Category Archives: Music News

Beastie Boy Adam Yauch Battling Cancer

What a bummer of an announcement today from the Beastie Boys‘ Adam “MCA” Yauch:

It’s nice to see that is he public about it for the fans and in good spirits, but still it’s terrible to hear that he has a form of cancer.  Yauch even apologized to his fans for not being able to tour during this rough time. 

This was a bummer of a video to watch…  He is a true musician.

The cancellation of the Beastie Boys shows and the push back of their release is completely understandable and I hope that MCA wins the fight against this cancer.

Clutch Album & Tour News!!!

Clutch is on the verge of releasing their ninth studio album!  The band is also planning on touring in support of the highly anticipated release!

Clutch’s new album is dropping on July 14th on their very own Weathermaker Music record label!

The official track listing for “Strange Cousins From the West”:
Motherless Child
Struck Down
50,000 Unstoppable Watts
Abraham Lincoln
Minotaur

The Amazing Kreskin
Witchdoctor
Let a Poor Man Be
Freakonomics
Algo Ha Cambiado
Sleestak Lightning

Clutch Live!

* A December North American tour will be added to the following confirmed dates shortly:

US w/ Baroness and Lionize!
July 3rd Atlantic City, NJ @ House of Blues w/ Shadows Fall and Wino (* no Baroness or Lionize)
July 9 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
July 10 Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
July 11 Chicago, IL @ Kuma’s
July 12 Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
July 14 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
July 15 Houston, TX @ House of Blues
July 17 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
July 18 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater
July 19 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues Las Vegas
July 20 San Diego, CA @ Cane’s Bar & Grill
July 21 Los Angeles, CA @ House Of Blues
July 22 San Francisco, CA @ Regency Center
July 23 Seattle, WA @ King Cat Theater
July 25 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
July 26 Missoula, MT @ Wilma Theater
July 27 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
July 28 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
July 29 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
July 31 Calgary, AB @ Flames Center
August 1 Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Center
August 2 Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon Event Center
August 3 Winnipeg, MB @ Garrick Center
August 5 Minneapolis, MN @ First Ave
August 6 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
August 7 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
August 8 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar

US Tour w/ Wino and Revolution Mother!
September 9 Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr Smalls
September 10 Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom
September 11 Philadelphia, PA @ The Electric Factory
September 12 Hartford, CT @ The Webster Theater
September 13 Montreal, QC @ Lee Saints
September 15 London, ON @ London Music Hall
September 16 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
September 18 Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
September 19 Jackson, MS @ Club Fire
September 20 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
September 22 Mobile, AL @ Soul Kitchen
September 23 Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom
September 24 Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
September 25 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Orbit Room
September 26 Chicago, IL @ The Metro
September 27 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium
September 29 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
September 30 Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
October 1 Kansas City, MO @ The Beaumont Club
October 2 Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
October 3 Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
October 4 Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 6 Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues
October 7 Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
October 8 Richmond, VA @ The National
October 9 New York City, NY @ Irving Plaza
October 10 New York City, NY @ Irving Plaza

For more information, visit:
www.pro-rock.com
www.myspace.com/clutchband
www.weathermakermusic.com

Free Fearless Records Summer Sampler 2009

Just in time for the holiday weekend, a free summer sampler thanks to the good folk at Fearless Records.

All you need to do to get it is to visit the record label’s MySpace page and click on the top of the page where it says FREE.  The 7 track sampler contains some great tracks from some up and coming artists and seeing how it is free, you might as well just check it out.  I did!  (and I actually like a few of the tracks too…especially the Def Leppard cover!)

Some info about the summer sampler (as well as some of the bands) direct from an email I received from Fearless Records:


The 2009 Fearless Records Summer Sampler is finally here and you can download it all for FREE on the top of our Myspace page. The 7-song sampler also includes unreleased songs by Breathe Carolina, The Word Alive and Lets Get it.  Check out the full track listing below and download your copy TODAY!

Track Listing
1. Sparks The Rescue – “Autumn”
2. Breathe Carolina – “Welcome To Savannah”*
3. The Word Alive – “Quit While You’re Ahead”*
4. Artist Vs Poet – “Assurance Closure”
5. Eye Alaska – “Walk Like A Gentleman”
6. A Skylit Drive – “Those Cannons Could Sink A Ship”
7. Lets Get It – “Do Not Disturb”*


The Fearless Records Myspace has also suited up for the kick-off of the 2009 Vans Warped Tour!  The new Fearless Myspace will be your one-stop shop for everything Warped including exclusive video content, updated photos and exclusive giveaways for MySpace friends ONLY.

So if you’re not yet a Fearless Myspace friend, add us today to stay updated with Warped Tour all summer long and make sure you check back daily!

Eye Alaska
Full Album Stream of “Genesis Underground”


Eye Alaska‘s upcoming album, “Genesis Underground,” is now streaming in it’s entirety on
AbsolutePunk.net. “Genesis Underground” is available in stores and online Tuesday July 7th. To celebrate, the band will be doing an Absolute Punk Chat on Monday, July 6th, at 7pm ET/4pm PT, so be sure to tune in!

If you like what you hear, make sure to pre-order your copy of “Genesis Underground” now at iTunes, SmartPunk, InterPunk, or MerchNow.

Eye Alaska Tour Dates

Purchase: iTunes, MerchNow

Let’s Get It
Pre-Order “Digital Space EP” Today

LGI


Let’s Get It is excited to announce that their upcoming “Digital Spaces EP,” due out August 4th, is now available for pre-order. Pick up your copy today from
SmartPunk, MerchNow, or Interpunk and receive a free poster with purchase.  In addition, with all SmartPunk pre-orders you will also receive an autographed booklet signed by the entire band!

Let’s Get It Tour Dates

Purchase: MerchNow

Breathe Carolina
Official Album Art & Tracklisting


Breathe Carolina have released the official album art & tracklisting from their upcoming album Hello Fascination in stores and online August 18th. Check out the album art and tracklisting
here.

Also, remember to catch them playing live all summer long on this years Warped Tour!

Breathe Carolina Tour Dates

The Maine
“Pour Some Sugar On Me”


The Maine have released a clip of their new cover song, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard, on their
MySpace page. You will be able to purchase the song off their upcoming Deluxe Edition of “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” available July 14th. Also, don’t forget to check out the band on this years Warped Tour and keep up to date with them all summer long on their blog!

The Maine Tour Dates

Purchase:iTunes, MerchNow

The King Of Pop Passes (1958-2009)

It’s no news that everyone has heard about the late pop-star Michael Jackson.  The King of Pop is no longer with us.

I really was not going to blog about this instance because everyone already is and I was not quite sure what I really had to say about it.

Twitter was overloaded with updates and Facebook seemed to have endless comments but fans as well as people who thought it would be a good time to start with the jokes.

This morning I thought maybe I should just post something about the musician seeing on how he had a pretty big influence on me musically as I grew up.

I was getting a tattoo yesterday when I found out.  I was just killing some time during the process and checked Twitter where I started seeing posts that Michael Jackson was taken to the hospital, then rumors of his death followed by statements of the artist falling into a coma.  Finally it was confirmed, Michael Jackson died from cardiac arrest.

I did not know what to think at the exact moment it hit me that the pop star passed.

I can tell you one thing, Michael Jackson was the last person I would have ever expected to pass away on a summer day.  The news was shocking and it took me a few visits to various websites to finally learn it was the truth.  I realize sometimes things get blown out of proportion but this was real.

I was a Michael Jackson fan when I was a kid and I am not ashamed to say it.  I am pretty sure everyone was and I do not believe you if you say you did not like any of his material.  I rocked the parachute pants, did the moon walk, but never had a sparkling glove.

One of my favorite memories of when I went to Epcot Center at Walt Disney World in the late 80’s was when I saw the 3-D adventure Captain EO. Just a few weeks ago I was actually talking about it to some friends and watched the movie in two segments on YouTube.  (Part 1 & Part 2 for those of you that have never seen it and are wondering what I am talking about…)

Then there was Moonwalker a movie/music video that I watched over and over on VHS.  Sega actually even created a video game based on the movie that was easily one of my favorite Sega Genesis video games of all time.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw the video for “Thriller” on MTV.  It was late at night and my Aunt warned me it was going to be scary.  I loved every minute of it.

I still have Thriller on my iTunes and always will.  It is easily one of my top 100 albums of all time.

Today Michael Jackson’s name is being said a lot.  Good things and bad will be talked about him for days to come and just like many other music lovers out there I am saddened by his loss.

I really wish that Micheal Jackson could have toured just one more time not just for the millions of fans, but also for himself.  The poor guy really went through lots of hell.  Regardless if all those allocations were true or not, the guy changed the way people would listen to music forever.  It would have been nice to see Michael Jackson back on the stage doing what he liked to do best…

Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson (on www.michaeljackson.com):

NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2009 – Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: “Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him.”

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: “Michael Jackson’s unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly.”

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: “Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences.”

Five of Jackson’s solo albums – “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “HIStory,” all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label – are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the epic “Thriller.” Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

Those Darlins Dare You To Have The Best Summer Ever

I’m sure a couple of you by know that I think that Those Darlins are just an OK band.  It’s not like I post a lot of posts about them or anything…

Who am I kidding?  I am all about Those Darlins.  Out of nowhere they were introduced to my ears thanks to the good folk at Thirty Tigers and I could not help but to like them.  There was just something about their take on rock infused with country that was ever so appealing to me.  I turned into an instant fan.

This past Saturday their debut album was released on LP on First Vinyl Saturday..  I might have purchased 2 copies…  They were available to Music Saves in Cleveland and Shake It Records in Cincinnati so I know great independent record stores have them. 

I’m currently in the works of finishing a review of their CD that very well may be one of my favorite releases of the year.  I know we are only 6 months into the year and anything can happen…

Today I received an email from Those Darlins I thought would be best to just share in its entirety.  It’s an announcement from the girls to you:

America…

We’re coming to get you.
We dare you to just say yes.

Those Darlins will soon be roaming this great nation, bringing all Americans together the only way we know how: sheer freak spectacle.

But don’t just come see the spectacle, be the spectacle. We want you. We dare you. We, in fact, need you.

Have a drink, have a dance. Don’t worry about the environment being intolerant, too cool, too lame, too country, too anything. EVERYONE is invited; you’re one of us.

It’s Summer 2009, and, damnit, be here with us in the now. Don’t let the economic downturn ruin your appetite for some basic human relief: a good time.

Say yes… we already have. And we are bringing gifts (records, drinks, maybe even a kiss from our merch-man Byron) to the folks ready to lead the charge with us at every show.

Grow some fur, burn your laurels, let us see your inner spirit animal.

And, until then, enjoy Red Light Love, and make a date with us to make this the best summer ever.

SUMMER TOUR DATES

“Buy the ticket, take the ride.” – HST

6/25: Atlanta @ Drunken Unicorn
6/26: Athens, GA @ AthFest
6/27: Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge $
7/07: Arlington, VA @ Iota Club & Cafe
7/09: NYC @ Mercury Lounge +
7/10: Brooklyn @ Southpaw **, ++
7/11: Philadelphia @ Johnny Brenda’s
7/13: Pittsburgh @ Club Café
7/14: Cleveland @ Beachland Tavern
7/15: Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
7/16: Indianapolis @ Radio Radio
7/17: Chicago @ Schubas
7/18: Minneapolis @ 7th St. Entry
7/20: Rock Island, IL @ Rock Island Brewing Company
7/21: Omaha, NE @ Slowdown Front Room
7/22: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
7/23: Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar
7/24: St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
7/25: Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone
9/18 & 19: Bristol, VA @ Bristol Roots & Reunion Festival

$ W/The Black Lips – VINYL RELEASE PARTY
+ W/Heavy Trash (Jon Spencer) CD RELEASE PARTY
** W/So So Glos BROOKLYN RELEASE PARTY
++ W/We Are Country Mice BROOKLYN RELEASE PARTY

BUY THE DEBUT ALBUM EARLY NOW!

OPTIONS To Buy The CD Early Before Official 7/7 street date:

1) VINYL (W/CD of FULL ALBUM) at INDIE RETAIL STORES NOW! — it really is the most beautiful package. Hope you get to indie retail soon while they are giving away a pair of Blublocker sunglasses with the purchase of the vinyl and you get the CD as well inserted in the package.  (Editiors Note: Rumor has it that the first pressings are PINK!)

2) Buy the VINYL (W/CD) or the CD digipak at www.thosedarlins.com

3) iTunes: Now available at iTunes HERE

Download This! – Those Darlins – “Red Light Love”