Friday, October 31, 2008
Arizona - Ghost
October 31, 2008
I think my brain has returned to my body. I will be testing this theory today. I've spent the last few days listening to Classical Heaven and feel good and ready to re-enter the world of rock and roll hootchie coo!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Lead Singer Needed
The Chipmunks are looking for a new lead singer and you can win a chance to be a part of the band (and receive an Xbox with the Rock Band bundle). Their new album “UNDENIABLE” will be available November 4th. See below for a streaming link to “Shake Your Groove Thing” feat. Drew Steely.
Streaming Link for “Shake Your Groove Thing” feat. Drew Steely
Become part of The Chipmunks – Click to fill Alvin’s Paws
Retail Link
It happens to the best of them: Journey. Judas Priest. Van Halen. And now, The Chipmunks need their Sammy Hagar. After 50 years with the same line-up, Alvin has left the band. One of America's most beloved and biggest-selling artists will be holding tryouts for a new lead vocalist—and the job's available to anyone who visits www.chipmunkaudition.com.
The band parted ways with longtime frontman Alvin following the smash success of the 2007 movie Alvin and The Chipmunks and its accompanying Top 10 soundtrack, which is nearing platinum sales. It seems Alvin is leaving the band high and dry right before the November release of The Chipmunks latest album, UNDENIABLE.
“The last time I yelled ALVIN!, he was nowhere to be found,” says longtime Chipmunks songwriter/producer David Seville. “I mean, he usually makes me do it three times. After that we work it out. But no. Then I saw that item on Perez Hilton about him and Miley Cyrus dining out at Geisha House with Timbaland and Justin Timberlake,” Seville continues. “I've been in this business since 1958. I know a guy who's looking to make a solo record when I see one.” Alvin could not be reached for comment. “Theodore and I have seen this sort of thing before,” says brother and band mate Simon. “Success is going to his little furry head.” “Dude thinks he's a movie star,” adds Theodore.
But with a new album, UNDENIABLE, hitting the stores November 4th, The Chipmunks can't wait for their egocentric former leader to regain his senses. And while the band considered filling Alvin's paws with Steve Perry—“Don't Stop Believin'” is one of the new record's highlights—they ultimately felt an unknown would bring new energy.
Visitors to www.chipmunkaudition.com will be able to upload a video to the band's YouTube channel. Any song will be accepted and costumes, props and other creative ideas are also welcome. The site will also feature all the latest Chipmunks news.
“I've said it before – I've been lucky to work with just one interpretive vocalist as great as Alvin,” says Seville. “It's gonna be a thrill to search the whole world for another. Now I know how Max Martin felt, getting to work with Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson.”
Working with a brand new singer will be one last huge change for a band that has already reinvented itself over the course of more than 40 albums, whether it's Christmas, country-western, punk or hip-hop. Like its predecessors, UNDENIABLE showcases a band that's mastered every style, from the funky title track and remix of “We're The Chipmunks” (the theme song from the popular cartoon series) to a moving version of Bob Marley's “Three Little Birds.” There's also a new holiday hit in “Ho Ho Ho,” an epic take on Bon Jovi's “Livin' On a Prayer” and an inspired version of Led Zeppelin's “Rock and Roll.” Rising pop star Drew Seeley (High School Musical soundtracks, Another Cinderella Story) is also featured on a duet of the classic disco hit “Shake Your Groove Thing.”
“With all the hubbub of the movie, it has been a long time since we rocked n’ rolled,” says Simon. “The Chipmunks have always been about the music, man. We want somebody who feels the same way. I'm excited to see all the YouTube videos.” “Me too,” adds Theodore. “But don't you think “Theodore and The Chipmunks” has a nice ring to it?”
ALVIIIIIIIN!!!
Meditating
10 days ago my dad died. It was not unexpected, but came quick because we were not allowed to visit him the last year of his life. I tried and am still trying my best not to be angry and/or bitter about that. The thing that kept us close through all the years was music, so I am sure I will continue this blog. But I am meditating on my activities and analyzing what I am needing to do to spend more time with those I love. It may include a major move in the next few years. Depends on whether or not the housing market comes back down to the arena in which a normal human being with a regular job can afford a house or not. Many things to consider and mediate on. I know I have a few late review that I promised last week, but I'm sure you folks will understand. Music is important to me. My parents instilled the belief of music as a path toward enlightenment and understanding of life. Most of the time.
My funniest memory is in 1962, we were living in Germany. My dad came back from Hamburg and told me about some "screaming mee-mees" he called the Beatles. He musta been in his late 20's at the time. A few years later when I was playing some records, he loved them and asked who they were. He was very surprised they were the Beatles. He loved jazz & pop & music from other countries - especially Germany & Spain. My mom loved country & western & folk. We had many types of music playing in the house, and when we moved to a new place my dad immersed us in their music because he knew, innately, that music is the key to culture.
We lived in many places. The last place any of us ever expected to end up was Texas. But here we are. My mom and dad are buried together here in Texas. Life takes some strange turns, but continues to move forward. I'll return soon with tales of new music I am enjoying. Christmas albums are pouring in & I'll try to write about some of 'em soon so you can have your house filled with new music all season.
Thanks for reading the ramblings of a soul still sorting his mind out.
My funniest memory is in 1962, we were living in Germany. My dad came back from Hamburg and told me about some "screaming mee-mees" he called the Beatles. He musta been in his late 20's at the time. A few years later when I was playing some records, he loved them and asked who they were. He was very surprised they were the Beatles. He loved jazz & pop & music from other countries - especially Germany & Spain. My mom loved country & western & folk. We had many types of music playing in the house, and when we moved to a new place my dad immersed us in their music because he knew, innately, that music is the key to culture.
We lived in many places. The last place any of us ever expected to end up was Texas. But here we are. My mom and dad are buried together here in Texas. Life takes some strange turns, but continues to move forward. I'll return soon with tales of new music I am enjoying. Christmas albums are pouring in & I'll try to write about some of 'em soon so you can have your house filled with new music all season.
Thanks for reading the ramblings of a soul still sorting his mind out.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights (CD)
Raphael Saadiq - The Way I See It (CD)
The dance starts with Sure Hope You Mean It, which marvingayes me back to a wonderful spirit. The bass opens a sensuous smokey flavor on the next cut, 100 Yard Dash, “light me a smoke so I can sing some jazz.” Temptations start the smiling of Keep Marchin' – which is cutely programmed right fter the 100 Yard Dash of Love. Should give you a hint that you will be sweating a lot every time you decide to listen to this album because there’s no way you can hear this sitting down.
I won’t walk you through each cut – it simply needs to be heard to be believed. Well programmed, with some slow dances snuck in for old folks who need a few moments to catch their breath. Raphael puts on a great show, but you might be further enticed to listen in when you find out that there are guest appearances by Joss Stone & Stevie Wonder (both sounding amazing here). Which is okay, but trust me – with the great band that keeps the grooves going, no guest stars are needed to feel the joy. They’re just slight sprinkles of sweetness on a fantastic eight course soul-filled meal. Raphael Saadiq
Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves – Roll With You (CD)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I'm From Barcelona - Paper Planes
The first shoutout for Headphones, which sounds like it’s about a child willing to go anywhere, as long as he can wear his headphones. I know adults like this, too. I’m guilty. “Now I’m gone with my head in a cloud, and the songs they’re just dancing around, around, around.”
The other shoutout is for Mingus, which may or may not have anything to do with the jazzman, but has a great dance beat and talks about how you gain possessions, which you’re allowed to keep because “you have a job you hate, you get home too late.” Then the memories of friends talking in high school, “do you remember what we used to say? Oh my god! I’ll end up just like you!” The fear of growing up is hard for 18 year olds, for 28 year olds, for 38 year olds, for 48 year olds. I shalln’t go further; but methinks it’s true all the way to the end. At least for boys. Thanks! I'm From Barcelona
I'm From Barcelona on Eartaste
Monday, October 13, 2008
Reeve Oliver - I Want Burns
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Autumn – Rain Down
Putumayo Kids Presents: African Dreamland
To the Kids Presents. There are 18 CDs here, ranging the gamut of Reggae, Brazil, Asia, Celtic, France, etc etc. In other words, the kids series closely resembles the “adult” series. American audiences will be familiar with Arlo Guthrie, Carlos Santana, Miriam Makeba, Judy Mowatt, Rufus Thomas, Michele Shocked, Trout Fishing In America, Leon Redbone, Rita Marley, Rosie Flores, Eric Bibb, Flaco Jimenez, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Desmond Dekker, Taj Mahal and Toots and the Maytals. The New Orleans Playground is filled with great hits, and could have been released for an adult crowd with pleasure. Which points out the fun of this series. Adults can listen with pleasure while children explore the sounds of the world in a calm setting in the dreamland series; and a totally fun setting in the playground series.
Most of the songs started off on an album made for an adult, but the astute ears at Putumayo know which songs can sooth and energize a child. What I’m saying is that the Kids Presents label is simply a marketing tool to get moms and dads to buy some great music for their kids. At the same time, I bet the parents become addicted and start buying the “adult” versions for themselves. Whatever works. I am impressed, as usual, with Putumayo, and encourage all grandparents to buy a full set for the youngsters in their lives – if only so you’ll have something interesting to listen to when you visit! Finding the series is fairly easy – simply do an Amazon search on “Putumayo Kids Presents”.
Putumayo Kids Presents
Putumayo on Eartaste
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
New Policy
Due to the recent upsurge in the number of albums arriving each day, I am being forced to change my policy of listening to every single album all the way through. My new policy will be to listen to the first four cuts. If I hear something that sparks my interest there, I will continue to listen to the rest of the album. If not, that'll be that. I'm a little sad because often I found a cool cut 3/4's into an album, and many times the very last official cut was a good one. I may choose to listen to some of the last cut of albums - we'll see how it goes. But there is simply not enough time in every day to listen to every single cut on every single album. Rest assured that any cut listed here I will have listened to the complete CD. - Rich
Monday, October 06, 2008
Kaiser Chiefs - Never Miss A Beat
Opportunity for Musicians
Dear musicians! If some of you are willing to start a band or if some of you have established band and need new original songs to perform, this chance is for you! As you know, I’m a songwriter and piano/keyboard player. Winner of 14 Billboard Song Contest, 2006 Great American Song Contest and 11 Unisong International Contest. I need drums/percussion, bass, rhythm guitar and female singer. We’ll perform at festivals, gigs and tours! Drop me online! I’d be happy to hear from you! Love, Nataliya
http://www.myspace.com/nataliyamedvedovskaya
http://www.myspace.com/nataliyamedvedovskaya
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Creaky Boards - The Songs I Didn't Write
Carrie Rodriguez – Mask Of Moses
Al Stewart - (A Child's View Of) The Eisenhower Years
Nicola Conte - Like Leaves In The Wind
Presuntos Implicados - La Fiesta
Randy Crawford & Joe Sample – Today I Sing The Blues
Saturday, October 04, 2008
John Mellencamp – Longest Days
I was where I was supposed to be
My vision was true and my heart was too
There was no end to what I could dream
I walked like a hero into the setting sun
Everyone called out my name
Death to me was just a mystery
I was too busy raising up Cain
But nothing lasts forever
Your best efforts don't always pay
Sometimes you get sick
And don't get better
That's when life is short
Even in its longest days
So you pretend not to notice
That everything has changed
The way that you look
And the friends you once had
So you keep on acting the same
But deep down in your soul
You know you, you got no flame
And who knows then which way to go
Life is short even in its longest days
All I got here
Is a rear view mirror
Reflections of where I've been
Let’s just say I’m speechless. The writing is so intense, so personal, so real that I can add nothing to the conversation except everyone should hear this. Shoutouts for Troubled Land (“One man's eyes are full of sorrow, the other man's belly full of unbearable pain”), John Cockers (“Well I'm a little isolated, I live most days in my head”), Ride Back Home (“Now it's starting to get to me, all of this inhumanity”), and For The Children (“I hope you can be a child of life with big dreams for everyone”). John Mellencamp
Friday, October 03, 2008
Nils Lofgrin – Flying On The Ground
Thursday, October 02, 2008
The Pretenders - Boots Of Chinese Plastic
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Night Watchman - The King Of Hell
Night Watchman on Eartaste
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