Music Bender

First, I’ve gotta share this with ya:

Now, you’ve heard … er, read … me talk about the fab new UK band, The Fore, and many of you have become great fans of the foresome.
Well, they’ve now been nominated IRM Best Independent Artist of 2009! And all it takes to get them on top is your vote for them to win!
Here’s how ya do it:

Click on this link, select “Rate this song” or “Become a Fan” or, better yet, both! Rating the song gives the artist a point, while becoming a fan gives the artist FIVE points!

Become a fan of the fore by clicking here! It won’t take but a minute … and you can listen to their music while you’re voting for them!

NOW … TO OTHER THINGS

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have added some new dates to their Working on a Dream tour, which starts late next month with three shows at the Comcast Theater in Hartford, Conn.

Now, in addition to other U.S. dates already set, they’re adding performances in Nashville, Tenn.
Tampa, Fla.
Sunrise, Fla.
Greenville, S.C.
Chicago. Ill.
Philadelphia, Pa.
St. Louis, Mo.
Kansas City, Mo.
Washington, D.C.
Charlotte, N.C.
New York, N.Y.
Cleveland, Ohio
Auburn Hills, Mich.
Milwaukee, Wisc.

So, if you’re around any of these areas, be sure to take in “The Boss” … ’cause you’re guaranteed an excellent show you won’t soon forget …

Every so often, I get a chance to do some voiceovers or mixing (these are gigs I had prior to bein’ a writer. [Sigh! Anything to keep others from seein' my face, huh?])

Now, as you probably know, there’s a lot of recording software traveling down the info superhighway … and many of ‘em are pretty good.
But … what if you could get an app that’d give you the professional results you want — and was free?

I most recently used Audacity 1.2.6 to record some promos for The Fore radio interview, and the result is outstanding!

Not only does it have everything you need to record/mix/fade your music or voice, but you also have fantastic effects, speed change without losing tempo, envelopes and much more! You can also save your final production as .wav file or export it as an .mp3!

Hey … why not test-drive it now, and send me a shout-out to tell me whatcha think?

AN AMAZING TALENT …

Yardbirds, after watching Michael Jackson’s memorial service (a very respectful tribute! Who could watch [especially] the last of it [when his daughter, Paris, gave her tribute] and not cry?), I have to say I’m really amazed by young Shaheen Jafargholi.
This 12-year-old from the UK has an amazing set of vocal cords … and a heart that’s just as golden! Not only did he perform Who’s Loving You? to soulful perfection, but his devotion to MJ and sadness over his passing was obviously evident.
There’s a great future ahead for this youngster, should he decide to pursue a full-fledged singing career! And his appearance at the memorial only made it the more special, because you saw, first-hand, the effect that “The Gloved One” had on a new generation.

A very special edition of Rock Band is gonna be debuting on 9/9/09 in the form of The Beatles (incidentally, 9 was John Lennon’s favorite number.

Of course, everyone’s excited about the new edition. Even Sir Macca himself is eager for its release (considering his background screens during his Coachella appearance was pretty much a commercial for it)!

It’s billed as a “first-of-its-kind music-based video game offers a revolutionary tour of The Beatles’ music, career, and legacy.”
September 9, btw, is also the date the Beatles’ entire discography is released in digitally remastered format.

The game will have 45 songs, with these verified so far:

“I Saw Her Standing There”
“I Want To Hold Your Hand”
“I Feel Fine”
“Taxman”
“Day Tripper”
“Back In The USSR”
“I Am The Walrus”
“Octopus’s Garden”
“Here Comes The Sun”
“Get Back”

And dig this: they’re promising all of the Abbey Road album for future download purchase, as well as others from the discography!

HITTING #1

This past weekend, the popular UK band THE FORE hit the #1 spot on the Unsigned Chart show — for the second time!
And now they’re goin’ for the gold at Overplay, where their hit You’ll Be Mine is already #4 this week on the main charts, #2 on the pop charts (remember, they’ve got a lot of competition for the position!).
Now, just as you helped them get the top spot on Unsigned, you can do the same at Overplay!
Just click this link (it takes you to the chart where you can play the hit) and give You’ll Be Mine a listen! With each click, the lads get closer to #1! (Oh … did I mention it’s also a free download?)
And, on behalf of Spencer, Matt, Si and Nathan, thanks for your helping the band get to the top at Unsigned! You all are amazing!

THE FORE

FIRST, THIS MESSAGE:

For you who missed The Fore interview on ArtistFirst World Radio on April 11, here’s your chance:
Just click here for the full interview hosted by the amazing Scott Z:  a Q&A with the lads … and some fab selections from their album, Run and Hide!

WE NOW RETURN TO OUR REGULARLY-SCHEDULED YAK:

Remember back-in-the-day, when baby-boomers were talkin’ about gettin’ one of our own to be Prez someday (sheesh … you’d think that, since Bush was a baby-boomer, we’d … naaaah; didn’t know him then)?

The buzz was for Morrison, Jimi or (especially) Zappa to take the plunge! ‘Course, we couldn’t do it ’cause the law says ya gotta be over 35 (and we didn’t trust anyone but record execs over that age, right?).

Well, I got an email asking what the Relic would do if he were President. Geez … let … me …. think (reflective music as screen gets blurry):

Jimi Hendrix

First, the National Anthem would be rendered ala Jimi Hendrix. Nobody could paint a musical picture better than his “Woodstock” version of the tune …
We’d close up the chapters in Iraq and Afghanistan and bring our military home — sending a Tuppperware lady, a Chippendale dancer, a televangelist and Richard Simmons over to totally confuse the enemy until all troops are withdrawn.

He’d make “idnit” and “dudnit” legal words (examples of usage: “That ol’ car’s ’bout wore out, idnit?” “Looks silly with that bald guy drivin’ it, dudnit?”). Hey — I’m in Kentucky. I’m entitled …

He’d vindicate old cars with bald guys driving them.  But not the drivers themselves. Unless they’re Relics and have Oldies 97-FM pumpin’ from the speakers … (I said pumpin’!)

People would be promoted heavily. Life would be revived. Time would be extended. All other magazines would have to stand on their own …

He would commission scientists to study the Rolling Stones to determine the cause of their longevity. By doing so, we may be able to extend life by 120 years …

(He’d find a use for this space, considering he lost part of his script)

There’d be a national ban on “Microsoft Explorer needs to close” messages.

His running mate wouldn’t know how to fire a gun …

The national food would be peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches. Toasted. With bananas.

He would ban Maalox, because there is no FemalOx. Ever.

A new form of power for cars would involve zucchinis and lubricant, followed by a Congressional hearing on the lawsuit filed by the porn industry. If impeachment doesn’t occur within the first two months, we’re safe …

Maybe it woulda been better with Zap after all … or at least Morrison. These dudes were intelligent, insightful, talented … and coulda provided one helluva ride for this USA!

Well, it’s short but sweet (I’m in the midst of a coupla rockprojects as-we-sorta-speak), but stay tuned … we’ll have more rock comin’ your way tomorrow !
Until then, remember to keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

This is just a friendly reminder to tune in to the ArtistFirst Radio Network today at 12 Noon EST (New York Time) for a full hour of music and live interviews with THE FORE!

Following this brief announcement, you’ll find out HOW to tune in (it’s right here, on the web!).
Get ready for some serious rockin’ enjoyment!

ATTENTION: ROCK MUSIC LOVERS EVERYWHERE:

The fab UK band THE FORE will be debuting their new CD “Run and Hide” on the ArtistFirst World Radio Network, T O  D A Y!! April 11th at 12 Noon New York Time (EST).
To tune-in on your PC: - Click this link to listen: http://wms.artistfirst.fastserv.com/artistfirst or visit www.artistfirst.com

E-mail us during the show for free CD and T-shirt giveaways!

The new album from Heaven And Hell has been given a title, tracklisting and release date (finally!).

The new album from the Black Sabbath spin-off (with Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler from Sabbath) is to be titled ‘The Devil You Know’ and will be released on 27 April.
The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, U.K., where the 1992 Sabbath album ‘Dehumanizer’ was also tracked.

Here’s the track listing for the CD:

01. Atom & Evil
02. Fear
03. Bible Black
04. Double the Pain
05. Rock & Roll Angel
06. The Turn of the Screw
07. Eating the Cannibals
08. Follow the Tears
09. Neverwhere
10. Breaking into Heaven

Already, Bible Black is getting some solid airplay, and becoming increasingly popular.

The band will premiere ‘The Devil You Know’ on the April 29th edition of the U.S radio show “Rockline” at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. An encore presentation of the show will air on May 4th.

ATTENTION — ALL FANS OF THE FORE

Here’s your chance to hear the band live — no matter where ya live (and I know yer out there, ’cause the RelicMail don’t lie!):

All ya gotta do is tune in to the ArtistFirst Radio Network on Saturday April 11th at TWELVE noon EDT (New York time) for the live interview with THE FORE!
(man, it’s easy to remember: 11 at 12! Now ya can’t forget!).

They’ll be playing cuts from their new, hit album “Run and Hide”, so tune in by clicking this link http://wms.artistfirst.fastserv.com/artistfirst (hey … go on and click there now, and bookmark it for the Big Day!) They’ll be on for the full hour on The ArtistFirst Radio Network.

Oh … and check this out: You can e-mail the station during the show for free CD and T-shirt giveaways! Man, ya can’t do better than that if ya tried …

Okay … that’s it for this go’round.  But stay tuned … there’s more to come in less than 24!  Until then …
keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Y’know, we’ve focused so much of our musical thoughts on the US and UK that, on occasion, we forget that other countries know how to rock, too!

And Sweden — known more for the ’70s single-hitters Blue Swede — seriously knows this business (incidentally, there’s a humongous contingent of FORE fans throughout their Scandinavian scenery!)

So this summer’s gonna bring the first Sweden Rock Festival to Sölvesborg from June 3 - 6 and, for all MB readers across the pond, it’s a line-up you won’t wanna miss!

HERE’S THE LINEUP

From Norway, Immortal (first ever gig in Sweden), Axident Avenue

From Sweden, Pain,  Hysteria (hey … who’da thought they’d name bands after my work?), Amon Amarth, In Flames, Europe, Hammerfall, Soilwork, Kebnekajse, Grand Magus, H.E.A.T, Bullet, Seventh Wonder, Torch, Enforcer, The Chair, Chains

From the UK: Blaze Bayley, Motörhead (UK and Sweden), Marillion, Demon

From the US: Helstar, Heaven & Hell (US and UK), ZZ Top, Twisted Sister, Foreigner, Johnny Winter Band, Lita Ford, Dream Theater, Riot, Blackfoot, The Tubes, Kamelot, Forbidden, The Outlaws, Flogging Molly, Jon Oliva’s Pain, Eric Sardinas

From Canada: Voivod, Thor, Tracenine
From Ireland: Stormzone
From Germany: Volbeat, Powderhog

From Turkey: Black Tooth
From Finland: Amberian Dawn
From Spain: Lujuria

Now, more than thirty bands will be added to this tremendous international line-up soon!  Without a doubt, this is gonna be a gig to remember (and, for all who can’t make it, I’ll BOLO for any CD news coming out of it!)!

For more information about tickets and the festival in general, just click on www.swedenrock.com. (Just remember: If you’re livin’ in the US or UK, be sure to click the small UK flag in the upper right so you can get an English translation of the page (it’s Swedish, y’know …)

Anyway, that’s it for this go-’round, so, until tomorrow night (a little earlier than now, though!) …
Keep yer eyes on the skies, yer feet on the ground, yer heart with the music …

and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

Man, I am totally B-Side myself about my mates,  The Fore’s explosion onto i-net and terra radio.  Seems like everybody wants their new CD and …
(ummm … waitaminnit. B-side myself?? That’d mean there’d be two of me. WHOA! Scary thought, America! Ummm … let’s move on)

But talkin’ about “B” sides brings back mems of some of rock’s coolest sounds, unplayed because so many jocks were too lazy to flip the vinyl over and give a listen!  It’s sad (snif!) that these poor, underfed li’l orphans went unnoticed, scratchin’ at the back door, shiverin’ from the drenchin’ rain that was rock (WOW! I could be a writer someday!!).

These cats missed songs like Ben Franklin’s Almanac, which was the flip side of the Cryan Shames’ awesome cover of Sugar and Spice. It had a heavy beat for the time, and the lyrics, while simple (”Inside out, how I feel, far and near, can’t be real”), would stick in your mind for centuries.
Another group had a one-hit charter with a song that was written to motivate its members. “We Ain’t Got Nothin’ Yet” by the Blues Magoos was backed with “Gotta Get Away”, which was a musical strike for personal freedom.

Natch, we had some novelty flippers as well. Consider Napoleon XIV’s They’re Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-Haaaa! – played backward on side 2. Now, remember when the buzz was that reverse-playing hid messages from Satan? (Hell … my ex never even made a record!) Wonder what Jerry Samuels (aka XIV) had to say on his “B” side?

A few extraquickers and mentions: One of the best harmonicas in an early rocker belonged to Ol’ Sol, the flip side of the DC5’s Everybody Knows.
But if you just friggin’ wanna feel totally good, ya just gotta flip Let It Be over and get into You Know My Name, Look Up The Number (GOD, I love WordPress’s italic button!).

And the B-side of Help! — a down-and-dirty rocker called I’m Down, was actually cleaned up before bein’ released here in the states.  In Jolly Olde, Paul was told “keep your hands to yourself.” Here, he’s hadta keep his “hearts” to himself.
Weird censorship back then, huh?
Hey, listen … what were some of your favorite “B” sides? Lemme know, and I’ll list ‘em on a future post, okay?

Now …(as I’ve been known to thrown these in every once-in-awhile), it’s QUIZTIME: The music of Credence Clearwater Revival has a staying power better than a fresh application of Crazy Glue on onionskin paper!  Of their hits, Lookin’ Out My Back Door had a guitar solo influenced by a national anthem.  (Incidentally, Fogerty built the song’s tune around it.) Which country’s was it?

Well, that’s it from this side of the trax. But stay tuned … there’s gonna be more in about 24!  So, until then, remember to

keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the  the flip side!

THE FORE: Mini Compilation Album is now available!

Thousands of rockin’ fans around the world have experienced the energy and excitement of this fantastic UK band! Now, it’s your turn!

But they know, like the rest of us, that the economy’s tight, and many folks have gotta watch what’s in their purses and wallets. So they’ve come up with an awesome offering to help ya fight high prices and dig the fab sounds of the band that’s turnin’ the rock music world upside-down!

You can get eight of their most popular songs, delivered right to your computer … and for only … ONE POUND! (about $1.50 US)

YOU’LL GET:

• ‘Man of Few Words’ (2006 version)
• ‘Little Louisa’
• ‘Love For Sale’
• ‘You’ll Be Mine‘ (all from the Album ‘Black and White‘. released in 2007)
• ‘Run and Hide’
• ‘We Were Meant To Be’
• ‘Lazy Day’
• ‘No Other Love’ (all from the album ‘Run and Hide’ released in 2008).

All for just one pound!! And it’s available on download only from the INDIESTORE at
http://indiestore. 7digital. com/thefore/ indieProductDeta il.aspx?pid= -114739

HERE’S A SAMPLE, ON VIDEO!
This is The Fore, doing their hit, Man of Few Words (2006)

So don’t miss out! Ya can’t get great music like this for less! Do it NOW …
and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Okay … from the email I’ve gotten so far, I reckon a re-introduction’s in order …

Since I can’t figure out how to change that furshlugginer “About” section (awww, c’mon … the only “computer whiz” around the office is that gunk left when the cat jumps on the keyboard and … well, “whizzes” on it …), I reckon it’s time to give the 411 here, in the post itself:

I’m called The Rock Relic, and the rock-music biz has been my life for over thirty years now.  Been a rock DJ, performer, producer, now a rock writer/researcher and promoter.  From Aerosmith and Animals to ZZ Top and Zombies, I’ve covered ‘em all at one time or another (and met many of the top dawgs of music, past and present).

The posts here are gonna be a bit longer, with more for yer hard-earned dollar.  You’ll have more info you can jawjack about later, and updates on yer fave stars — classic and new!

Reviews?  Natch!  Matter of fact, we’ve already started with a rundown of The Fore’s new Run and Hide.
Vids?  Where ya been?? Lucky readers have already seen Jim Morrison as a schoolkid, Twisted Sister, Motorhead … and Jimmy Page at 16!

And, listen … if ya haven’t caught on yet, the RR writes like we’d be talkin’ on the street or in yer living room or somethin’ (without the TV on).  We liven it up here from now on, ’cause, after all, ROCK IS A LIVIN’ THING, RIGHT?!? (Say “amen,” bruthahs an’ sis-tuhhhs …)

So keep on tunin’ in … and tell yer friends about the site while you’re at it, alright? We’re gonna be turnin’ everything up a notch or two … so be ready …

And I’ll see ya on the flip side …

They come from London and Liverpool, joining together to make a sound so exciting that thousands of fans throughout Britain, Europe, Canada, South America, Australia and the United States are flocking to CD Baby, Indiestore, Amazon and other outlets for this indie CD.

Run and Hide — the second album by the megapop band The Fore — is a mixture of raw, driving rock-and-roll sprinkled with some of the most beautiful ballads in the musical universe!

Where their debut album Black and White, took us to a world of pure rock excitement, this one explores that world with a musical progression tha’s gonna put your entire system into overdrive!  And, through it all, you’ve still got the inimitable style that the band is famous fore!

TRACKLIST FROM RUN AND HIDE (with notes)

• FORGIVE AND FORGET — This upbeat rocker has a vocal hook that I dare ya to try and get outta yer head!
• WE WERE MEANT TO BE — Like your music flavored with a bit of the Motown dance sound of the early ’60s?  You’ve got it, mixed with some solid, Bo Diddley-style rock in the bridge.
• HAVE ME BACK AGAIN — A solid mover with the lads’ signature harmony sprinkled liberally throughout!
• SEND MY LOVE TO YOU — Sung by drummer Simon Thompson, this folk-rocker is already a fave among some of our servicemen overseas!  Great arrangement and strong acoustic rhythm adds to the beauty of this ballad.
• YOU’VE GOT TO CHOOSE — Sometimes, if a guy’s got a rival for his girl’s heart, he’s gotta confront her about the situation; that’s what this song’s all about.  A strong piano helps build this melodic mover (and wait’ll ya hear the chorus!).
• RUN AND HIDE — This thriller starts with a sharp attack and pointed lyrics, warning the cheating girl to run and hide. The bridge builds tremendous suspense, as does the last of the track (with Si and Matt creating a dark, chase-type backing that would sound great on a spy flick!
• RUMOURS AND LIES — It’s every teenaged boy’s plea to his girl:  Don’t listen to the rumours and lies that might “take your love away”.  This slower number has a great calypso-style rhythm and lyrics that aim straight for the heart.
• THAT’S A LIE — Imagine the ultimate rock song, with Everly-style harmony, rockabilly-style guitar, great progressive arrangement and upbeat tempo.  That’s whatcha got here! (Oh, yeah … there’s a hook in the chorus that’s innovative: As Matt and Spencer sing “then I’ll put you down”, the tempo slows in sync with the words — then builds back up at the words “I’m tellin’ you now”.)
• IT’S YOU GIRL — Merseybeat at its finest!  Fantastic harmony with a great guitar bridge!
• LAZY DAY — A breezy, summertime song with a great hook and warm, inventive vocals.  Again, a strong piano only adds to a song that’s as refreshing as iced tea on a hot July day!
• LEAVE ME ALONE — Have you ever had someone break up with you, just to find them calling or trying to get you back?  That’s the premise of this song.  In the chorus, you can feel Spencer confronting his ex while feeling the heartache of having to speak with her again.
• NO OTHER LOVE — A slower, heartfelt, harmonic melody with minimal instruments and great lyrics.
• TELL YOUR FRIEND — A throwback to the Invasion band’s Hamburg/Star Club days, this is an amazing, raw, in-your-face rocker, with the Chuck Berry 4/4 rhythm, clappers and all!  And wait’ll you hear Matt’s guitar solo!
• EMMA — It starts darkly with a quasi-flamenco beat, and when Spencer gets to the mic and starts singing to “Emma” about her leaving, you can actually feel his pain!  Coupled with Si’s drum fill and Matt’s stirring acoustic 12-string, it’s one amazing song!!
• AIN’T THAT JUST FINE — An upbeat song built strongly around the rhythm, it deals with the singer’s happy-go-lucky independence.  Lyrics like, “Don’t walk like a rich man, but I got all that I need” and “I’m not the kind of guy to settle down” flavour a tune that’s great to have in yer car’s CD player as you’re hittin’ the open road!

All told, I’ve gotta give this CD an EAGLE-SIZED, five-star “thumbs up” rating! Now, I’ve been in the biz for over 30 years, and this album, while released independently, is one of the best I’ve heard in years! If I were you, I’d order “Run and Hide” today, and start rockin’ with some serious inner energy tomorrow!!

One more word:  Though this album’s only been out for about a month, it’s already gettin’ some great airplay across terra firma, and CDs/tracks are selling at a fantastic rate … and it’s all due to the band, their managers, and yours truly promoting them; no A&Rs, no high-end record labels or fancy ads!

And if that doesn’t tell ya how good the CD is, nothing will!

Okay … what’s up with the new dude who’s taken over this sacred site?
Well, it’s like this: I’ve been a rock raver, researcher and writer since … since … well, for a lonnnnng time (hmph … ain’t gonna get my age outta me …), and the site was available.
Sooooo, ya put 1 + 1 together, whaddya got?? Uh-huh …
But, now, you’re gonna get more insider info, updates, interviews and vids for yer money (eh? Oh … right … it’s free. Heh-heh …). So, with that in mind, let’s make happen:

Now, while I’m not gonna officially debut this rascal until 12 January, lemme give ya a taste of the new stuff (careful … don’t “chug” it! It has kinduva kick to it …):
Now, one thing ya gotta know is that, while I’m at the mercy of the Mersey Beat, I’m also one devoted Metallicat! And if ya haven’t caught Hetfield and Co.’s new CD, Death Magnetic, you’re missin’ one of the greatest CD’s ever to appear on terra firma in 2008! Not only is it hard-rockin’ metal at its best (and nobody … but nobody … can growl like James! Only one who could’ve matched him was the late Mike Smith), but it’s got some dynamite tracks that’ll have you playin’ that CD again and again ’til it’s warped!
Oh … by the way: DIDJA HEAR where Lars (Ulrich. The drummer! Are you really a rock fan??) has offered to put his sticks to use with Deep Purple MIV? They’ve got everybody in the band but Ian (yep … even Richie Blackmore has agreed), but he’s still doin’ the new version of DP. So, since they’re in need of a new skin-pounder, along comes Lars offerin’ his services for a one-shot deal, if nothing else. Stay tuned for more on this story …

LED ZEP TO TOUR … AND DISC!
Yep … the Band that Made Rock Famous (post-Beatles, pre-Fore) is gettin’ it back together to tour and record once again …
ummm … without Robert Plant!
Seems the legendary frontman for Led Zeppelin thinks he’s too “old” to rock now, so he’ll be sittin’ out the lineup this time! That means Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and (in honour of his dad, original LZ’er, Bonzo) Jason Bonham are lookin’ for a replacement for Plant!
More news? Gotcha: They might not even call themselves “Led Zeppelin” anymore (SACRILEGE!!!!!) and go with a new moniker instead.
Whatever the case, watch this space for more on the LZ race back to the stage (and, undoubtedly, charts) …

And there ya have it: Guess I sorta/kinda debuted it anyway, huh? Well, there’s gonna be more in 24, so stay tuned, okay?
And I’ll see ya on the flip side!