Blur to Release New Album!

Blur is set to release a new compilation album around next month, in addition to their recent tour they've just announced.
"Midlife: A Beginners Guide To Blur", features 25 of the band's biggest hits, spread across two CD's, including the all-time favorites "Song 2" and "Coffee and TV"
The double disc set will be in stores from June 15, shortly before they play their first coming show.
Here' a bit of Blur to quench your thirst:
Blur - Song 2 (Live Wembley Arena) - Click here for more blooper videos

Student Shoots Himself After Teacher Refused To Praise Marilyn Manson

A Sad Sad Day in rock history, although I prefer not to spoil the genre since I wouldn't necessarily consider the garbage Marilyn Manson is as "rock". An eighth-grade student at Larose-Cut Middle School in Louisiana shot himself in the head last Monday after his teacher supposedly refused to praise the musican known as Marylin Manson. The students survived the blow to the head, although he remains in critical condition at the hospital. The fifteen-year-old boy named Justin Doucet had reportedly barged into Jessica Plaisance's seventh-grade English class and demanded that everyone get on the ground. He then told the teacher to say "Hail Marilyn Manson." Doucet fired the gun at the woman twice. The first time it didn’t go off and the second time the bullet flew above her head and left a hole in the wall behind her. Following the shooting, the school was put on lockdown where the students were searched for weapons and then picked up early by their parents. The school continues to remain with added security.

Music Quiz!

For this weeks blog, I decided to make my very own
rock quiz using this amazing program called Studiyo.
After taking the quiz, please register to view your rank
among players.

...

Today in rock history... Motley Crue celebrates the 20th anniversary of the album "Dr. Feelgood", which got their careers running as one of the greatest rock icons. They plan to kick start the celebrations by playing the 1989 album in Crue Fest 2, but it's a good thing that the party doesn't start until July 19, because the band members claim they hadn't listened to most of the tracks in the album for a long time. "I'll probably listen to it on the way into rehearsals next month. We're going to brush off the cobwebs then," said Nikki Sixx in an interview with Rollingstone magazine. Here's a link to refresh your memory and listen to one of the greatest rock albums ever released:
Motley Crue Player:
Dr. Feelgood

Coldplay to be Sued by Multiple Artists

It's no joke that Coldplay's latest hit single, "Viva La Vida" stole elements of songs by two artists. Among the victims is Joe Satriani, which will most likely take legal action sooner. The other is Cat Stevens, who alleges that illegally stole some sound elements from his old track "Foreigner Suite"after noticing some striking similarities between the two. But that's the least of Yusuf Islam(Cat)'s problems right now. He already had to postpone a show in New York and schedule it a week late because of a "Work Permit" problem which has now been solved. For HUGE Cat Stevens fans out there like me, Stevens is scheduled to play a show in Los Angeles, CA next week and appear on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" on May 13.
Do you think Coldplay Should be sued for incorporating elements of music which have already been recorded into a copyrighted song?

Aerosmith!

It's surely been a while since we heard that name, but Aerosmithhh(I love saying it!!!) is coming down to south Florida. For all you crazy Aerosmith fans, here's the link to get your tickets(ur welcome):
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D0042909A143C0F?artistid=734396&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1
As amazing as they get, something about this band has been bothering me recently. As soon as they announced that they weren't going to play many of their old hits, I was kind of disillusioned. I mean, sure it's hard to top their past incredible hit singles like "Dream On", Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way", but that isn't the main problem. The real question is that if they're not going to play any of their past material, what is there left for them to play? Seriously, are there any sensational new songs by Aerosmith? Do you think Aersomith is more of a tribute band today or a band to be taken seriously for their new material at this point in its lifetime? I want to hear your comments.

New Bob Dylan Album is OUT NOW!!!

Legendary folk singer Bob Dylan's new album dubbed "Together Through Life" has officially been released. If you're a die hard Dylan fan, I suggest you stop torturing yourself and get your very own copy of the album as it's the first in a while. I can't promise it'll be great as the album just came out today and I can't give you my own expertise opinion because I still haven't gotten the chance to hear any of the tracks ;-) sigh!
What I can give you is a short summary of Rolling Stone magazine's very own exclusive preview, so here it is-
The Album mainly focuses on struggling-love songs. Dylan somehow decided to put an accordion on every track and the songs are described by critics as having “the live-in-the-studio feel of Dylan’s last two studio records, 2001’s "Love and Theft" and 2006’s "Modern Times".
If you want to get a LEGAL auditory preview of his new stuff, here's a link. Still, I feel handicapped not having any real access to his new songs, and not being able to discuss them. I guess I'll just have to settle like a rolling stone for now :-(

Cat Stevens

This week's artist is Cat Stevens. One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, whether you know it or not, Cat Stevens has sold over 60 million albums around the world since the late 1960s . A British musician of Greek Cypriot and Swedish ancestry, he has been awarded multiple platinums for his albums as well as numerous awards, mostly for his most famous single "The First Cut is the Deepest". Perhaps the most interesting thing about Stevens is when he converted to Islam at the height of his fame in December, 1977 and adopted his Muslim name, Yusuf Islam, the following year. In 1979 he auctioned all his guitars away for charity and left his music career to devote himself to educational and philanthropic causes. He has been given several awards for his work in promoting peace in the world, including 2003's World Award, the 2004 Man for Peace Award and the 2007 Mediterranean Prize for Peace. In 2006, he returned to the music scene, with his first album of new songs in 28 years, entitled "An Other Cup". He currently lives with his wife and children in London, and spends a large part of each year in Dubai.
Everyone, here's Cat Stevens, enjoy:

Cat Stevens - The First Cut Is The Deepest

Paul McCartney Declares War on Pirate Bay

Former Beatles Member, Sir Paul McCartney has applauded the charging of four individuals who were linked to the operations of the famous shareware website, Pirate Bay. The four men were convicted of copyright infringement in Stockholm last week and sentenced to a year in jail in addition to being fined 2.1 million dollars. In Result of the trial, Sir McCartney has declared an all out war on the piracy-spreading website, and will not rest until it is completely shut down.Speaking about the case to Rollingstone magazine, he said, "If you get on a bus you've got to pay. And I think it's fair, you should pay your ticket." He also implied that websites such as "Pirate Bay" were harmful to young bands who were trying to make a living selling their music, and it results in the band's death because of the lack of financial stability."They're going to feed the children on that and if they don't get that money, if they don't see that money, I think it's a bit of a pity." The website's founder, Peter Sunde Kolmsioppi, has repeatedly stated that he will refuse to pay the fine imposed on him as part of the verdict.

Eddie Van Halen Releases His Own Signature Sneakers

Legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen has partnered up with FEA Merchandising to release EVH Signature Sneakers. For years, his fans have been attending Van Halen concerts wearing a homemade version of the striped sneakers modeled on his famous Frankenstein guitar. Eddie Van Halen said he came up with the idea of releasing the sneakers because over the years, his fans have been frequently asking him where he got them. "I figured they were something that people obviously wanted, so making them available and official seemed like a natural progression,” Eddie said in an interview with Guitar World Magazine. The Sneakers will be available in three themes: Original Red Frankenstein Theme, White with Black stripes theme, and Black with Yellow Stripes.
EVH Sneakers are now available online at EVHGear.com

Alice In Chains Finishes New Album

One of the most influential rock bands of the grunge movement of the nineties, Alice In Chains is back with their first new studio album in 14 years.
The Album has finally been completed as these last few months will be dedicated to things like album artwork, lining-up interviews and press, shooting videos, and planning tours.
One person who has gotten a preview of the new Alice In Chains album is the band's good friend, Velvet Revolver/former G'N'R bassist Duff McKagan. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, duff said, "Some amazing songs were written and recorded. From the heaviest riff-dripping gut-puncher to the most sadly beautiful song I think this band has ever recorded, I honestly believe that this is the best record of the past decade.
There is no official word yet on when the new Alice In Chains album will come out, although a release in fall is expected. Over the question of how the album was composed, the band insisted they still had the same approach on their music as before the death of their two founding members, lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell and vocalist Layne Staley
Hopefully this will be the album that will help Alice In Chains to the top of the hard rock stage again.

Green Day Set to Release Their New Album

Green's Day's Record Label "Reprise" will release Green Day’s long-awaited eighth studio album, entitled 21st Century Breakdown, on Friday, May 15th, 2009.It is the band's first studio album since "American Idiot", which was released back in 2004. Songs include the already featured on T.V. hit single "Know Your Enemy"and other tracks like "East Jesus Nowhere", "Before The Lobotomy", and "Restless Heart Syndrome." In a recent feature, Rolling Stone called the album "even more ambitious than American Idiot" and "a record of die-hard punk ideals…tightly scripted, continually ascending classic-rock excitement. The Album has been worked on non-stop since 2006. The first single from 21st Century Breakdown is "Know Your Enemy," which will impact radio and be available for purchase from all online retailers this April.

Metallica Sues Napster for the 67500billion..th Time!

Darn Metallica! When will they leave Napster alone? Or when will the Napster cat finally come out of the bag and admit piracy to be unjust and immoral? It seems the two music giants have been entrenched in this on-going battle ever since Napster started operating back in 2000. Tensions had calmed just a bit since 2006 after Napster appeased to Metallica by agreeing to actually sell their music online and give a major share of profits to the band.

But this week, It appears Metallica has had just about enough of Napster, again..., as they have filed a lawsuit against the company for allowing its users to download and share copyrighted songs without paying reports. The most irritated member from the band, Lars Ulrich, has been speaking out most about this for he is known by Fans as the biggest "Napster-Basher" Alive!

But as much of an asshole he might be perceived as for being a rich bastard and still wanting his one dollar a song for "Enter Sandman" , it is only justified of him to take such an emotional and persistent stand on the issue. Speaking about the lawsuit in a press release, drummer Lars Ulrich says, "With each project, we go through a grueling creative process to achieve music that we feel is representative of Metallica at that very moment in our lives."

Metallica standing up to Napster and refusing to let their music be available through its service will likely open up the doors for other artists to do the same and could very well mean the end of music piracy as we know it. In the end, this could all wrap-up either very well or entirely disappointing, depends what your stand is on the free-share of music.

In more positive News, Metallica is coming this October!!! It is going to be packed so I Recommend you try to get pre-sale tickets while they're still available. Wooooot!!! This is gonna be sick!!!

Grand Funk Railroad!

This week, I chose to talk about one of the most under-rated yet incredibly amazing bands of rock. They go by the name of Grand Funk Railroad. One of the 1970s' most successful hard rock bands in spite of critical pans and somewhat reluctant radio airplay (at first), Grand Funk Railroad built a devoted fan base with constant touring, a loud, simple take on the blues-rock power trio sound, and strong working-class appeal. Everybody, here's Grand Funk Railroad. BTW, Sorry about the poor quality of the video, its really old, but the audio still sounds good for the whole song.
Grand Funk Railroad - I'm Your Captain

Creed Might Get Together for Reunion Tour

There are numerous details hinting that the band Creed is preparing for a 2009 Reunion Tour. The once so-called "Biggest Band in the World" has not performed since 2004, after splitting because of Vocalist Scott Stapp 's continuous alcohol and drug problems. Ever Since, the former Front-Man has recovered and been on a solo career, while the band's guitarist, drummer, and bassist formed Alter Bridge with Vocalist Myles Kennedy. However Kennedy is rumored to be the top contender to replace Robert Plant for a tour with Led Zeppelin.
Whatever the details might be, all of Creed's former members have hinted in some way they want to get together to perform again.
Do you think it's likely for Creed to get together Again? I want to hear your comments...

An Honorable Yet "Awkward" Tribute to Chuck Berry

Like most of us do while using the computer,  I found myself once again watching random videos on YouTube. All of a sudden, I come upon an old clip from "Back to the Future" that I surprisingly don't remember watching. It wasn't any ordinary clip though, it actually kept me pondering for a while. The clip is about Marty going back in time to the late fifties' when the foundations of rock were just taking root and Chuck Berry was rising to fame. Most of you might not know this, but one of the recognized founders of rock actually happens to be the famous blues/rock'n'roll guitarist and singer Chuck Berry. In the video, Marty was asked to play guitar at a show as a substitute for Marven Berry, Chuck's cousin, because Marven's hand was injured. Marty finds himself jamming out to an all-time classic, Johnny B. Goode, originally written by Chuck. As he progresses during the song, he incorporates different styles of guitar jams that had not been created yet. In the last minutes of the song, he suddenly takes a drastic switch from rock'n'roll and finds himself imitating later styles, from guitar bashing and heavy chords created by "The Who" in the sixties, to some crazy fast metal guitar tapping that only Van Halen could pull off! The crowd is soon bedazzled to the point that Marven takes away Marty's guitar as if it were possessed. I found the whole thing hilarious! As funny as it was, the video still made think about how I would feel if some weirdo from the future popped up and started playing some random new crap that hadn't been created yet.

Marty McFly Doing Johnny B. Goode

Iron Maiden Fans Cause One of Their Biggest Mayhems Yet in Colombia!

It all started in the Colombian capitol city of Bogotá, where over 100 Iron Maiden Fans were arrested before the concert as riots broke out.
Ticket-less fans started attacking police, throwing rocks and damaging public property, when finally tear-gas was used by authorities.
40 of the fans arrested still remain in custody. Reports state that the riots broke out after a group of malcontents wanted to enter the show without tickets. Local authorities are set to debate whether heavy metal acts should be allowed to take place in the country in the future, although it wasn't the first time this type of event has happened there, or even in nearby countries because of a Metal band's show-up.

Slash is Back in Business!

There he goes again!!! The infamous, lovable Slash or better known as one of the greatest guitarists in history, is back in business. He recently confirmed on his MySpace page that he’s getting ready to enter the recording studio to record his much-talked about solo album due 2009.
Ever since Slash rose to the stage as a young member of the hard-rock Group "Guns 'N' Roses", he never gave up writing and producing songs which we can all cherish. After huge success with the G'N'R, he left the band in the nineties and Slash, being the innovative and enthusiastic person that he is, he started another Band in 2001 called "Velvet Revolver" that included former vocalist for Stone Temple Pilots Scott Weiland and G'N'R Bassist Duff Mckagan. Well apart from the drama surrounding Velvet Revolver, it has come to my attention that the great Slash is creating a new album. Recent posts on his MySpace indicate that his noble Awesomeness is in the recording studio, working on his new album. Although he hasn't announced who he he has been working with, rumors have risen that that his wife Perla Hundson said that her husband's coming album will have collaborations that include the ever so royal Prince of darkness Ozzy Osbourne and the duchess herself, Fergie. Once Again, Slash is ready to rock out with his head Bashing solos and his chaotic, adrenaline bursting songs .
And in relation to a new lead vocalist for Velvet Revolver after Scott Weiland decided to leave the band, the decision will be announced in a few weeks according to Bassist Duff Mckagan who said in an interview with the Rolling Stones Magazine that " it's Down to a couple of Guys, Down from a couple of 400 that we started with".
Here's the Best of Slash
Here's Is one of Slash's most well-known works from his old band G'N'R, one of my Favorites,"November, Rain", his sick solo starts at 7:22, Enjoy!!!

Guns N' Roses - November Rain - The most amazing home videos are here

U2 Has N.Y. Street Named After Them!

International rock-sensation U2 just had a street renamed in their honor, to celebrate the completion of their brand new album. The event ceremony was held March 3rd on 53rd street in Manhattan. The Street was temporarily renamed "U2 Way" for a week by mayor Michael Bloomberg who is a big fan of the band himself. Although it isn't the first time that a band had a street renamed after them, not many bands hold the title of such an honor. The beatles had "Penny Lane", Elvis lived on the end of "lonely Street", and the crowd finally decided to throw in U2, which deserved the title just as much.
The band’s 12th studio album "No Line On The Horizon" is due 2009, and it is their first release in four years.

Pretty Beastie!!!

The Beastie Boys are back! The immortal rapper/rockers are hard at working finishing up their eighth studio album . Front-man Adam Yauch(aka MCA) tells Rollingstone magazine,"It's a pretty weird record," promising that it will feature a lot of a combination of rhyming, sampling, and playing."We still have a good time working together. It's fun to be able to reinvent yourself every time," he said. Beyond that, details are scarce, but Yauch hints that the venerable trio has been experimenting with new sounds(no surprise here). Rumors suggest titles for the new album includes "Tad Lock's Glasses", a reference to a former tour bus driver's distinctive eye wear. For all the Beastie Boys lovers out there, the album is due out in either the summer or fall.
And now check out one of my favorite videos from the boys, Sabotaaage!!!


Beastie Boys- Sabotage -