Archival Posts 2005 January 23

January 31, 2005

I hope that you all had a great few days. Not a whole heck of a lot happened over the weekend but that doesn't mean that we're high and dry. We still have the Ray Charles contest going on so be sure to dive into that for some super giveaways that include a More Music From Ray CD; a copy of the DVD, Ray; a copy of the Original Soundtrack, hats, and shirts.

It looks like all you Foghat fans like their stuff from the 1st album through Stone Blue. We had plenty of email that listed every album at least once with the obvious ones getting the most takes. The winner? Fool for the City and Live, both evened out the favourite list for Foghat fans.

Hey...we have a giveaway for the weekend that will make a lot of you happy. We're going to giveaway some Ray Charles items that include 1 More Music From Ray CD; 1 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack; hats, shirts, and a copy of the Ray DVD which releases on February 1. We're providing links for you to get a sneak look n listen. check them out...and win. Good Luck!

Ray E-Card w/ Ray Jukebox, DVD trailer, and clips from the film.

You can pre-order Ray titles here with discounts.

Listening Party Link for More Music From Ray.

--- Film Trailer ---

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The review titles for today include one from George Bennett with his take on the Telarc issued SACD of Dave Brubeck's Private Brubeck Remembers. We also have another John Dunphy review, this time of Jim Pietkivitch's Inner Worlds. I heard this and really appreciated the music. The review comes with MP3 links. We have a whole bunch of reviews for Wednesday and Friday.

You can catch the new Paradise Lost video for their single, "Forever After" at this link. Please note that this will NOT be available until true January 28. If you run into an error notice, check back later. Here's a short audio snippet of the song. The UK retail version of the single (seen below) will release on February 14 in two versions: a standard 3 track version and a limited edition issue with 5 tracks and a bonus DVD.

We're nearing the end of your ability to turn in your vote for 2004's best. Get them in. See below for details.

Please start to submit your choices for the best of 2004. Feel free to elaborate as to why you believe your choice is the best. Also feel free to list up to 4 choices. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you place the phrase Best of 2004 in the subject line. With all this bad email, spam, and virii running the net like it owns it, I don't want to miss your choices. I'm creating a rule that will safely place your email in a folder and Best of 2004 will insure that it gets in there.

I missed a bit of news last week concerning an upcoming Crosby, Stills, and Nash 'best of' coming from Rhino Records. The 19-song collection will run nearly 80 minutes and contain the following music:

Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
Shadow Captain
Helplessly Hoping
Long Time Gone
Our House
Southern Cross
Marrakesh Express
Guinnevere
See the Changes
Teach Your Children
Wooden Ships
Just a Song Before I Go
Delta
49 Bye-Byes
Wasted On the Way
Carry On / Questions
Cathedral
Daylight Again

This album will street on March 15.

Domo Records announces a few titles for eventual release. On February 22, Domo issues Kitaro's latest, Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai: Volume 2. On March 8, Domo streets the original Soundtrack to Steamboy, a 2005 anime feature.

Geffen Records announces a March 22 release date for True Parallels from Rock artists, Trust Company.

Universal Special Products will revitalize catalogues with upcoming reissues for Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will have their (1990) The Rest of the Dream back in circulation and at a nice price while BTO's Freeways (1977) will find its way back onto store shelves. Both will be available on March 29.

TAP reader, Mark Burton, alerts us to a 'best of' for Lisa Loeb originating out of Japan. The disc is apparently available now.

January 28, 2005

Now look at me. I'm lost in a Foghat haze brought on by the recent viewing of their latest DVD. Not only do I run through my collection of Foghat CDs (I have them all) but I dip into the Peverett/Stevens/Earl years of Savoy Brown. And I made a few discoveries. The first is, after listening to all of the Foghat stuff through Return of the Boogie Men (ok..I guess that I don't have Family Joules...but I'm trying to get one) I determined that much of Foghat's stuff is even more superior than I thought. But you all knew this already. BUT..after listening to the Rhino CDs that I have and then to the Savoy Brown releases (not that far apart...80s? Early 90s?) I discovered that the Savoy Brown issues were great sounding. The Foghat CDs? Uhh..awful. Which means this, they are in dire need of remastering and reissuing. And so I make my official bid to ask the labels in charge to do just that. While I'm here, I'd like to poll you people on Foghat releases. Send me an email with FOGHAT in the subject line and tell me which was your favourite Foghat album. Mine is without the doubt, Rock and Roll, their 2nd album.

Many of you wrote in to join me in our wonderment of what happened to SACD and DVD-Audio. We'll keep asking in the hopes that someone answers as to what really happened. Not too long ago, we were promised an obviously finished SACD of Aerosmith's Rocks. And it just disappeared. And just when I was getitng my hope sup of getting a Get Your Wings SACD. Not THAT would have been ultra. Hmmm...

There is an unsubstantiated rumour over on Steve Hoffman's board that says that The Doors' entire catalogue has been mixed to DVD-Audio 5.1 and will be released as a boxed set. We don't know the fullness of this but if the LACK of DVD-A releases are any indication...Developing.

We had this link some time back and didn't post...We're making up for it now. This link leads to "Cigaro", a track off of System of a Down's upcoming album. We hope that you enjoy the cut.

Ray E-Card w/ Ray Jukebox, DVD trailer, and clips from the film.

You can pre-order Ray titles here with discounts.

Listening Party Link for More Music From Ray.

--- Film Trailer ---

Windows Media

Quicktime

Today we have a nice collection of things for you that include John Dunphy's review of Red Harvest's Internal Punishment Programs.

We also have Duane's usual punk banter found in his photo-centric Duane's PitStop. We also have a concert review of Journey's LA House of Blues show by Sarah Hunt, Digital Bits' Bill Hunt's better half. I think that you'll find her observations interesting. Too bad the show didn't progress into a Steve Perry reunion. It would have been one for the ages; it would have left folks talking forever.

On Monday, we're going to have quite a large review set so be prepared for that. It should easily include 10 - 14 titles. Fun. There will not be a new As The Disc Spins on Monday but Lindsay will be back next week, February 7.

We're nearing the end of your ability to turn in your vote for 2004's best. Get them in. See below for details.

Epic Records and Legacy will release Ozzy Osborne's Prince of Darkness on CD in time for a March 22 date.

Columbia Records plans a March 15 release date for Blunt Object Live in Tokyo by The Bad Plus.

American Head Charge will release their latest CD, The Feeding, on February 15. The album will contain 11 'brutal' songs.

Eagle Rock/Spitfire Records have announced the impending release of Overkill's 14th studio album, the upcoming RelixIV. This album will be available on March 22.

This info is from The Cure's website and brought to our attention by TAP reader, Eric Mackenstadt. Thanks, Eric! We're now officially excited. This round of remasters are expected in April.

SEVENTEEN SECONDS (1980) / FAITH (1981) / PORNOGRAPHY (1982)

TRACK DETAILS
OF THE NEXT ROUND OF RE-MASTERED RE-RELEASES - OUT IN APRIL...

THE CURE
SEVENTEEN SECONDS
2 CD SET
COMPILED BY ROBERT SMITH

Digitally Remastered from the
Original Master Tapes

Features 15 tracks on CD for the very first time

Deluxe package contains a 20 page booklet
including sleevenotes and lyrics
with rare and previously unseen photographs

SEVENTEEN SECONDS: THE ORIGINAL ALBUM

01. A REFLECTION
02. PLAY FOR TODAY
03. SECRETS
04. IN YOUR HOUSE
05. THREE
06. THE FINAL SOUND
07. A FOREST
08. M
09. AT NIGHT
10. SEVENTEEN SECONDS

SEVENTEEN SECONDS: RARITIES 1979-1980

01. I'M A CULT HERO (vinyl single by CULT HERO)
02. I DIG YOU (vinyl single by CULT HERO)
03. ANOTHER JOURNEY BY TRAIN (home demo)
04. SECRETS (home demo)
05. SEVENTEEN SECONDS (live)
06. IN YOUR HOUSE (live)
07. THREE (alt studio mix)
08. I DIG YOU (CULT HERO live)
09. I'M A CULT HERO (CULT HERO live)
10. M (live)
11. THE FINAL SOUND (live)
12. A REFLECTION (live)
13. PLAY FOR TODAY (live)
14. AT NIGHT (live)
15. A FOREST (live)

*****

THE CURE
FAITH
2 CD SET
COMPILED BY ROBERT SMITH

Digitally Remastered from the
Original Master Tapes

Features 4 previously unreleased songs
and 15 tracks on CD for the very first time

Deluxe package contains a 20 page booklet
including sleevenotes and lyrics
with rare and previously unseen photographs

FAITH: THE ORIGINAL ALBUM

01. THE HOLY HOUR
02. PRIMARY
03. OTHER VOICES
04. ALL CATS ARE GREY
05. THE FUNERAL PARTY
06. DOUBT
07. THE DROWNING MAN
08. FAITH

09. CARNAGE VISORS

FAITH: RARITIES 1980-1981

01. FAITH (RS home demo)
02. DOUBT (RS home demo)
03. DROWNING (group home demo)
04. THE HOLY HOUR (group home demo)
05. PRIMARY (studio out-take)
06. GOING HOME TIME (studio out-take)
07.THE VIOLIN SONG (studio out-take)
08. A NORMAL STORY (studio out-take)
09. ALL CATS ARE GREY (live)
10. THE FUNERAL PARTY (live)
11. OTHER VOICES (live)
12. THE DROWNING MAN (live)
13. FAITH (live)
14. FOREVER (live)
15. CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES (single)

*****

THE CURE
PORNOGRAPHY
2 CD SET
COMPILED BY ROBERT SMITH

Digitally Remastered from the
Original Master Tapes

Features 5 previously unreleased songs
and 14 tracks on CD for the very first time

Deluxe package contains a 20 page booklet including
sleevenotes with rare and previously unseen photographs

PORNOGRAPHY: THE ORIGINAL ALBUM

01. ONE HUNDRED YEARS
02. A SHORT TERM EFFECT
03. THE HANGING GARDEN
04. SIAMESE TWINS
05. THE FIGUREHEAD
06. A STRANGE DAY
07. COLD
08. PORNOGRAPHY

PORNOGRAPHY: RARITIES 1981-1982

01. BREAK (group home demo)
02. DEMISE (studio demo)
03.TEMPTATION (studio demo)
04. THE FIGUREHEAD (studio demo)
05. THE HANGING GARDEN (studio demo)
06. ONE HUNDRED YEARS (studio demo)
07. AIRLOCK: THE SOUNDTRACK
08. COLD (live)
09. A STRANGE DAY (live)
10. PORNOGRAPHY (live)
11. ALL MINE (live)
12. A SHORT TERM EFFECT (live)
13. SIAMESE TWINS (live)
14. TEMPTATION TWO (aka lgtb) (RS studio demo)

Chevelle's 2004 album, This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In), is expected on DualDisc format for March 22. Another expected DualDisc release is Duran Duran's Astronaut that will be provided on the same date, March 22.

Epic will continue with DualDisc releases by pushing out a Gretchen Wilson issue, her 2004 Here For the Party. The DualDisc will street on March 15.

The Indigo Girls' All That We Let In will issue on DualDisc on March 22. Also, Columbia will issue Jessica Simpson's In This Skin, a 2003 title, in DualDisc format on March 22

Epic will deliver a DualDisc issue of Lamb of God's Ashes of the Wake on March 22..

Rounder announces a DVD for Rhonda Vincent and The Rage called Ragin' Live and scheduled for March 8.

January 26, 2005

I just read where iTunes is having a great year where downloads are concerned. So why am I having such a depressing feeling about the whole she-bang. Well...in a nutshell, I was afraid that soon folks would give in to the compressed mess that is a downloadable MP3 file and consider that the way to go. Hey, I have zero problem with transportable tunes. That's lots of fun. But, at a time when I thought that we would start to get very cool hi res music in the formats of SACD and DVD-Audio, we seem to be moving away from it instead.

If people become accustomed to compressed music then what hope is there for those of us who want something better? By the looks of it, none! And who's to blame? I have to admit to being quite perturbed at the labels, whose clear path is to present us with something better, things that we'd buy and be more than happy to have but . Has there been enough media push to present this to consumers? I think not. Yet look at the media push for iTunes.

I received an email from a disgruntled reader who asked that I remove the banner for SACD and DVD-Audio despite the fact that we have put DualDisc info in there. It seems to me that people have abandoned DualDisc soooo..WHY RELEASE THEM? I think that I speak for a lot of folks that WANT hi-res in their audio diet. Please, labels, if YOU won't put them out, ALLOW the boutiques to do them, the ones who WILL put them out. If it is the labels' desire to not pursue this then let others do so.

Done.

Some of you will remember early 80s strange phenomena, Klaus Nomi, whose delivery of "Ding Dong, The Witch is Dead" captivated my 2 year old daughter. He was discovered by David Bowie in NYC and backed up David on an SNL (where I learned of Nomi) stint. His other 'hits' included "Solar Eclipse", "Lightning Strikes", and "Simple Man." Of course, there was that cover of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling In Love" that worked nicely. It was Nomi's operatic falsetto delivery that was so damn cool. I mention all of this for several reasons. The first, and foremost, the more adventurous of music fans should check out Nomi's limited releases; that's BOTH of his RCA issues. The second reason is that Palm Pictures has produced a theatrical documentary film of Klaus Nomi called The Nomi Song. The film premieres in both NYC and LA on February 4. If you ever heard of Nomi and were intrigued by his art, this is the film to see. I'm anxious to see this film myself. If you're intrigued by this paragraph and have to check this guy out, here are a few movie clip links for various flavours of players. He's remarkable history. Here you go, Sparky!

QuickTime

Real Player

Windows Media

We have a bit of news, not a lot. We also have a review for you. The review is of Ani DiFranco's latest CD, Knuckle Down, a work that I think shines above her last 4 releases.

We have some audio links for the upcoming Shout! Factory remasters in the Signature Series for Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. The CDs arrive on February 8:

Lost Treasures - "(They Long to Be) Close to You"
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QuickTime

The Lonely Bull - "The Lonely Bull"
Windows Media
QuickTime

South of the Border - "The Girl From Ipanema"
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QuickTime

Friday, we'll share George Bennett's review of Telarc's SACD of Dave Brubeck Remembers and another John Dunphy review. We'll also have the newest edition of Duane's Pit Stop. Also coming up on Friday is Sarah Hunt's writeup of the Journey concert with lots of photos. Be sure to check back for that.

Illinois just beat Wisconsin in a nail biter game. I'm proud of the Fightin' Illini and their new 20-0 record. But my hat is off to Wisconsin for a great run at it.

We're nearing the end of your ability to turn in your vote for 2004's best. Get them in. See below for details.

MCA Nashville announces a new untitled project destined for June 28 from Hanna-McEuen. Dreamworks Nashville also announces a new untitled project release from Toby Keith which is scheduled to be in stores on May 17.

Dreamworks will issue a new title for Lifehouse on March 29, a title not yet set.

John Dunphy wants you to be aware of a title coming out on February 24:

Paradise Lost will be releasing their long awaited 10th studio album, aptly titled Paradise Lost, on Feb. 28 through GUN Records/BMG. The album is once again being produced by Rhys Fulber (Fear Factory). So far, they have yet to acquire an American distributor for the album and their forthcoming single, Forever After, which is due out Feb. 14. The following is a list of countries confirmed to be releasing Paradise Lost:

United Kingdom
Sweden
Finland
France
Belgium
Greece
Spain
Portugal
Poland
Romania
Russia

More news as it develops.

I have an allergy where much of Disney is concerned much the same way as the main character in William Gibson's Pattern Recognition novel has for name brands. Can't explain it other than to say that I understand it. Disney does it to me. But I couldn't bypass this title for fans (and no..I dislike even the Pixar stuff 'cept for The Incredibles). On March 15, Walt Disney Records will release Pixar's Greatest Hits. Sounds like fun.

Will Smith will have his next album, Lost & Found, in stores on March 29. Interscope, the releasing label, will release Lost & Found on both CD and LP.

Casablanca has a JumpStart title coming from Brie Larson on March 22. The introductory CD will be called Finally out of P.E. I'll be listening for this one. Intro titles always interest me.

Desperate Housewives fans can have their soundtrack in Deluxe Edition on May 3 from Hollywood Records. I just want the girls.

Concord Jazz provides the title for the upcoming June 21 release of David Benoit's album. the album will be called Charlie Brown Christmas. This comes a week after the expected release of Benoit's Orchestral Stories, due on June 14.

Universal will offer Lost City Angels' album named Broken World to the public on April 5.

Geffen will release an edited version of Slim Thug's Already Platinum album on March 29.

The bad news for today is that Sanctuary placed Glenn Hughes upcoming Soul Mover album on hold awaiting certain clearances. We'll let you know just as soon as it gets a new date. I know that more than a lot of you are anticipating this title. So am I.

Epic will continue with DualDisc releases by pushing out a Gretchen Wilson issue, her 2004 Here For the Party. The DualDisc will street on March 15.

Epic will deliver a DualDisc issue of Lamb of God's Ashes of the Wake on March 22..

Rounder announces a DVD for Rhonda Vincent and The Rage called Ragin' Live and scheduled for March 8.

January 24, 2005

Sadness always seems to find a face at times when we don't want it to form. Yesterday, it was pop culture's finest who passed from this world. TAP and many more mourn the loss of Johnny Carson, who, at the age of 79, leaves a void. Our George Bennett has this to say:

"Johnny Carson is the only late night talk show host, since 1965, about whom I never once thought "Gawd, what a dick". He is the only person in my life, in any way, that I ever truly looked forward to seeing five nights a week for almost 30 years. He's the only person that, no matter what I was going through, could make me feel like everything was okay, at least for a few minutes.

He didn't come off like he knew he was a big deal...he was just like you and me up there on that screen every night, only way funnier, ie, the average George could identify with him...and did.

His comedic timing and double takes and facial expressions and reactions to his guest's jokes, or to something not going as planned, often said more than anyone elses words could have ever expressed.

I never knew him, but he was my friend for almost 30 years...at least his public persona was. I understand he was shy and rather reclusive when off-camera. I've missed him since 1992, and I guess I'll keep right on missing him. And what a gentleman he was...an almost perfectly funny, warm, human gentleman...and one heck of a class act. Johnny Carson was one of a kind - they just don't come any better. We'll never see his like again. God rest ye, merry gentleman."

1925 - 2005

Well said, George...well said!

We have a few reviews to help close out our newsday. This should be a great year for releases as the industry appears to be coming out of a financial slump. The reviews include George Bennett's spin of the SACD of Eric Clapton's 461 Ocean Boulevard; John Dunphy's listen to The Waifs' latest, A Brief History; and a run through Universal's The Gospel Spirit series found in the newest edition of Lindsay Planer's As The Disc Spins. This first batch re-introduces Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, The Statler Brothers, and Conway Twitty.

John Dunphy is far from done as he has more reviews awaiting my tappin' fingers. We'll get through them and have them up one at time. I still have a batch of 10 reviews that are achin' to see some hangtime. I also have a review of Ani DiFranco's latest CD, Knuckle Down. George Bennett has a review of Telarc's SACD of Brubeck Remembers, a 2-disc set that includes a spoken word CD. George loves the release and will fill you in this week.

We have a listening party link for you of a Ray Charles additional soundtrack, More Music from Ray. You can access the link here. Enjoy! The CD releases on February 1.

NFL Playoffs were exciting and great fun to watch. Good luck to NEPats and Eagles.

We'll see you again.

Bad news for folks that were anxiously awaiting the Legacy reissues of CTI Jazz titles. The bad is that they have been postponed to a later date. We have been promised to be alerted to new dates when they become available. As soon as we get 'em, they're yours. The affected titles are:

Nina Simone - Baltimore
Astrud Gilberto with Stanley Turrentine - Astrud Gilberto w/ Stanley Turrentine
Deodato / Airto - In Concert
Idris Muhammad - House of the Rising Sun
Stanley Turrentine - Don't Mess With Mr T
Various Artists - CTI : The Soul Jazz Legacy
Patti Austin - Body Language
Paul Desmond - Pure Desmond
Freddie Hubbard - First Light
Yusef Lateef - Autophysiopsychic
Esther Phillips - Black Eyed Blues

Equal Vision Records informs us of the upcoming album from Armor For Sleep called What To Do When You're Dead scheduled for February 22. This band has a tour scheduled; dates can be pinpointed at their website, www.armorforsleep.com. You can listen to an advance MP3 from the album called "Car Underwater."

We've been fronted the cover art for Billy Idol's next album, his first album of new materials in 10 years. The album, The Devil's Playground, will issue on March 22 with a tour to commence in March at some time. The cover:

Columbia will issue Aqualung's album, Strange and Beautiful, in LP on March 22.

Epic Records will release a remastered edition of Ben Folds Five's 1995 Whatever and Ever Amen on March 22.

Legacy promises a 16 Biggest Hits for Charley Pride and schedules the title for a March 22 release. They will do the same for 16 Biggest Hits from Waylon Jennings.

Columbia Records will issue a "bootleg" for Coheed and Cambria, a title that is, as yet, untitled but is expected to be released on March 22. There is also a DVD title arriving on the same date. See below.

Lamb of God will release Burn the Priest on March 22 with a DualDisc of another title expected on the same date. See Below.

Shout! Factory will release Roky Erickson's I Have Always Been Here Before: The Roky Erickson Anthology on March 1.

February 15 will have a release from the folks at Hip-O Records, the expected Styx Wooden Nickel Recordings that will feature remastered versions of all 4 of their Wooden Nickel label (RCA) issues released between 1972 and 1974. This will include a sought after rare B-side tune of "Unfinished Song". All of this Styx goodness will fit on 2CDs making it a nice collector issue for fans. The breakout song, "Lady", languished on one of these albums until a Chicago DJ took an interest in the song and the rest, as we say, is history. The albums include Styx, Styx II (which contains "Lady"), The Serpent is Rising, and Man of Miracles.

The Gregg Allman Band's out of print (OOP) title, Playin' Up A Storm, gets reintroduced into availability with a reasonably priced Universal Special Products release. This is expected in a few weeks on February 15. The same will occur for Oingo Boingo's Nothing to Fear album; The Brothers Johnson's Light Up the Night; Kathy Mattea's Untasted Honey; and Angela Winbush's The Real Thing.

February 15 will also see the reissue of Climax Blues Band's Gold Plated in a Deluxe package that offers 2 bonus tracks from the sessions. The tracks are "All The Time In The World", and "Shake Your Love". The album is remastered from the original masters and carries the Top hit, "Couldn't Get It Right". the band will reunite for an XM Radio session. This album comes from the folks at Fuel2000 Records.

Epic will continue with DualDisc releases by pushing out a Gretchen Wilson issue, her 2004 Here For the Party. The DualDisc will street on March 15.

Epic will deliver a DualDisc issue of Lamb of God's Ashes of the Wake on March 22..

Escapi Music and Burnt Offerings will release a DVD for Testament called Seen Between the Lines on March 8. This DVD is the remastered reissue of the band's 1991's VHS video. The DVD will include 4 music videos, "Nobody's Fault"; "Practice What You Preach"; "Souls of Black"; and "The Legacy." The rest of the DVD is the live material that contains 6 concert songs, video interview clips, and footage (behind the scenes) of the band's early years.

There are two packaging styles expected for a Coheed and Cambria DVD named Live at Starland Ballroom that will street on March 22. The styles are Amaray and Jewel Casing.

Sony Classical has a DVD expected on March 8 for Jane Monheit. The DVD is titled Taking a Chance on Love (Jane Monheit in Concert).