Music Bender

Last night, actor Dean Cain hosted the 2009 Hero Awards on Saturday, which was held to honor everyday people who have gone out of their way to help others and their community. (Hey … who better than “Superman” himself, right??)

Set at Universal Studios in Hollywood, the Awards were filmed for television broadcast and will benefit the non-profit Feed the Children. Presenters included Tatyana Ali, Anthony Anderson, Tom Arnold, Nnamdi Asomugha, Corbin Bernsen, Sharon Case, Erik Estrada, Kelly Hu, Jason London, Willie McGinest, Judd Nelson, Chester Pitts and Efren Ramirez. Musical guests were disco legend (and heroine in her own right) Gloria Gaynor and Brian McKnight.

The honorees really touched a lot of hearts last night:

* NANCY DAVIS – Diagnosed with the illness 16 years ago, she founded The Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis and has raised millions in her Race-to-Erase-MS.
* KATHY IRELAND – Well-known actress and author as well as CEO & Chief Designer of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, she continues to give back by dedicating countless hours of personal time and financial resources to philanthropic and non-profit projects.
* DR. TODD PRICE – Director and President of International Medical Outreach, he supervises medical and humanitarian aid projects around the world. In this past year alone, his foundation has sent over $70 million dollars worth of resources abroad!
* DOROTEA LIGUORI – Compassionate international jewelry designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist; she recently co-funded the ABC Baby Center for Feed The Children in Africa.
* JOLANDA & JIOVANNI JONES – This mother and 16-year-old son saved the life of a teenage driver by pulling her from the rubble of a fiery crash just seconds before the car exploded!
* ZACH SMOTHERS – This 12-year-old rescued his 3-year-old cousin from the bottom of a pool and, repeating what he saw on TV, administered CPR to save her life.
* USMC LANCE CORPORAL JEREMY LEPSCH – A Marine who saved the life of a motorcyclist whose leg had been severed in an accident.
* MADELYN EAVES – The … 3-year-old you read it right!) … who called 911 to save her pregnant mother! (btw, her mother taught her a song to remember how to call “911″. Read more about it here. (This is something all moms and dads should do, IMHO!)
* HERO - A German Shepherd who saved a stranger from a car wreck and is now being trained as a search and rescue dog.

Now, we all know of heroes who, in one form or another, have made an impact upon people or society through their selfless efforts. Wherever they are, take a minute to thank them for their work, whether through a card, a call or a compassionate hug. God knows, we need more of those around …

I posted this because … well, it was too good to pass up! More ROCK in the next installment. Until then …
See ya on the flip side …

Now I’ve heard everything:

A  lullaby version of one of Nirvana’s hits was put on a CD recently so babies could get some sleep (yeah, I think the word’s dichotomous. Or just plain weird).

Smells Like Teen Spirit, along with songs by AC/DC and Queen, have been recreated by musicians using xylophones, wood blocks and glockenspiels.
The Rockabye Baby CD – which also includes versions of U2, Radiohead and Pink Floyd hits – has sold out in baby stores in both the UK and US.
A spokesman told The Sun newspaper: “People seem to love the fact that they’re a quirky take on some of our legendary bands. Dads also seem to particularly enjoy them.”

Which bands or songs would you like to see included on a future Rockabye Baby CD?
Spinal Nap comes to mind, right?  Sleep Dogg, maybe? Yawni?? Metallica’s Enter Sandman? The list could go yawn and yawn …

AHHH, SWEET MEMORY

If you’re like me and spend most of your time in front of a PC (well, it’s where I work!), you know it’s gotta have plenty of memory to keep it running proficiently!
But the challenge is to find just the right memory components for your particular computer.  Not only do they have to fit your needs but be priced to fit your particular budget, too!  And, let’s face it — most stores just don’t have both!
There’s one place I’ve found that, fortunately, does have just the right memory components for you — and at great prices!  Not only that, but they’ll be from the best manufacturers!
By now, you’re probably eager to know “where”?? Well, to find the best and most affordable modules and components to increase your computer memory then just click on the link you just passed!
And, soon, you’ll see your computer give the performance of its life!

Justin Timberlake says he’s gonna climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity this year!

He and rapper Lupe Fiasco have been recruited by Ethiopian-born pop star Kenna for the big climb, and it’s all to raise awareness of the world water crisis.

Now, this particular climb comes on the heels of another one carried out by a group of British and Irish stars earlier this year, including Take That’s Gary Barlow and Boyzone’s Ronan Keating. Their climb on Africa’s highest mountain raised over £3,326,142 for Comic Relief.

But Justin’s climb has a special significance for Kenna, whose hits include Out Of Control.

“My dad almost died as a child from waterborne diseases in Ethiopia, and he had talked to me about digging a well there, and I thought, ‘I have too many friends who would be concerned with the subject of clean water,’” he said. “‘Maybe I can help out.’”

It’s certainly a challenge Lupe’s looking forward to: “I’m an adventure junkie. Part of the motivation is beating Kenna to the top. Sabotaging his tent, taking the lining out of his coat, lacing it with ants or something like that. [The water crisis in Africa] is a universal problem; it’s all mounting to the point where eventually there’s no clean water left. If I did a song, it would be jam-packed with so much information, it would almost be like we fit the substance of an entire interview in three and a half minutes.”

They’re expected to climb the mountain later this year.

GIFTS FOR THE GRAD (and YOURSELF!)

In today’s economy, we’re all looking for great deals on quality merchandise. Sadly, up to now, this only led us straight to the big Supercenter department stores; sure, the prices would be better, but … the quality?? That’s a different story.

But there’s one stop you can make and be guaranteed not only low, low prices but the best quality merchandise! It’s behind the link you’re about to see — and these folks offer just about everything! You’ll find daily deals, great service and much more!

To find the best items for sale on the web, just click that link you just passed! You (and your wallet) will be very pleased …

THIS JUST IN: Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan has just had a successful operation to remove a malignant tumor from his bladder.
It was discovered when he went to a hospital on May 12, complaining of gastroenteritis.

The band has canceled its O2 appearance, scheduled for this Saturday, and will be on hiatus until June 8 to give Gahan time to recuperate.  On that date, they’ll continue their tour with a gig in Leipzig, Germany.
Natch, we all wish the 47-year-old frontman a full and speedy recovery, with no recurrence.

THE MOORE, THE NOT-SO-MERRIER

As I reported earlier, guitarist Ronnie Montrose finally found his 1959 Les Paul Standard (which was stolen during a concert in 1972) — in a guitar magazine!
Well, now he’s suing another guitarist named Gary Moore.
The reason? He says Moore has the stolen axe!

When he saw Moore’s guitar collection in a British magazine he was convinced that one of the Les Pauls in the photo was his.
A photo showing a pin-sized hole in the back of the guitar is the proof, according to Ronnie, since he drills those holes in all of his guitars.

So far, Moore hasn’t responded to any attempted contact, so Ronnie is suing the Irishman (here, it’s gotta be said that there’s no proof that Moore actually stole the guitar himself. He could’ve just bought it off someone …) was behind any claimed theft in 1972.
Reached at his home in Brighton, England, Moore wouldn’t discuss the matter, saying only that the “whole thing is a sham”.

Wait … if Ronnie’s having that much trouble trying to contact Gary, but the reporter had no problem getting a quote from him, then why not ride with the reporter the next time he goes?? Makes common sense, right??

Rod Stewart is planning to attend attend a special busking show on board the HMS Belfast to launch this year’s Busking Cancer event (now, for our statesiders who don’t know, busking is a term meaning “entertaining in a public place for donations”).

The HMS Belfast is permanently moored on the banks of the River Thames near Tower Bridge in London. In the concert, Madness frontman Suggs will be just one of the performers on stage in support of the cause, which will have street performers from all over Britain donating their takings to Cancer Research UK.

“When it comes to busking, I’m your man,” said Stewart, who, as most fans remember, survived thyroid cancer.
“That’s how I started in the early 60s on the streets of Paris. So the idea of Busking Cancer has my support. It’s what music is all about just getting out there and singing or playing for the sheer joy of it. And if you can earn a few quid for Cancer Research UK – a few quid that might just help to save someone’s life – what could be better?”

Stewart has contributed his time, voice and/or money to many charities over the years, but it seems that, lately, the requests have been staggering. It obviously reflects the shape of the socioeconomic world in the last years of this decade, and it’s to Rod’s credit that he’s put himself on the “front lines” in the quest to help others.

Besides that, he has a remarkable performance style — both on record and in live venues — that shows a rare ability to cross genres.

The HMS Belfast concert will take place on June 20, and Busking Cancer will run until June 27. For all my UK and Euro readers who’d like to go, click here.

Seems like fans are finally gonna get some Satisfaction! The Rolling Stones have begun reissuing fourteen re-mastered albums for distribution throughout the year.

The albums, including Sticky Fingers, Tattoo You and Bridges To Babylon, are being released in three different batches over the summer.
Now, they’re also planning to release of a special, mega-box set including all 14 albums, and each one will be made available digitally as well.

The first batch is out already, having appeared on May 4. They include: Sticky Fingers, Goats Head Soup, It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll and ‘Black And Blue.’

The next one’s due on June 8, and will include: Some Girls, Emotional Rescue, Tattoo You and Undercover

The third is expected to be released on July 13, and will spotlight these:
Dirty Work, Steel Wheels, Voodoo Lounge, Bridges To Babylon and A Bigger Bang.

Soon, the band will release the re-mastered version of their magnum opus, 1972’s Exile On Main Street - though as of yet, no date has been set.

Still, there’s no doubt that rock fans around the world are going to be looking for each set! The Stones are genuine legends and have influenced performers across all genres, from rock and soul to country and bluegrass!

IT’S YOUR LIFE

No doubt about it: With prices rising and paychecks (or jobs themselves) dwindling, many people are having a hard time finding affordable (and reliable) life insurance these days.
Now, there are many companies out there that promise you great coverage, low premiums and all — but who can you really trust to come through with the insurance you need to help your family at the ultimate time of need?
Well, there’s one place where you can find out — and it’s just a click away!  They’ll compare the best of term life insurance companies and give you quotes that you can work with!
But there’s more …
You’ll also find helpful articles, links to other life insurance types and programs, consumer reports, a life insurance calculator … and all of this on just one screen!
So, for your (and your family’s) peace-of-mind, why not visit the people who’ll help you get the affordable insurance you need? You (and thay) will be glad you did!

GREAT NEWS for all Lynyrd Skynyrd fans (and who isn’t one??):
They’ve just completed a new album, which’ll be called God & Guns — and it’ll be released (mark yer calendars!) on September 29.

The album will have thirteen tracks – each one stamped with the band’s unmistakable, classic sound.
It was recorded in Nashville with producer Bob Marlette (who worked with Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne).

I’ll tell ya now that the first single is gonna be a powerful and very appropriate one, given the recent passings of Billy and Ean. Still Unbroken is due in July, at the same time as its new video, which the band will shoot in Nashville next month.

God & Guns will be Skynyrd’s first new studio material in six years!
But, until the album comes out, you can still catch them on their UK tour beginning Wednesday (May 27). They’ll also be working the Rock Rebels Tour this summer along with (who else?) Kid Rock!

CAROLINA ON MY MIND

Y’know, being from North Carolina (originally) has its perks: I can tell — no, guarantee you — that some of the most beautiful seaside property in the world is in our Outer Banks (you’ve probably seen the vanity license plates with the “OBX” sign on them! Hey … that’s us!).

And if you’re looking for a great vacation home (and, with summer approaching, it’s about time to start, right?), why not visit the folks who not only have the best rentals in the area, but also a great blog on the OBX, the best recommendations anywhere, and so much more?
Believe me, you’re headin’ into the perfect vacation by going to the Outer Banks via the link you just passed.
Click there now and see what I’m talkin’ about … then have a great holiday!

Sometimes, even the stars of another genre can make a big difference …

For example, country legend Dolly Parton has teamed up with the United Way of America to double the number of books their program provides at the moment.

Dolly started the Imagination Library in 1996 as part of her Dollywood Foundation, and you’ll find it in 566 counties across 36 Smerican states, as well as in Canada and the UK.

It all came from a simple idea: build an organization that sends one book per month to children from the time of their birth until they enter kindergarten.

The Tennessee songbird states, “This program is one of the most important ways I know to improve the educational opportunities for children. When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you plant in your community can grow across the world.”

The new partnership has set a goal of providing free books to one million children each month by 2014.

Interested in getting involved? Find out more about the program here.

UNH-unh … I ain’t about to put Marilyn Manson’s photo on here! So this’ll haveta do. Besides, you’ve probably heard this by now:

A 15-year-old student in Louisiana shot himself in the head at school, just after firing a (fortunately) missed shot at a teacher who refused his order to praise Marilyn Manson.

The student, Justin Doucet, left behind a suicide note in which he explained how he planned to kill others and then himself, according to police.

Doucet walked into his seventh-grade English class shortly before 9 am, screaming curse words and demanding everyone get down, according to students in the class.
Though the students remained seated, Doucet told his teacher to say: “Hail Marilyn Manson.” Luckily, the gun didn’t go off the first time he tried to shoot her.
So he tried a second time — but it buzzed by her head, leaving a hole in the wall and dust sprinkled across the classroom.
Doucet then left the classroom and walked to a nearby bathroom, where a single gunshot was heard.

Now, I said that to say this:

Of ALL figures in what we call ‘rock music’, the worst role model would be Brian Warner — the jerk behind that “Marilyn Manson” getup.

I dunno — maybe the guy doesn’t think he could draw a crowd or get noticed unless he’s made up like a refugee from a funeral home.
Maybe his songs aren’t strong enough — he’s not that good a performer — without his fix of ultra-macabre.

Maybe he’s just afraid …

But, look: when you mess with the brains of a young person in the wrong way, it’s time for you to HANG IT UP, DUDE! Either that, or society (as a whole) will do it for you!

I DARE WARNER TO (a) DITCH HIS GOOFY LOOK, (b) CUT THE SICK CRAP and (c) DO A SERIES OF GIGS WITHOUT IT!!
But they’ve gotta be with decent sets that can be heard and enjoyed by listeners as a whole!

Naaah … he won’t do it.
Like I said: He’s afraid …

Awhile back, I toldja about the new Aerosmith Tour that’s gonna explode into amphitheaters across America.

But, to add extra firepower, the legendary Texans of ZZ Top are sharing the bill as well!

“That’s just amazing to be able to play with them because it’s going to be a kickass show,” guitarist Joe Perry says.

So, where’s the pic of Top?? Usually, I put two shots per post, and they …
waitaminnit. I found one:

No, it’s not a knockoff band — it’s the real deal, circa … 1971!
If you’d like the full size of that pic, btw, just email me, okay? Right now, let me give ya the gig list for the tour:

6/10 – St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre St. Louis
6/13 – East Troy, WI @ Alpine Valley Music Center
6/16 – Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center
6/21 – Bristow, VA @ Nissan Pavilion
6/24 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Post-Gazette Pavilion
6/26 – Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
6/28 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
7/1 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
7/3 – Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium
7/5 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/7 – Raleigh, NC @ Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
7/9 – Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte
7/11 – Tampa, FL @ Ford Amphitheatre
7/13 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ BankAtlantic Center
7/15 – Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
7/17 – Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
7/19 – Dallas, TX @ Superpages.com Amphitheatre
7/25 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
7/27 – Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
7/30 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
8/1 – Englewood, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
8/17 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
8/19 – Concord, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion
8/23 – Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/28 – Tinley Park, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/30 – Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
9/1 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
9/3 – Toronto, ONT @ Air Canada Centre
9/5 – Ottawa, ONT @ Scotiabank Place
9/8 – St. Paul, MN @ XCel Energy Center
9/10 – Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center
9/12 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
9/14 – New York NY @ Madison Square Garden
9/16 – Detroit, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills

If you’re in one of these areas, be sure to catch the show! Not only will you have a great time, but you’ll also be catching to of the greatest acts in the world!!

Remember to circle July 10 on your calendars!

The reason? Beatlemaniacs from around the world will be celebrating their favorite band during Beatles Day 09 — and raise money for Yoko Ono’s Imagine Appeal which will use their share for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital (the largest children’s hospital in Europe). Part of the receipts will also go to the Marina Dalglish Appeal for a radiotherapy center in Liverpool.

Officially launched by Julia Baird (John Lennon’s sister) and Ricky Tomlinson, the event will take place in places as diverse as China, Russia, New Zealand and, natch, the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool.

Last year’s event (which was actually the first, and raised a few international eyebrows as one of the highlights is for everyone to wear Beatle wigs) raised over £45,000.
Liverpool will once again host a concert as part of the event, and there will be loads of merchandise and happenings available.

Oh … in case yer wonderin’, July 10 was chosen as the date because it’s the anniversary of the Beatles triumphant return to Liverpool from the States and the premiere of the film ‘Hard Day’s Night’ in 1964. On that day, the streets were lined with thousands of adoring fans, and organizers hope to they can recreate the same sort of Beatlemania atmosphere this year.

The Summer Pops promoter, Chas Cole, said, “It’s 24 hours when people can show their love for the Beatles and celebrate the legacy of their music. The concert at the Echo Arena will be a great way to finish, but Beatles Day is really a chance for the ordinary people of Liverpool and other towns and cities all over the world to take part in Beatles-related fundraising activities and events. The most important thing is to have fun whilst raising money.

Liverpool will be the center of events on 10th July. It would be a great time to visit and let the people show you what makes this city truly great; its heritage, humor, boundless enthusiasm under pressure and above all, its ability to not take itself too seriously. BEATLES DAY here we come!

Since 1914, the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has led the way in the care of sick children and now treats more than 200,000 young patients every year.

To find out more about this event, here’s the article from the Liverpool Echo.

WOW! Talk about yer marketing ploys:

The popular rock band Chickenfoot has hired Chromatic Technologies Inc. (CTI), a custom special effect inks and coatings manufacturer, to create a … er, very special cover for CF’s debut album.

Now, get this: Buyers will see the record’s artwork change by the heat that radiates from their hands!

This is supposed reveal hidden images on the front cover and hidden song titles on the back. I dunno if that’ll make the album a bit pricier — or if the hand-heat will make the music sound better — but we’ll find out soon …
(Oh, yeah — is it just me, or does that drummer look a little like a young George Bush? Just wonderin’ … back to the program …)

QUEEN - (yep … MINUS) PAUL RODGERS

Well, it looks like singer Paul Rodgers is no longer with the superband Queen. At least that’s what Brian May said on his official website.

Though May himself hasn’t said anything personally on whether this is true or not,  it doesn’t matter; Rodgers has pretty much answered the question, anyway.

“We [Q+PR] did a world tour, we did a second tour of Europe and the Far East and Eastern Europe and a studio album [The Cosmos Rocks] and I think we’re kind of leaving it there gently.” he said.
“It’s out there for us to do things in the future if there’s something, [for instance] a huge charity say like Nelson Mandela, but I think we are pretty much done.”

Now, Paul’s not making a formal announcement about his plans, but his publicist is playing it down, saying that they’re  “just not touring right now.”
Besides, Rodgers has a 10-date tour of the US with Bad Company – featuring original guitarist Mick Ralphs and drummer Simon Kirke – coming up in June and July.

By the way, QP+R’s latest release is a CD/DVD, titled Queen + Paul Rodgers Live In Ukraine, which hits the racks on June 15.

Gotta start this round with Brian, Angus and the gang at Friday’s AC/DC gig in Germany.

Now, these guys aren’t exactly known for soft, easy-going music — but I do believe they overdid it with the loudness this time.
Especially when the neighbors complained about the hard-rockin’ noise …

from twelve miles away!!

Sie hörten mich nach rechts, yardbirds! Their Munich concert drew complaints from the fine folks of Unterhaching, about 20 kilometers (okay … twelve miles, give or take a foot) from the scene of the crime … er, show.
(Reckon, when they heard about it, they shoulda borrowed Quiet Riot’s Cum On, Feel The Noize to close the set?)

THE PAT & DEBBIE SHOW

One of the sultriest rockers on the planet, Pat Benatar, will join Blondie (Debbie Harry) on a tour across America this summer that they’ll both headline. Joining them on their run will be up-and-coming “girlgroup” The Donnas.

Debbie Harry said: “Pat Benatar is not only a friend, but a fearless female rocker who has entertained me and her wealth of fans for so many years. This will be a reunion for us both and being able to bring our two shows to fans across the country is very exciting.”
It’ll be sort of a 30th anniversary celebration for Benatar, btw: she got her career start in 1979 with a debut album called In The Heat Of The Night.
Their tour begins in Saratoga, California on July 21. For a list of dates, just click here.

(Oh … didja know that Blondie’s big hit Heart of Glass actually came from a change in lyrics? Yeah … remember the line, Soon found out, he had a heart of glass? Welllll, it was written as Soon found out, he was a pain in the ass. Natch, they hadta change it to get airplay … and the rest is history …)

WOW! Check this out: There’s a new charity auction going on that’s … well, unbelievable! If you enter a bid, look at what some of the goodies are that you could win:

A chance to meet Oprah Winfrey
Actual swimming lessons from Michael Phelps
Get fashion Talk politics with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi … or Senator John McCain
Meet heart-throb Richard Gere (with VIP tickets during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 2010 trip to NYC!)
Ride in a pace car at the Indy 500 and party with track chairman, Mari George.

Supporters of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights have put together these experiences and much more for their Annual Online Auction.
The online auction will raise funds supporting the RFK Center’s human rights work. It’s open right now and runs ’til May 25th — and they say new lots are gonna be added each day!

Huh?? Ya want more?? Okay ….
How about a one-hour singing lesson with the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin?
Or have lunch (at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills) with Warren Beatty?
Or watch a taping of The Rachael Ray Show and go backstage to meet her?
How about visiting the set of the hit series HOUSE and meet the cast, including star Hugh Laurie?
How’d you like dinner with Bill Cosby at “Bouley” in NYC and take home signed copies of his recent book and 4 bottles of wine from his private collection?
Would you like to meet singing star Jennifer Hudson and watch her concert in Nashville? Or hang out with David Foster and friends such as Andrea Bocelli, Katherine Jenkins and Michael Buble in his recording studio?

All you’ve gotta do to have your shot at these is to click on the RFK Center/Charity Buzz auction site and place your bid!

COMPLEMENTING THE AREA

There’s always one way to add beauty to any floor — and that’s with an area rug that’ll complement the decor of the room you choose!
Not only are they sturdy and feel oh-so-good on your tired feet, but they also insulate against the cold, protect your hardwood floors and add a bit of a “down-home”, relaxed feeling to your home!
Now, you can go to just about any department store and find these IF you like limited selections, hard-to-find salespeople, uncertain quality and high prices …
OR …
you can just click on the link I’m about to give you and see the best selection anywhere, at prices anyone can afford, with great customer services, no processing fees, a great “BillMeLater” plan*(*on approved credit, of course) — even some great reading about how to select the right rug for your home!!
Interested?? Of course you are!! So, to learn more about all of these (and a lot more), just click on this link for the best in area rugs. Your home (as well as your wallet, your feet, your visitors) will thank you for it!

Geez … win a Grammy, make some top-of-the-pop noize and, suddenly, you’re a target!

First, Joe Satriani sued Coldplay because he said their hit, “Viva La Vida” - which won Song of the Year at the 2009 Grammy Awards - was a rip-off of his own tune, “If I Could Fly.”

Now Yusuf (fka Cat Stevens) has joined in the Vida bash, but he says the song sounds like “Love/Heaven” (from his 1973 album Foreigner). But he says he’ll wait and see how Satriani does with his lawsuit before deciding whether he’ll file one.

The members of Coldplay have repeatedly said they didn’t plagarize and that any similarities are just a coincidence.

And it seems like the Vegas rock band The Killers is losing fans as quickly as they make them.

Apparently, front man Brandon Flowers thinks that his band is better than any others, and he’s been quite busy trashing The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin — not understanding why stateside audiences seem to prefer those bands over his!
He’s also dissed Green Day, which has worked its collective butt off to get the fame they deserve.

Look … there’s an unwritten rule among performers: Speak all you want about issues, girls, your music or whatever … but don’t downplay your “competition”! That takes yer focus off the music that you’re trying to get outta your soul and into the studios and puts it on them. You become preoccupied with outdoing others and stop being what fans really wanna see and hear — and that’s YOU!
Eventually, you lose yourself — and yer band — in that tight little ball of spite. CD sales drop, gigs become a bit more scarse, and your fan base starts to dwindle!
So, man, shelve the ego-trip! Every band, whether it’s yours, U2, or the new group that’s finally starting to gig, has a right to sound or be what they are!

‘Nuff said. See ya on the flip side!