Tommyland; Sinead O'Rasta?; Lollapalooza
It's confirmed. Tomorrow afternoon I have a phone interview set up with the one and only Tommy Lee of Motley Crue.
This, of course, will be for a preview story of their upcoming show at the Greensboro Coliseum (which I will be reviewing for the News & Record).
It's kind of funny - for my recent Ashlee Simpson interview, I was given a day's notice, and told I'd have 10 minutes to talk with her.
Whereas, the Crue's publicist emailed me and said "They're all available for interviews, just tell me who you want to talk to." She gave me a list of possible dates and times, and told me I'd have 15-20 minutes for the interview.
I guess I could rephrase Forrest Gump and say, "Interviews are like a box of chocolates..."
Sinead O'Rasta?
So, Sinead O'Connor is currently in Kingston, Jamaica working on her next album - a reggae album.
O'Connor is working with some musicians there on the album that will include some covers, including Bob Marley's "War." The album will be released this summer.
It makes me wonder if Sinead will feature a new dreadlocked look.
I never had a problem with her as an artist. I always thought she was a talented singer. Sure, she's a little odd at times, but she was a good performer.
The funny part of all this to me, is that a few years back, she "retired" from the music business and wanted to be left alone. I guess her heating bills forced a comeback?
Lollapalooza returns
Lollapalooza, the former festival of choice that's been all downhill for years, will return this year as a two-day concert in Chicago. That is, if ticket sales happen.
Attempts at shows last year failed miserably, and it really hasn't been the "go-to" tour for years.
Beck and Kings of Leon are among those being sought after for the shows that will take place in Chicago in July.
We'll just have to stay tuned and see how this one turns out.
I remember attending the first four or five Lollapalloza concerts and watching them decline in quality each consecutive year.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:46 AM | Comments (1)
March 30, 2005The return of Will Smith; Sugarland; Dinosaur Jr.
Fresh on my mind this morning is the return of Will Smith the musical landscape.
I first saw his new video for the song "Switch" on MTV, and then turned on "Today" on NBC only to see Smith performing the same song live.
As I watched Smith I remembered that Smith was a rapper/performer first, and an actor second.
It's difficult to believe because Smith is one of the few people who have been extremely successful at both.
Sure, others have tried - Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Ice Cube - but none have been as widely popular in both movies and music as Smith.
Sugarland on Leno
A few years back, I was introduced to a singer named Jennifer Nettles. The Georgia-based singer has one of the most soulful voices I've heard in years.
Her solo band would often play in the Carolinas, and was worth a drive to Charlotte to see.
Not too long ago, Nettles formed a country band named, Sugarland.
I'll admit I haven't heard much of them, but was surprised to hear that they'll be performing on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" tonight. They're also signed to Mercury Records.
Of all the unsigned acts I've seen over the years, Nettles was on the top of my "deserves a record deal list."
I'm sad to see that it's not with her solo band - those albums are amazing - but glad to see she got there one way or the other.
Dinosaur Jr. returns
The original lineup of modern rock act Dinosaur Jr. will return to television on April 15 on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" on CBS.
The band, featuring J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph, will be performing its first shows since 1989.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:24 AM | Comments (1)
March 29, 2005Welcome!
If you're just opening the Musical Garbage Can for the first time, or if you're venturing over from my old location - welcome!
As it says at the top of the page, "I'll discuss music of the day, and will include reviews of local (NC) concerts, CD reviews, quotes from interviews I do and more."
In no way am I an authority on music - I don't think anyone really is. We're all just fans of music, expressing our opinions.
If you agree or disagree with me - feel free to share your opinions.
You're welcome to look through the posts here, or at the old site, and we'll get things underway...
For starters, you can read my interview with Ashlee Simpson that published in today's paper.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:57 AM
March 28, 2005Avril and Ashlee
So, Avril Lavigne hates performing some of her hits, but does it because the fans like it.
Hey Avril, did you know it's your fans that are paying your salary? I'm glad you've come to this realization.
And here's a suggestion - if you don't like playing "Complicated," why not change it up a bit? Create a new version that's fresh for you and for the fans.
Instead of fans hearing it for the 4 millionth time, it'll be new for them too.
Simpson goes pop?
Ashlee Simpson reportedly wants to go 80s on her sophomore album.
She mentioned this to me briefly during my interview with her - simply saying she'd been listening to a lot of 80s music recently.
Apparently, she's going to make like Gwen Stefani and make a tribute to the 80s. Those who read my blog regularly know that I think Stefani's singles have been musical garbage.
As for Simpson - at this point in her career, is there really anywhere to go but up?
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:39 AM | Comments (2)
March 26, 2005Dancing in videos
I was watching MTV this morning and caught the latest Usher video, and suddenly found myself laughing.
Do people really dance like this?
Most of the dancing you see in videos is extremely choreographed. You'd never see someone dancing like this in a club.
In fact, if someone pulled off the NSync "Bye Bye Bye" move of hand-talking, they'd probably live to regret it for the rest of their lives.
So if moves that, in public, would be publicly ridiculed are cool in videos - why are they cool in videos? That is, if anyone actually thinks it's "cool."
Are these hip-hop videos with goofy dancing just there to make us laugh? If so, it seems to be working so far.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:38 AM | Comments (2)
March 24, 2005Anthrax returns!; Simpson interview
No kidding...
I just got a press release that says it all - Anthrax returns!
"For the first time in 13 years the entire original lineup: Joey Belladonna, Frankie Bello, Charlie Benante, Scott Ian and Danny Spitz, will gather together in one room to discuss new music releases, as well as the future plans for this monumental ANTHRAX reunion."
The band is getting together in New York City on April 1 for a press conference to discuss their future plans. (Almost makes you wonder if it's an April Fool's joke...)
I saw Anthrax once, years ago, on a bill with Primus and Public Enemy - now THAT was a great show.
I'll keep you posted on any other news I hear.
Simpson interview
I had the whopping 10-minute phone interview with Ashlee Simpson yesterday.
I will say she was actually very nice, if a little too "bubbly." And she definitely used the phrase "you know" too much, you know?
She was pretty open in her comments...the first few questions got short answers, but she eventually started rambling.
Overall, it wasn't too bad. I just hate when you get interrupted by the publicist with the words, "Jeff, you have time for one more question."
The story is scheduled to run next week, and I'll post a link here when it does.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:36 AM
March 23, 2005Ashlee Simpson and the Crue
Late yesterday, I was offered the opportunity for a 10-minute interview with Ashlee Simpson.
Of course, I had to take it.
Why? Because I want her answer to the lip synch question - not why she did it. My question is - "Do you think the reactions you received were justified? If it wasn't you, but someone else, do you agree that fans should be getting live music?"
I'm still working on the wording, but I'm interested in hearing her answer.
As a huge music fan, and someone who loves writing about it, I'll take the opportunity to interview just about anyone out there. There's always an interesting angle, even if you don't like the band.
Motley Crue
Early word is that I've been given the OK to review Motley Crue's concert for the paper. That's the reward for the day...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:00 AM | Comments (1)
March 22, 2005Joss replaces Jess
Singer Joss Stone has replaced Sarah Jessica Parker as the new GAP spokesperson.
This is good news to me, because I got tired of hearing SJP sing about how she "enjoys being a girl."
By the way, does anyone actually buy clothes at the GAP anymore? I remember when jeans there were the cheapest around - about $20 a pair. Now, they cost about $50.
Who in their right mind spends more than $30 for jeans? I laugh, in horror, when I hear about women paying more than $100.
But I digress, this isn't a fashion blog.
The reason I bring this up is because I feel like Joss Stone doesn't get enough attention.
If you've heard her performance at this year's Grammy's, or heard either of her albums, you know this girl has talent.
She's often compared to Janis Joplin, but I think it's simply because she's got a great, soulful voice.
If you haven't already, check her out.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:00 AM
March 21, 2005New albums this week
Two big new releases for tomorrow that I'm looking forward to:
Ozzy Osbourne's box set and Queens of the Stone Age
I saw Ozzy in concert once, back in 88, I think it was. I remember that the openers were White Lion and Vixen - does it get better than that? haha
Anyway, Ozzy put on a great show, and I still remember parts of it today.
Surprisingly, I don't have one Ozzy album to my name. I used to have some tapes of his when I was going through my "I want to be like Randy Rhodes" phase.
Crazy, but that's how it goes....
I loved the last Queens of the Stone Age album, and may have to go pick this one up. Sure, only one guy is left from the band, or so it seems, but I've heard great things about the new album.
Jimmy Cliff
It was my plan for months to go to last night's Jimmy Cliff concert, but alas, it didn't happen.
Reason 1 - I'm still feeling the pain in my knees and ankles. I'm currently listed as a "medical mystery" by my doctor. They have no idea what's causing it. Personally, I think it could be arthritis, but all tests have been negative.
Reason 2 - I was outside doing yardwork all weekend and was pretty much exhausted by Sunday afternoon. Plus all the work kind of aggravated my knees.
I hope he comes back to the area, because I really would have loved to see him perform.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:00 AM
