The Fallen Stars premiere 'Leaves On The Wind' songs at Can't Stop The Serenity event

A taste of Comic-Con came to Irvine, California on Saturday night, Sept. 21 thanks to the arrival of Can't Stop The Serenity, an event presented with the support of the non-profit California Browncoats. The special charity screening presented at Starplex Woodbridge Movies 5 benefitted Equality Now (an organization working to stop abuse and violence against women and girls across the globe) while giving fans of Joss Whedon's groundbreaking 2002 television show Firefly a chance to witness the popular episode "Out of Gas" and subsequent 2005 film Serenity on the big screen.

In addition, Huntington Beach-based Americana outfit The Fallen Stars also performed live, celebrating the official release of Leaves On The Wind - Vol. 1 Still Flying with a stellar performance of original songs from the Firefly-centric project. After opening with a crowd-pleasing version of Sonny Rhodes' "The Ballad of Serenity," the Fallen Stars proceeded to perform a number of their original songs including the five winning tracks on volume 1 of their Leaves On The Wind EP.

Firefly's now-famous blend of gritty American West realism and science fiction goes well with the Fallen Stars' authentic Americana musical approach. The band's songs work well on their own, but took on additional depth in front of a capacity-crowd packed into the movie house. The hopeful "Still Flying" with Tracy Byrnes' sweet soprano positioned against Georgianna Hennessy's vibrant fiddle, the more fierce "Nothing" with Bobbo Byrnes' blazing guitar work and drummer Matt Froehlich igniting the song, and wonderful "Stronger Than Steel" (praising the lead ladies of the show) were among the highlights of the Fallen Stars' two mini-sets. A "shiny" night to be sure.

The Fallen Stars on Sept. 21. Photo: Natalie Moreno

Leaves On The Wind - Vol. 1 Still Flying is available via the Fallen Stars' own Kiss My Squirrel Music label. You can learn more about the project via the band's official Web site: www.TheFallenStars.com. 

I will be reviewing the fantastic new Fallen Stars disc in an upcoming column and highlight that in a future post on Rock 'n' Roll Truth.

The Zombies release first ever music video; watch 'Any Other Way' now

Here is exciting news about the release of The Zombies' first ever concept music video. "Any Other Way" is a fantastic song off the legendary British band's most recent studio disc...

THE ZOMBIES RELEASE FIRST EVER MUSIC VIDEO

“Any Other Way”

Premiered Exclusively by RollingStone.com  in Conjunction with Vevo

British Group Wrapping Up Third 2013 Tour of America

 

British Invasion icons, The Zombies, who released their first chart-topping single in 1964, debuted their first-ever music video last week.  “Any Other Way”, penned by lead singer Colin Blunstone, is featured on their latest studio release, Breathe Out Breathe In.  RollingStone.com  premiered the music video globally on Thursday, September 19, 2013 in conjunction with Vevo.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/the-zombies-look-back-fondly-on-any-other-way-premiere-20130919

The band’s Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent celebrated the video’s release with a rare piano and vocal duet performance at the Cutting Room on Thursday, September 19, 2013.  The celebration drew many long-time fans from the music and entertainment world, including Art Garfunkel, Ronnie Spector, Gene Cornish (The Young Rascals), Paul Shaffer (Late Show with David Letterman) among others.

The video’s storyline is set in a 1920’s speakeasy, and was filmed in New York City’s Cutting Room, with outdoor scenes shot on City Island.

  

Or you can access the new video via Official Video Link: http://vevo.ly/zIPXn6

 

The group is currently wrapping up its third 2013 U.S. tour, which included six SRO performances during the SXSW music conference, where their performances were called “jaw-droppingly good,” “blissful,” and raved Blunstone and Argent “impressed with immaculate vocal harmonies.” The tour also included a stop at NYC’s SummerStage which drew 4,000+ people, Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival and three Los Angeles-area appearances which drew such fans as Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles) and Zooey Deschanel (She & Him, New Girl TV show).

 

In June, The Zombies released their most recent album of new material, Breathe Out, Breathe In via Redeye Distribution. The Huffington Post’s David Wild called the album “inspired” and said “some songs recall the haunting melodic heights of the group’s 1968 masterpiece Odessey and Oracle.”

 

Their music has had a profound and lasting impact on generations of new bands who cite their hit singles “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No” and “Time Of The Season” and their classic album Odessey and Oracle as pop touchstones. Such artists as Neko Case and Nick Cave (who have recorded “She’s Not There” for the popular HBO series True Blood), She & Him, Beck, Belle and Sebastian, The Fleet Foxes and The Beautiful South have pointed to The Zombies’ music as an important influence, and the songs written and performed by the group have been used in numerous films and television shows, including The Simpsons, Kill Bill 2, Awakenings and Dear Wendy.

 

Actors Paul Sheehan and Lauren Toglia portray the tragic lovers, and the video features wardrobe by Haus of Estrada (Project Runway Season 7).  The video is directed by Adam Lawrence, cinematography by Josef Orlandi, and is produced by Beast of the East Productions with Lawrence, Ramfis Myrthil and Cindy da Silva.

Moby: Acoustic performance and interview to stream on KCRW's YouTube channel on September 23

Here is some very exciting news to kick off the weekend!

MOBY

Acoustic Performance and Interview

Hosted by Sonos Studios in Los Angeles

Presented Live on YouTube by KCRW

MONDAY, September 23rd - 8 PM PST

Watch it LIVE here: http://www.YouTube.com/KCRW

Moby, Sonos Studio and KCRW team up for a private event to launch Moby’s new album Innocents, out September 30 on Mute.

Los Angeles public radio station KCRW will be broadcasting a live video stream of an interview with Moby, hosted by DJ Chris Douridas, plus as an acoustic performance, on their YouTube Live channel on Monday, September 23 at 8pm (PST). Moby will perform songs from his forthcoming album, Innocents,plus old favorites.

Sonos Studios is hosting the private event, where guests will be treated to an early listen of Innocents before the interview and performance. Moby and Sonos are excited to invite fans all over the globe to join the event live via KCRW’s new live YouTube feed.

KCRW recently started streaming their famed Morning Becomes Eclectic livesessions on YouTube and this is the first time they’ve extended the effort to an outside event. The YouTube Live stream will be embeddable and sharing is encouraged.

Moby sought a partnership with LA station KCRW to webcast the event as his new album, his 11th studio release, was recorded at his Los Angeles studio and is a reflection of the city he now calls home.

“Innocents” is out September 30th via Mute.

WHAT:

Live video stream of Moby acoustic performance and interview with

KCRW DJ Chris Douridas from Sonos Studio on youtube.com/KCRW

WHEN:

Monday, September 23

8pm -- 9pm: Interview hosted by KCRW DJ Chris Douridas
9pm: Acoustic performance

Monday, September 30th Moby will be celebrating release day with Conan O’Brien be sure to tune in 11 PM (EST) 10 PM (CST) on TBS.

Thursday, October 3rd Moby will perform live on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15 AM *PST (2:15 PM EST).

October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Moby will perform the only three live shows in support of Innocents at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. Tickets can be purchased at the following link: http://moby.com/fonda

Innocents is a record of firsts for Moby. The first time in his career he worked with an outside producer, friend Mark “Spike” Stent, whose résumé includes Madonna, U2, Muse, Björk, and Massive Attack. In addition, this is the first time Moby has concentrated an entire album on collaborations which as well as Wayne Coyne (The Flaming Lips) features alt-rock legend Mark Lanegan, Cold Specks, Skylar Grey – best known for co-writing and performing on Eminem and Rihanna’s, “Love The Way You Lie;” indie-folk singer Damien Jurado, and Inyang Bassey who was the vocalist on “The Right Thing” from Destroyed.

“Innocents might be the best Moby album ever"

-Bob Boilen, NPR

“Innocents provides the uplifting, symphonic electronica”

-SPIN

“The 12 tracks on Innocents show an expansive, energized and fierce experimentalism”

-TIME

MOBY: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | Twitter | Youtube | Soundcloud

Inbox Update: The Pixies, The Moody Blues, Tom Odell

Lots of stuff to share today. Why not dive right in?

Pixies

Pixies performed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night, giving viewers everywhere a first-glimpse at the band with touring bassist Kim Shattuck. The band played "Bagboy" for broadcast, and as a Fallon Web-exclusive, "Indie Cindy" from the band's just-released EP-1.

If you missed it last night, you can check out the performances via these links:

"Bagboy"

"Indie Cindy"

Pixies perform the first of four sold-out dates in New York beginning tonight before the band heads off to Europe for shows in France, England, Belgium and more. For more information, visit the band's official Web site here.

THE MOODY BLUES
ANNOUNCE FINAL LINE-UP 
FOR THEIR SECOND FAN CRUISE

THE MOODY BLUES CRUISE II
FIVE DAYS AND NIGHTS, VISITING TROPICAL PORTS INCLUDING GRAND TURK ISLAND,
TURKS & CAICOS AND NASSAU, BAHAMAS
APRIL 2-7, 2014

SPECIAL GUEST
ROGER DALTREY
ADDED TO THE LINEUP

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.MOODIESCRUISE.COM

One of the greatest rock bands of all time, The Moody Blues, have announced the final line-up for their second fan cruise experience--THE MOODY BLUES CRUISE II--departing from Miami, FL. on April 2, 2014 for five days and nights, visiting tropical ports including Grand Turk Island, Turks & Caicos and Nassau, Bahamas on the spectacular cruise ship, MSC Divina. This year’s cruise theme is Return To The Isle of Wight, based on 1970 Isle of Wight Festival,considered to be one of the greatest rock festivals in history and which featured an unforgettable set by The Moody Blues. The band is very pleased to announce that they will be reunited on the same bill--for first time since Isle of Wight--with lead singer, rock icon and friend Roger Daltrey of The Who.

Daltrey will be performing select material of The Who plus some of his own favorites. With him will be his touring band--featuring Frank Simes (guitar), Scott Devours (drums), Jamie Hunting (bass), Loren Gold (keyboard) and Simon Townshend (guitar)--in this rare North American appearance. The Moody Blues have also announced the addition of Isle of Wight Festival alums Carl Palmer of ELP, Lighthouse and Shawn Phillips, in addition to several notableartists from the 60s, 70s and 80s including The Zombies, The Orchestra starring ELO, Starship and Little River Band.

Other classic rock performers confirmed include: Strawbs, Joe Williams of TOTO, Glass Hammer, Sound of Contact featuring Simon Collins, Jimi Hendrix Tribute featuring Randy Hansen, Eagles Tribute featuring Danny Vaughn, The Prog Rock Orchestra, Heavy Mellow and Mellow Yellow, who will treat fans to special performances at multiple venues aboard the MSC Divina.
Fans will have access to private concerts, Q&A sessions, Karaoke Bar, special events and activities, while interacting with musical guests that influenced the music of the 70s and beyond.  This is not just a “concert cruise.” It is a fan experience celebrating the years of incredible music since The Moody Blues’ legendary set at Isle of Wight Festival. THE MOODY BLUES CRUISE II provides a playground for the serious fan where music and luxury cruising hook up for a vacation of a lifetime. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and will only be available at www.MoodiesCruise.com.

For more info on THE MOODY BLUES CRUISE:http://moodiescruise.com 
www.facebook.com/moodiescruise 
https://twitter.com/moodiescruise

LONG WAY DOWN, THE DEBUT ALBUM FROM 2013 BRITS CRITICS' CHOICE AWARD WINNER TOM ODELL, IS OUT TODAY IN THE U.S. Tom Odell North American Headline Tour Launches Tomorrow In Philadelphia And Includes Shows At NYC's Irving Plaza September 21 And LA's El Rey Theatre October 9 Odell Performs On "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" October 10 Long Way Down Entered U.K. Albums Chart At No. 1 And The Single "Another Love" Has Gone Gold Across Europe

(New York- September 17, 2013) Tom Odell's debut album, Long Way Down - which entered the U.K. Albums chart at No. 1 earlier this year - was released today in the United States by RCA Records / In The Name Of. Odell, who won the 2013 BRITs Critics' Choice Award and recently received a Q Magazine nomination for Best New Act, will perform on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Thursday, October 10. His fall North American tour kicks off tomorrow with a show at First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. The run, which will feature special guest Vance Joy on most dates, will include a show at New York City's Irving Plaza on September 21 and will wrap up at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on October 9. See below for itinerary. "Passionate...cerebral" is how Clash describes Odell. Q Magazine praised his "startlingly immediate love and loss songs," noting that he "sings like his lungs are so deep you could cave dive into them." Time Out London hailed Long Way Down as "accomplished...an album of earworm pop songs with profound undertones" and theDaily Telegraph observed, "[The] 22-year-old from Chichester has poured all the reckless romance and intense sincerity of youth into a record full of walloping big tunes, most of which deserve to be singles." "'Another Love' may be the track of the year," said MOJO in a four-star album review while London's Sunday Times hailed it as "genuinely chilling." The song, which is Odell's first U.S. single,debuted in the Top 10 in the U.K. and is already certified Gold across Europe. His videos for "Another Love" have racked up more than 10 million views combined and Odell recently performed the track on "Conan."You can view the"Conan" clip here. Classically trained on piano from an early age, Odell grew up in Chichester, located in southeast England, and later moved to Brighton, attracted by its music scene.Eventually, Tom made his way to London, seeking a wider audience. His plan was not immediately successful - Odell wound up playing sparsely attended shows, running out of money and sleeping in a car borrowed from his grandmother. A demo found its way to Lily Rose Cooper, who quickly signed him to her In The Name Of record label after seeing Odell perform live. With the label's blessing, Tom spent nine months holed up in a tiny east London room, outfitted with simply a piano and a desk, penning the songs for his debut. He recorded most of Long Way Down with his band at RAK Studios in London. Tom Odell - Fall 2013 North American Tour Dates All dates except October 5 and 7 will feature special guest Vance Joy. 9/18 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church - Sanctuary 9/20 - Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall 9/21 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza 9/22 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall 9/24 - Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa 9/25 - Toronto, ON @ The Great Hall 9/27 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean 9/28 - St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club 9/30 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater 10/3 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge 10/4 - Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore Cabaret 10/5 - Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile 10/7 - San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel 10/9 - Los Angeles, CA @ The El Rey Theatre ### or visit: www.tomodell.com www.soundcloud.com/tomodell www.youtube.com/tomodellofficial https://www.facebook.com/TomOdellmusic https://twitter.com/tompeterodell

Cheap Trick celebrates enduring legacy at GRAMMY Museum

From left, Daxx Nielsen, Tom Petersson, Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen.

One of rock's most enduring bands took their continuing journey to the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live on Thursday night, Sept. 12, 2013. Cheap Trick appeared in the intimate Clive Davis Theater, sharing stories and insights into the band's 40-year history via an in-depth question and answer session with the GRAMMY Foundation's Scott Goldman before cranking up their equipment to perform a stirring six-song set comprised of early and recent rockers that had the sold-out crowd of 200 on its feet in appreciation of the chance to be a part of something very special.

Singer-rhythm guitarist Robin Zander, lead guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Bun E. Carlos formed the band in Rockford, Illinois in 1973. Daxx Nielsen, the son of Rick Nielsen, has served as the band's full-time touring drummer since 2010. As part of the quartet's 40th anniversary celebration the GRAMMY Museum opened a special exhibit focusing on Cheap Trick the same day that will remain on display for musuem visitors through June 2014. The exhibit includes the display of many of Nielsen's most prized guitars including the 1952 Feder Telecaster used when he performed at Budokan in 1978. In addition, visitors to the museum can see original lyrics of several of the band's big hits and Cheap Trick costumes, posters and rare albums.



Cheap Trick performed a six-song set at the event.

The program led off with Goldman asking Rick Nielsen if he recalled the first time the band played together.

"I played with Tom in high school," said Nielsen, whose witty responses drew laughter often. "We rehearsed in my parents' garage so we've always been a garage band."

Zander noted that they had another critical tactic in the early days. "We always changed the name of our band so we would get hired back," he mused. "It worked."

That is where Petersson picked up the story on how the name Cheap Trick was ultimately the moniker that stuck. The bassist noted that while he and Rick were attending a Slade concert one of them remarked of the British glam band: "They're using every cheap trick in the book." The other responded that Cheap Trick would be a great name for a band.

Zander than noted that a few years later when several major record labels were courting the young band, all wanted them to change their name. Fortunately fate had another plan; when Cheap Trick released its official debut album on Epic Records in early 1977 both the band and the name of the album remained.

Over the course of a wide-ranging 45-minute discussion, even long-time fans were treated to some fascinating tidbits of history about the power pop champs.

• The group's first big break in the states came in 1977 when Queen singer Freddie Mercury heard Cheap Trick's not-yet-released debut album and invited the unknown band to open for Queen at two shows in Wisconsin.
• The group wasn't sure if there was much of a future in the early days. "We thought after the first year we'd quit," Zander said.
• "Our first record was out and not successful," Petersson recalled. "Rick and I were in Canada walking past a strip cub and heard one of our songs playing. We went in there (because we were) so shocked somebody was playing our song."
• Because Cheap Trick's first three albums failed to initially make a commercial dent in the U.S. the band was shocked when they went on their first trip to Japan in April 1978 and were greeted by 5,000 screaming kids at the airport in Tokyo. Highlights from the two successful concerts staged at Nippon Budokan were released as the live album "Cheap Trick at Budokan" and ultimately led to their global success. Zander picked up the story here: "Another thing about Budokan we had a set amount of time to play. The Japanese are very efficient. They studied our set list and said we were short and needed another song. We'll put on "I Want You To Want Me.' The live version of that song was the group's biggest-selling single to date and directly led to their subsequent widespread success.
• When asked about the thrill of working with Beatles producer George Martin, Rick Nielsen said Sir Martin was "The most knowledgeable musician I've ever worked with."

Cheap Trick thrilled the intimate crowd at the GRAMMY Museum.



Indeed Cheap Trick has sold more than 20 million albums, performed approximately 5,000 concerts and earned 40 gold and platinum albums since the mid 1970s. But anyone who has seen Cheap Trick understands it is the deep connection the band has with its fans that will likely be Cheap Trick's most enduring legacy: "It means everything," Zander said of the fans' support, which elicited cheers in the theater.

"We make music for ourselves first, but at the same time if nobody's listening it's depressing," Rick Nielsen added.

Daxx Nielsen, who has performed full-time with his dad's band since 2010 was also asked to add his thoughts on Cheap Trick. "Playing with these guys every night is awesome."

GRAMMY Museum were wise to hand out ear plugs as attendees arrived at the museum earlier that evening. They came in handy when the interview ended and Cheap Trick performed a powerful 25-minute set for the enthusiastic crowd. Kicking things off with the electrifying punk-styled "ELO Kiddies" off their first album, the outfit went on to tear through their rollicking version of Fats Domino's "Ain't That a Shame" featuring Nielsen's smoking slide guitar work. "Dream Police" benefited from the mix of its melodic chorus, sweet harmonies and a chilling psychedelic break at the end of the song.

Always a band to mix things up, Cheap Trick then played "Sick Man of Europe," a post-punk rocker off their 2009 disc "The Latest" before returning to classics with "I Want You To Want Me" and a festive "Surrender" where just about everyone was singing along or pumping their fists into the air. Like all of the GRAMMY Museum's special programs, the event was recorded on high def video and will be available to view by visitors to the museum, located at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A245, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

About the only good question not addressed at the GRAMMY Museum is why Cheap Trick isn't in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Fallen Stars' 'Leaves On The Wind' music project revisits Joss Whedon's 'Firefly'

For fans of Joss Whedon's classic, short-lived sci-fi TV series Firefly, television has seldom scaled such creative heights.

It's obvious the founding members of one of my favorite Americana bands feels the same way about one of my all-time favorite shows. The Fallen Stars are on a sonic journey worthy of Captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) and his crew thanks to a quest to write and record songs centered around all 14 episodes of the 2002 Fox television series and the subsequent 2005 Whedon-directed movie Serenity. The Huntington Beach, California-based outfit is well on its way to completing its aptly-titled Leaves On The Wind music project and has posted audio tracks and even videos on a special "Browncoats" site on their official Web site.

The Fallen Stars features husband-and-wife singer-songwriters Bobbo Byrnes (guitar, mandolin) and Tracy Byrnes (bass guitar), and Chad Smith (drums). Other players included on the project include Georgiana Hennessey (violin) and Matt Froehlich (drums and percussion).  

Equally exciting for fans of Firefly and the Fallen Stars' ambitious Leaves On The Wind effort is a special event titled Can't Stop The Serenity coming to Orange County, CA on Saturday night, Sept. 21. Hosted by the California Browncoats at the Woodbridge 5 Cinema in Irvine at 8 p.m. on Sept. 21, there will be a showing of the motion picture Serenity, as well as the memorable "Out of Gas" episode from the original series. The Fallen Stars will also perform songs from their project. Indeed, the event will make the official release of the group's Still Flying, the first EP featuring completed songs as part of Leaves On The Wind. Check out the Fallen Stars' special site about the project here. I've embedded the group's "Stronger Than Steel" inspired by the episode "Shindig" video below:



Proceeds from the event will benefit Equality Now, an organization dedicated to ending violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world. 

Jason Aldean's live concert film 'Night Train To Georgia' to be released on October 15th

I was very impressed by Jason Aldean's headlining concert that was staged in Irvine as part of Go Fest a year ago. Here is big news related to that tour...

JASON ALDEAN TO RELEASE LIVE CONCERT FILM NIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA ON OCT. 15, FROM HIS HISTORIC PERFORMANCE AT UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA’S SANFORD STADIUM

Footage Includes 18 Songs, Personal Interviews and Special Guest Performances

Aldean Nominated for Three CMA Awards Including Entertainer of the Year

Nashville, TN – Sept. 12, 2013 – CMA Entertainer of the Year Nominee Jason Aldean is giving fans the opportunity to relive one of the biggest moments in country music this year when he releases the live concert film NIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA on Oct. 15.   Filmed this past April at the University of Georgia's Sanford Stadium, the film captures the MULTI-PLATINUM Macon, GA native and a sold out crowd of over 66,000 fans making history with the first concert ever held “between the hedges.”  A TackleBox Films production, the piece was produced by Shaun Silva, Ivan Dudensky and Don Lepore. 

"That day in Athens will always be one of my proudest accomplishments," said Aldean.  "I've been working my whole career to get to this point where I can go into a stadium like Sanford, which I've idolized my whole life, and leave a mark.  I watch it back now to remember the details because it was all overwhelming and a pretty surreal moment for me." 

Watch a trailer for the film here:   http://bit.ly/1aukgOR

A pre-sale began today on  www.JasonAldean.com and Walmart is offering the exclusive reveal of the cover art, also beginning today, on their Twitter page.  Fans can visit   www.twitter.com/walmart and Re-Tweet to Unlock the image. 

The high-energy, state of the art show has an 18-song set list that showcases 10 of his No. one songs including "She's Country," "Big Green Tractor," "My Kinda Party" and "Take A Little Ride," and offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes from the time Aldean and his team begin the planning stages of this show right up to the moment he takes the stage.

Also featured in the 90 minute film are personal interviews from Aldean, footage from his record-breaking Fenway Park and Wrigley Field stadium shows held in Summer 2013 as well as appearances by Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan and Ludacris as each of them join Aldean on songs they've recorded together.   

TRACKLISTING FOR NIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA:

Crazy TownTake a Little RideTattoos On This TownWhen She Says BabyThe TruthFly Over StatesThis Nothin' TownJohnny CashAmarillo SkyNight Train1994Don't You Wanna Stay (with Kelly Clarkson)Big Green TractorThe Only Way I Know (with Luke Bryan)Dirt Road Anthem (with Ludacris)She's CountryMy Kinda PartyHicktown    

Additionally, it was announced this week that Aldean earned three nominations for the Nov. 6 CMA Awards, including his third consecutive Entertainer of the Year nod.  He is also up for Male Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for "The Only Way I Know" feat. Luke Bryan and Eric Church.  

For more information, please visit  www.JasonAldean.com

Sights and Sounds: Morrissey, Jonny Lang, Roy Orbison, Five for Fighting

There is truly a wealth of big news flooding into my inbox today. Here are the more noteworthy items worth sharing!

Eagle Rock Celebrates 25 Years Of Morrissey

 

MORRISSEY

25 LIVE

 

~BLU-RAY, DVD, AND DIGITAL VIDEO OUT OCTOBER 22~

 

 

New York, NY (September 12, 2013)— Eagle Records is delighted to announce the release on October 22, 2013 of Morrissey 25 Live on DVD, Blu-ray and Visual Digital Formats [Pre-book Order Date September 27, MSRP $14.98 DVD, $19.98 Blu-ray]. 25 Liveis a legacy concert film marking 25 years of the solo career of one of the world’s most iconic and enigmatic performers.  

 

This is the first authorized Morrissey live concert video in 9 years and it features classic tracks from across his career including “You Have Killed Me,” “Let Me Kiss You,” “Everyday Is Like Sunday,” “Meat Is Murder,” “Irish Blood, English Heart,” “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris,” “The Boy With The Thorn In His Side,” “Alma Matters” and many more.

 

Shot in high definition during Morrissey’s most intimate gig in decades at the Hollywood High School in Los Angeles on March 2, 2013, the film opens with fans divulging their unwavering allegiance to the singer and the unique appeal of this unusual venue – a striking contrast to the sold out arena concert at the Staples Center on the previous night. Tickets to the concert in the 1,800-seater school auditorium had sold out in 12 seconds and this now legendary concert became Morrissey’s penultimate performance on the US Tour.

 

Bonus features on 25 Live include four exclusive tracks recorded in a studio session: “The Kid’s A Looker;” “Scandinavia;” “Action Is My Middle Name” and “People Are The Same Everywhere”.  There’s also a mini feature shot “Behind The Scenes At Hollywood High” plus also a segment entitled “Grissle Bandage Present Lord Mudslide” which features Russell Brand’s introduction to the Hollywood High School show.

 

Featuring many classic tracks from the artist’s prolific repertoire, in a setting that most fans could only dream of, Morrissey 25 Live is a fantastic career-spanning event, one that cannot be missed by fans worldwide.

 

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

 

 

Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv

 

TRACK LISTING

1) Alma Matters  

2) Ouija Board, Ouija Board  

3) Irish Blood, English Heart  

4) You Have Killed Me  

5) November Spawned A Monster  

6) Maladjusted 

7) You’re The One For Me Fatty  

8) Still Ill  

9) People Are The Same Everywhere  

10) Speedway  

11) That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore  

12) To Give Is The Reason I Live  

13) Meat Is Murder  

14) Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want  

15) Action Is My Middle Name  

16) Everyday Is Like Sunday  

17) I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris 

18) Let Me Kiss You  

19) The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

 

 

 

JONNY LANG SET TO RELEASE

FIRST STUDIO ALBUM IN 7 YEARS

FIGHT FOR MY SOUL OUT NEXT WEEK

SEPTEMBER 17^TH, 2013 VIA CONCORD RECORDS

 

Famed GRAMMY-Winning Guitarist, Vocalist & Songwriter To Support New Album With 2013 U.S./European Tour

 

The Wall Street Journal Is Streaming The Full Album In Advance Now:

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/09/12/jonny-lang-listen-to-the-premiere-of-his-new-album-fight-for-my-soul/

 

September 11, 2013 - It’s been seven years since Jonny Lang released a new studio album but the wait is almost finally over.  Next Tuesday, September 17^th,  Lang will release Fight For My Soul via Concord Records – the follow up to his 2006 GRAMMY Award-winning album Turn Around.  

 

Fans can preview the entire album beginning today via The Wall Street Journal: 

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/09/12/jonny-lang-listen-to-the-premiere-of-his-new-album-fight-for-my-soul/

 

“This particular record has taken quite a long time to finish for a lot of different reasons,” Lang remarked.  "Most of all, I started a family a few years back. Between family time and being out on the road, I really had to pick my spots to fit in recording.”

 

Over a period of three years, Lang collaborated with producer/songwriter Tommy Sims (who co-wrote Eric Clapton’s GRAMMY-winning “Change the World”) crafting the album’s elegant rock ‘n’ soul tracks from the ground up.

 

Textured arrangements, gorgeous vocal melodies, and expressive guitar playing are all found in generous abundance on Fight For My Soul, however, the album defies categorization by a single genre.

 

“This album is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” offers Lang. “Some of these songs may surprise people, but that’s what it's all about.  It keeps it fresh, and it keeps me growing.  Creatively, I think there is a lot more going on inside of me than I’ve been sharing on record so far.  Much of what I've experienced through music and life in general is in these songs.”

 

Since the release of his 1997 major label debut “Lie To Me”, the then 16 year-old Lang has built a reputation as one of the best live performers and guitarists of his generation. Jonny Lang will be on the road leading up to and beyond the release date of Fight For My Soul.  In addition to a full North American tour schedule, in October Lang will embark on his first extended European tour in over a decade.

 

FIGHT FOR MY SOUL TRACKLISTING:

Blew Up (The House)

Breakin’ In

We Are The Same

What You’re Looking For

Not Right

The Truth

River

Fight For My Soul

All Of A Sudden

Seasons

I’ll Always Be

 

JONNY LANG TOUR DATES

Sep-14             Durant, Oklahoma                               Choctaw Casino

Sep-15             Lincoln, NE                                         Bourbon Theatre

Sep-17             Fargo, North Dakota                            Fargo Theatre

Sep-18             Minneapolis, Minnesota                       State Theatre

Sep-20             Rockford, Illinois                                 Coronado PAC

Sep-21             Madison, Wisconsin                             Overture Center for the Arts

Sep-22            St. Louis, MO                                      The Pageant

Sep-24             Cleveland, Ohio                                   House Of Blues

Sep-26             Boston, Massachusetts                         Wilbur Theatre

Sep-27             Glenside, Pennsylvania                        Keswick Theatre

Sep-28             New York, New York                           Irving Plaza    

Oct-01             Paris, FRANCE                                    New Morning

Oct-03             London, England                                  The Borderline

Oct-05             Avignon, France                                  Avignon Blues Festival

Oct-06             Zurich, Switzerland                               X-tra

Oct-08             Hamburg, Germany                              Fabrik

Oct-09             Bochum, Germany                               Zeche Bochum

Oct-10             Munich, Germany                                Muffathalle

Oct-12             Nancy, France                                      Nancy Jazz Pulsations

Oct-14             Amsterdam, Netherlands                      Melkweg

Oct-15             Brussels, Belgium                                 Ancienne Belgique

Oct-18             Houston, Texas                                     House Of Blues

Oct-19             New Orleans, Louisiana                       Crescent City Blues Fest

Oct-20             Dallas, Texas                                       House Of Blues

Oct-22             Denver, Colorado                                 Ogden Theatre

Oct-23             Durango, CO                                        Fort Lewis College

Oct-25             Scottsdale, AZ                                      Talking Stick

Oct-26             Beverly Hills, California                       Canyon Theater

Nov-05            Milwaukee, WI                                     Potawatomi Casino

Nov-06            Milwaukee, WI                                     Potawatomi Casino

Nov-08            Chicago, Illinois                                   House Of Blues

Nov-09            Kalamazoo, MI                                     State Theatre

Nov-10            Carmel, Indiana                                    The Palladium

Nov-12            Greensburg, PA                                    Palace Theatre

Nov-14            Westbury, NY                                      Theatre at Westbury

Nov-15            Cranston, RI                                        Park Theatre

Nov-16            Port Chester, New York                      Capitol Theatre          

Nov-19            Clearwater, FL                                     Ruth Eckerd Hall

Nov-20            West Palm Beach, FL                          Raymond F. Kravis PAC

Nov-21            Miami, FL                                            Knight Concert Hall

Nov-23            Lake Buena Vista, FL                           House Of Blues

Nov-24            Atlanta, GA                                         Center Stage

 

 

 

WEBSITE - www.jonnylang.com

FACEBOOK - www.facebook.com/JonnyLang

TWITTER - https://twitter.com/JONNYLANGBAND 

LEGACY RECORDINGS SET TO REISSUE ROY ORBISON'S IN DREAMS - THE GREATEST HITS

 CLASSIC ORBISON COLLECTION FROM 1987 BACK IN PRINT AFTER NEARLY TWO DECADES

* * * * *

On September 17 Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will issue, for the first time on the label, Roy Orbison In Dreams - The Greatest Hits on CD. Originally released in 1987 as a double-album set, now finally available after nearly two decades, the 19 selections on In Dreams - The Greatest Hits were the means by which Roy Orbison revisited much of his classic repertoire utilizing contemporary recording technology.

By the late 1980s, with the song "In Dreams" playing an important role in director David Lynch's groundbreaking film Blue Velvet and the singer finding a new groove with the Traveling Wilburys, Roy Orbison was enjoying a major career renaissance. The In Dreams - The Greatest Hits title track--produced by Orbison, T Bone Burnett and Lynch in April 1987--was joined by a raft of signature Orbison standard bearers including "Crying," "Dream Baby," "Only The Lonely" and "Oh, Pretty Woman."

Many committed fans as well as critics have contended that the versions of Orbison classics heard on In Dreams - The Greatest Hits surpass the earlier recordings of those titles in terms of both performance and audio quality. The album's artistic merit was borne out by its success in the marketplace when it stormed onto the Billboard album charts upon release and went on to achieve Gold certification from the RIAA in the US and went to #2 on the UK album charts. 

Also, launching this Friday, September 13, through RoyOrbison.com, is a seamless custom-built 'CompareOtronic13' application which will allow for comparison of five songs from the album -- "Oh, Pretty Woman," "Crying," "In Dreams," "Running  Scared" and "Only The Lonely" -- side by side with the versions recorded in the 1960's.  The user is able to toggle from one version to the other to experience the sonic differences. The user is guided by the professional analysis of highly regarded audio engineer Matt Andrews  -- chief engineer at Nashville's Sound Emporium Studios and for the hit ABC-TV series Nashville -- through the process.  Through an interactive voting features, listeners are able to cast their own ballot regarding which version is superior  and users enter comment in a shared blog. 

 

Roy Orbison

In Dreams - The Greatest Hits

1. Only The Lonely

2. Leah

3. In Dreams

4. Uptown

5. It's Over

6. Crying

7. Dream Baby

8. Blue Angel

9. Working For The Man

10. Candy Man

11. Running Scared

12. Falling

13. I'm Hurtin'

14. Claudette

15. Oh, Pretty Woman

16. Mean Woman Blues

17. Ooby Dooby

18. Lana

19. Blue Bayou

EXCITING RELEASE WEEK PERFORMANCES SCHEDULED;

PERFORMING "WHAT IF" ON THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO, TODAY SHOW, HUCKABEE AND RACHAEL RAY IN SUPPORT OF

BOOKMARKS OUT SEPTEMBER 17

 

NEW YORK, NY (September 12, 2013) – Singer/songwriter John Ondrasik, also known as Five for Fighting, the band name under which he records and performs, will release his sixth studio album Bookmarkson September 17, 2013.  Multiple TV performances have been confirmed for the release including The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on September 17, Today Show on September 19, Huckabee on September 21 and Rachael Ray on September 30.

 

Bookmarks, produced by Gregg Wattenberg (Phillip Phillips, Train) & Derek Fuhrmann (Phillip Phillips, O.A.R), carries on with the musical tradition Ondrasik has created over the past decade writing deeply personal songs that invoke the human spirit, including the classic "100 Years" and "Superman" (It's Not Easy).  "What If" furthers that tradition as Ondrasik poses the question, "What if we could truly understand each other's experience? What if you were me?  What if I were you?"  Radio stations across the country have embraced the song and are blasting its inspirational message.  Fans can get an exclusive stream of the album Bookmarks today on Amazon.com here, you can also pre-order the CD.

 

Five for Fighting will play some select live shows in the coming months including performing two special shows on November 2 and 3 in Napa Valley at Live In The Vineyard, a festival that marries peoples' access to recording artists, top tier wine makers, and world- renowned chefs during an "once-in-a-lifetime" three-day event.  Tour dates will be announced soon.

 

Five for Fighting has sold millions of albums and singles over its storied career.  The critically acclaimed debut album, Message for Albert, was released in 1997. Five for Fighting's breakthrough came in 2001 with the Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling song "Superman" from the platinum certified America Town.  "Superman"(It's Not Easy) was a chart-topping hit at both Top 40 radio and at Hot AC. Already climbing the charts prior to 9/11, "Superman" (It's Not Easy) went on to have a life of its own, becoming a song of healing for the nation. In 2004, Five for Fighting recorded the platinum-certified album, The Battle For Everything, which yielded the retrospective double-platinum hit, "100 Years," a song that has become a part of the classic American songbook and spent 12 weeks at #1 at Hot AC. With the 2006 release of Two Lights, featuring "World," the hit song "The Riddle," and "Freedom Never Cries," Five for Fighting continued to craft songs with material drawn from personal experience in regards to love, war, culture, family, humanity and mortality.  2009's Slice yielded the certified gold hit "Chances" which was featured in Oscar winning film The Blind Side. In all, Ondrasik has placed Five for Fighting songs in over 350 films, TV shows and advertisements, from HBO and the History Channel to ESPN.

 

In addition to his musical accomplishments Ondrasik has a made a personal commitment towards causes that are important to him. In February of 2007, Ondrasik launched a unique charity-driven web sitewhatkindofworlddoyouwant.com inspired by his song "World" for which fans could submit videos depicting their own visions of a better world. The initiative raised more than $300,000 for five designated charities – Augie's Quest, Autism Speaks, Fisher House Foundation, Save The Children and Operation Homefront. Ondrasik has also been a dedicated supporter of US troops and has performed at Guantanamo Bay, Hawaii, Guam and Japan for service members. He conceived and produced "For the Troops," CD compilation series, five volumes in all, of superstar recording artists given for free to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.  Over 1 million CDs have been given away to date. Ondrasik has also carved out a niche for Five for Fighting in the orchestral world, performing his songs with symphonies around the country.  As an avid sports fan, Ondrasik has appeared and performed on a multitude of sports shows and events, and also writes for Sports Illustrated online.  Last year he did a Ted Talk on Where Songs Come From.

                                                                                   

Five for Fighting Website

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