Spotlight: Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers – Twisted Tales (2013)

Spotlight: Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers – Twisted Tales (2013)

On Twisted Tales, there are only ten songs and they go by pretty quick. The whole recording is just seconds under the forty-five minute mark. Took me a few times to get used to it. Each time when listening I noticed maybe something I didn’t pick off the time before. And not even realizing that the more I played Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers – Twisted Tales (2013), the more I liked it.

A shame but this is Ray Manzarek’s last project. He passed away before Twisted Tales was released. A Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame member for his contributions while with a legendary band called The Doors. Ray’s keyboard work for now and forever containing some of rock’s best-remembered melodies. The good reviews for Twisted Tales I can only imagine would blow him away. Mine being one of them.

So Mr. Manzarek and a man he collaborated with before, Roy Rogers, along with some other fine musicians made Twisted Tales. Ten songs with lyrics that paint pictures, for ‘tales’ are stories and here for our enjoyment are two shy of a full dozen.
Now I love a good yarn. Back when I was a wee lad, a detective from across the pond captured my attention whose name was Sherlock Holmes. He caught Ray's attention too for he wrote the music and Jim Carroll the words, to an upbeat starter called "Just Like Sherlock Holmes". Must say I liked it clean away.

Our second offering is music written by master slide guitarist and whose name is right next to Manzarek’s on this project, Roy Rogers. Lyrics are by Michael McClure. "Eagle In A Whirlpool" is a fun, up-tempo honky tonk like song.
The other eight songs are all along the lines of what a Ray Manzerek fan would expect. Not only superior musicianship, but entertaining words / lyrics to go along with it. Which leads me to track three and a tune called "Cop Talk", with lyrics that contain a real LOL moment: 

“My snitch lost his alibi / too bad he had to die
First he tied her to a tree / the time of death was 8:03”
There I was. While driving an automobile, and just me in the car, cracking up to myself just a laughing and listening to this purely entertaining song. “Cop Talk” words are by Jim Carroll. A catchy chorus with great music throughout, including standout saxophone by George Brooks.

If I had to pick a favorite, track seven would be it with a song called "Black Wine – Spank Me With A Rose". Very much in The Doors vibe with wicked guitar work by Mr. Rogers. Once we've gotten well enough along is where you're hear the words; "Spank me with a rose." I went around the house for days having fun signing that. As long as there were no thorns, why not. But I'm not picking up the pedals off the floor. Have to draw a line someplace.

Rating: Using the one to five star rating system, Uncle G gives the new Ray Manzarek / Roy Rogers – Twisted Tales…five stars!! Again, if you know either of these gentlemen’s music then you know what you’re getting. Certainly there is no disappointment if you are already a fan. And if a new fan of either musician or both, then you'll dig the "Twisted Tales" that this collaboration brought forth. I sure have.

Gary Brown
American Correspondent for Classic Rock Radio Dot EU 

BIG COUNTRY’S BBC PERFORMANCES RELEASED ON NEW BOX SET

I have to say, this looks utterly fantastic !

On 29th July 2013, thirty-years since  legendary rocker’s Big Country released their classic debut album ‘The Crossing’, Universal Music released ‘At The BBC’, a comprehensive four-disc collection that brings together the band’s BBC radio & TV performances between 1982 and 1990.

A must for all Big Country fans, ‘At The BBC’ includes forty-eight audio tracks, with no fewer than thirty of these recordings previously unreleased. In addition, the set’s accompanying DVD contains a staggering thirty-nine previously unreleased performances, including the band’s appearances on Top of The Pops, The Old Grey Whistle Test and live sets from The Edinburgh Playhouse and the Hexagon in Reading, amongst numerous others. The DVD also includes footage of Big Country’s late lead-singer and guitarist Stuart Adamson being interviewed by Richard Jobson, the lead singer with Adamson’s previous band The Skids.


Former Big Country bassist Tony Butler said, “To see, after all these years, such a collection of recordings and great memories made by the BBC, kind of makes me feel we got there. I mean, it’s the BBC! How cool.”

Big Country guitarist Bruce Watson added, “Watching the footage from Sefton Park in Liverpool brought back some fond memories. Loads of bodies covered in mud, very much a Woodstock atmosphere. Great days!”

The super-deluxe box set comes complete with a hardback book containing in-depth liner notes from respected journalist Tim Barr, archive photographs, a Big Country poster and postcards housed in a wallet.

There is also a 2CD version of the release which features selected audio highlights from the box set.


To pre-order your copy click here


BIG COUNTRY – ‘At The BBC’ – Track Listing

CD ONE

1. Heart & Soul – Radio 1: David Jensen Session 12/08/82 – Radio 1 Sessions CD (Sep 94)
2. Close Action – Radio 1: David Jensen Session 12/08/82 – Radio 1 Sessions CD (Sep 94)
3. Harvest Home – Radio 1: David Jensen Session 12/08/82 – Radio 1 Sessions CD (Sep 94)
4. Angle Park – Radio 1: David Jensen Session 12/08/82 – Radio 1 Sessions CD (Sep 94)
5. Close Action – Radio 1: John Peel 23/3/83 – Radio 1 Sessions CD (Sep 94)
6. Inwards – Radio 1: John Peel 23/3/83 – Radio 1 Sessions CD (Sep 94)
7. 1000 Stars – Radio 1: John Peel 23/3/83 – Radio 1 Sessions CD (Sep 94)
8. Porrohman – Radio 1: John Peel 23/3/83 – Radio 1 Sessions CD (Sep 94)
9. Balcony – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Palais -27/06/1983 – Previously Unreleased
10. Lost Patrol – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Palais – 27/06/1983 – Previously Unreleased
11. The Storm – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Palais – 27/06/1983 – Previously Unreleased
12. In A Big Country – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Palais -27/06/1983 – Previously Unreleased
13. Angle Park – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Palais -27/06/1983 – Previously Unreleased
14. The Storm – Radio 1 In Concert: Reading Festival -26/08/1983 -Previously Unreleased
15. Fields of Fire – Radio 1 In Concert: Reading Festival -26/08/1983 – Previously Unreleased
16. Harvest Home – Radio 1 In Concert: Reading Festival -26/08/1983 – Previously Unreleased
17. Close Action – Radio 1 In Concert: Reading Festival -26/08/1983 – Previously Unreleased

CD TWO (all tracks previously unreleased)

1. Lost Patrol – Radio 1 In Concert: Wembley Stadium (supp. Elton John) – 28/06/1984
2. In A Big Country – Radio 1 In Concert: Wembley Stadium (supp. Elton John) -28/06/1984
3. Porrohman – Radio 1 In Concert: Wembley Stadium (supp. Elton John) – 28/06/1984
4. Inwards – Radio 1 In Concert: Wembley Stadium (supp. Elton John) – 28/06/1984
5. Just A Shadow – BBC TV: Whistle Test: Edinburgh Playhouse – 31/12/1984
6. The Storm – BBC TV: Whistle Test: Edinburgh Playhouse – 31/12/1984
7. Chance – BBC TV: Whistle Test: Edinburgh Playhouse – 31/12/1984
8. Where The Rose Is Sown – BBC TV: Whistle Test: Edinburgh Playhouse – 31/12/1984
9. Come Back To Me – BBC TV: Whistle Test: Edinburgh Playhouse – 31/12/1984
10. Wonderland – BBC TV: Reading Hexagon – 14/04/1986
11. Remembrance Day – BBC TV: Reading Hexagon – 14/04/1986
12. I Walk The Hill – BBC TV: Reading Hexagon – 14/04/1986
13. Look Away – BBC TV: Reading Hexagon – 14/04/1986
14. Chance – BBC TV: Reading Hexagon – 14/04/1986
15. The Teacher – BBC TV: Reading Hexagon – 14/04/1986
16. Harvest Home – BBC TV: Reading Hexagon – 14/04/1986

CD THREE

 1. Peace In Our Time – Radio 1: Evening Session ‘Live from Soviet Embassy’ – 21/09/1988 – Unreleased
2. Look Away – Radio 1: Evening Session ‘Live from Soviet Embassy’ – 21/09/1988 – Unreleased
3. Broken Heart – Radio 1: Evening Session ‘Live from Soviet Embassy’ – 21/09/1988 – Unreleased
4. Thousand Yard Stare – Radio 1: Evening Session ‘Live from Soviet Embassy’ – 21/09/1988 – Unreleased
5. King of Emotion – Radio 1: Evening Session ‘Live from Soviet Embassy’ – 21/09/1988 – Unreleased
6. River of Hope – Radio 1: Evening Session ‘Live from Soviet Embassy’ – 21/09/1988 – Unreleased
7. Peace In Our Time – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Odeon – 23/01/1989 – BBC In Concert (Sep 95)
8. Wonderland – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Odeon – 23/01/1989 – BBC In Concert (Sep 95)
9. The Seer – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Odeon – 23/01/1989 – BBC In Concert (Sep 95)
10. River of Hope – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Odeon – 23/01/1989 – BBC In Concert (Sep 95)
11. Come Back To Me – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Odeon – 23/01/1989 – BBC In Concert (Sep 95)
12. The Travellers – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Odeon – 23/01/1989 – BBC In Concert (Sep 95)
13. King of Emotion – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Odeon – 23/01/1989 – BBC In Concert (Sep 95)
14. In A Big Country – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Odeon – 23/01/1989 – BBC In Concert (Sep 95)
15. Fields of Fire – Radio 1 In Concert: Hammersmith Odeon – 23/01/1989 – BBC In Concert (Sep 95)

DVD

 1. Fields of Fire – Top of the Pops (previously unreleased)
2. In A Big Country – Top of the Pops (previously unreleased)
3. Chance – Top of the Pops (previously unreleased)
4. East of Eden – Top of the Pops (previously unreleased)
5. Look Away – Top of the Pops (previously unreleased)
6. King of Emotion – Top of the Pops (previously unreleased)
7. Fields of Fire – Oxford Road Show (previously unreleased)
8. Close Action – Old Grey Whistle Test (previously unreleased)
9. A Thousand Stars – Old Grey Whistle Test (previously unreleased)
10. Just A Shadow – Oxford Road Show (previously unreleased)
11. Interview – Jobson interviews Stuart Adamson for The Garden Party (previously unreleased)
12. Heart of The World – Garden Party (previously unreleased)
13. Porrohman – Live at the Sefton Park – Pop Carnival -1983 (previously unreleased)
14. The Storm – Live at the Sefton Park – Pop Carnival -1983 (previously unreleased)
15. In A Big Country – Live at the Sefton Park – Pop Carnival -1983 (previously unreleased)
16. Chance – Live at the Sefton Park – Pop Carnival -1983 (previously unreleased)
17. Angle Park – Live at the Sefton Park – Pop Carnival -1983 (previously unreleased)
18. Fields of Fire – Live at the Sefton Park – Pop Carnival -1983 (previously unreleased)
19. Just A Shadow – Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse – 1984 (previously unreleased)
20. The Storm – Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse – 1984 (previously unreleased)
21. Chance – Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse – 1984 (previously unreleased)
22. Where The Rose Is Sown – Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse – 1984 (previously unreleased)
23. Come Back To Me – Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse – 1984 (previously unreleased)
24. A Thousand Stars – Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse – 1984 (previously unreleased)
25. Harvest Home – Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse – 1984 (previously unreleased)
26. Interview with Billy Sloan – Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse – 1984 (previously unreleased)
27. Wonderland – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
28. Where The Rose Is Sown – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
29. Remembrance Day – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
30. I Walk The Hill – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
31. Look Away – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
32. Chance – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
33. The Teacher – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
34. In A Big Country – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
35. Inwards – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
36. Harvest Home – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
37. Fields of Fire – Live at the Reading Hexagon – 1986 (previously unreleased)
38. In A Big Country – 2nd TOTP performance (previously unreleased)
39. In A Big Country – 2nd TOTP Performance (previously unreleased)





Purchase now from the official Big Country store store.bigcountry.co.uk


Visit the band's website at www.bigcountry.co.uk

Big Country was originally formed in 1981 by guitar playing founder members Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson both native of the band’s hometown Dunfermline in Scotland. Initially driven by a shared vision of widescreen guitar melody, harmony and lyric, the classic Big Country sound was further enhanced later that summer by the arrival of London-based rhythm section Mark Brzezicki and bassist Tony Butler.
 
 This is the Big Country that broke massively worldwide with the release of debut album The Crossing’s singles ‘Fields Of Fire’, ‘Chance’ and signature song ‘In A Big Country’, which went on to become massive worldwide hits, selling over 2 million copies and driving ‘The Crossing’ to 3 prestigious Grammy nominations in the USA.
 
The run of success continued throughout the 1980s with the release of the anthemic single ‘Wonderland’ and the second album ‘Steeltown’ (1984), which debuted at Number 1 in the UK and contained the hit singles ‘East Of Eden, ‘Just a Shadow’ and ‘Where The Rose Is Sown’ . In 1985, Big Country appeared at Live Aid in London, followed by further successful album releases ‘The Seer’ (1986, which included the bands biggest UK hit ‘Look Away’, which also reached Number 1 in the Irish Singles chart) and ‘Peace In Our Time’ (1988), which saw the band playing the first ever privately promoted gig in Russia at the Moscow Sports Stadium.
 
In the 1990s Big Country would go on to release studio albums ‘No Place Like Home’ (1991), Buffalo Skinners (1993) and ‘Why The Long Face (1995) – landing the band the special guest slot on the Rolling Stones ‘Voodoo Lounge’ European tour and several shows in the UK and Ireland with Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Robert Plant – before releasing ‘Driving To Damascus’ in 1999.
 
In 2010, Big Country reformed, with the band’s friend Mike Peters from The Alarm on vocals. Following three sell-out UK tours and a run of acclaimed festival appearances bassist Tony Butler retired from the band, to be replaced by former Simple Minds bassist Derek Forbes. In May 2013,
 
Big Country released ‘The Journey’, their first studio album in fourteen years.
 
Big Country ‘At The BBC’ captures the classic line-up at the peak of their powers, further cementing the band’s reputation as truly great live band.

Posted by Marilyn Michaels

Jackson Browne - I’ll Do Anything - Live In Concert DVD Available Worldwide

Inside Recordings released Jackson Browne - I’ll Do Anything: Live In Concert DVD with worldwide distribution through ADA. The performances were captured during the November 2012 leg of his acoustic tour as part of AXS TV’s live concert programming. The live concert will be released in High-Definition on DVD and Blu-Ray. The DVD can be ordered now by visiting Amazon or clicking http://amzn.com/B00CIJ93EU for the DVD and http://amzn.com/B00CIJ93DQ for the Blu-Ray.



Jackson Browne- I’ll Do Anything: Live In Concert includes seventeen performances and features his longtime band mates Fritz Lewak and Val McCallum, along with Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins and Tyler Chester.
Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. He was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2007. Beyond his music, he is known for his advocacy on behalf of the environment, human rights, and arts education. He's a co-founder of the groups Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE), Nukefree.org, and the Success Through the Arts Foundation, which provides education opportunities for students in South Los Angeles.

Jackson Browne-I’ll Do Anything: Live In Concert DVD track listing:
1. Black And White - 7:14
2. I'm Alive - 5:40
3. Farther On - 5:18
4. The Naked Ride Home - 8:06
5. Live Nude Cabaret - 4:34
6. Sleep's Dark And Silent Gate - 2:35
7. The Pretender - 7:01
8. A Child In These Hills - 6:02
9. Tokyo Girl - 4:54
10. These Days - 6:29
11. In The Shape Of A Heart - 6:32
12. The Late Show - 6:26
13. I'll Do Anything - 6:18
14. Running On Empty - 6:15
15. Take It Easy - 5:28
16. Rock Me On The Water - 6:01
17. Before The Deluge - 10:00


DVD International Release dates:
US release – June 18
UK & Europe release – June 24
Australia / New Zealand – July 12
Japan – August 21

for a peek at the DVD  peek here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNMEnd9rA_Y

Visit Jackson's website at www.jacksonbrowne.com



Marilyn Michaels

Duff McKagan; What's he been up too?

Duff McKagan; What's he been up too?

Duff McKagan former Guns and Roses Bass player has been busy these last couple of years.  Here are some highlights of what is to come.

He shared a Velvet Revolver update with Billboard this week while doing press for his new project, Walking Papers.

"We talk about it every now and again,” says Duff. “Slash and Matt (Sorum) and Dave (Kushner) and I played in South Africa at the beginning of June...and of course we talked about it. We've tried out a bunch of singers, but I think we're just waiting for the right person to come along. It'll just happen. But the chemistry of Matt and Slash and Dave and I is really good, so you don't want to let that just go away."

In June while Duff was in South Africa touring he was named 2013 Distinguished Alumni Of The Year at Seattle Central Community College, where he took some courses to understand the financial end of the music business.  He wasn't able to attend the event, so he recorded his acceptance speech and is now sharing the video with fans.  Click on this link to watch the acceptance speech.

http://vimeo.com/68713705

It's So Easy (And Other Lies) is McKagan's 2011 autobiography and is being made into a full-length documentary feature film. Written and directed by Christopher Duddy, the documentary will feature rare archive footage of the early days with GNR members Slash, Steven Adler, Izzy Stradlin, and Axl rose, as well as past members, plus contemporaries Mike McCready from Pearl Jam, Krist Novoselic from Nirvana, Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue and many more. Production began this past March and has been picked up by Vision Films, but no release schedule has been revealed at this time.  This is going to be one documentary I won't miss!  Below is  It's So Easy and Other Lies Official Trailer:

                                     

Walking Papers, Duff's current band, is a blues rock quartet formed by Seattle's Jeff Angell (guitars, piano, and vocals) and Barrett Martin (drums, vibes, marimbas, upright bass, keyboards, percussion, backing vocals). Than added McKagan (bass, backing vocals) and Benjamin Anderson (keyboards, backing vocals). On their self titled debut album are guests Mike McCready, Dave Carter (Trumpet, Dan Spalding (Baritone Sax), and Ed Ulman (Trombone). Here is a taste called "The Whole World's Watching with Mike McCready serving up the guitar solo.

Walking Papers is on Facebook so pop in and like the page:
https://www.facebook.com/walkingpapersmusic

Thin Lizzy Reissues: Deluxe Album Reissue: “Thunder and Lightning” Album Reissue: “Renegade” Release Date: 23rd September 2013

Thin Lizzy Reissues:
Deluxe Album Reissue: “Thunder and Lightning”

Album Reissue: “Renegade”

Release Date: 23^rd September 2013

The legendary rock band Thin Lizzy is pleased to announce the release of two reissues - “Renegade” and a deluxe version of “Thunder and Lightning” - on the 23^rd September 2013.

First released in 1981, Renegade was Thin Lizzy’s 11^th studio album. Entering the UK and European Top 40, “Renegade” features the epic “Angel Of Death” and the melancholic “Renegade”. Characterised by the Thin Lizzy’s bluesy rock sound the album is a perfect showcase for the blend of Darren Wharton’s keyboards with Snowy White and Scott Gorham’s guitars. “Renegade” will be reissued in CD format and will contain 5 bonus tracks, including an extended version of “Hollywood” and the edited version of “Renegade”.

“Thunder and Lightning” was released in 1983 and has been regarded as a Thin Lizzy classic – an album that has influenced countless heavy and hard rock bands. Heavier than its predecessor, “Thunder and Lightning” featured new guitarist John Sykes and contained defining Lizzy songs such as the title track, “The Holy War” and “Cold Sweat”“. “Thunder and Lightning” will be released in Deluxe Edition double CD format. The CD will include 13 bonus tracks made up of rare live material and demos, including “The Boys Are Back in Town” live at Hammersmith 1981.

Thin Lizzy is one of rock music’s most recognisable names. The fiery Dublin band exploded onto the scene with a fresh sound, look and attitude. Lead by the incomparable Phil Lynott, the band reached many peaks and influenced generations of musicians with classic tracks such as Jailbreak, The Boys Are Back In Town, Still In Love With You, Cold Sweat, Emerald and Don’t Believe A Word…

Renegade Reissue Tracklisting:

1 - Angel of Death

2 - Renegade

3 - The Pressure Will Blow

4 - Leave This Town

5 - Hollywood (Down On Your Luck)

6 - No One Told Him

7 - Fats

8 - Mexican Blood

9 - It’s Getting Dangerous

10 - Trouble Boys

11 - Memory Pain

12 - Hollywood (extended version – 12” mix)

13 - Renegade (edited – 7”)

14 - Hollywood (edited – 7” promo)

Deluxe Edition “Thunder and Lightning” Tracklisting

CD 1

1 - Thunder and Lightning

2 - This Is The One

3 - The Sun Goes Down

4 - The Holy War

5 - Cold Sweet

6 - Someday She Is Going To Hit Back

7 - Baby Please Don’t Go

8 - Bad Habits

9 - Heart Attack

CD 2

1 - Angel of Death – Live B Side

2 - Don’t Believe A Word – Live B Side

3 - Emerald – Live in Hammersmith ‘81

4 - Killer On The Loose – Live Hammersmith ‘81

5- The Boys Are Back In Town – Live in Hammersmith ‘81

6 - Hollywood – Live in Hammersmith ‘81

7 - The Sun Goes Down - Demo

8 - Bad Habits - Demo

9 - This Is The One - Demo

10 - Thunder and Lightning

11 - Cold Sweet - Demo

12 - Baby Please Don’t Go - Demo

13 - Heart Attack - Demo

14  - The Holy War - Demo

15 - Someday She’s Gonna Hit Back - Demo

JIMI HENDRIX The Guitar Hero Directors cut 7th October 2013 Narrated by Slash

JIMI HENDRIX The Guitar Hero

Directors cut

7^th October 2013

Narrated by Slash

Universal Music is pleased to announce the release of Jimi Hendrix The Guitar Hero (Directors Cut) on double DVD, Blu Ray and Longform video for 7^th October 2013.

Fresh from the critical and commercial success of “BB King; The Life Of Riley” and “Legends Of the Canyon”, Director/Producer Jon Brewer returns with “Jimi Hendrix The Guitar Hero” (Directors Cut). Rather than drudging up scandal and outworn hypothesis about his lifestyle and ultimate death, the film looks at Hendrix as the master of electric guitar, as told by a selection of the world’s greatest musicians in all new and exclusive interviews. Contributers include Dave Mason (Traffic) Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Eric Burdon (The Animals) Paul Rodgers (Bad Company) Ginger Baker (Cream) Bev Bevan (ELO) Stephen Stills (Crosby Stills & Nash), Jimi’s brother Leon Hendrix to name but a few. Some were his mentors, some his contemporaries and admirers of his incredible talent, and those who emerged as new talent as a result of his influence. All happy to come forward and explain why Hendrix’s work remains at the zenith of rock music to this day.

Moving beyond the icon and the myth, this DVD brings alive the images and music that Jimi Hendrix evoked from his very soul, using the instrument as, he put it, his “personal diary” This style evoked  a home-grown and raw, uncensored sensuality, which indeed was his nature and that of his music, as if he were his own muse.

Narrated by Slash (Guns N Roses/Velvet Revolver) a longtime Hendrix acolyte, this film is less a biography than the first film ever to focus on the music itself and the impetus of the master who created it.

In addition to the standard film, the Directors Cut features the following exclusive content
Previously unreleased archive footage
Henry Diltz’s 8mm silent footage of The Monkees 1967 tour
Full performance of “Hey You” by The Experience at The Marquee in London
Extended interviews with Slash, Mick Taylor, Micky Dolenz, Leon Hendrix, Joey Covington, Stephen Stills, Lemmy Kilmister and Dave Mason
Photographs and memorabilia
Bonus disc containing over 5 hours of never before seen extended interviews

Future Classic Rock Stars Spotlight: Sons Of Hippies

Classic Rock Radio Dot EU - Future Classic Rock Stars
Spotlight: Sons Of Hippies

A brand new band has gotten Uncle G's attention. Didn't happen that long ago. Let me tell you all about it.

July Forth and Fifth of this year I spent with my lovely wife Alexandra in Fort Worth Texas. Main reason being so I could review a classic rock band that was playing that night; Nektar. All went well with that. The bands got a healthy momentum to them. Like that Vulcan dude on Star Trek would say; "May they live long and prosper." On the same bill that night; Sons Of Hippies.

First time I saw mention of 'Sons Of Hippies' was on the Internet. The Austin and the Fort Worth Nektar gig both had Sons Of Hippies playing with them. I saw this mostly red colored banner of the bands name on several websites I was checking out. Nice enough sized that it caught my eye. Appeared like a 1970's B movie poster. The ones that had hypnotism. Almost subliminal. Uncle G can catch the vibe. "Listen to Sons Of Hippies" -- Like on Facebook, Sons Of Hippies". The thought went by in a flash. I even saw a green dot that lasted just a split second. It said; "Time to medicate." But wait...that was on the newest released DVD of Cheech & Chong's Animated Movie. Sorry, that's entirely something else. Of course I'm just shitting around. Much like Sons Of Hippies were with me when they had this HUGE burlap sack of what said "Cannabis" along with their merchandise. Yet the smell was kind of faint throughout the evening. Oh well, we were in a TEXAS bar after all.

Note: Sons Of Hippies does seem in my opinion, pro pot, and do mention weed and other mind altering drugs from time to time. As long as we're adults, Uncle G's cool with it.

*Official SONS OF HIPPIES Videos*

Two as a matter of fact. Here's the links. Very cool / well done videos. Ones kind of twisted. Both are fun.

Sons Of Hippies - Spaceship Ride

Sons Of Hippies - Rose

The band just released their debut CD on Cleopatra Records called; Sons Of Hippies - Griffons At The Gates Of Heaven. I'm currently giving it spins for an up and CD review. Is sure to be positive. It's a solid CD and a fresh sound. Us older cool folks can and should tell the youngin's. The more MATURE teens and up, they should dig it. A three-piece. A female and two guys. Younger themselves. From hanging out around them be it ever so briefly, I can say as a group they came across as not only entertaining, but determined. Like Muse back in the Nineties, Sons Of Hippies should catch on nicely.

Sons Of Hippies Official Website

http://www.sonsofhippies.net/

Sons Of Hippies Official Facebook (please give 'like' and tell them Uncle G said hello)

https://www.facebook.com/sonsofhippies

Gary Brown
American Corespondent for Classic Rock Radio Dot EU

Mountain Legend Corky Laing And The Perfect Child Perform Original Music From Test: The Rock Opera 'Playing God'

Mountain Legend Corky Laing And The Perfect Child Perform Original Music From Test: The Rock Opera 'Playing God'

London, UK - Mountain meets bioethics! Legendary Mountain drummer Corky Laing teams up with two internationally acclaimed philosophers (Prof. Matti Häyry and Dr. Tuija Takala) in this joint effort that brings together '70s style music and contemporary moral problems of gene technology.

'Playing God' is a concept album. 'Playing God' is a musical metaphor for today's attempt to attain perfection.

Musically the album covers many feels and approaches from soft ballads to riff-driven guitar rock, from meditative instrumentals to operatic melody lines. At its core, the guitar-bass-drums combo is complemented with powerful singing. While Corky Laing, the drummer, is known - and his forceful, innovative and mesmerizing drumming features heavily on the album - 'Playing God' also introduces Corky Laing, the singer. There is such strength and depth to his voice that one can only wonder why the world has not, prior to this, known him as the lead singer he is. The main female leads are sang by Maya Paakkari (an entrancing raspy voice from Finland), Bonnie Parker (a wide-ranging singer from the band Tang), and Denny Colt (another voice of power and attitude from Tang). The album also features Eric Schenkman (from Spin Doctors) on guitar. 'Playing God' was recorded and produced in Finland and further benefits from the local talent of Finnish musicians, singers, and sound engineers.

While 'Playing God' is a rock album, it is also a soundtrack to a rock opera. It takes the listener to tomorrow's world by introducing the small town of Happyville, where the people have enjoyed the benefits of genetic engineering for years without any thought. There's a man who sells science and parents seeking to perfect their children, there are difficult choices and the need to find someone to blame when things don't go to plan. The choices these people are making are not new, it is just that the tools available are more sophisticated. 'Playing God' is a study of the human condition. The themes of the rock opera are based on theoretical research, but the practical questions it poses are relevant to us all.

'Playing God' is something new. It represents a crossover between academic research and rock. The ethical and philosophical questions raised by modern biotechnologies are made accessible by using rock music as a medium. On the surface, the storylines are easy to follow, but they also lend themselves to deep philosophical questions about the future of humanity.

Just enjoy the music - or allow yourself to be taken on a journey into your own moral convictions. In both cases, you will find something new amidst the familiar.

For further information, please contact:

Tuija Takala

Polite Bystander Productions

politebystander@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/playinggodrocks

'Playing God' CD is available at:

http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/search/product_details/15579/Corky_Laing_and_the_Perfect_Child-Playing_God.html

Corky Laing and the Perfct Child are:

Corky Laing (drums, vocals, percussion, guitar)

Bonnie Parker (bass, vocals)

Denny Colt (guitar, vocals)

Lasse Väyrynen (guitars, guitalele, bass, keyboards, backing vocals)

Matti Häyry (guitars, guitalele, keyboards, vocals)

Tuija Takala (guitar, vocals)

Maya Paakkari (vocals)

Harri Väyrynen (guitar, bass, vocals)

Mikaela Mansikkala (vocals)

Hanna Paatero (backing vocals)

Special Guest: Eric Schenkman (guitar ^{11, 14})

Appears courtesy of www.spindoctors.com

A Polite Bystander Production

Tuija Takala (Executive Producer)

Matti Häyry (Co-Executive Producer)

Corky Laing (Producer, Musical Director)

Lasse Väyrynen (Co-Producer, Studio Engineering)

Artwork and graphic design by Elina Rajala

Original idea for Test: The Rock Opera by:

Matti Häyry, Krista Jaquet, and Tuija Takala

Story adapted and developed to 'Playing God' by:

Matti Häyry, Corky Laing, and Tuija Takala

Kansas at The Linn County Fair July 18 2013 (Live Concert Review)

Kansas at The Linn County Fair July 18 2013

July 18th was a perfect warm summer day to take a 181 mile trip to Albany, OR from Tumwater, WA to see Kansas and celebrate 40 years of one of the best Prog bands around!  "Man the Stormcellars: Kansas is Koming!"

We took our seats in the first row and looking around the stage, to the left was Richard Williams and Steve Walsh quietly setting up their equipment!  I was thinking, should I bother them for an autograph?  Then the guy sitting next to me showed his autographed picture that he bought at the fair.  I decided to look into that option later since the show was just about to start.

Ladies and Gentlemen KANSAS! Richard, Steve, Billy, Phil, and David.   Steve Walsh kicks up his organ for the opening song, "I Can Fly."  Goosebumps right away!  I was ecstatic at that moment to be there watching one of my favorite bands live.  Steve's voice was incredible as he goes into, "Paradox." They went on to play, "Point Of No Return" "Song For America" which really showcased Phil Ehart's talents on the drums. We really couldn't see much of him sitting low behind his set, we sure could hear him though.  When they started "The Wall" well....I am beyond words, what an incredible song.  Richard Williams guitar work and solo was superb. They went on to play, "Hold On" and "Dust In The Wind" I was thrilled they were playing these timeless masterpieces!

Billy Greer was standing up there on the stage, a warm breeze blowing through his hair as he introduced the band. He made us laugh, sticking his tongue out for a very cute 5yr girl with a camera taking his picture. She took a liking to him after he handed her a guitar pick.  He told us, "Last time we were here it was raining, but what a beautiful day to be here in Albany."  We are going to take you way back to the beginning now."  "Belexes" and "Can I Tell You" from there 1974 Debut album. "Icarus ~ Bourne On Wings Of Steel." "Miracles Out Of Nowhere," and "Portrait (He Knew)." With that they left the stage and left us screaming for more! They came back to play "Fight Fire With Fire," and "Carry On Wayward Son."  What an Incredilbe 

set!

The energy on stage was awesome, David Ragsdale had great showmanship, teaming up with the other players during solos playing the hell out of his violin! Not a moment went by that I didn't think of all the other great players of Kansas throughout the years, Kerry Livgren, Robby Steinhardt, Dave Hope, and John Elefante.  Will I travel to see them again? Just tell me where and when and I'm there!  Thank you Kansas for 40 years!

Jill Maciel

West Coast Correspondent for CRR

Photos copyright Jill Maciel 2013

Steve Hillage : Collaborative album and UK tour with Japan’s leading progressive rock band ROVO, and his band SYSTEM 7.

Steve Hillage : 

Collaborative album and UK tour with Japan’s leading progressive rock band ROVO, and his band SYSTEM 7. 

Original member of Gong and prog rock icon, Steve Hillage, has confirmed a new collaborative album and UK tour with Japan’s leading progressive rock band ROVO, and his band SYSTEM 7.

The new album, produced by Steve Hillage and Tatsuki Masuko, is entitled PHOENIX RISING and will be released on Monday 23 September, followed by two UK concerts in March 2014. 

UK dates include Manchester Ritz (Friday 7 March) and London o2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (Saturday 8 March).  Tickets are available Wednesday 29 May via Music Glue. Fans will receive a free mp3 download of the 5-track Hinotori EP when they order tickets. 

The Hinotori EP will also be available as a digital download on Monday 3 June from from iTunes and Bandcamp.  A limited edition collectors’ CD of the EP is available from www.planetgong.co.uk.

ROVO are a Japanese progressive rock/jam band featuring two drummers, bass and keyboards, led by guitarist Seichi Yamamoto and electric violinist Yuji Katsui. SYSTEM 7 is the dance music project of Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy, presenting a unique combination of tech-house beats and live playing, who have had a strong influence on the development of psychedelic ambient and electronica.

The PHOENIX RISING concert will highlight a sophisticated blend of electronic beats and live instrumentation, made possible by the skilled musicianship of eight players, including two live drummers. Hillage fans can be assured that, in the format of PHOENIX RISING, his masterful electric guitar style will be fully unleashed, with extensive soloing and duets with the electric violin of Rovo's Yuji Katsui.

The dates include Manchester Ritz on Friday 7th March and London o2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on Saturday 8th March 2014. Tickets available from 9am Wednesday 29th May from www.musicglue.com/rovoandsystem7.

Fans will receive a free mp3 download of the "Hinotori" EP when they order tickets.

Manchester Ritz
Friday 7th March 2014
Tickets: £20.00 plus booking fee
Doors: 18.30

London o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Saturday 8th March 2014
Tickets: £25.00 standing, £27.00 seated plus booking fee
Doors: 19.00

New Documentary 'Vangelis And The Journey To Ithaka' To Be Released On DVD September 23, 2013

New Documentary 'Vangelis And The Journey To Ithaka' To Be Released On DVD 

September 23, 2013

London, UK - Much to the excitement of music fans worldwide, the new feature length documentary on Greek music legend Vangelis titled 'Vangelis And The Journey To Ithaka' will be released on September 23, 2013 by Gonzo MultiMedia UK. The two-hour documentary includes interviews with Vangelis and many of his friends and colleagues, including Sean Connery, Hugh Hudson, Jessye Norman, Oliver Stone, Akiko Ebi, Julian Rachlin and many others. It also includes rare, historical footage, most of which has never been seen before. Another highlight includes recent footage of Vangelis improvising new music!

Vangelis, a composer of electronic, ambient, jazz, pop/rock and orchestral music, is best known for his Academy Award winning score for the film 'Chariots Of Fire', and composing scores for the films 'Antarctica', 'Blade Runner', '1492: Conquest Of Paradise' and 'Alexander', as well as the use of his music in the PBS documentary 'Cosmos: A Personal Voyage' by Carl Sagan. Vangelis began his professional music career working with several popular Greek bands in the 1960's, such as The Forminx and most notably Aphrodite's Child. Throughout the 1970's Vangelis composed music scores for several animal documentaries; the success of these scores brought him into the film scoring mainstream.

In the early 1980's, Vangelis teamed up with YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson. The duo recorded a series of successful and critically acclaimed albums under the name Jon & Vangelis. In 1981 Vangelis composed the score for the Oscar-winning film 'Chariots Of Fire', which won him an Academy Award for Best Original Music Score. The soundtrack's single “Theme From Chariots Of Fire” reached the top of the American Billboard Hot 100 chart and was most recently used as theme music at the London 2012 Olympics.

In a career spanning over 50 years, writing and composing over 50 albums, Vangelis is regarded as one of the greatest composers of electronic music of all time. And now, the new documentary 'Vangelis And The Journey To Ithaka' celebrates the music legend's illustrious and fascinating career!

To pre-order 'Vangelis And The Journey To Ithaka' DVD:

http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15580/Vangelis-Journey_to_Ithaka.html

For more information:

http://www.vangelisworld.com/

Jon Anderson Needs You To Film His Manchester Show On August 4th

Jon Anderson Needs You To Film His Manchester Show On August 4th 

A message from Jon Anderson...

Ok!! peeps..,...the show in Manchester is unique....it's in the round....so please feel free to film parts or all of the songs on your cell phones or videos..on some songs will do.....

As many of you as can do it, this it will make a unique filming experience...for the peeps whose videos we choose to use you will all receive your own final copy....when it's edited together...and a painting from me...to commemorate this event..

Please send your films to: inyth.media@gmail.com

Have fun.....jon

The show is at The Royal Exchange in Manchester on the 4th August. The show is described by Jon as:

Expect a magical night that draws from the Yes songbook that includes all-time classics such as Owner Of A Lonely Heart, Wonderous Stories, Long Distance Runaround, Yours Is No Disgrace and (with Vangelis) I’ll Find My Way Home. Advance booking strongly recommended.

For more information and to book tickets got to:
http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/event.aspx?id=735

For more information pleas echeck out the websites: 

www.jonanderson.com, 

www.facebook.com/thejonanderson, 

https://www.facebook.com/JonAndersonLiveOfficial

NEWSTED

photo: Chris Lascano

Here's a heavy metal group to check out, take a listen and a peek HERE    at Newsted's  Above All video  

(They remind me a bit of Germany's punk/rock group Die Toten Hosen)

.

NEWSTED's debut album, HEAVY METAL MUSIC will be out August 5^th 2013.  

 

 

 

To pre-order the CD go to:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heavy-Metal-Music-Newsted/dp/B00DKVWPSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375092029&sr=8-1&keywords=newsted

 

To pre-order the digital download go to: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/heavy-metal-music/id679208552

NEWSTED are currently on tour with Megadeth in the UK as part of the Gigantour
for more information visit the band's website by clicking here



Marilyn Michaels

 

THE UNION - New LIVE DVD release and Tour Dates

The Union  have proudly announced that their new DVD 'LIVE AT THE GUILDHALL' will be released on September 16th 2013
It features one acoustic set and one full-on electric set covering all three of  their albums

Acoustic set;
Holy Roller
Lilies
Marie Celeste
To Say Goodbye
If I Could Make You Mine
This Time Next Year
Lost To The Wind
Make Up Your Mind
Come Rain, Come Shine

Electric set;
Step Up To The Plate
You're My Jesus
Tangled Up In You
Cut The Line
The Perfect Crime
The World Is Yours
Obsession
Saviour
Tonight I'm Alive
Black Monday
Fading Out Of Love
Black Gold
Siren's Song
Watch The River Flow

For a sneaky preview take a look at the trailerHERE

 Want to get ahead of the game ? You can pre-order an exclusive signed copy from The Union's online store here;  http://theunion.tmstor.es/

The Union UK TOUR DATES NOW ON SALE!
Don't forget we hit the road this November in the UK and Japan and we'd love to see you all there. All dates below.

Date	Venue	City	Tickets
4 Nov 2013	Sheffield Corporation	Sheffield	Buy
5 Nov 2013	O2 Academy Newcastle	Newcastle	Buy
6 Nov 2013	The Cathouse	Glasgow	Buy
8 Nov 2013	Manchester Club Academy	Manchester	Buy
9 Nov 2013	Slade Rooms	Wolverhampton	Buy
11 Nov 2013	Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms	Portsmouth	Buy
12 Nov 2013	Bristol O2 Academy	Bristol	Buy
13 Nov 2013	O2 Academy Islington	London	Buy
22 Nov 2013	Club Citta (with Thunder)	Tokyo	Buy
23 Nov 2013	Club Citta (with Thunder)	London	Buy