Artist: DJ Magic Mike and the Royal Posse
Genre(s):
Rap: Hip-Hop
Discography:
DJ Magic Mike and the Royal Posse
Year: 1990
Tracks: 13
Tuesday 24 June 2008
DJ Magic Mike and the Royal Posse
Artist: DJ Magic Mike and the Royal Posse
Genre(s):
Rap: Hip-Hop
Discography:
DJ Magic Mike and the Royal Posse
Year: 1990
Tracks: 13
Monday 23 June 2008
Herbie Hancock, Maria Schneider take top honors at Jazz Awards
NEW YORK — Pianist Herbie Hancock was honored as musician of the year at the Jazz Awards, just months after he took home the best album Grammy for "River: The Joni Letters," but the big winner was Maria Schneider, who won four trophies.
Schneider's big band CD "Sky Blue," which includes the Grammy-winning instrumental composition "Cerulean Skies," was chosen album of the year, besting other CDs like Hancock's Joni Mitchell tribute in voting among the more than 400 members of the Jazz Journalists Association.
"I just feel like Miss Piggy," Schneider joked to the audience as she thanked her orchestra at Wednesday's awards luncheon at the Jazz Standard club. She also won the awards for composer, arranger and large ensemble of the year.
Drummer Roy Haynes had a double win. His boxed set "A Life In Time: The Roy Haynes Story," which traces his storied career spanning almost 60 years, was chosen reissue/historical boxed set of the year.
"Wow, I beat Duke, Miles, Quincy, and Lionel," Haynes said, acknowledging the other nominees in the reissue category. "It's kind of hip."
Moments later, he was back on stage to pick up the award for drummer of the year.
"They've got some great drummers out there now. ... I never thought I would be even living this long while playing at 83 and winning these serious awards, but I love smelling the roses," he quipped.
The only other double-winner was Ornette Coleman for alto saxophone and small ensemble.
Pianist Marian McPartland, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday and continues to host her "Piano Jazz" show on NPR, was recognized with the award for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz.
And Hank Jones, who turns 90 next month, accepted the award for Pianist of the Year, and then remained on stage to perform in a duo with tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano. Their abbreviated set included the standard "Alone Together" and Lovano's "I'm All For You," based on the classic "Body and Soul," from their recent Blue Note recordings as well as a mix of "How High the Moon" and "Ornithology" on which Jones threw in some humorous quotes from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
African-born guitarist Lionel Loueke, who is now touring with Hancock's band and recently released his major label debut "Karibu" on Blue Note, was chosen the Up & Coming Musician of the Year. Israeli Anat Cohen was a repeat winner in the clarinet category.
Percussionist Bobby Sanabria's "Big Band Urban Folktales" was honored as Latin Jazz Album of the Year.
Other Jazz Awards winners included: Andy Bey (male singer), Abbey Lincoln (female singer), Terence Blanchard (trumpet), Wycliffe Gordon, (trombone), Sonny Rollins (tenor sax), Jane Ira Bloom (soprano sax), James Carter (baritone sax), Bill Frisell (guitar), Christian McBride (bass), Steve Swallow (electric bass), violinist Regina Carter (stringed instrument), Candido Camero (percussion) and author Doug Ramsey (Jazz Journalism Lifetime Achievement).
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Sunday 22 June 2008
Velvet Revolver's Singer Search: Could An Unknown Be Chosen As The New Frontman?
Since it was revealed two months ago that singer Scott Weiland had been excised from Velvet Revolver, the rest of the guys have been searching for his replacement. They hosted auditions and even rejected an offer from reality-TV producer Mark Burnett, who wanted to make VR the subject of his next "Rock Star" series.
Not long after Weiland's departure, guitarist Slash stated that VR would be using the Internet to audition potential frontmen, adding that the band was even toying with the idea of launching a Web site, where audition videos could be posted for public review. That site never took off, unfortunately, but there are still hundreds of aspiring singers out there who are all at the band's beck and call, should the Revolver need them.
While the names of several established musicians (including Linkin Park's Chester Bennington) have been kicked around as rumored replacements, it hasn't deterred these unknown rockers, who claim they're ready to step into Weiland's imposing shoes at the drop of a hat. Some of them have taken their cases to YouTube and other video sites, where, with a little shameless self-promotion, they've manufactured their own hype, generating a groundswell of support from VR fans. Some are even claiming they're front-runners in the race to return the band to the stage, but none explicitly claim they've been contacted by VR.
Dale Toth, who sings in a band called Rogosonic and sounds frighteningly like Axl Rose, had an interesting take with his audition tape. The video, which features an original song from his band, shows nothing but images of Toth trying to look tough. He chose not to cover a VR track, because he figured "it's going to be new material they're more focused on right now, so maybe this is a better idea of what I can offer," he wrote in a post alongside the video. "If it goes further (crossing fingers), I'd be glad to do some vocal tracks to the other VR tunes so they know what I can do on that stuff."
"The vocals are amazing," complimented one fan. "Here's to blowing away the competition."
But Toth admitted on his YouTube page that the band "may have someone already, but I have to contact the VR camp again next week. Hearin' a lot of rumors of people they may already have in mind. Guess we just have to wait for [the] official release."
Another hopeful is Weiland sound-alike Sam Serinsky, who sings for a rock band called Lasting Factor. For his grainy, low-budget audition tape, Serinsky sang one of his own band's originals, and the video has been well-received — with some fans saying it would be a crime if he weren't asked to join the band.
"Damn, you are the real deal," wrote one user, pointing out that Serinsky can also play guitar, which Weiland didn't. "You would be a perfect fit for VR and then some."
"I think it would be good to get someone that is not already 'known' because it would give the band a new, fresh and unbiased sound," wrote another supporter. "I wouldn't be surprised if this kid got a call from Slash and offered the gig."
But perhaps the most-produced (and longest) audition tape belongs to Brian Phyll Miller, a man who desperately wants the gig. In his video (which features some classy footage of a dog licking itself), Miller — wearing a "Brutal Rockers" T-shirt — belts out a cover of AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie," and follows it up with VR's "Slither" and "Fall to Pieces." In the video, Miller talks of his love for "vodka, cigarettes and Jack [Daniels]," discusses some of his influences ("Anybody that's cool"), and talks about the vocal and breathing exercises he does before a performance. He also confesses that, since the age of 14, he's wanted to be in a band.
Google Miller's name, and you'll find he has a lot of online support, whether self-manufactured or not.
On the Rolling Stone site, an already-deleted comment on a Flobots piece read, "Flobots? Hmmm I don't think so ... Velvet Revolver is talking with a guy to be the new singer of their band. He is good, he has some epic vocal cords. Judge for yourself. Go to YouTube and search for Brian Phyll Miller. Make it happen, spread the word on this guy and give him support. He is already talking with the band, but it would be nice to have all the fans' support behind him."
On Monday, several comments popped up on our Newsroom blog, following a post on the VR singer search, mostly praising Miller's abilities.
"A lot of talk about who will be the next Velvet Revolver frontman. ... There is a new guy in town that would be very worthy of filling those shoes," one commenter said. "Brian Phyll Miller is getting a lot of comments on his YouTube and MySpace site. A lot of people are saying he should be the next Velvet Revolver lead singer. I would have to agree. This guy is awesome, great range with his vocals, something I think Slash and the guys should take a serious look at."
"Just watched his YouTube video — he's amazing," another commenter wrote.
On Miller's YouTube page, where he admits he hasn't been contacted or spoken with anyone representing VR, the remarks (the origin and authenticity of which we can't verify) are more of the same: He rules and is the best replacement for Weiland.
"How come this guy isn't signed with some band and changing the world with his epic vocal cords?" wrote one fan, adding that his voice is "much better than Scott Weiland's."
But will these guys ever get their shot at a proper audition? It's doubtful that a band as established as VR, with its members' vaunted history, would opt to add a complete unknown to its ranks over someone who's road-tested, studio-savvy and has a recognizable name. But then again, stranger things have happened.
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Albert Brooks in "Weeds" premiere
HOLLYWOOD — After more than 30 years, actor, filmmaker and writer Albert Brooks is returning to the small screen.
When Showtime's "Weeds" premieres its fourth season tonight, Brooks will play acerbic gambler Len Botwin, the father-in-law of pot-selling mom Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker).
"As an actor, I wanted to do it. It's not a character I've played before," said Brooks, 60, whose résumé is filled with neurotic and self-obsessed white-collar professionals in movies such as "Modern Romance" (1981), "Lost in America" (1985), "Broadcast News" (1987), "Defending Your Life" (1991) and "Mother" (1996).
Brooks was the first choice for the guest-star part, said creator Jenji Kohan, who was hoping he'd stay through the season. But Brooks opted for only four episodes.
In "Weeds," Parker's character, Nancy, turned to dealing to support herself and her sons after her husband (Len's son) died. When her home is destroyed in a fire, she takes the boys and her brother-in-law Andy, also Len's son, to live with Len in a beach town near the Mexican border.
Last year, the show's guest stars included Mary-Kate Olsen. This year, Lee Majors will appear.
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Private eye wants new Hollywood wiretaps trial
LOS ANGELES —
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Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pellicano wants his convictions in a wiretapping case thrown out and says there were several instances of juror misconduct in his federal trial.
Attorneys representing the 64-year-old private eye filed a motion seeking a new trial Monday. The motion claims that at least four jurors talked about the case among themselves without other jurors present and that one juror knew about an upcoming witness because her husband read a blog tracking the trial.
Pellicano was convicted of 76 of 77 counts for wiretapping the phones of such stars as Sylvester Stallone on behalf of his clients and paying police officers to access protected government databases. Four other co-defendants were also found guilty of various charges.
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Government Issue
Artist: Government Issue
Genre(s):
Hardcore
Discography:
Boycott Stabb
Year: 1983
Tracks: 11
One of the longest-lived bands on the Washington, D.C., hardcore scene, Government Issue (or G.I. for forgetful) carried the torch for traditional hardcore hoodlum on their early records, only evolved into something more adventurous by adding bits of metal, new wave pop, and psychedelia. Frontman John Stabb (born John Schroeder) guided the mathematical group through a legion of personnel office shifts and respective label changes, which made their nine-year life all the more singular. Since their dying, G.I. has remained fairly overlooked in relation to the rest of the D.C. hardcore bands of their meter, in part because their music never truly fit the proto-emo bent of much of the local Dischord stable. They did get a following in the straightedge biotic community, although Stabb's stance on drinking was more than one of mitigation than absolute innocence.Administration Issue was born in 1981 out of the ashes of a group called the Stab, from which lead vocaliser John Schroeder took what eventually became his stage name (he also went by John Stabb Schroeder on function). As the members of the Stab drifted aside, Stabb and drummer Marc Alberstadt hooked up with unexampled guitar player John Barry and bassist Brian Gay, and changed the name of the band to Government Issue. By the end of the year, Gay had left wing to attend college, and was replaced by Minor Threat bassist Brian Baker, whose band was then on hiatus. Government Issue recorded their ten-song debut EP, Legless Bull, that year, releasing it on the Dischord label; they likewise appeared on Dischord's Flex Your Head compiling, an important early document of the D.C. scene. Baker shortly replaced Barry on guitar, and Tom Lyle joined in late 1981 as the new bassist; when Baker rejoined Minor Threat in early 1982, Lyle took over his guitar patch.Queasy to button another record, Government Issue left wing Dischord for the Fountain of Youth label and order out the Create an Effort EP in 1982; the Ian MacKaye-produced LP Boycott Stabb followed in 1983. Brian Baker returned to man the producer's hot seat for 1984's Joyride, which featured new bassist Mike Fellows; Fellows brought a temporary snapshot of energy to a revolver posture that at assorted points in the past respective days included Rob Moss and Michael Parker, among others. Fellows likewise touched on, however, and 1985's The Fun Just Never Ends likewise marked a temporary death to G.I.'s land tenure with Fountain of Youth. Hoping for better marketing, the band switched over to Mystic and issued two more than records that year, the EP Give Us Stabb or Give Us Death and the concert record album Live on Mystic. However, they returned to Fountain of Youth for 1986's Government activity Issue, which featured ex-Minor Threat bassist Steve Hansgen and constitute Stabb moving in a more than melodious, less traditional hard-core management that drew from the goth-punk phase of the Damned. It likewise helped make G.I. a larger-scale deal with Giant.Longtime drummer Marc Alberstadt later left field the group, and Stabb and Lyle in conclusion found a lasting rhythm discussion section duo in bassist J. Robbins and drummer Peter Moffett. With a measure of stability, Government Issue's musical growth continued quickly on 1987's You, their number one album for Giant (which also reissued their Fountain of Youth catalog). Heralded as their virtually uniform and well-crafted LP to date, You was a necessarily oblique case account of Stabb's stormy and illicit relationship with an underage girl. Released in 1988, Crash was fifty-fifty better received, thanks to arguably the greatest musical variety of G.I.'s vocation. Despite stretch a peak, an more and more tire Stabb distinct to put an end to the circle in 1989, having enjoyed a nine-year run. Lyle embarked on a solo life history, releasing the album Sanctuary in 1992. Robbins founded and fronted the acclaimed Jawbox, spell Moffett joined Wool; the iI later played together in Burning Airlines afterwards Jawbox's 1997 dissolution. Stabb reverted to his given name of Schroeder and gigged with several D.C.-area bands over the '90s, and by 2000 was playing with a moodier post-punk mathematical group called the Factory Incident.
The Streets' Mike Skinner: 'Where's my free cider'
Mike Skinner has demanded free cider after a Streets song was used in a South African advert.
Writing on his blog, The Streets man explained he felt bad his song was being used in the commercial � because he hasn't drunk it himself.
"I just got an email today telling me that my music is (still) being used by Hunters cider in South Africa. This reminded me that the last time they asked me I thought I asked for them to send me some product so I could test it out," he explained.
"I could not imagine the grief that my music was being used to represent a beverage that I didn't like the taste of. I'm hoping that one day I receive 10 palettes of silky sweet apple-based party lubricant that I can share with every person who enters my house for a year. Now that the Reebok trainers [Skinner endorsed the footwear range] have dried up, Example's got his Nando's deal, I want my South African cider affiliation."
Skinner added that he was currently trying to sequence his fourth album, and was heading to Los Angeles to finish things off.
"I've been listening to my album over and over and over trying to decide which song should go where," he wrote. "There's this really fast one. I mean really fast. I'm rapping at about 200 miles an hour, like a happy hardcore MC. You have to be there really, but sometimes I think it should go at the beginning like 'BANG! Here I am - and I'm rapping at 200 miles an hour', but then I feel like it needs to go slap bang in the middle with the other songs of a spiritual leaning.
"This is because even though I'm rapping at the speed of a happy hardcore MC, I'm also talking about something quite eco, green, right on, if you get me.
"Honestly you guys sometimes don't realise what goes into this. I think you think it just ends up in your iPod by the magic of iTunes."
Writing on his blog, The Streets man explained he felt bad his song was being used in the commercial � because he hasn't drunk it himself.
"I just got an email today telling me that my music is (still) being used by Hunters cider in South Africa. This reminded me that the last time they asked me I thought I asked for them to send me some product so I could test it out," he explained.
"I could not imagine the grief that my music was being used to represent a beverage that I didn't like the taste of. I'm hoping that one day I receive 10 palettes of silky sweet apple-based party lubricant that I can share with every person who enters my house for a year. Now that the Reebok trainers [Skinner endorsed the footwear range] have dried up, Example's got his Nando's deal, I want my South African cider affiliation."
Skinner added that he was currently trying to sequence his fourth album, and was heading to Los Angeles to finish things off.
"I've been listening to my album over and over and over trying to decide which song should go where," he wrote. "There's this really fast one. I mean really fast. I'm rapping at about 200 miles an hour, like a happy hardcore MC. You have to be there really, but sometimes I think it should go at the beginning like 'BANG! Here I am - and I'm rapping at 200 miles an hour', but then I feel like it needs to go slap bang in the middle with the other songs of a spiritual leaning.
"This is because even though I'm rapping at the speed of a happy hardcore MC, I'm also talking about something quite eco, green, right on, if you get me.
"Honestly you guys sometimes don't realise what goes into this. I think you think it just ends up in your iPod by the magic of iTunes."
Boys Noize
Artist: Boys Noize
Genre(s):
Electronic
House
Discography:
Don't Believe The Hype
Year: 2007
Tracks: 3
& Down
Year: 2007
Tracks: 3
Eat It (BNB02) Vinyl
Year: 2006
Tracks: 2
Volta 82 VLS
Year: 2005
Tracks: 2
Michael Jackson - Newsman Bashir Has Brain Tumour Scare
Doesn't Jamie Lynn Know "No Glove, No Love?"
Even Kenny G's sexually aware pre-teen kids know more about contraception than Jamie Lynn -- if you're gonna get it on, at least wear a jimmy hat!
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The Free Spirits Featuring John McLaughlin
Artist: The Free Spirits Featuring John McLaughlin
Genre(s):
Other
Discography:
Tokyo Live
Year:
Tracks: 8
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