Phil Collins' Hello, I Must Be Going! and Bachman-Turner Overdrive's Not Fragile

AUDIO FIDELITY SETS TWO CLASSICS FOR 24-KARAT GOLD REISSUE TREATMENT FOR OCTOBER Phil Collins' Hello, I Must Be Going! and Bachman-Turner Overdrive's Not Fragile To Be Set for Release on October 18

The latest entries in Audio Fidelity's series of high-end reissues of classic albums arrive on October 18 when the label delivers 24-Karat Gold CDs of two era-defining sets. Phil Collins' 1982 HELLO, I MUST BE GOING! and Bachman-Turner Overdrive's 1974 album NOT FRAGILE will be available-at both online and at traditional retailers-as numbered, limited-edition discs that will be retired after each title's initial run has sold out.   Phil Collins released HELLO, I MUST BE GOING!, his second solo album after vacating the drum-and-vocals chair in Genesis in November of 1982. The album's set, in particular his Top 10 remake of the Supremes' "You Can't Hurry Love," was a defining record of its time, displaying New Wave's influence and the heavily reverbed drum sound of the era. In addition to "You Can't Hurry Love," the album contained the Top 40 single "I Don't Care Anymore" and found Collins working in a striking assortment of styles: R&B/dance in "It Don't Matter to Me," effervescent pop in "Like China" and touching ballads ("Why Can't It Wait 'Til Morning" and "Thru These Walls"). HELLO, I MUST BE GOING! (its title taken from the tune of the same name by the Marx Brothers) preceded Collins' later-'80s breakthrough with the chart-topper No Jacket Required (already available on 24-Karat Gold format from Audio Fidelity).HELLO had a dazzling run of its own, remaining on Billboard's chart for 141 weeks, where it peaked at No. 8. Collins co-produced the record with Hugh Padgham, longtime Genesis producer. Originally issued in August of 1974, NOT FRAGILE was the third album by the Canadian quintet formed in 1972 by former Guess Who guitarist-singer Randy Bachman. It followed the breakthrough Bachman-Turner Overdrive II album and was the group's only No. 1 LP, spending 50 weeks on Billboard's Top Albums chart and commanding rock-FM playlists for almost as long. NOT FRAGILE also contained B.T.O's chart-topping singles, the boisterous "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet," as well as the "Roll On Down the Highway," both characterized by the melodic dual-guitar soloing of Bachman and Blair Thornton, then a brand new arrival to the band. While NOT FRAGILE sports other strong tracks, among them the heavy-metal-flavored title song, the bluesy "Sledgehammer" and the instrumental "Freewheelin,'" it's "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" that has retained a unique cultural significance for some three decades.  It has now made 'appearances' in a wide range of contexts, from a Simpsonsepisode (where it's performed by an animated B.T.O.) to the soundtracks of the movies Studio 54 and Joe Dirt, to being used as a Democratic Party theme song in the 2006 midterm elections.    Founded in 2001, Audio Fidelity specializes in deluxe reissues of classic popular-music recordings for the audiophile and collector markets. The Camarillo, California-based label is best known for its 24-Karat Gold CDs and its 180-gram virgin-vinyl album editions, as well as a line of popular DVD titles.  Audio Fidelity emerged out of the pioneering DCC Compact Classics label that its founder, music-industry veteran Marshall Blonstein, started in 1986, following his tenure as president of Island Records and co-founder of Ode Records (where he helped make Carole King'sTapestry one of the best-selling albums of all time and built the cult-film franchisesThe Rocky Horror Picture Show and Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke).                                                       * * * * *

Visit: www.audiofidelity.net

Classic Rock News for a New Year

I've told Dave White on several occasions that I WANT HIS JOB!  I would love to be paid for writing about one of my favorite topics.  But the truth is, he does a great job and I would miss him if he ever left.

Here's the latest news for Classic Rock in 2011 taken from Dave's site at About.com :

STUDIO ALBUMS

Some of the most familiar A-list classic rock acts have announced plans for new studio albums in 2011.

• ZZ Top will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their debut album with the release of of their 15th.

• The Zombies will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a new album, expected sometime in Spring 2011.

• Yes, Journey, The Cars, Steve Miller Band, Jeff Beck, Motorhead, Blondie, Paul Simon, and Joe Walsh have announced 2011 album release plans.

• Supergroups Chickenfoot, Black Country Communion, and Them Crooked Vultures plan to release their second albums in the coming year.

• Look for the release (CD and DVD) of live performance footage of Jimi Hendrix during a European tour in 1969. Expect to see the catalogs of Queen, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Thin Lizzy and Rory Gallagher being reissued.

• And then there are the "maybes" -- the ones that have been the subject of conversations about possible (but by no means confirmed) 2011 albums: Aerosmith, Van Halen, Rolling Stones, Rush, Crosby Stills & Nash.

ON TOUR

• Judas Priest will begin a long farewell tour, as Scorpions continue theirs. Allman Brothers Band will return to Beacon Theater for their annual New York City residency.

• James Taylor will be joined by his son, Ben on the road. Robert Plant and his recently reconstituted Band of Joy will be touring.

• Rush, Eric Clapton and John Mellencamp will continue tours already in progress. Jeff Beck, Ozzy Osbourne and Thin Lizzy have 2011 gigs booked.

• Mentioned as possible, but far from certain: The Who, Rolling Stones, and Van Halen.

REUNIONS

• Already on the books are reunions of The Zombies, The Cars and Toto.

• Very possible but not certain are 2011 Pink Floyd and Buffalo Springfield reunions.

• Discussed but nixed: there will be NO reunions in the new year for the original members of Black Sabbath or The Kinks.

ALSO NOTEWORTHY

• Sammy Hagar will publish his autobiography

• Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, David Crosby, Charlie Watts, David Clayton-Thomas, Richie Havens, Paul Kantner, Neil Diamond and Mike Love will turn 70.

Bono Has Spinal Surgery!

U2’s Angel Stadium shows could get postponed  (this is my concert...)

Bono has undergone emergency spinal surgery in Munich after injuring himself during preparation for the next North American leg ofU2’s 360 Tour, according to Reuters and BBC News.

The singer-activist, who just turned 50, is expected to remain at a specialist neurosurgery clinic in Germany for a number of days before flying home to Ireland for further recuperation.

Of course, this casts serious doubts on whether Bono and the band will be ready for its June 6-7 shows at Angel Stadium. Already the June 3 launch in Salt Lake City has been postponed. Were he back in action in time, the Anaheim dates would now kick off the tour — though I wouldn’t bank on that. Even if he were ready to perform again in two weeks, would it really be advisable? Could he possibly be at his strongest again? Postponing seems the smartest move.

After that, U2 is slated to play Denver on June 12, Oakland on June 16 and Seattle on June 20. The British press is also wondering if Bono will be recovered enough to face a headlining appearance at the annual Glastonbury festival on June 25.

U2 manager Paul McGuinness advises fans to monitor U2’s website for the latest updates. “We will make plans to reinstate the dates as soon as possible,” he said of the potential for postponements, adding that it was “unfortunate that we’re inconveniencing fans” and that it was causing disruption to the band’s 400-strong crew.

Photo by Steven Lovekin, Getty Images.

Please get better, Bono!  We (I) love you!

Ripple Effect Forms Record Label!

I am thrilled to announce that my friends (and yours) Pope and Racer (aka John and Todd) of the Ripple Effect have made a personal dream come true and formed their own record label!

I've been listening to their radio show for a long time and it never fails to introduce me to a band I would have NEVER FOUND on my own (my personal favorite is Black Bone Child).

Anyhow, check out the site for Ripple Music and congratulate the guys and wish them well on this exciting new adventure!

New Neil Young

Check out Circle of Fits for details (under the video of the dinosaur and all the hot chicks)

Update on Bret Michaels

UPDATE on UPDATE:

Just heard he took a turn for the worst.  This is very sad.  It makes me think of the fragility of life.  Any of us, or our loved ones, could have a life tragedy or die at any moment, we need to appreciate those we care about and try to find the good in life.  Sometimes its tough.

I feel kind of bad cause my sister and I love to make fun of Brett Michaels and some of his antics (that silly show on MTV).  It sounds like he's not doing so great after his brain hemorrhage.  I hope he has a full recovery, at 47 he's still just a young man.  :(  

Update Here.

"New" Jimi Hendrix

I'm a bit behind in blogging here so you've probably all heard this already, but in case not:

"Valleys of Neptune," a 40-year-old Hendrix song that was recorded during the legend’s final studio sessions, will appear on an upcoming compilation sharing the same name that hits shelves March 9th, reports Rolling Stone.

The song was never commercially released, but it did appear on the 1990 four-disc set "Lifelines: The Jimi Hendrix Story." It will be released as a single on Feb. 2nd.

from NY Daily News

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Get Well Soon, Ronnie James Dio

UPDATE:

Sadly, Ronnie was diagnosed with stomach cancer.  Fortunately he is in the early stages.  Lets hope and pray for a full recovery.  

I saw this on "Classic Rock" blog this morning:

gbarton / News / 20/11/2009 16:55pm

Ronnie James Dio’s wife and manager, Wendy, has thanked fans for their messages of support following the veteran singer’s recent hospitalisation.
A message on Dio’s official website reads:
‘Wendy Dio would like to thank all of our friends and fans that have sent emails, cards, and blogs on Blabbermouth and let you know that she has passed them all on to Ronnie.
‘Wendy always reads Blabbermouth and gives Ronnie all the kind words the fans send, any mean ones she throws in the trash, which is where they belong.’
There’s still no word on Ronnie’s condition, and no details about what exactly caused his hospitalisation.
There is speculation that the 67-year-old frontman is suffering from a heart condition but we must stress this has not been confirmed by anyone in the Dio camp.

Sky Arts - Dark Side of the Moon

"Sky Arts pays tribute to Pink Floyds iconic Dark Side of the Moon album cover, recreating the acclaimed artwork over Primrose Hill, London, yesterday to celebrate the screening of Pulse: Dark Side Of The Moon Live, the bands 1994 live performance of the album at Earls Court, which will be screened on Sky Arts 1 HD this Friday 23rd October and again on Monday 16th November."

So, What's Up Chuck?

Did Charlie Watts quit The Stones? Rumors were flying yesterday that he did but the "official word" is that he didn't.

To tell you the truth, as much as I love the Bad Boys of Rock, they haven't been bad or boys in a long time so perhaps Charlie is the smart one and recognizes all good things must come to an end (and it's always better to quit before you are forced to stop, if you know what I mean).

The Beatles - News!

Beatle fans! I remember a few years ago when Mothership came out (re-mastered Zeppelin), I wasn't sure what I'd think of the re-mastered music, but I loved it and can't wait to hear what this sounds like. They've put a lot of work into it (four years worth!):

Apple Corps Ltd. and EMI Music are delighted to announce the release of the entire original Beatles catalogue, which has been digitally re-mastered for the first time, for worldwide CD release on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 (9-9-09), the same date as the release of the widely anticipated “The Beatles: Rock Band” video game. The process took a team of engineers at Abbey Road Studios four years of utilizing state of the art recording technology, alongside vintage studio equipment, to create these amazing re-masters.

Each of the CDs is packaged with replicated original UK album art, including expanded booklets containing original and newly written liner notes and rare photos. For a limited period, each CD will also be embedded with a brief documentary film about the album. On the same date, two new Beatles boxed CD collections will also be released.

Here is the official site for more info: www.thebeatles.com

Steven Tyler Takes a Dive

"Fans rocking to Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler could have shouted a simple warning: Hey, don't walk this way!
Instead the 61-year-old music legend fell from a concert stage at South Dakota's famed Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Tyler was flown to a hospital with minor injuries early Thursday and treated for minor head, neck and shoulders injuries.
"You could kind of see it coming because he was dancing all over the stage," said Lance Yellow Robe, who was eight feet from the stage when Tyler toppled shortly after midnight."

Read more here.

These old rockers need to be careful!  I hope he makes a full recovery and is able to get back on stage  again soon.  Ouch.

The Boat That Rocked

Just got an email about this new movie: starring Philip Seymour Hoffman

The Boat That Rocked –

Rocking into theaters on August 28, 2009!

Synopsis:

In the late 1960s, American radio stations blasted rock and roll 24 hours a day. But in the home country of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the only way 25 million people could hear their music was to tune in…to a boat.

Celebrated filmmaker Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Love Actually) brings the incredible story of a band of rogue deejays who captivated British radio listeners in the ’60s, playing the music that defined a generation and boldly defying the government that tried to shut them down—The Boat That Rocked.

Leading the cast of the comedy are Academy Award® winner Philip Seymour Hoffman as Radio Rock’s infamous deejay The Count; Bill Nighy as the station’s owner (and ship’s captain), Quentin; Rhys Ifans as mystic deejay royalty Gavin; Nick Frost as the amorous, sarcastic disc jockey Dave; and Kenneth Branagh as the man out to silence Radio Rock, Minister Dormandy.

Release date: August 28, 2009

Genre: Comedy

Rating: R

Official Site: http://www.theboatthatrocked.net

New Heart Next Year

Well its about time! I love these ladies and can't wait to see what they come up with. There new album will be released in summer of 2010, there last one was "Jupiter's Darling" way back in 2004.

Here is part of an interview with Nancy:

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Rock 'n' roll sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart have been making music together for more than 30 years, but they have rarely shared the vocal spotlight.

Ann did most of the singing, while guitarist Nancy occasionally contributed backing vocals. The formula served them well, producing such classic-rock chestnuts as "Barracuda" and "Crazy on You."

But things will be a little different for the group's next album, on which they are currently working. Nancy will take a greater share of the vocal duties as the sisters experiment more with harmonies.

"It's just a way of reinventing, and having more fun, and taking some of the pressure off of Ann as a singer," her younger sister said in a recent interview with Reuters.

"As you probably can imagine, her voice is really a gift from above. It's an instrument like few others. To couch a vocal style together more would be something fresh and new and more fun. Harmony singing is my favorite thing to do in music!"

Wilson described her vocal style as "more limited," although she has sung lead on a handful of tunes including the 1985 chart-topping power ballad "These Dreams." The sisters also notably traded off each other on their cover of Led Zeppelin's "Battle of Evermore."

"I love singing, and whenever I can sing some more vocal leads I always covet the chance. But it's always got to be the perfect fit for a voice like mine," she said.

Did You Know About "Record Store Day"?

Its coming up this weekend, April 18 - 20.  Check for a record store near you and learn more.

Springsteen Rumors and Cheap Seats for Sale for 4/15!

Bruce will be in LA on 4/15 & 16 for shows, then there's a huge gap in his schedule till his next show on 4/21. Rumor has it that:

1. He make make a surprise appearance at Coachella!!!


2. He WILL make a surprise appearance at The Danny Federici Memorial Fund Show at The Troubador on the 19th. Its sold out or I'd be there....its a SMALL venue, tickets are $15 and you know, Know, KNOW that Bruce will show up!

In other news....I got BETTER seats for this weeks show at LOWER price than I paid for the other ones!!!!

So...I am selling my pair for 4/15 (this Wed!) CHEAP, may even give them away at the last minute. Spread the word if you know anyone who may want them!

Mitch Mitchell has Died!!!!

I am very upset, I just heard it on the radio while on my lunch break and the only details I have is that he was found in a hotel room in Portland, Oregon and died of natural causes. Mitch, for those of you unfamiliar with him, was the drummer for Jimi Hendrix and is usually listed near the top of most "best drummers of all time" lists.

He was 61 years old.

He is on tour right now for the "Experiencing Hendrix" tour, I had tickets for that on November 2 but due to family issues was unable to go.

SAD news :(

I will update this as more news becomes available and add Mitch to the bottom of my list no "Gone But Not Forgotten".

Led Zeppelin to Tour!

The question is:

Is it REALLY Led Zeppelin without Robert Plant?

I asked in a previous post if you would go see Zeppelin sans Roberto. I am still not sure how I feel about it. I think a lot of it will depend on prices.

No offense to Allison Kraus but....

Image via Wikipedia....if it weren't for her and Robert doing this seemilgly never ending tour, MAYBE he would have been open to the tour millions of fans world wide have been wanting to see for years.   If you haven't heard yet its OFFICIAL that Mr. Plant will not be recording or touring with Led Zeppelin any time soon.  I for one am disappointed, but its his life, his choice, thank God Bruce Springsteen loves his fans.

So the big question is:

If Led Zeppelin do go on a tour with the unknow American singer they have been rehearsing with, would you go?

or

Would it just  not be the same without Robert singling lead?

I'll tell you my answer soon....

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees Announced:

Image via Wikipedia

We've debated the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame here before and I think 90% of us agree that its pretty much a joke.  Which is sad, because R&R deserves its own hall of fame.  They need to change the name to the "Music Hall of Fame".  Although, with all that said, I'd still love to visit the museum.

I took this directly from Dave White's Classic Rock Blog:

A sure sign of autumn: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces its nominees for induction, and the debate resumes over the Rock Hall's relevance, and its puzzling definition of what rock is, and who has performed it or had some undefined "influence" on it.

Well, they're nothing if not consistent. I'm sure you won't be surprised at the usual scarcity of rock artists among the latest crop of nominees:

• Jeff Beck
• Chic
• Wanda Jackson
• Little Anthony and The Imperials
• Metallica
• Run-D.M.C.
• The Stooges
• War
• Bobby Womack

Now that the nominating process is complete, the equally Machiavellian voting begins. Anybody who gets more than 50% of the votes cast gets the honor being able to buy a ticket to the induction ceremony early next year.

Hey, how about those legendary rockers like Chic, Wanda Jackson and Run-D.M.C.? I can't wait to read your comments!