Here’s A Thought…
The Writers Guild of America has been on strike for almost a month, looking for a percentage of movies and shows via internet, DVD and new technology revenue streams in general. Last night they rejected an offer from Hollywood studios and networks—the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers—which would add 130 million to the 1.3 billion they annually pay writers. In other words, 10% more of what they’re already making. Now, if we understand this correctly, the writers just want their fair share of the new media pie, not an extra 10% flat fee. So this offer smells like an attempt by the studios to buy the writers off before they discover how much money Hollywood is really making off them. After all, these are the same studios that bitterly complained about how much money they had to pony up to A-list movie stars and then did more of the same when the stars made even more loot when they decided to forgo their salaries and take a backend percentage of the profits instead. In other words, they always want to have it both ways. And this particular instance of hemming and hawing smells quite fishy.
Here’s the thing: if you add to new media revenue streams ad integration—blatant advertising of a product or service within the plot of a show—and free content streamed with accompanying high-priced advertising—an everyday thing on network websites—we suspect perhaps the networks don’t want these negotiations to uncover how much they actually charge advertisers and furthermore that they might even be overcharging them for these spots. Could it be?
Hmm…
11/30/2007
Deluxe Edition Thriller in ‘08
Although it was released in late 1982, Epic Records will commemorate the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s landmark album Thriller, with a February 2008 re-release including remixes by Kanye West ("Billie Jean”), will.i.am ("Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", "The Girl Is Mine", "P.Y.T.") and Akon, who will also rework "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" on his own. Among the extras are the unreleased track "For All Time," personally mixed and mastered by Jackson; his original "Billie Jean" demo; and the rarities "Someone in the Dark" and "Carousel." There will also be a bonus DVD with the "Thriller", "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" videos, plus Jackson's performance of the latter from the 1983 NBC special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever where the world first witnessed his famous “moonwalk” dance move.
[Thriller artwork courtesy of allmusic.com]
Jazz For Dummies
Actually, Glorious Noise has a very informative essay and essentials list aimed at rock fans--who many jazz snobs would consider the same thing as dummies. Yes, I'm looking at you Wynton--interested in learning more about the history of what is called America's classical music. (Not so sure the "smooth jazz" sound of Acoustic Alchemy counts, though.) Highly recommended.
11/28/2007
Crazy Idea of the Day
[The Concert for Kampuchea has never been released on CD. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.]
According to Billboard, "As of Oct. 28, vinyl albums have scanned 766,000 units--up 22.4% from the 612,000 units scanned in the corresponding period last year, according to Nielsen SoundScan. What's more, vinyl is outselling the cassette album, which has scanned 247,000 units year to date, by a little more than 3-to-1. But the vinyl album still consists of only 0.02% of total album sales. In contrast, digital sales are now 10.7% of album sales and increasing."
We're glad to see vinyl sales are rising--anything with better fidelity than mp3s is solid in our book--but is this a hipster-fueled trend or an honet-to-goodness alternate take on purchasing and enjoying music? Hopefully the latter.
As for those of you wondering what the above quote is referring to in terms of cassette albums, we'll have you know that for about a year or so before going under, the downtown NYC Tower Records location was doing relatively brisk busines selling pre-recorded cassettes @ 3 for $10. I was told "people going on road trips" were the format's main consumers. (It would seem most of the cars currently on the road are from the '90s and have cassette-based stereos.)
But back to our original premise, the aforementioned crazy idea, here it is:
According to Billboard, "As of Oct. 28, vinyl albums have scanned 766,000 units--up 22.4% from the 612,000 units scanned in the corresponding period last year, according to Nielsen SoundScan. What's more, vinyl is outselling the cassette album, which has scanned 247,000 units year to date, by a little more than 3-to-1. But the vinyl album still consists of only 0.02% of total album sales. In contrast, digital sales are now 10.7% of album sales and increasing."
We're glad to see vinyl sales are rising--anything with better fidelity than mp3s is solid in our book--but is this a hipster-fueled trend or an honet-to-goodness alternate take on purchasing and enjoying music? Hopefully the latter.
As for those of you wondering what the above quote is referring to in terms of cassette albums, we'll have you know that for about a year or so before going under, the downtown NYC Tower Records location was doing relatively brisk busines selling pre-recorded cassettes @ 3 for $10. I was told "people going on road trips" were the format's main consumers. (It would seem most of the cars currently on the road are from the '90s and have cassette-based stereos.)
But back to our original premise, the aforementioned crazy idea, here it is:
What if EVERYONE decided from now on to release their music in vinyl format only? No CDs, no digital downloads. What do you think would happen?
New Black Crowes in '08
Warpaint is the title of the next Black Crowes album, which will be released on March 4th, via the band's Silver Arrow label. The album will mark the debut of new guitarist Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi All Stars and keyboardist Adam MacDougall.
Track listing for Warpaint:
"Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution"
"Walk Believer Walk"
"O, Josephine"
"Evergreen"
"We Who See The Deep"
"Locust Street"
"Movin' on Down the Line"
"Wounded Bird"
"God's Got It"
"There's Gold in Them Hills"
"Whoa Mule"
Warpaint is the title of the next Black Crowes album, which will be released on March 4th, via the band's Silver Arrow label. The album will mark the debut of new guitarist Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi All Stars and keyboardist Adam MacDougall.
Track listing for Warpaint:
"Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution"
"Walk Believer Walk"
"O, Josephine"
"Evergreen"
"We Who See The Deep"
"Locust Street"
"Movin' on Down the Line"
"Wounded Bird"
"God's Got It"
"There's Gold in Them Hills"
"Whoa Mule"
11/27/2007
The Shortest Ten Minutes: "My Favorite Things"
Actually, it’s more like 15 minutes—13:45, to be exact—but John Coltrane’s re-interpretation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “My Favorite Things” is one of our favorite things in the whole wide world. Just thought we’d share that with you…
[My Favorite Things cover courtesy of allmusic.com]
First Ellen, Now Tool, um, Carson
Late night talk show host Carson Daly will join comedienne and fellow talk show host Ellen DeGeneres in crossing the Writers Guild of America picket line as he begins to start taping new episodes of his lame-ass gabfest for the Aberzombie + Bitch crowd this week.
Spokespeople for Carson--a non-member of the WGA, unlike DeGeneres--did not disclose if the new shows will start airing next Monday or Tuesday or who his guests will be. The WGA has yet to comment on the matter.
Late night talk show host Carson Daly will join comedienne and fellow talk show host Ellen DeGeneres in crossing the Writers Guild of America picket line as he begins to start taping new episodes of his lame-ass gabfest for the Aberzombie + Bitch crowd this week.
Spokespeople for Carson--a non-member of the WGA, unlike DeGeneres--did not disclose if the new shows will start airing next Monday or Tuesday or who his guests will be. The WGA has yet to comment on the matter.
New Releases
Among today's newbies and reissues are:
SEBASTIAN BACH Angel Down (Get Off My Bach/MRV/Caroline)
BORIS/MERZBOW Rock Dream (Southern Lord)
LED ZEPPELIN The Song Remains the Same [bonus tracks] (Atlantic/Swan Song)
U2 The Joshua Tree: 20th Anniversary [2 CD/DVD] (Island)
VARIOUS ARTISTS The Brit Box: U.K. Indie, Shoegaze, and Brit-Pop Gems of the Last Millennium (Rhino)
Among today's newbies and reissues are:
SEBASTIAN BACH Angel Down (Get Off My Bach/MRV/Caroline)
BORIS/MERZBOW Rock Dream (Southern Lord)
LED ZEPPELIN The Song Remains the Same [bonus tracks] (Atlantic/Swan Song)
U2 The Joshua Tree: 20th Anniversary [2 CD/DVD] (Island)
VARIOUS ARTISTS The Brit Box: U.K. Indie, Shoegaze, and Brit-Pop Gems of the Last Millennium (Rhino)
11/20/2007
Chili Peppers Sue Showtime Over Californication
[Californication's Hank Moody, played by David Ducovny. Photo courtesy of Showtime.]
This morning on the subway we came across an ad for a local NYC FM station that has mounted a campaign to remind their listeners that they are back with the rock—after a brief spell as a talk radio station—and have featured Green Day and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in their billboards. As we looked at one of these featuring the latter we once again found ourselves wondering how an exciting, riveting band had managed to turn into mediocre pap so quickly. Kinda like John Mayer with a James Brown fetish.
These thoughts were still with us when we came across the band’s lawsuit against Showtime for calling their new hit show, starring David Ducovny, Californication, which is also the title of a 1999 multi-platinum RHCP album. Lead singer Anthony Kiedis: “For some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right.” Jeez. It’s called Californication, not Red Hot Chili Peppers, dumb ass.
Is this what it's come to? In the words of the great John McEnroe, are you serious?! Stay tuned.
11/15/2007
Road Trip?
by Jeff Kent
People, it's on. Dust off your tremolo pedals, don your best pair of kicks, and get ready to gaze like its 1991. The time has come to announce a return to the live stage for a little band called My Bloody Valentine. The news comes fresh off Kevin Shields' confirmation that the massively influential shoegazers are indeed back together, and follows months of speculation about a MBV live return. But you want details, don't you? Well, UK residents, you're in luck.
Of the three reunion shows My Bloody Valentine have revealed thus far, precisely 100% of them occur in your fair land. London, Manchester, and Glasgow can look forward to blissing out to the sweet undulations of "To Here Knows When" and getting floored by the noise freakout on "You Made Me Realise" in late spring/early summer 2008. Not on the itinerary right now: Coachella. The performances are being presented by our pals at All Tomorrow's Parties.
And if Shields wasn't pulling a fast one last week, we have plenty more to look forward to from the Valentines in 2008. Actually, we're supposed to get a new album this year, but seeing as it's mid-November already, we won't be too terribly shocked if that doesn't happen. Apparently another disc is in the works too. Welcome back, guys. We still love ya.
My Bloody Valentine tour dates (for now):
06/20 - London, England
06/28 - Manchester, England
07/02 - Glasgow, Scotland
Finally, He Put That Tongue to Proper Use!
"The record industry doesn't have a f---ing clue how to make money. It's only their fault for letting foxes get into the henhouse and then wondering why there's no eggs or chickens. Every little college kid, every freshly-scrubbed little kid's face should have been sued off the face of the earth. They should have taken their houses and cars and nipped it right there in the beginning. Those kids are putting 100,000 to a million people out of work. How can you pick on them? They've got freckles. That's a crook. He may as well be wearing a bandit's mask.
Doesn't affect me. But imagine being a new band with dreams of getting on stage and putting out your own record. Forget it."
Those of you that are long-time "5" readers know that, to put it mildly, there is very little common ground we share with Kiss bassist/vocalist and all-around cringemeister Gene Simmons. But we've got to say, while we don't agree wholesale with the methodology espoused in his above remarks to the Reuters news service about the current state of the music business, we're not gonna argue with the spirit of it. Maybe he'll start some serious and productive discussions on the subject at hand and how to salvage some of it. Nah, probably not.
Here's the rest of the interview.
Doesn't affect me. But imagine being a new band with dreams of getting on stage and putting out your own record. Forget it."
Those of you that are long-time "5" readers know that, to put it mildly, there is very little common ground we share with Kiss bassist/vocalist and all-around cringemeister Gene Simmons. But we've got to say, while we don't agree wholesale with the methodology espoused in his above remarks to the Reuters news service about the current state of the music business, we're not gonna argue with the spirit of it. Maybe he'll start some serious and productive discussions on the subject at hand and how to salvage some of it. Nah, probably not.
Here's the rest of the interview.
Why?
Matchbox Twenty have returned after a 4-year hiatus, touring behind their recently released greatest hits collection, the oh-so cleverly titled Exile on Mainstream. (As if their fans would ever figure out the lame pun to begin with. Sheesh. By the way, how the mighty have fallen: Alanis Morrissette is the opening act on the above tour. Uh-huh. Isn't it ironic? No, more like sad, actually.)
Meanwhile, former Kid Rock DJ Uncle Kracker--wasn't that the name of the dude Terence and Phillip made fun of in the South Park movie? No? It should've been--has been allegedly hard at work on a new album for an early 2008 release date. Dude, please.
Matchbox Twenty have returned after a 4-year hiatus, touring behind their recently released greatest hits collection, the oh-so cleverly titled Exile on Mainstream. (As if their fans would ever figure out the lame pun to begin with. Sheesh. By the way, how the mighty have fallen: Alanis Morrissette is the opening act on the above tour. Uh-huh. Isn't it ironic? No, more like sad, actually.)
Meanwhile, former Kid Rock DJ Uncle Kracker--wasn't that the name of the dude Terence and Phillip made fun of in the South Park movie? No? It should've been--has been allegedly hard at work on a new album for an early 2008 release date. Dude, please.
McCartney Say Beatles Going Digital in 2008
According to Billboard, Macca says the Beatles catalog will be available for digital download next year. Fine. But how about remastering--and, in some cases, remixing--the material before taking that step? It's not like the CD versions are that great sounding to begin with. And digital downloads generally being of even lesser audio quality, the possibility of turd-sounding versions of these classic songs becoming available--or worse yet, definitive versions--is a scary prospect indeed. Hope not.
According to Billboard, Macca says the Beatles catalog will be available for digital download next year. Fine. But how about remastering--and, in some cases, remixing--the material before taking that step? It's not like the CD versions are that great sounding to begin with. And digital downloads generally being of even lesser audio quality, the possibility of turd-sounding versions of these classic songs becoming available--or worse yet, definitive versions--is a scary prospect indeed. Hope not.
Eels Will Offer Motherlode of Tracks To Fans
On Jan. 15th Geffen will release Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Vol. 1, 1996 - 2006, a retrospective encompassing their years on the label. (The band is currently signed to indie Vagrant Records.) In addition, on the same day, a 50-song collection of b-sides and rarities called Useless Trinkets will be released, with individual liner notes written by head Eel Mark Everett, better known as "E".
On Jan. 15th Geffen will release Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Vol. 1, 1996 - 2006, a retrospective encompassing their years on the label. (The band is currently signed to indie Vagrant Records.) In addition, on the same day, a 50-song collection of b-sides and rarities called Useless Trinkets will be released, with individual liner notes written by head Eel Mark Everett, better known as "E".
11/14/2007
[Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth onstage at MSG, Nov. 13th, 2007. Photo courtesy of AP.]
Heard About It Later
Due to a not altogether uncommon bout of major procrastination, we found ourselves standing in line for 4 hours (!) in the cancellation line attempting to obtain tickets for the Nov. 13th lone Van Halen Madison Square Garden appearance on their current pseudo reunion tour (although, by all accounts, 16 year-old Wolfgang Van Halen has handled his replacing of original bassist/vocalist Michael Anthony admirably). At the ticket window, with only 6 fellow concertgoers in front of us, our plans to catch the mighty VH that evening were sadly and irreversibly thwarted. Maybe next time.
Rolling Stone was there, though. And despite their misgivings with the sound they generally rave about the show, calling it "better than anything they’ve given us since the first Reagan administration." Damn.
11/12/2007
Yes!
My Bloody Valentine leader Kevin Shields announced last week that the seminal '90s band has not only reunited but are working on album for an early 2008 release. "It sounds like what we sounded like, different but not radically different. People will go, 'Yeah, it sounds like My Bloody Valentine.'" MBV have not released an album since the groundbreaking Loveless in 1991.
[Above, MBV's classic lineup. Clockwise from top right: Kevin Shields, Debbie Googe, Colm O'Ciosoig, Bilinda Butcher. Photo courtesy wikipedia.org]
My Bloody Valentine leader Kevin Shields announced last week that the seminal '90s band has not only reunited but are working on album for an early 2008 release. "It sounds like what we sounded like, different but not radically different. People will go, 'Yeah, it sounds like My Bloody Valentine.'" MBV have not released an album since the groundbreaking Loveless in 1991.
[Above, MBV's classic lineup. Clockwise from top right: Kevin Shields, Debbie Googe, Colm O'Ciosoig, Bilinda Butcher. Photo courtesy wikipedia.org]
Metal Machine Marketing?
The once considered unlistenable/avant garde/contractual obligation kiss-off/experimental detour--take your pick--Metal Machine Music has not only experienced a critical revival of sorts--it was once labeled the worst album ever made--but now Lou Reed's 1975 epic, double album has been classically transcribed by avant garde ensemble Zeitkratzer with Lou's blessing. PopMatters sat down with Mr. New York and asked for his thoughts on his original work and his opinion of this new reinterpretation.
[Album cover courtesy of allmusic.com]
New Weezer Album Release Date Announced
The content of the latest musical adventures of Rivers, Brian, Scott and Pat, will be known to the world at large on April 22, 2008. This, their sixth album, is yet to be titled.
In the meantime, get your fix with Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo, its title, of course, highly self-explanatory. Release date is December 11th on DGC.
The content of the latest musical adventures of Rivers, Brian, Scott and Pat, will be known to the world at large on April 22, 2008. This, their sixth album, is yet to be titled.
In the meantime, get your fix with Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo, its title, of course, highly self-explanatory. Release date is December 11th on DGC.
Quote of the Day
"Not sure how enthusiastic the support would be if they realized that bringing back Miki Berenyi would deliver a 40-year-old office employee with graying hair who's still struggling to shift the weight from her last pregnancy."
- Lush frontwoman Miki Berenyi on the slim chances of her beloved '90s dream pop outfit reuniting.
- Lush frontwoman Miki Berenyi on the slim chances of her beloved '90s dream pop outfit reuniting.
11/09/2007
If You're Going To San Francisco...
...you'll be at what was in 1967, the epicenter for the fabled Summer of Love. But if you just want to hear what it was like musically, Rhino Records has got just the thing--don't they always?--for you.
Love Is the Song We Sing: San Francisco Nuggets 1965-1970 is a 4 CD set tracing the development and rise of the city's wide-ranging music scene of the era, and features not only the usual suspects--the Grateful Dead, the Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Santana, the Steve Miller Band, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Sly and the Family Stone, Country Joe and the Fish--but also lesser known acts such as It's A Beautiful Day, We Five, Syndicate of Sound, Count Five, the Mojo Men, and the Chocolate Watchband, that made San Francisco such an exciting hotbed of musical activity in the late '60s. Of course, there's a Gap store on the mythical corner of Haight and Ashbury these days so put your hippie dreams to rest.
We smell a Christmas present coming on...
[Juan Luis Guerra photo by Jaime E. de Marchena. Courtesy of AllMusic.com]
JLG & 4.40 Rock Latin Grammys
4.40 leader Juan Luis Guerra did his best Carlos Santana-in-'99 impersonation last night at the Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas by earning distinctions for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Merengue Album and Tropical song for La Llave de Mi Corazón and its title track. It also won a Latin Grammy for Best Engineered Album, and top it off, the beloved merenguero was this year's Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year as well.
11/08/2007
Eagles Have No.1 Album
Long Road Out Of Eden bumped Britney Spears' Blackout from the top spot of the Billboard charts this week, debuting with more than 700,000 sales. Oh, and by the way Henley, Frey, Walsh and Schmidt are cheating on their new girlfriend, Wal-Mart: Despite a supposed exclusive arrangement with the retail behemoth, there are reports of the new Eagles album being sold at various Virgin Megastores albeit not prominently displayed. Like, on the DL, yo.
Long Road Out Of Eden bumped Britney Spears' Blackout from the top spot of the Billboard charts this week, debuting with more than 700,000 sales. Oh, and by the way Henley, Frey, Walsh and Schmidt are cheating on their new girlfriend, Wal-Mart: Despite a supposed exclusive arrangement with the retail behemoth, there are reports of the new Eagles album being sold at various Virgin Megastores albeit not prominently displayed. Like, on the DL, yo.
Maiden Announce Details of Live After Death DVD
by Jeff Kent
Disc one contains the recording of this full 90 minute concert. Originally filmed on 35mm, the footage comes alive on DVD resulting in a visually stunning film that far outstrips the usual live video of the ‘80’s. The disc carries two sound options --the original concert audio specially mixed into 5.1 Surround Sound by Kevin Shirley, Maiden’s producer since 1999, plus the original stereo sound track by Martin Birch, the band’s producer from 1981 to 1993. Originally released on video in 1985, this has been largely unavailable for the past 20 years.
Disc two has Part 2 of the History of Iron Maiden, continuing on the Maiden story from The Early Days DVD, along with rare and unseen bonus footage in the form of Behind the Iron Curtain, Rock in Rio '85, and 'Ello Texas, all in all giving a total running time of well over three hours. Plus, of course, the photo galleries, relevant promo videos, artwork galleries, tour dates, tour programme and other features which all combine to make Maiden DVDs a very special and utterly comprehensive treat for their fans.
Manager Rod Smallwood explained, “The original video of Live After Death has not been readily available for a long time so its good that we finally got around to this. lt was one of the first full concerts to be filmed after the advent of video and of course the live album, recorded on a different night to the video, has long been considered to be one of the seminal Metal live albums and has sold millions since. Fans have been begging us to do this DVD for some time now but we wanted to wait until we were able to recreate that whole tour to go with it and also to make it part of a series of DVDs that we are putting together around the band’s history. And of course we are making sure that now we have got to it we will be giving the fans everything we can find from that period!!”
CONTENTS:
Disc 1 – Live After Death
Live After Death concert with Stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio (90 minutes)
Set list:
Churchill Speech/Aces High
2 Minutes to Midnight
The Trooper
Revelations
Flight of Icarus
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Powerslave
Number of the Beast
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Iron Maiden
Run to The Hills
Running Free
Sanctuary
Disc 2
Documentary / Bonus Concert Footage
1. The History of Iron Maiden – Part 2 (60 mins) – Documentary.
Band members, crew, friends and associates talk about the period in the band’s career which saw the writing, recording and release of the Powerslave album, and later Live After Death, and the subsequent massive touring. And not just the serious side!!
2. Behind the Iron Curtain ( 57 mins approx) Documentary and Live.
Shot during Maiden’s historic tour of Poland and other parts to the Eastern Bloc in 1984 featuring interviews, live and offstage footage capturing the atmosphere of this remarkable journey behind the Wall at the height of the Cold War.
3. Live Footage - Rock in Rio ’85 (50 mins approx)
The full Maiden set supporting Queen on the first day of the first Rock in Rio in front of 300,000 manic metal fans. A bloody and stirring performance!!Songs performed include:
"Aces High", "2 Minutes to Midnight", "The Trooper", "Revelations", "Powerslave", "Iron Maiden"
"Run To The Hills", "Running Free".
4. 'Ello Texas – 15 minutes – Interview and live.
Caught by a film crew in 1983 at the Alamo and sound checking their show in San Antonio .5. Artwork Gallery, Tour Programme, Tour dates and photo gallery
6. Promotional clips for "Aces High" and "2 Minutes to Midnight"
In essence, the Live After Death double disc DVD includes over five hours of content, the most complete and in depth exploration of Iron Maiden during what was considered their most pivotal album and tour of their long and distinguished history. The February 5th DVD release coincides with the start of the recently announced Somewhere Back in Time World Tour 2008 which opens in India at the beginning of February.
Full schedule for the first leg of Somewhere Back In Time World Tour '08:
February
Fri 1st Mumbai, India
Mon 4th Perth, Australia
Wed 6th Melbourne, Australia
Thu 7th Melbourne, Australia
Sat 9th Sydney, Australia
Sun 10th Sydney, Australia
Tue 12th Brisbane, Australia
Fri 15th Yokohama, Japan
Sat 16th Tokyo, Japan
Tue 19th Los Angeles, USA
Thu 21st Guadalajara, Mexico
Fri 22nd Monterrey, Mexico
Sun 24th Mexico City, Mexico
Tue 26th San Jose, Costa Rica
Thu 28th Bogota, Colombia
March
Sun 2nd Sao Paulo, Brazil
Wed 5th Porto Allegre, Brazil
Fri 7th Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sun 9th Santiago, Chile
Wed 12th San Juan, Puerto Rico
Fri 14th East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
Sun 16th Toronto, Canada
Just announced, part of 2nd Leg of tour:
July 2008
Wed 16th Stockholm, Sweden
Fri 18th Helsinki, Finland
Tue 22nd Trondheim, Norway
Thu 24th Oslo, Norway
Sat 26th Gothenburg, Sweden
Sun 27th Horsens, Denmark
[Illustration courtesy of IronMaiden.com]
Finally available on DVD for the first time, New Door Records/UMe have announced the eagerly awaited release of the double disc DVD of Live After Death, the legendary recording of Iron Maiden’s four night stand at Long Beach Arena, California, in 1984. In stores February 5th, 2008, the release will coincide with the start of the band’s Somewhere Back In Time World Tour on which they will recreate many of the aspects of this original and spectacular show.
Disc one contains the recording of this full 90 minute concert. Originally filmed on 35mm, the footage comes alive on DVD resulting in a visually stunning film that far outstrips the usual live video of the ‘80’s. The disc carries two sound options --the original concert audio specially mixed into 5.1 Surround Sound by Kevin Shirley, Maiden’s producer since 1999, plus the original stereo sound track by Martin Birch, the band’s producer from 1981 to 1993. Originally released on video in 1985, this has been largely unavailable for the past 20 years.
Disc two has Part 2 of the History of Iron Maiden, continuing on the Maiden story from The Early Days DVD, along with rare and unseen bonus footage in the form of Behind the Iron Curtain, Rock in Rio '85, and 'Ello Texas, all in all giving a total running time of well over three hours. Plus, of course, the photo galleries, relevant promo videos, artwork galleries, tour dates, tour programme and other features which all combine to make Maiden DVDs a very special and utterly comprehensive treat for their fans.
Manager Rod Smallwood explained, “The original video of Live After Death has not been readily available for a long time so its good that we finally got around to this. lt was one of the first full concerts to be filmed after the advent of video and of course the live album, recorded on a different night to the video, has long been considered to be one of the seminal Metal live albums and has sold millions since. Fans have been begging us to do this DVD for some time now but we wanted to wait until we were able to recreate that whole tour to go with it and also to make it part of a series of DVDs that we are putting together around the band’s history. And of course we are making sure that now we have got to it we will be giving the fans everything we can find from that period!!”
CONTENTS:
Disc 1 – Live After Death
Live After Death concert with Stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio (90 minutes)
Set list:
Churchill Speech/Aces High
2 Minutes to Midnight
The Trooper
Revelations
Flight of Icarus
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Powerslave
Number of the Beast
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Iron Maiden
Run to The Hills
Running Free
Sanctuary
Disc 2
Documentary / Bonus Concert Footage
1. The History of Iron Maiden – Part 2 (60 mins) – Documentary.
Band members, crew, friends and associates talk about the period in the band’s career which saw the writing, recording and release of the Powerslave album, and later Live After Death, and the subsequent massive touring. And not just the serious side!!
2. Behind the Iron Curtain ( 57 mins approx) Documentary and Live.
Shot during Maiden’s historic tour of Poland and other parts to the Eastern Bloc in 1984 featuring interviews, live and offstage footage capturing the atmosphere of this remarkable journey behind the Wall at the height of the Cold War.
3. Live Footage - Rock in Rio ’85 (50 mins approx)
The full Maiden set supporting Queen on the first day of the first Rock in Rio in front of 300,000 manic metal fans. A bloody and stirring performance!!Songs performed include:
"Aces High", "2 Minutes to Midnight", "The Trooper", "Revelations", "Powerslave", "Iron Maiden"
"Run To The Hills", "Running Free".
4. 'Ello Texas – 15 minutes – Interview and live.
Caught by a film crew in 1983 at the Alamo and sound checking their show in San Antonio .5. Artwork Gallery, Tour Programme, Tour dates and photo gallery
6. Promotional clips for "Aces High" and "2 Minutes to Midnight"
In essence, the Live After Death double disc DVD includes over five hours of content, the most complete and in depth exploration of Iron Maiden during what was considered their most pivotal album and tour of their long and distinguished history. The February 5th DVD release coincides with the start of the recently announced Somewhere Back in Time World Tour 2008 which opens in India at the beginning of February.
Full schedule for the first leg of Somewhere Back In Time World Tour '08:
February
Fri 1st Mumbai, India
Mon 4th Perth, Australia
Wed 6th Melbourne, Australia
Thu 7th Melbourne, Australia
Sat 9th Sydney, Australia
Sun 10th Sydney, Australia
Tue 12th Brisbane, Australia
Fri 15th Yokohama, Japan
Sat 16th Tokyo, Japan
Tue 19th Los Angeles, USA
Thu 21st Guadalajara, Mexico
Fri 22nd Monterrey, Mexico
Sun 24th Mexico City, Mexico
Tue 26th San Jose, Costa Rica
Thu 28th Bogota, Colombia
March
Sun 2nd Sao Paulo, Brazil
Wed 5th Porto Allegre, Brazil
Fri 7th Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sun 9th Santiago, Chile
Wed 12th San Juan, Puerto Rico
Fri 14th East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
Sun 16th Toronto, Canada
Just announced, part of 2nd Leg of tour:
July 2008
Wed 16th Stockholm, Sweden
Fri 18th Helsinki, Finland
Tue 22nd Trondheim, Norway
Thu 24th Oslo, Norway
Sat 26th Gothenburg, Sweden
Sun 27th Horsens, Denmark
11/07/2007
Radiohead Get 40%
According to a ComScore press release, that's the approximate percentage of people who paid for their download of the band's new album In Rainbows. In other words, more than half said no to ponying up for the latest release by this widely adored act but yes to getting it for free. Hmm...let's hope the remaining 60% are not fans and were just curious, otherwise...
We see dark, ominous clouds on the horizon: death to the mostly evil empire that are major labels but replace it with what? Anarchy?
Better get more and more used to hearing your fave songs reduced to cheap jingles and featured in lame-ass commercials, people. Songwriters/artists have to pay rent, too. And if you won't pay for their music, chances are Madison Ave will. Yea, free music!
Repent, the end is near.
According to a ComScore press release, that's the approximate percentage of people who paid for their download of the band's new album In Rainbows. In other words, more than half said no to ponying up for the latest release by this widely adored act but yes to getting it for free. Hmm...let's hope the remaining 60% are not fans and were just curious, otherwise...
We see dark, ominous clouds on the horizon: death to the mostly evil empire that are major labels but replace it with what? Anarchy?
Better get more and more used to hearing your fave songs reduced to cheap jingles and featured in lame-ass commercials, people. Songwriters/artists have to pay rent, too. And if you won't pay for their music, chances are Madison Ave will. Yea, free music!
Repent, the end is near.
Cobain Biopic Will Include Nirvana's Music
NME:
"The forthcoming Kurt Cobain biopic from Universal Pictures is set to be the first Nirvana film to feature the band's music. It had been reported that Universal had recently bought the rights to Charles R. Cross' Cobain biography, Heavier Than Heaven. Cross has since told NME that the package Universal have bought would be a combination of both the book rights and the rights to Nirvana's music, as put together by Courtney Love, who owns the rights to Nirvana's music. 'Courtney Love has packaged my book rights with Nirvana's music," he explained, in reference to the package Universal now have rights to. "It's important, as for it to be a definitive Kurt biopic you need the music.'"
Unfortunately, the Black Widow will be the film's executive producer so...
NME:
"The forthcoming Kurt Cobain biopic from Universal Pictures is set to be the first Nirvana film to feature the band's music. It had been reported that Universal had recently bought the rights to Charles R. Cross' Cobain biography, Heavier Than Heaven. Cross has since told NME that the package Universal have bought would be a combination of both the book rights and the rights to Nirvana's music, as put together by Courtney Love, who owns the rights to Nirvana's music. 'Courtney Love has packaged my book rights with Nirvana's music," he explained, in reference to the package Universal now have rights to. "It's important, as for it to be a definitive Kurt biopic you need the music.'"
Unfortunately, the Black Widow will be the film's executive producer so...
11/05/2007
Star of 30 Rock and SNL alumnus Tina Fey picketing in front of NBC building in NY. [Photo: AP]
Writers Strike Underway
For the first time since 1988, Hollywood writers are on strike. And their work stoppage could affect everything from soap operas to sitcoms to late night talk shows. (The previous strike cost the industry in the vicinity of half a billion dollars in lost revenue.) The Writers Guild of America is looking for a bigger portion of DVD profits and revenue from the distribution of films and TV shows over the Internet for its members. Our best wishes to the WGA and may their stay on the picket line be a swift one.
For the first time since 1988, Hollywood writers are on strike. And their work stoppage could affect everything from soap operas to sitcoms to late night talk shows. (The previous strike cost the industry in the vicinity of half a billion dollars in lost revenue.) The Writers Guild of America is looking for a bigger portion of DVD profits and revenue from the distribution of films and TV shows over the Internet for its members. Our best wishes to the WGA and may their stay on the picket line be a swift one.
Packt Like Sardines, Indeed
Along with the deluxe version of current album In Rainbows, Radiohead will make available thru their website a box set with all six Parlophone/Capitol Records studio albums, plus the 2001 live disc I Might Be Wrong, on Dec. 10th. The seven-CD limited edition sets will include Pablo Honey (1993), The Bends (1995), OK Computer (1997), Kid A (2000), Amnesiac (2001), Hail to the Thief (2003) and the aforementioned I Might Be Wrong. Radiohead fans' piggy banks are sure gonna get a workout this year, huh?
Along with the deluxe version of current album In Rainbows, Radiohead will make available thru their website a box set with all six Parlophone/Capitol Records studio albums, plus the 2001 live disc I Might Be Wrong, on Dec. 10th. The seven-CD limited edition sets will include Pablo Honey (1993), The Bends (1995), OK Computer (1997), Kid A (2000), Amnesiac (2001), Hail to the Thief (2003) and the aforementioned I Might Be Wrong. Radiohead fans' piggy banks are sure gonna get a workout this year, huh?
The Verve Reunite
The British quintet played their first show in almost a decade this past weekend. (Guitarist Simon Tong has declined to participate and is still working with now former Blur frontman Damon Albarn in various projects.) A new album and additional live dates are to follow. NME has more.
The British quintet played their first show in almost a decade this past weekend. (Guitarist Simon Tong has declined to participate and is still working with now former Blur frontman Damon Albarn in various projects.) A new album and additional live dates are to follow. NME has more.
Uh-Oh, Here Comes Sheryl "One Sheet" Crow
The diminutive diva has announced the release of her upcoming studio album, Detours, for February 2008. As for her green-related endeavors of late, she recently stated that first single "Shine Over Bayblon," was "very environmentally conscious, in the tradition of Bob Dylan." Huh?
"Shine Over Bayblon" is currently available via iTunes.
The diminutive diva has announced the release of her upcoming studio album, Detours, for February 2008. As for her green-related endeavors of late, she recently stated that first single "Shine Over Bayblon," was "very environmentally conscious, in the tradition of Bob Dylan." Huh?
"Shine Over Bayblon" is currently available via iTunes.
11/02/2007
When The Appendage Breaks
The Led Zeppelin tribute concert to Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun will be postponed 2 weeks on account of guitarist Jimmy Page breaking a finger last weekend.
"I am disappointed that we are forced to postpone the concert by two weeks," Page said in a statement. "We feel that this postponement will enable my injury to properly heal and permit us to perform at the level that both the band and our fans have always been accustomed to."
The Nov. 26th one-off London date will now move to Dec. 10th.
The Led Zeppelin tribute concert to Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun will be postponed 2 weeks on account of guitarist Jimmy Page breaking a finger last weekend.
"I am disappointed that we are forced to postpone the concert by two weeks," Page said in a statement. "We feel that this postponement will enable my injury to properly heal and permit us to perform at the level that both the band and our fans have always been accustomed to."
The Nov. 26th one-off London date will now move to Dec. 10th.
Sea of Heartbreak
PopMatters wonders why in a time when some of the most obscure and marginal of recordings have been re-released with undue diligence and fanfare, Pacific Ocean Blue, the 1977 highly-acclaimed lone release by Beach Boy Dennis Wilson is currently out of print. Sundazed, what's up?
PopMatters wonders why in a time when some of the most obscure and marginal of recordings have been re-released with undue diligence and fanfare, Pacific Ocean Blue, the 1977 highly-acclaimed lone release by Beach Boy Dennis Wilson is currently out of print. Sundazed, what's up?
Vocalist Kate Pierson dons the official colors of Halloween and
shows off the Earth Mama cleavage. [Photo courtesy of Pitchfork.]
Monster Bash, Indeed
We're not particularly fond of Halloween but the B-52s at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC is the kind of party we regret having missed.
11/01/2007
American Gangster
November 2nd is the Day of the Dead, according to the Roman Catholic calendar. And so, how appropriate for a film about the life and times of the most notorious heroin pusher Harlem—and possibly, New York City—has ever seen, to open that day.
The much-ballyhooed Denzel Washington/Russell Crowe-starring American Gangster, directed by Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Thelma and Louise, Gladiator) and based on the true story of how Frank Lucas smuggled high-grade heroin in the coffins of dead American servicemen form Vietnam and became a formidable drug kingpin in the process, has been getting quite favorable advance reviews. (The movie was inspired by a New York magazine piece by Marc Jacobson, who interviews both Lucas and fellow '70s druglord Nicky Barnes in the magazine's current issue.)
Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers calls it “the black 'Scarface' or 'the Harlem Godfather' or just one hell of an exciting movie…” Check out the trailer here.
The much-ballyhooed Denzel Washington/Russell Crowe-starring American Gangster, directed by Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Thelma and Louise, Gladiator) and based on the true story of how Frank Lucas smuggled high-grade heroin in the coffins of dead American servicemen form Vietnam and became a formidable drug kingpin in the process, has been getting quite favorable advance reviews. (The movie was inspired by a New York magazine piece by Marc Jacobson, who interviews both Lucas and fellow '70s druglord Nicky Barnes in the magazine's current issue.)
Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers calls it “the black 'Scarface' or 'the Harlem Godfather' or just one hell of an exciting movie…” Check out the trailer here.
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead part with Interscope
After three releases with the major label behemoth, AYWKUBTTOD have enacted a non-amicable separation, with such lovelies from frontman Conrad Keely: "At the expense of a massive debt to them of half a million dollars, they really helped us to grow. They've taught us about the worthlessness of A&R people, how to yell at idiots running an art department, and how to shake hands with smiling retailers who have no idea who you are." As for the label's promotional efforts, "their idea of marketing [was] keeping it a secret that we'd released a record." Ouch!
Upcoming tour dates:
Nov. 5th - Fort Collins, CO
Nov. 7th - Minneapolis, MN
Nov. 9th - Urbana, IL
Nov. 10th - Omaha, NE
Nov. 11th - Boulder, CO
Nov. 13th - Carbondale, IL
Nov. 15th - Madison, WI
Nov. 16th - Memphis, TN
Nov. 17th - Lawrence, KS
Nov. 18th - Chicago, IL
Nov. 19th - Pontiac, MI
Nov. 20th - Toronto, ON
Nov. 21st - Cleveland, OH
Nov. 23rd - New York, NY
After three releases with the major label behemoth, AYWKUBTTOD have enacted a non-amicable separation, with such lovelies from frontman Conrad Keely: "At the expense of a massive debt to them of half a million dollars, they really helped us to grow. They've taught us about the worthlessness of A&R people, how to yell at idiots running an art department, and how to shake hands with smiling retailers who have no idea who you are." As for the label's promotional efforts, "their idea of marketing [was] keeping it a secret that we'd released a record." Ouch!
Upcoming tour dates:
Nov. 5th - Fort Collins, CO
Nov. 7th - Minneapolis, MN
Nov. 9th - Urbana, IL
Nov. 10th - Omaha, NE
Nov. 11th - Boulder, CO
Nov. 13th - Carbondale, IL
Nov. 15th - Madison, WI
Nov. 16th - Memphis, TN
Nov. 17th - Lawrence, KS
Nov. 18th - Chicago, IL
Nov. 19th - Pontiac, MI
Nov. 20th - Toronto, ON
Nov. 21st - Cleveland, OH
Nov. 23rd - New York, NY
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