Us Weekly Exclusive: Irwin, Radziwill Split

Courtesy: Us Weekly Magazine

Aerosmith keyboardist Russ Irwin and author/TV personality Carol Radziwill have split.  According to an exclusive with Us Weekly magazine, the pair made a quiet split in late 2012.  Radziwill, who is known for her stint on The Real Housewives of New York City released a statement regarding the pair’s parting “Russ and I have decided to call it quits,” the 49 year-old star told Us Weekly.  She went on to joke about her newly single status, saying, “I haven’t celebrated Valentine’s Day since the fifth grade when the boy I had a crush on gave me a valentine, only to find out later that he gave one to the entire class, including the boys,” she told magazine staff in an interview.

Radziwill isn’t letting single life slow her down.  Having already published the book, What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship and Love, she is currently putting the final touches on her new novel, The Widow’s Guide to Sex and Dating.  The new book is currently slated for release this July.  Meanwhile, Irwin released his latest solo record, Get Me Home early last year.  It featured guest spots from his band mates in Aerosmith.    

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Yardbirds Leave A Lasting Impression With Making Tracks

Courtesy: MVD Visual

When one thinks of the famed band, The Yardbirds, the names that instantly come to mind are:  Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.  While this latest lineup of the iconic band may not boast those names, its new live release, Making Tracks shows that the band is still one of rock’s elite.  Original members Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty are still on board.  For its latest tour, the pair has brought on Ben King, Andy Mitchell, and Dave Smale.  And if the current lineup’s new release shows anything, it shows that this band’s torch is burning as bright as ever as it has been passed to a new generation of musicians.

Making Tracks is one of the absolute must see releases of the year for anyone who has any interest in classic rock or simply great music in general.  The band’s blues rock based sound throughout the double disc presentation encompasses where music has been and where it is still going.  It’s really a sound that transcends generations.  Audiences are offered so many great songs in this new release.  Among some of the band’s finest songs are the likes of the classic ‘Heartfelt Soul’, ‘For Your Love’ and the equally well known, ‘Train Kept Rolling.’  Most audiences might recognize this song for fellow classic rockers Aerosmith’s take on the song.  Who did this song better will be left up to audiences.  But there’s no denying that this incarnation of the Yardbirds smoked this song.  It’s one of those songs that translate quite well even on the small screen.  Even home audiences will find themselves singing along and tapping their feet to this piece.

The main concert alone makes this new release from one of rock’s most respected bands worth the watch.  The set’s second disc adds to the overall enjoyment with its in depth tour documentary.  It documents the work that goes into prepping for each of the tour’s shows and the rigors of life on the road in general.  There are also personal interviews with each of the new members of the band.  Audiences will raise their eyebrows as they learn from original member Chris Dreja that the rumor of him almost becoming the bassist for fellow legendary rockers Led Zeppelin was just that.  It was a rumor and nothing more.  He notes in his interview that he never had interest in any band other than the Yardbirds.  There is also the revelation that Dreja and McCarty never lost touch in all the time since the original Yardbirds band members went their separate ways.  That in itself is such a huge statement.

The band’s documentary adds so much extra enjoyment to this new release.  The band doesn’t leave things with the documentary, though.  What live release would be complete without an encore?  Also included to finish things off are bonus songs from the Jim McCarty band and even a pair of others.  One of the most interesting of the songs from the Jim McCarty band is the Edgar Allen Poe poem turned song, ‘Dream Within a Dream.’  This was first recorded by the Yardbirds’ original lineup.  It’s just one more wonderful part of the whole that is the new Yardbirds live release, Making Tracks.  Making Tracks is available in stores and online now.

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Aerosmith Set To Celebrate New LP With Surprise Performance

Boston’s favorite sons (aside from the Boston Red Sox) are set to tentatively release the new Aerosmith album in two weeks.  Music From Another Dimension is currently set to hit stores and online outlets on Tuesday, November 6^th.  In celebration of the band’s upcoming new release, Aerosmith will perform on the streets of Boston Monday, November 5^th.  The performance will not only be a way to promote the band’s new album, but also a way to get everyone to do their civic duty and vote.  The band is scheduled to appear in a surprise location around noon on November 5^th and play.

Courtesy: MSO PR

The upcoming performance date is also a pre-party for the band’s upcoming month-long tour in support of its new album.  The tour will take Aerosmith to fourteen arenas across the country along with Cheap Trick.  The first pair of singles from the album has already been released together to radio.  Other highlights from Music From Another Dimension include a duet with American Idol star Carrie Underwood and another song with actor Johnny Depp on backing vocals.

Aerosmith fans can get the band’s full tour itinerary and the band’s latest news online at http://www.aerosmith.com, http://www.aeroforceone.com, http://www.facebook.com/aerosmith, http://twitter.com/#!/Aerosmith, and http://www.youtube.com/theofficialaerosmith.

To keep up with all the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it or its companion page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/ 381028148587141.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Aerosmith Hitting The Road Again

Courtesy: MSO PR

Aerosmith is hitting the road once again.  Boston, MA’s favorite sons have announced that the band will embark on the second leg of its ‘Global Warming’ tour beginning November 18^th.  The new leg of the band’s tour will kick off at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Tickets for the second leg of the tour will go on sale next Monday, September 24^th. 

The second leg of the band’s tour kicks off not long after the release of its long awaited new release, “Music From Another Dimension.”  The album will be available in stores and online Tuesday, November 6^th.   The album’s first two singles, ‘What Could Have Been Love’ and ‘Lover A Lot’ are playing at rock radio stations nationwide now.  To get a full listing of the band’s upcoming tour dates, go online to http://www.aerosmith.com, http://www.aeroforceone.com, http://www.facebook.com/aerosmith, https://twitter.com/#!/Aerosmith, and http://www.youtube.com/theofficialaerosmith.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it or its companion page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/381028148587141.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Steven Tyler leaving “AI”

It’s now official.  Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is no long on the judge’s panel for Fox’s hit singing competition, “American Idol.”  Tyler has released a statement explaining his reasoning for stepping down.  The following is what Tyler had to say about his departure from the show:   “After some long……hard……thoughts…I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress ‘American Idol’ before she boils my rabbit,” said Steven Tyler.  “I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I’m back–but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band.  The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass–the ultimate in auditory takeover… On Nov 6, we are unleashing our new album, Music from Another Dimension on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars…’Idol’ was over the top fun, and I loved every minute of it…Now it’s time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD.”

It looks like Tyler is leaving the show on rather good terms, as reps from Fox, Fremantle MEdia, and “AI” itself spoke on this huge announcement.  Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment at Fox Broadcasting Company, was quoted as saying, “It’s been a tremendous honor to have Steven–one of the most prolific artists in the world–on AMERICAN IDOL for the past two seasons.”  He added, “He’s been a terrific judge, a true friend and great mentor to everyone involved with the show, and we know he’ll continue to be a huge inspiration to IDOL hopefuls for years to come. We are very sad that Steven has chosen to focus more on his music, but we always knew when we hired a rock ’n’ roll legend, he would go back to the music.  We all wish him all the best and would love to have him back on the show anytime.”

Fremantle Media CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz sang Tyler’s praises, saying of him, “A true music icon, he not only brought rock ’n’ roll to the show, but also his exceptional taste in spotting and nurturing undiscovered talent. We will sincerely miss his poetic phrases, his remarkable creativity and his unique spirit. We’re sad about his departure from the show, but understand his decision to return to music full-time and hope he’ll be back to grace the AMERICAN IDOL stage in seasons to come.”

“AI” creator Simon Fuller added his throughts on Tyler’s time with the show  “Steven Tyler is a real ‘Idol,’ a rock legend. If you had told me 10 years ago he would be a judge on AMERICAN IDOL, I would have thought it impossible,” he said.  He added, “The fact that this became a reality and we had the pleasure of him gracing our stage for two seasons makes me very proud. I completely understand his desire to get back to his life as the singer in America’s greatest-ever rock band. AMERICAN IDOL will miss him!”

Aerosmith is expecting to release its new album, “Music From Another Dimension” in November.  Fans can get the latest from the band online at http://www.aerosmith.com, http://www.aeroforceone.com, http://www.facebook.com/aerosmith, and http://twitter.com/aerosmith.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it or its companion page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/381028148587141.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

New Aerosmith album coming in November

Legendary Boston based rock band Aerosmith will release its new album, “Music From Another Dimension” in November.  The band is currently making its way across America on the “Global Warming Tour”, getting audiences excited about the new album.  Until the album hits stores, audiences can check out the video for the album’s lead single, ‘Legendary Child’ now at http://www.vevo.com/watch/aerosmith/legendary-child/USSM21200740#/watch/aerosmith/legendary-child/USSM21200740. 

Fans can keep up with the latest from the band online at http://www.aerosmith.com, http://www.aeroforceone.com, http://www.facebook.com/aerosmith, https://twitter.com/#!/Aerosmith, and on its official Youtube channel, http://www.youtube.com/theofficialaerosmith.

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“Satchurated: Live in Montreal” one of 2012′s top 3 live releases

Courtesy: Epic Records/cine musica

Summer is here.  And that means that the annual tours are making their way across the country fast and furious.  The problem is that with all the tours out there, who has the money or the means to even try to make them all?  For that matter, what are fans to do when their favorite band and/or artist doesn’t make a stop in their city?  This is where the importance of live recordings comes in to play.  Anyone out there who is like this reviewer has seen their favorite act(s) shun their city in favor of other markets time and again.  So live recordings become that much more important to being able to experience given acts live.  And one of the best of this year’s live recordings is Joe Satriani’s recently released live blu-ray “Satchurated:  Live in Montreal.”

“Satchurated:  Live in Montreal” is not Joe Satriani’s first live recording.  But it is one of his best yet, if not his best yet.  This live show is as close as fans will come to a career retrospective from Satriani.  The show clocks in at just under two and a half hours long.  And it lifts from nearly every one of the fourteen albums that this guitar legend has released in the twenty plus years that he has been making music.  That includes more than half of the songs from his most recent album, “Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards.”  The whole show kicks off with the hit, ‘Ice 9′ from his album, “Surfing With The Alien.”  All the hits are there, including:  ‘Satch Boogie’, ‘Summer Song’, ‘Crowd Chant’, ‘The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing’ and so many more.

The mega set list on this performance is just one part of the whole that makes “Satchurated:  Live in Montreal” the standout live recording that it is.  The songs are great.  And thanks to Mike Fraser (Aerosmith, AC/DC, Sliipknot, etc.) and everyone behind the scenes of the show, the finished product came out just as impressive as the set list itself.  The audio mix is spot on even for those who might not have a surround sound home theater system.  Though as impressive as the audio mix was, it’s enough to make a person want to buy a home theater system if only for the one show.  It should come as no surprise that the final mix was so impressive.  This show wasn’t the first time that Satriani and Fraser have worked together.  They also teamed up for Satriani’s albums, “Crystal Planet” and “Super Colossal.” 

The finished video presentation was just as impressive as the audio mix.  Even those who don’t have a 3-D TV get stunning clarity with the concert’s blu-ray presentation.  On top of that, the general shooting, helmed by the brothers Lamoureux–Pierre and Francois–will make audiences feel as if they’re right there in Montreal with the rest of the audience.  The brothers took the emotion of every one of Satch’s songs, and somehow adapted that energy to the filming, giving shots at just the right pacing to keep audiences hooked.  Combine the filming with the show’s setlist, and audiences will be pulled right into the show.  they won’t even realize that nearly two and a half hours have passed until the show is over.  That is the sign of a truly impressive live recording.

Joe Satriani has been making music for over two decades.  He has released fourteen albums, and earned numerous honors as a result of those albums.  Now, he can add one more honor to that already long list with the release of “Satchurated:  Live in Montreal.”  That honor is of having one of the top live recordings of 2012.  From the superior audio mix and video presentation to the career spanning set list, Joe Satriani has never looked or sounded better.

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