Ours Week: Day 5 "Black"

Here is Jimmy with today's song: BLACK is a song that I wrote very quickly. One morning, while we were in pre-production, I woke up early and went to the rehearsal room. I was looking to write a chorus for the song Lost, but somehow had a new song within a few minutes. This was a gift that someone dropped out of the sky for me. I worked tirelessly on the other songs for so long, and was feeling frustrated and tired. Every once in a while they give you one. - The album is in stores this week, but you can listen to this song right here

E Street Legend Dies

antiMusic reports: Very sad news from the E Street Band camp on Thursday, they lost a core member of the band to cancer. Here is the notice posted on Bruce Springsteen's official site:

"Danny Federici, for 40 years the E Street Band's organist and keyboard player, died this afternoon, April 17, 2008 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City after a three year battle with melanoma.

"Bruce Springsteen's concerts scheduled for Friday in Ft. Lauderdale and Saturday in Orlando performance are being postponed. Replacement dates will be announced shortly."

Tony K was on hand for Danny's last performance on March 20th in Indianapolis. In tribute to Danny we are posting a link to Tony's review so we can remember Danny doing what he loved most. - Read it here and RIP Danny you will be missed.

Did Sting Steal Roxanne? Victim Calls the Police!

TMZ reports: Is it more likely that Sting wrote "Roxanne" about French prostitutes while traveling in Paris ... or in the basement of his Reno home with a guy he met at a restaurant? Wait, don't answer that yet. According to a police report filed by Roy Smith, Sting heard him singing at Molly's Garden Restaurant back in 1977 (or 1978, Smith can't quite remember), thought he was good, and asked him to hang out.

They stopped at a 7-Eleven for beer (Sting, at a 7-Eleven?) and hung out for hours in Sting's basement. During that time, Smith told Sting about an ex-girlfriend of his named Roxanne, who was a prostitute. Smith also explained how after his father died, he wrote his mom messages, which he put in a bottle. Just like in the song! Oh, right ...

Smith claims Sting agreed to give him royalties for the songs, but never did. Here is the best part -- Smith claims Sting tried to contact him, through his mom, but she didn't pass along the messages because she thought the real police were after her son! - What happened next? The victim called The Police, but did Sting put on the red light?

Brian Johnson Talks About AC/DC CD and Tour Plans

Sleazeroxx reports: AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson has confirmed reports that the band is recording its new album in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with producer Brendan O'Brien, best known for his work with PEARL JAM, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and more recently, AUDIOSLAVE and VELVET REVOLVER.

Speaking to the Los Angeles radio station 97.1 KLSX FREE FM, Johnson revealed that the band has been in the studio for about five weeks now and added, "We're working with Brendan O'Brien, [Bruce] Springsteen's producer, and he's a great guy. He knows exactly what we want, and so far, it sounds really good. I'm well pleased. This will be the first album in about eight years."

Asked if the band would hit the road once the current recording sessions were complete, Johnson replied, "I would probably thinks so, yeah. I always hate to say yes in case something happens, but I really do think we will be out there -- everybody's enjoying being back together again and the buzz is still there and the excitement. Mal [Malcolm Young] and Ang [Angus Young] are still just electric on their guitars, and Phil's [Rudd] got the old magic on the drums and Cliff Williams is Mr. Reliable on bass -- he's brilliant -- and it's just been fun. It's like a bunch of old [friends] getting together again and having a great time." - Listen to the interview

Zeppelin Mixup

BW&BK reports: According to Twistedear.com, the Led Zeppelin classic from 1970's Led Zeppelin III, 'Immigrant Song', is being groomed for a summer release.

Led Zeppelin have been in contact with Pendulum to remix their classic track Immigrant Song, to be released at some point over the summer.

However, what's not clear is just how the Pendulum remix will be used. Led Zeppelin have so far not commented on the news, whilst the PR for Pendulum revealed: "We just know they wanted someone cool to do a remix for some stuff they've got coming up." - more on this story

Ziggy Stardust Live CD and DVD

Gigwise reports: David Bowie has announced plans to release this summer taken from his 1972 US Ziggy Stardust tour. 'David Bowie, Live Santa Monica '72' will be released on June 30 on CD, DVD and double vinyl.

The recording was taken from Bowie's show at the Los Angeles Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on October 20, 1972. In a statement Bowie said: "I can tell that I'm totally into being Ziggy by this stage of our touring. It's no longer an act; I am him.

"This would be around the tenth American show for us and you can hear that we are all pretty high on ourselves. We train wreck a couple of things, I miss some words and sometimes you wouldn't know that pianist Mike Garson was onstage with us but overall I really treasure this bootleg. Mick Ronson is at his blistering best." - The tracklisting is out of this world, check it out!

Quicks: No Rush For Hornets, Leppard Still Mute, Watch Alanis Get Yahooed, RIAA Tries To Buy Congress

antiMusic reports: Rush were all set to play New Orleans on Saturday but then the unthinkable happened- the New Orleans Hornets made the playoffs. So the show has reportedly been pushed back a day and will take place on Sunday instead according to Nola.com.

Blabbermouth had sad news that the Leppard is still mute and more shows have been scratched,. Two more Def Leppard shows have been postponed due to an upper respiratory tract infection affecting the band's lead singer, Joe Elliott — Grand Rapids, Michigan (April 18) and Detroit, Michigan (April 19) — according to an email sent to fan club members of Iloveallaccess.com. The email states that the shows will be made up in August.

If you live in the Southern California area, Alanis will be filming a special performance for Yahoo! Music on April 24th, 2008 at 7pm (you will need to arrive two hours before). The first 200 fans to email Invite@YahooLiveSets.com will get in the doors for this exclusive taping! Plus you get to bring a friend. Just email your name and your location, and you will be contacted if you are chosen to attend. *You must be at least 13 years old to attend. Fans under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. You must provide your own transportation and accommodations (if necessary).

The RIAA spent nearly $2.8 million since mid 2007 lobbying for legislation in Washington DC. According to Billboard the RIAA "lobbied on a bill to limit fees charged to Internet radio stations for music broadcasts and on efforts to limit copyright violations, especially overseas." Interestingly enough, the former head of the RIAA is now a hack/activist for the party in control of Congress. Wonder how much Ticketmaster has spent to insure their monopoly? Check OpenSecrets.org. It's interesting, as one congressmen seems to get a lot of donations from Tickebastard employees that live nowhere near his district. - In the mood for a little hip hop/reggae? Then check out the Jah Cure and Stack$- "Flyin' High" video.

The King of Cheese Dethroned, BMG Replace Clive Davis

Jam! reports: Clive Davis, the show tune and all things schmaltz loving, record executive has been dethroned from the top of the BMG kingdom and replaced with a younger model. But he'll still have some creative control at the label. So you'll still have plenty of cheddar to choose from.

Jam! has the story: Legendary music executive Clive Davis is being replaced by Barry Weiss as chairman and CEO of the BMG label group.

Parent company SonyBMG announced the move Thursday. The 74-year-old Davis will become chief creative officer of Sony BMG. Two other BMG executives also departed in the label shakeup. - more on this story

Widespread Panic for Bonnaroo

PR reports: Widespread Panic announce that they will act as the finale to this year's Bonnaroo Festival, headlining a performance on Sunday evening, June 15th. [Replacing the Allman Brothers Band who pulled out due to Gregg's treatment for Hepatitis.]

Known for their incomparable live shows, Widespread Panic will close the festival in the great rock tradition with what is sure to be an epic and unforgettable festival finale. This will mark Bonnaroo's 7th year, and will take place on the Manchester, TN festival grounds during June 12-15, 2008. The largest and most revered music and camping event in the country, Bonnaroo has elevated the American rock festival to an unprecedented level as the only round-the-clock major U.S. music festival.

Over the course of their 22 year career, Widespread Panic have cemented themselves as touring legends with one of the most loyal fan bases in rock and have been a staple at Bonnaroo since its inaugural year in 2002. This will be the band's 7th headlining performance at Bonnaroo. "We are extremely excited to be invited back for our 7th gig at Bonnaroo," says the band. "Bonnaroo is always a blast. We hope to have plenty of surprises for the fans." - more on this story

Judas Priest Have Double Vision for Nostradamus Album

PR reports: Think "Double vinyl, gatefold sleeve concept album," and some of rock's all-time classic recordings come to mind. But in the realm of heavy metal, there has never been a double vinyl (now disc!) concept album that has managed to balance a thought-provoking storyline with metallic thunder. That was, until now. Metal legends Judas Priest will be releasing their sprawling double disc concept album, "Nostradamus" via Columbia Records on Monday, June 16th in the UK/Europe, and a day later in the US on Epic Records.

Long in the works, "Nostradamus" takes epic storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world-known 16th Century French prophet. Some of the events that Nostradamus experts have interpreted as his predictions include the great fire of London in 1666, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and most recently, 9-11, among countless other renowned events.

"As in any concept piece, the lifeline needs to be of a solid source, taking the music over many levels of interest and perception," points out singer Rob Halford. "Nostradamus contains new frontiers explored and defined. The sense of adventure and the journey we undertook bringing the man's life alive with metal was a real labour of love." - lot more info, including tour bits, special editions and when you can get a free preview

X Legend Inks Solo Deal

PR reports: Bloodshot Records is proud to announce the signing of a worldwide, multi-album deal with singer, artist and author Exene Cervenka. Her first album for the label is in the works, and will be released in 2009. Exene will be recording this fall, fans of her mixed-media collages can look forward to new artwork for the CD packaging as well. Label co-owner Nan Warshaw said, "Exene may commercially be best known for her early work with X, however artistically her music and visual art has continued to grow and develop. We're honored to work with and for Exene."

A true renaissance woman, Exene is a singer, artist and poet whose work traverses virtually every aspect of those disciplines. She is known for her work as singer for the legendary punk band X as well as The Knitters and The Original Sinners. Her spoken word performances with Lydia Lunch in the 80's led to the publication of "Adulterers Anonymous" and another four volumes of poetry followed.

As X's anniversary trek, known as The 13 X 31 Anniversary Tour 2008, has been traversing the country; the next leg starts in Detroit on May 15 at the Majestic Theater. X brings Bloodshot Records band the Detroit Cobras in support through June 7th. Dates can be found - here

Whatever Happened To Local H?

PR reports: Alternative rock mainstays Local H return with their seventh album on May 13, titled 12 Angry Months. The band's debut on Shout! Factory, 12 Angry Months is Local H's first new studio album since 2004's Whatever Happened To P.J. Soles?

Written after the bitter end of a long-term relationship, the album chronicles a full year of post-breakup experiences. Each track on 12 Angry Months corresponds to a month, and deals with the range of emotions one encounters after love turns sour. Those emotions range from anger ("so, baby could you do me a favor? fall off the earth and i'll see you later"), to jealousy ("this is crazy, I can't believe that you replaced me"), to acceptance ("you knew we'd never make it anyway").

In 2007 Local H showcased their typical humor when they played a show at Chicago's Cellular Field, and fans were only granted tickets by finding Lucas around town and proclaiming "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation - we have assumed control." Other shows have seen the band passing out a sushi menu-type ballot to take song requests, auctioning off a concert on eBay, and performing under the names and guises of other bands, including Nirvana, Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, and Hall & Oates. The band performs regularly, and will be on tour nationally in 2008. - assumed control of the tour dates here

Joe Cocker Gets a Little Help From His Friends On His New CD

PR reports: On May 13th, Fantasy Records will release Hymn For My Soul, the newest album from legendary singer Joe Cocker. The album unites Cocker, possessor of one of the world's most instantly recognisable and iconic voices (Lennon & McCartney's With A Little Help From My Friends, anyone?), with Ethan Johns, who has proved both his worth and his Midas touch via albums he's produced for, among others, Rufus Wainwright, Emmylou Harris, Ryan Adams, Razorlight, Kings of Leon, and Ray LaMontagne.

The union has resulted in one of the most accomplished pieces of work in the Sheffield-born singer's long and illustrious career, and one played by arguably the most stellar band to be assembled in a recording studio anywhere in the world in recent times.

Among them are drummers Jim Keltner (uniformly viewed as the best session drummer in the world, a man who played with John Lennon and Bob Dylan), and James Gadson (as well as producing classic albums for the soul star Bill Withers, he drummed on hit recordings by artists ranging from Gladys Knight to Justin Timberlake). Also present are Tom Petty's pianist Benmont Tench, former Jethro Tull keyboard player Dave Palmer, bassist Bob Babbitt (member of Motown Records' studio band The Funk Brothers in the '60s and '70s, and hence a player on more seminal recordings than can be listed here), and Hammond organist Mike Finnigan (who played with Jimi Hendrix on Electric Ladyland). Completing the all-star line-up on backing vocals are Merry Clayton (once one of Ray Charles's Raelettes, she sang on the Stones' Gimme Shelter), Tata Vega, Julia Walters, her brother Oren Walters, and Jim Gilstrap. - Check out the song "You Haven't Done Nothin"

Toby Keith's Hottie Hits and Beer Drinking Horses

PR reports: Toby Keith's 35 Biggest Hits is set for release on May 6th including the new single "She's A Hottie." This two disc set is packed with 34 of his greatest hits

Released on his own Show Dog Nashville label and Universal Music Enterprises, 35 Biggest Hits opens with his first No. 1 hit, 1993's "Should've Been A Cowboy," and runs all the way through his 2006 chart-topper "A Little Too Late." In between, the compilation serves up favorites including "Who's That Man" (1994), "How Do You Like Me Now ?!" (1999), "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" (2002), "Who's Your Daddy?" (2002), "I Love This Bar" (2003), "American Soldier" (2003) and "As Good I Once Was" (2005). Incidentally, Keith is currently filming the major motion picture "Beer For My Horses" (which is the same title as his 2002 hit that will also be included) in New Mexico.

The hits collection is punctuated by a new single, "She's A Hottie," that is roaring up the charts. And with the two-disc set's availability, music fans will have the chance to own some of the high points of a career that has seen more than its share. - more on this story

Neil Diamond Announces Colossal I'm More Popular Than Motley Crue Tour and Album

PR reports: To the delight of his millions of fans, legendary singer, songwriter and performer Neil Diamond will return to concert stages this summer for a 37-city North American tour.

He's touring in support of his new album, Home Before Dark, due to be released on May 6th, will also be available as a deluxe version that includes two bonus tracks and a DVD with rare footage of Diamond in the studio.

The North American leg follows a series of European dates starting May 24th in Rotterdam, with new dates recently added to accommodate an overwhelming demand for tickets. - turn on your lovelight for the dates, some ticket info and a video from the CD

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