We're still fitting into the New Year as I'm sure you all are.

Our Cheap Trick Poll is moving along nicely. I'm still fiddling with the Wordpress edition of MusicTAP, working some things out and figuring out a few more things but it's looking nice. The cool part is that I can do most of it from my iPhone. And I like that. It's going to have RSS feeds, be updated more often and throughout a day as opposed to precise post days. But I'm not entirely sure that will be the trick; we'll just have to wait and see how it goes. But I'm liking it a lot. I'm sure that you will too. We have places for comments, and other cool things. It should be fully functional by the end of March.

Things are still slow on the release front. I really need to get cozier with other independents so that we can report on their releases. It's a matter of time and I need to buy some extra. Have any for sale?

We're continuing the Cheap Trick Poll (see below). We have a few more departures (when does this thing end?). And I have a cool review for you of Elvis 75: Good Rockin' Tonight (the awesome 4CD Boxed retrospective for Elvis Presley).

And, before I run off, I have a cool contest for you as well. I have a single CD copy of Elvis 75: Good Rockin' Tonight. It's not as great as the 4CD Box but it has 25 Elvis greats skimmed from the 100-track Box. Want it? All you have to do is to click the email link and send me the pertinents. Simple. And good luck to everyone of you.

Willie Mitchell, known for his label work with HI Records and his production work, primarily with Al Green, died on January 5 after suffering a heart attack in December. Mitchell had also worked on Rod Stewart's Atlantic Crossing album. Mr Mitchell died at the age of 81.

Also passed is drummer Gregory Slay from Remy Zero, who died on January 1 from cystic fibrosis. He was 40 years of age.

On Christmas Day, Tony Bellamy of Redbone, whose hit "Come and Get Your Love" rode the charts in 1974, died at the age of 69 with the cause listed as liver failure. Bellamy played guitar for the band, who also enjoyed a 1972 hit with "Witch Queen of New Orleans."

Like those before them, these three men of Rock and Roll will be greatly missed. And like those before them, they add their considerable talents to the Great Band.

Last week, I asked for a new list of bands that we should run a Best of poll for. I received a few (and I'll do them all) but I'll start today's Poll with Cheap Trick. The drill is familair to most of you. All you have to do is to click on the link coming up in a bit, and tell us which you feel was Cheap Trick's best album. I always try to encourage respondents to stay away from their favourite and to honestly assess the artist's most important work. Regardless, the goal is to have fun. Send your pick to this email link. We'll post results after a week of running.

I have a music-related app idea that I'm fleshing out but, surprise, I can't code for it. If anyone out there can write iPhone/iPod apps, and would like to do a collaboration for a 50/50 revenue split, let me know.

We'll see you on Friday (already!)

Sanctuary Records will release The Kids Are Alright by The Who on the defining Blu-ray (BD) format planning March 2 as the official date of reissue.

Original Signal Records will release Black Swan by Athlete in both CD and DD formats, scheduled for March 2.

Johnny Cash fans who are salivating for the release of American VI: Ain't No Grave and who want an LP version of the album will be able to acquire one on February 23.

Universal Republic will release a vinyl LP version of Permalight by Rogue Wave on March 2.

Collector's Choice will release a 3CD singles collection for Paul Revere & The Raiders on February 23. The set will be called The Complete Columbia Singles. (gleaned from Vintage Vinyl News, where you can also find the track-listing).

Razor & Tie Records will release The Music of My Life by Neil Sedaka on January 26. This album has already been released in the UK back in June of 2009. It has 11 new tracks and should be of interest to Sedaka fans.

Friday Music will be releasing a 180g, 2LP reissue of Glass Houses by Billy Joel in a Limited Edition Gatefold cover. This is planned for February 23.

Nonesuch Records will release Leave Your Sleep by Natalie Merchant on March 2.

I'm very intrigued by the upcoming release of Genuine Negro Jig by Carolina Chocolate Drops scheduled for release on February 23, also on Nonesuch Records.

Myself, I'm very excited for the upcoming release of Midnight Souvenirs from J Geils Band alumnus, Peter Wolf. This new album is expected on March 16 from Verve Records. (Now Peter, about that J Geils Band reunion tour...?)