blood, sweat, and tears literally. Signing with Hollywood Records validated all of that,” says drummer Nia Lovelis.




Along with their own material, Cherri Bomb have been playing a few choice covers at their shows including a hard rocking rendition of the Foo Fighters’ hit “The Pretender” for which they recently shot a video with director Giles Dunning (White Stripes, Iggy Pop, Weezer, Vampire Weekend). Click here to view the video: Cherri Bomb on VEVO





Among the group's biggest supporters is Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins who invited Cherri Bomb to open on the Pumpkins' 2010 tour and invited Julia onstage to sing the band's rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s "Landslide" with him. "It was the highlight of my life!" exclaims Julia.




This summer Cherri Bomb will hit Europe for the first time to play some of the biggest festivals in the world including Oxegen, Sonisphere, T in the Park, and Reading and Leeds Festivals. "We're so excited. It's our first time going to Europe and playing these festivals with some of our favorite bands and some of our idols - Foo Fighters, Weezer, and My Chemical Romance. We can't believe it's happening to us," says Miranda.





Catch Cherri Bomb live this summer. Dates listed below.



July 6 London, England Borderline

July 8 County Kildare, Ireland Oxegen Festival

July 9 Knebworth House, England Sonisphere Festival

July 10 Kinross-Shire, Scotland T in the Park Festival

Aug. 20 Kiewit Hasselt, Belgium Pukkelpop Festival

Aug. 23 Amsterdam, Netherlands Paradiso

Aug. 26 Reading, England Reading Festival

Aug. 27 Leeds, England Leeds Festival

Aug. 28 Paris, France Festival Rock en Seine

For more information on Cherri Bomb, visit the band's official Web site at www.cherribombband.com.



Deer Clan Singers Release First Album

Music Maker Relief Foundation and music group the Deer Clan Singers are proud to announce the release of their first album, Deers R Us on September 20, 2011. Deers R Us is the 138th release on the Music Maker Relief Foundation label, an organization that helps make available recordings that would probably otherwise never be issued.

Deers R Us features sixteen singers, led by Dave Locklear, performing traditional Tuscarora Nation music. The incredible harmonies found on the album are distinct to the Tuscarora Nation -- traditional Indian music rarely includes harmony. The music found on this album has been sung in Robeson County, North Carolina for centuries, influencing many other genres of music throughout history.

This recording was done at the Music Maker studio in Hillsborough, NC, and was facilitated by Music Maker Founder Tim Duffy, on the last day of another recording by Nammy Award Winning artist Pura Fé Crescioni.

As Pura Fé explains, “Tuscarora musical heritage goes way back. Their oral history explains that the Iroquois people filled out long tracks of land, that spanned from present day South Carolina to New York and up into Canada. All shared the common Tutelo trade language and often lodged together in present day Carolina’s. As Tuscaroras from North Carolina, we’ve come a long way, to bring back what’s been buried.”

The Deer Clan Singers lift up their voices on Deers R Us to create music that carries you to the homeplace of the Tuscarora Nation, enveloping you in centuries-old tradition.

Music Maker Relief Foundation helps the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music gain recognition and meet their day-to-day needs. We present these musical traditions to the world so American culture will flourish and be preserved for future generations.

For more information visit the Music Maker Web site at musicmaker.org

Black Country Communion rocks Anaheim

Black Country Communion, from left, includes keyboardist Derek Sherinian, Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham and Joe Bonamassa.

This review was originally posted on the Orange County Register Soundcheck blog on Saturday, June 11, 2011. The photos are used courtesy of Robert Steshetz.

Black Country Communion burns at the Grove



A chance to watch singer-guitarist Joe Bonamassa (right) perform is reason enough to get any fan of virtuoso fretwork out on a Friday night. But when one of the world’s best happens to be just another member of a hard-rocking supergroup — one that includes bassist-vocalist Glenn Hughes (of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath fame), drummer Jason Bonham (son of Bonzo) and one-time Dream Theater keyboardist Derek Sherinian — well, it’s just too good to be true when that lineup sets up shop in your backyard.

And so it was Friday night (June 10), as Black Country Communion headlined City National Grove of Anaheim before a near-capacity crowd, timed just before the release of the quartet’s sophomore effort, imaginatively titled 2 and expected in stores and online on Tuesday, June 14.

The group’s 16-song set was comprised mostly of original material, even if there is a good argument to be made that the sonic stamp of Led Zeppelin and Bon Scott-era AC/DC, not to mention Sabbath and Deep Purple, is all over their music. Yet, rather than be swept away by the nostalgia of their influences, the four members of BCC truly recast the heavy rock of the ’60s and ’70s and yank it into the 21st century as well as anyone in recent memory.
The key to the band’s unique style is how they take the classic sound of early British rock and inject it with a hearty dose of the blues. The group’s especially strong performance in Anaheim showcased that winning approach, with highlights built around haunting moods (“Faithless”) and infectious riffs (“Sista Jane”). All four skilled players deftly brought those elements together without overplaying even the heaviest of songs — not an easy task when all of them have spaces to solo.

Hughes handled the majority of lead vocals, his high tenor used to good effect throughout the show. But his singing with Bonamassa on “Song of Yesterday,” and the latter’s lone voice on his blues rocker “The Ballad of John Henry” further broadened the overall approach.

I’ve seen Bonamassa perform several times over the past several years, but it never gets old watching the 34-year-old New York native tear up on his array of axes. Many guitarists can play fast, countless others deliver obvious feeling, but only a handful of living masters somehow have the intangible ability to play with the power, speed, passion and originality that Bonamassa displays whenever he takes the stage.
This magical night flew by — but didn’t end until the band charged through a high-octane version of Deep Purple’s “Burn,” giving the relatively intimate Grove into the feel of a huge arena.

Sights & Sounds:The Red Button, Ricky Skaggs and Sena Ehrhardt featured on forthcoming releases

The Red Button features Mike Ruekberg (left) and Seth Swirsky.


L.A.-Based Duo The Red Button Returns With Their Sophomore Album 'As Far As Yesterday Goes'

CREATING MORE PURE POP, SUPREMELY SINGABLE DELIGHTS
“THE WAY GOD AND PAUL MCCARTNEY
MUST HAVE INTENDED,” THE L.A. BASED DUO
RETURNS WITH THEIR LONG-AWAITED
SECOND ALBUM, ‘AS FAR AS YESTERDAY GOES’

* * *

‘She’s About To Cross My Mind’, Seth Swirsky and Mike Ruekberg’s
First Red Button Recording, Was Ranked ‘Top of the Pops – Overall
Best of 2007’ By VillageRecords.com and Ranked #1 (Out of 125)
By Influential Pop Site Absolute Powerpop

It would take a spacious Ferry Cross the Mersey to carry all the accolades heaped upon She’s About To Cross My Mind, the critically acclaimed 2007 debut album by Seth Swirsky and Mike Ruekberg, doing their magical, musical business as the L.A. based pure pop duo, The Red Button (www.theredbutton.net).
The opening track “Cruel Girl” charted #1 in Billboard as the “Coolest Song in the World This Week” on Little Steven’s Underground Garage Radio Show. The tune was also chosen to be on the Wicked Cool Records collection The Coolest Songs in the World, Volume 4.


There’s plenty more of that refreshingly retro goodness on As Far As Yesterday Goes, The Red Button’s highly anticipated follow-up album (slated for a fittingly-first–day-of–summer June 21 release) with 12 songs that allow the listener to stay grounded in 2011 while floating off on a dreamy cloud kept aloft by bursts of ‘60s and ‘70s inspired sunshine. Autographed copies of the new album can be pre-ordered on www.theredbutton.net.

Driven by the stirring musical chemistry of Swirsky’s romantic optimism offset by Ruekberg’s tart sense of realism, As Far As Yesterday Goes features delightful melodies, harmonies and production textures that sound as if they could have been transported directly from the magical era when AM radio was king.

Stylistically, the new collection expands beyond the strictly mid-‘60s Beatlesque vibe of She’s About To Cross My Mind to embrace what Ruekberg, the album’s producer, calls the “golden age of singer/songwriter-driven pop/rock.” He says with a grin, ”This time we’ve leapt boldly into the ‘70s!”

The first Red Button album was very much reminiscent of the music being made in the early ‘60s. This time, we took a looser approach writing and production-wise and expanded our sonic palette a bit. We’re really proud of She’s About To Cross My Mind, but to me, there’s more of the real ‘us’ on As Far As Yesterday Goes. Seth and I sometimes joke that my role is to take Seth’s sense of dreaminess and nail its toes to the ground. I think that contrast between the cheerful melodies and the more world-weary lyrics is what makes The Red Button unique.”

Swirsky loves the rub that comes from having catchy melodies that inspire people to sing immediately, “before they realize that there’s a dark and light thing happening.” If he had to pick a favorite song on As Far As Yesterday Goes, it would be “Picture” because of the tension between its bouncy melody and its melancholy nature.

“I like the fact that not everything is just happy and perfect all the time,” Swirsky says, “because that’s real life. Mike and I are two songwriters who truly come out of the concise and melodic three minute pop song tradition, writing songs that are not old at all but which inspire the same type of warm feelings as songs of that era did. We’re of the lineage of that time, simply trying to continue songs in that tradition because it’s the kind of music that we both personally love the most!

As Far As Yesterday Goes seems primed to continue the commercial success and critical acclaim received by She’s About To Cross My Mind. In a year-end 2007 poll of the top pop records of the year, She’s About to Cross My Mind was ranked #1 (out of 125) by Absolute Powerpop. Pop Journalist and International Pop Overthrow founder David Bash ranked the album #8 (out of 125) in his influential year-end list. The collection was also named the #2 Best CD of 2007 by a Powerpopaholic Reader's Poll, and Audities ranked The Red Button album 2nd best pop album of the year in their 2007 year-end poll.

Songs from the album have been featured on XM The Loft’s “In Spite Of All The Danger” program, Sirius Radio's Idiot’s Delight with Vin Scelsa as well as radio stations around the world. The band was featured in the Los Angeles Times as a Buzz Band in August 2007; journalist Kevin Bronson wrote: “The Red Button presses all the right buttons for fans of pure pop.”

Between Red Button projects, Swirsky, whose pop songwriting credits include hits for Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Al Green and Taylor Dayne, released his second solo album Watercolor Day in 2010. Its title song won Best Pop Song of the Year at the Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA). Goldmine Magazine called it “The first great power pop record of 2010” and ranked it #4 in their year-end poll. Currently, his hit documentary “Beatles Stories” is playing in film festivals worldwide.

“I’ve had a unique and varied career as a songwriter and recording artist,” Swirsky says, “but the first album by The Red Button was the one I got the most emails about. I think what Mike and I have tapped into here is the simple fact that human beings love to sing, and to our ears there just aren’t as many songs these days that are so purely singable as there were in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Our goal with both albums was to simply make sure that every passage, every melodic phrase, every line, makes you want to sing.”


RICKY SKAGGS COMBINES HIS LOVE OF COUNTRY AND BLUEGRASS MUSIC FOR HIS LATEST ALBUM

“Country Hits Bluegrass Style” Set for release on July 19, 2011


Musical legend Ricky Skaggs has announced the July 19th release of his upcoming project Country Hits Bluegrass Style on Skaggs Family Records. The 14-song release is a mix between Skaggs’ country and bluegrass roots, something he has been sharing with fans around the country on his current Treasure Chest Tour.

Both bluegrass and country lovers alike will enjoy the bluegrass instrumentation along with the impeccable tenor voice of Ricky Skaggs, the man who “single-handedly” saved country music in the early 80’s, according to renowned guitarist and producer, Chet Atkins. Ricky’s 8-time IBMA Instrumental Band of the Year, Kentucky Thunder, along with some of Ricky’s original award-winning country band alumni and special friends add to the magic of this album.

“We did such good music in the 1980s and early '90s that a lot of fans still shout out 'Honey (Open That Door),' and I felt like we needed to do those songs for them, too,” explained Skaggs. “For years now I’ve had fans come up and ask me to do a CD that would have my old country hits on it. So here it is, done a little different than the original recordings. These were done in more of a bluegrass style. Folks have loved it when we play them on the road. Sure hope you love them too.”

Skaggs’ first two country #1 singles and standouts on the new album, “Crying My Heart Out Over You” and “I Don’t Care,” are accompanied by eight more #1 country hits, such as “Cajun Moon” and “Highway 40 Blues.” Ricky’s superior guitar skills are showcased throughout this bluegrass rendition of his fan-favorite classic, “Country Boy.” Other songs include “Uncle Pen,” the first bluegrass tune ever to hit #1 on Billboard’s country chart, “Don’t Get Above Your Raising,” “He Was On To Something (So He Made You),” and “Somebody’s Prayin’.”

About Ricky Skaggs
Fourteen-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs is well known for both his country music classics as well as his bluegrass hits. Skaggs started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive Grammy nominated classics. He has won a total of 8 ACM Awards and 8 CMA Awards, including CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1985. Skaggs' latest album, Mosaic, released in August 2010, marked his return to a full band sound with melody and lyrics that speak to his faith. Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, are currently on the road for the 2011 Treasure Chest Tour in addition to a host of bluegrass dates.




Blind Pig signs singer Sena Ehrhardt


Roots music label Blind Pig Records has signed singer Sena Ehrhardt, one of the freshest and most dynamic young voices on the blues scene today. The buzz about the Minneapolis-area vocalist is poised to go nationwide as word is getting out about her incendiary performances at clubs and festivals across the upper Midwest, and people get a chance to hear her brilliant debut recording, Leave The Light On, which will be released on August 16th.
Ehrhardt was born and raised in a house of blues. Through years of playing music in clubs and juke joints, her guitarist father, Ed Ehrhardt, laid the groundwork for a love of blues that eventually lead to the formation of the Sena Ehrhardt Band. Sena has taken those influences and several years of experience to forge her own personal and intelligent take on the blues.

Though her band's repertoire includes a wide range of blues, soul and funk cover tunes, Sena chose to record ten original compositions that she co-wrote with her father for Leave The Light On. Her songs are fresh and incisive, delivered in a style that moves effortlessly from sultry to declarative to passionately forceful. Her band - Ed Ehrhardt on guitar, bassist Steve Hansen and drummer Tim Hasler - performs flawlessly throughout, matching Sena's drive and intensity.

Of the signing, Sena said, "Growing up in a home filled with blues music and having a love and passion for blues for my entire life makes signing with Blind Pig Records a dream come true for me. This music is my heart and soul and the album is a labor of love for those who have loved me. I am so excited to see what the future holds and can't wait to bring our music to both long-time blues fans and a new generation of listeners. The blues is about feeling - and this feels so good!"

Blasts from the past! Doobie Brothers, AC/DC, Dinosaur Jr., Loverboy featured on new releases

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE 'THE DOOBIE BROTHERS LIVE AT THE GREEK THEATRE 1982' ON CD & DVD JUNE 28, 2011

On June 28, The Doobie Brothers Live At The Greek Theatre 1982 will be released on CD and DVD through Eagle Rock Entertainment. [MSRP $14.98 for DVD, $13.98 for CD].
The rafters of Berkeley, California’s famed Greek Theater shook with rock’n’roll fervor as the final date of the final tour of hometown heroes The Doobie Brothers brought many in the crowd that night to tears. Billed as their “Farewell Tour,” the band, guitarist/vocalist Pat Simmons, keyboardist/vocalist Michael McDonald, drummer Keith Knudson, guitarist/violinist/harmonica player John McFee, saxophonist/keyboardist/flautist Cornelius Bumpus, drummer/percussionist Chet McCracken, bassist Willie Weeks, and conga player Bob LaKind, pulled out all the stops on a set that revisited their every era.
This incredible night included the surprise return of band co-founder Tom Johnston for the final two numbers. On their biggest hit, “Listen To The Music,” original member John Hartman also joined the band as did former members Tiran Porter and Michael Hossack. It would prove to be the last onstage Doobie Brothers music for five years.
The two-hour 21-track DVD includes five bonus songs cut from the original film of the event: “Little Darlin’ (I Need You),” “One Step Closer,” “Dependin’ On You,” “Real Love” and “”No Stoppin’ Us Now” as well as interviews with the band and its manager.
Since their self-titled debut in 1971, The Doobie Brothers have released 13 studio albums, as well as several live albums and “Best Of” compilations. Live At The Greek Theatre 1982 is a welcome addition to their stunning musical repertoire, that captures an unforgettable celebration of their career.
Eagle Rock Entertainment is an international media production and distribution company operating across audiovisual entertainment programming. Eagle Rock Entertainment works directly alongside talent to produce the highest quality programming output covering film, general entertainment and musical performance. Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices based in London, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Hamburg, & Paris.

CD Track Listing:
1) Listen To The Music
2) Sweet Maxine
3) Rockin’ Down The Highway
4) You Belong To Me
5) Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me)
6) Long Train Runnin’
7) Black Water
8) Minute By Minute
9) Slat Key Soquel Rag
10) Out On The Streets
11) What A Fool Believes
12) Jesus Is Just Alright
13) Takin’ It To The Streets
14) China Grove
15) Listen To The Music

BONUS TRACKS:
16) Little Darling (I Need You)
17) One Step Closer
18) Dependin’ On You
19) Real Love


DVD Track Listing:
1) Listen To The Music
2) Sweet Maxine
3) Rockin’ Down The Highway
4) You Belong To Me
5) Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me)
6) Long Train Runnin’
7) Black Water
8) Minute By Minute
9) Slat Key Soquel Rag
10) I Keep Forgettin’
11) Out On The Streets
12) What A Fool Believes
13) Jesus Is Just Alright
14) Takin’ It To The Streets
15) China Grove
16) Listen To The Music


'AC/DC: LET THERE BE ROCK' RELEASED ON BLU-RAY AND DVD ON JUNE 7, 2011

Lead Singer Bon Scott’s Final Filmed Live Concert Comes to Blu-Ray and DVD

For the First Time Fully Remastered With All 13 Power-Driven Song Performances



Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray & DVD Combo Pack with Over 95 Minutes of Extra Content, Collectible Packaging and Keepsake Premium Items also Available!


The tragic death of Bon Scott, AC/DC’s flamboyant front-man in early 1980 sent shockwaves throughout the rock music community. At the time no one could imagine a 1979 Paris concert would be the last filmed live concert of the hallowed singer’s career but he left the stage that night with the rest of the band leaving it all out there as he had done so many times before for millions of fans. Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray and DVD, Warner Home Video (WHV) is getting set to celebrate one of the greatest performers and legendary rock bands of all-time by releasing AC/DC – Let There Be Rock this past Tuesday, June 7, 2011 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the theatrical release.



This legendary concert film showcases the power and precision the group brought to the stage that night during the Australian hard rock band’s Highway To Hell tour. AC/DC: Let There Be Rock DVD is available for $21.95 SRP and AC/DC: Let There Be Rock: Limited Collector’s Edition is available on DVD for $39.99 SRP and Blu-ray/DVD combo pack for $44.98 SRP.


AC/DC – Let There Be Rock is fully remastered and available on DVD and Blu-Ray for the first time with all 13 song performances, including classics such as “Whole Lotta Rosie”, “High Voltage”, “Highway To Hell”, and the epic anthem “Let There Be Rock”. Lead guitarist Angus Young takes center stage in his trademark school-boy uniform and captures the audience with his energetic antics and frenetic solos.

The film contains interview segments and humorous backstage footage of these hard rock pioneers, especially those last interviews with Scott. This DVD release will be a great opportunity for fans of all ages to relive one of the greatest performances by one of the most decorated rock bands in history.


The Collector’s Edition, limited at only 90,000 copies, comes in a collectible steel case, includes keepsake premium items and contains over an hour of newly added bonus features. Celebrity interviews include Rick Allen (Def Leppard), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), The Donnas, Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead) and more.



“AC/DC is one of the most iconic bands in rock music history and WHV is proud to showcase their legendary 1979 Paris concert on Blu-Ray and DVD for the first time ever,” said Rosemary Markson, Vice-President of TV and Special Interest Marketing. “Warner Home Video is thrilled to bring this incredible show to AC/DC and rock fans, including a special limited collector’s edition version with over an hour of never-before-seen bonus features and much more.”



DVD Track Listing
•“Live Wire”
•“Shot Down In Flames”
•“Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be”
•“Sin City”
•“Wall All Over You”
•“Bad Boy Boogie”
•“The Jack”
•“Highway To Hell”
•“Girls Got Rhythm”
•“High Voltage”
•“Whole Lotta Rosie”
•“Rocker”
•“Let There Be Rock”
-more-
Collector’s Edition Bonus Features

•AC/DC: The Bedrock of Riff: No one has mastered the basic DNA of Riff Rock as successfully as AC/DC. Explore Angus and Malcolm Young’s telepathic groove and the four-on-the-floor swing of Phil Rudd.•Angus Young: A True Guitar Monster: Angus Young’s transformation from diminutive schoolboy to raging rock monster electrifies the masses. Find out what makes this time bomb tick.•Bon Scott: The Pirate of Rock ‘n’ Roll: Bon Scott was the ringleader of the AC/DC show, balancing his screaming sexuality with a rakish charm. Get a glimpse into the life of a classic Rock 'n' Roll pirate.•AC/DC: A Rock Solid Legacy: From bar band to arena rock, AC/DC stuck to their guns and shot their way to the top. Fellow rockers and journalists chart AC/DC’s ascent into the Pantheon of Rock Gods in rock ‘n’ roll history.
•Loud, Locked & Loaded: The Rites of Rock: Seasoned rockers, actors and journalists recollect their rite of passage as early witnesses to the raw, bone rattling rock of AC/DC.
•6 Song-Specific Interviews
•Blu-ray Playlist: Your favorite performances in your favorite order (**BD Only)


About Warner Home Video

With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video’s film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Video and New Line Home Entertainment.


About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.




Dinosaur Jr. Bug Cassette Reissue Due June 21 On Joyful Noise Recordings


Indie godfathers Dinosaur Jr. have announced the reissue of their classic 1988 album Bug on cassette via Joyful Noise Recordings. Slated for release on June 21, 2011, the cassette reissue coincides with the band's 15-date US/European tour in which Bug will be performed live in its entirety.

Originally released on cassette in 1988 via the legendary SST label, this is the first ever reissue of a Dinosaur Jr. album on its original cassette format. Hell - as far as we can tell, this is the first ever cassette reissue of any album originally released on the format.

Available in extremely limited quantities, the Bug cassette is limited only 250 hand-numbered copies, on high-quality purple tapes, with 8 panel original artwork.

Bug cassettes can be ordered for $12 here: http://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/catalog/jnr79
Note: only 125 copies of Bug are available for purchase online. The remaining 125 copies will only be sold on the Bug tour (dates below).

TOUR DATES:
(Dinosaur Jr. performing Bug in its entirety at each show)

June 21, 2011 - Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theatre
June 22, 2011 - Boston, MA @ The Paradise
June 23, 2011 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5
June 24, 2011 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
June 25, 2011 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
June 26, 2011 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
June 27, 2011 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
July 1, 2011 - London, UK @ Alexandra Palace
July 2, 2011 - Paris, France @ Gaite Lyrique
July 3, 2011 - Ferrara, Italy @ Ferrara Sotto Le Stelle
July 4, 2011 - Milan, Italy @ Magnolia
July 5, 2011 - Antwerp, Belgium @ Rivierenhof
July 7, 2011 - Helsinki, Finland @ Tavastia Club
July 8, 2011 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Gota Kallare
July 9, 2011 - Oslo, Norway @ Rockefeller Music Hall

For more info visit Dinosaur Jr.


LOVERBOY RELEASES iTUNES SINGLE “HEARTBREAKER,” COLLABORATING WITH BOB ROCK FOR FIRST TIME IN DECADES

Multi-platinum Canadian rockers offer fans a free preview of the new track; set to perform live June 10 on Fox & Friends

LOS ANGELES, June 8, 2011—Loverboy hasn’t just been “Working for the Weekend,” they’ve been pretty busy 24/7, with a new single, “Heartbreaker,” an upcoming live TV appearance on Fox & Friends and an anthem, “Flying High,” penned by singer Mike Reno for his beloved Vancouver Canucks, now battling in the Stanley Cup finals with the Boston Bruins.

To celebrate the occasion, the band is offering fans a free sneak preview of the new track, “Heartbreaker,” which can be streamed here:

http://www.loverboyband.com/listen.html

It’s been 30 years since Mike Reno and Paul Dean formed Loverboy in Calgary, Alberta, and they’ve gone on to release four multi-platinum albums, including the four-million-selling Get Lucky and a trio of double-platinum releasing, boasting such arena-rock staples as “Lovin’ Every Minute of It,” “This Could be the Night,” “Hot Girls in Love,” “Heaven in Your Eyes,” “Turn Me Loose,” “When It’s Over,” “Heaven in Your Eyes” and “Queen of the Broken Hearts.”

The band recently reunited with Bob Rock, the original engineer on their 1980 self-titled debut, which was produced by Bruce Fairbairn, to record the brand-new “Heartbreaker” at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studios in Vancouver. Since starting out with Loverboy, Rock has evolved into a hit producer for the likes of Metallica, Aerosmith, The Cure and Bon Jovi. The single will be available as a digital release on iTunes.

“Bob just called Mike and me one day out of the blue and mentioned he had a song that might work for us which he’d love to produce,” says Dean. “He sent it over and we just flipped out. It’s a great, kick-ass Loverboy song. It was a great experience. I think this song is one of the best things we’ve ever done.”

The band is set to perform their smash, “Working for the Weekend,” live on Fox News Channel’s top-rated Fox & Friends June 10. A performance of the new single, “Heartbreaker,” will be available as a streamed web exclusive on www.foxandfriends.com as part of the program’s “All American Summer Concert Series.”

Lead singer Mike Reno recently made headlines when he composed “Flying High,” a theme song for his beloved hometown Vancouver Canucks in the midst of their playoff run to the Stanley Cup finals, where they are currently battling the Boston Bruins. He composed the song with his producer Ben Karlson on local station Classic Rock 101’s top-rated morning program The Bro Jake Show.

Reno was inspired when the team was battling the Chicago Black Hawks in the opening round, a series in which they won the first three, then dropped the next three before winning the deciding game.

“Anything you can do to take it to another level during the playoffs,” said Mike. “Hopefully, the song can follow the Canucks all the way to the championship.”
The song has since been posted on the Vancouver Canucks website at http://video.canucks.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=1184&id=111642.

Loverboy’s pop culture credibility was cemented by last season’s 30 Rock episode in which Scott Adsit’s amateur musician Pete Hornberger revealed he was actually Loverboy’s original bassist, showing him inserted into vintage ‘80s footage of the band wailing away on “Working for the Weekend,” which you can see at http://www.hulu.com/watch/217096/30-rock-its-never-too-late-for-now. The same song was also featured on a recent episode of Comedy Network’s popular Regular Show, now posted on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4AC0uvU0jQ.

The group still includes original members Doug Johnson on keyboards and Matt Frenette on drums, with Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve (a former member of Dean and Frenette’s pre-Loverboy band Streetheart), who replaced the late Scott Smith on bass, and continues a healthy touring schedule around the world. For a list of upcoming tour dates, please visit http://loverboyband.com/home.html

Sights & Sounds: TV, DVD and online specials satisfy rock fans

Eric Clapton joins forces with fellow “guitar gods” (including Jeff Beck, seen in the image here) for a third Crossroads Guitar Festival

If you caught Eric Clapton and a bunch of great artists at the third Crossroads Guitar Festival on PBS over the weekend (some stations around the nation air the special on Monday, June 6, including WNET/THIRTEEN in New York), then you know how great it was.
I was sent an advance copy of the concert and was impressed by the range of artists and material featured on the television special.

And while Clapton's name immediately brings the distinctive blend of British blues-rock to mind, the festival captured a diverse blend of talents together. Host Bill Murray welcomed Louisiana-based slide guitar virtuoso Sonny Landreth, acoustic blues songsmith Keb' Mo', Texas trio ZZ Top, guitar slinger Joe Bonamassa and more than a dozen other names to the stage.

Some of the most memorable performances come via Clapton, who joined with Landreth on "Promise Land," and with Steve Winwood on "Dear Mr. Fantasy."

You can get more information on the special (available as a DVD/CD combo) at THIRTEEN's Web site.


A MusiCares Tribute To Neil Young released on DVD

Another new DVD has found itself into my permanent library. Shout! Factory's A MusiCares Tribute to Neil Young finds some of rock and country music's biggest names celebrating one of the best artists of our time.



Things kick off with a bang, as John Fogerty and Keith Urban join with Booker T. Jones for a rollicking version of "Rockin' in the Free World." What is most interesting about the tribute is how so few of the artists refuse to offer up faithful versions of Young's material as it was originally recorded; rather in an extra tribute to the always genre-defying and independent-leaning Young, these artists please the composer (seen sitting with his wife and children, obviously enjoying the show) with their reworked versions of the material.

Jason Mraz/Shawn Colvin team for a jazz-tinged "Lotta Love," John Mellencamp/T Bone Burnett team up for a sparse (and grunge-free) "Down by the River" and Dave Matthews uses the upper reaches of his baritone to warn of the dangers of drugs in "The Needle and the Damage Done." Although Josh Groban's "Harvest Moon" simply does not work (perhaps a version of "Maid" where the tenor was accompanied by a string section would have worked), most of the performances prove the point that a strong song can work beyond the talents of its gifted creator.

Track Listing & Performer(s)

1 "Rockin’ In The Free World" Keith Urban/John Fogerty/Booker T. Jones
2 "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" Lady Antebellum
3 "The Needle & The Damage Done" Dave Matthews
4 "Tell Me Why" Norah Jones
5 "Cinnamon Girl" Dierks Bentley/Booker T. Jones
6 "Harvest Moon" Josh Groban
7 "Ohio" Ben Harper
8 "Don’t Let It Bring You Down" Jackson Browne
9 "Broken Arrow" Wilco
10 "Lotta Love" Jason Mraz/Shawn Colvin
11 "(When You’re On) The Losing End" Elvis Costello
12 "Heart Of Gold" James Taylor
13 "Down By The River" John Mellencamp/T Bone Burnett
14 "Human Highway" Crosby, Stills & Nash
15 "Helpless Elton" John/Leon Russell/Neko Case/Sheryl Crow
16 "Mr. Soul" - Bonus Performance Ozomatli
17 "Revolution Blues" - Bonus Performance Everest

Please note that while I have a DVD copy of the release, the tribute concert is also available on Blu-ray from Shout! Factory.

You can watch a video clip from the tribute concert and purchase the new DVD directly from Shout! Factory at the company's official Web site.


FUNERAL PARTY CHOSEN FOR VEVO'S EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM, LIFT, DEBUTING THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2011

"New York City Moves To The Sound Of L.A." Spotlighted In Worldwide Bacardi Campaign; On Tour This Summer With Panic! At The Disco

Debut Album, The Golden Age Of Knowhere, Available Now

June 1, 2011 - Funeral Party have been chosen as the next artist to watch by VEVO, the world's leading all-premium music and entertainment platform, and will be featured on their emerging artist platform, LIFT.



Kicking off June 9 and for the next eight weeks, the world will have the chance to get to know Funeral Party through exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, video premieres and intimate live concerts, all exclusive to the VEVO platform. THE LIFT gives fans the opportunity to break new artists like Funeral Party through social media interaction, including a new Facebook application. Using the app, fans can be a part of the Funeral Party team and directly help spread the word on their music. Access Funeral Party on VEVO at http://www.vevo.com/lift.



"Being born into Generation Why, there was nowhere I could watch videos from bands I love, let alone discover new music and specialty shows like Generation X had before us," says Funeral Party lead singer Chad Elliott. "VEVO is an awesome place for music video lovers to come home to, That's why I'm so excited Funeral Party is part of LIFT. Our fans can stay up all night watching our videos and live shows at the same time sift through music and playlists to discover new bands. "


"RCA Music Group and Funeral Party are thrilled to partner with VEVO for their LIFT program. The LIFT partnership empowers us to reach a diverse and passionate music consumer looking to discover remarkable new talent like Funeral Party," says Tom Corson, EVP/GM of RCA Music Group. "The LIFT platform provides unparalleled marketing and social tools to aggressively position Funeral Party as a band you should know and love."


"We believe strongly in Funeral Party and the support of RCA Music Group. We're excited to make Funeral Party the first rock band we've chosen for VEVO LIFT," said Doug McVehil, Senior Vice President of Music Programming, Talent and Operations of VEVO. "Since launching in January, LIFT has exposed new artists like Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and Oh Land to huge mainstream audiences, directly impacting and growing their video views, radio airplay, sales and social media engagement. Our current LIFT artist, Tinie Tempah, has already seen his video streams quadruple and his online fans surpass the two million mark - and that's only halfway through his LIFT cycle. We look forward to adding Funeral Party to the list of LIFT successes."

Funeral Party has also been chosen for a worldwide Bacardi campaign for their anthem "New York City Moves To The Sound Of L.A." The band will start a cross-country tour alongside indie rockers Panic! At The Disco in Chicago on June 8. Funeral Party also just wrapped a string of dates with the Deftones. The New York Post proclaimed that they "couldn't have been more impressed by the rocking foursome" and the Los Angeles Times declared the band a "technically precise and impossibly fun live act."

Produced by Lars Stalfors (Matt & Kim, The Mars Volta) and mixed by Dave Sardy (Band of Horses, LCD Soundsystem, Oasis), Funeral Party's debut album has received rave reviews from the UK. The legendary Q Magazine gave The Golden Age Of Knowhere four stars calling it "thrilling"; while Mojo says: "each track spills out with fist-in-the-air energy." The first single off the album "Finale" recently won MtvU's Freshman and is also a part of this month's Fuse/MySpace Introducing series.

For tour dates and more:
http://www.funeralpartymusic.com
http://www.facebook.com/FuneralPartyMusic
http://www.myspace.com/funeralparty
http://www.twitter.com/FuneralPartyHQ
http://www.rcamusicgrouppress.com/index.php?artist=Funeral_Party

About VEVO

VEVO is the world's leading all-premium music video and entertainment platform.


VEVO is available in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom, which includes VEVO.com, Mobile Apps (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android), Connected Television (Google TV, Boxee) and user embeddable video players. VEVO powers music videos on over 200 artist pages across Facebook, as well as syndicates to dozens of online sites, including AOL, BET, CBS Interactive Music Group (including Last.fm) and Univision. Additionally, through a special partnership with YouTube, VEVO is accessible in over 200 countries, expanding the platform's reach around the globe.

Ranked by comScore as the #1 Music platform on the web, VEVO was named by Billboard as one of the top startups of 2010 and received the prestigious Advertising Age Media Vanguard Award for Online Video Platform Launch of the Year. Turning online music programming on its heels just one year into launch, VEVO's "meteoric rise" (Mediapost) has been applauded by the Associated Press as a "striking example of the music video's dramatic comeback" while its mobile launch was called "stellar" by Mashable.



VEVO was created in partnership with Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony Music Entertainment (SME) and the Abu Dhabi Media Company. It is operated independently by a dedicated management team with offices in New York, London, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco.


Explore VEVO at http://vevo.com.