09.09.08

TERRY DEXTER (PENNY'S GANG RECORDS) ON THE JEFF MAJORS SHOW 9/24!

Terry has been formally booked on THE JEFF MAJORS SHOW (TV One) - Date is 9/24/08 - time is 7:30PM arrival!  More details to follow ...

Terry Dexter – Listen (SEL#: PGRP0001 - UPC: 812044010002 - PRICE CODE: F13) in stores 9/30!

09.09.08

EXMORTUS (PUNKCORE/HEAVY ARTILLERY) 9/10 @ SMN NEWS & 8.5/10 REVIEW AT BLABBERMOUTH.NET!

9/10 REVIEW @ SMN NEWS!

What a lot of the revisionist thrash/speed metal bands are lacking these days is songwriting smarts. Sure, they pack the musical chops to pull of their often, over-elaborate arrangements but the “kitchen-sink” writing style a lot of these bands are employing is failing them. Whittier, California’s Exmortus definitely understand how important the structural integrity of a song is. From beginning to end, their new album, In Hatred’s Flames is chockfull of the kind of classy songwriting usually reserved for veteran acts. Whether it’s the dazzling guitar interplay or the whip smart tempo shifts, the band impress around every turn. This is clearly a young band that has done their homework!

To read the rest of this article, click here!
[http://www.smnnews.com/2008/08/05/exmortus-in-hatreds-flames-review/]

8.5/10 REVIEW AT BLABBERMOUTH.NET!

Click here for the full review:
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=1481

Thrash bastion Heavy Artillery has already released two monster metal albums this year, the first, MERCILESS DEATH's "Realm of Terror", and now "In Hatred's Flame" by California's EXMORTUS. The album is a re-release of the band's self-released disc of the same name, remixed and remastered with four additional tracks and new artwork. The sheer amount of pure, quality metal on "In Hatred's Flame" is staggering, coming at you in waves, like a full scale, pre-dawn raid on an Al Qaeda compound in Afghanistan. Frighteningly aggressive thrash metal blended with both death metal and NWOBHM bluster is the order of the day and yet another reason why any metal fan with any sense at all should check out the Heavy Artillery arsenal of bands.

The first spin of "In Hatred's Flame" is guaranteed to knock the wind out of the listener. As cliché as it may sound, there is just so much metal going on here that it takes a second and third listen to really appreciate the songwriting and the phenomenal musicianship, especially the insane shredding of guitarists Conan (lead/rhythm) and Balmore (rhythm/lead, vocals). Coupled with the speed-killing pace of these songs, the fretboard heroics are straight out of the '80s NWOBHM songbook with modern touches; something along the lines of HELLOWEEN-meets-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN. In fact, "Ares of War" is a supreme instrumental firestorm of riffs and solos that would not have been out of place on an early MALMSTEEN album, albeit with a heavier thrash treatment. The best part about the soloing is it is technically proficient and melodic, the kind of solos that one looks forward to hearing, as opposed to merely serving as a self-indulgent break before the next verse hits.

The death metal tinges are mainly attributable to the harsh vocals of Balmore and a general viciousness, in some ways similar to ARES KINGDOM's brand of thrash. The key here is balancing the unbridled aggression and lead guitar firepower with good songwriting and classic heavy metal exuberance. The combination works exceedingly well on the triumphant "War Gods" and the IRON MAIDEN-influenced "Valor and Might", a true metal anthem and arguably the album's best track.

This one is a ripper, folks. Here's to hoping that pure metal albums like "In Hatred's Flame" continue to be released for years to come. The global heavy metal community needs it.  
- Scott Alisoglu

Exmortus – In Hatred’s Flame [CD] (SEL# HA5500623 – UPC: 802215500623 – PRICE CODE: C13) in stores now!
Exmortus – In Hatred’s Flame [LP] (SEL# HA5500616 – UPC: 802215500616 – PRICE CODE: L17) in stores now!

09.09.08

TOO PURE TO DIE (TRUSTKILL RECORDS) GET SET TO RELEASE "CONFESS" 1/13!

TOO PURE TO DIE GET SET TO RELEASE THEIR TRUSTKILL RECORDS DEBUT ‘CONFESS’ TO STREET JANUARY 13, 2009
RELEASE CO-PRODUCED BY ZEUSS (THROWDOWN, SHADOWS FALL) & HATEBREED FRONTMAN JAMEY JASTA.
CHECK OUT IN-STUDIO PHOTOS WITH ZEUSS HERE:

“If you like your metalcore loaded with thick,Southern grooves then you’re gonna likeToo Pure To Die.” – Kerrang!

Trustkill Records get set to release “Confess” a blistering, battering ram of a album from Too Pure To Die.  Co-produced by hardcore legends Zeuss (Throwdown, Shadows Fall) and Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta, CD to street January 13, 2009. 

“With its violent verses and catchy choruses, these Des Moines pugilists are legitimate contenders.” – Revolver

Thanks to their DIY efforts this band has already created a huge underground buzz and reputation for making real time music that goes the distance, deemed by Alternative Press Magazine one of the “bands to watch in 2008.” Their latest effort “Confess” is as impossible to describe as it is to ignore. Equal parts of pure hardcore fury, heavy metal majesty and some of the most accomplished songwriting and production on this side of the rock n’ roll divide.

Somewhere in middle America, Des Moines, IA to be exact—meet America’s hardest working Blue Collar laborers, Too Pure To Die. You might not think of Iowa as the average breeding ground for heavy music, but you will be impressed. Small town would be the wrong description—think King’s “Children of the Corn” sans the excess of blood and you might have an accurate idea of the setting. Living in such an off the radar location with a rather lackluster scene has never slowed the band, having built on the “go-getter” mentality Too Pure To Die has become one of the most respected bands in the underground hardcore scene.

Too Pure To Die is:
Paul Zurlo - Vocals
Jordan Peterson - Guitar
Kyle Rossi - Drums
Zach Johnson - Guitar
Chris Towning - Bass

"We are all very excited to release the new songs we have been working so hard on! The album is a first time contribution for some of us and it has brought on a renewed energy. We incorporated elements of everything from melody and rock, to metal, and of course, breakdowns. There is a blend of something for everyone on this record! Lyrically it touches on real life situations and struggles that one would face on a day to day basis. I've never been one to write about getting my heart broken or whining about things no one gives a shit about. I've always preferred to "keep it real" and this new record is as real as it gets. We have very high expectations for the new material and feel it returns to where we came from but is also a step toward the future!"   – States Too Pure To Die frontman Paul Zurlo

Too Pure to Die – Confess in stores 1/13!

09.09.08

S.M.V. (TELARC/HEADS UP) BROADCAST ON NPR'S WORLD CAFE ON 10/3!

S.M.V. will be on National Public Radio’s World Cafe with host David Dye, and will be heard on nearly 200 stations nationwide!!

Click here to find your local station by scrolling to the bottom & choosing your state!
[http://www.npr.org/templates/stations/schedule/?prgId=39]

 You can listen to it here worldwide, streaming online Monday through Friday, 2pm to 4pm Eastern Standard Time!
[http://www.xpn.org/listen-live/listen-live]

Late in the day of broadcast, the audio will be available on the National Public Radio website

if permission has been granted for this session.

[http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=39&agg=1]

S.M.V. – Thunder (SEL#: HUCD3163- UPC: 053361316327 - PRICE CODE: C18) in stores now!

09.04.08

ADVERSARY (TRUSTKILL) DEBUT ALBUM "SINGULARITY" TO BE RELEASED 11/11!

TRUSTKILL SIGNS ADVERSARY - DEBUT ALBUM “SINGULARITY” TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 11, 2008!

"Harnessing Arch Enemy's unbridled metal maelstrom, Adversary literally explodes out of the gates!” (9.5 / 10) - Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles
Listen to songs off "Singularity" here: http://www.myspace.com/adversarymetal

Hailing from Manassas, Virginia's childhood friends, William Clapp, Brad Ryder, Kenny Harrison, Justin Green, and Daniel Tidwell infuse a distinctly American sensibility into their groove heavy brand of metal.  Look for the bands Trustkill debut Singularity to hit on November 11, 2008.  Recorded at Assembly Line Studios in Vienna, Virginia with Kevin "131" Gutierrez (Raven/Dysrhythmia) behind production, Singularity delivers ten tracks of intense, riff-heavy, bone-crushing power. This is the stuff metal fans have been dreaming about for years, and it couldn't have come soon enough. 

When the band was in the studio recording Singularity, powerhouse independent label Trustkill Records caught wind of them and without hesitation made them an offer, the band immediately inked the deal with the label.  Together they plan to catapult this infectious, vitriolic sound into the consciousness of the heavy music adoring masses.

"When we started this band it was with the intention of doing everything, from songwriting to business, the right way. Accepting the offer from Trustkill was an easy decision. We now have on our side one of the biggest independent labels in the heavy music world, and one that understands what we have to offer to heavy music." - Brad Ryder (Adversary)

"It has been a long time since I've heard a band come out of nowhere with 10 songs of absolute metal perfection.  Adversary are not the sound of today, they are the sound of tomorrow.  Classic metal that even the most finicky of listeners will no doubt appreciate.  We are excited to see what happens with Adversary when everyone hears the music!" - Josh Grabelle (Trustkill)

Adversary is the heirs-apparent to the throne left long-vacant by their declining domestic forefathers.  While many bands are satisfied with wearing their influences on their sleeves, a select few are driven to surpass them.  Masses are advised to brace themselves, because we are surely entering the era of Adversary.

Adversary – Singularity (SEL#: TK123 - UPC: 824953012329 - PRICE CODE: FM) in stores 11/11!

09.04.08

CHILDREN OF BODOM (SPINEFARM) UPDATES!

REAX Magazine

We’ve confirmed a live review for CHILDREN OF BODOM in Florida’s REAX Magazine.  This will cover the band’s performance at Hard Rock Live, Orlando on 9/14.  REAX is a free Florida-based, monthly arts & music magazine.  REAX's wide-ranging distribution reaches nearly twenty markets throughout the state of Florida (including Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Miami, and Pensacola) and the publication is distributed nationally to outlets in CA, MN, WI, MA, TX, AL, GA, KY, SC, OR, WA, CO, TN, NE, IN and OH.  Recurring columns in the magazine cover music and product reviews, local events, and personal interest stories, while recent cover stories have profiled artists such as The Mars Volta, Bloc Party, The Flaming Lips and Henry Rollins.  View REAX online @ http://www.reaxmusic.com

Campus Circle

We’ve confirmed a profile for CHILDREN OF BODOM in CAMPUS CIRCLE.  This serves to advance the band’s performance 9/19 at The Wiltern.  *Campus Circle newspaper caters to 18 to 34 year-olds throughout the Los Angeles area.  With an audited circulation of 30,000 copies and distribution to more than 800 retail outlets, as well as 40 college campuses, the alternative publication has steadily grown to be published 43 times a year.

Philadelphia’s Daily Local News

We’ve confirmed a feature for CHILDREN OF BODOM in Philadelphia’s DAILY LOCAL NEWS.  This serves to advance the band’s performance 10/8 @ Electric Factory.  *The Daily Local News is located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and provides coverage for Chester County, Lancaster County, and Delaware County.  First published in West Chester, Pennsylvania in the 1800s, the newspaper is currently owned by the Journal Register Company and has a daily circulation of 28,000.

Aquarian Weekly

We’ve confirmed a ‘Spotlight’ profile w/ photo for CHILDREN OF BODOM in the AQUARIAN WEEKLY.  This serves to advance the band’s performance 10/9 @ Hammerstein Ballroom.  *Founded in 1969, The Aquarian Weekly / The East Coast Rocker is the "Entertainment Nightlife Guide for New Jersey and New York.”  The Aquarian (www.theaquarian.com) is a free A&E regional that covers NYC as well as the Newark, New Brunswick, Asbury Park and surrounding areas of North New Jersey.  The newspaper has remained independently owned and operated throughout its existence and has a current circulation of over 35,000.

Children of Bodom – Blooddrunk (SEL#: FONTINT310 - UPC: 602517638310 - PRICE CODE: C14) in stores now!
Children of Bodom – Follow The Reaper (SEL#: FONINT3072 – UPC: 602517613072 – C13) in stores now!
Children of Bodom - Hatebreeder (SEL#: FONINT3062 - UPC: 602517613065 - PRICE CODE: C13) in stores now!
Children of Bodom – Something Wild (SEL#: FONINT3041 - UPC: 602517613041 - PRICE CODE: C13) in stores now!
Children of Bodom – Tokyo Warhearts Live (SEL#: FONINT9737 - UPC: 602517639737 - PRICE CODE: C13) in stores now!

09.04.08

ENFORCER (HEAVY ARTILLERY/PUNKCORE) ANNOUNCE "INTO THE NIGHT" STREET DATE!

Swedish metal powerhouse ENFORCER is pleased to announce that the formal street date for their long awaited album, Into the Night has been set for November 18^th 2008. Summoning the classic metal sounds of IRON MAIDEN and MERCYFUL FATE, ENFORCER delivers melody, hooks and vocal range not heard since the golden days of heavy metal.

The brainchild of founder Olof “the Enforcer” Wikstrand, Sweden’s heavy metal powerhouse ENFORCER made their mark in the metal underground with their debut four track demo in late 2005. The instantaneous buzz created by the band reached half way across the world to New York’s Heavy Artillery Records who featured two tracks by ENFORCER on the 2007 “SPEED KILLS...AGAIN” sampler that also introduced the world to such bands as MERCILESS DEATH and WARBRINGER. ENFORCER has been a mainstay on the European metal festival circuit with appearances at Keep it True, Arvika Festival and Festung Open Air. They’ve recently been confirmed for an appearance at Norway’s Metal Merchants Festival and will be announcing full US and European tour dates shortly. Prepare to enter the world of ENFORCER where heavy metal is the law!

Enforcer – Into The Night (SEL#: HA5500722 - UPC: 802215500722 - PRICE CODE: C13) in stores 11/18!

09.04.08

FONTANA RADIO ADDS!

COLD WAR KIDS: Something Is Not Right With Me
X047-FM       >XM Radio               Alternative Rock       Downtown
CFEX-FM       Calgary                   Canada-Rock           Downtown

DEXTER, TERRY: I'm Free
KDKS-FM       Shreveport, LA         Urban AC                 Penny's Gang

EVERLAST: Folsom Prison Blues
WJBX-FM       Ft. Myers                Alternative Rock       Hickory

HOLD STEADY: Sequestered In Memphis
WXRT-FM      Chicago                  AAA Rock                Vagrant

JOE: E.R. (Emergency Room)
WKUS-FM      Norfolk                    Urban AC                 Kedar
WMJM-FM      Louisville                 Urban AC                 Kedar

JOE: Why Just Be Friends
WJMR-FM      Milwaukee               Urban AC                 Kedar

JON B.: Oh So Sexy f/Paul Wall
KRNB-FM       Dallas                     Urban AC                 VibeZelect/Arsenal/Fontan

MEIKO: Boys With Girlfriends
KTCZ-FM       Minneapolis              AAA Rock                Myspace Records

NIYOKI: Joy
WEUP-AM      Huntsville                Gospel                    Executive Music Group
KHLR-FM        Little Rock               Gospel                    Executive Music Group

POP EVIL: Hero
WRAT-FM      Monmouth-Ocean     Active Rock             Pazzo/Jar'd Star

RICHARDS, DELEON: Here In Me (Inside Power)
WPPZ-FM      Philadelphia              Gospel                    ---

SAVING JANE: Supergirl
CKCW-FM      Moncton                 Canada-Top 40        Toucan Cove/Alert

TISDALE, WAYMAN: Throwin' It Down
WSJT-FM       Tampa                    Smooth AC              Rendezvous

08.14.08

RMXXOLOGY (DELICIOUS VINYL) REVIEWS!

Check out the Delicious Vinyl review in PopMatters.com for their latest release RMXXOLOGY!
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/61067/various-rmxxology/

Here’s another one on Current TV.  It went up on Tuesday and will run 4 times daily until Monday on the cable channel.  It will also be up indefinitely on the website!
http://current.com/items/89193342_rmxxxology

Great in-depth feature on HipHopGame.com!
http://www.hiphopgame.com/index2.php3?page=delicious

Various Artists – RMXXOLOGY (SEL#: DV75469 - UPC: 610447546926 - PRICE CODE: F13) in stores 8/12!

08.14.08

CHILDREN OF BODOM (FONTANA INT'L/SPINEFARM) HEADLINE TOUR, BLACK DAHLIA MURDER SUPPORT, CONTEST, AND MORE!

CHILDREN OF BODOM ADD THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER TO UPCOMING U.S. HEADLINING TOUR

Finnish heavy metal giant CHILDREN OF BODOM has announced a U.S. headlining tour in support of its critically acclaimed new album Blooddrunk. The scheduled four week, 25 city CHILDREN OF BODOM tour will kick off on September 11 in Baltimore, MD and criss-cross the U.S., closing with a bang on October 10 in Worcester, MA. CHILDREN OF BODOM has just announced the addition of U.S. melodic death metal act The Black Dahlia Murder to its tour. The Black Dahlia Murder will share support on the COB tour run with the previously-announced Between the Buried and Me. The major market trek will represent CHILDREN OF BODOM’s first U.S. headlining jaunt in support of Blooddrunk and follows the quintet’s red hot summer North American “Gigantour” live dates as hand-picked support for heavy music legends Megadeth.

Children of Bodom – Blooddrunk (SEL#: FONTINT310 - UPC: 602517638310 - PRICE CODE: C14) in stores now!

07.08.08

ZZ TOP (EAGLE ROCK) LIVE FROM TEXAS DEBUTS AT #1 ON THE DVD CHART!

ZZ TOP LIVE FROM TEXAS ENTERS MUSIC DVD CHARTS AT #1 LAST WEEK!

~Eagle Rock Entertainment Captures 13.16% Of Total Market Share On Last Week’s SoundScan DVD Music Chart~

New York, NY—Eagle Rock Entertainment has put a sweet exclamation point to its historic 2008 by capturing the coveted #1 slot on Billboard’s Top Music DVD chart this week - including Eagle grabbing 13.16% of the total music DVD market share - as that little old band from Texas, ZZ Top, and its first-ever concert DVD, Live From Texas, is now certified gold and the #1 Music DVD in America! (The Blu-Ray disc is #29.)

Mike Carden, President of Operations North America/Executive Vice President Eagle Rock Entertainment Incorporated, has issued the following statement:  “It gives us at Eagle Rock a tremendous feeling and a great deal of pleasure and pride to announce the #1 chart position for ZZ Top on the U.S. and Canadian Music DVD charts. Congratulations to everyone who had a hand in making this success a reality.”

On May 29, Eagle celebrated the fact that seven (see list below) of its DVDs were all best-sellers and that the company had captured over 10% that week of the total music DVD market share.

“Even with the constant bad news we keep hearing about the decline of audio, our company continues to market visual music successfully in a very challenging climate,” continues Carden. “We are thrilled and honored to be in this position. This news tells us that we’re on the right track in giving the international marketplace what it wants to hear and see when it comes to the finest in Visual Music.”

Live From Texas (released June 24 as a DVD and Blu-Ray) was  taped] in Dallas. and features 17 barnburners of blues, barrelhouse boogie and deliciously fuzz-toned hard rock. Singer/guitarist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard have been together since 1969 with not one lineup change. They were inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004. The band will be touring with Brooks & Dunn this summer.

ZZ Top – Live From Texas [DVD] (SEL#: EV302529 - UPC: 801213025299 - PRICE CODE: D14) in stores now!
ZZ Top – Live From Texas [Blu-Ray] (SEL#: EVBRD33316 – UPC: 801213331697 – PRICE CODE: FD24) in stores now!

07.08.08

THE MOODY BLUES LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT 1970

August 26 CD Release Captures One Of The All-Time Classic Rock Moments! Expect DVD in 2009!

New York, NY (July 8, 2008)—Eagle Rock Entertainment will release one of the all-time Classic Rock sets when on August 26, Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970 on CD by The Moody Blues, hits stores nationwide [pre-book date August 6, Retail Sales Price $13.98]. Expect a DVD of the same set in 2009.  Bassist John Lodge, Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Justin Hayward, Keyboardist Michael Pinder, drummer Graeme Edge and Singer/Songwriter Flautist Ray Thomas were riding high in 1970 when they took the stage at one of Rock’s most cherished festivals. They had reinvented themselves from their R’n’B roots (after having had a major hit with a cover version of an obscure ‘50s American soul song by Bessie Banks called “Go Now”) into being what was then called an “Art Rock” band, paving the way for the whole Progressive Rock movement yet to come. Fusing classical music with hard rock made them pioneers of the era and albums such as 1967’s Days Of Future Passed, 1968’s In Search Of The Lost Chord and 1969’s To Our Children’s Children’s Children transcended the band into icon status.

Touring in 1970, at their creative and commercial peak, in support of that year’s A Question Of Balance, they were amongst the biggest rock stars in the world. Naturally, the biggest stage at the time was this August 1970 week-long fest off the coast of England, an event listed in the Guinness Book Of World Records as still being the biggest rock festival of all time with an attendance of over 600,000 people grooving to Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who, Joan Baez, Free, Cactus, Chicago, Leonard Cohen, Miles Davis, Donovan, ELP, Richie Havens, Terry Reid, Jethro Tull, Kris Kristofferson, Tiny Tim, Melanie, Procol Harum, Ten Years After, Supertramp, Tony Joe White, Joni Mitchell, John Sebastian, Sly & The Family Stone and many more.

Track Listing

1)        Gypsy

2)        Sunset

3)        Tuesday Afternoon

4)        Minstrel’s Song

5)        Never Comes The Day

6)        Tortoise And The Hare

7)        Question

8)        Melancholy Man

9)        Are You Sitting Comfortably

10)    The Dream

11)    Have You Heard

12)    Nights In White Satin

13)    Legend Of A Mind

14)    Ride My See Saw

The Moody Blues – Live At The Isle of Wight Festival 1970 [DVD] (SEL#: ER201432 - UPC: 826992014326 - PRICE CODE: C13) in stores 8/26!

07.01.08

ACE YOUNG (PAZZO) ON ACCESS HOLLYWOOD

Access Hollywood will run a feature on Ace Young this Thursday, 7/3!!   It will be part of their “new music” segment and will highlight his debut release, Ace Young, hitting the streets on 7/15.  Access Hollywood airs @ 7:30 PM each evening, check here for more info: http://www.accesshollywood.com/

Ace Young – Ace Young (SEL#: PAZ00001 - UPC: 894644002014 - PRICE CODE: F16) in stores 7/15!

07.01.08

NEIL DIAMOND (EAGLE ROCK) FEATURE ON RADIO EXPRESS

NEIL DIAMOND - Pretty Amazing Grace

The legendary Neil Diamond is returning to the scene with "Pretty Amazing Grace", the first single from his upcoming album, "Home Before Dark". Along with his album, Diamond will give his fans a chance to see him in his prime with Eagle Rock Entertainment's 1 July release of "Neil Diamond: The 'Thank You Australia' Concert Live 1976". The concert features Diamond performing to a record-breaking crowd at Sydney's Sports Ground. The show was also broadcast live to the largest viewing audience in Australian history. It was the final show of his Australian New Zealand tour, which marked his comeback to the live stage after a four-year hiatus. On 24 May, Diamond will kick off his world tour. The full schedule is posted on his official website, www.neildiamond.com.

Neil Diamond – The Thank You Australia Concert Live 1976 [DVD] (SEL#: EV302569 - UPC: 801213025695 - PRICE CODE: FD19) in stores now!

06.27.08

To read the full article, click this link - http://www.inkkc.com/article/520

Here are some key quotes from the review…

1.      “They (sic Strange Music’s artists) are arguably the strongest independent force in hip-hop music today, moving units, selling merchandise and attracting concert-goers at a clip that has industry insiders hailing Strange and its snake-and-bat emblem as the next No Limit Records and tank logo.” 

2.      Is Killer as startling and mesmerizing as Tupac’s All Eyez on Me, as ghetto funky as Dre’s The Chronic, as precise as Eric B. and Rakim’s Paid in Full or as important as Public Enemy’s Fear of a Black Planet? 

Tech N9ne - Killer (SEL#: SMI48 - UPC: 893981001483 - PRICE CODE: C18) in stores 7/1!

06.20.08

The Syndicate has created a stellar 'installation' for Spiritualized.  We can use this ANYWHERE: I encourage you to pass this on to your retailers and tastemakers.  There are also 3 banners for the installation: those banners and the embed codes can be found here:  www.thesyn.com/mediatoolbox

See the CMJ debut below.

Spiritualized 'Harmonize' For New Web Installation - Dan Weiss

Spiritualized, the band-cum-pharmaceutical, have lined up an interactive multimedia experience for their fans and the psychedelic-minded (who undoubtedly overlap a bit) to complement the release of their first album in five years, Songs In A&E. The triumphant result, Harmonies, can be viewed and experienced at spiritualizedharmonies.com (possibly a play on the name of recent collaborator Harmony Korine?).

The site is like using Windows Media Player through John Lennon's hookah-fogged glasses. Upon entering, it will implore you to "Turn down the lights and turn up the volume." The menu screen appears like some kind of otherworld TV station, and becomes a virtual Spirograph-meets-a-planetarium when you stream the MP3s without the accompanying visual. The new video for the poppy A&E single, "Soul On Fire," is available for viewing, along with clips for older classics like "Electricity" and "Stop Your Crying."

And unlike say, an accompanying DVD, it's free!

Playlist For Harmonies:

01. Soul On Fire
02. Sweet Talk
03. Baby I'm Just A Fool
04. Stop Your Crying
05. Ladies And Gentlemen
06. Electricity
07. Electric Mainline (Pt. 2)
08. Shine A Light
09. Effervescent (Chimes)

www.spiritualizedharmonies.com

Spiritualized – Songs In A&E (SEL#: FONINT5422 - UPC: 602517665422 - PRICE CODE: C12) in stores now!

06.17.08

“Sweeping, layered adult alternative... emulate[s] Paul Simon and Jeff Buckley.” - New York Times

“With the beguiling songs and easy-on-the-ears melodies on his debut, Big Drop, Philadelphia's George Stanford is well-positioned as an up-and-coming pop idol... the real treat is Stanford's ability to step out with his band on expanded arrangements, roaming into lush atmospheric treatments or rhythmic turnarounds. “ - Boston Globe

“This Philly pop minstrel is old-school. He puts the song first, ahead of the arrangement and the attitude. The result is somehow dreamy and visceral... [Stanford] brings an artful but organic touch to his debut.  Songs like the touching piano ballad ‘My Own Worst Enemy,’ the delicate breakup song ‘Nikole,’ and the plaintive ‘Heartbeat’ are unvarnished and fetchingly vulnerable.” - Philadelphia Inquirer

“This is pop with a capital P. No, not what it has come to mean, not synthed-out, choreographed dance-moves pop, but good, hook-laden, melody-heavy Pop. His interesting harmonic sensibility and acute sense of tune never overpowers his very effortless seeming ability to craft a good tune.” - Amplifier

“A promising debut from a serious talent.” - Billboard

“[Big Drop] showcase[s] Stanford's musical and lyrical talent, his strong sense of melody, his fulsome arrangement style, and his clear, enticing tenor. However, the artist's true forte is found in the sophistication of his sound and the subtle interplay of genres that underlie it.
Stanford can invoke the likes of Paul Simon on one song, then knock out another in a far more muscular fashion... The emotive, blues tinged ‘Nikole,’ the evocative, surf-swept ‘Downriver,’ and the R&B doused ‘Worth It’ all find him scaling these highest peaks... ‘My Own Worst Enemy’ will permeate the airwaves and climb up the charts.” - All Music

“Upstart Philly songwriter George Stanford impressed the early crowd with surprisingly funky and even occasionally inventive arrangements. The multi-instrumentalist and singer mixed hip-hop beats with blue-eyed soul and classic pop structures in his short but adventurous set.” - Boston Herald

“’My Own Worst Enemy’ is the first great pop song of 2008.” - Bruce Warren (WXPN)

George Stanford – Big Drop (SEL#: B001065702 - UPC: 602517583023 - PRICE CODE: C11) in stores now!

05.29.08

Ricky Skaggs will perform live on the Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson on 6/18!!

The Late Late With Craig Ferguson airs weeknights @ 12:35AM ET/PT on CBS.

For more info on airings in your area, check here: http://www.cbs.com/latenight/latelate/

Ricky Skaggs – Honoring The Fathers Of Bluegrass Tribute To 1946 and ‘47 (SEL#: 6989010082 - UPC: 669890100827 - PRICE CODE: C14) in stores now!

05.29.08

A great critic’s pick for “Never, Never Gonna Give You Up” ran in USA Today’s weekly playlist:

“Never, Never Gonna Give You Up, Wayman Tisdale with Toby Keith:  The year's most unlikely musical collaboration — a bass-playing basketball star and a Philly-soul-loving country singer.”

To read the full article, click the link below:

USA Today
This Week's Playlist
Brian Mansfield
05/26/08
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2008-05-27-playlist_N.htm

Wayman Tisdale – Rebound (SEL#: REN51392 - UPC: 881284513925 - PRICE CODE: C18) in stores 6/3!

05.23.08

Jeff Bates video for "Don't Hate Me For Loving You" debuts in the #1 slot on the CMT Pure fan voted 12 Pack Countdown!

For more info click here!

http://www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/cmt_pure_12_pack_countdown/series.jhtml

Jeff Bates – Jeff Bates (SEL#: ARGA09 - UPC: 891041002098 - PRICE CODE: C14) in stores now!

05.23.08

Click the link to see the Opio promo featuring Kanye and John Mayer giving props to Souls of Mischief!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyW37_-WAug&eurl=http://nahright.com/news/2008/05/21/video-opio-album-promo/

Opio – Vulture’s Wisdom, Vol. 1 [CD/DVD Combo] (SEL#: 2301342 - UPC: 655323013420 - PRICE CODE: C12) in stores 7/15!

05.20.08

KORN Frontman Says Former Guitarist HEAD Is 'Not Ready' To Rejoin Band Just Yet - May 19, 2008

KORN frontman Jonathan Davis confirmed during an online chat on Korn Korner, the group's official chat room, that KORN's forthcoming album will be produced by Ross Robinson, the man behind the band's first two releases, "Korn" (1994) and "Life is Peachy" (1996). Davis also addressed the persistent rumors that KORN's original lineup could be reuniting later this year.

A new KORN collection, titled "Playlist: The Very Best of Korn", was released on April 29. The compilation came two weeks ahead of the May 13 arrival of a DVD called "Live in Montreaux 2004". That disc features a full concert by the original lineup of the band, before the departures of guitarist Welch and Silveria.

For the full article, click here:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=97272

Also, check here for a LIVE clip from Eagle Rock’s KORN – Live At Montreux DVD on Revolver TV!!!

http://www.revolvermag.com/

KORN – Live At Montreux 2004 [DVD] (SEL#: EE391699 - UPC: 801213916993 - PRICE CODE: D14) in stores now!

KORN – Live At Montreux 2004 [BLU RAY] (SEL#: EVBRD33317 - UPC: 801213331796 - PRICE CODE: FD24) in stores 7/1!

05.20.08

Congrats to T57 for being nominated for a 2008 BET Award!

Best Gospel Artist Nominees
*T57
*Kirk Franklin
*Marvin Sapp
*The Clark Sisters
*Dietrick Haddon

Trin-I-Tee 5:7 – T57 (SEL#: MWM0402 - UPC: 879645004021 - PRICE CODE: C14) in stores now!

05.15.08

CHILDREN OF BODOM is currently featured in this week’s SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN.  This serves to advance the band’s performance as part of Gigantour Monday @ Event Center at San Jose State.  Check out the attached file to read the full review!

Children of Bodom – Blooddrunk (SEL#: FONTINT310 - UPC: 602517638310 - PRICE CODE: C14) in stores now!

05.14.08

Read the review listed below, or click the link here:

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/albums/e3ia34ad20fd7d7e680d686bc3fe6f7e59f

“There's no doubting the chilling authenticity of this rapper's tales of urban warfare. At the age of 8, Emmanuel Jal became a child soldier for the Sudan People's Liberation Army, a horrific experience he pours into the songs on "Warchild," his solo follow-up to a 2005 disc he made with Sudanese singer/oud player Abdel Gadir Salim. Jal's lyrics are clearly the focus here—"I believe I survived for a reason to tell my story to touch lives," he declares in the title track—but producers Roachie and Silvastone anchor the MC's flow with casually globe-tripping tracks whose warm melodicism recalls recent work by Wyclef Jean. — Mikael Wood

Emmanuel Jal – Warchild (SEL#: SNC360018 - UPC: 874357000408 - PRICE CODE: C12) in stores now!

05.14.08

JAMES BLACKSHAW (TOMPKINS SQUARE) IN ROLLING STONE!

Check out James Blackshaw in Frickes Picks!

In 1999, James Blackshaw was a teenage guitarist from the London suburbs, playing in indie-rock bands. Then a friend played him The Dance of Death and Other Plantation Favorites, a mid-Sixties album of solo acoustic fingerpicking by the iconic American guitarist John Fahey. “I remember not quite understanding it,” Blackshaw says now of that record, a seminal document of Fahey’s orchestral technique and compositional fusion of rugged Delta blues, Indian-raga modes and pioneer spirituals. But Blackshaw was intrigued enough to attend Fahey’s London concert that year (the latter died in 2001) and teach himself how to fingerpick and play in alternate tunings by studying Fahey’s recordings and American folk songs like Elizabeth Cotten’s “Freight Train.” “I never got on that well in bands,” Blackshaw admits, laughing. “What attracted me to Fahey’s music was that it was solitary — very austere but very emotional.”

For entire article:

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/05/07/frickes-picks-james-blackshaw/

James Blackshaw - Celeste (SEL#: TSQ1837 - UPC: 856075001837 - PRICE CODE: C13) in stores now!

05.08.08

ESPERANZA SPALDING (TELARC/HEADS UP) BIG DEBUT - DOWN BEAT!

Hot off the press. Ms. Esperanza Emily Spadling's name makes the front cover of the oldest jazz magazine in the world along with a multi-page feature.  Congrats Esperanza!

 http://www.yousendit.com/download/www/TEZNN3RUb0JCSWMwTVE9PQ

Esperanza Spalding - Esperanza (SEL#: HUCD3140 - UPC: 053361314026 - PRICE CODE: C11) in stores 5/20!

05.08.08

BRAHMS REQUIEM (TELARC/HEADS UP) NEW YORK TIMES REVIEW!

The New York Times reviewd Brahms Requiem…
“Mr. Spano shows a firm grasp of the work’s structure… the orchestra plays well, and the chorus is its usual sonorous self.”

Spano/ASO & Choir – Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem (SEL#: 80701 - UPC: 089408070129 - PRICE CODE: C17) in stores 5/20!

05.08.08

THE MORNING BENDERS (HIGH WIRE) LA TIMES BUZZ BND, STEREOGUM VIDEO DEBUT & CMJ ADDS!

Check it, this ran online through the LA Times today, and will run in print tomorrow:
http://theguide.latimes.com/blogs/soundboard/

The ‘Boarded Doors’ Video is on the Homepage of Stereogum.com right now…click the link below to check it out.
http://stereogum.com/archives/video/new-morning-benders-video-boarded-doors_009519.html#more

Morning benders 4^th most added with 59 adds  this week at CMJ!

All three bands in front are either more established or, in the case of The Last Shadow Puppets (riding some amazing buzz... #1 album in the UK last week).  the benders beat a string of major label releases and certainly more established acts in Presets, Matmos and long time faves such as Neil Diamond and Old 97s.

CMJ Adds ... the morning benders: bigger than Neil Diamond!

Top 20 Adds:
#/artist/label/# of adds
1. The Last Shadow Puppets (Domino)[94]
2. Dresden Dolls (Roadrunner)[86]
3. We Are Scientists (Astralwerks)[84]
4. the morning benders (+1)[59]
    Submarines (Nettwerk)[59]
6. Presets (Modular)[53]
7. Indian Jewelry (We Are Free)[43]
8. Neil Diamond (American)[42]
9. Charlotte Sometimes (Geffen)[40]
    Newton Faulkner (Columbia)[40]
11. Mixel Pixel (Mental Monkey)[38]
     The Old 97's (New West)[38]
13. Matmos (Matador)[35]
14. Vetiver (Gnomonsong)[33]
15. Lykke Li (LL Recordings)[29]
16. Drakkar Sauna (Marriage)[26]
17. Hoosiers (Epic)[24]
18. Rachael Sage (MPress)[21]
19. 65daysofstatic (Monotreme)[20]
      Sergio Mendes (Universal)[20]

The Morning Benders – Talking Through Tin Cans (SEL#: PLU102 - UPC: 893583002017 - PRICE CODE: C12) in stores now!

05.07.08

FONTANA RADIO ADDS THIS WEEK!

YOUNG, ACE: Addicted
WWST-FM     Knoxville                  Top 40                    Pazzo/Acecorp
WFLY-FM       Albany, NY              Top 40                    Pazzo/Acecorp
WDJQ-FM      Canton, OH              Top 40                    Pazzo/Acecorp
WNTQ-FM      Syracuse                 Top 40                    Pazzo/Acecorp

ALGEBRA: Run And Hide
X062-FM       >XM Radio               Urban AC                 Kedar
WXST-FM      Charleston, SC         Urban AC                 Kedar
WAKB-FM      Augusta, GA            Urban AC                 Kedar
KMJM-FM       St. Louis                 Urban AC                 Kedar
WAMJ-FM      Atlanta                   Urban AC                 Kedar
WMEZ-FM      New Orleans            Urban AC                 Kedar

BELLE, REGINA: God Is Good
WUFO-AM      Buffalo                    Gospel                    Pendulum Records / WDE
WNOO-AM     Chattanooga            Gospel                    Pendulum Records / WDE

CITY SLEEPS: Not An Angel
WZBH-FM      Salisbury, MD           Active Rock             Trustkill/Fontana
WROX-FM      Norfolk                    Alternative Rock       Trustkill/Fontana
WXQR-FM      Greenville, NC           Active Rock             Trustkill/Fontana

FILTER: Soldiers Of Misfortune
WJSE-FM       Atlantic City, NJ       Active Rock             Pulse
KDJE-FM        Little Rock               Active Rock             Pulse

JELEN, BEN: Wreckage
KHKZ-FM       McAllen                   Hot AC                    Custard

NATHANIEL & NECY: Serve Nobody But You
WXEZ-FM      Norfolk                    Gospel                    Wogg/Fase1/Universal
WUFO-AM      Buffalo                    Gospel                    Wogg/Fase1/Universal
WHLW-FM      Montgomery, AL       Gospel                    Wogg/Fase1/Universal

POP EVIL: Hero
WRXR-FM      Chattanooga            Active Rock             Pazzo/Jar’d Star
WWIZ-FM      Youngstown, OH       Active Rock             Pazzo/Jar’d Star
KBOB-FM       Quad City, IA-IL       Active Rock             Pazzo/Jar’d Star
WWWX-FM    Appleton, WI            Active Rock             Pazzo/Jar’d Star

SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRY: Jesus
WNOO-AM     Chattanooga            Gospel                    Kingdom Entertainment

ISAIAH D. THOMAS & E.O.P.: The Greatest
WNOO-AM     Chattanooga            Gospel                    ---

TISDALE, WAYMAN: Throwin’ It Down
JRN-FM         >Jones radio            Smooth AC              Rendezvous Entertainment
WJZZ-FM       Atlanta                   Smooth AC              Rendezvous Entertainment

TRIN-I-TEE 5:7: I Will Lift
KHLR-FM        Little Rock               Gospel                    Spirit Rising/Music World

05.06.08

ACE YOUNG (PAZZO) ON FOX TV'S BONES & "ADDICTED" REVIEW IN BILLBOARD!

Season 5 American Idol Finalist Ace Young co-stars with Season 6 Brandon Rogers on a very special episode of "Bones." Watch this clip and then don't miss the show Monday, May 12 at 8/7c only on FOX.  Check out this clip from Ace’s guest starring role on the May 12^th episode of FOX TV’s hit show, BONES:  http://www.americanidol.com/videos/?vid=1198

American Idol" season-five finalist Ace Young was among the prettiest, but also most capable vocalists, with understated charm. That makes enthralling first single "Addicted" a bit of a shock—there's nothing laid-back about this TNT-ignited, full-on pop opus, so plump with production elements that Phil Spector would wink. Boasting heavyweight super-producer Desmond Child and Swede hitmaker Andreas Carlsson, the song's mass of strings, horns, percussion, a gritty guitar solo and craftily layered vocals pound home one hook after another. Reminiscent of Savage Garden or any other cherished melodic fave, Young delivers quite the ace. "Addicted" has every element to break this talent wide open. —Chuck Taylor

Billboard link:
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/singles/e3i9fd76a66aebe6d4c3792431a2f653b61

05.06.08

WAYMAN TISDALE (RENDEZVOUS) CHART RECAP!

• Wayman Tisdale "Throwin' It Down" moves 20 - 19* in R&R, and is #3 Most Increased Play (+34).
• New adds at WJZZ/Atlanta, Jones Radio Networks, Music Choice.
• 20 - 19* on the Mediabase Smooth A/C chart;  19 - 4* R&R Indicator chart.

Wayman Tisdale - Rebound (SEL#: REN21392 - UPC: 881284513925 - PRICE CODE: C18) in stores 6/3!

04.25.08

NELO (JUSTICE) OU REVIEW!

Click the link below to see the OU review on Nelo!

http://hub.ou.edu/articles/print.php?item_id=1870657758&hub=376d8b28bb5db855f5206983eaf790b3

Nelo - Nelo (SEL#: JR33012 - UPC: 719488330126 - PRICE CODE: C12) in stores now!

04.25.08

THE DOORS (EAGLE ROCK) CLASSIC ALBUM DVD GETS 90/100 RATING!

The Doors Classic Album DVD received a 90/100 rating on DVD Verdict’s newsletter.  Click the link to check out the full review!

http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/classicalbumsdoors.php

The Doors – Classic Albums – The Doors [DVD] (SEL#: EV302439 - UPC: 801213024391 - PRICE CODE: D14) in stores now!

04.23.08

ZZ TOP (EAGLE ROCK) RELEASING 1ST EVER LIVE DVD!

ZZ TOP WILL BE LIVE FROM TEXAS - First-Ever Full ZZ Top Concert On DVD!
~On DVD and Blu-Ray June 24~

New York, NY (April 18, 2008)—On June 24, Eagle Rock Entertainment, through its wholly-owned Eagle Vision subsidiary, will release the first-ever live concert on DVD  and Blu-Ray from ZZ Top, Live From Texas [pre-book order date June 4, Retail Sales Price $24.98 (Blu-Ray), $14.98 (DVD)]. With a running time of more than two hours, the disc is filled with the kind of Southern Fried sizzle ZZ Top is world-famous for.  Live From Texas features 17 barnburners of blues, barrelhouse boogie and deliciously fuzz-toned hard rock.

Singer/guitarist/frontman Billy F Gibbons, Bassist Dusty Hill and Drummer Frank Beard make up one of the most instantly recognizable bands in rock history.  From their 1969 Houston inception to this 2008 DVD release, they are the only major band in history to never have had a personnel change in almost a 40-year history. 

These Rock and Roll Hall of Famers are known for their self-designed custom guitars and irony-filled stage act. In their early career, they were also known for eschewing any and all musical encumbrances, opting for the dirty-soul hard-rock guitar-bass-drum simplicity of pure blues-inflected rock virtuosity that one felt in the gut.  Things changed radically with the 1983 release of Eliminator which—gasp!—incorporated synthesizers and sequencers. Hard line purists may have been shocked but the result was their biggest-selling (more than 10 times  platinum) album, making major hit singles out of “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” The albums release coincided with the rise of MTV and videos for those songs became all the rage and are still cultural totems to this day. 

Bonus features on Live From Texas include Gibbons, Hill and Beard discussing the evolution of the band over a hot game of poker. Viewers will also go behind-the-scenes on show day in Dallas and on location on a band photo shoot.  There is also one bonus track:  a ZZ Top’s reverent re-interpretation of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady.” Plus, initial quantities of the DVD will come packaged in a slimline digipack with booklet of exclusive live photos.

Track Listing
1)          Got Me Under Pressure
2)          Waitin’ For The Bus
3)          Jesus Just Left Chicago
4)          I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
5)          Pin Cushion
6)          Cheap Sunglasses
7)          Pearl Necklace
8)          Heard It On The X
9)          Just Got Paid
10)      Rough Boy
11)      Blue Jean Blues
12)      Gimme All Your Lovin’
13)      Sharp Dressed Man
14)      Legs
15)      Tube Snake Boogie
16)      La Grange
17)      Tush

ZZ Top – Live From Texas 2007 (SEL#: EV302529 - UPC: 801213025299 - PRICE CODE: D14) in stores 6/24!

04.23.08

FONTANA RADIO ADDS THIS WEEK!

YOUNG, ACE: Addicted
WAEB-FM      Allentown                Top 40                    Pazzo/Acecorp
WNCI-FM       Columbus, OH           Top 40                    Pazzo/Acecorp
KRCK-FM       Palm Springs, CA       Top 40                    Pazzo/Acecorp
KQMQ-FM      Honolulu                  Top 40                    Pazzo/Acecorp
KVPW-FM      Visalia-Tulare           Top 40                    Pazzo/Acecorp

ALGEBRA: Run And Hide
WKSP-FM      Augusta, GA            Urban AC                 Kedar
WTLZ-FM