Sometimes, the world does stop on a dime. My last post (since removed) was gently commented upon by a long-time reader, and after assessing what was written by this one individual, I realized that my enthusiastic post was an inappropriate one for this forum. Despite our individual opinions, right or wrong, and our rights to express those opinions, the bottom line is this - What is right is RIGHT. And that means that I have decided to remove the short but inappropriate discussion that I began with apologies to those that may have been disappointed at the seemingly unthoughtful foray into a seedy venture. Another email writer jokingly but truthfully stated - watch out for the viruses. I should have known better. Enjoy music!!

Hey...I hate backpedaling as much as the next guy but I was wrong on this one and I'll admit it. Now back to our regular programming (and I'll try not to make those mistakes again).

Today, we have no news because the Memorial Day holiday have likely messed this week up for announcements.  I’m sure that Monday will bring a new list but for today, I have too little to bother with.  Also for Monday, we’ll have the promised new As The Disc Spins by Lindsay Planer as well a s a few reviews from myself.  I do have something to say about the upcoming SACDs for Dead Can Dance. The more expensive UK title releases have sold out, however 4AD is selling domestic Japanese-styled LP replicas. The IMPORTANT thing to note is that the pricing on these SACDs have dropped dramatically ($16.99 for most titles - $14.99 for Aion). Another IMPORTANT thing to note is that these look to NOT be Multi-Channel but rather just Hybrid Stereo remasters (caught by Coleman H). Being a Stereo purist makes this fine by me although I could understand why some DCD fans might be angered by this. Finally, later in the year, 4AD WILL re-release these titles as non-SACD reissues in Super Jewel Cases. Read more about the details of the upcoming SACDs.

I’ve received a lot of email on the new Amy Macdonald song, “Mr Rock & Roll,” which we have streamed.  Not only has it gained steam but I have received emails that the album has been pre-ordered based on that song.  Some have even ordered the UK album release.  If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly suggest it.

Amy Macdonald - "Mr Rock & Roll"

We’ll see you back here on Monday.  Hopefully, I’ll finish the 4th in the list of highly ranked collegiate radio stations and introduce you to station number 5.  As an aside note, when I upload the new site, I’m going to add a links page that will allow easy navigation to radio stations that stream on the internet, as well as other goodies.  We’ll see what else we add as we get a little bit older (this year we’re 7 – can you believe that?)

One other piece of news that was relayed to me by a friend.  The Simple Minds website is reporting that the band is reforming with the original crew of members from the early ‘80s.  That’s nice and welcomed.  I’m looking forward to the songwriting maturity played by that band.  I’ll keep a watch out on this development.

Let’s close this out with a question that I’ve been wanting to ask you folks.  And this isn’t the only one but I’ll save them for later.  The question for today is Joy Division – which was their best album?  Send me your choice and , if you want, any reasoning that you feel will qualify your answer.

See you on Monday!   

Finally, I'd like to end this post on a more important note. Paul Prischman, a friend of the Digital Bits, and, in a way, a friend to many of you. You see, Paul Prischman, is a DVD Producer of films, many of which you have seen and enjoyed, many of which you own. Films like Monster House and The Fly II, along with films like American Gangster, Blade Runner, Kingdom of Heaven, and other great films. However, there is a sadness to all of this. In 2007, Paul Prischman (can I call him Paul?) was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer that is known as GBM (Glioblastoma Multiforme). This invader was successfully removed however Paul continues to undergo a strict - and expensive - regimen of treatments that has challenged the financial stability of Paul and his family.

Close friends of Paul have created a website that explains in detail many aspects of Paul's life as well as his current condition. We at MusicTAP would ask that you visit the site, read about Paul, and do what you feel led to do. We also ask that you provide a few words in your prayers. We sincerely hope that Paul enjoys a full recovery in every way. Please visit the site. We thank you.

There is NOT a new entry in The Guitar Diaries [May 31 ].

THE GUITAR DIARIES

I learned the basic chords to - and can play - "Sweet Jane." I'm kinda proud of myself.

Please send all of your words of encouragement, suggestions, contributions, and derision to The Guitar Diaries.

 

Def Jam has an album coming out for Rap artist, Young Jeezy called The Recession. This album is planned for release as both the standard CD and also as an LP. Both formats will be released on July 29.

Telarc plans the release of Yes We Can! by Maria Muldaur ("Midnight at the Oasis"). This album is scheduled for issue on July 22.

Toucan Cove Records will release the self-titled album for Cloning Einstein, sheduling the disc for release on July 15.

Eagle Rock Entertainment will release a DVD and a separately available CD from Stuff called Live at Montreux 1976.

WEA have a few titles on their way for you that will include stuff from:

Curb Records will release several titles that should prove interesting for fans. On August 5, the label will release two price-friendly ($9.99 MSRP) discs that include collections, Number One Hits for Merle Haggard and The Best of BJ Thomas for BJ Thomas.

Curb Records also plan a collection of 2/$10 Christian titles that include the following music:

• Plumb - Chaotic Resolve / Beautiful Lumps of Coal
• Debby Boone - Surrender / Choose Life
• Fernando Ortega - Shadow of your Wings / Fernando Ortega
• Selah - Bless the Broken Road / Press On
• Natalie Grant - Awaken / Deeper Life
• Debby Boone - With My Song / Friends For Life
• Michael English - Michael English / Hope

Warner Brothers is re-releasing Master of Puppets from Metallica in LP form and in two different styles. There will be a standard LP release, which will be a single LP platter while the 2LP set will be a Deluxe Edition of the album. these are planned for July 1. Another title making it to LP is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco. This 2LP set is planned for release on June 24 and will contain a bonus CD

It looks as if the prices for the upcoming SACDs for Dead Can Dance titles have dropped to a pleasing $20 per disc, with some selling for as low as $16.99. Check your Amazon pages and, if you're hot for these titles, well...now's the time to pre-order for their upcoming July 22 release date. I have pre-ordered mine. Also let me say that the first, more expensive import DCD titles have SOLD OUT and are no longer available. Don't get caught with this problem, order now.

Revisited Records is releasing Made in Germany (1975) from Amon Duul, planning the re-release for July 15.

Cisco Records is reissuing Famous Blue Raincoat as a 20th Anniversary Re-Mastered Edition on 180g LP, planning the Jennifer Warnes album for availablility on August 12. It had been originally released on April 15. This LP version will fetch a hefty $94.98.

Collector's Choice will release Volume 2 of Turning Like Forever: Rarities with unearthed gems by The Kingston Trio. This CD will be ready for purchase on July 29.