Traveling Wilburys

Traveling Wilburys Find Their Way Home With Rhino

2007-04-04T20:19:00.001-04:00

The Traveling Wilburys will finally return to the marketplace in a variety of formats released by Wilbury Records/Rhino on June 12.

Traveling Wilburys Volume 1 and Traveling Wilburys Volume 3 will be available together in one package with bonus tracks and a DVD of rare video footage, as a deluxe linen-bound edition, a vinyl set, and a digital bundle. The DVD boasts a 24-minute documentary and five music videos. more

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Traveling Wilburys
Freelance Writer

Bad Hair. Great Orchestral Pop

2007-03-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

At least that is what Q magazine is saying about Electric Light Orchestra at the time of the release of Out of the Blue in 1977.

Read the rave review of the new remastered version of Out of the Blue in the March 2007 issue.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Traveling Wilburys
Freelance Writer

Wilburys Catalog To Be Remastered

2007-02-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

After a series of delays, work on the long-awaited Traveling Wilburys catalog has finally resumed.

During an interview with The Rock Radio last month, Olivia Harrison revealed that plans are finally underway to remaster the albums for release in the near future: "It's really nice to get this one done. He'd remastered this already in 2001 himself, but he didn't get a chance to finish it. I think next year the Wilburys is so overdue -- way overdue. And there's a lot of great material on that as well, so I'm just trying to get to it."

In a separate interview with Q magazine, Jeff Lynne confirmed that he has been busy working on the project.

Special video footage from the albums' sessions is also expected to be released on DVD in conjunction with the Wilburys reissues.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Traveling Wilburys
Freelance Writer

Latitude 88 North

2006-12-19T21:41:00.000-05:00

"Latitude 88 North", a previously unreleased song from the Out of the Blue sessions, will be released as a new Electric Light Orchestra single in January 2007.

According to the Face the Music website, promo CD's and orange colour vinyl 7' singles are being sent to radio stations in the UK. From the sample available on the website, it sounds like a fantastic song.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Traveling Wilburys
Freelance Writer

Jeff Lynne Presented With The Q Icon Award From Q Magazine

2006-12-11T17:22:00.000-05:00

Jeff Lynne was presented with The Q Icon Award from Q magazine during a ceremony October 30 at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. The cream of the world's music stars including: U2, The Who, The Kooks, Paul Weller, Oasis, Corinne Bailey Rae, Sugababes, Manic Street Preachers, Peter Gabriel, Embrace, Primal Scream, Take That, Smokey Robinson, Muse, Keane, Jay Kay, Razorlight, and Jeff Lynne attended the non-televised ceremony.

The recognition comes just a few months after Electric Light Orchestra's "Livin' Thing" was named Britain's top guilty pleasure track by Q magazine.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Traveling Wilburys
Freelance Writer

Mr. Blue Sky Named One of the Top Classic Songs of All-Time

2006-11-09T17:19:00.000-05:00

Sold on Song, a BBC Radio 2 site dedicated to classic songs, covers, songwriting and more, recently took a poll to determine the top 100 classic songs of all-time.

“Mr. Blue Sky”, a worldwide hit from ELO's Out of the Blue and background music to numerous movie soundtracks and television ads since, came in at number 18.

Featuring an infectious beat and lavish orchestration, “Mr. Blue Sky” is the eternal song of hope and joy which closes out the “Concerto for a Rainy Day” suite on side three of the album.

“It was dark and misty for two weeks,” songwriter Jeff Lynne later recalled, “and I didn’t come up with a thing. Suddenly the sun shone and it was ‘Wow, look at those beautiful Alps.’ I wrote ‘Mr Blue Sky’ and 13 other songs in the next two weeks.”

To learn more about “Mr Blue Sky”, or better yet to listen to it, visit the song page.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Traveling Wilburys
Freelance Writer

Jeff Lynne Joins Tom Petty On Stage

2006-10-27T17:24:00.000-04:00

Jeff Lynne joined Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers on stage for their rendition of "Handle With Care" during a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on September 26.

Watch the video on www.YouTube.com.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Traveling Wilburys
Freelance Writer

A New World Record

2006-08-30T15:24:00.000-04:00

"Soon millions will hold A New World Record", proclaims the Face the Music website. This clever wordplay is reminiscent of the print and television ad campaign that coincided with the release of what many believe is Jeff Lynne's greatest work.

A New World Record was released in 1976, amid the coming global superstorm of disco and punk music. It provided an interesting juxtaposition to the sounds that would soon be taking over the airwaves.

Yet somehow it not only survived, but also thrived.

The album contained nine tracks, each one of them a gem. From the maudlin "Telephone Line" to the ethereal "Mission", Lynne creates a near-perfect pop masterpiece; an aural soundscape that heightens your appreciation of the music. Listeners are treated to superb songwriting, catchy melodies, and equally brilliant production.

A New World Record went on the sell over five million records worldwide and spawned three hit singles. It also paved the way for record-setting tours, even bigger-selling albums, and, unfortunately, cries of commercialism for being too successful.

With ELO receiving numerous accolades in the music industry press, and credit for influencing modern bands like Jellyfish and Supergrass, one gets the sense that a reevaluation of ELO is in order.

But to fully appreciate Jeff Lynne's genius all you have to do is listen to the music.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Traveling Wilburys
Freelance Writer

ELO Masters Due in September 2006

2006-07-08T12:22:00.000-04:00

Remastered and expanded versions of several ELO albums are due to be released in September 2006. This new series will include On the Third Day (1973), and the two albums considered to be ELO's greatest work, A New World Record (1976), and Out of the Blue (1977).

The second phase of the ELO remaster series was to be released in June but was delayed due to "business matters". Perhaps related to iTunes? Or possibly the ELO Part Two Original Former Members tour of the UK?

More details to follow.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Freelance Writer

Highway Companion To Be Released July 25

2006-06-21T19:55:00.000-04:00

Warner Brothers/American recordings have confirmed July 25 as the official release date of Highway Companion.

On June 14, "Saving Grace", the first radio track from Highway Companion will be streamed on www.TomPetty.com.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Freelance Writer

Roy Orbison Back In the Charts

2006-06-15T16:29:00.000-04:00

The Essential Roy Orbison , the first career-spanning collection of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend and Traveling Wilbury, charted all over the globe during the first month of its release.

The 2-CD compilation reached the top 20 in several countries:

# 15 Ireland

# 5 Sweden

# 6 Norway

# 4 Belgium

# 8 Finland

# 11 Australia

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Freelance Writer

Tom Petty Announces "Highway Companion" Tour

2006-05-31T12:33:00.000-04:00

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers have announced dates for their upcoming 2006 North American "Highway Companion Tour". You can read the complete press release on the official Tom Petty website.

Petty is still putting the finishing touches on his third solo album, "Highway Companion," which is produced by Jeff Lynne with Tom Petty and Mike Campbell, and will be released this summer.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Freelance Writer

Sony Legacy Releases First Two ELO Albums

2006-04-11T12:25:00.000-04:00

For those who haven't heard the expanded and remastered versions of ELO's No Answer (1972) and ELO II (1973) issued in the UK, Sony Legacy has released US versions. Both albums include bonus tracks, although neither will be as comprehensive as the UK versions.

If these versions use the same remastered tapes, fans are in for a treat. Compared to the original CD issues, all of the songs deliver a much-improved aural impact, and in the case of ELO II, reveal an amazing level of musicianship and artistry, especially considering they were performed live in the studioo.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Freelance Writer

Del Shannon: The Sixth Wilbury?

2006-04-06T08:49:00.000-04:00

Much has been written about who would have been a logical choice to replace Roy Orbison after his sudden passing in 1988. Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr were some of the names floating around, but these were simply rumors. Truth be told, they could never have been a Wilbury as they were simply too commercial. Too mainstream. Too familiar.

To quote Michael Palin, "the original Wilburys were a stationary people who, realizing that their civilization could not stand still forever, began to go for short walks - not the 'traveling' as we now know it, but certainly as far as the corner and back." The Wilburys were always a little off the beaten path, a little out of step compared to the then current music trends. Yet they were never out of style.

Of course the music was great too.

One person who would have fit in perfectly was Del Shannon. At the time of his death on February 8, 1990, Shannon had nearly finished his last studio album, Rock On!, with help from Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, and Mike Campbell. While the album wasn't a commercial hit, it nonetheless confirmed Shannon's unique vocal talent and soulful expression of loss and abandonment, not unlike Roy Orbison's. Listening to "Walk Away", "Calling Out My Name", or "When I Had You" shows that he still had the talent, and strangely enough, the anonymity, to fit in perfectly.

The sixth Wilbury? Maybe not. But at least he gets an honorable mention.

Dennis Bacchetta - guest blogger

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Freelance Writer

Run That Body Down (unreleased master)

2006-03-07T16:24:00.000-05:00

Legend has it that George Harrison and Jeff Lynne did some preliminary work on a Wilburys anthology, tentatively titled Maximum Traveling. The tracklist was to include many unreleased songs, including a cover of Paul Simon's "Run That Body Down", featuring Harrison, Lynne, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Jim Keltner (drums, percussion), and Ray Cooper (percussion).

Jeff Lynne is rumored to have been in the studio. Let's hope the long-awaited anthology is just around the corner.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Freelance Writer

Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne Collaborate on Elizabeth Town Soundtrack

2006-02-03T20:21:00.000-05:00

Tom Petty contributed two songs to the new Elizabethtown soundtrack, including a remixed version of "It'll All Work Out", which originally appeared on the Let Me Up (I've Had Enough) album, and "Square One", a new song produced by Jeff Lynne, Petty, and longtime Heartbreaker guitarist Mike Campbell.

"Square One" was written by Petty and recorded during the sessions for his upcoming solo album, Highway Companion. It features a nice slide guitar solo, reminiscent of former Wilbury George Harrison.

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Freelance Writer

Message From The Country Remaster

2005-12-06T19:54:00.000-05:00

The recently released Message From the Country remaster has been getting rave reviews in the music press, including a new review in the December issue of Rolling Stone magazine.

Released in the UK on September 5, 2005, the remastered, expanded edition celebrates the 35th anniversary of The Move (Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne, Bev Bevan) signing to EMI Records. It features the complete Message From The Country album, remastered for the first time ever from the original master tapes at Abbey Road Studios.

The expanded edition also includes a treasure trove of material, most of which has not been released in years:

The Move’s EMI single hits (written by Roy Wood)

Tonight (no.11)

Chinatown (no.21)

California Man (no.9 – The Move’s final single)

B-sides (written by Jeff Lynne)

Down On The Bay

Do Ya (The Move’s only hit in America and later a hit for ELO)

Newly discovered and previously unheard session outtakes and a previously unreleased full-length session version of Do Ya

Compiled and researched by ELO & Move archivist Rob Caiger, along with members of the Move, the package is accompanied by an illustrated 24-page booklet containing in-depth sleeve notes by John Van Der Kiste, band interviews, previously unpublished photographs, rare artwork & more.

The tracklisting is as follows:
1. Message From The Country
2. Ella James
3. No Time
4. Don’t Mess Me Up
5. Until Your Moma’s Gone
6. It Wasn’t My Idea To Dance
7. The Minister
8. Ben Crawley Steel Company
9. The Words Of Aaron
10. My Marge

Bonus tracks:
11. Tonight (3.17)
12. Chinatown (3.06)
13. Down On The Bay (4.14)
14. Do Ya (4.38)
15. California Man (3.35)
16. Don’t Mess Me Up (Alternate version) (previously unreleased) (3.20)
17. The Words Of Aaron (Alternate version) (previously unreleased) (6.03)
18. Do Ya (Alternate version) (previously unreleased) (4.29)

Hidden track:
My Marge (Session version) (previously unreleased) (2.12)

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer
Music
Freelance Writer

New Bob Dylan Album Sold Exclusively at Starbucks

2005-11-16T20:39:00.000-05:00

According to Billboard magazine: "Starbucks has nabbed the exclusive first rights to sell "Bob Dylan: Live at the Gaslight 1962," an album of newly restored live recordings culled from Dylan's performances at the New York cafe. The 10-song CD hit more than 4,400 Starbucks' locations in North America on Aug. 30, and is also available through its Web site. The exclusivity window lasts 18 months. Bootleg versions of the shows have circulated among fans for years, but the Aug. 30 release marks the first time a sanctioned release has occurred. Among the tracks are the earliest surviving live recording of "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" and "Don't Think Twice It's Alright."

Starbucks Entertainment president Ken Lombard says he hopes there are more such projects to come. "Our plans with Bob Dylan go beyond this," he says, although he adds there is no other project already in the works. "We've always been huge Dylan fans. We see him as a legend and one of the most socially conscious artists out there. This will hopefully be the first of many things we can do with Dylan."

Sally
Freelance Writer
Freelance Writer

Jeff Lynne to Produce New Tom Petty Solo Album

2005-10-25T14:28:00.000-04:00

In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine Tom Petty revealed that fellow Wilbury and Full Moon Fever producer Jeff Lynne will reunite with Petty on his upcoming solo album, Highway Companion, due next spring.

Petty, who just wrapped up a sold-out tour with the Heartbreakers, has been previewing one of his new songs, "Turn This Car Around", during the concerts. He has also been playing the Wilbury hit "Handle With Care" in tribute to George Harrison and Roy Orbison.

More details to follow.

Sally
Freelance Writer
Freelance Writer

Move Biography Updated

2005-10-11T16:02:00.000-04:00

An updated biography of the Move appears on the Face the Music website. It traces the history of the group from its beginnings in Birmingham in 1966 through its rise to one of Britain's top rock acts, surpassed only by the Beatles and Rolling Stones.

The Move's Message From the Country, expanded and remastered edition, was released on September 5, 2005.

The long-awaited edition contains the original LP, all of The Move's Harvest single A & B-sides ("Tonight", "Chinatown", "Down On The Bay", "California Man") plus previously unreleased session tracks.

The album, which was released in 1971, was the last by the group before it eventually formed into the Electric Light Orchestra.

Sally
Freelance Writer
Freelance Writer

Tom Petty Book To Be Released This Fall

2005-09-15T08:33:00.000-04:00

"Conversations with Tom Petty" wil be released this Fall to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' debut album.

The book was written by Paul Zollo, who conducted a series of in-depth discussions with Petty about his career, with special focus on his songwriting. It will feature rare photographs and conversations with Petty about his illustrious career as a Heartbreaker, solo artist, and later as a member of the Traveling Wilburys.

Sally
Freelance Writer
Freelance Writer

Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 Named One of the Best Sounding Rock Albums

2005-09-09T16:24:00.000-04:00

The Traveling Wilburys' Vol. 1 has been named one of the greatest sounding rock LPs of all-time by The Absolute Sound magazine.

The article, which appears in the June 2005 issue, is the second of a multi-part series celebrating great analog sound, and most importantly, great music.

The album was released amid great fanfare in 1988 and achieved legendary status almost immediately based on the strength of songs such as Handle with Care, Not Alone Anymore, and End of the Line. While the supergroup was comprised of five legends in their own right, it transcended the reputations of any one member and created a whole new identity altogether, further cementing their place in rock history.

There have been many "supergroups" to emerge over the past 50 years. This is one that truly lived up to the billing.

Sally
Freelance Writer
Freelance Writer

Roy Orbison - Live From Australia DVD Released

2005-08-31T09:01:00.000-04:00

A new DVD , Roy Orbison - Live From Australia, has been released by Image Entertainment.

The DVD captures the legendary concert held at The Festival Hall in Melbourne, Australia on October 3, 1972. Originally aired only on Australian television, the footage has remained unavailable until now. For the first time, we see Roy in rare concert footage filmed during his four-month 1972 World Tour. Roy is backed by an entire orchestra in addition to his own band.

Special features include:
• Photo Gallery
• Interview with the band (with never before seen home movies)
• Digital Restoration Comparison
• Dolby 5.1 Surround and DTS Digital Surround

Sally - Freelance Writer

Tom Petty's Buried Treasure on XM Radio

2005-08-14T08:56:00.000-04:00

Each week Tom Petty broadcasts his new show, Buried Treasure, on XM Radio.

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, Heartbreakers founder, and Traveling Wilbury compiles a set of little-known musical delights and classic tracks - many vintage, every one a treasure.

It is an hour of radio magic woven together with Petty's articulate and passionate take on his first love: the music.

Buried Treasure broadcasts on XM Radio's Deep Tracks - XM 40 on Mondays at 10:00 AM ET. Encore times are Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET and Saturdays at 4:00 AM ET.

Sally - Freelance Writer

Maxine (demo)

2005-07-09T08:55:00.000-04:00

Maxine was one of three tracks left off of the Volume Three album (along with Runaway and Like A Ship). It features George Harrison singing lead throughout the song, with contributions from Jeff Lynne (acoustic guitar, bass, keyboards, backup vocals), Tom Petty (acoustic guitar), and Bob Dylan (acoustic guitar).

Maxine remains unavailable, except as a bottleg. It is expected that it will appear on the remastered and expanded CDs, due later this year.

Sally