Aerosmith returns to Greensboro
According to a story at billboard.com, the upcoming Aerosmith tour with Lenny Kravtiz will make a stop at the Greensboro Coliseum on Nov. 30.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:45 AM
September 29, 2005Britney'$ Baby; Lil John's porn lawsuit
In recent disturbing news, Britney Spears is going through extreme measures to make sure her baby isn't photographed.
She keeps it wrapped up in blankets and rarely takes it out of the house.
Why, you ask? To protect her child from the paparazzi? To provide a better life?
Heck no! To make Britney and her unemployed husband some much-needed dough.
It's estimated that Federspears?, er Spearserline?, er Britin?... Kevney? ... whatever....will make about $6 million from selling the photographs of their child to magazines and providing footage of the birth to TV.
Oh, what a sad life this child - who is not named Broccoli or Asparagus, unfortunately - will have...
Does anyone really care what "baby trailer trash" looks like?
Lil' John's lawsuit
Rapper Lil' John, best known for walking around with a "pimp's cup" everywhere he goes, is suing Larry Flynt Productions for using footage of him without his permission.
The movie "Phat Tuesday" is about a group of girls who travel to Mardi Gras for sexual exploits and attend a Lil' John concert.
It seems the so-called "King of Crunk" isn't as upset about his image being used as he is about not getting money.
The rapper feels that he could have earned about half a million dollars from the film if his name had been properly licensed.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:38 AM
September 28, 2005New Crue song
Motley Crue and Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington have teamed up for a new version of the Crue's "Home Sweet Home" to be sold as a Hurricane Relief fundraiser.
Have you heard it?
A chorus, an orchestra and Vince Neil's high-pitched voice.
I think these two could have come up with something better...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:13 PM
September 27, 2005D'Angelo OK after car crash
If you checked out the internet yesterday, you would have thought R&B singer D'Angelo was nearly killed in a car crash.
A more recent report says D'Angelo is ok, and has been released from the hospital....to head back into obscurity so that people can wonder, "What ever happened to D'Angelo?"
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:54 AM
September 26, 2005This week's new releases (9/27)
Here's a quick look at some of this week's new releases.... need I mention the bands with animal names?
Ryan Adams and the Cardinals "Jacksonville City" - Ryan Adams finally had a hit song on mainstream radio, "New York," after 9/11 and then he started going crazy - screaming at audiences and other general nonsense.
Jello Biafra with the Melvins "Sieg Howdy" - One can only imagine what this match up can create...
Bloodhound Gang "Hefty Fine" - Apparently these guys have been doing more than making guest appearances on "Viva La Bam."
Toni Braxton "Libra" - I still can't get over the fact that her children are named Diesel and Denim.
Sheryl Crow "Wildflower" - I know you're expecting something about her beau here so - "Lance Armstrong."
Default "One Thing Remains" - Another average rock band...
DJ Jazzy Jeff "The Soul Mixtape" - Who knew he could live life without Will Smith/the Fresh Prince?
H.I.M. "Dark Light" - Another one of those "Viva La Bam" bands - this one's from Europe.
Lil' Kim "Naked Truth" - One last chance to raise money before prison.
Ric Ocasek "Nexterday" - Who knew he was still making music, too? And another member of the Cars appears on the album.
Sean Paul "The Trinity" - The latest from the mainstream reggae singer.
Regis Philbin "The Christmas Album" - Um, it's not even October...
The Spin Doctors "Nice Talking to Me" - I think this one came out last week, but anyway, it's the first studio album by the original lineup in about 11 years, and get this - it doesn't have "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" like every other album of theirs.
Gretchen Wilson "All Jacked Up" - The only thing I can tell you about her is that she's a "redneck woman" who chews tobacco.
Neil Young "Prairie Wind" - I'd venture that it's probably good.
This week's bands with animal names - going strong since July 12th: Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, Bloodhound Gang, Sheryl Crow, The Detroit Cobras, Hogg Boss, Tiger Mansurian, Wolf Parade.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 6:01 AM
September 24, 2005CD Review: Rock Star: A Night at the Mayan Theatre
Release date: Sept. 20, 2005
"Rock Star: A Night at the Mayan Theatre" features 17 tracks of performances taped during a show of Rockstar: INXS on May 18.
It's only the performances, but not any comments, etc.
"Baba O'Riley" by Jordis Unga - I still think she was one of the best singers on the show, but I don't think she was "right for the band" and wasn't surprised that she got booted.
"You Really Got Me" by Marty Casey - Not bad, and it even features one of Marty's trademark screams. Overall, it's pretty good.
"One Way or Another" by Daphna Dove - Bland is about the only way to describe it. She had a rockstar look, but her voice is weak. This is the first song where you can really hear a weak voice and not think about what the person looks like when performing.
"Cult of Personality" by Ty Taylor - First let me mention that the "house band" does a great job on all of the tracks. Ty, like Jordis, has a great voice that doesn't fit into INXS. I think both of them could be successful outside of the competition.
"Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Dana Robbins - Not a bad version. Pretty bluesy, but a weak chorus. She tries to showcase her vocals, but it comes off as trying too hard.
"Brown Sugar" by Neal Carlson - Another not bad, but not great performance. Something tells me there are a lot of these on this CD.
"Middle of the Road" by Tara Slone - Pretty good version, but nothing stands out to me.
"Rock and Roll All Nite" by Brandon Calhoon - He's trying too hard to be Kiss and his vocals are suffering because of it. At times, he sounds like Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes.
"Celebrity Skin" by Jessica Robinson - It's not bad, but then again, when you're comparing someone to Courtney Love, it's not hard to make an improvement on the original.
"Heroes" by Wil Seabrook - I don't even have to see this guy on TV to know he's singing to the women in the front row. I'm only half joking. There's simply no power or strength to his vocals on this song.
"Burning Down the House" by Heather Luttrell - This is actually a really good version of the song. I like the edge in her vocal. I'm not saying it's better than the original, but it's got some soul to it.
"American Woman" by J.D. Fortune - It's funny that this performance is on the album, considering Fortune won the competition. I say that because, this was probably his worst performance. I can still picture him flailing around the stage. I guess it shows how far he went to win the competition.
"Piece of My Heart" by Deanna Johnston - Deanna had the perfect voice for this song - a deep bluesy, raspy Janis-like voice. Unfortunately, that's not the best for INXS. This song was really well done.
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Mig Ayesa - No one can compare to Kurt Cobain, so it's sad that someone had to try. Mig's voice doesn't go well with this song at all.
"Remedy" by Suzie McNeil - Not a bad performance, but Suzie is another of the singers that got better as the competition went along. There are also some pretty cheezy moments in it too.
Bonus Track 1
"The Man Who Sold the World" by Jordis Unga - One of the best songs on the CD. Extremely well sung by Jordis.
Bonus Track 2
"Baby, I Love Your Way" by Mig Ayesa -
Another well done song, but still not Mig's best.
Overall the CD is ok. It's basically a reminder of some of the worst performances on the show, unfortunately.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:42 AM | Comments (4)
September 23, 2005AMA Nominees
The American Music Awards will be held on Nov. 22.
Here's a list of this year's American Music Award nominees - Look for my comments and predictions on a future entry:
Pop/Rock:
• Male artist: 50 Cent, Will Smith, Rob Thomas
• Female artist: Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani
• Band, duo or group: Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, 3 Doors Down
• Album: "The Emancipation Of Mimi" (Mariah Carey), "Breakaway" (Kelly Clarkson), "American Idiot" (Green Day)
Soul/Rhythm & Blues:
• Male artist: R. Kelly, John Legend, Omarion
• Female artist: Mariah Carey, Ciara, Fantasia
• Band, duo or group: Destiny's Child, 112, Pretty Ricky
• Album: "The Emancipation Of Mimi" (Mariah Carey), "Destiny Fulfilled" (Destiny's Child), "Free Yourself" (Fantasia)
Country:
• Male artist: Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw
• Female artist: Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Gretchen Wilson
• Band, duo or group: Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts
• Album: "Honkytonk University" (Toby Keith), "Live Like You Were Dying" (Tim McGraw), "Here For The Party" (Gretchen Wilson)
Rap/Hip-Hop:
• Male artist: Eminem, 50 Cent, Ludacris
• Female artist: Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim, Trina
• Band, duo or group: Black Eyed Peas, Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Ying Yang Twins
• Album: "Encore" (Eminem), "The Massacre" (50 Cent), "Urban Legend" (T.I.)
Adult Contemporary:
• Favorite artist: Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5, John Mayer
Latin:
• Favorite artist: Daddy Yankee, Luis Miguel, Shakira
Alternative:
• Favorite artist: Coldplay, Green Day, System of a Down
Contemporary Inspirational:
• Favorite artist: Casting Crowns, Jars of Clay, Mary Mary
Breakthrough:
• New artist (all genres): The Killers, Jesse McCartney, Sugarland
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 7:30 AM
September 22, 2005Garbage on 'hiatus'
A new story on billboard.com states that the band Garbage will be taking an "indefinite break" after their current tour wraps up.
The band nearly broke up while recording their latest album, "Bleed Like Me," and it looks like they're probably done - at least for a long while.
Hopefully, they'll all find new projects to work on.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:56 PM
AI in Greensboro
So, you think you can sing? Or maybe you'd just like Simon Cowell to publicly humiliate you?
If either of those fit, and you live in the area, you can try out for the next season of American Idol in Greensboro.
That's right, they're holding American Idol auditions in Greensboro on Oct. 3.
For more information you can check out the official Web site.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:33 AM
September 21, 2005Rockstar: INXS - And the winner is...
Here's a rundown of last night's show:
Mig performs first. His song is Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." It's sung well and brings out his theatric side. Overall, it's a good performance.
J.D. is next. Funny when they show the video of his first performance - completely spastic. This guy lied his way from week to week and has the personality of a gnat. I don't trust him as far as I can throw him. It's like it's all an act to him and he's trying to be someone he's not. His song is "Can't always get what you want" by the Rolling Stones. It looks like the freak from the first show is waiting to come out.
Marty is last and sings "Wish you were here" by Pink Floyd. If he's picked, I see him taking INXS down a more modern road. When he sings, it looks like he's trying too hard not to scream.
The first person eliminated is... Mig. Wow! I wasn't expecting that one. I thought Marty would go. Oh well, at least he got a new car.
It's funny that Marty and J.D. were both so bad at the beginning of the show - how did they even make it that far?
Marty is the first to sing with INXS as a band. His song is "Don't Change." He's just too stiff when he sings.
J.D. sings "What you need." I still think this all looks like an act and not natural. He also sounds way too much like their former lead singer.
The band tells J.D. "You sing with passion and are an amazing performer."
They tell Marty "You adapt and have become a reviting front man."
"J.D. ... you are right for our band."
J.D. crumbles to the ground in tears, and all I can think is, "Oh, stop faking it again."
Don't get me wrong, J.D. is a talented singer and performer and also does well to rearrange music. It's his personality that's horrible.
Also, this choice opens the door for a flood of comparisons to Michael Hutchence. J.D. sounds too much like him.
And I'm also thinking J.D. Fortune is a Vegas stage name....
Speaking of which, it was announced today that "Pretty Vegas" will be the first single from the new album.
Also, Mark Burnett is considering a second season of Rockstar. Makes me wonder who the band would be...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:23 AM | Comments (1)
September 20, 2005INXS; Motley Crue
Tonight is the finale of Rockstar: INXS.
I'll be back later tonight, or tomorrow morning to weigh in on the final results.
I'd like to see Mig win, JD second and Marty third. That's just my vote.
Neil injured
Vince Neil suffered a partial tear of his calf muscle when he fell off stage at a recent gig.
The Atlanta show was stopped, but the band plans a makeup show.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:54 PM
September 18, 2005This week's new releases (9/20)
Here's a quick look at this week's new releases (and, as always, the continued pursuit of bands with animal names):
Anthrax "Alive" - DVD also available for this set from this year's reunion tour. I heard a lot about the reunion happening, but never another word. I guess this CD proves they did in fact tour.
Miri Ben-Ari "The Hip Hop Violinist" - She's done a great job being the violinist on some hip hop hits, but does that really warrant a CD of her own?
Dicky Betts & Great Southern "Live from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum" - Anyone with a history of being in the Allman Brothers should already tell you it's got some long jams on it.
Bon Jovi "Have a Nice Day" - Let's see how long that comeback lasts.... something tells me they're around 14:59 again.
Burning Spear "Our Music" - I had no idea these reggae rockers were still playing.
Ryan Cabrera "You Stand Watching" - I'm not 15, so I have nothing to say about this one...
Coheed & Cambria "Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV: Volume I. From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness" - That title is second to Fiona Apple's "When the Pawn..."
Disturbed "Ten Thousand Fists" - I'm sure it's high energy, and I'm dying to hear their cover of Genesis' "Land of Confusion."
Earth, Wind & Fire "Illumination" - What year is this?
Echo & The Bunnymen "Siberia" - Again, I ask, What year is this?
Ghostface Killah "Raw Footage" - Another Wu Tang solo album.
Buddy Guy "Bring Em In" - Guests include John Mayer, Keith Richards and Santana for a number of cover songs.
Jamiroquai "Dynamite" - It's about time they put out another album. For a while there, Maroon 5 was the only band that sounded like Stevie Wonder (see below).
King's X "Manic/Bulbous/Tapehead" - That's right, three CDs.
Lennon "Beyond Warped" - An incredibly talented singer that is incredibly underrated.
Latoya London "Love & Life" - Another album from an American Idol alum.
Maroon 5 "Friday the 13th - Live at the Santa Barbara Bowl" - It's about time we had two bands that sound like Stevie Wonder release an album on the same day.
Bif Naked "Superbeautifulmonster" - Another underrated female singer - this one's got a few too many tattoos though.
Shaggy "Clothes Drop" - Another reggae album for the day. I hadn't heard anything about him in a while either.
Barbra Striesand "Guilty Pleasure" - Um....no comment on this one either.
Here's this week's list of bands with animal names that are releasing albums this week: Echo & The Bunnymen, Horse, Charlie Peacock,
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:28 PM
September 16, 2005Rockstar INXS - Update
In case you missed the shows this week, here's the quick rundown.
J.D. sang his song "Pretty Vegas" - again.
Suzie got the boot.
The final three are J.D., Marty and Mig.
I think Marty is trying too hard to be something he's not.
I think J.D. is trying too hard to be Michael Hutchence.
Therefore, I hope that Mig wins. I think he's got the right attitude and ability to be a good frontman for the band.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:22 PM | Comments (1)
September 14, 2005The Santana formula
Carlos Santana is at it again, in a classic case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Santana will release his next album, "All That I Am," on Nov. 1.
He's keeping the same formula he used on "Supernatural" and "Shaman" - lots of guest stars.
Among those on the new album are Big Boi of Outkast, Michelle Branch, Mary J. Blige, Steven Tyler, Los Lonely Boys, Kirk Hammett, Robert Randolph, Will.I.Am, Joss Stone, Bo Bice and Sean Paul.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:21 AM
September 13, 2005We are the ... hurricane?
Michael Jackson is recruiting stars for a song that will go to benefit the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
The singer, who fled to Bahrain after his recent acquittal, has gathered Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Lenny Kravitz, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Ciara and others. (Think "We are the World.")
I don't understand why each of those artists doesn't donate $1 million or more.
If all these athletes, singers and movie stars would donate what they could, we wouldn't need all these telethons that take from the poor and give to the poorer.
Instead of buying that $20 million home, why don't you buy a $10 million home and donate the other $10 million?
After all, how many plasma tvs do you need in the bathroom, on the cieling and in your refrigerator door?
The majority of Americans will donate money, and then worry about paying their power bills this winter.
The financial elite will ask us to send money, and then worry about getting a gold-plated seat installed on their toilet, platinum filters in their fish tank and a vanity license plate that says 2Rich2Care made.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:27 AM
September 12, 2005This week's new releases (9/13)
Here's a look at the new releases for this week, and the continuing list of bands with animal names...
A Dozen Furies "A Concept from Fire" - The winners of the Battle for Ozzfest release their "winning" album. I still think local band CYN should have won.
Blues Traveler "Bastardos!" - Not their best album. Check out my review.
Tracy Chapman "Where You Live" - Another one of those artists who I had no idea was still making records.
DJ Quik "Trauma" - Would people by this album because it's DJ Quik, or because it has guest spots by Ludacris, The Game, Chingy and Wyclef...hmmmmm.
H.I.M. "Greatest Love Songs - Vol. 666" - Bam Margera got his heartagram from them. That's about all I could tell you.
B.B. King "80" - I can't believe King is 80 years old.
Paul McCartney "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard" - Wasn't he a Beatle?
Pussy Cat Dolls "PCD" - Their hit single, "Don't Cha" is a cover. Keep that in mind for a future trivia game.
Sigur Ros "Takk..." - I never understood the big attraction to this band...
Switchfoot "Nothing is Sound" - More mainstream rock for the masses.
Billy Bob Thornton "Hobo" - I'm not kidding...
Animal bands: American Werewolves, Baby Mongoose, The Cranes, Lake Trout, Super Furry Animals
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:22 PM
September 9, 2005Hurricane Benefit at Ziggy's
There will be a Hurricane Katrina Benefit concert this Sunday night at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem.
The show will feature The Bostevens, Wafer Thin, The Lovely Crashes, Lee & Susan Terry, Laura Clay, Jeff Foster, Splice Factor, Kavish and Tommy Gun.
It starts at 4:30 and donations are being accepted - cash, food and clothing.
DONATIONS ACCEPTED
CASH, FOOD & CLOTHING
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK / RED CROSS
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:10 PM
Another benefit show
There's a benefit show on TV tonight, "Shelter from the Storm," on most major channels.
You can find out more here.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:37 PM
September 8, 2005Simonstock cancelled
98.7 has officially cancelled Simonstock.
They say it was beyond their control...
My guess would be poor ticket sales because no one wanted to pay to see William Hung, but that is not proven in any way.
Information about refunds can be found online. They are also continuing the Battle of the Bands that was scheduled for this weekend.
More info can also be found online.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:37 PM | Comments (2)
September 7, 2005Rockstar: INXS thoughts
So the contest is slowly winding down, and I'm not sure what to think...but here are some random thoughts.
- I don't like J.D. Fortune. Maybe it's the cheesy name. Maybe it's his pompous attitude. Maybe he's just trying to hard to be something (or someone) he's not. I don't know why people vote for him when he's clearly not the best singer out there. He's good at rearranging songs, but that doesn't make him a great singer. It doesn't surprise me that he was once an Elvis impersonator.
- Jordis is clearly the best singer on the stage. However, I don't feel she's the best for the band. She is one heck of a talented performer and great things lie ahead for her.
- Suzie is another great singer that doesn't fit into the INXS mold.
- I could probably say the same for Marty. I think Marty tries too hard to be someone he's not. He adjusts his singing style to fit the band instead of staying true to who he is and his comfort level.
- Mig in my mind is probably the best fit for the band. He's got the accent and the attitude. His downside is the fact his band is named "Mignition."
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:51 AM | Comments (1)
September 6, 2005New Orleans music scene
Cnn.com has an interesting story about the current state of the New Orleans music scene and the impact that Hurricane Katrina has had.
As the story says, it makes you wonder what will happen to that scene. You're talking about musicians who play zydeco and cajun music that isn't found anywhere else...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:20 AM
September 5, 2005This week's new releases (9/6)
Joan Baez "Bowery Songs" - Maybe I should be punished for not knowing that Joan Baez was still alive, but she is. I can't say I'm a fan of the folk singer, but she's still going strong at age 64.
Terry Bozio and Metropole Orkest "Chamber Works" - The former Mother of Invention is also still recording - this album was recorded in Holland. Who knew?
George Clinton "How Late Do U Have 2 B B 4 U R Absent?" - I'm sure it's pretty funkadelic. Clinton is still the godfather of funk, afterall.
North Mississippi Allstars "Electric Blue Watermelon" - Down South rockers come up with a funky name for their latest album.
The Proclaimers "Restless Soul" - I would walk 500 miles ... just to know how these guys are still making new records.
The Rolling Stones "A Bigger Bang" - Supposedly their best album in years. Look for a review here this week.
And the bands with animal names releasing new albums continues: Secret Oyster, Test Shot Starfish
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 7:42 PM
September 4, 2005Strange Stones sales
An interesting tidbit of information, with no apparent explanation:
- The Rolling Stones concert in Charlotte, NC, sold out in about an hour. The Rolling Stones concert that is planned for Durham, NC, still has tickets on sale weeks later.
Strange, but true...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:48 AM
September 2, 2005Update: Fats Domino safe
Yesterday, I said that Fats Domino was reported missing in New Orleans.
CNN has a story up that says he was rescued.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:57 AM
September 1, 2005"Fats" Domino missing
One of the people missing in New Orleans is "Fats" Domino.
He told his publicist he would ride out the storm in his 9th Ward home, which is now under water.
Click the above link for more info on New Orleans musicians.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:10 PM
News and notes
Benefit concerts planned for TV
Green Day, Alicia Keys, Rob Thomas and others will join up for a telethon to be shown on MTV, CMT and VH1 on Sept. 10.
NBC will have a telethon Friday night featuring Gulf coast natives Harry Connick Jr., Tim McGraw and Wynton Marsalis.
The end of CBGB?
Last month, a court ruled that the famous club CBGB can't be evicted due to bookkeeping errors.
However, the landlord now says he has no plans to renew the lease and the club needs to be gone by midnight tonight.
What a sad turn of events. Hopefully, the club can find a new home in the city.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:24 AM
