Archive for October, 2008

posted by Alex on Oct 31

Slate magazine had this article about AC/DC this week, where they talked about how the band has changed over the years and how impressive they are doing.  A local newspaper reports that they have already sold 780,000 copies of their new album Black Ice.  Thus, Slate does seem to be right.  And it’s not hard to understand why.  AC/DC has tried to be punk rockers.  But they are a special kind of punk rock.  Not always upset about life and with a very particular sound that people like.  No one else can do AC/DC.  If they try, they aren’t just doing something similar, they are, in fact, playing AC/DC.  It is an interesting article, check it out!

posted by Alex on Oct 27

 

The Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1937 by Glenn Miller himself.  After his disappearance, the band kept playing, under the direction of different leaders, and has continued on to today.  The band still plays regular dates these days, mostly in the eastern half of the country, several shows a month.  The band still plays the old hits, of course in the same great style that we originally heard from the old days.  Today, it continues under the direction of Larry O’Brien, who plays trombone with the band.  One of their most famous hits is “The Chattanooga Choo-Choo”, which comes right from the original director.  Their tour takes them mainly to smaller venues, from high schools to local theaters. They are very popular with the swing music/dancing crowd and people who see them are reminded how much they like those hit songs from the 30s and 40s.

posted by Alex on Oct 23

 Trans-Siberian Orch

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is at the beginning of their 2008-2009 tour, which will bring them to many locations throughout the US.  Their shows are divided into two halves, the first with the story and songs from Christmas Eve and Other Stories and the second half presents a mix of other Christmas songs, as well as several of their most famous non-Christmas songs. The shows are also known for their use of pyrotechnics and lasers to go along with the music.  The orchestra is also in the process of producing another album, called Night Castle.  There are rumors that the album will be released next summer, but no one’s sure.

posted by Alex on Oct 20

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Thousands of iPOD wearing, blackberry carrying, civic driving, new age hippies were recently thrilled to hear that the mega-jam band of our time has announced tour dates for the first time in four years. Phish, the modern day version of the Grateful Dead, has let whatever bygones there were be bygones and are set to play a three day set of shows to hometown crowds at the Hampton Coliseum in Virginia. Talks of a reunion tour had been circulating since mid September when singer/guitarist Trey Anastasiomet with his former mates. Now, fans can only hope that this reunion tour does not merely end at Hampton. Check out their website to stay up-to-date with Phish news and tour dates.

posted by Alex on Oct 17

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After a 23-year stint without front man David Lee Roth, Van Halen decided to regroup and go back on tour. Wrapping up their year-long tour at the beginning of June, Van Halen proved that their bombastic style can still pack the house and then tear it down. This Van Halen tour was the highest grossing one in the band’s history, bringing in a revenue of roughly $93 million. Though they have taken a break after this long and brutal tour schedule, don’t expect them to stay inactive for long. Checkout Van-Halen.com to learn more.

posted by Alex on Oct 14

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The four friends who “like to get together to play music and watch movies and play football” have just about put the finishing touches on their latest album. Though it has not been given an official release date or a title, Paw-tracks.com insists that though Animal Collective is on tour in Europe and South America, the new album should still be finished in time for a pre or post stocking stuffer. As with most Animal Collective albums, fans can expect vast changes in their music while still keep the “Animal Collective style.”

posted by Alex on Oct 10

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The Shea Stadium played host to one of the most influential bands of punk rock in October 13, 1982. The Clash opened for The Who that gritty New York night and the bootleg has been released. Many die-hard Clash fans would be disappointed with the choice in performance because the setlist includes their “hits” and focuses less on beloved rarities. However, some of the classics included are amazing, from “Spanish Bombs” to “Tommy Gun”, you’ll hear why and what made the Clash legends. Of course there will be no tour or Clash reunion, ever but with this live release you can close your eyes, turn up the volume, and pretend you’re there. For more information about The Clash, click here.

posted by Alex on Oct 7

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While the Flaming Lips are not currently on tour, that doesnt mean their fun and off beat antics are on hold. The Flaming Lips are screening their new movie Christmas on Mars just in time for Halloween. Check local movie listings for times. They are also celebrating Halloween in their hometown of Oklahoma City by holding their annual “March of 1000 Flaming Skeletons” where people dress as skeletons carrying torches through the streets. Anyone who wants to participate should find out more information here. If you cant make it to either, dont worry, the Christmas on Mars DVD will be in stores November 11, 2008 just in time for Thanksgiving.

posted by Alex on Oct 2

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Bob Dylan is the greatest. What more can be said?

He’s still on tour and you can find ticketing information here.