Dirty Honey Starts Work On Its New Record

Photo Credit: Owen Cox
Dirty Honey, L-R: Corey Coverstone (drums), John Notto (guitar), Justin Smolian (bass), Marc LaBelle (vocals)

Independent rock band Dirty Honey is back in the studio.

The band made the announcement Wednesday through a news release. The band was originally set to record its new record early this year in Australia, but a continued travel ban between the two nations led the band to head to a studio in its hometown of Los Angeles instead. Producer Nick DiDia (Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine) is joining the band through Zoom to craft its new record.

Front man Marc LaBelle offered some insight into the move in a prepared statement.

“Back in March, we had a handful of songs that were in various states of completion,” said LaBelle.  “But now, not being able to tour, we’ve had the time to finish them, feel really confident about them, and write more.  We’re going into the studio with twice as many new songs as we had back in March.  The pre-production for this new music has been handled exactly the same way as it was for the EP;  Nick was in Australia, we were here in Los Angeles, and we were sending demos back and forth.  Recording the music remotely is what’s different this time.  But Nick brought in Brendan O’Brien’s engineer, Tom Syrowski (AC/DC, Chris Cornell), who’s been in the room with some incredible artists, so it’s going to be great.”

“The adventure factor of the past two years definitely played a role in the new songs,” added LaBelle.  “I look back over that time, and it’s been an incredible ride…All of the support we’ve had, being played on our hometown radio station, something I never really thought would happen, it’s just crazy.”

Dirty Honey guitarist John Notto expanded on LaBelle’s comments.

“We really know these new songs, because we played most of them live, every night when we were on tour – that’s where we did a lot of the pre-production, in front of the fans,” he said. “Getting feedback from fans at the merch table after the shows, and watching the YouTube videos they shot and posted all helped us finalize the new songs.  And the songs that we’ve written since our tour ended, we’ve been playing the crap out of them in rehearsal.  We’ve got a few tracks where we stretched a little more, but all in all, I think fans can expect a shot in the arm, kick-ass rock’n’roll.”

Dirty Honey released its debut self-titled EP last year. Following the EP’s release, the band joined tours with bands, such as The Who, Guns N’ Roses, and Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators to spread its music. The band was named the #1 International Breakout Artist of 2019 by Canadian Rock Radio. Additionally, the band became the only unsigned act last year to reach #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart with its single ‘When I’m Gone.’

As if the tour and chart honors were not enough, the band was named among the UK’s Louder/Classic Rock magazine “20 Great Bands To Shake Up the 2020s.” Dirty Honey was nominated in the Best New Rock/Alternative Artist category at the 2020 iHeart Radio Music Awards, too, adding to the band’s acclaim.

‘Rolling 7s,’ the band’s second single reached #4 at Rock Radio. It has generated more than 4.6 million views since its premiere on Sept. 23. LaBelle’s vocals in the song are reminiscent at times, of Guns N’ Roses front man Axl Rose, and of Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant at others. The song’s bluesy guitar line will appeal to fans of bands, such as Blackberry Smoke, The Allman Brothers Band, and Aerosmith to a lesser degree. Yes, that seems like an odd combination, but it is there and it works in this song’s case.

Speaking of Aerosmith, the band debuted its cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Last Child‘ on Jan. 24 as an Amazon Music Original. Dirty Honey’s take on Aerosmith’s original, which was originally featured on the band’s 1998 album Gems, stays very much true to its source material.

LaBelle does an admirable job of making himself sound like Steven Tyler as he belts out the song’s lyrics. His band mates — Notto, Justin Smolian (bass), Corey Coverstone (drums) — do their own part to pay tribute to the classic tune.

Dirty Honey’s new record is scheduled for release in 2021. More information on the band’s new record is available along with the group’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.dirtyhoney.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dirtyhoneyband

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

Eagle Rock, The Who Partner For Streaming Series

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Eagle Rock Entertainment is once again doing its part to help people get their live music fix.

The company will launch a series of free-to-view live recordings from The Who at 1 p.m. ET Saturday.  Dubbed “Join Together @ Home,” the performance series is a six-part series that features archived live performances of The Who.

The performances will stream through The Who’s official YouTube channel.  The first of the performances comes from the band’s 1982 Shea Stadium performance. The Who originally released its Shea Stadium performance through Eagle Rock in 2015.

An exclusive “red carpet” premiere clip from The Who front man Roger Daltry will precede the stream.

While each streaming presentation is free to watch, audiences are encouraged to make a donation to co-beneficiaries Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America while they enjoy the performances.  Teenage Cancer Trust is a UK-based nonprofit that helps people age 13-17 deal with cancer treatments.

Teen Cancer America, which was founded by Daltry and The Who guitarist Roger Daltry, has a similar goal as Teenage Cancer Trust.  Daltry has been the driving force behind the comedy and music shows, held at thee Royal Albert Hall, which benefit the agency.

Eagle Rock’s streaming performances from The Who are just the latest from the company.  It most recently streamed a series of archived performances from The Rolling Stones.

More information on Eagle Rock Entertainment’s upcoming streams from The Who is available along with all of the company’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.eagle-rock.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/EagleRockNews

More information on The Who is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.thewho.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheWho

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.

 

 

ABKCO To Release Archived Rolling Stones Concert

Courtesy; ABKCO Films/ABKCO Music & Records

The Rolling Stones’ fans are getting another archived show from the band this summer.

ABKCO Films and ABKCO Music & Records will release The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus June 7.  Originally recorded over the course of two days in December 1968 at the BBC Studios to promote the band’s then new album Beggar’s Banquet, the show ended up not being aired after then bassist Brian Jones left the band and later died.  The recording’s trailer is streaming now here.

Along with six vintage performances from The Rolling Stones, the recording also features performances from Taj Mahal, John Lennon, Marianne Faithful, Jethro Tull and The Who.

The performances are complimented by bonus content, such as interviews with John Lennon, Pete Townshend, and a handful of extra performances from Taj Mahal and Julius Katchen.  The full track listing for The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus is noted below along with the recording’s bonus content.

The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus (4K FILM)

THE FILM

Song For Jeffrey – Jethro Tull

A Quick One While He’s Away – The Who

Ain’t That A Lot Of Love – Taj Mahal

Something Better – Marianne Faithfull

Yer Blues – The Dirty Mac

Whole Lotta Yoko – Yoko Ono & Ivry Gitlis, and The Dirty Mac

Jumpin’ Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones

Parachute Woman – The Rolling Stones

No Expectations – The Rolling Stones

You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones

Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones

Salt Of The Earth – The Rolling Stones

 

EXTRAS

Widescreen Feature, Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (65 min)

Pete Townshend Interview, Aspect Ratio: 4×3 (18 min)

The Dirty Mac:

‘Yer Blues’ Tk2 Quad Split, Aspect Ratio: 4×3 (5:43)

Taj Mahal:

-Checkin’ Up On My Baby, Aspect Ratio: 4×3 (5:37)

-Leaving Trunk, Aspect Ratio: 4×3 (6:20)

-Corinna, Aspect Ratio: 4×3 (3:49)

Julius Katchen:

–de Falla: Ritual Fire Dance, Aspect Ratio: 4×3 (6:30)

-Mozart: Sonata In C Major-1st Movement, Aspect Ratio: 4×3 (2:27)

Mick & The Tiger/ Luna & The Tiger, Ratio: 4×3 (1:35) 

Bill Wyman & The Clowns, Aspect Ratio: 4×3 (2:00)

Lennon, Jagger, & Yoko backstage, Aspect Ratio: 4×3 (45sec)

 

FILM COMMENTARY TRACKS:

Life Under The Big Top (Artists) Featuring: Mick Jagger, Ian Anderson, Taj Mahal, Yoko Ono, Bill Wyman, Keith Richards (65 min)

Framing The Show (Director & Cinematographer) Featuring: Michael Lindsay Hogg, Tony Richmond (65 min)

Musings (artists, writer, fan who was there) Featuring: Marianne Faithfull, David Dalton, David Stark (50 min)

 

The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus Expanded Audio Edition

1. Mick Jagger’s Introduction Of Rock And Roll Circus – Mick Jagger

2. Entry Of The Gladiators – Circus Band


3. Mick Jagger’s Introduction Of Jethro Tull – Mick Jagger


4. Song For Jeffrey – Jethro Tull

5. Keith Richards’ Introduction Of The Who – Keith Richards

6. A Quick One While He’s Away – The Who


7. Over The Waves – Circus Band


8. Ain’t That A Lot Of Love – Taj Mahal

9. Charlie Watts’ Introduction Of Marianne Faithfull – Charlie Watts

10. Something Better – Marianne Faithfull


11. Mick Jagger’s and John Lennon’s Introduction Of The Dirty Mac

12. Yer Blues – The Dirty Mac

13. Whole Lotta Yoko – Yoko Ono & Ivry Gitlis with The Dirty Mac

14. John Lennon’s Introduction Of The Rolling Stones + Jumpin’ Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones


15. Parachute Woman – The Rolling Stones


16. No Expectations – The Rolling Stones


17. You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones


18. Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones


19. Salt Of The Earth – The Rolling Stones

BONUS TRACKS

20. Checkin’ Up On My Baby – Taj Mahal

21. Leaving Trunk – Taj Mahal


22. Corinna – Taj Mahal


23. Revolution (rehearsal) – The Dirty Mac

24. Warmup Jam – The Dirty Mac

25. Yer Blues (take 2) – The Dirty Mac


26. Brian Jones’ Introduction of Julius Katchen – Brian Jones

27. de Falla: Ritual Fire Dance – Julius Katchen


28. Mozart: Sonata In C Major-1st Movement – Julius Katchen 

Courtesy: ABKCO Films/ABKCO Music & Records

The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus will be available on digital download and limited deluxe edition Blu-ray/DVD/2CD.  The soundtrack will be available on 3LP vinyl set, CD and digital platforms.  The deluxe edition release of the film features a 44-page book that includes David Dalton’s original 1969 Rolling Stones essay and photographs by Michael Randolph.

Pre-orders for The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus are open now. An unboxing video for the set is streaming online here.

More information on this and other titles from ABKCO Music & Records is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.abkco.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ABKCO

 

The Rolling Stones’ latest news and more is available online now at:

Website: http://www.rollingstones.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/RollingStones

 

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.

 

 

Sherman’s Studio’ “Concert” Is A Performance Of A Lifetime

Courtesy: PBS/Public Media Distribution

This year was another strong one for live recordings.  Between recordings released in bundles and those released either as standalone CDs or DVDs/BDs, the recordings that serve audiences who might have otherwise not been able to take in a live show, proved on both fronts to be largely solid offerings.  Given, there were some disappointments including Jane’s Addiction’s latest live recording Alive at Twenty-Five and the archived Les Paul tribute concert Live From Universal Studios Hollywood.  For the most part though, this year’s field of new live recordings — both on CD and DVD/BD — has proven to be quite impressive as has already been noted in the previous live recordings lists.  Keeping that in mind, it is only fair, having noted the best live CDs and best new live DVDs and Blu-rays to present one list of the year’s best new overall live recordings.

This year’s best overall live recordings pull from both audio and audio-visual fields, proving that recordings can be enjoyable in both arenas.  Topping this year’s list of best live overall recordings is PBS’ in studio “concert” from Richard Sherman, one half of the famed Sherman Brothers creative team, Songs of A Lifetime.  Slipknot’s new live recording Day of the Gusano is on this list, too thanks to the combined impact of its CD and Blu-ray presentation.  Of course while Alter Bridge, Jon Cleary and Experience Hendrix, LLC all released new recordings that were CD only, they deserve their own spot on the overall list.  Eagles of Death Metal’s new live recording Live at the Olympia Paris also deserves to be on that list along with The Rolling Stones’ new From The Vault offering Sticky Fingers Live at the Fonda Theatre 2015 — again because of the overall impact of its audio and audio/visual sides.  It’s just one more on that list.

As with every previous list, this entry offers this critic’s 10 best new titles in the category along with five additional honorable mention titles for a total of 15 titles.  Enough rambling.  Without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks 2017 Top 10 New Live Recordings.

PHIL’S PICKS 2017 TOP 10 NEW LIVE RECORDINGS

1. Richard Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime
2. Slipknot — Day of the Gusano
3. Mumford & Sons — Live in South Africa
4. Between The Buried & Me — Coma Ecliptic Live
5. Jon Cleary — Live at Chickie Wah Wah
6. Curtis Knight presents Jimi Hendrix — Live at George’s Club 1965 & 1966
7. Eagles of Death Metal — Live at Olympia Paris
8. The Rolling Stones — From The Vault: Sticky Fingers Live at The Fonda Theatre 2015
9. Foghat — Live at the Belly Up
10. Black Sabbath — The End
11. Jeff Beck — Live at the Hollywood Bowl
12. The Who — Live at the Isle of Wight 2014
13. The Winery Dogs — Dog Years — Live at Santiago & Beyond 2013 – 2016
14. The Who — Tommy Live at Royal Albert Hall
15. The Dead Daisies — Live & Louder

That’s it finally for the live recordings categories.  Up next will be the year’s top new albums overall.  It’s going to be an interesting list, needless to say as it may well change before it even gets posted up in the next day or so, so stay tuned!  Also on the way is a handful of lists for the year’s new DVD and Blu-ray titles including box sets for families and for grown-ups as well as family DVDs and Blu-rays.  Stay tuned!

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.

PBS’ Richard Sherman Studio “Concert” Hits All The Right Notes For Phil’s Picks’ 2017 Top 10 New Live DVDs/BDs List

Courtesy: PBS/Public Media Distribution

Experiencing a live performance by one’s favorite acts is a special experience.  The sights and sounds — from the performance itself to the enjoyment and excitement experienced alongside other fans — come together to make the live experience something almost as magical as it is memorable.  Of course it’s not always that easy to have that experience because of work, family or maybe other items.  Enter the live DVD and Blu-ray.  These recordings are pivotal for audiences the world over because people don’t always get to see their favorite acts.  They also often prove to give audiences an experience that is at least slightly different from that offered in their CD counterparts.  Keeping that in mind, it is fully justifiable for critics to present lists of the year’s top new live DVDs and Blu-rays as well as live CDs.  That is exactly what this critic is doing here.

This year, as with so many years past, Eagle Rock Entertainment has proven to have the majority of the year’s top new live DVDs and Blu-rays, once again proving why it is the leader in live recordings.  Of course it is not the only label represented in this critic’s list this year.  Live recordings from The Winery Dogs, The Dead Daisies, and even famed songwriter Richard Sherman (one half of the famed Sherman Brothers creative team) are all on the list, too alongside new material from Between The Buried and Me and Michael Schenker.  Those noted recordings are all from other labels.  In other words, this year saw a healthy range of new live DVDs and Blu-rays.  With that in mind, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks’ 2017 Top 10 New Live DVDs and Blu-rays.  As always, the list includes this critic’s Top 10 choices as well as five additional honorable mention titles, for a total of 15 titles.  Let’s go!

PHIL’S PICKS 2017 TOP 10 NEW LIVE DVDS/BDs

1. Richard Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime
2. Tedeschi Trucks Band — Live From The Fox Oakland
3. Slipknot — Day of the Gusano
4. Mumford & Sons — Live From South Africa
5. Between The Buried and Me — Coma Ecliptic
6. Black Sabbath — The End
7. Jeff Beck — Live at the Hollywood Bowl
8. The Rolling Stones — Sticky Fingers Live at the Fonda Theatre 2015
9. The Who — Tommy Live at the Royal Albert Hall
10. The Winery Dogs — Dog Years: Live in Santiago and Beyond 2013 – 2016
11. Eagles of Death Metal — I Love You All The Time — Live at the Olympia Paris
12. Sting — Live at the Olympia Paris
13. Spock’s Beard — Snow Live
14. The Dead Daisies — Live & Louder
15. Michael Schenker — Michael Schenker Fest Live Tokyo International Forum Hall

That’s all for this list and still not all for the live recordings.  Still to consider is the whole of the combo packs and the standalone recordings.  In other words, there is still a list of the year’s top new live recordings overall to consider.  Also still on the way are the year’s top new albums as well as a handful of DVD and Blu-ray lists.  As many as possible will be covered before the year lets out, so stay tuned for all of that.

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.

Rare Hendrix Archived Live Recording Takes Top Honors On Phil’s Picks 2017 Top 10 Live CDs List

Courtesy: Dagger Records/Experience Hendrix, LLC

Experiencing live concert events is not an easy thing in this day and age.  Between the collective costs of attending (I.E. pricey tickets, gas, souvenirs, possible lodging, food & drink, etc.), perhaps the general lack of time to attend depending on circumstances, or maybe the very fact that audiences’ favorite acts didn’t include certain cities on their tours, there is a lot that plays into the inability to attend live events.  Keeping this in mind, not all hope is lost, thanks to all of the live recordings released each year by so many acts.  Some are released as full bundle packages while others are released just as DVDs or Blu-rays.  Some are even released solely on CD.  Regardless of the platforms, the availability of so many live recordings is unquestionably important for audiences.  Staying on that topic, the live CDs made available are worth noting in their own right.  That is the the case regardless of whether or not said CDs are bundled with DVD or Blu-ray counterparts.  That is because, again, even if the CDs come alongside a live audio visual component, that audio only component can and does oftentimes, translate differently than DVD and Blu-ray recordings.  Keeping this in mind, Phil’s Picks is offering a list of the year’s top new live CDs.

Included in this year’s list are standalone CD recordings and CDs included as part of bundles.  The titles featured in this year’s list include live recordings from Curtis Knight, Jon Cleary, Alter Bridge, The Dead Daisies and many others.  Simply put, they run the gamut from one genre to another across the musical universe.  Topping this year’s list is Dagger Records and Experience Hendrix, LLC’s new Jimi Hendrix recording Curtis Knight featuring Jimi Hendrix Live at George’s Club 20 1965 & 1966.  This live recording features performances by Hendrix well before he became an international superstar — performances that showed his talent even then.  Also included in this year’s list are recordings from Foghat, Alter Bridge, Armored Saint and others.  As is the case with every Phil’s Picks year-ender, this list features the top 10 best new titles plus five additional honorable mention titles for a total of 15 titles.  Staying on that note, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks 2017 Top 10 New Live CDs.

PHIL’S PICKS 2017 TOP 10 NEW LIVE CDs

1. Curtis Knight feat. Jimi Hendrix — Live at George’s Club 20 1965 & 1966
2. Alter Bridge — Live at The 02 & Rarities
3. Jon Cleary — Live at the Chickie Wah Wah
4. Foghat — Live at The Belly Up
5. Between The Buried and Me — Coma Ecliptic Live
6. Armored Saint — Carpe Noctum
7. Slipknot — Day of the Gusano
8. Black Sabbath — The End
9. The Rolling Stones — Live at The Fonda Theatre 2015
10. The Who — Live at the Isle of Wight 2014
11. Jeff Beck — Live at the Hollywood Bowl
12. The Winery Dogs — Dog Years Live in Santiago & Beyond 2013 – 2016
13. Def Leppard — …And There Will Be A Next Time
14. Joe Bonamassa — Live at Carnegie Hall
15. Fates Warning — Awaken The Guardian Live

That’s it for this list, but not for the live recordings lists.  Still on tap in this category is the year’s top new live DVDs and BDs as well as the year’s top new live recordings overall.  Before getting there though, there is at least one last list in the form of the year’s top new albums overall.  That one’s coming soon, so stay tuned.

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.

The Who’s First Ever ‘Tommy’ Full Concert Will Impress Rock Fans Of All Ages

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

In late spring of 1969, rock band The Who released what has since become one of the most beloved and important albums in its extensive catalogue when it released Tommy. the 24-song, 75-minute opus was a dramatic turning point for the band because it was at a point in its life at which it was growing in age and maturity, and thus trying to stay relevant. Those changes, along with discussions among the band and its management, led to the creation of Tommy. While the band toured extensively between 1969 and 1970 in support of the album, it never actually performed that now seminal record in whole in one setting. This past April, almost 48 years after Tommy first debuted, the band performed the landmark album in full for the first time at London’s Royal Albert Hall, one of the world’s most iconic live venues. The facility has played host to everything from the 10th Anniversary performance of Les Miserables to Eric Clapton to Heart and so many other events and acts. Now thanks to Eagle Rock Entertainment, audiences of all ages will finally get to experience this first time performance from The Who on multiple platforms including DVD, Blu-ray and digital. It goes without saying that this recording is one that classic rock fans and those of The Who will equally appreciate this recording, and not only for the sake of the set list, the central point of the recording. The band’s performance here is just as important to discuss in examining the recording as the set list itself. The recording’s bonus material rounds out its most important elements. Each element is important in its own right to the recording’s whole. All things considered, the recording in whole proves to be an excellent addition to the library of any fan of The Who and any classic rock aficionado.

Tommy Live at the Royal Albert Hall is a recording that classic rock fans and fans of The Who alike will want to have in their music libraries. It is hardly the band’s first live recording or the first live recording of its type from any band or group. Despite all that, it still proves itself a recording that rock fans across the board will appreciate. That is due in part to the set list. It has already been stated that this show was primarily a performance of The Who’s seminal concept album Tommy. While the concert was primarily the band’s first-time ever performance of that album, the band doesn’t focus solely on Tommy. Along with that album’s whole, the band also includes seven encores after the fact. The encores aren’t just random songs, either, but even more of the band’s biggest numbers. They include the timeless ‘Baba O’Riley,’ ‘I Can See For Miles,’ ‘Who Are You’ and others. The inclusion of those extra numbers shows that the band didn’t want to just present the one album in this show, but to give its audiences something more, almost as a way of saying thank you to the audience for coming out and packing the center. The fact that the concert was performed all as a benefit for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which helps young people diagnosed with cancer, makes the whole thing that much more enjoyable and endearing. Of course even with this in mind, the show’s set list is just one of the recording’s key elements. The band’s performance of said list is just as important to discuss as the set list itself.

The band’s performance of Tommy shows that while Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry are getting up there in age, there is seemingly no sign of slowing or stopping for the longtime friends and band mates. The men, along with fellow musicians Zak Starkey, Simon Townshend, John Corey, Loren Gold and Frank Simes, give their all in each song. The result of that collective effort is a performance that will keep home viewers just as engaged as those who were in attendance at the concert’s taping early this year. The band uses minimal visual aid in its performance, too, opting for simple visuals on a screen versus any amount of pyro or anything else to heighten the show’s energy. This minimalist approach allows the band to put its talents on full display, with a great result, too — a result that reminds audiences why The Who is, collectively, still today, one of the most respected names in the music community. From Townshend’s propeller-like guitar playing to Daltry’s continued ability to vocally soar and even the timekeeping and more, there is so much talent on display. When that talent is coupled with the very fact that this performance is the band’s first time ever performing Tommy live in whole as a whole band, the two elements serve to make this recording well worth the watch by themselves. Of course, one would be remiss to ignore the bonus material included with the recording, as it presents its own importance.

Audiences learn through the recording’s bonus behind-the-scenes material that rehearsals for the band’s Royal Albert Hall concert took nearly a month (three weeks to be exact), and took place at a very well-known British studio were some major movies and TV shows were recorded. Viewers also learn through this roughly 10 – 15 minute featurette the band’s charity roots and why it works so diligently with various charities. The revelation is certain to move anyone who might have otherwise not known these pieces of information. There is also some light-hearted commentary from Roger Daltry about Tommy’s influence on him both personally and creatively that will enlighten and entertain audiences regardless of their familiarity with the band, its body of work and its history. These and other pieces of information included in the behind-the-scenes featurette make this item the recording’s central bonus material. The two music videos for ‘the Acid Queen’ and ‘Pinball Wizard’ are the proverbial icing on the cake, adding that final touch to its presentation. When all of this is set alongside the recording’s set list and the band’s performance thereof, the whole of these elements makes Tommy overall, a welcome addition to the personal music library of any classic rock aficionado and any fan of The Who. Tommy Live at the Royal Albert Hall is available now in stores and online. More information on this recording is available online now along with all of The Who’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.thewho.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheWho

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

Too 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.

Eagle Rock Entertainment To Release The Who’s First Ever Full Live Performance Of ‘Tommy’

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Eagle Rock Entertainment is releasing yet another new live recording from The Who.

Tommy – Live at the Royal Albert Hall will be released Oct. 13 in stores and online on DVD, Blu-ray, 2CD, 3LP, and digital platforms.  The DVD will retail for MSRP of $15.98, Blu-ray for $21.98, 2CD for $19.98 and 3LP for $39.98. Prices for digital will be announced soon.  Pre-orders are open for each platform now.

Originally recorded this past April at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall, the recording sees the band performing its seminal album in its entirety live for the first time ever.  The concert was a benefit performance for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Audiences can view a trailer for the recording online now here.

The primary performance was only one part of what made the concert such a key moment in the band’s history.  The band treated itssold-out audience to a set of other classic songs from its rich catalogue after it finished performing the concept album.  The concert’s full set list is noted below.

TRACK LISTING
1) Introduction

2) Overture

3) It’s A Boy

4) 1921

5) Amazing Journey

6) Sparks

7) Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker)

8) Christmas

9) Cousin Kevin

10) The Acid Queen

11) Do You Think It’s Alright?

12) Fiddle About

13) Pinball Wizard

14) There’s A Doctor

15) Go To The Mirror!

16) Tommy Can You Hear Me?

17) Smash The Mirror

18) Underture

19) I’m Free

20) Miracle Cure

21) Sensation

22) Sally Simpson

23) Welcome

24) Tommy’s Holiday Camp

25) We’re Not Gonna Take It

26) I Can’t Explain

27) Join Together

28) I Can See For Miles

29) Who Are You

30) Love, Reign O’er Me

31) Baba O’Reilly

32) Won’t Get Fooled Again

As an extra bonus for audiences, the recording’s upcoming release will also present a behind-the-scenes featurette and full-screen animations of ‘The Acid Queen’ and ‘Pinball Wizard’ with live performance audio.

More information on Tommy – Live at the Royal Albert Hall is available online now along with all of The Who’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.thewho.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheWho

 

 

 

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 news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Eagle Rock, The Who Shine Again With Band’s Latest Live Recording

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Veteran rock band The Who’s latest live recording Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 2004 is one of this year’s top new live recordings.  The concert, originally recorded June 11, 2004 during the band’s headlining performance of the festivals’ second night, this recording is yet another standout performance from one of the greatest names in the musical universe today.  That is evidenced in part through the concert’s 23-song set list.  This will be discussed shortly.  The band’s performance of said set list is just as important to discuss in examining this recording’s overall presentation, as the set list itself.  It will be discussed later.  The recording’s companion booklet rounds out its most important elements.  Each element is important in its own way to the recording’s overall presentation.  All things considered, this latest live offering from The Who proves, once again, to be one of this year’s top new live recordings.

The Who’s latest live recording Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 2004 is one of this year’s top new live recordings.  That is due in part to the recording’s extensive set list.  The 23-song set list is important to note for a variety of reasons beginning with its featured songs.  The songs featured in this concert’s set list set it distinctly apart from the band’s 2015 live recording Live at Hyde Park (which like this recording, was also released via Eagle Rock Entertainment).  Some of the songs in the two concerts’ set lists are the same.  However, almost half of the songs featured in the Isle of Wight concert recording (nine songs in total), are not featured in the band’s Hyde Park concert recording.  This is important to note because it gives the Isle of Wight Festival’s set list its own identity separate from that of the Hyde Park Show.  More simply put, it means that this set list isn’t just a carbon copy of that previous set list, which will make any audience happy.

On a secondary level, the concert’s set list is important to note due to its sequencing.  Thanks to the thought put into the set’s sequencing, the music’s energy rises and falls at all of the right points from start to finish.  That is evident early on in the concert’s two-hour-plus (132 minutes total) run time.  The concert starts off with full-on fire and energy, with that energy flowing through the set’s first four songs.  Things slow down a little bit from there as the band moves into ‘Behind Blue Eyes’ before picking back up again in ‘Bargain.’  The song’s finale gradually slows down just enough to let audiences rest before the band launches into the much higher-energy ‘Baba O’Reily.’  The set’s energy stays relatively high from there as the band works through ‘The Punk and the Godfather’ and ‘5:15’ before pulling back for a little while in ‘Love Reign O’er Me,’ ‘Eminence Front,’ ‘Drowned’ and ‘Naked Eye.’  The solid sequencing and energy continues from there throughout the second half of the show, ensuring audiences’ continued engagement and entertainment.

On yet another level, audiences will be pleased to note that the set list presented in this concert is exactly the same both on DVD/BD as on CD.  This is important to note because it was not the case in the Hyde Park performance recording.  In the case of that recording, the set lists were slightly different between the DVD/BD side and CD side.  Some of the songs included in the set list in that concert’s BD/DVD side were set aside in the CD side as “bonus tracks,” essentially breaking up the set for whatever reason.  Luckily that wasn’t the case with this presentation.  The set list for the Isle of Wight Festival concert is the same on both sides, maintaining a certain sense of continuity between the two sides.  Considering this, it is one more way in which the recording’s set list proves to be integral to the recording’s overall presentation. Together with the songs themselves and their sequencing the three elements show in full why the concert’s set list is so important to the recording’s overall presentation.  Even with this in mind, it should be noted that the set list is not the only important piece of the recording’s whole.  The band’s performance thereof is just as important to note as the set list.

The set list featured in Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 2004 is clearly an important piece of this recording’s overall presentation, as has already been pointed out.  It is not the recording’s only important element, though.  The band’s performance of the set list is just as important to discuss in examining the recording’s overall presentation as the set list.  Watching this concert, it is obvious that founding members Roger Daltry and Pete Townshend were both at least in their 50s if not their 60s.  Yet neither man showed his age by any means.  Rather both men performed with the fire that made them fan favorites in their youth.  That includes not only the men’s performances of the songs but their interactions with the audience between songs.  At one point, Townshend makes a joke about the sound not being turned up loud enough, referencing the old adage that if it’s too loud, you’re too old.  At another point, he makes a joke about the age of the band’s audience, and how many were probably conceived at the band’s last Isle of Wight performance in 1970.  Apparently Townshend, for whatever reason, served as the band’s mouthpiece between songs, saving the singing largely for Daltry, even though Townshend does get his moments in the spotlight. Staying on that train of thought, it should be noted that there is a little bit of foul language used between some of the songs, so viewer discretion is advised.  Even with that in mind, the foul language is kept to a minimum, so it isn’t too bad.  That being the case, the performances by Townshend and Daltry couples with those of their fellow musicians—Simon Townshend (guitars,vocals), Pino Palladino (bass), Zak Starkey (drums) and John Bundrick (keyboards)—to make for a performance from start to finish that will keep audiences completely entertained and engaged thanks to their collective energies.  Considering that, it becomes clear why the band’s performance of the set list is so critical to the recording’s overall presentation.  It is still not the last of the elements to be noted.  The recording’s companion booklet rounds out its most important elements.

The set list featured in The Who’s latest live recording and the band’s performance of that set list are both critical to the recording’s overall presentation, as has already been noted.  While both elements are clearly important to the recording’s whole, they are not its only important elements.  The recording’s companion booklet rounds out its most important elements.  The booklet is so important to discuss because of the history that it provides audiences.  Audiences learn through Matt Kent’s liner notes that this festival performance marked the band’s first festival performance since it performed at Live Aid in 1985.  They also discover that only two years prior, the band had lost fellow founding member, bassist John Entwhistle, and what followed.  Other highlights are noted in those liner notes, setting the stage (no pun intended) for the performance contained within this set, along with lots more history that audiences will enjoy learning.  Keeping this in mind, the information provided within the pages of the recording’s companion booklet proves to be just as integral to the concert’s overall experience as the concert’s set list and the band’s performance thereof.  Considering all of this, it becomes fully clear that each element is critical to the recording.  Of course there is still far more that could be noted including the recording’s production values (which are impressive in their own right), editing and more to evaluate the recording’s whole.  Those elements solidify even more the recording’s place in this year’s list of top new live recordings, and a piece that any fan of The Who should have in his or her own music library.

The Who: Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 2004, is one of this year’s top new live recordings.  That is evident through so many elements.  From the set list to the band’s performance thereof to the recording’s companion booklet and even the concert’s production values and editing, so many elements serve to support that statement.  Considering this (and even the concert’s availability on so many platforms and its average price point), this recording proves in whole that it deserves a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new live recordings and why it deserves that spot.  It proves, too, to be a recording that any fan of The Who should have in his or her music library.  It is available now in stores and online.  More information on Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 2004 is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.thewho.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/thewho

 

 

 

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.

The Who To Release New Live Recording

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Legendary rock band The Who is getting a jump start on the annual summer concert festival season with a new live recording this June.

The band will release its new live recording Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 2004 on Friday, June 2.  The recording will be released on DVD + 2CD, Blu-Ray + 2CD, and digital formats. Audiences can see a clip of the band performing ‘Naked Eye’ here.

The band’s 2004 performance at the festival marked the first time since 1970 that the band had performed at the festival.  The band’s performance was especially important because it was part of the band’s first live UK tour since the death of bassist and founding member John Entwhistle.  Pino Palladino handled bass duties during the performance and the band’s other 2004 UK dates.

The concert’s 21-song set features a variety of The Who’s greatest hits including but not limited to: ‘Baba O’Reily,’ ‘Substitute,’ ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again,’ ‘You Better You Bet,’ ‘I Can’t Explain,’ ‘Pinball Wizard,’ ‘Who Are You,’ ‘My Generation,’ and ‘Magic Bus.’  The concert’s full set list is noted below.

 

TRACK LISTING

• 1) I Can’t Explain
• 2) Substitute

  3) Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere

  4) Who Are You

  5) Behind Blue Eyes

  6) Bargain

  7) Baba O’Riley

  8) The Punk And The Godfather

  9) 5:15

  10) Love, Reign O’er Me

  11) Eminence Front

  12) Drowned

  13) Naked Eye

  14) Real Good Looking Boy

  15) You Better You Bet

  16) My Generation

  17) Old Red Wine

  18) Won’t Get Fooled Again

  19) Medley: Pinball Wizard / Amazing Journey / Sparks

  20) Medley: See Me, Feel Me / Listening To You

  21) Magic Bus

Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 2004 Blu-ray + 2CD combo pack will retail for MSRP of $29.98 and the DVD + 2CD combo pack for $24.98.  More information on Live at the Isle of Wight Festival is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.thewho.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/thewho

 

 

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.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 news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.