Thursday, April 19, 2012

Late News Update for Thursday April 19th, 2012

Hi All,

Hope your week has gone well so far, look we're almost there, past hump day and tomorrow is Friday, yeah! It's also my daughter's birthday who is about to turn seven, going on thirteen!!!
Sorry this comes to you late in the day and yes, it means they'll most likely be no update tomorrow ...
Sad news about Dick Clark yesterday, although based on seeing him for the past decade doing the New Year's Eve show, everyone here has seen the guy deteriorate more and more sadly each year, follwing his stroke back in 2004.
The guy has been such a legend here in the US, so as an Englishman who has lived in the States for just twelve years, I can't begin to come close to capturing a significant enough tribute to the man that put simply, was American Bandstand, the mega show that started way back in 1957 when rock 'n' rock was all the rage!
I leave the tributes to my peers, captured here in todays news update.
Take care folks, RIP Dick Clark,
Al


Dick Clark RIP
1929 - 2012




As I have already said in my opening few words, that I'm an Englishman who really has had such a small comprehension of the impact TV star Dick Clark made on American music lovers, from the '50's and onwards.
I do know the name though and heck, the guy even had a restaurant chain named after him!
He is reported to have left an estate worth hundreds of millions, that's how big a household name he was here in America.
These are just a few of the many, many tributes that have been paid to the man who many will say, started it all, back in the '50's. RIP Dick Clark.


STATEMENT FROM ‘THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN EARS,’ KAL RUDMAN, PUBLISHER OF THE FRIDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK, BIBLE OF THE BROADCAST AND MUSIC INDUSTRIES, ON THE DEATH OF HIS CLOSE FRIEND AND MENTOR, DICK CLARK

CHERRY HILL, NJ - “The passing of Dick Clark removes one of the largest foundation stones of the entire pop music industry for the latter half of the 20th century. Starting with ‘Bandstand,’ his shows absolutely made most of the hits from the beginning.

Others in radio might aspire to the title, but they had to follow what Dick Clark played - especially, and obviously, dance music. I mourn his death. He took me under his wing and became my guide in reaching the tastemakers of the record and radio industries.

On behalf of the staff of the Friday Morning Quarterback, we send our deep condolences to Dicks’s wife, Kari, and the entire Clark family."

Weblink:


STATEMENT FROM THE DOVELLS, PHILADELPHIA ‘BANDSTAND’ DANCE CRAZE REGULARS, ON THE PASSING OF DICK CLARK

Tribute to Dick Clark to be included in The Dovells’ 50h Anniversary concert on April 21

PHILADELPHIA – Jerry Gross, lead singer of Philadelphia ‘Bandstand’ dance craze regulars The Dovells (“The Bristol Stomp,” “You Can’t Sit Down”), had the following to say about the passing of Dick Clark:

“Dick Clark was a legend who helped a lot of acts, including us, gain stardom and have many, many hit records. The entertainment world will sorely miss Dick Clark.”

In memory of Dick Clark, the Dovells are putting together a special tribute to him to be included in their 50th anniversary concert, scheduled for Saturday (April 21) at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Cherry Hill, NJ.

“The Dovells did many tours with Dick Clark in the ‘60s and in the ‘70s, including the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars. We were one of his favorite acts. Dick always called us when he needed a high energy act. He called us the Bowery Boys. We were on the Dick Clark tour that pulled into Dallas at 7 a.m. the day President Kennedy was shot. We were just blocks from the shooting, and of course, our show that evening was cancelled.”

 

SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA PIONEERS KENNETH GAMBLE AND LEON HUFF
MOURN THE PASSING OF DICK CLARK

PHILADELPHIA -- "As fellow Philadelphians, we have admired Dick Clark and the 'American Bandstand' brand for many years,  as it promoted Philadelphia music around the nation,” said Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff in a joint statement. “Dick Clark was one of our inspirations for creating the ‘Sound of Philadelphia’ music brand. More importantly, we thank him for being one of the pioneers in promoting the Philly Dance and Music scene for the nation and world to enjoy. We send our sincere and deepest condolences to Dick Clark's family.”


And so on with some other updates ...


MelodicRock Records to release
Rick Springfield - Working Class Dogs Tribute album

The big question is not 'why pay tribute to Rick Springfield?', but rather 'why did it take so long for someone to do so?' And when you consider some of the many other tribute albums that have hit the market in recent years, and with Rick's record of 17 Top 40 hits, it is a confounding question indeed. Thankfully all has been put right with this first ever tribute to one of melodic rock's most accomplished singer/musician/songwriters.

MelodicRock Records in association with Angelmilk Records and Fastlane Records is proud to bring you Working Class Dogs - A Tribute To Rick Springfield, set for release worldwide on June 15.
The album was compiled in two different stages, with the original tracks recorded under the supervision of the album's architect Shawn C. Lane and Fastlane Records and coming later, the second stage saw 5 more tracks added under the guidance of MRR's Andrew McNeice.


Combining both sets of tracks into the perfect running order gives the listener a truly wild ride and results in one of the best and most consistent tribute albums ever.
No one sounds like Rick Springfield. But many love to play his songs.
And this tribute to Rick Springfield brings together a whole range of artists to do just that. Many have admired the artist from afar, but several others have actually worked closely with Rick. Case in point is Rick's own live backing band appearing on the rocking track Kristina. And friend and long-time collaborator Jeff Silverman appears alongside AOR legend James Christian on the original RS/JS tune Right Planet Wrong World.


A true indication of a song's brilliance is that it will translate into other genres without losing any of its original charm. That's exactly what happens here.
All of the songs on this album have been updated and contemporized, but none of them have lost any of their original zest. You have the rapid fire punk/pop live feel on several tracks like Love Somebody, Living In Oz, Jessie's Girl; the polished and mature AOR of Stranger In My House (featuring Argentine AOR group Hardway with guest vocalist Thom Griffin) and Right Planet Wrong World; the heartfelt Beautiful You and even the country tinged What Kind Of Fool Am I (performed by Taylor Swift's touring guitarist/vocalist Paul Sidoti) . And of course the raw energy of Souls, I Get Excited, Carry Me Away and Affair Of The Heart.

Other artists involved include Eric Martin (Mr. Big vocalist), Chicago's finest 7th heaven, one man band Gary Schutt (Jeff Scott Soto band), CJ Szuter (The Szuters), Mitch Malloy, Eric Ragno, Vic Rivera (Poley/Rivera, Adriangale), Steve Newman and British guitarist Vinny Burns (Ten, Burns Blue).


Great performances are needed of course, but at the heart of the matter are some of the best songs Rick Springfield has ever written. This tribute album has something for all Rick fans, no matter what the era. And what other tribute album can boast the center of attraction giving it his seal of approval.

Rick Springfield: "What a cool compilation. I like the song choices and the versions still retain a lot of the original vibe, but have definitely been updated. These versions are a lot more like how we now play the songs live. Great work everyone!"


Track Listing (Artist/Title):

01) Waltham - Light Of Love
02) American Anthem - Jessies Girl
03) Handsome Devil - Love Somebody
04) Gary Schutt - Carry Me Away
05) CJ Szuter - I Get Excited
06) The Meddling Kids - I've Done Everything For You
07) Tom Cinefro & The Rick Springfield Band - Kristina
08) Eric Martin & Vic Rivera - Souls
09) Hardway w/Thom Griffin - Stranger In My House
10) James Christian & Jeff Silverman - Right Planet Wrong World
11) 7th Heaven - Affair Of The Heart
12) Steve Newman & Vinny Burns - Human Touch
13) Brand New Machine - Calling All Girls
14) Keith LuBrant - Rock Of Life
15) Paul Sidoti - What Kind Of Fool Am I
16) Mitch Malloy & Vinny Burns - Tear It All Down
17) Barely Pink - Don't Talk To Strangers
18) Fig - Wasted
19) Clay Howard - Beautiful You
20) Endway - Living In Oz

Audio samples at:
www.MelodicRock.com


Working Class Dogs will be available worldwide June 15 via all your favourite melodic rock outlets, including all those advertised here on www.melodicrock.com  It will also be available to order via your favourite US retailers thanks to Alliance Entertainment (www.aent.com).

Any US retailers looking for wholesale orders can contact Alliance. Please contact Mark Groshong at +1 954 255 4000, extension 1082, or by email at mark.groshong@aent.com.
In Europe/Scandinavia the album is being distributed by Cargo Records. Contact John Dryland for orders at: John@cargorecords.co.uk

You can also order direct from MelodicRock Records. And here's the bonus. Those that do will have the album shipped out a week or so early, so you'll be the very first to get a copy - PLUS - if you pre-order the album here, you will get an e-mail with a link to THREE additional exclusive bonus tracks! Those are:

BT - The Vague - Love Is Alright Tonight
BT - American Heartbreak - Human Touch
BT - Jeremy - Speak To The Sky


These Bonus Tracks will be sent out next week to all pre-orders. So what are you waiting for - pre-order right now via a PayPal link! ($15.00 + $5 shipping - airmail to anywhere worldwide!)
Ordering details and Paypal link can be found over at:
www.Melodicrock.com

xx 



New interview with Europe's Joey Tempest at Rocktopia, featured in Fireworks magazine

Rock writer Carl Buxton, recently conducted a very good interview with Joey Tempest, frontman with the very rejuvenated Europe, on the eve of the Swedish rockers releasing their latest album, the excellent sounding 'Bag of Bones.'

Editor's note - Review of the album is coming!

The interview is a main feature in the melodic rock magazine Fireworks, also available via Rocktopia.
Carl does an excellent job and the nice, lengthy interview reads well, go here to check it out for yourself:
http://www.rocktopia.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2113:fireworks-magazine-online-51-interview-with-joey-tempest-of-europe&catid=903:fireworksmagazine&Itemid=103



TOUCHSTONE OFFER FREE DOWNLOAD





'Joker In The Pack - Live at High Voltage'

Modern progressive rockers Touchstone give away free live track exclusively through their Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/touchstonemusicuk

UK modern progressive rockers TOUCHSTONE have announced an exclusive promotion on their Facebook page where they are currently giving away a special live version of 'Joker In The Pack', recorded at the inaugural High Voltage Festival in 2010.

The track, which has always been crowd favorite in the band's live set, is now available to download for free for a limited time only in celebration of the worldwide re-release of their entire back catalogue by SPV/Steamhammer this Spring.


'Joker In The Pack - Live at High Voltage' is just one of the bonus live tracks recorded at the festival which feature on the digi-pack re-issues of Wintercoast and the band's debut album Discordant Dreams, along with exclusive new artwork by guitarist Adam Hodgson.

Head to the TOUCHSTONE free download app here to download your copy:
http://www.facebook.com/touchstonemusicuk/app_364167486958516

For more information follow TOUCHSTONE here:
http://www.facebook.com/touchstonemusicuk
http://www.touchstonemusic.co.uk


The Messiah of great Heavy Rock music is back:
JORN to release “Bring Heavy Rock To The Land” on Frontiers in June





 Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of a brand new JORN studio album : "Bring Heavy Rock To The Land" on June 1st in Europe and June 5th in North America.


Following a three year silence since the release of "Spirit Black", JORN unleashes upon the world yet another original studio album "Bring Heavy Rock To The Land": another slab of classic Hard Rock with Metal elements! "I think this album follows a similar JORN-tradition like those before, more Heavy Rock oriented than Metal" says Jorn "But as usual it's not one musical expression all the way through the album, but a variety of musical landscapes within the categories of Rock and Metal".

 A winning formula should not change, so Jorn has again worked with Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark, who mixed the album, ensuring the right edge to the rich guitar and vocal sound that is now trademark to all JORN releases. The lineup sees the return of Jimmy Iversen on guitar who also appeared on "Spirit Black". The pairing with Tore Moren works really well and gives Jorn's sound the usual depth and solidity.




As usual, in addition to the original material, Jorn offers some interesting covers. This time Masterplan’s "Time to Be King" and Christopher Cross’ "Ride Like The Wind" are the ones to get the Jorn treatment. "When we wrote "Time To Be King" I heard a different and more rock oriented arrangement in my mind" tells Jorn, "so after the Masterplan album was released I couldn't stop thinking about how it would sound if it was recorded with this other arrangement. I don't know which one's better, I have ended up liking both versions. As to Christopher Cross, I have always loved "West Coast" oriented music and bands like 10cc, Pages, Santana, Little River Band, Eagles and so on. So I thought "Ride Like The Wind" would be a good song to do Jorn style. Saxon also released a version of this song in the 80's, and the arrangement we made ended up beeing a mix between the original version and Saxon's. It's also a fun song to sing and play".


 Jorn Lande’s strong and diverse voice and solid songwriting skills have now become legendary in the Hard Rock world. In a career spanning over close to 40 album releases, as frontman for Ark and Masterplan, in addition to featuring on spectacular projects such as Nostradamus The Rock Opera, Beyond Twilight "The Devil’s Hall of Fame", Tobias Sammet’s "Avantasia" and Ayreon.
 "If you buy a Jorn album today, you know what you will get" states Jorn Lande. You are guaranteed to get your adrenaline going with the riveting sound that has solid roots in classic hard rock/heavy metal music, such as Dio, Black Sabbath, Rainbow and Whitesnake.
“Bring Heavy Rock To The Land” will include the following songs: My Road; Bring Heavy Rock To The Land; A Thousand Cuts; Ride Like The Wind; Chains Around You; The World I See; Time To Be King; Ride To The Guns; Black Morning; I Came To Rock; Live And Let Fly (bonus track).

The title track "Bring Heavy Rock To The Land" (Click here to listen to the sample)
will be released as a single worldwide on May 14th and can be exclusively listened to in streaming on the Frontiers Records webradio www.frontiers.it/webradio - A videoclip for the song is in the works and will be directed by Thomas Tjäder (Pretty Maids, In Flames). 

According to Jorn: "The title track has really a strong Jorn trademark. It was a natural choice for a title track, I felt the same about "Lonely Are The Brave" back in 2008. Sometimes one song's got the magic and you just know it. "Bring Heavy Rock To The Land" is such a song and regardless of how the whole album is evaluated by critics, I feel that this song will live on and become an essential Jorn classic !"

 Jorn will appear live in selected shows in Europe during the summer.

JORN band line up is: Jorn Lande: vocals
 Willy Bendiksen: drums
 Nic Angileri: bass
 Tore Moren: guitar
 Jimmy Iversen: guitar


 Weblinks:
www.jornlande.com

Sorry folks, wanted to add more here today, but ran out of time ...
Enjoy the rest of your week.

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