Cavs, Bulls Lead Off ESPN’s Special Friday Double Header NBA Schedule

Courtesy: ESPN

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls will face off Friday and ESPN will have full coverage of the game including exclusive broadcasts of NBA Countdown, The Jump and SportsCenter.  It all leads up to the 1-2 showdown in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division.

The Jump will air at a special time of 3 p.m. EST on ESPN2 live inside the United Center.  Rachel Nichols will anchor the broadcast.  She will be joined by analayst Tracy McGrady and Brian Windhorst for additional commentary on the one-hour edition of the program.

NBA Countdown begins at 7 p.m. EST and will also broadcast live from the United Center.  Michelle Beadle will anchor the hour-long broadcast as it leads up to the 8 p.m. tip-off for the Cavaliers – Bulls matchup at 8p.m. EST.  Beadle will be joined by analysts Jalen Rose, Chauncey Billups and Tracy McGrady for additional commentary.

Mike Breen will have the call for Friday night’s game between the Eastern Division-leading Cavaliers and the Bulls, who are right behind them.  Breen will be joined by analyst Mark Jackson for additional commentary.  Reporter and Chicago native Cassidy Hubbarth will be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

As an additional bonus for fans, ESPN3 will carry a live stream of the teams’ pre-game, on-court workouts and drills beginning at 7:15 p.m. EST.  SportsCenter will be live on site throughout the day for even more coverage.  That coverage includes live updates and post-game updates.

The Cavs and Bulls are just first game scheduled for the night.  The Nuggets will host the Rockets at 10:30 p.m. EST in an inter-divisional matchup in the Western Conference.  Ryan Ruocco will anchor the broadcast.  He will be joined by analyst Doug Collins for additional commentary.

Both games and additional coverage is available online via WatchESPN and the ESPN app.  More information on ESPN’s NBA coverage is available online now along with all of the latest NBA headlines at:

 

 

 

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/espnnba

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Heart Fans Everywhere Will Appreciate The Band’s Latest Live Recording

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Heart is one of the most respected bands in the music industry’s modern era.  The band has performed around the world many times over the course of its four decade plus life.  It has sold millions of records and has earned countless accolades for its talents and accomplishments.  For all that the band has done and earned throughout its life, there is still likely a lot that it hasn’t yet done.  Earlier this summer, though it knocked one item off of its to do list when it performed live at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall for the first time ever.  The performance was a sold out show, exhibiting clearly the place that Heart still holds within the music community’s upper echelon.  This Friday, December 2, audiences will get to own that performance for themselves on separate DVD and Blu-ray platforms as well as CD and digital platform in the form of Live at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.  Heart’s fans will find plenty to appreciate about the recording beginning with its set list.  That will be discussed shortly.  The band’s performance of that set list is just as important to note as the set list.  The concert’s audio mix rounds out its most important elements.  Each element is clearly important in its own right to the concert’s overall presentation.  All things considered, it proves to be a piece that any devout Heart fan will be happy to have in his or her music library regardless of the chosen platform.

Heart’s latest live recording Live at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a piece that any devout Heart fan will be happy to have in his or her music library.  That is due in part to the concert’s set list.  The seventeen-song set list goes all the way back to the band’s 1976 debut album Dreamboat Annie and even as recent as its latest album Beautiful Broken, which was released this past July.  It also includes a cover of Led Zepplin’s hit song ‘No Quarter’ in its body, and a Lovemongers cover in ‘Sand,’ which was included in Heart’s own 2010 album Red Velvet Car.  Obviously there’s no way that the band could cover every one of its 16 albums so far.  But it still pulls from a healthy number of its albums.  The band’s 2016 album Beautiful Broken is the most heavily represented of the band’s album in this concert with four total songs represented in the set list.  The band’s 1976 debut record Dreamboat Annie comes in second with three songs.  The other albums featured in the concert are: Little Queen (2 songs), Bebe le Strange (2 songs), Heart (2 songs), Bad Animals (1 song) and Fanatic (1 song).  Considering the band pulled from half of its current albums to make the body of this concert is impressive.  It showed the band really put some thought into its set list rather than just tossing a bunch of its songs together.  It wanted to give its audiences and fans the best show possible if only in terms of its set list.  Of course the set list is just one of the elements that makes the show such a welcome addition to fans’ music libraries.  The band’s performance of its set list will entertain audiences just as much as the show’s set list.

The set list that is featured in Heart’s new live recording is by itself a key piece of the concert’s presentation.  It pulls from half of the band’s extensive sixteen-album catalogue.  That is including the band’s holiday album, and no there obviously are no Christmas songs in this set list since the concert was recorded this past June. The show’s set list is just one part of what makes the concert stand out for fans.  The band’s performance of its set list is just as important to note as the set list itself starting with the work of guitarists Nancy Wilson and Craig Bartock.  The pair expertly captures the emotion of every song with their talents. ‘I Jump’ is a prime example of that talent.  The song has its heavier moments, but also has some softer moments.  The attention to the song’s lyrical content makes every moment so powerful just from the pair.  Its handling of the cover of ‘No Quarter’ exhibits that talent just as much.  Stylistically, the song is not the best rendition of the song that has ever been crafted.  But Wilson and Bartock still exhibit such talent here regardless.  In the same vein, the soaring chorus of ‘These Dreams’ shows the duo fully embracing the heartfelt lyrics in that song, too.  Nancy’s sister Ann shows just as much spark even as long as she has been performing. Her vocals are top-notch throughout the concert.  That is exhibited most clearly as she as she soars through the choruses in ‘What About Love’ and in ‘No Quarter.’  She does a respectable job of trying to emulate Robert Plant here.  It doesn’t fully reach Plant’s levels.  But it is still respectable, regardless.  Drummer Ben Smith and bassist Dan Rothchild shine just as much as their fellow musicians throughout the concert, too.  When each musician’s talent is combined with that of his or her band mates, the whole of the collective’s performance shows clearly why the concert was sold out.  That’s because every member of the band gives it his or her all, which will, again, impress any of the band’s fans.  Even as important as this is to note, one can’t talk but so much about it without taking too much time.  There is still at least one more item to discuss in examining this recording.  That item is the recording’s audio mix.

The set list featured in Heart’s new live recording and the band’s performance of that set list are both key to the recording’s presentation.  Both elements will please any devout Heart fan.  They are not its only key elements either.  The concert’s audio mix rounds out its most important elements.  The Royal Albert Hall is a massive venue.  Audiences who have never seen the inside of the building until now will be blown away by its size both in terms of its diameter and its ceiling.  Considering that, handling audio duties for any concert here is a chore to say the least.  The people behind the boards for this concert—both at the venue and in post-production—handled that chore with the utmost expertise.  It is thanks to their efforts that audiences feel like they are right there at the venue with the rest of the audience without feeling like they can’t hear any one part of the performance.  The vocals and instruments are balanced with full precision throughout the performance.  Again, considering the size of the venue, that is its own powerful statement.  It goes without saying that the camera work gives audiences the best seat in the house.  So keeping that in mind, when the camera work and audio engineering are joined with the concert’s set list and the band’s performance of the show’s set list, the whole of this concert proves to be, once again, a work that any devout Heart fan will appreciate.

Heart Live at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a recording that any devout Heart fan will appreciate.  Being that it was the first time that the band ever performed at the legendary venue, it was a successful first time experience.  Its set list pulls from half of the band’s 16-album catalogue.  The band’s performance of its set list, audiences will agree, is just as impressive.  It shows that even as long as Heart has been along, it is at the top of its game.  The combined audio engineering and its camera work round out its most important elements.  When all three elements are joined together, they make this recording a work that is on one level, more proof of why Eagle Rock Entertainment is still today the leading name in live recordings. On another level, it combines to show that, once more, this recording is a piece that any devout Heart fan will appreciate.  It will be available this Friday, December 2 in stores and online.  More information on this recording is available online now along with all of Heart’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.heart-music.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/officialheart

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

‘Hell On Wheels’ Final Episodes Are A Fitting Farewell To One Of TV’s Top Serials

Courtesy: eOne/AMC

AMC’s hit western drama Hell on Wheels finally reached the end of its tracks this summer (bad pun fully intended) with the end of its fifth season.  The series’ end had been announced well before Season 5 started.  That didn’t make it any less difficult to see such a standout series comes to its end.  For those who didn’t want the series to come to its end, its final episodes were released on DVD and Blu-ray at November’s opening.  There is plenty to say about the series’ final volume of episodes beginning with the work of the show’s writers.  That will be discussed shortly.  The work of the show’s cast is just as important to note here as that of the show’s writers.  The bonus material included in this final volume of episodes rounds out its most important elements.  Each element plays its own clearly important in the collection’s presentation.  All things considered, Hell on Wheels: Season 5 – Volume 2 proves to be a fitting final farewell for one of the best serials to come along in recent memory.

Hell on Wheels: Season 5 – Volume 2 is a fitting final farewell for a show that is one of the best serials to come along in recent memory.  That statement is supported in part through the work of the show’s writers.  Once again the series’ writers managed in these final seven episodes to keep audiences completely engaged as they wrapped up all of the loose ends left from the first half of the season.  Not to give away too much, one of those loose ends might leave some audiences really disliking Cullen even despite everything else.  The writers did a good job of showing the difficulty in Cullen’s decision here.  But it’s still difficult to not dislike Cullen’s choice or to not dislike Cullen himself for that choice.  It is truly a heart wrenching moment.  It’s just one of the loose ends that is wrapped up in these final episodes.  Viewers finally see the end of Thor Gundersen in these final episodes, too.  This is perhaps the one moment in which the writers slipped up.  Every time it seemed like Cullen had finally finished off Thor, he was still alive.  That is until he finally meets his fate.  That moment is brutal in itself to watch.  Getting back on topic, the fact that Thor just kept coming back up until that moment made it seem like the writers weren’t entirely certain how to finish off Thor, so they used the different scenarios to keep the story moving in hopes that audiences wouldn’t mind his multiple deaths.  At the same time, finally presenting Thor’s past served to illustrate why he had become such an angry person.  So that makes up for the issues of Thor’s many deaths up until his final death.  One of the most surprising moments in which the writers’ work shines comes as Cullen is called to testify against Thomas Durant in Washington, D.C.  Cullen’s reaction as he sits before the committee was completely surprising.  It also showed in its own way perhaps another realization by Cullen about who he was in comparison to Durant.  That deeper element makes this moment stand out even more.  It’s just one more moment that exhibits the importance of the series’ writers in these final seven episodes.  There are so many others that could be cited.  But there isn’t enough time or space to cover them all.  Audiences will have to find them for themselves when they purchase or order this final volume of Hell on Wheels’ episodes.  While the work of the series’ writers clearly exhibits its own importance in the collection’s presentation, it is not the only important element to note.  The work of the series’ cast is just as important to note as the work of the series’ writers.

The work put in by Hell on Wheels’ writers in its final episodes goes a long way toward making them entertaining and engaging.  That is evident through the moments discussed here and through so many other moments.  Even with this in mind, the writers’ work is not the only work that makes these episodes so entertaining.  The cast’s work interpreting each episode’s script is just as important to note as the writers’ work.  One of the most notable moments that exemplifies the importance of the cast’s work comes as Thomas Durant sees first hand the death of someone very close to him.  He finally saw for himself the impact of his schemes.  It was clear from that moment on that he was not the same man anymore.  Colm Meaney’s handling of the moment made that traumatic moment so powerful.  He didn’t try to ham it up and scream, “nooooo” or anything else.  He merely had to look at what had happened to fully display the impact that the moment had on him.  His narration of the events leading to the moment, so calm yet clearly so hurt, added to the moment’s emotion.  Meaney handled it all with such expertise.  As devious as Durant had been throughout, this one moment actually will lead audiences to feel some level of sympathy for him.  Again, that is thanks to Meaney’s handling of the situation.  He is to be so highly applauded for his work here.  Fellow star Anson Mount is to be just as applauded for his display as he handles his own emotional struggles.  For so long throughout this series, Cullen has proven to be a rock solid figure in terms of his emotions.  But here in these final episodes, that façade finally begins to crack as he is forced to make some very difficult decisions.  One of the most intriguing of those moments comes as he encounters a Native American at a stream.  The pair stares one another down, waiting to see what the other will do.  It is a short moment, but when one looks back, it explains why Cullen told Grant he wasn’t an indian killer.  The defiance in his voice as he makes that clear to Grant makes so much more sense when one considers that moment.  There were no words, only actions and emoting.  Yet it was such a powerful moment.  Both Mount and his co-star shined brightly in that simple moment, showing once more than importance of the cast’s work to these episodes’ presentation. As with the work of the show’s writers, there are so many other moments that could be cited in explaining the importance of the cast’s work.  But that would take far too much time and space.  So, again, audiences will find plenty of other examples when they purchase or order Hell on Wheels: Season 5 – Volume 2 for themselves.  Keeping this in mind, the work of the series’ writers and cast are obviously both important to the episodes’ presentation here.  They are just two of the series’ most important elements.  The bonus material included in the episodes’ recent home release is just as important to note in their presentation as the writing and acting behind each episode.

The work of Hell on Wheels’ writers and cast are both pivotal to the series’ continued entertainment in its final episodes.  The writers managed to wrap up the show’s leftover loose ends relatively well and keep audiences entertained and engaged in the process.  The cast did just as much to entertain audiences as evidenced through the work of Colm Meaney and Anson Mount (and their cast mates).  While the work of the series’ cast and writers is undeniably important to the presentation of its final episodes, they are just two of the elements that make this collection’s presentation enjoyable.  The bonus material that is included with the collection is just as important to note as the writing and acting in these episodes.  As with each of the series’ previous installments each episode is coupled with its own “Inside the Episode” audio commentary.  Needless to say, that commentary is not to be missed.  The other bonus material is less extensive.  But it does a good job bringing everything full circle.  “Golden Spike” is the shortest of the bonuses. It last all of perhaps a couple of minutes, if that.  But audiences learn through this little piece that the golden spike was very real.  They also learn that allegedly every telegraph in the country was silenced on the day that the golden spike was hammered into the transcontinental railroad.  That was so that when the message was delivered—by the strike of the hammer—every person in the country would know that was the moment when the spike was being driven.  That is something that generally isn’t taught in history classes at any level, so it is interesting to learn.  “Wrap Up” and “A Look At The Final Episodes” are both interesting in their own way as they offer the cast and crew the chance to comment on the importance of the episodes’ stories as well as working on the final episodes.  Viewers will be most intrigued to learn of Anson Mount’s connection to Cullen as he discusses topics such as Cullen having to kill and bury Elam, who had become such a friend to Cullen.  Robin McLeavy also gets the chance to discuss Eva’s personal growth from the series’ opening to the final episode.  This discussion is just as important to take in because it reminds audiences that while Eva might not have been one of the series’ marquee characters, she was still very integral to its development in her own right.  It’s just one more discussion that exhibits the importance of this collection’s bonus material.  There are so many other discussions both in the shorter features and the episode-length commentaries that add their own depth to the collection.  When they are joined with the discussions noted here, the whole of that bonus material proves to be just as important to the collection as the episodes and their content.  When all three elements are combined, they make clear why Hell on Wheels: Season 5 – Volume 2 is a fitting final farewell for what is one of the best serials to come along in a long time.

Hell on Wheels: Season 5 – Volume 2 is a fitting farewell for a series that is one of the best serials to come along in a long time.  Considering how many serials are out there today versus standalone series, that is saying a lot.  From day one, this series has proven to be a serial actually worth watching.  This collection is no different.  It shows just as much why the series is worth the watch whether one is a fan of dramas or a western fan.  That is evidenced primarily through the work of the series’ writers.  Even with perhaps one or two minor slip-ups here and there, the writers succeeded by and large in these final episodes.  The cast was just as entertaining as ever, too.  The bonus material that accompanies the work of the series’ cast and writers rounds everything out.  That is because it brings everything full circle all while keeping audiences just as engaged as ever.  Each element is important in its own right to the collection.  All things considered, Hell on Wheels: Season 5 – Volume 2 proves, again, to be a fitting farewell to a rare serial that is actually worth watching.  It is available now in stores and online.  More information on Hell on Wheels: Season 5 – Volume 2 is available online now along with more information on Hell on Wheels at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.amc.com/shows/hell-on-wheels

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/hellonwheelsamc

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Jets Host Colts In AFC Inter-Divisional Matchup Monday Night On ESPN

Courtesy: ESPN

The Colts and Jets go under the lights Monday in an AFC inter-divisional matchup live on ESPN.

ESPN’s Week 13 Monday Night Football broadcast will air live from New York.  It will be a pivotal game for both teams.  The Jets (3 – 8) currently sit last in the AFC East while the Colts (5 – 6) are third in the AFC South, just ahead of Jacksonville (2 – 9).

The game is equally important for both teams.  That’s not just because of the teams’ standings. Each team comes into the game looking to bounce back from its own loss in Week 12.  Indianapolis was thumped by Pittsburgh last week 28 – 7 while New York fell 22 – 17 to New England.

The outcome for Monday night’s showdown is completely up in the air. The host Jets are 1 – 4 at home so far this season versus a 2 – 4 road record.  On the other side, the Colts are 2 – 3 on the road and 3 – 3 at home.

Looking even deeper at the numbers, Indianapolis has scored more points for this season (270) than New York (196).  At the same time, the Jets’ defense has held its opponents to 266 points so far this season.  The Colts’ defense meanwhile has allowed 301 points against so far this season.  It’s more proof the game is either team’s to lose and to win.

Broadcast of Monday’s game is scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m. EST.  Sean McDonough will have the call.  He will be joined by his broadcast partner Jon Gruden for additional commentary.  Reporter Lisa Salters will also be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

Monday Night Countdown will precede Monday Night Football beginning at 6 p.m. EST.  Suzy Kolber will anchor the broadcast live from MetLife Stadium.  She will be joined by analysts Trent Dilfer, Matt Hasselbeck, Randy Moss, Charles Woodson and Steve Young.  Chris Berman will co-anchor live from ESPN’s studios in Bristol, CT.  He will be joined by ESPN Insider Adam Schefter.  NFL Features Editor Michelle Beisner-Buck and the MNF broadcast team will also add their own insight to the broadcast.

More information on ESPN’s MNF Week 13 broadcast is available online along with all of the latest NFL headlines at:

 

 

 

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ESPNNFL

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Metal Blade Records Re-Issues Two Classic Amon Amarth Albums

Courtesy: Metal Blade Records

Amon Amarth has re-issued two of its classic albums.

The veteran Swedish metal outfit has re-issued its 1998 sophomore album Once Sent From The Golden Hall and its follow-up, 1999’s The Avenger.  Both albums have been made available on special separate European and American vinyl packages.

The American vinyl re-issue of Once Sent From the Golden Hall is pressed on 180-gram vinyl and is presented on Orange, transparent, and “Fire-splattered” pressing.  The orange and transparent pressings are limited to only 200 copies each.  The “Fire-splattered” pressing is limited to only 300 copies.

The album’s orange pressing is available as a Metal Blade USA exclusive while the transparent pressing is available via mail order and retail exclusive.  The “Fire-splattered” pressing is available exclusively through Euro ebay and Metal Blade USA.

The Avenger is available on 180-gram black, red, transparent and “Fire-splattered” pressing.  The red pressing is limited to only 200 copies and is available exclusively via Metal Blade USA while the transparent pressing is limited available via retail/mail order and is also limited to only 200 copies.  The album’s “Fire-splattered” pressing is limited to just 300 copies and is available via Euro ebay and Metal Blade USA.

The full details on each album’s U.S. re-issue is noted below.

 

USA versions:
Once Sent From The Golden Hall “Originals-Series” LP re-issue (USA)
–180 g black vinyl
–Orange vinyl (limited to 200 copies – Metal Blade USA exclusive)
–Transparent vinyl (limited to 200 copies – retail/mailorder exclusive)
–“Fire”-splattered vinyl (limited to 300 copies – Euro ebay and Metal Blade USA exclusive)

The Avenger “Originals-Series” LP re-issue (USA)
–180 g black vinyl
–Red vinyl (limited to 200 copies – Metal Blade USA exclusive)
–Transparent vinyl (limited to 200 copies – retail/mailorder exclusive)
–“Fire”-splattered vinyl (limited to 300 copies – Euro ebay and Metal Blade USA exclusive)

 

The details for the albums’ European vinyl re-issues is slightly different from their domestic re-issues.  Once Sent From The Golden Hall will be available in Europe on separate 180-gram black, Opaque-Orange-marbled, Khaki-marbled, and “Fire-splattered” pressings.

The Avenger will be available in Europe on separate 180-gram black, Opaque-blood red-marbled vinyl, steel-grey-marbled and “Fire-splattered” pressings.  The complete details on availability of each record’s re-issue are noted below.

 

European versions:
Once Sent From The Golden Hall “Originals-Series” LP re-issue (EU)
–180 g black vinyl
–Opague-orange-marbled vinyl (limited to 500 copies)
–Khaki-marbled vinyl (limited to 300 copies – EMP exclusive)
–“Fire”-splattered vinyl (limited to 300 copies – Euro ebay and Metal Blade USA exclusive)

The Avenger “Originals-Series” LP re-issue (EU)
–180 g black vinyl
–Opague-bloodred-marbled vinyl (limited to 500 copies)
–Steel-grey-marbled vinyl (limited to 300 copies – EMP exclusive)
–“Fire”-splattered vinyl (limited to 300 copies – Euro ebay and Metal Blade USA exclusive)

 

Metal Blade Records officials announced this week the company will re-issue all of the band’s albums chronologically in the near future.  A specially designed slipcase-box for the albums is available via EMP.  The box fits the band’s complete catalogue.

More information on Amon Amarth’s upcoming re-issues is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.amonamarth.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/amonamarthband

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

2017 Rock On The Range Festival Lineup Announced

Courtesy: Danny Wimmer Presents/AEG Live

The lineup for the 2017 Rock on the Range Festival has been announced, and once again it has proven to be quite the collection of acts.

The three-day festival will be headlined by Metallica, Soundgarden and Korn.  It will feature more than 50 bands over the course of that time along with some of the country’s top comics at the festival’s Rock on the Range Rolling Rock Comedy Tent.

The lineup for the 2017 Rock on the Range Festival includes: Metallica, Soundgarden, Korn, The Offspring, Volbeat, Primus, Bush, Chevelle, Papa Roach, Seether, Coheed & Cambria, Alter Bridge, The Pretty Reckless, Taking Back Sunday, Thrice, Amon Amarth, Pierce The Veil, Sum 41, Skillet, Dillinger Escape Plan, In Flames, Gojira, Biffy Clyro, Motionless In White, Nothing More, Beartooth, Starset, Every Time I Die, The Story So Far, Deafheaven, Zakk Sabbath, Rival Sons, The Amity Affliction, Attila, Norma Jean, Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, I Prevail, Turnstile, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Red Fang, Dorothy, Kyng, Radkey, As Lions, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Sylar, Fire From The Gods, Badflower, Wage War, Goodbye June, Cover Your Tracks, DED, Bleeker, Royal Republic, Mother Feather, Aeges and One Less Reason.

Rock on the Range—fueled by Monster Energy—is billed as America’s largest and most acclaimed rock festival.  The festival will also feature in 2017 “The Music Experience,” art installations, and unique on-site activities over the course of the festival’s three days.

Tickets for the 2016 festival sold out more than two months in advance of the festival.  It marked the fourth consecutive year the festival has sold out in advance.

Weekend Field, new Weekend Field VIP, Weekend Stadium and a limited number of Weekend Stadium 4-packs are available now for purchase.  A layaway option is also available for concert-goers.  That option allows audiences to split the cost of their ticket/ticket packages into four separate monthly payments.

Fans can get a pre-sale password for Weekend Field VIP, Weekend Field GA, Weekend Stadium GA and Weekend Stadium GA 4-packs on the official Rock on the Range website, Facebook page and Twitter page.  The ticket prices are listed below.

 

• Weekend Field VIP: starting at $349.50* + fees
• Weekend Field GA: starting at $199.50* + fees
• Weekend Stadium GA: starting at $99.50* + fees
• Weekend Stadium GA Ticket 4-Pack: $380.00 + fees
• * Phase One prices listed
• *** Ticket prices automatically move to the next price level once the allotment sells out ***

General on-sale for tickets is Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. EST.  Tickets will be available online at the festival’s website, at Ticketmaster locations and the MAPFRE Stadium box office.

Audiences who want an even more special concert experience can purchase the new Uber Ranger Camping Package.  The package includes amenities for four people such as luxury RV on a double campsite at the Ohio Expo North Campground (May 18 – 21), a dedicated concierge with golf cart shuttle, 4 Weekend VIP Field Admission Tickets, a backstage tour, access to the stadium club (with catered lunch and dinner), access to the Side Stage Viewing Platform, access to the VIP Lounge and more.  More information on the new Uber Ranger Camping Package is available here.

Rock on The Range celebrated its 10^th anniversary in 2016.  More than 120,000 people attended the festival from around the world.  As part of its 10^th anniversary celebration, Columbus, OH mayor Andrew J. Ginther and the Columbus, OH city council presented festival organizers with awards of recognition.  A resolution was also announced from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners acknowledging the festival’s economic impact on the city.

The commissioners pointed out in their resolution pointed out the festival brought in more than $140 million for the city over the course of its ten years in the city.

Rock on the Range is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, AEG Live and MAPFRE Stadium.  It is supported by Monster Energy, Bud Light and Zippo.  They and other partners will feature interactive experiences, meet & greets, and other special fan engagement opportunities throughout the festival.

More information on the 2017 Rock on the Range Festival is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.RockontheRange.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rockontherange

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep  up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Networks To Cover MLB Winter Meetings Live Next Week

Courtesy: ESPN

Major League Baseball’s 2017 season is still at least five months away, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no action going on around the league right now.

ESPN announced Tuesday its flagship MLB program will hit the road next week for the league’s 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings.  Baseball Tonight will air live Dec. 5 to Dec. 7 live from the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.\

The half-hour broadcast will air at 6:30 p.m. and then again at midnight each day. The broadcasts will air live on ESPN2 except for Monday’s 6:30 p.m. broadcast.  That broadcast will air live on ESPNEWS.

ESPN’s Baseball Tonight broadcast team—Karl Ravech, analyst Aaron Boone and ESPN MLB Insiders Aaron Boone and Tim kurkjian—will cover each day’s events.  They will be joined by an extensive team of MLB Insiders and reporters including: Keith Law, Jason Stark, Jim Bowden, Jerry Crasnick, Jesse Rogers, Andrew Marchand, Scot Lauber, Adam Rubin, Eddie Matz, Mark Saxon, Doug Padilla and others.

As an added bonus for MLB fans, ESPN reporter Pedro Gomez will be on site through Dec. 8 with updates for SportsCenter, ESPN’s flagship sports newscast.

Baseball Tonight is available online on WatchESPN and the ESPN app.

Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings are the largest annual gathering of baseball executives, staff, and media.  They take place at the peak of Major League Baseball’s “Hot Stove,” when many trades and free agent signings are completed.

More information on ESPN’s Winter Meetings coverage is available online now along with all of the latest Major League Baseball headlines at:

 

 

 

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Announces College Football Week 14 Broadcast Schedule

Courtesy: ESPN

The ESPN networks’ coverage of college football’s regular season wraps up this weekend with a group of championship matchups on its schedule.

The weekend’s coverage begins live from Detroit Friday when No. 21 Western Michigan takes on Ohio for the MAC Championship.  Broadcast begins at 9 p.m. EST on ESPN2.  Adam Amin will have the call for the game.  He will be joined by analyst Mack Brown for additional commentary.  Reporter Molly McGrath will be on the sidelines for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

The action continues at 9 p.m. EST live from Santa Clara, CA where No. 9 Colorado will take on No. 5 Washington for the 2016 Pac-12 Conference Championship.  The game will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio.  Bill Rosinski will have the call for the game.  He will be joined by David Norrie for additional commentary.  Ian Fitzsimmons will have all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

No. 4 Clemson rounds out the weekend’s coverage as it takes on Virginia Tech for the ACC Championship Saturday night at 8 p.m. EST on ABC and ESPN Radio.  Clemson is in the College Football Playoff Top 4 right now.  Chris Fowler will have the call for the game on ABC.  He will be joined by Kirk Herbstreit for additional commentary.  Reporter Samantha Ponder will have all of the latest in-game news and interviews.  Bill Rosinski, David Norrie and Ian Fitzsimmons will have the call on ESPN Radio live.

In all, seven championships will be decided this weekend on the ESPN networks.  The season’s final rankings will be revealed Friday at noon.  One more ranking will be announced tonight at 7 p.m. EST on ESPN.  The full schedule for the ESPN networks’ weekend conference championship matchup coverage is noted below.

 

ESPN Network’s Week 14 Slate of Games

Date	Time (ET)	Game	Network
Fri, Dec. 2	7 p.m.	2016 Marathon MAC Football Championship from Detroit: No. 21 Western Michigan vs. Ohio Adam Amin, Mack Brown, Molly McGrath	ESPN2
	9 p.m.	2016 Pac-12 Championship from Santa Clara: No. 9 Colorado vs. No. 5 Washington Bill Rosinski, David Norrie, Ian Fitzsimmons	ESPN Radio
Sat, Dec. 3	Noon	2016 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game: Temple vs. No. 25 Navy Joe Tessitore, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe	ABC
		2016 Dynacraft Conference USA Championship Game: Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky Dave Pasch, Tom Luginbill, Quint Kessenich	ESPN
		Troy at Georgia Southern Jason Benetti, Kelly Stouffer, Paul Carcaterra	ESPN2
	1 p.m.	New Mexico State at South Alabama	ESPN3
	3 p.m.	Louisiana-Lafayette at Louisiana-Monroe	ESPN3
	4 p.m.	2016 SWAC Football Championship Presented by McDonald’s from Houston, Tex.:Grambling vs. Alcorn State Eric Clemons, Jay Walker, Sherree Burruss	ESPNU
	5 p.m.	Georgia State at Idaho	ESPN3
	7:30 p.m.	Arkansas State at Texas State Allen Bestwick, Ahmad Brooks, Kris Budden	ESPN2
	7:45 p.m.	2016 Mountain West Football Championship Game San Diego State at Wyoming Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay	ESPN
	8 p.m.	2016 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game from Orlando, Fla. No. 4 Clemson vs. Virginia Tech TV: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Samantha PonderRadio: Bill Rosinski, David Norrie, Ian Fitzsimmons	ABC and ESPN Radio

Please note: Schedule does not include the second round of the NCAA Division I Football Championship which is carried exclusively by ESPN

 

More information on this weekend’s college football coverage on the ESPN networks is available online now along with all of the latest college football headlines at:

 

 

Website: http://espn.go.com/college-football

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/espncfb

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Cavs, Clippers Lead Off This Week’s NBA Coverage On TNT

Courtesy: TNT/Turner Sports/NBA

TNT continues its NBA coverage with another double header schedule Thursday, with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers leading off the night.

The Cavs plays host to the Clippers live at 8 p.m. EST Marv Albert, Chris Webber and David Aldridge will have the call for the game.  Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal will carry pre-game, half-time and post-game Inside The NBA studio coverage. Kevin Garnett and special guest Rashed Wallace will have additional commentary throughout the night’s games live from Area 21.

The second game on the night will see the Golden State Warriors hosting the Houston Rockets at 10:30 p.m. EST.  Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller and Lewis Johnson will have the call for the game.

TNT’s NBA coverage continues Dec. 8 with another double header scheduled led off by Minnesota and Toronto at 7 p.m. EST.  Kevin Harlan will have the call for the game.  He will be joined by analysts Reggie Miller and Grant Hill for additional commentary.  Reporter Kristen Ludlow will be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

The Bulls will host the Spurs in the second game of the night.  Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. EST.  Marv Albert and Chris Webber will have the call for the game.  Reporter Allie LaForce will be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.  Kevin Garnett will be joined live in Area 21 by WNBA Champion and two-time league MVP Candace Parker for additional commentary.

More information on TNT’s NBA coverage is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.nba.com/tntovertime

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

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Goth, Industrial Fans Will “Celebrate” ‘The Ghost Parade’

Courtesy: Pavement Entertainment

This past October, underground industrial/goth metal outfit Gabriel and the Apocalypse released its latest full-length studio recording The Ghost Parade.  The Minneapolis, MN-based quintet’s new record is a good fit for anyone that is a fan of Otep and to a lesser extent Prong, Nine Inch Nails and other acts of that ilk.  That is due both to the album’s musical arrangements and its lyrical content.  The songs mix together Nine Inch Nails’ industrial elements with the hard-edged sound of Prong and Otep (even front woman Lindy Gabriel sounds eerily like Otep front woman Otep Shamaya at points) for a record that musically speaking, will easily entertain its key audiences.  Lyrically speaking, the record covers a number of topics, too including politics, world issues and more.  All things considered The Ghost Parade is a record that Gabriel and the Apocalypse’s fans will soundly celebrate.

Gabriel and the Apocalypse’s latest full-length studio recording (and its Pavement Entertainment debut) Ghost Parade is a record that the underground goth/industrial act’s fans are sure to celebrate.  Between its musical arrangements and its lyrical content, it presents plenty for fans to appreciate.  The album’s opener ‘March Of The Dolls’ is a prime example of how the album’s musical arrangements and lyrical content come together to make the album stand out.  In regards to its musical arrangement, the song is a powerhouse composition with a sound that takes the best elements of Otep, Fear Factory and (believe it or not) Type O Negative and binds them together into one work.  The end result is a work that will surprise audiences in the best way possible.  That is because of the manner in which the arrangement balances those elements.  It is just one part of what makes the song stand out.  The song’s lyrical content is just as important to note as its musical arrangement.

The musical arrangement presented in ‘March of The Dolls’ is important in its own right to the song’s overall presentation.  It balances a number of different influences throughout the course of its nearly three-and-a-half-minute run time, and does so expertly, too.  That in itself is certain to keep audiences entertained.  While the song’s musical arrangement plays its own important role in its presentation, it is just one part of what makes the song stand out.  Its lyrical content is just as important to note as its musical arrangement.  Gabriel sings in the song’s lead verse, “You want/You need/To beg and to please/Get on/Your knees/I’ll make you believe/I want/I need/I love/The taste/My sweat/Is smeared across your face/My god/My god/It’s all/The same/Another sinful/Another save/But I can’t/Resist/Cuts down my wrist/I put it back together/What matters is the ending.”  It’s a rather dark statement to say the very least.  What is interesting here, though is that considering such a statement, it would have been easy for the band to go more in the standard, brooding goth direction with the song’s arrangement.  But instead it went the aggressive route.  In hindsight it seems to serve the defiance seemingly exhibited in that lead verse.  The song’s second verse is very similar to its first with only one real minor change, which comes in the end of the verse.  The real power that matches the song’s musical arrangement comes in the song’s final moments as Gabriel sings, “I’ve found myself…in the Ghost Parade…What do you think of me now?”  That last group of lines is especially interesting because it has been noted that The Ghost Parade is a personal record for the band’s front woman.  That final statement perhaps illustrates how personal it is for her.  It is almost as if she is saying through this song, she has grown and become someone new through all of the negativity that she has experienced in life, so “how do you like her now?”  It is a bold, powerful statement that when coupled with the song’s musical arrangement becomes even harder hitting.  Considering this the song in whole proves to be just one example of what makes The Ghost Parade a record that the band’s fans will celebrate.

‘March of the Dolls,’ with its powerhouse musical arrangement and equally interesting lyrical content is solid proof of why Gabriel and the Apocalypse’s fans will celebrate the band’s new album The Ghost Parade.  It is just one of the songs that serves to show what makes the album stand out. ‘Colour of Winter’ is another of the album’s songs that serves to make it stand out.  This song is the polar opposite of ‘March of the Dolls’ both in terms of its musical arrangement and its lyrical content.  Speaking first about its musical arrangement, this piece is that dark, brooding composition that goth fans will appreciate.  It is driven largely by the work of drummer Zach Williams and guitarists Jake LaCore and Joey Connelly.  Keyboardist Figgles McGee (no, that’s not a joke) adds an extra touch to the song, too.  The end result is a work that instantly conjures thoughts of works composed by Marilyn Manson and his band mates.  That is especially the case when Gabriel’s vocal delivery is joined with the work of her band mates.  It is only one part of the song that should be discussed.  The song’s lyrical content adds even more depth to its presentation.

The brooding musical arrangement at the heart of ‘Colour of Winter’ is its own key element to the song’s presentation.  As noted already, the combination of Gabriel’s vocal delivery and the work of her band mates gives the song a feel that instantly conjures thoughts of Marilyn Manson.  The brooding doesn’t end with the song’s musical arrangement, though.  There is just as much of that in the song’s lyrical content, too.  Gabriel sings right off the bat in such morose fashion, “I’m alone in the world today/I can’t take it/But I feel it anyway/It’s not enough that it was/It’s not enough cause it’s gone/I can’t breathe/I can’t stay here/I’ll numb myself all the way.  She goes on to sing about “burning yesterday,” “sinking into the void” and other brooding matters.  Simply put, there’s a lot of deep emotion expressed in this song’s lyrical content; emotion that, again, goth fans will appreciate.  When that deep emotion is set against the song’s equally brooding musical arrangement, the end result is one more of the album’s most standout compositions.  It is one more song that shows why fans of Gabriel and the Apocalypse will celebrate this record just as much as goth and industrial fans.  There are still other songs that serve to support that statement, too, including ‘Mazarine.’

‘March of the Dolls’ and ‘Colour of Winter’ are both key examples of what makes the Ghost Parade a record that Gabriel and the Apocalypse’s fans will celebrate.  That is due to the songs’ musical arrangements and their lyrical content.  Each song presents its own identity through its arrangement.  One arrangement is an aggressive, full-force composition that greatly enhances the defiant statement presented in the song’s lyrical content.  ‘Colour of Winter’ is the polar opposite (no pun intended) of ‘March of the Dolls.’  Both musically and lyrically, this song is the kind of work that any goth fan will appreciate just as much as the band’s more seasoned fans.  While both songs show clearly through their musical and lyrical content what makes The Ghost Parade a piece that audiences will celebrate, they are not the only songs that will do so.  ‘Mazarine’ shows in its own unique way what makes The Ghost Parade stand out, too, beginning with its musical arrangement.  This song’s arrangement is a mid-level hard rock piece that boasts a hard rock/industrial hybrid sound.  It isn’t the full-throttle piece that is presented in ‘March of the Dolls’ or even the more brooding ‘Colour of Winter.’  Rather it could be argued to be the closest to mainstream accessibility that the band reaches in this album.  Keeping that in mind, this arrangement could be the best chance that the band has at mainstream success in this album.  Of course the song’s arrangement is just one half of what makes the song stand out, just as with the other discussed songs.  The song’s lyrical content is just as important to note as its musical arrangement.

The musical arrangement presented in ‘Mazarine’ is a key part of what makes this song stand out.  It is perhaps the closest that the band comes to mainstream accessibility with its new album.  As important as the song’s arrangement is to its presentation, its lyrical content proves to be important in its own right.  Lyrically speaking, it will likely have audiences thinking and talking more than any other of the album’s songs.  At one point she sings what seems like an ode to someone else, but at other times the song seems to touch on a wholly different matter.  When that metaphorical language is coupled with the song’s semi-mainstream musical arrangement, the whole of the song becomes a work that would fit easily alongside the likes of Lacuna Coil, Evanesence and so many other more mainstream goth/industrial acts.  It is just one more example of what makes The Ghost Parade stand out.  When it is joined with ‘March of the Dolls,’ ‘Colour of Winter’ and the rest of the album’s offerings, the album in who proves without a doubt to be, again, a work that goth and industrial fans in general will appreciate just as much as the band’s more seasoned fans.

The Ghost Parade is a work that regardless of audiences’ familiarity with Gabriel and the Apocalypse, will appeal to goth and industrial fans in general just as much as it will the band’s more seasoned fans.  That is evident through all three of the songs discussed here.  It is also evident in the album’s other offering.  All things considered, The Ghost Parade is a work that goth and industrial fans will celebrate” right alongside the band’s fans.  It is available now in stores and online.  More information on The Ghost Parade is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.gabrielandtheapocalypse.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/GATA_band

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.