Sights and sounds: AC/DC, The Who, John Mellencamp, Nickelback

There is plenty of news as it relates to high-profile new and forthcoming releases, so let's get started…

AC/DC 'Rock or Bust' Available December 2, 2014

TURNER SPORTS TO PREMIERE NEW TRACK 'PLAY BALL' AS PART OF 2014 MLB ON TBS POSTSEASON CAMPAIGN

Columbia Records proudly announces the release of Rock or Bust, the highly anticipated new studio album from AC/DC, available December 2, 2014. Rock or Bust is the band's first studio album in six years and features 11 new tracks.  Rock or Bust follows the immensely successful 'Black Ice' album, which debuted at #1 in 31 countries upon its release in 2008 and has gone on to sell nearly 8 million copies worldwide.  'Rock or Bust' was recorded in Spring 2014 at Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, BC and finds AC/DC once again working with producer Brendan O'Brien and mixer Mike Fraser.  

Starting September 27, Turner Sports will provide fans a sneak peek of the new track 'Play Ball' as part of the 2014 Major League Baseball Postseason campaign.  The content will run for several weeks across TBS, the exclusive home to this year's American League Postseason coverage, as well as leading media brands within the Turner portfolio.

'Rock or Bust' is the first AC/DC album in the band's 41 year history without founding member Malcolm Young on the recordings.  Earlier this year AC/DC released a statement explaining that due to illness, Malcolm would be taking a break from the band.  Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm's condition, he will not be returning to the band.  AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of 'Rock or Bust' in 2015.  Stevie Young, nephew of founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, plays rhythm guitar on 'Rock or Bust' and will accompany the band on tour. 

THE WHO WHO HITS 50!

The Definitive Hits Collection Featuring the Brand New Track “Be Lucky”

2CD Compilation Released October 27

There is no more significant a milestone in Rock Music than the 50th Anniversary. Alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, THE WHO complete the holy trinity of British Rock bands that have the honor of celebrating that landmark. Through the decades, THE WHO redefined rock music as we know it and their influence continues in all areas of popular culture to this day.

WHO HITS 50! is the definitive collection of the band’s greatest tracks from their very first recordings as The High Numbers right up to the present day with the brand new track “BE LUCKY.”

A classic Who rocker, “BE LUCKY” is THE WHO’s first new material in eight years. The track was produced by Dave Eringa best known for his work with the Manic Street Preachers and Wilko Johnson + Roger Daltrey.

Recorded at the end of the summer at British Grove and Yellowfish Studios, “BE LUCKY” features long time Who live players Zak Starkey (drums) and Pino Palladino (bass), with the keyboards being provided by ex Style Council and Dexys sideman Mick Talbot. In keeping with their ongoing support for Teenage Cancer charities, the band have donated their royalties from the song to Teen Cancer America, a charity founded in 2011 by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend.

WHO HITS 50! is being released October 27, 2014, on Geffen/Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) to coincide with the band’s 50th anniversary tour of the same name, which starts in Dublin on November 26.

The Who - Who Hits 50!

Disc 1

Zoot Suit – (as The High Numbers)
I Can’t Explain
Anyway Anyhow Anywhere
My Generation
Substitute
The Kids Are Alright
I’m A Boy
Happy Jack
Boris The Spider
Pictures Of Lily
The Last Time
I Can See For Miles
Call Me Lightning
Dogs
Magic Bus
Pinball Wizard
I’m Free
The Seeker
Summertime Blues (live)
See Me, Feel Me
Won’t Get Fooled Again (single edit)
Let’s See Action
Bargain
Behind Blue Eyes

Disc 2

Baba O’ Riley
Join Together
Relay
5:15
Love Reign O’er Me
Postcard
Squeeze Box
Slip Kid
Who Are You
Trick Of The Light
You Better You Bet
Don’t Let The Coat
Athena
Eminence Front
It’s Hard
Real Good Looking Boy
It’s Not Enough
Be Lucky (new song)

AXS TV To Broadcast John Mellencamp Live From His Recording Studio In Bloomington, Indiana

'iHEARTRADIO ICONS LIVE: JOHN MELLENCAMP' AIRS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

AXS TV, cable's premier destination for music entertainment, proudly presents an intimate live performance by John Mellencamp. The Voice of the Heartland will feature a mix of songs from his newly released album, Plain Spoken and classic songs on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The one-hour event titled "iHeartRadio Icons Live: John Mellencamp," will be broadcast live from his recording studio in Bloomington, Indiana.  It also comes on the heels of his performance earlier this month at Farm Aid 2014, another AXS TV broadcast production, where he performed songs from Plain Spoken and several of his classic hits in the much lauded set.

A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Mellencamp has touched the hearts and souls of music listeners and has influenced American Culture with his enduring songs. His 22nd album of original music, Plain Spoken is set to be one of the most distinguished records of Mellencamp's career.

The concert telecast joins AXS TV's eclectic fall concert line-up, which includes two days of live coverage from Zac Brown's Southern Ground Music & Food Festival on October 11 and 12 and the 15-week Tuesday night concert series "The Headliner Club Series Presented by Budweiser" at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

ABOUT AXS TV

Launched in July 2012 by visionary entrepreneur Mark Cuban, AXS TV is dedicated to providing the best in music programming and festivals, comedy performances, current events and mixed martial arts promotions. AXS TV is a partnership between Mark Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CBS. The network is available in the United States via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite and telco providers. The network is also distributed in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. For more information, visit the website, www.axs.tv; go to the Facebook page here and follow the company on Twitter, @axstv; on Instagram;  Tumblr  and YouTube.

AXS TV's companion network, HDNET Movies, is a linear TV channel and VOD service that delivers the ultimate film watching experience -- uncut and uninterrupted -- in high definition. Launched in 2003, HDNET Movies programs a diverse slate of box-office hits spanning the 1950s to 2000s. The network is widely distributed by major cable, telco and satellite TV providers in the U.S. For further information, visit www.hdnetmovies.com. 

NICKELBACK to release 'No Fixed Address' on November 18, 2014

Globally celebrated, multi-platinum rock band NICKELBACK will unleash No Fixed Address, their eagerly awaited eighth full-length album and inaugural release for Republic Records on November 18, 2014.

Produced by NICKELBACK, the album’s stand out lead single “Edge Of A Revolution” is soaring up rock radio charts, becoming one of the band’s fastest rising singles. Fans can already purchase the first two singles “Edge Of A Revolution”and “What Are You Waiting For?”.

Listen to “What Are You Waiting For?” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QQRfXn1W-s

Bolstered by thudding guitars and stadium-filling prowess that have been the hallmark of NICKELBACK’s sound, “Edge Of A Revolution” highlights the band’s songwriting and sonic evolution as it moves front and center on the anthemic track.  A “Top 5 Greatest Gainer” week after week, “Edge Of A Revolution” recently entered the Top 5 at Active Rock and is shaping up to be another rock radio hit. Upon release the song debuted at #1 on iTunes Rock Singles Chart and Top 25 on the iTunes All Genre Singles Chart. It also debuted at #13 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart, while claiming #1 on the Hard Rock Digital Songs chart.

The band’s music video debuted worldwide on Yahoo! Music. Helmed by iconic video director Wayne Isham [Metallica, Michael Jackson], the clip captures the song's lyrical call-to-arms with revolutionary energy. Watch it now!

Meanwhile, the second single from No Fixed Address, "What Are You Waiting For?" exploded at iTunes upon its release, quickly reaching #1 on iTunes Rock Singles Chart. The song is set to impact at Pop and Adult Contemporary Radio shortly. Following a long tradition of massive crossover hits from the band, it delivers an unforgettable hook and sing-a-long choruses seemingly built for arenas.

NICKELBACK take listeners to No Fixed Address on November 18.

Since first landing on the scene in 1996, NICKELBACK have cemented themselves as one of the most commercially viable and important acts of the past two decades.  The group’s worldwide sales exceed 50 million units, solidifying their status as the “eleventh best-selling music act” and second best-selling foreign act in the U.S. of the 21^st century—behind only The Beatles. Their inescapable and irresistible smash “How You Remind Me” remains Billboard’s “Top Rock Song of the Decade” and “Fourth Song of the Decade”. Amongst all of these accolades, they’ve been crowned Billboard’s “Top Rock Group of the Decade” as well. Along the way, they’ve received a staggering nine Grammy Award nominations, three American Music Awards, a World Music Award, a People’s Choice Award, 12 JUNO Awards and have been inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame.

BUY LINK:

“What Are You Waiting For?” http://smarturl.it/NickelbackWaitngDA

“Edge Of A Revolution” http://smarturl.it/NickelbackEdgeReviT

TRACK LISTING FOR NO FIXED ADDRESS:

1. Million Miles An Hour  

2. Revolution

3. What Are You Waiting For?

4. She Keeps Me Up

5. Make Me Believe Again 

6. Miss You

7. Get ‘Em Up

8. The Hammer’s Comin' Down 

9. Satellite

10. Sister Sin

11. She’s Got Me Runnin’ Round 

For all things NICKELBACK:

www.nickelback.com

http://www.facebook.com/Nickelback

http://twitter.com/nickelback

Instagram.com/nickelback

http://www.youtube.com/nickelbacktv

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: Ace Frehley, Eric Clapton & Friends

Watch the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING where we access Ace Frehley’s Space Invader, and The Breeze: An appreciation of JJ Cale courtesy of Eric Clapton & Friends

Status Quo To Release "Aquostic" Album On November 11, 2014

Big news for fans of classic rock outfit Status Quo...

'Aquostic (Stripped Bare)' is set for release on November 11, 2014.

Status Quo will release the game-changing Aquostic (Stripped Bare) on November 11, 2014 via earMusic / Eagle Rock Entertainment in North America. 

After 50 years at the top of their game as one of the world’s premiere hard rock acts, Quo have leapt out of their comfort zone and now give the songs the chance to shine in a stripped down format; the amps are turned off, this album is fully acoustic and boasts 22 completely reworked Quo hits and fan favorites.

Stripped of the sheer power of the famed twin-Tele assault, it’s time for the melodies and the band’s innate musicianship to shine through. The band is helped out along the way by female backing vocalists, additional musicians on some tracks and even a string section. The arresting cover image was shot by none other than the superstar Bryan Adams.

And shine they do.  Rendered here in a simpler, sharper focus, it’s the tunes and the progressions that are the stars.  The lyrics seem to benefit from the extra space and these stone cold rock classics are given a fresh personality and potency.  Tracks are taken from across the band’s incredible output throughout the decades; some permanent features of the electric set list, others being issued into the limelight for the first time – having been scrubbed and polished and reappraised through the prism of a new approach. 

Tracks recorded include the hits “Rockin' All Over The World,” “Down Down,” “Paper Plane,” “Down The Dustpipe” and of course “Pictures of Matchstick Men”; plus album classics such as “And It's Better Now,” “All the Reasons,” “Reason For Living,” and special re-workings of some of their great stage numbers: “Mystery Song,” “Rain,” “Softer Ride” and “Don't Drive My Car.”

There’s a new swing and verve to some of these recordings. Quo are a band that practice their art more than most and it’s the virtuosity that is apparent here.  Aquostic (Stripped Bare) reflects the hours spent backstage or on the bus running through progressions and figures on battered acoustics while the Telecasters await onstage. Three chords? Whatever… Do keep up!

Recorded at Francis Rossi’s studios, Aquostic (Stripped Bare) is the result of a band looking back at where they’ve come from, peeling back the years, and taking a fresh look at what’s been done.  Aquostic (Stripped Bare) is a triumphant collection of some of the defining moments of a truly seminal British rock act. 

A set to change a few peoples’ minds.  A set to raise a few smiles.  A set that didn’t require producer Mike Paxman to keep putting 50p in the meter.  A set to be treasured.

Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews

YouTube:  www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv

Follow earMusic at:

Youtube: www.youtube.com/earmusicofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/earmusicofficial

Website: www.ear-music.net

TRACK LIST:

1. Pictures Of Matchstick Men

2. Down The Dustpipe

3. Na Na Na

4. Paper Plane

5. All The Reasons

6. Reason For Living

7. And It's Better Now

8. Caroline

9. Softer Ride

10. Claudie

11. Break The Rules

12. Down Down

13. Rain

14. Rockin' All Over The World

15. Again and Again

16. Whatever You Want

17. What You're Proposing

18. Rock 'N' Roll

19. Don't Drive My Car

20. Marguerita Time

21. Burning Bridges

22. Rock Till You Drop

Inbox Update: Jeff Healey Band 'Live at the Horseshoe Tavern' coming October 7th

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE

THE JEFF HEALEY BAND

LIVE AT THE HORSESHOE TAVERN 

~NORTH AMERICAN CD, DIGITAL AUDIO RELEASE~

~OCTOBER 7, 2014~

On October 7, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Live At The Horseshoe Tavern from the Jeff Healey Band on CD and Digital Audio [MSRP $13.98]

In December 1993, The Jeff Healey Band was completing their tour in support of the recently released Feel This album, which culminated in several nights at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern, in their hometown of Toronto. Embellished by two backup singers and keyboard player Washington Savage, The Jeff Healey Band delivered a homecoming barnburner, blazing with favorites like “See The Light,” “Roadhouse Blues,” and “Baby’s Lookin’ Hot.” Nestled in-between the high-energy set list was a 3-song acoustic set, including “That’s What They Say,” “You’re Coming Home,” and “Angel Eyes,” as well as stellar set-closing covers of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “The Thrill Is Gone.” It was a well-rounded set, made all the more special by performing in their hometown.

Live At The Horseshoe Tavern is one of several classic Jeff Healey Band concerts that Eagle Rock has unveiled from the vaults, including Live From NYC (2013), Live At Grossman’s (2011), Full Circle – The Live Anthology (2011), and Live At Montreux (2005). The band was helmed by guitarist/vocalist Jeff Healey, who lost his sight at infancy. However, one can say that made his sense of sound that much stronger: a masterful musician with a unique style, he championed the lap pedal-steel style of blues guitar. His soulful vocals, instrumental dexterity, and ability to traverse genre styles won over blues and blues-rock fans the world over, until his untimely passing in 2008.

Live At The Horseshoe Tavern brilliantly captures the power of the Jeff Healey Band live.

Band Line-up:

Jeff Healey – guitars & vocals

Joe Rockman – bass & background vocals

Tom Stephen – drums

Washington Savage - Keyboards

Mischke & Toucu – Backing Vocals

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. Baby’s Lookin’ Hot

2. The House That Love Built

3. Blue Jean Blues

4. Confidence Man *

5. I Think I Love You Too Much

6. Lost In Your Eyes  *

7. Heart Of An Angel

8. That’s What They Say

9. You’re Coming Home

10. Angel Eyes

11. Roadhouse Blues

12. See The Light

13. While My Guitar Gently Weeps

14. The Thrill Is Gone

*digital tracks only

Bob Dylan to be honored as 2015 MusiCares® Person of the Year

This press release just came in this morning...

TEN-TIME GRAMMY^® WINNER BOB DYLAN
TO BE HONORED AS 
2015 MUSICARES^® PERSON OF THE YEAR AT
 25TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE
 
Performers Include Beck; the Black Keys; Crosby, Stills & Nash; John Doe; Norah Jones; 
Tom Jones; Los Lobos; John Mellencamp; Willie Nelson; Bonnie Raitt; Eddie Vedder; 
Jack White; and Neil Young

Annual Gala Benefiting The MusiCares Foundation^® and Its Health and Human Services Programs for Music People Will Be Held During GRAMMY^® Week 
on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2014) — Bob Dylan will be honored as the 2015 MusiCares^® Person of the Year on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, it was announced today by Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the MusiCares Foundation^® and The Recording Academy^®, and Bill Silva, Chair of the MusiCares Foundation Board. Proceeds from the 25th annual benefit gala dinner and concert — to be held in Los Angeles during GRAMMY Week two nights prior to the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® — will provide essential support for MusiCares (www.musicares.org), which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Performers at the tribute concert include GRAMMY winners Beck; the Black Keys;
Crosby, Stills & Nash; Norah Jones; Tom Jones; Los Lobos; John Mellencamp; Willie Nelson; Bonnie Raitt; Eddie Vedder; Jack White; and Neil Young; as well as singer/songwriter John Doe. Three-time GRAMMY-winning producer and recent Emmy^®winner Don Was will be the evening's musical director. Additional performers will be announced shortly.

"In celebrating the 25th anniversary of our MusiCares Person of the Year tribute, it is most fitting that we are honoring Bob Dylan, whose body of creative work has contributed to America's culture, as well as that of the entire world, in genuinely deep and lasting ways," said Portnow.

"Bob Dylan's songwriting ability is unmatched, and it will be an extraordinary evening to hear his work showcased by such a remarkable group of artists," said Silva.

The 2015 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will begin with a reception and silent auction offering an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The reception and silent auction will be followed by a dinner, the award presentation and a tribute concert by renowned musicians. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. The celebration culminates with the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

The MusiCares Foundation^® offers programs and services to members of the music community, including emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities and car payments; medical expenses including doctor, dentist and hospital bills; psychotherapy; and treatment for HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hepatitis C, and other critical illnesses. MusiCares offers nationwide educational workshopscovering a variety of subjects, including financial, legal, medical, and substance abuse issues, and programs in collaboration with health care professionals that provide services such as flu shots, hearing tests, and medical/dental screenings. The MusiCares MAP Fund allows access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community. Staffed by qualified chemical dependency and intervention specialists, MusiCaresSafe Harbor Rooms, supported by the Bohemian Foundation, offer a support network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows and other major music events. MusiCares holds weekly addiction support groups for people to discuss how to best cope with the issues surrounding the recovery process. The MusiCaresSober Touring Network is a database of individuals across the United States who can take music people to recovery support meetings while on the road.

Established more than 20 years ago by The Recording Academy, MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visit www.musicares.org. For breaking news and exclusive content, please like "MusiCares" on Facebook, follow @MusiCares on Twitterand Instagram.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

For information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, please contact Dana Tomarkenat MusiCares, 310.392.3777.

Jack's 9th Show a mixed bag

Violent Femmes perform during Jack's 9th Show in Anaheim on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

A shorter version of review appears in today's print edition of The Orange County Register, and first appeared on ocregister.com on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014. A special "thank you" to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her fantastic photos!

Joan Jett at Jack's 9th Show on
Sept. 20, 2014. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Joan Jett, Collective Soul and Violent Femmes turn in the night’s best sets.

BY ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Published: Sept. 21, 2014 Updated: 4:15 p.m.

Jack's 9th Show, the latest multi-artist bash presented by Southern California's Jack FM radio station, offered up the good and the bad at Honda Center in Anaheim on Saturday night (Sept. 20, 2014).

Having clearly outdistanced every other act on the bill at Jack's Fourth Show back in 2009, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts' triumphant return as headliner in 2014 allowed the seminal rocker to not only play party-minded staples (“Cherry Bomb,” “Bad Reputation,” “I Love Rock 'n' Roll”) but to play a number of songs off her outstanding 2013 album Unvarnished (notably the biting “TMI,” melodic “Any Weather” and confessional “Fragile”).

Ed Roland of Collective Soul.

Another of the event’s strong performances came courtesy of Collective Soul’s outing. Performing a mix of number one hits and new material slated for an upcoming full-length ninth studio album, the Atlanta-based outfit got the crowd on its feet and singing along frequently, thanks to rousing versions of “December,” “The World I Know” and an epic set-ending tear through the group’s first hit “Shine.”

It was unfortunate that so many concertgoers arrived late on Saturday. Violent Femmes’ opening shot, at 7:15 sharp, was arguably the troupe’s most beloved track, “Blister in the Sun.” The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-spawned sonic export used their 40-minute slot to play their eponymous 1983 full-length debut from start to finish, a gift that proved to keep on giving via high-octane takes on “Kiss Off,” “Add It Up” (which in particular showed off the band's ability to blend hyper music-making with nuanced musicianship) and “Gone Daddy Gone.”

Jack's 9th Show’s other three performers simply couldn't measure up to Jett, Collective Soul or Violent Femmes. Opener Naked Eyes had the unfortunate task of playing to a sparse crowd. Singer-guitarist Pete Byrne used a more folk-rock approach with past and current material, including the tender “I Can't Get Over Losing You” (one of the last songs he wrote with Naked Eyes co-member Rob Fisher, who passed away in 1999 from cancer) and set-ending sing-alongs of “Promises, Promises” and “(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me.”

Faring poorly was Bow Wow Wow. The quartet's African rhythms-meets-New Wave attack was simply too busy, and singer Annabella Lwin often hit bad notes. A less-than-impressive "I Want Candy" was reduced to ridiculousness when two young girls came out to throw out candy but kept tossing the sweets to the same small section of seats near center stage.

Billy Squier delivered an ill-fated solo set at
Jack's 9th Show on Saturday night.

Worse still was Billy Squier. The American rocker, now 64, still plays guitar well and has the same distinctive voice behind a slew of hits he scored during the early 1980s. However, his decision to play alone accompanied only by his electric guitar was an odd one. Opening with “Lonely Is the Night,” it was as if everybody was waiting for some invisible curtain to rise and have a backing band join in. It never happened, and songs like “In the Dark,” “Everybody Wants You” and even a bluesy reworked version of Squier's biggest hit “The Stroke” landed with a thud. I couldn't help but wonder how different his set would have sounded if he had brought a talented rhythm section along to bring the songs to life.

Electronica, blues, rock, country celebrated on September releases

By Robert Kinsler

Outstanding albums from synthpop pioneer Erasure, bluesman Joe Bonamassa, country singer Tim McGraw and genre-defying singer-guitarist Gary Clark Jr. are among the wonderful new releases out this month.

Artist: Erasure

Title: The Violet Flame (Mute)

You might like if you enjoy: Depeche Mode, Moby, Arcade Fire

Tell me more: As they prove on their wonderful 16th studio album The Violet Flame, Erasure's singer-songwriter Andy Bell and songwriter-keyboardist Vince Clarke still have plenty of fresh musical ideas and thrilling songs to share. The duo's latest disc is designed to get music lovers out on the dance floor, but works equally well as a sonic companion on a lonely long-distance drive. Highlights abound on The Violet Flame, as evidenced by the joyful "Reason," intoxicating "Dead Of Night" and driving "Promises."  Information: erasureinfo.com.

Purchase 'The Violet Flame' now

Artist: Joe Bonamassa

Title: Different Shades of Blue (J&R Adventures)

You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Gary Moore

Tell me more: Sonic shadows of Led Zeppelin, Bad Company and Gary Moore abound across Joe Bonamassa's aptly-titled Different Shades of Blue. There is little doubt that fans of the talented singer-songwriter-guitarist will love this 11-track collection of hard-hitting blues-anchored rock, soul and funk. The grooving "Love Ain't a Love Song" and "Living on the Moon" take the New York native into R&B territory, while the electric power ballad "Never Give All Your Heart" conjures up vintage Bad Company. The lush title track showcases Bonamassa's power as a lead vocalist even while he simultaneously unleashes dazzling fret work. Information: jbonamassa.com.

Buy 'Different Shades Of Blue' here

Artist: Gary Clark Jr.

Title: Gary Clark Jr. Live (Warner Bros. Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Gary Moore

Tell me more: Since the death of Jimi Hendrix in September 1970, no singer-guitarist has captured the genre-defying approach of the late legend like Austin's Gary Clark Jr. On his first ever live album (Gary Clark Jr. Live), the freewheeling spirit that has helped Clark capture legions of fans is fully on display. Whether exploring traditional blues ("Next Door Neighbor Blues," "Numb"), Chuck Berry-styled rock 'n' roll ("Travis County"), tender soul ("Please Come Home") or guitar-fueled rock ("When My Train Pulls In," "Bright Lights"), Clark's musical personality and songwriting are never less than enthralling. Information: GaryClarkJr.com.

Buy 'Gary Clark Jr. Live (2-LP Set)'

Artist: Tim McGraw

Title: Sundown Heaven Town (Big Machine Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Gary Allan, Zac Brown Band, Faith Hill

Tell me more: Each and every song on Tim McGraw's latest album Sundown Heaven Town is infectious enough to chart on modern country radio. What's more, the songs are delivered with a potency that brings emotional resonance to material that usually lures with sing along-ready choruses and big guitar solos. The beautiful "Diamond Rings and Old Barstools" (a duet with Catherine Dunn) will appeal to lovers of traditional country, while the accessible "City Lights," "Dust" and "Lookin' for That Girl" are among the upbeat tunes that grab at first listen. Information: TimMcGraw.com.

Purchase 'Sundown Heaven Town [Deluxe Edition]' here

Artist: Mark Hummel 

Title: The Hustle Is Really On (Electro-Fi)

You might like if you enjoy: Little Walter, James Cotton, Snooky Pryor

Tell me more: Ace blues harp player Mark Hummel has joined forces with guitar greats Little Charlie Baty, Anson Funderburgh and Kid Andersen on the traditional blues celebration The Hustle Is Really On. The rollicking "Blues Stop Knockin'," slow Chicago blues burner "I'm Gonna Ruin You" and fiery "What Is That She Got" celebrate early genre heroes such as the late Little Walter and Snooky Pryor. Hummel is a terrific harmonica player, bringing virtuoso play and feeling to the proceedings; his approach brings the style alive for modern-day audiences while honoring the blues' rich and enduring legacy.  Hummel has a number of dates in the West this fall, including at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014. Information: MarkHummel.com.

Purchase 'The Hustle Is Really On' today