Memphis International Records’ New Charlie Rich Collection Is A Must Have For Country Music Fans

Courtesy: Memphis International Records

Late next month Memphis International Records will release its new Charlie Rich tribute record Feel Like Going Home: The Songs of Charlie Rich to the world.  The record, while hardly the first ever collection of the classic country singer’s songs, is definitely one of the rare Charlie Rich collections worth hearing.  That is due in part to the songs that were chosen for the record.  That will be discussed shortly.  They are only a part of what makes this record stand out.  The artists who were chosen for the compilation are just as important to note as the songs that were chosen.  That will be discussed later.  The different approaches taken to Rich’s songs rounds out the most important of the record’s elements.  Listeners will find, in hearing this record, that each element is important in its own way to the record’s presentation.  All things considered, the record in whole proves to be a piece that any classic country fan should have in his or her own music library.

Memphis International Records’ new Charlie Rich tribute record is a piece that every classic country fan (and even every country fan in general) should have in his or her own music library.  That is due in no small part to the songs chosen for the record.  Thirteen of Rich’s songs were chosen for the record, some more well-known and some not so well-known. The record’s second offering, ‘Caught in The Middle’ is one of those lesser known pieces.  The song was originally the b-side to the single ‘Who Will The Next Fool Be.’  Speaking of that song, it is also included in this compilation later in its sequencing. The record’s opening song ‘Lonely Weekends’ is one of Rich’s more well-known pieces.  It was originally a single included in Rich’s debut 1960 record Lonely Weekends With Charlie Rich.  Even ‘Midnight Blues’—originally included in Rich’s 1971 album A Time for Tears—is here along with a number of other songs that fans of all ages will enjoy. The songs are enjoyable not because they are such a solid mix of Rich’s songs from his Sun Records days, but also because of the artists tapped to record the songs.

The songs that were chosen to make up the body of Feel Like Going Home: The Songs of Charlie Rich are important to note in the record’s presentation because they represent a very distinct period in Rich’s career.  That period is Rich’s time with Sun Records.  The period specific songs are only one part of what makes this record stand out for country fans.  The artists chosen to perform the songs are just as important to note as the songs themselves.  That is due in part to the fact that the performers tapped for the project do not come only from the world of country music.  Singer/songwriter Susan Marshall, for instance, crosses musical borders, writing and performing pop, folk, and rock music.  Shooter Jennings, the son of the late, great Waylon Jennings crosses those borders, too writing and performing country and rock songs.  Preston Shannon, who takes on Rich’s ‘Easy Money’ is a blues artist, not country.  Simply put, the artists tapped for the project are not just country artists.  They run the gamut just like Rich himself did during his career.  Taking such an approach is a real tribute in itself to Rich and his contributions to the music industry.  On another level, the fact that each artist only takes on one song each, rather than taking on multiple compositions, makes them and the record even more enjoyable to hear.  Speaking of hearing the songs, the arrangements that each artist presented of his or her given song rounds out the most important of the record’s elements.

The songs that were chosen for Memphis International Records’ new Charlie Rich collection and the artists tapped to perform those songs are each important elements in their own way in examining the record’s presentation.  While each element is clearly important to the record’s overall presentation, they are not the record’s only key elements.  The performances put in by each artist are just as important to note as the performers themselves and the songs chosen for the record.  Jim Lauderdale’s take on ‘Lonely Weekends’ largely pays honor to Rich’s original tune, but amps things up a little bit with his guitar-driven take on the song and an electronic organ in place of Rich’s original piano.  By and large, the two renditions are the same, save for those differences, and of course the choir in the background.  Considering this, anyone that is familiar with the original song will enjoy this take on the classic tune just as much as the original.  Much the same can be said of ‘Easy Money.’

Preston Shannon’s take on ‘Easy Money’ has taken the original sax-driven song and stepped it up even more, replacing the original sax line with a guitar.  The drums are also more prominent in Shannon’s take on the song than on the original.  It is just one more way in which the record’s performances prove to be just as important to its presentation as the songs and artists tapped for the record.  The album’s closer and title track is perhaps the greatest example of the importance of the record’s featured performances.

Kevin Connolly almost directly mirrors Rich with his performance of the beautifully painful ‘Feel Like Going Home.’  While the arrangement is slightly different here from the original—Rich used a piano in his original tune while Connolly used a steel guitar (or what sounds like a steel guitar)—the effect is still the same.  It will garner tears from listeners of any age and musical taste.  Connolly expertly captures that gravelly tone in Rich’s voice in his take on the song here, adding even more impact to the song.  The end result is a song that is so powerful in its painful delivery that it makes the perfect closer for the record and yet another example of the importance of the performances presented throughout the record.  Between Connolly’s performance, those of Preston Shannon, Jim Lauderdale, and all of the other artists, the performances shine through brightly from beginning to end.  They combine to prove in the end that the performances, while not precise mirror images of Rich’s originals, are just as good as Rich’s songs if not better.  When the performances are set against the songs and performers chosen for the record, all three elements join to show in whole why this tribute record is not just another obligatory piece meant to prey on consumer spending habits.  They join to make this collection one that country music fans of all ages should have in their personal music libraries.

Memphis International Records’ new Charlie Rich collection Feel Like Going Home: The Songs of Charlie Rich is a record that every county music fan should have in his or her music library.  That is because the songs presented in the record are in themselves a musical history lesson on Rich and his contributions to the music industry.  The performers tapped to record the chosen songs are just as vast as they styles of music that Rich composed during his career.  Their performances of those songs, while not mirror images of Rich’s songs, do the original songs justice just as much as they do Rich’s own legacy.  They could even  be argued to be just as good as Rich’s originals if not better.  Keeping all of this in mind, Feel Like Going Home: The Songs of Charlie Rich proves in the end to be, again, a must have for any country music fan.  It will be available in stores and online on Friday, October 14^th.  It can be ordered online now via Memphis International Records store.  More information on this and other titles from Memphis International Records is available online now at:

 

 

Website: http://www.memphisinternationalrecords.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MemphisInternationalRecords

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MEMIntlrecords

 

 

 

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Into The Fire’s Self-Titled EP Is About To Set The Mainstream Rock Realm Ablaze

Courtesy: Pavement Entertainment

Hard rock act Into The Fire officially released its new self-titled EP to the masses today.  The record is a solid introduction for the super group of sorts.  That is because while the record boasts only three songs, all three songs are instant radio-ready compositions that will fit easily into any rock radio station’s daily rotation with their musical arrangements and lyrical content.  The disc’s opener ‘Spit You Out’ is evidence of that.  The brooding, hard rock sounds and lyrical theme of ‘From The Medicine’ proves this just as much as ‘Spit You Out.’  The alternate take of ‘Spit You Out’ varies very little from the original composition but still presents its own enjoyment.  All things considered this new offering from Into The Fire’s self-titled EP a record that is set to set this hard rock super group on fire.

Hard rock super group Into The Fire’s new self-titled EP boasts only three songs.  Even as few songs as it boasts it still proves in the end to be a record that is set to set Into The Fire on fire.  That is because the songs featured in this record are instant radio-ready compositions.  The record’s lead single ‘Spit You Out’ clearly exhibits this.  The song’s musical arrangement instantly conjures thoughts of both SOiL and The Union Underground.  While elements of SOiL are clearly present in the song’s musical arrangement, The Union Underground’s musical influence exhibits more prevalence here.  Considering the backgrounds of the band’s members, the presence of both bands’ work should come as no surprise, right down to the guitar solos.  Keeping this in mind, that catchy, driving arrangement makes the song an instant hit for the band.  It is just one part of what makes the song a hit.  The song’s lyrical content plays just as much of a part here as the song’s musical arrangement.

The musical arrangement at the base of ‘Spit You Out’ in itself makes this song an instant hit for Into The Fire.  It alone makes this song a composition that any mainstream rock radio programmer should add to his or her station’s daily rotation.  The song’s lyrical content is just as important to note in its presentation as its musical arrangement.  The message presented in the song’s lyrical content leaves very few questions.  Front man Bryan Scott clearly addresses a certain unnamed woman in this song as he sings to her in the song’s chorus, “You take, take/everything you want until I break, break break…you’re a cold-hearted b****/But I can’t spit you out.  In other words, this woman means no good at all, but the song’s subject (whether it’s Scott or not) cant’ bring himself to rid himself of her.  That becomes more evident in the song’s second verse in which Scott sings, “Hey girl, you’re a beautiful liar/Hey girl, you’re the devil’s child/Your affliction/My addiction…”  This man cannot get the woman out of his mind and can’t get himself away from her.  When one considers this, it plays perfectly into the driving energy of the song’s musical arrangement.  When both elements are put together, they make listeners think certain songs from the likes of Buckcherry, Cold, and certain other bands, proving again why this song is a perfect fit for any rock radio station.  It is just one of the songs that makes Into The Fire stand out.  The EP’s other song ‘From The Medicine’ is just as important to note in examining the record as ‘Spit You Out.’

‘Spit You Out’ is a clear example of why Into The Fire is ready to set the mainstream rock realm ablaze.  Its high energy musical arrangement and equally charging lyrical content work in tandem to make this song an instant hit for any rock radio station across America.  It is not the only key song to examine in the band’s new self-titled EP, though.  ‘From The Medicine’ is just as important to note here as ‘Spit You Out.’  That is because it is a distinct change of pace for the band.  Whereas ‘Spit You Out’ boasts a nonstop, hard rock musical arrangement, this song’s musical arrangement is more brooding, for lack of better wording.  It starts off slowly with Scott and fellow guitarist Adam Zadel’s almost Alice in Chains style dual guitar attack.  From those opening bars, the song then switches to a slightly slower, but no less powerful, melodic hard rock arrangement.  Even the vocal approach taken in the song boasts a style similar to that of Alice in Chains in its heyday.  Considering all of this , it is clear why this song’s musical arrangement is an important part of its whole.  Its lyrical content is just as important to note as its musical arrangement.  That must be addressed here, too.

The musical arrangement presented in ‘From The Medicine’ is its own important piece of the song’s presentation.  That is because it stands out so clearly against that of ‘Spit You Out’ and in it similarity to that of Alice in Chains in its heyday.  As important as it is to note, it is only one part of the song’s presentation.  The song’s lyrical content is just as important to note in examining its presentation as its musical arrangement.  In regards to the song’s lyrical content Scott and company are less clear about the song’s subject.  Scott sings in the song’s chorus, “We’re suffocating from the medicine/All this consequence we’re buried in.”  When one takes into consideration the content of the song’s verses, one can’t help but wonder if Scott is not speaking about anything physical, but more in a metaphorical sense.  That can be assumed as he sings in the song’s second verse, “Hey let me pull you under (to the godless, take a little)/Hey let it go it’s over (so contagious, it’s over)/Blame it on the pills we’ve swallowed/Suck it down/Liars and their gods we follow/Wait it out, they’ll disappear.”  One could argue here that maybe the medicine in question is not physical, but the things that are supposed to make people better.  Considering that, one could argue that Scott is saying the things that are supposed to make us better are in fact doing us more harm than good.  The song’s lead verse would seem to hint at that, too as Scott sings, “Hey let me introduce you/Hey let me complicate you/Feeble from your own submission/Complacent till the end/Suffer from your good intention again and again and again.”  This is merely this critic’s own interpretation of the song’s lyrical content and should not be taken as the only interpretation.  It is just what makes sense to this critic.  Considering this interpretation, the emotion in the song’s musical arrangement has even more of an impact on the song’s overall presentation.  In the end, the combination of such introspective lyrical content works with the song’s equally well thought-out musical arrangement to make it another radio ready addition to Into The Fire’s new self-titled EP.  It is not the last example of what makes this EP stand out, either.  The EP also includes an “alternate version” of ‘Spit You out’ as a bonus of sorts.  It should be discussed just as much as the song’s original take and ‘From The Medicine.’

‘Spit You Out’ and ‘From The Medicine’ are both key additions to Into The Fire’s new self-titled EP.  That is due to the songs’ musical arrangements and the arrangements’ companion lyrical content.  The combination of those two elements within both songs makes each song an instantly radio-ready composition.  While each song is important to this record in its own right, they are not the only songs that are included in the record.  The band included a bonus “alternate take” of ‘Spit You Out’ with the original song and ‘From The Medicine’ to round out the record’s presentation.  There is, in reality, not a whole lot of difference between the original and alternate take of ‘Spit You Out’ to be noted when playing the two takes side by side.  The alternate take is about three seconds shorter than the original take. And, unless this critic is incorrect, the only discernable difference between the pair is a little guitar riff in the song’s final minute or so.  It would appear in a close listen that said riff is there near the song’s end in one take, but not in the other.  With or without that riff, it the song is still enjoyable regardless.  The very fact that the difference between the original and alternate take of the song is nearly indecipherable shows that with more clarity than the difference in the two takes.  Keeping this in mind, the “alternate take” of ‘Spit You Out’ is just as important to Into The Fire’s new self-titled EP as the song’s original take and as ‘From The Medicine.’  All things considered, Into The Fire proves in the end to be a record that is ready to set the mainstream rock realm ablaze.

Into The Fire’s new self-titled EP is a short record, boasting only three songs.  But even with its three songs, it shows it is ready to set the mainstream rock realm ablaze.  That is thanks in large part to the musical arrangements and lyrical content presented in the EP’s main songs, ‘Spit You Out’ and ‘From The Medicine.’  The pairing of those elements makes each song an instantly radio-ready composition.  The “bonus alternate take’ of ‘Spit You Out’ adds a little bit more interest to this record even though the difference between the “alternate take” and the original song is so minute that it is nearly indecipherable.  It still will leave listeners paying close attention to both takes, and in turn gaining even more of an appreciation for this new effort from the hard rock super group.  All things considered, the songs that are presented in this record prove it (and the band) ready to set the mainstream rock realm ablaze.  Into The Fire is available today in stores and online.  More information on Into The Fire is available online now along with all of Into The Fire’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://intothefire1.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/intothefiremusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/intothefire9

 

 

 

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Variety Makes ‘Wonderful You’ A Wonderful Family Record

Courtesy: MonkeyJump Music

Children’s entertainers Vanessa Trien and The Jumping Monkeys are preparing to release their new album in only two weeks.  The album, Wonderful You is a fun new effort from the veteran children’s musical act.  The reason for the album’s success can be summed up in just one word: variety.  Between the variety of musical sounds at the center of its 12 songs, the variety of the songs’ lyrical topics, and the variety in the songs’ sequencing, this record offers more than its share of variety, and in turn enjoyment, for the whole family.

Wonderful You is a properly titled new offering from Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys.  Set for release on Friday, October 14^th in stores and online, the variety offered throughout the record’s presentation will keep listeners of all ages entertained and engaged from beginning to end.  One way in which the record presents its variety is through the musical sounds presented at the base of each song.  That variety begins with the album’s opener ‘One Foot In Front of The Other.’  This song’s musical arrangement is so interesting because of its ABCA format.  It starts out with a dual folk/pop approach in its instrumental and vocal arrangement.  The C section comes as the song turns to more of a Kansas City Dixieland vibe before switching back to the folk/pop approach of the A section.  The variety of sounds and arrangements within this song is just one example of why the album’s musical variety is so important to note in its presentation.  The album’s title song is another example of what makes the musical variety so important to note to its presentation.

The musical variety presented throughout Wonderful You is a clearly important part of its presentation.  That is shown right off the top in the album’s opener ‘One Foot in Front of the Other.’  It is just one example of why the songs’ musical variety is so important to note.  The album’s title track, which comes early in the album’s run, is just as important to note as its opener.  That is because it takes a completely different path in its arrangement than the album’s opener.  Whereas the album’s opener mixed folk, pop and Dixieland within its three-minute, six-second run time, the album’s title track is a more laid back, jazzy tune.  Its arrangement transports audiences into a dimly lit jazz club with its gentle guitar line, bongos, piano and Trien’s own vocal delivery.  Even the steady drive of the drums plays its own part in that musical journey.  The whole of the song’s arrangement stands completely apart from the album’s opener and the rest of the album’s offerings, too.  The result of that identity is another example of why this album’s musical variety is so important to note to its overall presentation.  It is yet another example of why the album’s musical variety is so important to the album’s presentation, either.  Trien and company also incorporated some reggae into the album as the basis for ‘Round & Round,’ yet another example of what makes the record’s musical variety so important to note in its presentation.

‘One Foot in Front of the Other’ and ‘Wonderful You’ are both key examples of what makes the musical variety of Wonderful You such an important piece of the record’s presentation.  They are not the only songs that serve to exemplify this, though.  ‘Round & Round’ is one more example of why that variety is so important to the record’s presentation.  In terms of its arrangement it incorporates the instrumentation and classic reggae style very well.  The easygoing guitar line, tambourine, and bongos instantly conjure thoughts of Jamaica and the Caribbean Sea, taking listeners familiar with their music history back to the days of Bob Marley and The Whalers.  It’s nice to hear that full acoustic approach to the genre rather than what has, in so many cases within the genre, been watered down with so much electronics.  So not only does this arrangement stand out from those of the previously examined song but it also stands out from so much other reggae out there today.  To that end, it shows even more why the musical variety presented throughout this record is so important to its presentation.  It is still not the last song that could cited in making that argument. ‘Chi Chi Bom Bom’ with its full-on bluegrass arrangement, ‘Willie and The Hand Jive’ with its similarity to Bow Wow Wow’s ‘I Want Candy’ (musically speaking of course) and the group’s ukulele-driven cover of The Beatles’ ‘All Together Now’ each show just as much the importance of the variety of the songs’ musical arrangement to its overall presentation.  All things considered, it should be clear at this point why the musical variety presented throughout Wonderful You is so important to its overall presentation.  It is not the only important element to note, though.  There is just as much variety in the songs’ lyrical topics as there is to their arrangements.  That is just as important to note as the variety in the songs’ musical arrangements.

The musical variety that is presented throughout the songs of Wonderful You is in its own right a very important part of this record’s presentation.  That is because with its many different musical arrangements it is certain to reach listeners of all tastes and ages.  While it is clearly an important part of the album’s whole, it is not the record’s only important element.  The variety in the songs’ lyrical topics is just as important to note as that of their musical arrangements, too.  The album’s title track tells young listeners that they can be anything that they want to be no matter what.  It does this in a way that makes the message accessible to those younger listeners, too.  On another note, the album’s opener encourages listeners to keep moving forward no matter what happens from one day to the next.  On a lighter note, ‘Magic Wand’ encourages Trien and company’s young audiences to use their imaginations.  ‘Feeling Thankful’ takes its own turn with its message of…well…being thankful and appreciative for everyone and everything.  Yet again here is another example of the variety present in the lyrical topics presented in the record’s songs.  Any of the album’s other compositions could be cited just as easily as those noted here.  That being the case, the lyrical topics presented throughout the record’s songs proves in the end to be just as important to note in the album’s presentation as the variety in the songs’ musical arrangements.  It still is not the last important element to note in examining the record.  The variety in the album’s overall sequencing is just as important to note that of the songs’ lyrical topics and musical arrangements.

The variety in the musical arrangements and lyrical topics of Wonderful You’s songs is clearly important in both cases.  That is because that variety will reach listeners of all tastes and ages, ensuring doubly the maintained engagement and entertainment of all involved.  While that variety is undeniably important the variety in the bigger picture of the album’s sequencing is just as important to note as the variety in the songs’ musical arrangements and lyrical topics.  From beginning to end, the variety in the album’s sequencing is in fact just as deliberate as that of the songs’ musical arrangements and lyrical topics.  The album’s first two songs are steady, upbeat compositions.  When the album transitions to its title track, the song’s more laid back vibe makes an enjoyable change of pace for listeners.  The album’s energy gradually increases again over the course of its next trio of songs before pulling back again in ‘Round and Round.’  This time, Trien and company waste no time picking back up.  ‘Chi Chi Bom Bom’ and ‘Willie and the Hand Jive’ are both rather upbeat tunes, and a direct juxtaposition to the laid back vibe of ‘Round and Round.’  One more back and forth ride in the album’s final three songs rounds out the rollercoaster of its musical energy.  The end result is a ride that will keep listeners just as engaged for that variety of tempos as for the variety in its musical arrangements and lyrical topics.  All things considered Wonderful You proves in the end to be a record that is…well…wonderful.

Vanessa Trien & The Jumping Monkeys’ new album Wonderful You is a properly titled offering.  That is because it is…well…a wonderful record.  That is due to the variety presented through the record from beginning to end.  Its musical arrangements present just as much variety as its lyrical topics.  Even its sequencing presents its own variety, too.  All things considered, that variety makes Wonderful You a wonderful new effort from Vanessa Trien & The Jumping Monkeys.  Wonderful You will be available in stores and online via MonkeyJump Music on Friday, October 14^th.  More information on Wonderful You is available online now along with all of the group’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.vanessatrien.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VanessaTrienandtheJumpingMonkeys

Twitter: http://twitter.com/vtrien

 

 

 

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‘Live In Munich’ Shows Scorpions Still Has A Strong “Sting”

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

It might be hard to believe to most audiences out there, but in 2015, the veteran rock band Scorpions marked its 50^th—yes, 50^th—anniversary.  The German rock outfit originally got its start in 1965.  Throughout all of the changes that the music community has undergone since then, Scorpions has been there.  Now more than half a decade after the band originally formed, it has released a special new live recording, showing why it has remained so popular the world over.  The recording Live in Munich 2012 is the band’s tour closer from its 2012 “Sting in The Tail Tour.”  There is plenty for the band’s fans to appreciate about this new recording beginning with the concert’s set list.  That will be discussed shortly.  The band’s stage presence throughout the concert is just as important to note as the show’s set list.  Last but hardly least of note in this recording is its cinematography.  Each of the elements noted here are equally important to note in this recording’s presentation but are hardly the only elements worth noting.  One could also note the recording’s production values just as much as anything else and even its packaging.  All things considered, Live in Munich 2012 proves in the end to be another welcome addition to any Scorpions fan’s collection.

Scorpions’ new live recording Live in Munich is an outstanding and welcome addition to the personal collection of any of the band’s fans.  The elements that prove this argument true are many; so many that there is not enough time or room to list them all.  But for the sake of this examination three of its elements will be examined to prove said statement.  The first of the elements in question is the recording’s set list.  The concert’s set list runs 21 songs deep and more than an hour and a half in time.  The songs that are featured in this recording are pulled from as recently as the band’s 2010 album Sting in the Tail ( three songs are pulled from that album) and as far back as the band’s 1979 album Lovedrive.  The album is one of the most heavily represented in this recording, with four of its eight total songs being featured here.  Animal Magnetism, which followed Lovedrive in 1980, is represented here, too along with Blackout (1982), Love at First Sting (1984) and Crazy World (1990).  That’s hardly the end either in examining the show’s set list.  Given, not every one of the band’s albums could be covered within the one night, homecoming show for the band.  But it is still an extensive set list in its own right.  The set list is just one part of what makes this recording stand out for the band’s fans.  The band’s stage presence throughout the performance is just as important to note as the show’s set list.

The set list that makes up the body of Live in Munich 2012 is in its own right a hugely important piece of the recording’s presentation.  That is because it reaches back through so many of the band’s albums even back to albums that many U.S. audiences might not have even known about, considering the band didn’t really gain major fame in the U.S. until the 1980s.  That in itself gives American audiences plenty of reason to experience this concert.  It is definitely not the only reason for audiences to experience it, though.  The band’s stage presence (its performance) throughout the course of that rich set list is just as important to note as the set list itself.  Audiences will take special note in the band’s performance that it keeps its audience completely engaged from beginning to end, wasting little to no time with any antics or rambling between songs.  Rather the band lets the music do the talking for its members.  Between the old school multi-member guitar solo showcases in some of the songs, front man Klaus Meine’s equally old school swagger (that was so commonplace among 80s bands), to the minimalist use of pyro, the band speaks loud and clear through its performance right up to the show’s final moments.  It is like the band has never aged for lack of better wording.  The band is just as full of life and energy in this performance as it was in its early days.  That is a very good thing for fans of the veteran rock outfit.  It translates so well on screen, too.  That is even better for fans because it means that energy will impact fans as they watch on screen as it did the fans who were in attendance at the concert’s original filming.  Even as important as all of this is to the recording’s overall presentation it still is not the last remaining element to examine. The concert’s cinematography is just as important to note in examining this recording as the band’s performance and the featured set list.

The set list at the center of Live in Munich 2012 and the band’s performance thereof are both key elements to examine in this recording’s presentation.  While there is no denying their importance they are not its only important elements.  The concert’s cinematography is just as important to examine as those elements and is still in itself not the last element to note, either.  The cinematography that is presented in the concert’s presentation is so important to note because it really is what makes the band’s performance translate so well on screen.  The concert’s camera crew captures all of the right angles at all of the right moments, serving in the end to heighten the energy of the more upbeat songs and illustrate the emotion of the slower pieces.  Some might argue that the quicker shots in the more upbeat songs are dizzying and perhaps too short.  But when one looks at the cinematography in the bigger picture, one will see that there was a method to the camera crew’s madness so to speak.  Being that the camera crew was so methodical in its approach, it heightens the concert’s overall viewing experience even more for fans watching it at home.  When that is taken into consideration, it works with the band’s performance of the show’s set list and the show’s set list itself to show clearly once more why Live in Munich 2012 is such a welcome addition to any Scorpions fan’s personal collection.

Live in Munich 2012 is a much-welcome addition to the personal collection of any Scorpions fan.  Available now in stores and online, that is due in no small part to the recording’s set list, which reaches into a number of the band’s decades-long catalogue.  The band’s performance of those songs plays just as important of a part in that success as the set list itself.  That is because the band doesn’t waste time with unnecessary dialogue or anything else at any point in the show.  Rather, the band lets the music do the talking for its members.  The concert’s cinematography plays its own part in the concert’s presentation, too.  That is because it serves to translate the energy of the band’s performance to audiences at home through both the more upbeat numbers and the slower, more emotional songs.  While al three of these elements are clearly important both alone and collectively, they are hardly the only important elements to examine. One could examine the concert’s production values and its packaging just as much as the previously noted elements.  All things considered, Live in Munich 2012 proves in the end to be a recording that, again, every Scorpions fan will want to have in his or her personal collection.  It is available today in stores and online.  More information on Live in Munich is available online now along with Scorpions’ latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.the-scorpions.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Scorpions

Twitter: http://twitter.com/scorpions

 

 

More information on Live in Munich 2012 and other titles from Eagle Rock Entertainment is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.eagle-rock.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

Twitter: http://twitter.com/EagleRockNews

 

 

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PBS Presents Tesla Bio In New Episode of ‘AE’ This Fall

Courtesy: Public Media Distribution

PBS Distribution has announced it will release another new episode of its hit bio series American Experience this fall.

American Experience: Tesla will be released Tuesday, November 22^nd.  The new episode of the hit series examines the life of genius Nikola Tesla.  Tesla is revered today as one of the great minds of the 20^th Century.  What few people know, though is that Tesla died penniless and unknown.  This new episode of American Experience discusses that and much more throughout its hour-long run time.

Tesla originally rose to fame for creating what would eventually become the basis for the world’s major power grids.  But what few people know of Tesla is that he didn’t stop there.  As this episode of American Experience reveals, he had much more that he wanted to address including the wireless transmission of messages and pictures, and utilizing renewable energy sources among so much more.

For all of his ideas, that were obviously ages ahead of his time, Tesla never received the fame nor fortune that he so rightly deserved.  That is all discussed in this new episode of American Experience, from his fallout with Edison to losing out on countless millions due to a deal gone bad.

American Experience: Tesla will be available on Tuesday, November 22.  It will retail for MSRP of $24.99.  Audiences can view a trailer for this episode of American Experience online now here.  It can be pre-ordered online now via PBS’ online store at a reduced price of $19.99.

More information on this and other episodes of American Experience is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmericanExperiencePBS

 

 

 

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Brian Setzer To Release New Live Recording This Fall

Courtesy: Surfdog Records

Brian Setzer has a new live recording on the way this fall.

Rockabilly Riot: Osaka Rocka! will be released on Friday, November 4^th in stores on Blu-ray/CD combo pack via Surfdog Records.  It will be available in stores and online.

Originally recorded on February 18^th, 2016 at Namba Hatch in Osaka, Japan, the concert’s set list features a number of songs taken from Setzer’s 2014 album Rockabilly Riot! All Original as well as some hits from Stray Cats and the Brian Setzer Orchestra.  The complete track listing for the recording’s Blu-ray and CD presentation is noted below.

 

ROCKABILLY RIOT: OSAKA ROCKA! – LIVE IN JAPAN

Blu-ray Track List
1. IGNITION
2. RUMBLE IN BRIGHTON
3.VINYL RECORDS
4. STRAY CAT STRUT
5. NOTHING IS A SURE THING
6. STILETTO COOL
7. CRY BABY
8. ’49 MERCURY BLUES
9. WHAT’S HER NAME
10. DRIVE LIKE LIGHTNING (CRASH LIKE THUNDER)
11. SLOW DOWN / FOLSOM PRISON BLUES
12. GENE & EDDIE
13. BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY
14. RUNAWAY BOYS
15. 8-TRACK
16. FISHNET STOCKINGS
17. LET’S SHAKE
18. SLEEPWALK
19. ROCK THIS TOWN
20. SEVEN NIGHTS TO ROCK

CD Track List:
1. IGNITION
2. VINYL RECORDS
3. STRAY CAT STRUT
4. NOTHING IS A SURE THING
5. STILETTO COOL
6. CRY BABY
7. WHAT’S HER NAME
8. SLOW DOWN / FOLSOM PRISON BLUES
9. GENE & EDDIE
10. BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY
11. RUNAWAY BOYS
12. FISHNET STOCKINGS
13. LET’S SHAKE
14. SLEEPWALK
15. ROCK THIS TOWN
16. SEVEN NIGHTS TO ROCK

 

Audiences can see a teaser trailer for Setzer’s new live recording online now here.  Pre-orders for the recording will be available beginning Sept. 30.  Information on pre-orders is available online at http://www.BrianSetzer.com.

Rockabilly Riot!: Osaka Rocka is just the last way that fans get to experience Brian Setzer live.  The Brian Setzer Orchestra will hit the road beginning Nov. 12 for its 13^th annual “Christmas Rocks Tour.”  Tickets for the tour are available online now at http://www.BrianSetzer.com.

More information on Brian Setzer and The Brian Setzer Orchestra is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.briansetzer.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/briansetzerofficial

 

 

 

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Eagle Rock Entertainment To Release The Rolling Stones’ Iconic Cuba Concert This Fall

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Early this spring, The Rolling Stones made headlines the world over when it did something that no band has ever done.  The band became the first rock act to ever perform a free, live show in the city of Havana.  Now this fall audiences will be able to experience that landmark concert for themselves when Eagle Rock Entertainment releases Havana Moon: The Rolling Stones Live in Cuba.

The new Rolling Stones live recording, captured by award-winning film director Paul Dugdale, will be released in stores and online on Friday, November 11^th.

One million people turned out for the concert, which was held the very same week that President Obama became the first United States President to visit Cuba in 88 years.  His visit was touted by countless news agencies around the world as the “warm up act” for The Rolling Stones.

When the band took the stage, front man Mick Jagger addressed the crowd quoting fellow Bob Dylan as he said, “Finally the times are changing. Cuba, we are so happy to be here.  The concert’s extensive set list featured many of the band’s biggest hits including: ‘Brown Sugar,’ ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash,’ ‘It’s Only Rock N’ Roll,’ ‘Paint It Black,’ ‘Honky Tonk Women,’ ‘Start Me Up,’ and ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want,’ and ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction),’ among many other songs.  The complete track listing for the concert is noted below.

 

TRACK LISTING

1) Jumpin’ Jack Flash

2) It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)

3) Out of Control

4) Angie

5) Paint It Black

6) Honky Tonk Women

7) You Got the Silver

8) Midnight Rambler

9) Gimme Shelter

10) Sympathy For The Devil

11) Brown Sugar

12) You Can’t Always Get What You Want

13) (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

 

The band’s performance was hailed by the audience with at least one fan saying, “Wow, never ever did I think we would see this happen.  Tonight has been a dream come true for me.”

That statement was echoed by another fan who said, “Simply fantastic – this is a moment I have been dreaming about for a really long time.  I have just witnessed the most important concert in Cuba because this is The Rolling Stones.”

Audiences can check out a trailer for the upcoming recording online now here.

Havana Moon: The Rolling Stones Live in Cuba will be available in stores and online on Friday, November 11^th.  It will be available on DVD + 2CD Combo Pack, Blu-ray + 2 CD Combo Pack, DVD + 3LP Vinyl Combo Pack, and a special limited edition Deluxe Edition.

More information on Havana Moon: The Rolling Stones Live in Cuba is available online now along with all of the latest news from The Rolling Stones at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.rollingstones.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/therollingstones

Twitter: http://twitter.com/RollingStones

 

 

 

More information on this and other titles from Eagle Rock Entertainment is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.eagle-rock.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

Twitter: http://twitter.com/EagleRockNews

 

 

 

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ESPN To Feature Its Own Battle Of Red Vs. Blue Friday In Postseason Impact Game

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has added another matchup to its 2016 MLB postseason coverage schedule.

The Blue Jays and Red Sox will face off live this Friday on ESPN. The game, the first in the teams’ three-game weekend series, will be the network’s key MLB Postseason Impact Game telecast presented by Exxon and Mobil.  Broadcast of the game is expected to begin at 7:10pm ET.

Neither team has announced its rotation for the game or who will take the mound.  The weekend series will have extra meaning for Red Sox fans and for star David Ortiz.  That is because this weekend’s series is the last regular season series at Fenway Park for Ortiz.

Ortiz announced ahead of the 2016 season that this season would be his last before he hangs up his cleats and bat for good.  Ortiz will go out on a high note, though as the Red Sox have already clinched a spot in the postseason. So his final season will be extended at least a little bit longer.

Dan Shulman will have the call for Friday’s game.  He will be joined in the booth by analysts Aaron Boone and Jessica Mendoza for additional commentary.  The game will be blacked out in the Boston market.

Friday’s game is just the latest in ESPN’s 2016 MLB season broadcast schedule.  The Indians and Tigers will be live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes+ in a Wednesday double header schedule. The Rockies and Giants cap the night beginning at 10pm ET.  The Indians and Tigers will be live again on ESPN and ESPN Deportes+ at 1pm ET on Thursday.

More information on the ESPN networks’ 2016 MLB regular and postseason coverage is available online now at:

 

Website: http://espn.go.com/mlb

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPNBaseballTonight

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

 

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MLB On TBS Team Mourns Fernandez’s Death

Courtesy: Turner Sports

Sunday was another sad day in the sports world.  Jose Fernandez, who had played with the Miami Marlins from 2012 – 2016 passed away Sunday morning after a boating accident.

As news of the young star’s death made its way through the league, some members of TBS’ MLB broadcast team shared their thoughts on Fernandez and his passing with heavy hearts.  They include Pedro Martinez, Gary Scheffield, and Rollins.  The trio’s comments are noted in whole below.

Pedro Martinez: “It’s not only sad for baseball, but [also] the culture, the family, and the hope that the entirely family has.  That’s a kid that went through a lot of struggles [to make it].  Destiny tells you where you are going to end up.  It’s hard for me to believe that this day is going on.  A kid so energetic, so happy all the time… all the things we can say about him.  More than anything, I understand how the family must feel losing this young baby.  Maybe one of the best arms that was ever going to play in the game.  The hopes that they had, so many people that looked up to him to open that door to finally make it to a better life, it’s really difficult for us to swallow.  I thank God that I was able to bring that back home… For this family, it’s devastating and it’s devastating for all of us.  I feel extremely sad.  I saw a better talent than I was lose his life this tragic morning.  It’s really sad and I don’t have words to express how bad I feel for baseball, for him and his family.

https://twitter.com/TurnerSportsPR/status/780083378024423425

 

Gary Sheffield: “Wow, that’s all I can say at this point is, wow.  Condolences go out to the family, big time, because when stuff like this happens, especially in the baseball family – baseball is really a family – when you lose a guy in your family, it hits home and it hits you right here [in the heart].  To know this young man in Tampa, Florida, he wanted to meet me.  I didn’t think it was a big deal until I met him.  I came to meet him, he was working out with all the Cuban players, and when I met this kid, there was a spirit about him that lights up the room.  He gives and he breathes energy into you.  When I talked to him about his preparation for the season – I’m watching this kid go out and throw 98 MPH in November getting ready for the season – I pulled him to the side and said you’ve got to tone it down a little bit.  And he said, ‘Mr. Sheffield, I only have 100.  I have 100% in me and I have to go as hard as I can, that’s just my energy level.’… When you got to meet this guy, the life that he instilled in everyone around him, he’s just full of energy.  It’s a sad loss.  Not only for the Marlins but all of Major League Baseball and his family.”

https://twitter.com/TurnerSportsPR/status/780083926026948608

 

Jimmy Rollins: “When I first met the kid, I had seen him on TV and seen his stuff and his dynamic arm, but it was his smile.  You knew his struggle, you knew where he came from and what he went through to get here and he never lost who he was and that joy for the game and joy for life.  I wanted to meet him because he was the next big thing… As a competitor he was in your face and smiling and joking with you and letting you know he was a presence.  From the field, you knew he was the same way off the field – he accepted everyone and wanted to bring joy and happiness to everyone’s life.  Not just the attention on him, but it was his journey and he wanted you to be part of it and share it with those that he loved… For a life to end so young, you feel it and you realize how precious life is… Baseball is a family, you don’t want to lose anyone, especially in a tragic way.”

https://twitter.com/TurnerSportsPR/status/780084337811202048

 

Jose Fernandez originally came to the United States when he was 15, defecting from Cuba at the time.  He then eventually went on to become one of MLB’s major pitching stars.  Two others were killed in the accident along with Fernandez.

 

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MVD Visual’s New ‘Raiders’ Fan Flick Doc Is A Treasure For Cinephiles, ‘Raiders’ Fans Alike

Courtesy: MVD Visual/MVD Entertainment Group

Imitation, it is often said, is the sincerest form of flattery.  That is why in the entertainment world, thousands of people every year dress up as their favorite TV and movie characters and why just as many people set out every year to make their own fan-made versions of their favorite TV shows and movies.  Late last month MVD Visual, a division of MVD Entertainment Group, released a new documentary on one of those countless fan made films in the form of Raiders!: The Story of The Greatest Fan Film Ever Made.  This documentary is a gripping story of one group of people’s dreams and their drive to make their dreams come true.  That story is the central element of this recently released documentary and goes a long way toward making it worth the watch.  While the program’s central story gives viewers plenty of reason to watch this doc, its editing sadly detracts from the program’s presentation to a point.  That cannot be ignored.  Of course it doesn’t make the program completely unwatchable.  The movie’s bonus material makes up for that one negative and makes for even more reason to watch this doc.  All things considered, MVD Visual’s new documentary Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made proves in the end to be a presentation that any true cinephile should see at least once.

MVD Visual’s new documentary Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made is a presentation that every cinephile should see at least once.  That is the case even if audiences disagree about which is the greatest fan film ever made.  That is due in no small part to the story at the center of the documentary.  The story focuses on three men who set out as boys to recreate Steven Speilberg’s cinema masterpiece Raiders of the Lost Ark.  It follows the story of the then boys’ seven-year journey to create their own adaptation of that now legendary action flick and what happened to their relationships as the years passed.  From fighting over a woman as boys, to one of the men almost losing his job as a result of the attempt to recreate just one scene that the trio never accomplished, the story follows the trio’s journey warts and all.  It doesn’t pull any punches.  The end result is a story that interestingly enough screenwriters look for when they look for major blockbusters.  It is one of those underdog stories that results in dreams achieved in the end.  Considering this, the story at the center of Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made gives audiences plenty of reason to see this new doc from MVD Visual.  As much as its story does to interest audiences, the program’s presentation is sadly not perfect.  The program’s editing does detract from its presentation to a point.  There is no denying this.

The story at the center of Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made is the stuff that producers and screenwriters from Hollywood’s “Big Six” dream of.  It is an underdog story that results in dreams realized in the end even being a documentary.  That in itself gives audiences plenty of reason to check out this presentation.  Of course as much as the story does to make the program worth the watch, its editing detracts from the presentation to a point.  There are a lot of jump cuts in some of the interview segments.  The jump cuts that are used are used so much at points that it becomes almost uncomfortable to watch.  Other interview segments are cut short due to fade in and fade out segments.  The problem here is that interviewees are talking as these effects are used. So, audiences don’t necessarily get the full story from the interviewees.  The result of these editing issues is a presentation that could likely have a negative impact on viewer engagement.  Luckily though, it happens at various points rather than continuously.  So even if does cause some viewer engagement problems, that risk won’t be too great.  Keeping that in mind, the editing issues, while undeniable, are not enough of a problem that they will keep viewers from watching the documentary in whole.  Even with the editing problems in mind, the documentary is still worth at least one watch thanks to its story.  The story is complimented quite well by the bonus material included with its presentation.  That is especially the case with the story’s bonus deleted scenes.

The story at the center of Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made is an enjoyable story that any cinephile should see at least once.  That is because its story is the kind of thing that audiences see in the biggest dramatic blockbusters from Hollywood’s “Big Six” studios.  It is an underdog story that will move any viewer as the dreams of three men come true.  It shows that anyone can accomplish anything if they put their mind to it and really want it.  This comes through loud and clear even despite the issues raised in the program’s editing.  The jump cuts and dissolves do detract from the overall experience, but luckily not so much that they make the documentary unwatchable.  Keeping all of this in mind, this documentary is still well worth the watch whether one is a fan of Raiders of the Lost Ark or one is just a cinephile.  Even with everything noted, there is still at least one more element to note in the program’s presentation. That element is the program’s bonus material.  More specifically, the program’s bonus deleted scenes are of note.  The bonus deleted scenes barely top the half hour mark, pushing the documentary’s overall length to just over two hours.  They are, collectively, a prime example of the importance of deleted scenes to any presentation’s home release.  In the case of this program’s deleted scenes, audiences find out that not one but two young women played the part of Marion in Eric and Chris’ adaptation of Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Audiences also learn how the men – then boys – edited their movie and even get to see the letter that Steven Spielberg sent the men, inviting them to meet him along with much more.  The material that is presented in the deleted scenes adds so much more depth to the primary feature in this documentary.  It is clear in watching them that they were removed most likely for time.  Even with that in mind it is good to see that these scenes were included in the final product.  That is because of the value that they add to the doc’s story.  When that is considered along with the central feature and even the editing issues, the final product is one that, again, any cinephile should see at least once.

MVD Visual’s new documentary Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made is a documentary that any cinephile should see at least once.  That is due in part to the underdog story at the center of the program.  It is a story that proves dreams can and do come true.  It is just up to a person’s own drive to make those dreams become reality, as is shown here.  The editing issues that are evident throughout the program’s 93-minute run time cannot be ignored.  They are problematic to say the least.  But they are not, collectively, so problematic that they make the doc unwatchable.  The deleted scenes that are included as bonus material do plenty to make up for those editing issues and in turn do just as much as the story itself to make this doc worth the watch.  The commentary plays its own part in making the program worth the watch, too as does the fact that the story is presented both on separate DVD and Blu-ray.  All things considered, Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made proves in the end to be one more movie-centered documentary that any cinephile should see at least once.  It is available via MVD Entertainment Group’s online store at http://mvdb2b.com/s/RaidersBluRayDVD/MVD8448BR.  More information on this and other titles from MVD Visual is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://mvdvisual.com, http://www.mvdentertainment.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MVDEntertainmentGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/mvdentgroup

 

 

 

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