Monday, December 31, 2012
Rolling Stone's Readers Poll: Best Albums of 2012
Please follow the link to see what albums topped the list of most Rolling Stone readers in 2012.
I must say that I agree with several of the choices here, including this year's winner for album of the year.
-Will Fisher, The Showbiz Kids
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Ronnie Wood Gets Married (Rolling Stone)
Please follow the link to read more about The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood tying the knot with Sally Humphries..
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Phish "Carini" (Relix)
In anticipation of Phish’s New Year’s Eve run, Relix looks back to December 30, 1997 at Madison Square Garden...
Friday, December 28, 2012
Heart’s Wilson Sisters Cover Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ at Kennedy Center Honors
Please follow the link to read more about Heart's moving rendition of 'Stairway to Heaven' at the Kennedy Center Honors...
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
On the turntable this Sunday...Christmas Portrait
Christmas Portrait is the first Christmas album recorded by The Carpenters (and the only one issued during Karen Carpenter's lifetime), originally released on October 13, 1978 (A&M 4726).
The album sold one million copies and included a revised version of the group's signature Christmas song, "Merry Christmas Darling". It also includes one of two versions of "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town". (A slower version, recorded in 1974, as well as other unused songs recorded during this album's sessions, were issued on the Carpenters' later Christmas album, An Old-Fashioned Christmas.)
The CD version of Christmas Portrait, issued in 1984, is a compendium of selected tracks from the Carpenters' two Christmas albums into one 74-minute program, with tracks from each interspersed in the running order; "Ave Maria" was remixed at this time in order to include a choral track that went missing in 1978 and was later found.. (A CD of the original LP content was briefly issued exclusively in West Germany around the same time.) In 1996 (1998 in the US), a two-CD set titled Christmas Collection was issued internationally, containing Christmas Portrait and An Old-Fashioned Christmas together in their original respective tracklists. Richard Carpenter remixed most of the album tracks for Christmas Portrait due to deteriorated masters.
In December 2011, the album re-entered the Billboard 200 album sales chart at No. 150 and eventually achieved a new chart peak position of No. 126.
In December 2012, the album again re-entered the Billboard 200 album sales chart and attained a new chart peak position of No. 117.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Warren Haynes, The String Cheese Incident, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow and More Celebrate Christmas Jam (Jambands.com)
Follow the link to read the full review of Warren Hayne's 24th Annual Christmas Jam from jambands.com.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Rolling Stones Joined by Bruce Springsteen, Mick Taylor and Many More for Final 2012 Concert (Ultimate Classic Rock)
The Rolling Stones were not 'waiting on a friend' to show up over the weekend during their final concert of 2012. Read more here to see who joined them onstage in NJ!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
On the turntable this Sunday...Document
Document is the fifth studio album by the American alternative
rock band R.E.M. It was released in 1987 a few months after their rarities
collection Dead Letter Office appeared and is the last album of new
material by the band released on the I.R.S. Records label. It is the first
album on which the band worked with producer Scott Litt.
Document was R.E.M.'s first album co-produced by Scott Litt and
the band, a collaboration that continued through Green, Out of Time, Automatic for
the People, Monster, and New Adventures in Hi-Fi. The album's
clear production and muscular rock riffs helped to move the band towards
mainstream success and built on the work done by Don Gehman, who had produced
their previous album Life’s Rich Pageant. This release
not only launched "The One I Love," R.E.M.'s first Top 10 hit on the
Billboard Hot 100 (it reached number nine), but also gave them their first
platinum album.
"Exhuming McCarthy" makes an explicit parallel
between the red-baiting of Joe McCarthy's time and the strengthening of the
sense of American exceptionalism during the Reagan era, especially the
Iran-Contra affair. Starting with the click-clack of a typewriter, it also
includes a sound clip of Joseph Welch's rebuke of McCarthy from the
Army-McCarthy Hearings: "Let us not assassinate this lad further,
Senator.... You've done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long
last? Have you left no sense of decency?"
The song "Strange" was originally recorded by the
post-punk band Wire on their debut album Pink Flag. This version has slightly
altered lyrics, changing "Joey's nervous" to "Michael's
nervous" in the first verse, and has a considerably faster tempo.
R.E.M. expanded their instrumentation somewhat on the album,
adding dulcimer to "King of Birds" and saxophone to
"Fireplace".[1] This experimentation would lead to their adoption of
the mandolin, which featured prominently on their subsequent albums Green and
Out of Time. Furthermore, the band's musicians began swapping instruments both
in concert and in the studio in an effort to create new sounds and avoid
stagnation.[citation needed]
The original sleeve for the album featured the message
"File under Fire", a reference to what Michael Stipe considered to be
the central lyrical theme of the album, and also references the chorus to
"The One I Love". A similar
message ("File under water") could be found on the cover of the
band's second album, Reckoning, as well as on the
compilation album Eponymous ("File under grain") referring to the idea
behind "Talk About the Passion", which was about hunger. Two rejected
suggestions for the title of the album—R.E.M. No. 5 and Table of Content—also
appear on the sleeve artwork. Other possible album titles included Mr. Evil
Breakfast, Skin Up with R.E.M., and Last Train to Disneyland (the last one
having been suggested by Peter Buck, who felt that America under the presidency
of former actor Ronald Reagan was beginning to feel a lot like the famed
amusement park).
Robert Christgau praised the album, and called "It's
the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" an
"inspirational title." Stephan Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic said that
"Where Life’s Rich Pageant sounded a bit like a party record, Document
is a fiery statement, and its memorable melodies and riffs are made all the
more indelible by its righteous anger."
Rolling Stone reviewer David Fricke felt that the album was
R.E.M.'s "finest to date", and said that "Document is the sound of
R.E.M. on the move". Rolling Stone went on to include the album in their
list of the 100 greatest albums of the 1980s (in 41st place), and then ranked
it number 470 on 2003 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. In 2012,
Slant Magazine listed the album at number 17 on its list of "Best Albums
of the 1980s".
Track listing:
All songs were written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills
and Michael Stipe, except as indicated.
Side one – "Page side"
1."Finest Worksong" – 3:48
2."Welcome to the Occupation" – 2:46
3."Exhuming McCarthy" – 3:19
4."Disturbance at the Heron House" – 3:32
5."Strange" (Bruce Gilbert, Graham Lewis, Colin
Newman, Robert Gotobed) – 2:31
6."It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel
Fine)" – 4:05
Side two – "Leaf side"
7."The One I Love" – 3:17
8."Fireplace" – 3:22
9."Lightnin' Hopkins" – 3:20
10."King of Birds" – 4:09
11."Oddfellows Local 151" – 5:21
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Rolling Stones to Host Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga and the Black Keys
Guests will join rockers for pay-per-view special December 15th
Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/rolling-stones-to-host-bruce-springsteen-lady-gaga-and-the-black-keys-20121210#ixzz2EgqcEvDL
Friday, December 14, 2012
Jimmy Page Announces Plans for 2013 Solo Tour
Despite the ongoing Led Zeppelin reunion rumors, Jimmy Page recently announced his plans to tour in the upcoming year. Read more here.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Divine Fits
Back in high school I used to tape The David Letterman show on our VCR and just watch him when I got home...finally I just said screw it and started staying up late to watch it. Anyway these days I don't stay up late but when I do it counts. Like on Letterman this band called Divine Fits was on November 16th for their TV debut and Letterman loved them. Glad I stayed up late.
Before I go on Divine Fits is made up of folks from great current bands Spoon ,Wolf Parade, and New Bomb Turks. They are Britt Daniel, Dan Boeckner, Sam Brown and Alex Fischel.
If you're stuck listening to the same old music take a second and branch out with Divine Fits.
Michael Smith-The Showbiz Kids
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Paul Stanley Finally Boards Kiss Autobiography Train (Ultimate Classic Rock)
KISS frontman Paul Stanley is working on his autobiography as recently confirmed on Nikki Sixx's radio show.
Read more here.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
On the turntable this Sunday...A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas is an album by the Vince Guaraldi
Trio, released in 1965 as the soundtrack to the CBS Christmas television
special of the same name. It is among the most popular Christmas music albums
of all time. There was also a book-and-record set featuring music, dialogue and
stills from the Christmas special released in 1977 on a 33 RPM vinyl record by
CBS Records.
Fantasy Records first reissued the album on CD in 1986, with
a track listing and cover art identical to the original 1965 LP release. In
1988, a new CD version was issued, with updated cover art and "Greensleeves"
added as a bonus track. This track features Guaraldi performing as part of a
different trio than the one heard on the original eleven songs. This CD version
can still be purchased in stores and online with the cover art shown on the
right and to the bottom.
In 1997 Fantasy issued a Starbucks Exclusive edition of the
album, sold only through Starbucks retail. This version omitted
"Greensleeves" and had very different cover art and new liner notes.
A somewhat controversial remastered version (see below) of the original album
was released by Concord Records in conjunction with Fantasy on October 10,
2006. The 2006 edition includes four previously unreleased bonus tracks—all are
alternate versions of songs in the original track listing—and features Digipak
packaging, new liner notes by music critic and historian Joel Selvin, and the
original cover art.
In 2012, Fantasy again reissued the album; this time
entitled, "A Charlie Brown Christmas [2012 Remastered & Expanded
Edition]", with 14 tracks, including two songs from A Charlie Brown
Thanksgiving. This reissue features the original 1965 recording newly
remastered with 24-bit technology from the original analog stereo master tapes
and a booklet containing images from the show and new liner notes by Derrick
Bang. Concurrent with the digital release, Fantasy will issue a 2012 LP
pressing (on green vinyl) of the album.
A Charlie Brown Christmas was voted into the Grammy Hall of
Fame in 2007.
In 2012 the album was added to the Library of Congress's
National Recording Registry list of "culturally, historically, or
aesthetically important" American sound recordings.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Dave Brubeck
I was at Disc Exchange a few years ago in the jazz section and someone asked me what CD would be good for someone wanting to get into jazz. I immediately without even thinking twice handed them Dave Brubeck's Take Five. I said this is the one he needs to hear first.
RIP Dave Brubeck
Please take some time and read about this treasure to our musical and American culture.
NPR Blog written by PATRICK JARENWATTANANON
Ansel Adams: America is a symphonic tribute saluting one of America's most cherished artists, composed by Chris and Dave Brubeck.
Mike Smith- The Showbiz Kids
RIP Dave Brubeck
2009 Kennedy Center Honors |
Please take some time and read about this treasure to our musical and American culture.
NPR Blog written by PATRICK JARENWATTANANON
Ansel Adams: America is a symphonic tribute saluting one of America's most cherished artists, composed by Chris and Dave Brubeck.
Mike Smith- The Showbiz Kids
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Tom Petty, ZZ Top Reportedly to Headline Bonnaroo 2013 (Ultimate Classic Rock)
It's not until next summer, but the rumors have already begun as to who the headliners of Bonnaroo 2013 will be...read more here.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Steve Winwood to tour with Rod Stewart
Please follow the link to read more about Steve Winwood and Rod Stewart's plans to tour together in the spring.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
On the turntable this Sunday...The Joshua Tree
The Joshua Tree is the fifth studio album by rock band U2.
It was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, and was released on 9 March
1987 by Island Records. In contrast to the ambient experimentation of their
1984 release The Unforgettable Fire, on The Joshua Tree U2 aimed for a
harder-hitting sound within the limitation of conventional song structures. The
album is influenced by American and Irish roots music, and depicts the band's
love-hate relationship with the United States, with socially and politically
conscious lyrics embellished with spiritual imagery.
Inspired by American tour experiences, literature, and
politics, U2 chose America as a theme for the record. Recording began in
January 1986 in Ireland, and to foster a relaxed, creative atmosphere, the
group recorded in two houses, in addition to two professional studios. Several
events during the sessions helped shape the conscious tone of the album,
including the band's participation in A Conspiracy of Hope tour, the death of
roadie Greg Carroll, and lead vocalist Bono's travels to Central America.
Recording was completed in November 1986; additional production continued into
January 1987. Throughout the sessions, U2 sought a "cinematic"
quality for the record, one that would evoke a sense of location, in
particular, the open spaces of America. They represented this in the sleeve
photography depicting them in American desert landscapes.
The Joshua Tree received critical acclaim, topped the charts
in over 20 countries, and sold in record-breaking numbers. According to Rolling
Stone, the album increased the band's stature "from heroes to
superstars". It produced the hit singles "With or Without You",
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", and "Where the
Streets Have No Name". The album won Grammy Awards for Album of the Year
and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1988. The group
supported the record with the Joshua Tree Tour throughout 1987. Frequently
featured on critics' lists of rock's greatest records, The Joshua Tree is one
of the world's best-selling albums, with over 25 million copies sold. In 2007,
U2 released a remastered edition of the record to commemorate its 20th
anniversary.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
"Unexplainable" Photo Snapped at Jim Morrison's Grave (Rolling Stone)
Check out this photo of rock historian Brett Meisner taken next to Morrison's grave at the Pere Lachaise cemetery.
Friday, November 30, 2012
The 10 Wildest Led Zeppelin Legends, Fact-Checked (Rolling Stone)
Please follow the link to read Rolling Stone's 10 Wildest Led Zeppelin Legends, Fact-Checked. Good stuff!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The Dirty Guv’nahs: Somewhere Beneath These Southern Skies (Relix)
Please follow the link to read Relix Magazines' review of Knoxville's own The Dirty Guv'nahs' Somewhere Beneath These Southern Skies.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
30th Anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s ‘Texas Flood’ to Be Released
Please follow the link to read more about the 30th anniversary edition of Stevie Ray Vaughan's Texas Flood.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Rolling Stones Kick Off 50th Anniversary Concerts with Star-Studded London Show
Please follow the link to read Jeff Giles' review of the Stones' first 50th anniversary show from Sunday night.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
On the turntable this Sunday...The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is a double concept album recorded and released in 1974 by the British rock band Genesis. It was their sixth studio album and the last album by the group to feature the involvement of lead singer Peter Gabriel.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
AC/DC’s Complete Catalog Now Available on iTunes
Please follow the link to read Jeff Giles' article on AC/DC's catalog now being available on iTunes!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Warren Haynes and Grace Potter For "Gimme Shelter"
Warren Haynes joined Grace Potter & the Nocturnals for a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” over the weekend at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
30 Years Ago: Led Zeppelin’s ‘Coda’ Album Released
Please follow the link to read more about the 30th anniversary of Led Zeppelin's B-side compilation, Coda.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Led Zeppelin-Black Dog
Led Zeppelin's Celebration Day is finally here. Just in case you were on the fence about purchasing a copy, follow the link to see their performance of Black Dog...
Sunday, November 18, 2012
On the turntable this Sunday...One of These Nights
One of These Nights is the fourth studio album by the Eagles,
released in 1975. The record's title song became the group's second #1 single
on the Billboard Hot 100, in July of that year.
The album contained three Top 10 singles, "One of These
Nights", "Lyin' Eyes", and "Take It To The Limit".
Those singles reached #1, #2, and #4 respectively. The album became the band's
first album to top the charts.
The album also sold 4 million copies and won the band its
first Grammy for "Lyin' Eyes". "Take It To The Limit"
became the band's first gold single and the album was nominated for album of
the year. The album also features the live concert staple and ballad
"After The Thrill Is Gone". One of These Nights is the last Eagles
album to feature Bernie Leadon. Leadon would leave the band after the One Of
These Nights Tour. The seventh track, "Visions", is the only Eagles
song on which Don Felder sang lead vocals. The album would become the band's
breakthrough album, transforming them to international superstars and
establishing them as America's number one band. The band would go on a
worldwide tour to promote the album; Fleetwood Mac opened for the band during
the tour.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Jim James Shares Song from Forthcoming Solo Album (Relix)
Please follow the link to listen to a track from Jim James' first solo album, Regions of Light and Sound of God.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
The Rolling Stones-Crossfire Hurricane
I'm really looking forward to this documentary by Brett Morgen on The Rolling Stones that will air for us "Yanks" on HBO Thursday November 15 @ 9pm.
Bring on the swagger!
http://www.rollingstones.com/crossfire-hurricane/
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Rolling Stones Mobile Studio
Picture an ugly truck maybe still painted camouflage to be concealed during a Frank Zappa film or maybe catching on fire and becoming a lyric in Deep Purple's Smoke On The Water and you would have
The Rolling Stones Mobile Studio conceived back in 1968.
Basically the band was tired of being constrained to recording in a studio under ordinary working day schedules. So they wanted to be able to record on location...thus they needed a mobile studio they could roll right up anywhere. It just so happened that Mick Jagger bought his country home, Stargroves, and now with the mobile unit right outside his home they could play inside. Who wants all that equipment cluttering up the inside of a 16th century country home?!
In fact the studio became so popular the Stone's rented it out to bands like The Who,Led Zeppelin,Deep Purple and many more.
Here's some more background at a great blog resource for Classic UK Recording Studios by Phil Burn's and here's the The Rolling Stones Mobile article.
Mike Smith-The Showbiz Kids
The Rolling Stones Mobile Studio conceived back in 1968.
Basically the band was tired of being constrained to recording in a studio under ordinary working day schedules. So they wanted to be able to record on location...thus they needed a mobile studio they could roll right up anywhere. It just so happened that Mick Jagger bought his country home, Stargroves, and now with the mobile unit right outside his home they could play inside. Who wants all that equipment cluttering up the inside of a 16th century country home?!
In fact the studio became so popular the Stone's rented it out to bands like The Who,Led Zeppelin,Deep Purple and many more.
Here's some more background at a great blog resource for Classic UK Recording Studios by Phil Burn's and here's the The Rolling Stones Mobile article.
Mike Smith-The Showbiz Kids
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