Abercrombie To Occupy Famous Beatles Building?

On a recent trip to London, I couldn't help but indulge in one of those Rock and Roll walks. We got to see the pub where Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix jammed, the building where the Rolling Stones' journey began and the street featured on Oasis's (What's the Story) Morning Glory? album cover. However, one piece of information we received was disappointing and sad for any Beatles' fan; we couldn't go into the old Apple Records building.

According to our guide, he had been taking people into the old Apple building for years until the building was recently purchased by American clothing company Abercrombie. An Abercrombie & Fitch children's store is slated to open in the old Apple building, but it's meeting much resistance from Londoners and rightfully so. The building represents music history and was the sight of The Beatles last live performance.

In my opinion, the building should become a Beatle's museum and allow fans the opportunity to enjoy its rich history. If nothing else Abercrombie should allow fans to visit the building while negotiations are taking place. As it stands right now, Abercrombie has boarded up the lower level so tour groups, etc. can't access the legendary property.

The latest article I could find on the matter is linked below:
http://style.time.com/2013/08/09/abercrombie-moves-forward-with-savile-row-store-despite-protests/

Books For That Music Lover On Your List

Tis the season to start your holiday shopping once again. As I did last year, I've gathered a couple book recommendations for that music lover on your list. 

"Inside the Dream Palace" by Sherill Tippin provides juicy stories about the famous Chelsea Hotel. Janis Joplin, Sid Vicious, and Patti Smith are just few of the famous names that surface within the books pages.

"Johnny Cash: The Life" is a biography written by former LA Times pop-music editor Robert Hilburn. Through his own interviews with Cash, Hilburn provides additional insight and meaning to the man so many have written about. Willie Nelson, Keith Richards and Bob Dylan also shed light on The Man In Black. 

Sheryl Crow Goes Country

When Sheryl Crow moved to Nashville a few years ago, the rumors of her making a country album swirled. For those who’ve listened to her albums over the years, there’s no doubt the influence country music has had on her work; songs like “Home” and “Strong Enough.” When it was announced that Crow would release her country debut Feels Like Home on September 10, 2013 it came as no surprise to this Crow fan.

Debuting at #3 on the Country Billboard Chart, Feels Like Home has a little bit of everything. It starts out rock ’n with “Shotgun” and moves right into the radio favorite “Easy.” However, it’s songs like “Waterproof Mascara” and “Homecoming Queen” that makes this album shine. By far my two favorite songs on the album because they remind me what country music is all about; great storytelling!

Her last album, the soul driven 100 Miles from Memphis was solid from beginning to end (check out “Sign Your Name” featuring Justin Timberlake) and Feels Like Home is too. They might not be her most commercially successful albums, but they are two of her best.

KENNY CHESNEY- SEATTLE SEAHAWK FOR THE DAY

If you've seen Kenny Chesney live you know he has moves on stage, but how about on the football field?

Last week Chesney was invited to participate in a Seattle Seahawks practice and by the looks of the video he ran a couple good routes with big time success.  I can't say I'm surprised since it's no secret that he loves football and cherishes those Friday nights of his high school days. A couple years ago Chesney even made a documentary about football called 'Boys of Fall' that aired on ESPN and featured his hit single "The Boys of Fall."

You can download the movie on iTunes and check out Kenny's receptions below.
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/06/country-star-kenny-chesney-practices-with-the-seattle-seahawks/

Showtime To Air Eagles Documentary

History Of The Eagles will be a must see for any fan of the band! For a sneak peak of the documentary which airs on Showtime in two parts on February 15 and 16, check out the link below or visit the bands website at www.eaglesband.com.

Enjoy!

http://vimeo.com/57960073

New Justin Timberlake Music?

It feels like forever since JT brought SEXY BACK!

Since Future Sex/Love Sounds in 2006, Timberlake has been pretty quiet on the music scene, focusing instead on the silver screen. That might be about to change per a video titled "I'm Ready" that was posted online by Timberlake today.

You can see the video and read all about it in the Rolling Stone article below.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/justin-timberlake-im-ready-to-release-new-music-20130110

Music Literature

Need a very last minute Christmas gift for that music lover on your list? Or maybe since the world didn't end today you started thinking about those 2013 resolutions and want to read more next year.  Regardless, thanks toTarget today I was reminded that a plethora of new music books have hit the shelves (and Amazon) lately; here are a few:

Newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Heart have a new autobiography out called 'Kicking and Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul, and Rock & Roll.' They like to brag about who they DIDN'T sleep with.

Rod Stewart kept his title simple and went with 'Rod:The Autobiography.'

Neil Young dug deep to come up with 'Waging Heavy Piece.'

No doubt Cyndi Lauper keeps it interesting and entertaining in 'Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir.'

However, if you are more of a coffee table book kind of reader photographer Tom Wright (the Who's official 1967 photographer) relives some of his famous shots in 'Roadwork: Rock & Roll Turned Inside Out.' Besides the Who, Roadwork features shots of the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, and Rod Stewart.

Another book of interest is 'Rock N' Roll Billboards Of The Sunset Stip' which looks at Billboards that appeared along the famous Los Angeles street in the 1970's. The signs advertised everything from concerts to upcoming albums. The billboards that line The Strip today are mostly advertising movies or high end fashion brands; it was cool to discover a new piece of musical history.

Good luck on your literary journey and if you haven't read Patti Smith's 'Just Kids,' I highly recommend it. I profiled 'Just Kids' awhile back on this blog, but it remains one of my all-time favorite musical reads.

Music & Political Campaigns

Are political campaign strategists music supervisors? Do political campaigns follow the same artist permission/licensing standards of music supervisors?

Music and political campaigns have worked hand in hand for decades. Who could forget Bill Clinton's 1992 anthem "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac? However, over the years there have been many artists who have NOT been happy with political figures using their material on the campaign trail. Just this week the Silversun Pickups sent a cease-and-desist order to the Romney camp for the use of their song "Panic Switch."

Per my research and not surprisingly so, it seems that more musicians have issues with Republican candidates using their music than Democrats. However, some artists like Brooks & Dunn are happy to share their music with the world no matter if it's being used by a donkey or an elephant (both Obama 2008 and Bush 2004 used "Only In America" during their campaigns).

I've posted a couple interesting articles on the subject, including CNN's article about the Silversun Pickups.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/16/politics/music-in-campaigns/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2012/02/29/147592568/music-in-political-campaigns-101

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tom-petty-tells-michele-bachmann-to-stop-playing-american-girl-20110628

 And if you want to check out some famous campaign/music pairings check out Spotify's playlist titled Campaign Songs Past & Present.

As we approach election day I'll be interested to hear not only what comes out of the candidates mouth, but what plays over venue speakers and runs in TV ads.

Jamie Cullum's Radio Show

As you may know from previous posts I'm a big fan of BBC Radio 1. I love The Chart with Reggie Yates and hearing great DJs and new dance music on Annie Mac's show. However, I have to say I never knew there were BBC stations beyond Radio 1 because I always used my bookmark link. Today for whatever reason I clicked on BBC Music at the top of the Radio 1 page and found there are several other music stations out there including Radio 1xtra, Radio 2, 3, and 6. Of course I had to explore a bit and I found some really cool stuff, including the fact that one of my favorite jazz artists, Jamie Cullum, has his own show.

Every Tuesday at 7 PM, 11 AM PT, Cullum brings a cool mix of classic jazz favorites  (Duke Ellington) and new pieces, which this week included a cover of "Dancing In The Dark" by the Part-Time Heroes. The cool thing about all the BBC Radio shows is that you can listen to the last program for up to a week, which is great for us friends across the pond. Enjoy!

Here's a link to Cullum's show and you can access all BBC Music via the Radio link at the top.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lsv1z

Story Of Famous Club To Hit Big Screen

For 33 years, the letters above 315 Bowery in NYC represented a special place for musicians and music fans alike and next year the story of CBGB will hit the big screen.

Starring Ashley Greene, Bradley Whitford and Castle's Stana Katic, CBGB the movie will capture the club's famous energy and atmosphere. Known mostly as the place that broke the Ramones, CBGB's also played a critical role in the careers of Patti Smith, Blondie, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Talking Heads, and The B-52's.

If you visit 315 Bowery today, you'll find the store of fashion designer John Varvatos, but if you make it to Cleveland, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame has the famous CBGB awning on display (see my photo above). And come next year you can relive your CBGB days or see a glimpse of what you've heard about from your elders when CBGB hits theaters.

Beachwood Sparks

The summer of 2012 is here and I needed a new album for those PCH wind through your hair days. Sifting through a ton of new music, I kept coming back to Beachwood Sparks and their new album The Tarnished Gold. 

Beachwood Sparks formed in 1998, but The Tarnished Gold is only their third full length album. After a long hiatus, the Alt-Country boys are back! With a feel reminiscent of late '60s & early '70s Laurel Canyon, The Tarnished Gold is the perfect summer chill album. 

Who Shot Rock & Roll

Yesterday I had a chance to check out Who Shot Rock & Roll, the new exhibit that opened this weekend at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles. Running June 23-October 7, 2012 Who Shot Rock & Roll explores the transformation of music photography from 1955 to the present through a combination of album art, prints, and short film.

Who Shot Rock & Roll does a nice job of mixing rare photographs with iconic images. You'll see Annie Leibovitz's album cover of Bruce Springsteen's rear end for Born in the U.S.A and Bob Gruen's famous John Lennon New York City T-shirt shot. All in all there are 166 prints from over 100 photographers featured in the exhibit, capturing everything from artists at the start of their careers to live performances by musicians and the fans who fill the seats.

As great as the photographs were, the 35 minute short documentary film they showed was even better. Who Shot Rock & Roll: The Film contained interviews with many musicians and photographers including Alice Cooper, Debbie Harry, Linda McCartney, Noel Gallagher and Lynn Goldsmith.

In addition, the Anneberg Space for Photography will be hosting 15 free lectures over the course of the exhibit's run. Notable speakers include Mark Seliger, Henry Rollins, and Bob Gruen. Online reservations are on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information on the exhibit and lectures you can visit Annenberg's website at:
http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/

Free Kenny Chesney Concert Tonight

Ironically I'll be in New Jersey tonight, but unfortunately I will not be on the beaches of Wildwood, the home of tonight's FREE Kenny Chesney show. Everyone can however help Kenny and the crew celebrate the release of his new album Welcome To The Fishbowl by logging on at 8:30PM ET via the link below- Enjoy!

http://bit.ly/N3OsYK

The Opening Act

"Rise Of The Opening Act," was last Friday's entertainment section cover story for The Wall Street Journal with a secondary headline of, "Now it's often the headlining artists- not the promoters or the labels- who choose the bands playing first. Show up early."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303640104577436361300474458.html

As I read the article, it made me think about all the shows I've seen or worked over the years and I realized how often the majority of seats were vacant at the start of the opener's set. Maybe because I'm a music lover I've always tried to catch the opener even if I wasn't familiar with their material or sound. Sometimes I became a fan for life (Radiohead) and sometimes I've stepped out for a beer (Big Head Todd & the Monsters). Either way I'm always excited to see who's opening for who. It rarely sways my opinion on if I'll attend a show, but it can add to the excitement for the night to come.

I always write the name of the opener  on the back of my concert ticket or pass to serve as a reminder for when I flip back through my collection. Thanks to Sheryl Crow I've seen some amazing openers including Semisonic. Without them as an opener, I may never have become familiar with Dan Wilson- the very talented singer, songwriter and producer.

I forget sometimes all the people I've seen as openers and I'm happy to hear that all artists, not just big time draws are gaining more control over who they share the stage with. So as the summer concert season heats up check out the opener, you may just be surprised with who you see and how good they are!


My Top Ten Opening Acts:
1. 1995 Radiohead for R.E.M.
2. 2006 Sugarland for Kenny Chesney
3. 2000 Travis for Oasis
4. 1999 Semisonic for Sheryl Crow
5. 1997 The Wallflowers for Sheryl Crow
6. 2001 Pete Yorn for Semisonic
7. 2002 Michelle Branch for Sheryl Crow
8. 2012 Matt Nathanson for Kelly Clarkson
9. 2000 Tonic for Third Eye Blind
10. 1999 Lucinda Williams for Tom Petty

I'm Back- Thanks To Kelly Clarkson For Motivating Me!

Kelly Clarkson reminded me last night why I love music and motivated me to start up my blog again.

Putting on one of the best shows I've seen in a long time, Clarkson exhibited her love of music too- pop, rock, electronic, blues and country. Throughout the night she talked about her love for various genres of music, which she showcased through various duet partners and song choices. American Idol friend Tamyra Gray joined Clarkson for a soulful rendition of "When You Believe", the Whitney Houston/Mariah Carey duet. Michelle Branch appeared shortly after on The Wreckers country hit "Leave The Pieces." Early in the set Clarkson threw in a Florence + The Machine cover, saying at the end she "hopes to expose her fans to new music"- who does that?

The night was filled with special guests, the next bigger than the last. I thought the roof was going to blow off the Nokia Theater when Clarkson introduced Blake Shelton to sing Jason Alden's part on "Don't You Wanna Stay." Shelton's welcome was just a warm up for the thunderous response that occurred when Clarkson invited her idol, country legend Reba McEntire onstage. During the encore they belted out Clarkson's hit "Because of You", which they previously recorded for McEntire's 2007 Duets album.

When Clarkson wasn't joined onstage by one of her famous friends, she was rolling through her numerous hits, showcasing those vocal chops that made her America's first Idol. For nearly two hours she entertained us with her down-to-earth personality and sense of humor. She talked about the songs and how they came about, much like a country artist- oh, that's right, she's managed by Narvel Blackstock, Reba McEntire's husband.

In the end I could tell Clarkson really enjoys what she does and is very appreciative of her career. Few artists could incorporate so many genres of music into one show and hold the interest of the audience like Clarkson did. She could move between laser lights and big pop hits to humanitarian video and ballads because she believes in and loves everything she does up there and that's contagious.