Music Reviews - MusicStack.com

New Music Releases November 10, 2009

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:06:32 GMT

Lots of great stuff this week including the Pixies Minotaur (Deluxe Edition) (17-disc box set), pre-orders for the Miles Davis The Complete Columbia Album Collection, ACDC s Backtracks (2CD & DVD box set), Billie Holidays The Complete Commodore and Decca Masters (3-CD box set), Ella Fitzgeralds Twelve Nights in Hollywood (remastered 4-CD box set) and R.E.M. s Live At The Olympia (4-LP 2-CD DVD limited edition). Look for new music by 50 Cent, Bon Jovi, Tori Amos, Switchfoot, Wilco, Rickie Lee Jones, Dashboard Confessional, Snow Patrol, Robbie Williams, Robyn Hitchcock and Michelle Branch (just to name a few). Additionally, there are some awesome reissues including: King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King (remastered with bonus disc), Echo & The Bunnymen - Live at the Ro

New Music Releases November 3, 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:37:22 GMT

Lots of great music this week including reissues from the Band, David Bowie, Nirvana, the Beach Boys, Devo and Neutral Milk Hotel (2 Lps on 180 gram vinyl). Also new music from Carrie Underwood, Curtis Harvey, Jay-Z, Morrissey and Shwayze (among others). Also a 5-LP vinyl box set from the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Green Day's American Idiot (2-LP vinyl)a 4-CD box set from Guided By Voices, the Foo Fighters Greatest Hits, Weezer's Raditude (2-CD edition), Mariah Carey CD boxed set, the Bee Gees 2-CD & DVD set, Slayer - World Painted Blood (CD & DVD deluxe edition) and the Rolling Stones - Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!remastered 3-LP 3-CD DVD deluxe box set. And if your can't wait for Christmas music, we have Pebbles & Bamm-Bamm Singing Songs Of Christmas (remastered)! Acid Mothers Te

New Music Releases - October 27, 2009

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:31:19 GMT

There are several great new releases this week including new music from Carly Simon, Creed, Gov't Mule, Sting, Brian McKnight, R.E.M., Echo and the Bunnymen, Wolfmother, Pelican and many more. Look for great reissues from Bob Dylan, Depeche Mode, Of Montreal and Wilco. Lots of great boxed sets including: Blondie, John Adams, Morrissey, U2 and Marillion. Aarktica - In SeaAwesome New Republic - HeartsBarzin - Notes to an Absent Lover (vinyl)Bassnectar - Cozza FrenzyBetween The Buried And Me - The Great Misdirect Blondie Singles Collection- 1977-1982 (remastered)BOAT - Setting the PacesBob Dylan - Self-Portrait (vinyl reissue)Breakaways - Walking Out on Love- The LostsessionsBrian McKnight - Evolution Of A Man Broadcast & The Focus Group - Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio AgeBroadf

New Music Releases - October 20, 2009

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:16:21 GMT

Lots of new music this week including Michael Jacksons This Is It, Jay-Z's The Blueprint 3 is out on vinyl, some new Wolfmother music, a 4-CD Box Set from Dolly Parton, two remastered Get Up Kids and Lou Reed releases, new music from Sufjan Stevens, Lyle Lovett, Kris Kristofferson, Gov't Mule, Tim McGraw, Train and an interesting band I saw on Jooles Holland called Cage the Elephant, kind of the Hold Steady meet the Clash, I like the band for some reason. Also, everything you ever wanted to hear from Yo-Yo Ma - 30 Years Outside the Box (90-CD box set), and yes, I checked that, 90 CD's and many other great music releases. 1990s - Cookies (reissue)60 Watt Kid - We Come From the Bright Side 7 Worlds Collide - The Sun Came Out (vinyl)AkronFamily - River (vinyl)Alasdair Roberts - The Wyrd Meme

Happy 40th Birthday To Abbey Road

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:09:58 GMT

It was forty years ago, on October 1, 1969, that music history was made, it was when the Beatles released the iconic LP called Abbey Road in the US (it released on September 26 in the UK). Most of the recording was done between July 2 and August 1 of that same year, it was a time when the Fab Four were at their worst, as personal issues were now getting in the way of the creative process of songwriting.Paul McCartney had suggested to producer George Martin that the group get together and make an album the way we used to do, and although the group had been seemingly going their separate ways, Martin agreed, but insisted that he would be allowed to do it his way. Somewhat reluctantly, all four agreed, and in later interviews the surviving band members stated that they knew at the time that

New Music Releases September 29, 2009

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:44:22 GMT

This week has some very interesting new music including a new Alice In Chains LP, a 3CD set from Bob Dylan, a live release from Elvis Costello, Madonna's hits collection, Johnny Cash 3CD set, new music from Lynyrd Skynyrd, boxed sets from Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, an 8-CD 3-DVD box set from Genesis and music from Barbra Streisand, Drivin N Cryin, Miles Davis (3CD set), Rod Stewart(4-CD box set), Mariah Carey, the Avett Brothers and Mark Knopfler among many others. Be sure to buy your favorite music here at MusicStack.com! 7 Worlds Collide - Sun Came Out A Bad Think - Simple Rhymes AFI - Crash Love Alberta Cross - The Broken Side of Time (vinyl)Alice In Chains - Black Gives Way To Blue (vinyl)Anti-Pop Consortium - Fluorescent Black (vinyl)Apples In Stereo - #1 Hits Explosion (

Ask Mr. Music - September 29, 2009

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:04:10 GMT

FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2009DEAR JERRY: I realize opinions differ on which early recordings are rock and roll, and which are pure pop music. Still, I do value your take on such matters.What then is your pick as the last week the nation's entire Top 10 was all pop music, with nothing reasonably considered rock and roll?Also, when did the Top 10 contain nothing but rock and roll hits, without any entry of the purely pop variety?I find this topic not only interesting, but one I don't think you've ever addressed.Elroy Ridgway, Terre Haute, Ind.DEAR ELROY: Definitely two previously unasked questions.The last all-pop Top 10, with nary a title to be challenged, is exactly 55 years ago, the last week of September 1954.Though the chart positions vary slightly, both Cash Box and Billboard were

Bird and Animal Names In Rock and Roll History-part thirty-two

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:10:27 GMT

Lets continue our article series about bird and animal band names and individuals in rock and roll history:Bear vs. Shark was a post-hardcore band based out of Highland, Michigan who were together from 2001-2005. The band members knew each other all their lives, with some of the members forming friendships as early as pre-school. However, the band was formed during their college years when they were all playing with different groups. The band consisted of members Marc Paffi, Derek Kiesgen, Mike Muldoon, John Gaviglio and Ashley Horak and former member Brandon Moss and count the Clash, Husker Du, Fugazi, among others as an influence on their music.The group sent a demo to lEqual Vision Records and they liked what they heard, so much so, that a rep from the label flew out and signed the b

New Music Releases September 22, 2009

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:37:28 GMT

Here's a list of some of the new music for September 22, 2009. We have the Beastie Boys reissue of Hello Nasty, several Elvis Costello re-releases, Green Day vinyl reissue, several Mudhoney reissues, Pearl Jam's Backspacer, a new album from Porcupine Tree, U2's I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight and many more. Be sure to shop at MusicStack.com for the latest music for your collection!A Storm of Light - Forgive Us Our TrespassesAhab - The Divinity of OceansAlan Cumming - I Bought A Blue Car Today Alberta Cross - Broken Side Of TimeAlice Donut - Ten Glorious AnimalsAlmighty Defenders - The Almighty Defenders (vinyl)Amorphous Androgynous Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Exploding In Your Mind: Volume 2Amy Millan - Masters of the Burial (vinyl)Andrew Hoover - Chances, Stances & Romanc

Ask Mr. Music - September 21, 2009

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:13:39 GMT

FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2009DEAR JERRY: One entertainer I collect and admire is Ann-Margret. She is one star who excelled in all phases of the business.As for recordings, Ann-Margret's peak period is the '60s. And, other than one mystery song, I believe I have them all.The one eluding me for over 40 years is why I'm writing you.I only heard it once, on Radio Luxembourg of all places. After it played there was no mention of the singer or the title. All I recall is repeated references to clouds rolling by, or something similar. It is not I've looked at clouds from both sides now. I'd estimate the time to be mid-'60s. It might even be from a movie, as she was making lots of them back then.If not by Ann Margret, it sure sounded like her style.Can you provide some good news?Marlene Thornt

Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary Loses Her Fight With Cancer

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:53:39 GMT

Folk music legend Mary Travers passed away on September 16, 2009 from complications related to leukemia. She was 72. Along with her singing partners Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey, the trio were perhaps the most influential folk music trio in American history and together they performed some of the most enduring folk anthems of the 1960s. In fact, the group's first album came out in 1962 and immediately scored hits with their versions of "If I Had a Hammer" and "Lemon Tree," a song which won them Grammys for best gfolk recording and best performance by a vocal group.Mary Travers was born in Louisville, Kentucky and in 1938 the family moved to Greenwich Village in New York City, New York. She attended the Little Red School House in New York City, but left in the eleve

Vinyl Record Sound Quality Thrives At US Plant

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:43:35 GMT

Our music is sounding better than ever because we can hear it on vinyl again. Millions of music lovers all over the world are discovering and rediscovering why vinyl is the best sound reproduction format. Along with the growth of this historic sound medium is a renewed interest in record companies and manufacturers who produce the vinyl records that the music community is buying. Lets explore a company dedicated to the quality of their vinyl products and most importantly, the sound of the music.I spoke with Eric Astor, CEO and Manish Naik, COO of Furnace MFG (www.furnacecd.com) and although the company offers a multitude of sound and promotional services, we will focus on the vinyl record aspects of the company. The company has secured exclusive North American partnerships with two of

New Music Releases - Sept. 15, 2009

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:16:06 GMT

Here is a comprehensive list of the new recordings being released on September 1, 2009. Be sure to shop at MusicStack for your favorite artists! 69 Eyes - Back In Blood A Sunny Day in Glasgow - Ashes Grammar Aaron Watson - Deep In The Heart Of Texas: Aaron Watson Live Ace Frehley - Anomaly Aluminum Babe - 17 Anvil - This Is ThirteenArmed for Apocalypse - Defeat Athlete - Black SwanAvett Brothers - I and Love and You (2-LP vinyl)Band of Heathens - One Foot in the EtherBeastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 Big Star - #1 Record (remastered with bonus tracks)Big Star - Keep An Eye On The Sky (4-CD box set)Bill Monroe - Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys 1950-1958 (remastered 4-CD box set)Black Dahlia - Murder Deflorate Black Whales - OriginsBruce Hornsby - LevitateBunnygrunt - Matt Harnish

Ask Mr. Music - September 14, 2009

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:21:01 GMT

FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 DEAR JERRY: A few years ago you gave the longest song titles in each of several categories, such as charted hits, non-charted songs, medleys, with and without subtitles, etc. What I don't recall being in your listings is anything by Rod Stewart. I mention this because I ran across a site that says Rod Stewart has the longest title ever for a Top 40 hit. They don't give the year, and, much to my surprise, they don't even give the title! I looked up all of Rod's hit records, and none have a title longer than I Don't Want to Talk About It, with seven words. While that one didn't quite make the Top 40, he did have three with six words that did: Rod Stewart:The First Cut Is the Deepest; Rod Stewart:Some Guys Have All the Luck; and Rod Stewart:My Heart Can't Te

Bird and Animal Names In Rock And Roll History- part thirty-one

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:52:10 GMT

Lets continue our article series about bird and animal band names and individuals in rock and roll history:Born in Seymour, Indiana, John Cougar Mellencamps early career was not exactly what his first record company envisioned. He was a client of David Bowies manager Tony Defries, who billed Mellencamp as Johnny Cougar, a name he detested. And as that name, Cougars first three album releases were not well received, although he did manage three Billboard Top 40 hits, including the chant like John Cougar Mellencamp:I Need A Lover in 1978. However, John Cougar Mellencamps big commercial breakthrough release in 1982 called John Cougar Mellencamp:American Fool thrust Mellencamps music into the mainstream MTV audience with fan favorites, John Cougar Mellencamp:Hurts So Good (which spent twe

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - August 2009

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:37:49 GMT

Lets continue with our new feature here at MusicStack, one that helps us to keep track of the top five best selling vinyl records at eBay in the last month. This is a real-time indication of what is hot and selling at the present time and reflects the rare vinyl records that are changing hands in the collectors market these days.Here we will see test pressings, acetates, promos, and alternate versions of songs, foreign releases as well as a wide variety of musical genres being bought and sold. No matter what the record price guides may quote, these are the real numbers that people are actually paying for specific records. Note: The Beatles sale "Please Please Me" Stereo Parlophone Gold UK First Press - $36,409.41 turned out to be a bogus bid. Not sure if it has been relisted.We

Ask Mr. Music - September 7, 2009

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:05:05 GMT

FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7, 2009DEAR JERRY: While visiting relatives in Yakima, Washington last month, I read an obituary in their paper about a local musician named Larry Knechtel. Rural Yakima is somewhat isolated and not exactly the entertainment capital of the world, so I'm not sure Larry's passing made the news outside south-central Washington.I bring this up because the obit made reference to Larry being a Grammy-winning artist, with hundreds of recordings to his credit, and his being associated with many big-name acts.I don't have a computer but I have since asked dee jays and record collectors, and not a one knows this man.Can you tell me more about Mr. Knechtel, and the singers he's worked with?John Russell, Racine, Wisc.DEAR JOHN: You are right about the limited coverage of Larr

Bird and Animal Names In Rock and Roll History-part thirty

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:34:29 GMT

Lets continue our ongoing article series about bird and animal group names in rock and roll history, again picking up where we left off, exploring indie bands with the word wolf in the title.Portland punk-pop quartet Wolf Colonel began on the campus of Lewis and Clark College in the fall of 1996 as the solo acoustic project of singerguitarist Jason Anderson. It was at a gig at the college where Anderson met K Records rep Calvin Johnson and he began sending self-released cassettes like "Sex Riot" and "This Is Compton" after adding bass and drums to the recordings. Johnson finally agreed to record a session at his Dub Narcotic studio, resulting in the early 1999 release of Wolf Colonel's self-titled debut EP. For a subsequent spring tour, Anderson recruited rhythm guitar

Ask Mr. Music - August 31, 2009

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:34:55 GMT

FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 31, 2009DEAR JERRY: According one internet site, a record label named Zyanya existed about 35 years ago. It appears to have ceased operations in the 1970s.Do you have any idea how they came up with that name?I ask because one of my favorite historical books of all time is Aztec, by Gary Jennings, and the key woman character is Zyanya, wife of Mixtli, whose life and family are the main story.Proof of the impact Aztec had on me is how vividly I remember the characters and events some 30 years later.I am dying to know if they named their record label after the Mexican gal in the novel. Or, did Gary Jennings name her after the record company? The only other alternative is the whole thing is one big coincidence.Hopefully, there's a sufficient musical connection here to be

Sun Songs - part two

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:08:11 GMT

In part two of this series, lets explore some songs with the word sun in the title. "The House of the Rising Sun" is a traditional folk song that was recorded by the British group the Animals and is considered by many to be the first folk-rock hit. It's also referred to as "House of the Rising Sun" or occasionally "Rising Sun Blues," and tells of a life gone wrong in New Orleans. Depending on the version, the song may be sung from the perspective of a man or a woman. In the traditional folk version, the main character is a prostitute. However, the Animals changed it to a gambler to make their version more radio-friendly.Like many classic folk ballads, the authorship of "Animals:The House of the Rising Sun" is uncertain. Some musicologists say