News Note on site updates for Saturday 16th July, 2011

Thin Lizzy Announce UK Dates for 2012!

After a phenomenal response to 2011 touring, Thin Lizzy are pleased to announce the UK dates as part of their 2012 European Tour.

The dates are as follows: 

 January 2012:

Thursday 19th – Glasgow, Barrowlands
Saturday 21st – Newcastle, City Hall
Monday 23rd – Leicester, De Montfort Hall
Tuesday 24th – York, Barbican
Wednesday 25th – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
Friday 27th – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
Saturday 28th – Manchester, 02 Apollo
Sunday 29th – Sheffield, City Hall
Tuesday 31st – Plymouth, Pavilions

February 2012:

Wednesday 1st – Cardiff, St. Davids Hall
Friday 3rd – Brighton, Dome
Saturday 4th – London HMV Hammersmith Apollo

Special Guests on all shows are US Rockers CLUTCH with one other band to be announced.
Tickets are priced 27.50 GBP for all provincial shows with London at 29.50 GBP, on sale 10am MONDAY JULY 25th from all usual outlets (plus appropriate booking fees).
VIP Packages for all shows are available July 25th via a link at www.thinlizzyband.com

Everyone and anyone is welcome to come down and watch the set and meet the guys.
The latest Thin Lizzy re-issue albums (via Universal Music) will be available to get signed and attendees can purchase tickets and VIP packages for the 2012 dates in store.

Also Lizzy related ...

Thin Lizzy Competition in association with Classic Rock and Gibson Guitars

Have you always wanted to live the rock and roll lifestyle? Check out this amazing competition in association with Classic Rock and Gibson Guitars because we are giving one lucky winner the chance to become a rock star for the weekend!

 That’s right, you could win a pair of VIP tickets to High Voltage Festival in London on the 23rd and 24th July 2011 to see the likes of Thin Lizzy, Black Country Communion, Judas Priest and Dream Theater perform live. If that wasn’t enough, then you’ll also get the chance to MEET Scott Gorham from Thin Lizzy at the festival. And the rock star life doesn’t stop there because our lucky winner will also receive a Gibson guitar SIGNED by Scott Gorham himself.
For more details go to:
http://www.thinlizzyband.com/

Def Leppard rescheduled US Tour update

Def Leppard have rescheduled a bunch of North American shows after the passing of Joe Elliott's father a week back.
Here's the statement from their website:

The following additional select performances in Tulsa, OK (July 19th), Dallas, TX (July 20th), Houston, TX (July 22nd), New Orleans, LA (July 23rd), and San Antonio, TX (July 24th) have been rescheduled due to the passing of Joe Elliott’s father. The rescheduled concert dates, with special guests HEART, will now take place on the following dates:

August 6 – Dallas, TX (Gexa Energy Pavillion) (HEART will not appear on the Dallas date due to prior band commitments and additional support to be announced soon)
Sept 20 – Tulsa, OK (Bok Center)
Sept 22 – New Orleans, LA (New Orleans Arena)
Sept 23 – Houston, TX (Cynthia W. Mitchell Pavilion)
Sept 24 – San Antonio, TX (AT&T Center)

DEF LEPPARD regrets any inconvenience and looks forward to returning to the cities in several weeks. Tickets purchased for the above dates will be honored for the rescheduled new dates.

The tour will resume in Cincinnati OH. on July 27th and for all show details click HERE

Check out their site for clarification on live dates folks, to make sure your show date has not changed:

http://www.defleppard.com/news/

Hey folks, sorry about the removal of the news updates for today ...

Something seriously funky going on with the formatting for Blogspot, that I can't explain and they don't seem to offer much help!

Ah well, life is full of trials right?!

Hope to get something up here for you later.

The posting of the Y&T Newsletter seemed to really not help, something in the formatting of that no doubt, that was no compatible with Blogspot.

Y&T

There wasn't really anything too new to share from that though really,, with the exception that that band will be playing some all ages shows in California .. Shame they can't make that happen else where, hmmm?!

Here's the link to the Y&T / Meniketti site, to help track down shows that may work for you, if you're wanting take the kids or simply don't want to miss a Y&T show!

http://meniketti.com/

Eddie Trunk

The special guests appearing on Eddie Trunk's new series of 'That Metal Show,' on VH1 Classic starting in August will include:

Corey Taylor, Brad Gillis, Jack Blades, Stephen Pearcy, Tim Ripper Owens, Jani Lane, Michael Sweet, Taime Downe, Tony Iommi, Tom Morello, Dug Pinnick, Mike Portnoy, John Sykes, Lars Ulrich, Sammy Hagar, Rick Nielsen, Snake Sabo, Scott Ian & Charlie Benante, Graham Bonnett.

Guest guitarists will include:

Vinnie Moore, Tony Macalpine, Phil Collen & Alex Skolnick.

Go to http://www.eddietrunk.com for more details.

Sorry if this update is a little lame folks, tight on time today.

Cheers,

Al

Night Ranger – Somewhere in California album review

Night Ranger – Somewhere in California album review

Released on Frontiers records. Release date: Available now.

Most of you already know what favourites of mine, Night Ranger are and I will make no secret of it!

There, I said it ...!

I have indeed in the past done great interviews with both Jack Blades and Kelly Keagy, although not for this site, but over at Dave White’s http://www.classicrock.about.com/ before I got to doing this baby! – If you go over there and search, you’ll find them still there! – so it’s something I need to try and set up here at Chambers of Rock, as I’m sure you’d all appreciate the read. Both great guys!

 

With Night Ranger sometimes it seems the bands fans can – Sadly - be a little divided on their thoughts of the bands change in direction here and there. I for one, loved the older stuff ‘Dawn Patrol,’ ‘Midnight Madness’ and ‘Seven Wishes,’ as well as the ‘Man in Motion’ period. Then the great album that was ‘Neverland,’ the ‘different’ ‘Seven’ and eventually I came around to enjoy ‘Feeding the Mojo,’ that was released sans Jack Blades, while he was playing with Damn Yankees.

I really thought their last release, ‘Hole in the Sun’ was a great step forward, but with the mixed reception from die hard fans it has driven the band back to a more ‘classic’ Night Ranger sound, certainly with the edge of today’s recording technology, so it's kind of pleasing for all fans.

 

‘Somewhere in California’ kicks off with the immensely catchy and hook ridden ‘Growing Up in California’ that really launches with twin harmony guitars, from Brad Gillis and Joel Hoekstra backed with a harmony lead synth from new man Eric Levy too, great! Then right behind that we get Kelly Keagy’s powerful drums and Jack Blades powerhouse bass and a great enthusiastic vocal line from Jack, with great harmonies from the other guys too.

The song tells the story of how the band started off in their home state, great fun story line and an absolutely killer opening track if you ask me and traditional Night Ranger fans, could you really ask for more?!

With ‘Lay it on Me’ the band start the verse with the more modern edgy sound they’ve been playing in recent years, with but then in come some big ‘wooahh, woooah’ chorus lines, to keep the 80’s fans happy.

The vocal seems to be split between Jack and Kelly and these guys really have the trait down so well, the shared lead vocals just work so well.

Overall, I really love the familiar sound and style of Brad, Jack and Kelly but newer members Joel (Since 2008) and Eric Levy have really slotted in so well and already their touches flourish. Great stuff!

 

I have to say when I first heard the chourus ‘Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight),’ I couldn’t help but be reminded of the chorus in ‘Man in Motion’ track ‘Don’t Start Thinking I’m Alone Tonight’ and the similarity but to be honest this track is a lot more hook ridden that that and I love the ‘Man in Motion’ release, even if a lot of others didn’t so much.

This is again another killer contagious number that you WILL be singing the chorus to, no question!

 

With ‘Follow Your Heart’ next, it almost starts along the lines of Boston’s ‘Foreplay / Long Time’ with simply some organ jamming away, before the rest of the band slams in with big old powerchords, crashing cymbals and drums!

Then we get those wonderful harmony guitars again, just jamming away and then in comes the verse and a wonderful groove in the way that Night Ranger do so well! Am I biased? Sure, this is really good stuff, no question whatsoever!

 

Time for a classic Night Ranger power ballad and you know with these guys it’s an immense, smooth trip and ‘Time of Our Lives,’ does everything you could ever possibly want. It’s something that Kelly Keagy masters so well, to be honest it makes no difference if he’s singing ballads or rockers he’s got a great, almost soulful voice at times, especially on material like this.

Kelly has also proved it on his two solo albums too and I strongly recommend you check his solo work out if you haven’t already.

 

‘No Time To Lose Ya,’ is put simply a steady, well structured mid paced rocker, with a huge chorus and this album is just aglow with those throughout. Seriously, this album to me is such a strong release and if you think Journey can do what they do well, for me this release from Night Ranger tops the new one from Journey without a doubt, but that's just me perhaps?!

Where fans have been wanting, nay begging for Night Ranger to return to their classic sound, they have seriously done so well at doing that, with so many hook laden tracks here presented with a seriously modern sound. Simply brilliant!

 

‘Live For Today’ is a , steady pop rocker with a more modern yet melodic trip with in my opinion a hint of a nod towards The Beatles and one constant throughout the album, is the huge melodic harmony vocals that are just … Wow!

The band has really achieved so much in great overall musical talent and complete vocal power.

 

Some rhythmic drums and edgy guitar start ‘It’s Not Over’ before it kicks in proper and it’s a mid to up tempo edgy pop rocker and although I’ve mention the reference ‘pop rock’ a few times, it because this release should be so accessible to so many generations. They’ve a fantastic balance of modern commercial sound and yet managed to keep their classic trademark sound.

You’ll hear so many elements across the album that WILL remind you of all of the bands years of playing.

This year also, they apparently celebrate 30 years together, not bad eh? - I actually thought it was next year, but ...

Once ‘End of the Day’ gets going, after the big built up intro, it follows the same kind of upper tempo going and what a killer song – Really love the pre-chorus almost as much as the chorus - and you know at times I’m just stunned at how they’ve just managed to pull out so many out and out great songs.

The old harmony guitar solos get their moments on here too, not to mention the killer main solo and you know, having been such a fan of how (Thin) Lizzy perfected that trademark sound, it’s probably why I’ve grown to love this bands sound so much.

‘Rock N Roll Tonite’ rocks in a little like a Boston number firing up before getting into a steady verse, written in a similar fashion to more recent Night Ranger releases, before the pre-chorus and then an absolute party chorus! A real fun, yet absolutely a rocker of a track! Killer guitar work here!

 

The last track on this version of the album is ‘Say It With Love’ that starts gently with some piano before building into a big riffing intro, then a quickly semi-spoken verse with a chugging riff, then a slight pre-chorus into a tremendously catchy chorus. Clever interchanges.

The guitar solo in this is absolutely crazy, wow!

Then when the song comes back in, it eases back in and then grows again, back into the killer chorus. Wonderful stuff indeed!

The song winds down and wraps up with again, some beautiful piano.

There are a couple of special download editions of the album out there, one through Amazon with the Damn Yankees, ‘Coming of Age’ featuring special guest Ted Nugent on.

Would love to hear that, but alas, it’s not on here.

The iTunes version of the album includes as their bonus track, AC/DC’s ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ covered.

Having heard the band play ‘Highway to Hell’ live, I’m sure that they do a great job on that one too!

So be careful where you pick up your copy of the album, there’s a basic copy – Still excellent! – which this is, then the Amazon and iTunes versions, but whatever you decide, I’m sure you’ll be happy!

So overall, I’m one happy rock fan to have received this classy album for review, it’s seriously fantastic stuff, from a band that deserves so much more recognition than they’ve ever received.

I hope I get to see them this year with Journey and Foreigner, but right now I’m not sure how or if it will pan out.

Night Ranger is always a killer live show, that every rock fan deserves to see at least once and then you’ll be wanting to catch them live every year on!

Rating: 4.75 out of 5

Official site:

http://www.nightranger.com/

Slight Update for Thursday 14th July, 2011

                                              

Former MÖTLEY CRÜE Singer To Join 'Rock'n'Roll Rat Pack'

                    
SCRAP METAL Announces John Corabi Will Perform August 5th NASHVILLE, TN (July 14, 2011) - Celebrity rock super group SCRAP METAL announced John Corabi former lead singer of MÖTLEY CRÜE, THE SCREAM and UNION will join them as special guest star performing at the upcoming SCRAP METAL summer rock concert event at the Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT on Friday, August 5, 2011.

 

SCRAP METAL, the celebrity rock super group whose members have sold over 50 million records worldwide, was co-founded by Nashville rockers Gunnar Nelson (Nelson /"Love and Affection") and Mark Slaughter (Slaughter /"Fly to the Angels").  The August 5th summer rock event will star twin lead front men Matthew and Gunnar Nelson (NELSON /"After the Rain"); Joe Lynn Turner former lead singer of DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW; and Janet Gardner former lead singer of the all-girl rock band (VIXEN / "Cryin", "Edge of a Broken Heart").

"The entire cast of Scrap Metal looks forward to playing these gigs at the Mohegan Sun all year... and they get better and better every time," enthuses Gunnar Nelson. "We're going to bring our A-game with every intention of blowing the roof off the place.  Every Scrap show at the Mohegan isn't just a 'show'... it's a rock festival on one stage. Be there or be square!"

"If it looks like we're having fun up there," adds Matthew Nelson,  "...YOU'RE RIGHT!"

Since the rock'n'roll rat pack's motto is you can never have too many guitars, the summer concert event will feature double lead guitars with both guitar virtuosos Howie Simon (ALCATRAZ) and Neil Zaza sharing double-duty on-stage. Rounding out the Scrap Metal musical guest stars will be drummer Bobby Rock (NELSON / VINNIE VINCENT INVASION); and Todd Rogers on keyboard.

SCRAP METAL live concert events feature over 90 minutes of top rock hits performed by the original band's lead singers.  Previous SCRAP METAL rock'n'roll rat pack members include Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER); Eric Martin (MR. BIG); Jimi Jamison; Jani Lane (formerly WARRANT); John Payne (ASIA);  Kelly Keagy (NIGHT RANGER); C.J. Snare (FIREHOUSE);  Steve Plunkett (AUTOGRAPH); Jeff Scott Soto (formerly JOURNEY); and Kip Winger (WINGER). 

The SCRAP METAL live summer rock concert event is Friday, August 5, 2011 at 8pm at the Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT  06382.
The Wolf Den is located in the center of the action, in Casino of the Earth.  For general information call Mohegan Sun at 1-888-226-7711 or visit www.mohegansun.com.

 

Visit the official SCRAP METAL website at www.OfficialScrapMetal.com. 

Styx - Regeneration Vol. II available TODAY In the Styx Lounge

It's finally here: Regeneration Vol. II the latest release of re-recorded Styx classic, is available online exclusively to Styx Lounge members starting today, July 14, at 8 am. To pick up a copy simply log into your Lounge account, click on the gold records and make your purchase from there.

Fans attending any of the upcoming shows will also be able to pick up a copy of this EP at the merch booth starting tonight in Atlanta, GA.

A date has not currently been set for a public online release of Regeneration Vol. II, but we will let you know once that release date is confirmed.

For now, you can check out the artwork and track listing below.

Not a Lounge member? Purchase a subscription today and pick up your copy of Regeneration Vol. II as soon as it goes on sale. Membership also includes access to our monthly contests, forum, other store discounts and special offers, chats with the band, and more!

For more informationgo to:

http://www.styxworld.com/ 

Uriah Heep take 'Into the Wild' almost literally!

British rockers Uriah Heep, who are currently out on their World Tour in support of their latest album 'Into the Wild,' released through Frontiers records, are playing some shows in regions where they appear to be taking their albums' title literally to the next level!

Guitarist and founder member Mick Box, has been posting through social networking site, Facebook about just how the bands' current surroundings are and I have to say, it's like these guys aren't afraid to go anywhere!

"Heep in War Zone! Today we play a concert in Vladikavkaz Russia, which is close to Groznyy, 300 miles north of Baghdad and close to Iraq and Iran! There will be much ducking and diving going on!

The shows here have been amazing, despite being In a dodgy war zone, and we have security up our backsides. Geezers with AK 47's all over the place! We have the president of Nalchik's personal bodyguards! Crazy stuff! Into The Wild indeed!
Mick."
Check Mick's Facebook page out here:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001368211077


Mick Box has also recently been updating his own regular blog at his personal website:
http://www.heepstermusic.com/MickBox/

It's a blog that he actually started doing, when UK magazine, Classic Rock approached him last year to contribute and he did just that on a weekly basis. He's now continued to do so, when time allows, as I say at his own site. I must say, it's always well worth the read!
For all other Heep stuff and to see if the band are coming anywhere near you, go to:
http://www.uriah-heep.com

Brief Late News Update for Wednesday 13th July, 2011

Are you ready for new Chickenfoot?

As the rumours abound on what is what with Van Halen, but with no new press or EPK from the Van Halen management, two ex-Van Halen members have indeed come home and have a new album coming out very soon and a new single titled 'Big Foot' due on August 2nd!

The new second album titled 'Chickenfoot 3' - Yes really! - from Chickenfoot will be released on September 27th, 2011 and if you don't believe me, go and check this out folks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93XHUBU_BQY&rel=0&hd=1&a%20%20utoplay=1&autohide=1&border=0&controls=0&modestbranding=1&showinfo=0

The full tracklisting:

1. Last Temptation
2. Alright, Alright
3. Different Devil
4. Up Next
5. Lighten Up
6. Come Closer
7. Three and a Half Letters
8. Bigfoot
9. Dubai Blues
10. Something Going Wrong

Yes, Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani and Chad Smith are gearing up to release their second album in the Fall, here in the US so keep checking in here or over at:

http://www.chickenfoot.us/

or

http://www.redrocker.com/

EUROPE confirm new album produced by Kevin Shirley

Further to my post here on Tuesday ...

EUROPE, Sweden's biggest rock band, confirm their next studio album, slated for April 2012 release, will be produced by the world's hottest rock record producer, Kevin Shirley.

No stranger to the crème de la crème of iconic rock records, Shirley’s produced albums for Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, Black Stone Cherry and Journey.
"We still feel we have one hell of a rock record to make" says Europe's singer Joey Tempest. "Kevin’s the man for the job. We love his work with Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, and Black Stone Cherry. He's the real deal. We're ready to do some serious damage."

Europe with Kevin Shirley recently taken in Stockholm.

Last week Europe met up with Shirley in Stockholm to discuss the direction of the next album. Based on reactions from the fans and media, Europe's 2009 album ‘Last Look at Eden’ proved to be the band's most important record since ‘The Final Countdown’. “I’ve been a big fan of Europe's work for many years," says Shirley. “The band is influential and highly underrated. I can't wait to make the upcoming album their most explosive to date."
After summer 2011, Europe will finish the promotion of 'Last Look at Eden' tour, and will start to focus their energy on the next album produced by Shirley. “We've toured for one and a half years" adds Tempest. "It’s time to write and record some new songs and get back on the road again in 2012."

The new material suggests a more straight forward rock approach evident in ‘Doghouse’ - a new song Europe performed on their recent UK tour. The song is also featured on Europe’s upcoming ‘Europe: Live at Shepherd’s Bush’ DVD, released August 2011 on earMUSIC CDs and DVDs.

earMUSIC is also about to release a limited deluxe book with pictures be Denis O'Regan. "Live Look At Eden" features exclusive live audio and the stunning performance at last year iTunes Festival in London.

Recording for Europe's new album begins in Stockholm on October 3rd, for an April 2012 release.

Official weblinks:
www.europetheband.com
www.ear-music.net

YES RELEASE FIRST MUSIC VIDEO IN A DECADE FOR “WE CAN FLY”
New Studio Album, FLY FROM HERE, hits the charts in Europe and is released in North America on July 12th

One of the most influential and ground-breaking progressive rock ‘n’ roll bands in history, YES, have debuted the music video for “We Can Fly” the first single from their new album, Fly From Here.

The album was released on July 1st in Europe and streets on July 12th in North America through Frontiers Records. This is the both the band’s first music video and studio album release in ten years. The video was directed by award winning filmmaker Ken Horn (won a BAFTA and an Emmy for the BBC series The Street) and features a guest appearance by long-time YES producer and Ken’s brother, Trevor Horn. The video builds upon the existential aeronautic theme developed in the song’s lyrics and can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKJwXLCnBKs
"Fly From Here” debuted in several national European charts on

# 14 in Germany
# 30 in the UK
# 31 in Sweden
# 39 in Switzerland
# 43 in the Netherlands
is currently #5 on iTunes Rock Album Charts.

YES is Benoit David on vocals (his first studio recording with YES), Steve Howe on guitars/vocals, founder Chris Squire on bass/vocals, Geoff Downes on keyboards and Alan White on drums.

Their long awaited 20th studio album follows 2001’s Magnification and marks the band’s return to working with producer, Trevor Horn, who produced YES’ chart topping album, 90125, in 1983 and also sang for the band on the Drama album in 1980.

The band recently kicked off their summer tour on July 4th in Philadelphia, USA. In support of Fly From Here, YES will be bringing new music as well as their classic hits to their loyal following.

The 22-city tour ends August 3rd in Mountain View, CA.

First formed in 1968, YES’ remarkable career spans over 40 years and the band has time and again redefined the boundaries of rock music. YES has sold nearly 50 million albums worldwide and continues to stretch the boundaries of progressive art-rock with their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles.

The YES EPK discussing Fly From Here can be seen at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR-DKEcDtt8.

YES & Styx North American Tour 2011
Date City Venue

July 2011

July 12th Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
July 14th Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 15th Orange Beach, AL Amphitheater at the Wharf
July 16th Nashville, TN Woods Amphitheater at Fontanel
July 18th Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
July 19th Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center
July 20th Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theater
July 22nd Thackerville, OK WinStar Casino
July 23rd Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheater
July 24th Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 26th Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
July 28th Eagle, ID Eagle River Pavilion
July 29th Redmond, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
July 30th Goldendale, WA Maryhill Winery

August 2011

August 2nd Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
August 3rd Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre

For more official YES news and information, go to:

http://www.yesworld.com

 DAVID LYNCH FOUNDATION MUSIC LAUNCHES‘DOWNLOAD FOR GOOD’

A STAR-STUDDED DIGITAL MUSIC BENEFIT COMPILATION IS NOW AVAILABLE
EXCLUSIVELY ON THE ITUNES STORE

David Lynch.

DAVID LYNCH FOUNDATION MUSIC launches DOWNLOAD FOR GOOD: Music That Changes The World, a star-studded digital music compilation to benefit the David Lynch Foundation (davidlynchfoundation.org) that is now available exclusively on the iTunes Store, http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/download-for-good/id445954687.

Founded by iconic filmmaker DAVID LYNCH, the David Lynch Foundation is a not-for-profit educational organization which offers stress-reducing Transcendental Meditation® to underserved populations, including at-risk inner-city youth and U.S. veterans returning home from combat with post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as Native Americans, homeless adults and children, prisoners and those in need.

DOWNLOAD FOR GOOD features 33 renowned artists from around the world spanning Pop, Latin, Electronic, Rock, World, Indie, Hip-hop and Classical who have come together to express their support for the foundation and its visionary director. Artists include:

Alanis Morissette, Amanda Palmer, Andy Summers (of The Police) with Geeta Novotny, Arrested Development, Au Revoir Simone, Ben Folds, Ben Lee, Carmen Rizzo with Grant-Lee Phillips, Dave Stewart (of The Eurythmics), Donovan, Iggy Pop, Maroon 5, Moby, Nancy Sinatra, Neon Trees, Ozomatli, Peter Gabriel, Pink Jaffee with Jakob Dylan & Daryl Hannah, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Slightly Stoopid with Don Carlos, The Charlatans and Tom Waits and more (see full song list below).

“The artists who have shared their music are spreading happiness," explains DAVID LYNCH. “With their music alone they’re supporting programs that take away suffering and bring bliss to many people. When you download these songs, you’ll get to enjoy great music and also know that you are bringing happiness to someone, somewhere in the world. Great artists, great mood, great music, great good is going to come. I encourage you to download for good."
All artists and label proceeds from DOWNLOAD FOR GOOD support the David Lynch Foundation

Following is the complete track listing for DOWNLOAD FOR GOOD:

1) Ozomatli, “MONSTER”
2) Iggy Pop, “Milk Cow Blues”
3) Pink Jaffee with Jakob Dylan & Daryl Hannah, “Wont You Stay”
4) Maroon 5, “The Air I Breathe”
5) Arrested Development, “Let It Go”
6) Peter Gabriel, “Curtains”
7) Carmen Rizzo with Grant-Lee Phillips, “Bring the Mountain Down”
8) Donovan, “Listen”
9) Heather Nova, “Doubled Up”
10) Andy Summers with Geeta Novotny, “Ave Maria”
11) Dave Stewart, “Man To Man”
12) Mary Hopkin, “Gold and Silver”
13) Tom Waits, “The Briar and The Rose” (Live)
14) Ben Folds, “Wild Mountain Thyme”
15) Slightly Stoopid with Don Carlos, “Wiseman” (Live at Black Water)
16) Salman Ahmad with Valerie Geffner, “Natchoon Gi”
17) Neon Trees, “Animal” (DJs From Mars Remix)
18) Au Revoir Simone, “Boys Of Summer”
19) Alanis Morissette, “20/20”
20) Ben Lee, “Food For The Moon”
21) Waterboys, “In The Beginning Was Love”
22) Moby, “The Poison Tree”
23) The Charlatans, “The Only One I Know” (RMX with Factory Floor)
24) Julio Iglesias Jr., “Geronimo”
25) Nancy Sinatra, “End of the World" (Remix)
26) Special Beat with Pauline Black, "Nightclub" (Live)
27) Peter & Gordon, “True Love Ways” (Live)
28) Band From TV, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free”
29) Phil Soussan, “Shot In The Dark”
30) Rodrigo y Gabriela, “Satori” (Live)
31) Patricia Kaas, “Ddicte Aux Heroines” (Remix)
32) EMIN, “All I Need Tonight”
33) Amanda Palmer, “In My Mind” (Alternative Mix)

For more information on DAVID LYNCH FOUNDATION MUSIC visit:

 Official weblinks:

www.davidlynchfoundationmusic.org
www.facebook.com/davidlynchfoundationmusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/DLFMUSIC
http://twitter.com/dlf_music

Nazareth – Big Dogz album review

Nazareth – Big Dogz album review

Released on: Eagle Records through ear Music. Release date: Available now.

You know, back in the UK, I grew to really enjoy a load of Nazareth’s material, first getting into them properly around the ‘No Mean City’ period, after seeing them on the UK’s staple for pop / rock fans, the sadly mimed BBC, ‘Top of the Pops,’ but as kids and teenagers we all seemed to love it, as our once weekly regular TV chart show.

It was ‘May the Sunshine’ and ‘Star’ that both featured in the UK charts, but the track I loved from the album was ‘Whatever You Want Babe.’ Then discovering ‘Expect No Mercy’ – The album prior to ‘No Mean City’ – I loved the bands cover of ‘Gone Dead Train.’ Thought it was great!

Of course the band was already loved for the freaky, ‘My White Bicycle,’ as well as ‘Razamanaz,’ ‘Bad, Bad Boy,’ ‘Broken Down Angel,’ ‘This Flight Tonight,’ ‘Hair of the Dog,’ ‘Love Hurts’ and I could go on for ages, seriously, they had loads of hits in the early 70’s.

After ‘No Mean City’ came – For me – the absolutely excellent ‘Malice in Wonderland,’ produced by Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter, that really grabbed me after I first heard ‘Holiday.’ What an absolute killer song!

I liked ‘Fool Circle’ after that too and there were a few more good ones that followed too, but here we are, it’s 2011 and what can Nazareth offer us today? Well, sadly, I’m sorry but ‘Big Dogz’ is not a good album, it’s OK at best.
I've seen reviews elsewhere that praise it up as a return to their classic sound, but I really encourage fans of the band to PLEASE check out samples first ... Then make up your own mind on whether to buy it or not ...

‘Big Dogs’s Gonna Howl’ opens the album and it starts by creeping up with some gentle harmonics and then the big riffs kick in.

It’s a slow steady groove and at first this didn’t really grab me, but it’s not sounding too bad now, but nothing spectacular.

  Next track ‘Claimed’ really doesn’t progress a lot more and it sadly starts to feel like it’s a plodding number.

OK, ‘No Mean Monster’ does pick things up, but the chord structures sound a little odd generally and Dan McCafferty’s vocals these days, although sounding as down and dirty as ever, sound …, are odd here in places.
Really don’t know what to make of this at all …, unless they are trying for a more progressive type sound, if so it’s not sounding quite right to me … Sorry guys.

‘When Jesus Comes To Save the World Again’ next, I don’t really know how to take this one, as it starts with an almost Pink Floyd like laid back acoustic groove and the vocal is presented in a haunting fashion.

Then it gets a kind of blues groove, when some edgy guitar kicks in with the drums and then it eases back to the acoustic / vocal part again and it does this one more time, but it really doesn’t do enough to really grab me.

Things try to pick up again with ‘Radio’ as the tempo is mid paced and Dan sings about all of 'our' favourite songs played on the radio, and I must admit I do like the bridge around the halfway mark, but other than that it’s …, really …, just OK.

‘Time and Tide’ starts slowly and kind of has an almost haunting feel, then the song kicks in proper and it …, really doesn’t go anywhere. It goes on with the stop start styling here and there and tries some time changes in the second half but it’s dare I say, not quite enough to do much.

 I hate to say it, but ‘Lifeboat’ again tries to pick things up, but it seems a very average song.
Sorry, it really just is and the album just continues to not really impress at all. Shame, as there’s a lot of good, historic work from Nazareth, so it’s a shame …

‘The Toast’ next at least start’s with a sense of humour, with a stand up statement, ‘Right then, on behalf of the band and the crew, I’d like to make a toast!’ Amusing … It an up tempo number too that kicks in, but with Dan singing about being, ‘ …all being too drunk,’ I wonder if the guitar solo was meant to sound terrible and all over the place, as it’s really pretty bad. I'm kind of surprised ...

It finishes with a similar tongue in cheek comment too. Hmm, not so sure about this one at all …

You know, I heard Dan McCafferty singing on the all star Pushking release not so long along and thought he sounded alright, but on here sadly I’m sorry, he does not sound too hot and on ‘Watch Your Back,’ it’s quite clear and you almost wonder if it influenced how the band played and presented themselves as I seriously don’t find this album a patch on previous releases and that’s a real shame.

I hope Dan is well and not sick, as this album kind of comes across as if he is struggling more than I’ve heard before.

‘Butterfly,' is a ballad that one of those that’s not too bad, kind of soulful blues and Dan gets through it.

Album closer here is ‘Sleeptalker,’ a mid-paced rocker, that then hit’s a bridge and haunting solo and changes to a slow paced number with some talking in a mocking fashion from various folks and I wonder if it’s meant to be based on Dan as a kid and supposed to be his folks doing the talk over here?

It really kind of an odd track to be honest, I don’t know what else to about it or how else to describe it.

So overall, this is a really disappointing album with just one or two tracks that to me are pretty average, so sadly hence the score this one picks up. I wish I could tell it differently … I've really loved this band in the past.

 Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Official band website:

http://www.nazarethdirect.co.uk

Brief News Update for Tuesday July 12th, 2011

Van Halen ... The word is out, the beans are being spilled on the new album!

Well, it's out there folks, something had to give and it turns out that producer Ross Hogarth (Black Crowes, John Mellencamp, Roger Waters, Motley Crue), who has been working with the band on the as yet un-titled album, has been openly talking about the new disc. 

No, not to small fry like me but to http://www.ultimate-guitar.com

There's not too much, but here's a part of that, when Ultimate-Guitar.com's Joe Matera was interviewing Ross Hogarth in their series "Producer and Engineer" and one question Joe posed to Ross was:

Joe: You’re currently working with Van Halen on their new record?

 

 

Ross: 'The whole Van Halen record has been recorded and we’re all excited. We have just started mixing the record. I’m really stoked about it, as it is the original band, Eddie and Alex with Wolf playing bass, and David Lee Roth singing, it’s the killing side of Van Halen at the top of their game again with Diamond Dave, and the band on fire.'

There's a lot more interesting stuff in the interview, including a few more references to Van Halen, but you can read the whole thing right here:

 http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/ross_hogarth_on_new_van_halen_album_the_band_on_fire.html

Other than that, Andrew McNiece at www.melodicrock.com also apparently has a source within the Van Halen camp, who has shared a bunch of information with Andrew including that the new album should be released around late October this year and most likely that a US tour will follow in November. Andrew posted his information from his source in his news Monday 11th July (Yesterday) at www.melodicrock.com

SEBASTIAN BACH'S "KICKING & SCREAMING" TRACK LISTING/ COVER ART REVEALED, FIRST SINGLE CONFIRMED; ALBUM DUE OUT SEPTEMBER 27^TH VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS WORLDWIDE

 Cover art designed by Richard Villa.

(New York, NY) - Here it is, mothertruckers, the official track listing and cover art for Sebastian Bach's new solo album, KICKING & SCREAMING! The first single from the album will be the title track, "Kicking & Screaming"; look for it to impact at radio in mid-August.

 Sebastian Bach (photo credit: Clay Patrick McBride). 

KICKING & SCREAMING will be released on September 27^th via Frontiers Records in North America and September 23^rd in Europe and is produced by Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Shinedown, Atreyu, Filter). The album will be available in three separate configurations: jewel box CD, deluxe digipak with bonus track and bonus DVD and double LP gatefold vinyl. The recording features young virtuosic guitarist Nick Sterling and drum pro Bobby Jarzombek (Halford, Riot, Iced Earth), as well a guest appearance by noted guitarist John 5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie) on "Tunnel Vision".

Sebastian Bach has sold in excess of 20 million records worldwide as lead singer with his former band, Skid Row and as a solo artist. Far from just being a multi-platinum recording artist, the singer/songwriter/actor/entertainer has expanded his career over the past decade to include episodic television with a 5-season recurring role on the CW's hit series "Gilmore Girls", starring roles on Broadway ("Jekyll & Hyde", "The Rocky Horror Picture Show") and national touring companies ("Jesus Chris Superstar"), and has appeared regularly on MTV and VH1.

Sebastian Bach KICKING & SCREAMING track listing:

1. Kicking & Screaming

2. My Own Worst Enemy

3. Tunnel Vision (featuring John 5)

4. Dance On Your Grave

5. Caught In A Dream

6. As Long As I Got The Music

7. I'm Alive

8. Dirty Power

9. Live The Life

10. Dream Forever

11. One Good Reason

12. Lost In The Light

13. Wishin'

Bonus tracks:

1. Jumpin' Off The Wagon - only available on the physical CD/DVD editions

2. Ain't There Yet - iTunes exclusive

Bach on the web:

www.sebastianbach.com

www.facebook.com/sebastianbach

www.twitter.com/sebastianbach

www.reverbnation.com/sebastianbach

www.frontiers.it

EUROPE CONFIRM NEW STUDIO ALBUM PRODUCED BY KEVIN SHIRLEY 

                    EUROPE HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THEIR NEXT STUDIO ALBUM SLATED FOR APRIL 2012 RELEASE, WILL BE PRODUCED BY THE WORLD'S HOTTEST ROCK RECORD PRODUCER, KEVIN SHIRLEY!

                    NO STRANGER TO THE CREME DE LA CREME OF ICONIC ROCK RECORDS, SHIRLEY HAS PRODUCED ALBUMS FOR IRON MAIDEN, JOE BONAMASSA, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, BLACK STONE CHERRY, JOURNEY AND MANY MORE.

"WE STILL FEEL WE HAVE ONE HELL OF A ROCK RECORD TO MAKE," SAYS SINGER JOEY TEMPEST. "KEVIN'S THE MAN FOR THE JOB. WE LOVE HIS WORK WITH BONAMASSA, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION AND BLACK STONE CHERRY. HE'S THE REAL DEAL. WE'RE READY TO DO SOME SERIOUS DAMAGE." 

                    "I'VE BEEN A BIG FAN OF EUROPE'S WORK FOR MANY YEARS," SAYS SHIRLEY.

"THE BAND IS INFLUENTIAL AND HIGHLY UNDERRATED. I CAN'T WAIT TO MAKE THE UPCOMING ALBUM THEIR MOST EXPLOSIVE TO DATE."

                    AFTER SUMMER 2011, EUROPE WILL FINISH THE PROMOTION OF 'LAST LOOK AT EDEN', AND WILL START TO FOCUS THEIR ENERGY ON THE NEXT ALBUM PRODUCED BY SHIRLEY.

"WE'VE TOURED FOR ONE AND A HALF YEARS," ADDS TEMPEST.

"IT'S TIME TO WRITE AND RECORD SOME NEW SONGS AND GET BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN IN 2012."
RECORDING FOR EUROPE'S NEW ALBUM BEGINS IN STOCKHOLM ON OCTOBER 3RD, FOR AN APRIL 2012 RELEASE.

For all Europe information, go to:

http://www.europetheband.com 

KYNG

READY TO BRING THEIR

SELF-PROCLAIMED “CALIFORNIA HEAVY” MUSIC TO THE MASSES;

‘TRAMPLED SUN’ DEBUT ALBUM OUT SEPTEMBER 27;

TOUR WITH POP EVIL AND BLACK STONE CHERRY

STARTS JULY 16

July, 2011 -- There’s new Rock Royalty in town.

 KYNG--singer/songwriter Eddie Veliz, bassist Tony Castaneda and drummer Pepe Clarke Magana—will release their debut album, TRAMPLED SUN, September 27 on REALID Records (through Warner Music Group’s Independent Label Group). The first two singles, “Falling Down” and “Trails in Veins,” were mixed by Mike Watts (Adelita’s Way, Hopesfall, Quicksand, Brand New) and are set to hit radio airwaves mid-July and will be available for download on July 26.

AOL/Noisecreep.com recently premiered “Falling Down,” which can be heard here: http://aol.it/jiKwXf.

After years of working off and on with each other on various projects, the trio decided to propagate the idea of a band that would closer fulfill their musical desires. Within months of jamming together they were sold on the chemistry and promptly headed into the studio to record their debut album. The sound they realized—which they call "California Heavy”--was exactly what they had sought after, a unique and universally appealing combination of heavy and captivating concepts, channeling influences from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin to Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age.

As proclaimed in a collective statement: "We wanted a band that could stand alongside anything in the scene, have the ability to crossover seamlessly and still bridge who we are.”

Reminiscent at times of the metal and hard rock of the late 1970s in style and musical collection, with a presentation that is totally heavy, classic and modern-day all at once, they are sure to refresh the Active Rock and Metal landscapes of today and tomorrow. As drummer Pepe Clarke Magaña puts it, “I think we’re doing stuff, or a combination of stuff, that has been done before, in a way that has never been done before.

In touring news, the band has recently completed dates with The Sword. Up next, they’ll be heading out with Black Stone Cherry and Pop Evil starting July 16 in Illinois. 

Check them out at any of the following stops, with more dates to be added soon:

DATE CITY VENUE

With Pop Evil & Black Stone Cherry:

July 2011

Sat 7/16 Rock Island, IL Rock the District

Mon 7/18 Knoxville, TN The Valarium

Wed 7/20 Greenville, SC The Handlebar

Thu 7/21 Atlanta, GA The Loft

Fri 7/22 Jackson, MS Fire

Sat 7/23 Mountain Home, AR Vada Shield PAC

Mon 7/25 Pensacola, FL Vinyl Music Hall

Tue 7/26 Birmingham, AL Zydeco

www.kyngband.com

www.facebook.com/KyngRocks

www.myspace.com/kyngband

www.twitter.com/kyngband

CANDLELIGHT RED CONFIRMED FOR SUMMER TOUR WITH SAVING ABEL

Candlelight Red continue to land prime opening slots with renowned rock acts, as it has been announced that the group (vocalist Ryan Hoke, guitarist Jeremy Edge, bassist Jamie Morral, and drummer Josh Hetrick) will be opening this summer for Saving Abel on a nationwide US tour.

The tour kicked off this past Saturday, July 9th in Williamsport, PA (the band's hometown) with a headlining performance, and will wrap up on Wednesday, August 30th in Erie, PA. Additional dates should be announced soon for September, as well.

The band's debut single "Closer," continues to climb the active rock radio charts (with double digit stations spinning the track), and the group recently finished work on their Imagen Records debut, 'The Wreckage,' with producer David Ivory (Silvertide, Halestorm and The Roots).

'The Wreckage' will be released sometime in the 3rd quarter of 2011.

Candlelight Red is no stranger to sharing the stage with established and well-known hard rock acts, as they have opened for both KISS and was part of the Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival (which included Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Halestorm, and Hellyeah) and just finished a month long tour with Egypt Central.

With each additional tour, Candlelight Red is closing in on headlining status themselves, so catch the group in an intimate setting while you still can!

Candlelight Red confirmed tour dates:

July 2011

Friday, July 15th in Philipsburg, PA @ Club Squared
Friday, July 22nd in Pottsville, PA @ Goodfellas w/Saving Abel
Saturday, July 23rd in Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun - Wolf Den w/Saving Abel
Sunday, July 24th in Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance w/Saving Abel
Monday, July 25th in Luzerne, PA @ Brews Brothers w/ Rev Theory
Tuesday, July 26th in Lemoyne, PA @ The Drinkin' Bone
Thursday, July 28th in Little Rock, AR @ Juanita's w/Saving Abel
Friday, July 29th in Kansas City, MO @ KC Power & Light District w/Saving Abel
Sunday, July 31st in Urbana, IL @ The Canopy Club w/ Saving Abel

August 2011

Tuesday, August 2nd in Birmingham, AL @ Cafe Firenze w/Saving Abel
Wednesday, August 3rd in Clarkesville, TN @ The Warehouse w/Saving Abel
Sunday, August 7th in Cedar Falls, IA @ The Wheelhouse w/Saving Abel
Wednesday, August 10th in Salt Lake City, UT @ The Gallivan Ctr w/Saving Abel
Thursday, August 11th in Casper, WY @ The Venue w/Saving Abel
Friday, August 19th in Fostoria, OH @ The New Nest w/Saving Abel
Sunday, August 21st in Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel w/Saving Abel
Tuesday, August 23rd in Winston Salem, NC @ Ziggy's w/Saving Abel
Wednesday, August 24th in Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans w/Saving Abel
Friday, August 26th in Vienna, WV @ Fishbone Gill & Grill w/Saving Abel
Tuesday, August 30th in Erie, PA @ Sherlock's w/Saving Abel

For more information, visit:www.facebook.com/candlelightred
www.myspace.com/candlelightred
www.twitter.com/candlelightred
www.candlelightred.com
www.imagenrecords.com