Micky Dolenz announces release of 'Remember' on Sept. 25

A few weeks back I posted a short item about Micky Dolenz and his forthcoming album 'Remember' after hearing him interviewed on the Sunday morning radio show Breakfast With The Beatles. Well, here is the official news release on the upcoming release...


MICKY DOLENZ, LEAD SINGER AND DRUMMER OF THE MONKEES ANNOUNCES UPCOMING SOLO ALBUM, 'REMEMBER', POISED FOR WORLDWIDE RELEASE ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2012

Micky Dolenz, lead singer and drummer of The Monkees is gearing up to release his new album, Remember, which features many songs that mark great milestones in his life, as well as some new songs. This album is scheduled to release worldwide on September 25, 2012 (Waterfront Ent. Group/RoboRecords and Universal Music Distribution).



Produced and largely arranged by David Harris, Remember promises classic tunes that will evoke some cherished memories from listeners of all ages. Dolenz opens up a time capsule of pop hits from decades ago, updating them with a tone that is reminiscent of his younger days as a Monkee and appreciative of the music that continues to inspire him.



The lyrics of the warm ballad, “Remember,” encapsulate this nostalgia—“Remember is a place from long ago / Filled with everything you know / Life is just a memory / Close your eyes and you can see / Think of all that life can be.”


"Remember had just been finished when we heard the tragic news of Davy Jones' passing" added Rob Christie, President of Robo Records/Waterfront Ent. "which made the theme all the more poignant for Micky."


The track list of Remember portrays an “audio scrapbook of the important songs in my life that had meant something to me for one reason or another,” according to Dolenz. He incorporates new versions of classic songs, re-imagined. The original writers of these songs range from some of his pals to The Beatles, Carole King, Harry Nilsson, and Neil Diamond.


One of Dolenz’ most exciting memories lies behind his cover of The Beatles’ “Good Morning Good Morning.” He reminisces, “One day, Paul [McCartney] invited me down to Abbey Road studios for a new album they were doing [Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band]. I must have expected some kind crazy, love-festival, Beatlemania event so I got dressed accordingly. I must have looked like a cross between Ronald McDonald and Charles Manson!” He was surprised when he got to the studio, since it had plain white walls and the only people there were the Fab Four in jeans and t-shirts, just playing their music. John Lennon called out, “Hey Monkee Man!” and offered to play Dolenz a song they had been working on… “Good Morning Good Morning.” This song was “burned into my neural pathways forever,” he says. And now he performs his own version of it as the lead track on Remember.


Remember also features a cover of the Chuck Berry classic, “Johnny B. Goode,” in homage to the start of his Monkees career. “The song was my audition piece for The Monkees, and that’s the song that got me the gig which changed my life forever.” After The Monkees began skyrocketing, Dolenz developed his musical personality even further.


“Several of these tracks are songs that I had been offered [in the past] by incredible song writers and I had turned them down for some stupid reason or another. They went on to become big hits for other artists,” according to Dolenz. For example, “‘Sugar Sugar’ was supposed to be the next Monkees song.” It was the song that caused a historic revolt between The Monkees and their producers. Of course, it went on to become a huge number one hit for the Archies… a cartoon band! Dolenz explains, “I never wanted to do the song, but producer David Harris did an incredible arrangement for this new album and talked me into it. It’s now become one of my favorites on the album!”


Dolenz felt he couldn’t have released this album without including his most famous vocal track of The Monkees, “I’m a Believer,” written by Neil Diamond. “The song became such an important track in my career.” In the re-imagined version on Remember, Dolenz wanted to do something completely different with it. “I’ve always wanted to do a country version of this song, and this was my opportunity. And yes, kids… I recorded this long before Shrek,” Dolenz jokes.


For Micky Dolenz, the friendship that evolved along with the music-making magic was another inspiration for the theme of this album. “We hit upon the title ‘Remember’ because of my dear friend Harry Nilsson, who I was very close to. I was actually there when he wrote the song [“Remember”]… and it stayed with me for the rest of my life.”


Micky Dolenz’ Remember is an enjoyable and fun audio scrapbook of Dolenz' most cherished memories. It is sure to be a special treat for all audiences ~ Get ready to take a trip down memory lane!

1. Good Morning Good Morning

2. An Old Fashioned Love Song

3. Diary

4. Many Years

5. Sometime in the Morning

6. Quiet Desperation

7. Randy Scouse Git

8. Johnny B. Goode

9. Sugar Sugar

10. Do Not Ask For Love

11. I’m a Believer

12. Remember


Remember will be available worldwide September 25, 2012 on Waterfront Entertainment Group / Robo Records and Universal Music Distribution.

'Paul McCartney's Live Kisses' on THIRTEEN's 'Great Performances' on Sept. 7

This landed in my inbox today and I had to share it right away.

'Paul McCartney's Live Kisses' on Thirteen's 'Great Performances'
Sept. 7, 2012 at 9 p.m. on PBS

Rare concert features McCartney with Diana Krall and other top-flight musicians performing standards from McCartney's acclaimed album Kisses on the Bottom and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews

Musical director/pianist Diana Krall, left, and Paul McCartney. Photo credit: MJ Kim

Paul McCartney's Live Kisses captures the magical night of February 9 in the City of Angels - coincidentally, the 48th anniversary of The Beatles' U.S. TV debut on The Ed Sullivan Show no less --when Paul McCartney decided to bring Kisses On The Bottom, his newly released collection of pop standards and two originals, to life at the very same Capitol Studios where much of the album was created.

The very special event will air on Great Performances, Friday, September 7 at 9 p.m. on PBS. (Check local listings.)

A few hours after the long awaited addition of McCartney's star to the Hollywood Walk of Fame drew a traffic-stopping throng to pack the stretch of Vine Street in front of the famed Capitol Records building, McCartney took his place behind the same microphone that had captured so many of the most magical voices of the past several decades, while the core team that backed McCartney on his debut turn on Kisses, prepared to reprise their roles in this one-time-only concert event. McCartney and the assembled musicians had never performed this material live adding to the evening's electricity.

The reunited all-star entourage included Grammy-winning producer Tommy LiPuma and Al Schmitt in the control room, musical director Diana Krall at the piano, and Kisses players John Clayton, Karriem Riggins, John Pizzarelli, Anthony Wilson, Mike Mainieri and conductor Alan Broadbent.

Sir Paul and Diana Krall. Photo credit: MJ Kim

McCartney eschewed his usual tools of bass, guitar and piano to focus solely on his vocal interpretations of this material. In exclusive interview segments with Paul and Kisses On The Bottom collaborators Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Krall and LiPuma, among others, Live Kisses offers new insight into the conception and creation of the Kisses... album, the McCartney family gatherings that introduced a young Paul to much of the material, the Fats Waller line from Live Kisses opener "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter" that gave Kisses On The Bottom its title, and more.


Live Kisses' highlights include "Home," "More I Cannot Wish You," "Always," "Bye Bye Blackbird" and McCartney harmonizing with his longtime live drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. on "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," "The Glory of Love" and "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive." There are spontaneous moments such as a flubbed first take on "My Very Good Friend the Milkman." Paul's rendition of his new composition "My Valentine" receives acoustic guitar punctuation courtesy of Joe Walsh (who contributes another outstanding turn in a completely different mood on "Get Yourself Another Fool").


For 50 years, THIRTEEN has been making the most of the rich resources and passionate people of New York and the world, reaching millions of people with on-air and online programming that celebrates arts and culture, offers insightful commentary on the news of the day, explores the worlds of science and nature, and invites students of all ages to have fun while learning.


Paul McCartney's Live Kisses is directed by Jonas Åkerlund, and Paul McCartney is executive producer. For Great Performances, Bill O'Donnell is series producer, and David Horn is executive producer.


Major funding for the Great Performances telecast is provided by the Irene Diamond Fund, Vivian Milstein, the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, The Agnes Varis Trust, the Starr Foundation, the Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, and public television viewers. Visit Great Performances Online at www.pbs.org/gperf for additional information about this and other programs.

Music Worth Buying: Macy Gray, 20 Riverside

Check out the latest episode of Music Worth Buying, where TJR and I review the latest albums from Macy Gray and 20 Riverside:

Cinderella, Sebastian Bach marred by rough vocals

This post was originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Saturday morning, Aug. 4, 2012.

Pacific 2012: Cinderella, Sebastian Bach marred by rough vocals but the party people don't mind

Some concerts are all about the party. That was clear long before headliner Cinderella or opening act Sebastian Bach took the stage at Pacific Amphitheatre Friday night (Aug. 3, 2012). Concert-goers, many wielding the biggest brews available, were mostly interested in chatting, snapping images of each other, texting pals on their cell phones or checking out the ’80s Sunset Strip attire of guys and gals who never saw Nirvana and Pearl Jam coming.

Against that summer-shindig backdrop, both Bach and Cinderella had the deck stacked in their favor.

Bach (real late name: Blerk) sang for Skid Row in the late ’80s and early ’90s before embarking on his solo career. Yet, despite an energetic effort to bring his best musical game to Costa Mesa, his rutted vocals marred the majority of his 45-minute set.

Backed by a solid band highlighted by lead guitarist Johnny Chromatic’s impressive fretwork, Bach’s finer moments came via well-known hits. “Monkey Business” sounded like an early AC/DC nugget, while dated but well-intentioned singalong versions of the acoustic rocker “I Remember You” and the set-ending “Youth Gone Wild” added a much-needed jolt to his show.

One of the better metal bands to emerge in the early ’80s, Cinderella turned in 75 minutes of material that was musically stronger than the opener but likewise too often marked by nails-on-chalkboard lead vocals. Frontman Tom Keifer, a particularly gifted guitarist and keyboardist, might want to consider recruiting another singer.

The group’s songs remain simple and often mired in hard rock cliches, but it’s easy to appreciate the head-banging appeal of its sharpest riffs. “Shake Me” displayed all of its “Back in Black”-style attack, many in the crowd shouting along. Similarly, “Nobody’s Fool” came off as a perfect amalgam of hard rock and British blues, additionally bolstered by ace guitar skills from Keifer and Jeff LaBar, who played in tandem. Drummer Fred Coury and bassist Eric Brittingham provided solid, in-the-pocket rhythm work throughout the night.

A tender, piano-anchored version of “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” and the Southern rock-tinged “Coming Home” were especially poignant from a band known for navigating beyond its glam-metal roots. Elsewhere during the set, Cinderella injected blues, keyboards and slide guitar to showcase a broader approach than the likes of outfit’s many contemporaries. The night ended with a particularly loose, Stones-ish take on “Shelter Me.”

IPO brings power-pop to Orange County this weekend

Is it August already? If so, that means some of power-pop's greatest modern day heroes will be performing as part of International Pop Overthrow ("IPO") in Orange County this weekend.

There will be a concert at Fitzgerald's Irish Pub in Huntington Beach on Saturday night, Aug. 4 and a day-long event in The Hangar at the Orange County Fair on Sunday, Aug. 5. These will be the final two dates of the Southern California staging of IPO.

Walter Clevenger

Among the highlights of the Saturday night show (which kicks off at 7:30 p.m.) in Surf City will likely be sets from Sparkle*jets UK, the Relatives, Phil Vandermost and Telesound, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings, and the welcome return of Scarlet Crush.

Sunday's daytime event (which runs from 10:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.) features another five hours of melodic bliss courtesy of Popdudes, Jeremy, Dave Rave and many others!

Check out my review of several of the same acts that are playing this weekend in a write-up I did after they appeared in concert at the Orange County Fair in July 2011.

For more information, visit the IPO Web site's schedule page here.

Inbox Update: Gary Rossington, Phil Vandermost, Mac Powell

There is a little bit of everything in today's post, so let's jump right in...here are some releases that have landed in my inbox over the past day or so.

Gary Rossington

Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Gary Rossington will join a distinguished roster of Georgia performing artists and music industry leaders in accepting awards on-stage at the 34th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Concert and Show, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 14 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Rossington will be honored in the Songwriter Category having written well over 120 songs throughout his career including classic iconic songs like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” and “What’s Your Name.” Lynyrd Skynyrd release their new album, Last of a Dyin’ Breed, on August 21, 2012.


Atlanta’s celebrated television icon Monica Pearson will be Mistress of Ceremonies of the event. A Special Performance by American Idol stars and recording artists Snellville, GA-raised Diana DeGarmo and her fiancée Ace Young, who met while appearing in the Broadway revival of “Hair,” will be another highlight of the evening. Many of the inductees will also perform during the Concert.

At the Concert and Show, to be televised live by GPB (Georgia Public Broadcasting), artists representing extraordinary talent in classical, contemporary, country and Southern Rock music will be saluted and will perform on-stage during the evening. According to Dr. Bobbie Bailey, President of Friends of Georgia Music Festival, Inc., “Since the first presentation in 1979, at which the legendary Ray Charles was an inductee, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Show and Concert has emerged as the premier forum for recognizing the scope of the performing virtuosity of Georgia-born-or-based music professionals.” Dr. Bailey thanked Jack Sawyer of Wilmington Trust, Joel Katz of Greenberg-Traurig, Delta Air Lines and Michael Taormina of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for “their generous and loyal sponsorship support.”

The 2012 inductees will also include: Robert Spano, recipient of the Chairman’s Award; 38 Special (Group); Alex Hodges (Non-Performer), Riley Biederer (Horizon Award), and others.

The honorees and luminaries of Atlanta’s entertainment, cultural and philanthropic scenes will walk the Red Carpet, beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 14. For early arrivals, a cash bar will open at 4:00 p.m. The Awards Concert and Show will begin at 5:00 p.m. Tickets starting at $60 per person and $20 per student are available for sale from August 4th onwards through www.cobbenergycentre.com or www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.

Phil Vandermost & Telesound to perform in Huntington Beach on Saturday, Aug. 4 as part of International Pop Overthrow

Vandermost and Telesound are excited to be making a rare north Orange County appearance this Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, when they play at Fitzgeralds Irish Pub in Huntington Beach as we perform at the International Pop Overthrow (IPO) Festival. The cover is just $10 and the night will feature eight bands including Walter Clevenger, SparkleJets and past OC Music Award winners Scarlet Crush, and you'll get a sweet compiliation CD featuring many of the bands playing at the IPO festivals throughout the world.


For directions and more info on the show, click on the venue link in the calendar below. For more information about the International Pop Overthrow Festival, go to http://internationalpopoverthrow.com.


Third Day Frontman Mac Powell to release self-titled debut country project on Aug. 21

Mac Powell, who fronts multi-platinum-selling Third Day, is set to release his self-titled debut country music album on Aug. 21, 2012.

The CD features twelve songs by the #1 hit songwriter including his first single, “June Bug” which he released last month through his Twitter account (@macpowell) to his more than 80,000 followers.



His recent solo country performance debut at the 2012 CMA Music Festival in Nashville resulted in a host of media and fan accolades. Of his song, “One Mississippi,” USA Today’s Lucas Hendrickson writes, “Note to country radio programmers: keep an ear out for ‘One Mississippi.’ And keep a spoon handy, for you will be eating this song up with it.”

"I grew up listening to country music," Powell tells Billboard. "It was a big part of shaping me musically and I think that's pretty evident in Third Day music. There's always been little tinge of it."

To help further shape the sound he was looking for, Powell worked with producer Jason Hoard who has been touring with Third Day since 2010. Hoard, a multi-instrumentalist, played banjo and mandolin on the album and also contributed to the songwriting credits along with famed tunesmith Brett James (“Jesus Take the Wheel,” “Love You Out Loud,” “Out Last Night,” “When the Sun Goes Down”).

"I started writing with Brett. He was really the first step," says Powell in his Billboard interview. "We just hit it off really well and came up with a lot of ideas in a short amount of time, and then Jason worked on a few of those ideas as well. We started recording them and it just started feeling great.

“There have been so many times in the past that I had song ideas that didn’t really fit lyrically or musically with Third Day,” Powell wrote on his personal Tumblr site, announcing the project. “I filed those songs away to the ‘maybe sometime’ category. Well, that time is now.”

Powell is already booked for over two dozen shows this summer and fall to introduce fans to his new music. He’s back by a seasoned group of country musicians, affectionately named The Backsliders, and although it’s a bit of a change for an artist whose primary outlet puts him in front of thousands of fans a night, it’s a change he clearly feels led to follow. “It’s different to think about getting in a van with a trailer and driving five to eight hours a night,” Powell told USATODAY.com. “It’s something I never thought I would do again, but when you’re driven to get this music out, you’ll do it.”

Powell also stresses that his work with Third Day continues, with the band putting the finishing touches on a new album – helmed by veteran rock producer Brendan O’Brien – that’s due for release this fall, with a Spring 2013 tour to follow.

Sights & Sounds: Aimee Mann, Social Distortion

Aimee Mann

Aimee Mann's long-awaited album Charmer is set for release on Sept. 18, but fans of the artist can pre-order her forthcoming album now. Here is part of the announcement that ran in her newsletter that went out earlier today:

"Influenced by what Mann calls the 'super pop' of the 70s and 80s, Charmer is Aimee's first album in five years. In addition to the stunning single 'Charmer,' the album includes a duet with James Mercer of The Shins called 'Living a Lie.' All MusicToday Charmer pre-orders will get a limited edition print of original art created by Aimee!"

In addition to the upcoming release of Charmer on both audio CD (a package that includes a 16-page booklet) and LP (orange color vinyl/gatefold with a grommeted spinning disk), Mann has also announced a number of fall tour dates. She kicks off her West Coast dates with a Sept. 27, 2012 concert at The Coach House here in Orange County, California.

Other dates include The Fillmore in San Francisco on Sept. 29, Aladdin Theater  in Portland on Oct. 2, the Egyptian Theatre in Boise on Oct. 4, and a special Town Hall date in New York City on Saturday night, Oct. 27.

Visit Aimee's official Web site for more details.


Rolling Stone premieres new animated Social Distortion video

Southern California rock ‘n’ roll heroes Social Distortion have debuted a brand new video on Rollingstone.com for their song “Gimme The Sweet And Lowdown” from their latest album, Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes. The animated video was created by Olya & Vira Ishchuk (known as "The Mad Twins") and loosely celebrates the life of front –man Mike Ness.



To watch the new video, please go to RollingStone.com or go here: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/premiere-social-distortion-get-personal-in-gimme-the-sweet-and-lowdown-20120730


“Working with Olya & Vira Ishchuk (known as "The Mad Twins") was a great experience,” Mike Ness told Rolling Stone. “I mean, to not give any direction whatsoever and have an incredible video delivered to you speaks volumes. Olya & Vira created this animated piece on their own time as a gift to us, and they nailed it – we didn't change a thing. Being able to capture the true essence of the song without our input shows The Mad Twins' artistry, and how talented they truly are. When I was writing "Gimme the Sweet and Lowdown," the idea behind it was a lifestyle gone wrong due to making really bad life decisions. I never intended for it to be autobiographical, but now with this visual, I realize that it actually is more about me than it seemed when I wrote it."


The video comes as the band recently announced North American live dates in further support of their latest album Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes. Beginning in Chicago on October 11th, the band will be performing shows with alt-country Canadian recording artist Lindi Ortega and Atlanta rockers The Biters. Tickets for these shows are on sale now. All on sale times and locations can be found by visiting: SocialDistortion.com.


Since their formation in 1979 in the working class Southern California suburb of Fullerton, Social Distortion have a recharged rock ‘n’ roll sound merging outlaw country, classic punk and swaggering blues. The band’s latest release Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes has been rousing success with critics and fans alike. The album marked the group’s highest chart position thus far entering the Billboard 200 at #4.


Social Distortion Tour Dates On Sale Now:

Oct. 11 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre

Oct. 16 Detroit, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre

Oct. 18 Cleveland, OH House Of Blues

Oct. 19 Cleveland, OH House Of Blues

Oct. 20 Toronto, ON The Sound Academy

Oct. 23 Montreal, QC Metropolis

Oct. 26 New York, NY Roseland Ballroom

Oct. 30 Boston, MA House Of Blues

Nov. 01 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom

Nov. 03 Philadelphia, PA The Electric Factory

Nov. 06 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

Nov. 07 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

Nov. 09 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore Charlotte

Nov. 10 Myrtle Beach, SC House Of Blues

Nov. 11 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle

Nov. 13 Chattanooga, TN Track 29

Nov. 14 New Orleans, LA House Of Blues

Nov. 16 San Antonio, TX Backstage Live



Watch Social Distortion’s video for “Machine Gun Blues” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otZ1SfwbE64

Inbox Update: Railroad Revival Tour, Bruce Springsteen

Here are a few items of note to share...

2012 Railroad Revival Tour 'Early Bird Tickets' on sale now


Lineup featuring Willie Nelson, Band of Horses, Jamey Johnson, and John Reilly and Friends 

Railroad Revival Tour is proud to announce today that tickets are on sale for the 2012 American tour. For the second installment of the annual traveling music celebration, RRT has enlisted Willie Nelson & Family, Band of Horses, Jamey Johnson and John Reilly & Friends. Limited early bird discounted tickets are on sale now at www.railroadrevival.com and on the official sites of Willie Nelson, Band Of Horses and Jamey Johnson.

Railroad Revival Tour is an experience that transcends typical music tours and glorifies the historical romance between music and trains under the setting of the great American landscape. This one-of-a-kind U.S. train tour travels town to town aboard 16 vintage 1940s railcars, setting up open air pop-up concert venues in parks and fields adjacent to the railroad tracks where they stop. 

While the tour reminds us of times past, the ticketing process is unequivocally modern. Counter to standard practice, tickets are sold without service fees and fans are rewarded for early purchase with lower prices. Every ticket purchased includes a commemorative laminated boarding pass with an instant download of a four-song tour EP featuring music from each of the tour's artists. This EP includes "Knock Knock," the new single from Band Of Horses. Upgraded ticket packages are available offering collectables and benefits such as a limited edition poster from Nashville's legendary Hatch Show Print and a private viewing area at the venues.

In addition, ticket holders will be admitted to the Railroad Revival General Store, where new and classic albums from tour artists are available in digital, CD and vinyl format at steep discounts. "Big Easy Express," Emmet Malloy's documentary of the 2011 Railroad Revival Tour, is also available for purchase at a very special price. Ticket, film, music and merchandise sales are powered by Topspin Media, with marketing services provided by Topspin Creative Services.

The Railroad Revival Tour has a variety of hotel and ticket packages available on the site for Duluth, Old Town Spring, Tempe, San Pedro and Oakland as well. Visit www.railroadrevival.com for more information.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band extend North America tour in support of 'Wrecking Ball'

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band announce sixteen additional dates in the U.S. and Canada for the fall leg of the 'Wrecking Ball' World Tour, which will kick off August 14 at Boston's Fenway Park.

The tour closes out an 11-week European run this week that has included three of the longest shows of Springsteen's career and garnered universal acclaim, being called "gigantic" (Rolling Stone), "thrilling" (The Atlantic) and "the stuff of legend" (Irish Independent). Tickets are currently available for previously announced shows in Moncton, NB (Aug 26); Vernon Downs, NY (Aug 29); Philadelphia, PA (Sept 3); and East Rutherford, NJ (Sept 19).

New 2012 'Wrecking Ball' Dates:October 19 – Ottawa, ON – Scotiabank Place (on sale 8/17, www.capitaltickets.ca)
October 21 – Hamilton, ON – Copps Coliseum (on sale 8/17, www.ticketmaster.ca)
October 23 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena (on sale 9/14, www.ticketmaster.com)
October 25 – Hartford, CT – XL Center (on sale 8/10, www.ticketmaster.com)
October 27 – Pittsburgh, PA – CONSOL Energy Center (on sale 8/17, www.ticketmaster.com)
November 1 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center (on sale 8/04, www.ticketmaster.com)
November 3 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center (on sale 8/17, www.ticketmaster.com)
November 11 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center (on sale 8/04, www.ticketmaster.com)
November 15 – Omaha, NE – CenturyLink Arena (on sale 8/18, www.ticketmaster.com)
November 17 – Kansas City, MO – Sprint Center (on sale 8/03, www.axs.com)
November 19 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center (on sale 8/13, www.tickethorse.com)
November 26 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena (on sale 9/28, www.ticketmaster.ca)
November 28 – Portland, OR – The Rose Garden (on sale TBD, www.rosequarter.com)
November 30 – Oakland, CA – Oracle Arena (on sale 9/21, www.ticketmaster.com)
December 4 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center (on sale TBD, www.ticketmaster.com)
December 6 – Glendale, AZ – Jobing.com Arena (on sale 9/15, www.ticketmaster.com)

Previously Announced 2012 'Wrecking Ball' Dates:August 14 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park (on sale now, www.etix.com)
August 15 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park (on sale now, www.etix.com)
August 18 – Foxboro, MA – Gillette Stadium (on sale now, www.ticketmaster.com)
August 24 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre (on sale now, www.ticketmaster.com)
August 26 – Moncton, NB – Magnetic Hill (on sale now, www.tickets.moncton.ca)
August 29 – Vernon, NY – Vernon Downs Raceway (on sale now, www.ticketmaster.com)
September 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park (on sale now, www.comcasttix.com)
September 3 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park (on sale now, www.comcasttix.com)
September 7 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field (on sale now, www.tickets.com)
September 8 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field (on sale now, www.tickets.com)
September 14 – Washington, DC – Nationals Park (on sale now, www.tickets.com)
September 19 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium (on sale now, www.ticketmaster.com)
September 21 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium (on sale now, www.ticketmaster.com)
September 22 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium (on sale now, www.ticketmaster.com)

Bruce Springsteen's 'Wrecking Ball' (Columbia) was released in March 2012 and debuted at #1 in the U.S. and 15 other countries.
http://brucespringsteen.net/

Music Worth Buying: Sigur Rós and the Ben Levin Group

On the latest episode of Music Worth Buying, I celebrate the wonderful new Sigur Rós album Valtari – whose English translation is “steamroller” – which is Sigur Rós’s first studio album since 2008’s acclaimed Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust. TJR reviews the latest disc from the Ben Levin Group, Invisible Paradise:

Inbox Update: Colin Hay, Maia Sharp

My inbox runneth over (of course!), so why not spill some of it here?



Colin Hay to Celebrate ‘Down Under’ 30th Anniversary with global re-release

Newly recorded version of iconic anthem ‘Down Under’ to be used as the centerpiece of Telstra’s Olympic Games Advertising Campaign

Singer-songwriter Colin Hay

A newly recorded version of the iconic Men at Work song “Down Under” will be released globally on Compass Records in celebration of the song’s 30th year anniversary. Colin Hay re-recorded the song without the “Kookaburra” flute line which is the subject of a drawn out and embittered lawsuit in Australia. The track will be released as part of an EP (available on iTunes July 31, 2012) which will include three versions of the song: the newly recorded studio version, a solo acoustic version and a live, solo, story-song version in which Hay humorously describes how he wrote song. The three track EP will be released exclusively through iTunes with the single "Down Under 2012" available through other digital outlets including compassrecords.com. 


Marketing executives at Telstra, the Australian network provider, tapped the track as the theme for their Olympic games advertising campaign. "Down Under" has been the unofficial anthem of Australian sports since it was adopted by the Australian team during the 1983 America’s Cup which Australia won. Telstra chose "Down Under" as the centerpiece for their campaign in recognition of its unparalleled representation of the Australian national spirit. The campaign features Colin Hay in a series of 30- and 60-second commercials singing the song with groups of various sizes, ranging from people on the street to a children’s chorus up to a football stadium of 60,000. In addition to their TV campaign, Telstra is promoting the song through broadcasters Bigpond, Ninemsn, and worldwide via a social media campaign on Youtube, Facebook, Flikr, and more. Australian TV Channel 9 will also air a 3-minute ‘making of’ video during the Olympics. Compass Records Group will be promoting the release of the digital EP with a “Down Under” trivia contest and social media campaign targeting Hay fans.


In 2009, a multi-million dollar lawsuit was filed by Larrikin Music Publishing against EMI Music Publishing and co-writers Colin Hay and Ron Strykert for allegedly plagiarizing the folk melody “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree.” Despite overwhelming popular support for Hay, the court ruled that the two-bar flute line did infringe on the original copyright, though ultimately the claimant was rewarded a fraction of what they were seeking. The media attention surrounding this was further heightened this year with the death of Greg Ham, Men at Work co-founder, saxophonist and flute player who played the melody off the top of his head while recording the song.



The current re-release of the song and the simultaneous media campaign will serve as a vehicle for illustrating the integrity of the song. Comments Hay: “Fortunately on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the song Telstra, the communications company, have decided to license "Down Under" and are about to show it on the telly, as well as the cyber-world to hopefully inspire our athletes at the upcoming Olympics. I was happy to help, and along with my friend Dorian West, created a spirited version of the song featuring footballers, pub goers, sailors on the Thames, school kids in Sydney, and, well, you get the idea. This led me to the idea of re-releasing "Down Under 2012" (without the so-called infringing flute line), to re-establish the song in the consciousness of the public, and in so doing, highlight that the power and strength of the song lies in its original words and music. It speaks for itself.“



"Me After You," the lead single from Maia Sharp's Change The Ending, is the most added at Triple A Radio

Change The Ending is out Aug. 28 on Blix Street/Crooked Crown Records

Maia Sharp set to tour with Bonnie Raitt, who guests on two tracks

“Me After You," the poignant first single from acclaimed singer-songwriter-producer Maia Sharp’s upcoming album, Change The Ending, was Most Added at Triple A radio behind Killers, Green Day and Alabama Shakes. “Me After You” is available now at all digital retailers. To hear the song, click on the link below:

http://soundcloud.com/mmmusic/maia-sharp-me-after-you



On August 28, Blix Street/Crooked Crown Records will release Change The Ending, which features guest vocals by The Rescue’s Adrianne Gonzales, Garrison Starr, Dawn Thomas and Bonnie Raitt. Sharp will be touring with Raitt in October and can be heard on the nine-time GRAMMY® winner’s new album, Slipstream. Maia has been previewing songs from Change The Ending on her current tour, which includes a series of dates with Gonzales and Starr. See below for itinerary.


Change The Ending follows Sharp’s 2009 album, Echo. Produced by Don Was, it contained the Top 10 Triple A radio hit “John Q. Lonely” and “Death By Perfection,” which featured Raitt and was tapped by NPR as “Song of the Day.” The new album reaffirms Sharp’s gift for capturing the subtleties and shades of gray that characterize relationships.



Sharp grew up in Los Angeles, where she started playing local clubs while she was still in her teens. She gives a sly wink to her hometown’s biggest industry with the new album’s cover art – which fans can get a sneak preview of at http://maiasharp.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/maia.sharp. Filmmaking provides the perfect metaphor in the title track, as the narrator considers how a romance might have fared with a little rewrite. “It’s a beautiful story,” she observes ruefully in the chorus. “If you change the ending.”



During the recording sessions, Sharp admits, “We did change the ending a few times – and it was always for the better.” After producing Edwin McCain’s latest album, Mercy Bound, as well as two songs for Art Garfunkel’s upcoming double album, The Singer, she elected to produce Change The Ending herself. She assembled a notable crew of musicians to back her, including guitarist Linda Taylor (Tracy Chapman, Edwin McCain), who often accompanies Sharp on the road, drummer Matt Chamberlain (The Wallflowers, Fiona Apple) and bassist David J. Carpenter (John Doe, Toni Childs).



“I had been working with several other artists on their albums and I was just hooked on that whole feeling, so I decided to produce this album alone,” says Maia. “I had to learn to be my own sounding board because I’d finish a vocal and come out and there was nobody else there to go ‘yeah, that was great’ or ‘you really need to do that again.’ But it was a great experience and I learned a lot.”


“Sharp always leads with her heart and comes across as a performer worth getting to know,” said USA Today in a three-star review of Echo while NPR’s “All Things Considered” hailed her as “a songwriter set to arrive” and The Washington Post called her “a sterling up-and-coming talent.”


In addition to her string of acclaimed solo albums and numerous production credits, Sharp is also a sought-after songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Raitt, the Dixie Chicks, Keb’ Mo’, Terri Clark, Cher, Trisha Yearwood and many others.


Maia Sharp – Change The Ending - Track Listing

1. Me After You


2. The Middle


3. Buy My Love


4. I See Cecelia


5. Standing Out In A Crowd


6. Rising


7. Change The Ending


8. Sober


9. Your Stepping Stone


10. The Bed I Made


11. Buy My Love (Remix)


Maia Sharp – Upcoming Tour Dates



8/02 Ann Arbor, MI Acoustic Café



8/02 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark



8/04 Boston, MA WXRV Music Matters Festival w/Scars on 45, Meiko and more



9/08 Los Angeles, CA Room 5 Lounge w/AG & Garrison Starr



9/19 Annapolis, MD Rams Head Tavern w/AG & Garrison Starr



9/20 Pittsburgh, PA Club Café w/AG & Garrison Starr



9/21 Oil City, PA Clarion University-Venango Campus



w/AG & Garrison Starr



9/22 Philadelphia, PA Tin Angel w/AG & Garrison Starr



9/23 Columbia, MD Concerts at the Historic Cooper’s House



w/AG & Garrison Starr



9/24 Vienna, VA Stage-it Show! Live from Vienna, VA



9/25 New York, NY Rockwood Music Hall w/AG & Garrison Starr



9/26 Vienna, VA Jammin’ Java w/AG & Garrison Starr



9/28 Decatur, GA Eddie’s Attic w/AG & Garrison Starr



9/29 Charlotte, NC The Evening Muse w/AG & Garrison Starr



9/30 Asheville, NC Stage-it Show! Live from Asheville, NC



10/2 Boston, MA Berklee College of Music/Lawrence and Alma Berk Hall



(songwriting seminar)



10/3 Cambridge, MA Club Passim w/AG & Garrison Starr



10/4 Ogunquit, ME Jonathan’s w/AG & Garrison Starr



10/5 Crystal Lake, IL The Nashville Backstage Pass

10/18 Clearwater, FL Clearwater Jazz Holiday Fest opening for Bonnie Raitt



10/20 Live Oak, FL Magnolia Music Festival opening for Bonnie Raitt



10/21 Boca Raton, FL Mizner Park Amphitheatre opening for Bonnie Raitt



10/23 Melbourne, FL King Center For The Performing Arts opening for Bonnie Raitt



10/26 Mobile, AL Saenger Theatre opening for Bonnie Raitt



10/27 Columbus, GA RiverCenter Heard Theatre opening for Bonnie Raitt



10/28 Nashville, TN The Ryman Auditorium opening for Bonnie Raitt

Inbox Update: The Knack, New Order

There is plenty of news to share regarding both The Knack and New Order.

Omnivore Recordings set to release The Knack's 'Rock & Roll Is Good For You: the Fieger/Averre Demos' on Sept. 11, 2012


The 16-track CD, also available on clear vinyl, features a collection of rare and unreleased recordings

Omnivore Recordings has announced they will release a new collection of rare and unreleased recordings from Los Angeles power-pop band The Knack on September 11. The Knack Rock & Roll Is Good For You: The Fieger/Averre Demos will be available as a 16-track CD and digital album, as well as a 14-track vinyl LP (the LP will include a download card for the full 16-track CD/digital program). The initial LP run will be issued in a limited-edition run of 1000 pressed on clear vinyl, with future pressings to be made available on black vinyl. In addition, Omnivore Recordings will offer an exclusive LP/7" single vinyl bundle available in a run of 500 copies in their web store only.  The 7" features two unreleased tracks only found on this single("Midnight Misogynist" [recorded 1975] c/w "Lucy Ride" [recorded 1973]). This limited-edition vinyl bundle will be available for pre-order starting immediately at www.OmnivoreRecordings.com. Complete with previously-unseen photos, liner notes, and sourced from the original 1/4" tapes, Rock & Roll Is Good For You: The Fieger/Averre Demos is a record power-pop fans have not only been waiting for, but will fully embrace. Fresh off the release of Record Store Day's sold out 10" EP titled Live In Los Angeles, 1978 and full-length album Havin' A Rave-Up! Live In Los Angeles, 1978, Omnivore Recordings and Zen Records go back even farther in time to tell the story of The Knack. Consisting of demo recordings made in 1973 and 1975, Rock & Roll Is Good For You: The Fieger/Averre Demos takes listeners to the genesis of Doug Fieger and Berton Averre's songwriting and recording partnership - one that lasted nearly four decades until Fieger's tragic passing in 2010. These 16 tracks are all previously unissued and feature versions of songs known ("Good Girls Don't" and "That's What The Little Girls Do", eventually recorded and released on Get The Knack) and unknown. There are even songs Knack fans will recognize in different versions, reworked or rewritten for later projects. A riff here, a hook there - it's a scavenger hunt for some and a blissful pop experience for others. The Knack Rock & Roll Is Good For You: The Fieger/Averre Demos is a fascinating look at how Doug's partnership with Berton helped steer a course from a more progressive 70's sound to the power-pop The Knack used to break disco's hold on the airwaves with 1979's "My Sharona." CD TRACK LISTING: Rock Have a Heart Corporation Shuffle (Daddy Turns The Volume Down) Good Girls Don't Little Lies Flower My Fate Weiss On Rye (Hold The Mavo) You'll Never Know That's What The Little Girls Do Roll Get On The Plane (Here On This) Lonely Night Lazer Days The Other Side (Of The Line) Who'll Set You Down Mama I Feel Your Sadness What Ya Gonna Do Now? Rock & Roll Is Good For You  Tracks 1-6, and 11-12 recorded in 1975  Tracks 7-10 and 13-16 recorded in 1973 * All tracks previously unissued THE KNACK ROCK & ROLL IS GOOD FOR YOU: THE FIEGER/AVERRE DEMOS LP TRACK LISTING: SIDE ONE: "Rock" Have A Heart Corporation Shuffle (Daddy Turns The Volume Down) Good Girls Don't Little Lies Weiss On Rye (Hold The Mavo) You'll Never Know That's What The Little Girls Do SIDE TWO: "ROLL" Get On The Plane (Here On This) Lonely Night Lazer Days Who'll Set You Down Mama I Feel Your Sadness What Ya Gonna Do Now? Rock & Roll Is Good For You Side One - Tracks 1-5 recorded 1975, tracks 6 & 7 recorded 1973  Side Two - All tracks recorded 1973 except track 3 recorded 1975 * LP includes download card containing full 16-track CD/digital program Omnivore Recordings official website: http://omnivorerecordings.com/

New Order schedules more tour dates

In the wake of a sell-out United Kingdom tour and a series of festival dates throughout Europe this spring and summer, New Order has now confirmed their first dates in North America since 2005. In a statement, singer Bernard Sumner said: "We've been having such a great time together this year, playing shows all over Europe, and we're all really excited to be playing America again. We have so many friends and fans there we can't wait to get back!"

New Order's last U.S. show was New York's Hammerstein Ballroom in May 2005 and their last visit to Canada was in 2001.

The band features original members Bernard Sumner (vocals/guitar), Stephen Morris (drums), Gillian Gilbert (keyboard/guitar), plus Phil Cunningham (guitar/keyboards) and Tom Chapman (bass) in place of Peter Hook who acrimoniously left the band. I was fortunate to catch New Order when they performed at Coachella in 2005.

New Order tour dates

5 OCT...SAN FRANCISCO...Oakland Fox Theatre

7 OCT...LOS ANGELES...Greek Theatre

10 OCT...DENVER...Broomfield 1^st bank Center

12 OCT...DALLAS...Palladium

18 OCT...NEW YORK CITY...Roseland

21 OCT...CHICAGO...Aragon Ballroom

23 OCT...TORONTO...Sony Center

Micky Dolenz premieres new 'Remember' tracks on 'Breakfast With the Beatles'

Micky Dolenz, seen her performing in Costa Mesa last week

I love to listen to Chris Carter's "Breakfast With the Beatles" radio show broadcast over KLOS (95.5 FM) on Sunday mornings. On today's show, Monkees drummer-singer Micky Dolenz discussed a wide range of topics including his role on the popular late 1960s NBC-TV series, touring with Jimi Hendrix, the unlikely cult status of the band's 1968 feature film Head, and sitting in on a recording session as part of 1967's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band when the Fab Four recorded "Good Morning Good Morning." It was also touching to hear Micky discuss his friendship with the late Davy Jones, who passed away on Feb. 29.

Among the highlights of Micky's appearance across a number of lengthy segments on the radio show was his announcement for his next full-length album, Remember (set for release on Sept. 25, 2012) and the premiere of several tracks off the forthcoming disc. He described the project as an "Audio scrapbook of my life," and noted he will be performing a version of Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" (the song he used to audition for his role on The Monkees), a country-styled take on "I'm a Believer" and a totally-reworked rendition of the Beatles' "Good Morning Good Morning." His version of "Good Morning Good Morning" was played on the radio show and blended flamenco and Renaissance musical styles with Lennon's iconic lyrics and melody.

The first single off Remember is a new rousing recording of "Randy Scouse Git," one of his earliest original songs and a standout on the Monkees' Headquarters (1967) album. The new version is more lushly arranged and features Micky's strong voice. I can't wait to hear the album with its release in a couple of months.

You can read my review of Micky's performance last weekend as part of the current Happy Together Tour that ran in The Orange County Register here.