Julian Casablancas Set To Release Debut Solo Album
October 14, 2009 - 1:00am
Julian Casablancas is set to release his debut solo album 'Phrazes For The Young' on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 via Cult Records/RCA. In anticipation of the release, Julian Casablancas will be performing a series of shows every Friday night in November in Los Angles.
With the entire album written and musically orchestrated by Casablancas himself, it is no wonder why Spin magazine is heralding his first single "11th Dimension" as "quite possibly the catchiest song any Stroke has ever recorded" while Billboard declares it as "pop-rock gem."
Written and recorded within the last 18 months in New York City, Nebraska and Los Angeles, the album was produced by Jason Lader and with additional production by Mike Mogis.
Track listing:
01. Out of the Blue
02. Left & Right in the Dark
03. 11th Dimension
04. 4 Chords of the Apocalypse
05. Ludlow St.
06. River of Brake Lights
07. Glass
08. Tourist
Raine Maida And Chantal Kreviazuk Receive Tiffany Mark Award
October 6, 2009 - 1:00am
Tiffany & Co. Canada have announced that Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida, lead singer of Our Lady Peace, will be the recipients of this year's Tiffany Mark Award! The Tiffany Mark Award honours Canadian men and women who are making their "mark" through efforts on behalf of charities and organizations they care deeply about.
Chantal and Raine are avid supporters of War Child Canada, donating their time and talents through fundraising performances and participating in documentary film projects to build awareness of the plight of children in war-torn countries. In addition, Chantal is a spokesperson for the Canadian Mental Health Association, creating public service announcements on its behalf, and both volunteer their time in support of environmental issues.
Chantal has been a spokesperson for Polar Bears International and is committed to the University of Winnipeg's Opportunity Fund, which provides tuition assistance to inner city youth. Raine is an active supporter of Apathy is Boring, an organization that encourages Canadian youth to become engaged in the political process.
John Mayer is set to release his fourth studio album on November 17! 'Battle Studies is a combination of warm melodies and the sounds of the 70s and 80s California pop/rock, and was produced by John Mayer himself, with fellow musician Steve Jordan.
The first single, "Who Says" is the first of numerous tracks off this relaxed and liberated album that was recorded in a private home in California where John Mayer lived and worked. "Who Says" is one of the many songs that challenges society's conventional norms of what people can accomplish and over take. Other tracks include, "Heartbreak Warfare," "Assassin," "War of My Life," "Rock Song," and a reinterpretation of "Crossroads."
The John Mayer Trio (John Mayer, Steve Jordan, and Pino Palladino), will be playing two rare shows. First, on December 29 in San Diego, California at the Copley Symphony Hall, and the second on New Years Eve, December 31, at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The proceeds from both shows will go towards two children charities - Military Outreach Ministry Camp Pendleton and NCIRE Veterans Health Research Institute.
John Mayer's explains the different methods he took with 'Battle Studies', "I approach music like a director doing a period piece," says Mayer. "Where CONTINUUM was R&B and Soul, 'Battle Studies' was written with the timelessness of Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young in mind. The melodies and message are concise and from-the-gut with the efficiency of simplicity."
It has just been announced that AC/DC is set to release 'Backtracks' - the ultimate AC/DC collector's experience! Available November 10, 'Backtracks' comes in two fan friendly editions that cover the length of AC/DC's career with rare studio outtakes, hard-to-find performances, and the long-awaited debut of "Family Jewels Disc 3" which was named DVD of the year by UK Classic Rock Magazine.
With only 50,000 manufactured, the deluxe collector's edition of Backtracks includes two CDs of live realities, the 'Family Jewels Disc 3' DVD, the 'Live At The Circus' DVD, a chance to re-visit the famous 2003 show in Munich, Germany with a front-row view, and a 12" long playing album!
Also included in the deluxe collectors edition is a 164 page coffee book and an Original Memorabilia Reproductions Envelope containing a number original designs, including a "I DO IT FOR AC/DC" button from their first tour, original tour posters, recording track sheets, an AC/DC logo guitar pick, which is all housed in a fully operational AC/DC guitar amplifier!
This limited number of deluxe editions is available exclusively through the official website, www.acdcbacktracks.com, where full details on pre-ordering are available.
Also available, the standard collectors edition, which condenses the experience of the deluxe edition into two CDs, one of studio rarities and one of original live tracks, and the Family Jewels Disc 3 DVD. Order it at amazon.ca.
Bob Dylan Partners With International Charities To Help Fight Hunger And Homelessness
September 25, 2009 - 1:00am
It has been announced that all of Bob Dylan's international royalties from his forthcoming album of holiday songs, 'Christmas In The Heart' - which is being released on Monday, October 12, 2009 - will be donated to the World Food Programme and Crisis UK in perpetuity.
The donations will go towards providing 500,000 meals to school children in developing worlds during the holidays, with the help of the World Food Program. During the 8 days of Christmas, December 23 to December 30, 15,000 meals will be provided to the homeless in the U.K through Crisis. This act of generosity follows Bob Dylan's recent announcement of his partnership with Feeding America in the U.S., where all U.S. royalties from his holiday album will be going to that orginization in perpetuity.
Bob Dylan commented, "That the problem of hunger is ultimately solvable means we must each do what we can to help feed those who are suffering and support efforts to find long-term solutions. I'm honored to partner with the World Food Program and Crisis in their fight against hunger and homelessness."
'Christmas In The Heart' will be Bob Dylan's 47th album and follows the success of the worldwide, chart-topping 'Together Through Life', released earlier this year. Songs performed by Dylan on this new album include, "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Winter Wonderland", "Little Drummer Boy" and "Must Be Santa".
Eva Avila Stars In 'ROBIN HOOD, The EnvironMENTAL Family Musical'
September 24, 2009 - 1:00am
Join Canadian idol winner, Eva Avila, as she makes her acting debut as Maid Marion in Ross Petty's production of ROBIN HOOD, The EnvironMENTAL Family Musical. Sharing the stage with an all-Canadian cast, including Royal Canadian Air Farce's Jessica Holmes and Broadway veterans Yvan Pedneault (We Will Rock You) and Jeff Irving (The Sound Of Music), Eva Avila is a talented addition to the cast!
A modern spin on the classic story, ROBIN HOOD, The EnvironMENTAL Family Musical offers a comic tale that reflects the harsh economic realities of 2009. The Prince of Thieves sets out to win over Maid Marion from the Sheriff of Nottingham (a.k.a the CEO of Nottingham lumber), who plans to clear cut the Sherwood Forest in order to keep his company the leader in its field!
The curtain opens November 26, 2009 and draws January 3, 2010 at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto, ON. For a complete performance schedule visit www.rosspetty.com.
The Avett Brothers 'I and Love and You' Video Series
September 15, 2009 - 1:00am
The Avett Brothers have just released special footage from their North Carolina show! Presented in 13 pieces, each segment is an ode to a song off the new album, 'I Love You and You', and are being released one chapter at a time.
Including live footage from the show, fan interviews and some personal words from the band, each video is a gift to the fans and a chance for The Avett Brothers to thank them for their dedication and support.
Visit the band's website to watch chapters one and two, and check back frequently for those still to come!