The business of magazine covers

It's no mystery, for anyone who reads this blog regularly, that I'm not a big fan of Kanye West. I just don't think he's all that the hype says he is. Call him overrated. Call him an egomaniac. I think he's a touch of both. You can add selfish to the list, too.

West has come out and said he wants to now be paid to appear on the cover of magazines.

"These magazines make money from ads and subscriptions. But I know that part of what drives subscriptions and ads is who these magazines put on the cover," West said in a recent article. "So if you're putting me on the cover and people are buying your magazine because of me, why shouldn't I get paid to be on that cover? You are going to have to pay me to do magazine covers now!"

Hey, buddy, it doesn't work like that. Sure, people may buy the magazine because you're on the cover, but people who don't know you may buy your album because of the article. It's a two-way street.

What if magazines charged you to appear on their cover, saying, "Your appearance on the cover of our magazine led to more album sales for you."

What do you think about that? In fact, if I ever have that ability in the future, - as the editor of a magazine - maybe it will be free to appear on the cover. For everyone but you.

You make millions of dollars, but now your selfish, greedy butt wants to take money from everyone else, too? I'm sorry, but I hope your comments hurt your publicity instead of help it.

Luckily, according to that article, many magazines have come out and said they would never pay someone to be on their cover.

Durst's comments; Oscar night

Fred Durst has commented on the release of the video that's now circulating around the internet.

His comments can be found here.

Oscar night
The Oscars are tonight, and yes, there's a music category or two. Here's a look at some of the more well-known names who have won in the past:

2003 - "Into the West" fromThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
I don't think anyone can tell me one line from this song. Few people would probably remember Annie Lennox was involved with it, too.

2002 - "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile.
Eminem won the Oscar, and the award lost some prestige in my mind. Granted, I'm not an Eminem fan, but the Oscar? And he beat out Paul Simon and U2.

2000 - "Things Have Changed" from Wonder Boys
Bob Dylan won it this year - in a competition with Bjork, Sting and Randy Newman.

1999 - "You'll Be In My Heart" from Tarzan
Phil Collins won, and I was so upset that it wasn't "Blame Canda" from the South Park movie...

1997 - "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic
OK - most people probably know this Celine Dion song.

1993 - "Streets of Philadelphia" from Philadelphia
Bruce Springsteen beat Neil Young as two songs from one movie competed.

If you're interested in seeing the other past winners or this year's nominees, check out the Oscars home page.

Backstreet's back...

The Backstreet Boys will be releasing a new album in June - I think I hear crickets instead of applause.

They plan on releasing the first single next month, in advance of a U.S. club tour.

The band's last album, "Black and Blue," was released in 2000.

So, I've never been a fan of the Backstreet Boys' "music" and I will never be a fan.

It's overproduced garbage that follows in the steps of New Kids on the Block and other boy bands before them.

There's no longevity there. Why? Because those 14-year-old girls are now 18 or 19 and no self-respecting 18 or 19 year old wants to admit that they're a fan of the Backstreet Boys.

These days, it's all Eminem and Jennifer Lopez or Good Charlotte or a new garbage that's "better" than the old garbage.

As Chris Rock said at the MTV Awards a few years back, "Don't they know how this story's going to end?!?"

Durst hacked like Hilton; Fergie reacts

Adding to the insult of celebrity cell phone users like Paris Hilton, the same person has now allegedly hacked into Fred Durst's t-mobile and posted a graphic sex video of the singer having unprotected sex with an unnamed female.

I won't post the link to the video here, but here is a link to the Drudge Report where you can read more.

In a related story, Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie is allegedly very upset with Paris Hilton over her hacking incident. Who wouldn't be? I heard a story that the hacker got in by knowing "Paris' dog's name." With Hilton and her oversized rat all over TV and magazines, who doesn't know the pooch's name?

Blink update, new Velvet Revolver and my writing

Travis Barker, drummer for Blink-182, called an L.A. radio station to set the record straight about the band's "indefinite hiatus."
Judging by Barker's comments, he feels the band will get back together in the future.

Velvet Revolver's next album
The band is starting work on their next album, according to a new article at mtv.com. The band is thinking they may have it finished by Christmas, which is great news for fans.

On my schedule
I'm still planning on going out to the Secret Machines show next week.

I've got an interview with one of the guys from the band and movie The Commitments on Tuesday.

I'm working on getting an interview scheduled with Jimmy Cliff.

Natalie Imbruglia

OK, most people know who Natalie Imbruglia is. Aside from those who know her as a soap opera actress, she also had a big hit back in 1998 with the song "Torn."

Now, here's your trivia for the day. Was Natalie Imbruglia the first to sing that song.

The answer, my friends, is no. That song is a cover. It was originally performed by a band called Ednaswap.

I always find it interesting - most people don't know that. However, Imbruglia has acknowledged it in interviews in the past, albeit few times.

Imbruglia's second album, "White Lillies Island," didn't have nearly any success when compared to her debut.

In April, she'll release her third album, "Counting Down the Days."

Makes you wonder how this one will be received.

Ednaswap may be known as "the band that wrote that Natalie Imbruglia song."

Imbruglia herself may wind up being known as "that girl who married the singer of Silverchair."
(Another piece of trivia for you.)

Blink-182, Korn and other news and notes

Blink breakup?
Over the weekend, Dave Navarro started a whirlwind with a post stating Blink-182 had broken up. After fans verbally attacked him, Navarro withdrew his statement. However, now it seems like he wasn't far off.
The band's Web site says:
"For over a decade, Blink-182 has toured, recorded and done non-stop promotion all while trying to balance relationships with family and friends.To that end, the band has decided to go on an indefinite hiatus to spend some time enjoying the fruits of their labors with their loved ones. While there is no set plan for the band to begin working together again, no one knows what tomorrow may bring."
Indefinite hiatus? Why do they need to formally announce these things. Just say, "we're taking a break" and leave it at that. I'm sure they'll pull a Micheal Jordan and be back in a few years for a reunion show.


Head finds God
Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch has reportedly had a religious awakening and left the band.
A note on the band's Web site says, "Korn has parted ways with guitarist Brian Head Welch, who has chosen the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, and will be dedicating his music pursuits to that end. Korn respects Brian's wishes and hopes he finds the happiness he is searching for."
The band is currently working on a new album, they hope to release in the fall.


Formerly The Quick
A while ago I posted a note about a band called The Quick - featuring former Spacehog singer Royston Langdon and former Blind Melon guitarist Rogers Stevens.
A note on the band's Web site says they have changed their name to "The Tender Trio." Stay tuned...


Shows in Winston
Been to the Ziggy's Web site recently, Triad residents?
Holy cow! There's quite a lineup coming down the road, as you can also tell from the updated concert calendar on your right ------>
Here are some of the highlights (those I'm hoping to review or interview are in bold):
Chevelle
Jimmy Cliff
Steve Vai
Black Label Society
John Popper Project
Tift Merritt
Travis Tritt
George Clinton

CD Review: Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon
Aha Shake Heartbreak
Release date: Feb. 22, 2005

I got this album yesterday, and it's been in my CD player ever since. So many times, a band disappoints with their sophomore effort, but Kings of Leon isn't in that category.

For me, "Aha Shake Heartbreak" sets the standard set by their first album, 2003's "Youth & Young Manhood."

The band combines a seventies rock style with a garage band vibe. Some of that's production, and some is just their character.

There's a slight mute on the vocals and hint of distortion on the guitar. Singer Caleb Folllowill has a laid-back voice that's raspy when it needs to be.

The band is made up of brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill and first cousin Matthew Followill.

The only lagging moment on the album for me, was "Day Old Blues." But even that had a personality of its own that could just grow on me as time goes by.

Straight out of Tennessee, the album also gives touches of Southern rock.

By the time the album gets to the tenth track, "Four Kicks," the listeners ready for a quick-paced rocker and that's just what they get.

"Youth & Young Manhood" was one of my favorite albums of 2003, and "Aha Shake Heartbreak" will need something powerful to knock it off this year's list.

A moment of silence

Wow - I'm in shock right now.

One of my favorite writers, Hunter S. Thompson committed suicide.

I know it's not music, but it's crazy and threw me for a loop this morning.

Here's the story on cnn:

Hunter S. Thompson

In related news, Bonnie Raitt's father, John, passed away.

Mash-ups and the past

Somehow, in my Best of/Worst of 2004 lists, I forgot to mention one of my favorites of the year.


Jay-Z Linkin Park
Collision Course

If you're a fan of either or both of these artists - you've got to be impressed by this album.

I'm more and more impressed with the album each time I listen to it. The way the vocals of Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda fit with Jay-Z's beats. The way Jay-Z offers an unstoppable flow over the music of Linkin Park. The two go together perfectly.

I haven't watched the accompanying DVD yet, but I saw the MTV special, and enjoyed the live chemistry - though at times Jay-Z seemed a little bored.

The only disappointing thing to me is that there are only 6 tracks. The CD left me wanting more.

Hater is back
There's a story over at billboard.com about a new release from Hater. Until I saw this article, I wasn't even aware there was a Hater.

Hater is the side-project by the bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron of Soundgarden.

The new album was actually recorded back in the 90s.

They're looking at an album release party in Seattle in the near future - other than that, it's up in the air.

Cameron is currently the drummer for Pearl Jam.

CD Review: Wednesday 13

WEDNESDAY 13
Transylvania 90210: Songs of Death, Dying and the Dead
Release date: April 13, 2005

This is the kind of stuff that will give you nightmares. Not the kind of nightmares that simply wake you up, but the nightmares that make you wake up in a cold sweat, wondering if you're alone in the room.

North Carolina native Wednesday 13, best known as the frontman for the Murderdolls, joined forces with Slipknot's Joey Jordison to form the Murderdolls.

The title song of the album is suprisingly mellow. Most of the album hits you in the side of the head with a proverbial sledgehammer of heavy riffs and growing/screaming Marilyn Manson-esque lyrics.

It's the kind of music you'd expect in just about any horror movie - think Rob Zombie.

Graveyards, death, halloween, zombies, cemeteries, blood - it's all here.

So what do I think? It's difficult to say. The music is catchy and so are some of the choruses. It's got the feel of early Marilyn Manson stuff, but with a B-movie vibe to it.

But there's only so much gothic lyrics and talk of ghouls and the dead that I can take. It almost becomes cheesy at times.

The music's there. The harsh-toned vocals are there. My only complaint is the lyrics themselves.

I'd give it 3 outta 5 - I can only listen to about a third of it before I need a break from the words. If the lyrics weren't so topic-monotone, I'd give it closer to a 5 outta 5.

Is she kidding?

So, Britney Spears is all upset that pictures from her honeymoon are being published in US Weekly.

This from the same woman that SOLD photos of her wedding and husband's daughter.

Apparently, it's ok to have photos of her, but only when she's getting money for them.

US Weekly agrees in a statement: "Coming from a celebrity who sold pictures of both her wedding and her stepdaughter, it's unlikely the issue here is privacy. Could it be that Britney is seeing red after not seeing the green from these photos? Britney Spears should start a magazine if she'd like to dictate her own coverage."

I hope they're kidding. Spears would create a magazine of garbage that the masses would buy because it's Britney's.

No Mule for me
Unfortunately, the chances of me attending the Gov't Mule show tomorrow night have gone down considerably. I'm having some ankle trouble right now, and don't think I'll be able to stand for a few hours to watch the show. We'll see what a good night's sleep will do...

News and notes

Kid Rock charged
Kid Rock was arrested for punching a DJ at a strip club. OK, I don't know the whole story, but I know how the story will end. He'll do community service, or pay a fine. It's always funny how celebrities rarely do jail time. Well, except for Martha Stewart, but she's at a country club.
I also like the hat hair in the mug shot.

Will Smith is back
Will Smith is working on his first album in three years. According to billboard.com, he's recruited Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige. Does anyone still remember Will as a rapper? His last album sold just 237,000 copies in the U.S. The way his career has gone, he needs to stick with acting.

Awaiting albums
I'm awaiting the arrival of the latest Tori Amos and Kings of Leon albums.
Look for reviews here soon.

Warren story online

My story on Warren Haynes is now online.

You can find it here.

New release schedule

Some people may think that as a music writer, I have access to CD release schedules and get things months ahead of time.

Not true.

As much as I've tried, I've only found myself on a handful of record labels' email and snail mail lists.

Usually, I hear about new releases like many of you - by reading the Best Buy circular in the Sunday newspaper.

OR by method number 2 - going to icemagazine.com.

Their site has the greatest feature I've ever seen - a schedule of new releases (find the link on the left side).

It's only a week or two in advance, but the site lists every new release - big or small.

Allman show
I didn't make it to the Gregg Allman concert last night, but word on the street is that it was great. I'm not at all surprised.

Mule on Saturday
Not sure if I'll make it to the Gov't Mule show on Saturday. We'll see how things go on the weekend. I'd love to see it, but it's not at the ideal venue. The Millennium Center has the reputation of being extremely loud, and the fact that the building is wider than it is long makes it difficult to get a good view of anything but the back of people's heads.

Grammy thoughts; MTV2

As talk of the Grammy's is winding down, I thought I'd give my final thoughts on the subject.

1. Too much music, not enough awards. There are 107 Grammy awards, and only about 10 were shown on TV. There were more musical performances than awards presented. Isn't this an "Awards" show? I'm not saying they should show all 107, but give us 20, maybe and five good music performances. Celebrate music with collaborations. We've heard U2, we've heard John Mayer. We haven't heard Joss Stone with Melissa Etheridge. We hadn't heard Jamie Foxx with Alicia Keys.

2. Give us some insight into how these winners are chosen. I'm still trying to figure out how Jethro Tull won Best Metal Album years ago...

3. Led Zepplin and others were given Lifetime Acheivment Awards with little fanfare. Why not a Zepplin tribute, just like the Joplin one?

First thoughts on MTV2

I caught about five minutes/two videos on MTV2 this morning, and was immediately impressed. I thought I'd see the usual Destiny's Child and My Chemical Romance videos, but instead was nearly knocked out of my chair when the first video I saw was from Social Distortion. It was followed up by the White Stripes' first video.

I'll have to tune in more often and see how it goes...

Grammy review

Last night was the Grammy Awards, and there were a bunch of surprises - on TV and off. But I'll go from start to finish:

- The opening performance with Gwen Stefani and Eve, Black Eyed Peas, Los Lonely Boys, Maroon 5 and Franz Ferdinand was too bland to open the show. The end was a good idea - to have all the bands play at the same time, but it just didn't sound good. And is it just me, or is Franz Ferdinand straight out of the 80s?

- Queen Latifah announced that rock-n-roll was 50, but it's sad that few nominees fit in the rock category.

- The first award went to Los Lonely Boys for Pop Duo or Group with Vocals. A big surprise to start the show, but the band deserves it. They're definitely talented.

- Alicia Keys had a solid performance, on her own and with Jamie Foxx.

- Prince won for Male R&B Vocal Performance. Another surprise. Another that was deserved.

- U2 had a bland performance. These "album versions" are just too boring to me. I want something out of the ordinary.

- Green Day won Best Rock Album. It was on my list of the best of last year, so I'm not surprised by this one.

- Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez did a duet - did either one of them look like they wanted to be there? Talk about lack of emotion and fire for a married couple. This was pretty painful to watch.

- Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Keith Urban and Dickey Betts performed a Southern Rock tribute. The music was great, but the vocals were weak. It would have been better as an open jam, instead of a scripted piece.

- Queen Latifah sang. Who knew she could? She's come along way from her rap days, huh?

- Maroon 5 won Best New Artist. Another shock here. But going with the theme of the night, the favorites were being shut out.

- Green Day performed "American Idiot." No holding back, the band simply ripped it up.

- Alicia Keys won Best R&B Album. No surprise here.

- Kanye West, John Legend and the Blind Boys of Alabama performed. I wasn't impressed.

- Kanye West won Best Rap Album. Personally, I thought it was the strangest speech of the night, but that's just me....

- Joss Stone and Melissa Etheridge did an amazing tribute to Janis Joplin. Really well done - one of the highlights of the night.

- Tim McGraw sounded just like his CD.

- Loretta Lynn won Best Country Album. Nobody saw this one coming. Jack White was pretty scary, and it looked like he was on stage with his mom.

- John Mayer sang "Daughters." This guy should win the award for worst faces made while singing.

- U2 won Best Rock Duo or Group with Vocal. The new album's gotten good reviews, I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

- Velvet Revolver, Green Day, Steve Tyler, Bono, Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Brian Wilson and Tim McGraw performed a song for tsunami relief efforts. Pretty weak in my opinion. Didn't look like anyone was happy to be there, or sang with any heart. Hopefully they've donated more money than effort for this one.

- John Mayer won Song of the Year. He's a good songwriter, I'll give him that.

- Usher had a fun, pop performance.

- Ray Charles and Norah Jones won Record of the Year. Ah, the sentimental favorite.

- Bonnie Raitt performed in a tribute to Ray Charles. I thought it was nice and bluesy. Well done.

- Ray Charles won Album of the Year. I guess I'll have to go out and pick this one up....

So, that was the show, pretty much.

Outside the show, here are the surprising winners:

- Motorhead for Best Metal Performance. Who knew they were still putting out albums?

- Britney Spears for Best Dance Recording. I can't believe she's won a Grammy, and she can't even sing.

- That awful song "My Boo" won for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals. Ugh....how depressing.

- Ozomatli won for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album. Was surprised, but happy they won. I'm a big fan of theirs.

- Bill Clinton for Best Spoken Word Album. A book on tape counts as spoken word?

It's Grammy night!

I'll sidestep a bunch of possible Christina Aguilera banter - she got engaged, if you hadn't heard - to say that tonight is Grammy night.

I'm ready, so here are some predictions. You can expect my full reactions tomorrow.

Album of the Year
I'm leaning towards Usher. His single dominated radio, and his album dominated the sales charts. It'll be hard to ignore him.

Record of the Year
Kanye and Green Day will get a fair share of votes, but I'd love to see the sentimental favorite, Ray Charles, win it. Black Eyed Peas were good, but I don't think they'll win.

Song of the Year
Are these really the choices? John Mayer annoyed me with his faux Dave Matthews voice. Hoobastank is great, but the song is overplayed. That country one - well, I don't like country. "Jesus Walks" out the door, and I give the title to Alicia Keys. I think the industry backs her more than the others.

Best New Artist
While Maroon 5 may be the most popular, I'd give the award to Joss Stone based on talent. Los Lonely Boys haven't had the commercial success. And I'm sorry, but I think Kanye West is overrated.

Best Pop Vocal Album
I'd go with Ray Charles for sentiment, again, or for Norah Jones. It'd be nice to see Joss Stone win here, but I don't think it'll happen.

Best Rock Album
Judging the nominees - it's got to be Velvet Revolver. I can't even believe The Killers are in this category at all - that is, nominated.

Best Rap Album
As much as I like the Beastie Boy, I'd give it to Jay-Z. Again, I find Kanye to be overrated. Nelly is too pop.

Best Country Album
I'd love to see Tift Merritt win - would make for a great interview coming up - but let's face it, Gretchen Wilson is all over the radio and tv these days. I'd be surprised if she didn't win.

OK, there's my picks for the top awards tonight.
My reactions and comments coming tomorrow.

What's next?

My Gregg Allman story has finally printed, and can be read here.

I finished writing the Warren Haynes story last night around midnight, and it will be out next week.

So, what's next?

Good question.

I pitched a preview of Vanessa Carlton, but her annoying commercial has really turned me against writing something on her. I guess that's the beauty of doing all of my music writing "on the side." I have more of a chance to pick and choose.

I will be doing a preview of The Commitments - the band from the movie of the same name. Of course, this isn't confirmed that I can get an interview, but I've gotten the go ahead from my editor.

No word on Lamb of God - it's still up in the air.

Ashlee Simpson - what are the chances she'd actually do press at this point? I think it's highly doubtful. Would make for an interesting series of questions though.

The Black Label Society is headed to our area on April 14. I've definitely got to try and get an interview with Zak Wylde. It's a pretty intimidating task - he doesn't seem like the type to be excited about an interview. But then again, I've survived Phil Anselmo and Corey Taylor.

Tift Merritt will be headed here in April as well. The Raleigh native is one of the up and coming country stars, and is also featured on the latest cover of FHM. Ought to be interesting to talk to her about it.

That's all for now.

Another hectic day

So, for the past two days, I've been in training sessions from 9-5.

Last night, I worked on the Warren Haynes story until around midnight, and then went to bed. I spent about two hours trying to find all of Warren's albums - at least the ones where he plays on the entire album.

That's not easy...

I got home this evening at around 6 p.m., and left at 6:30 to see a lecture by the native american writer Sherman Alexie - he's one of my favorite authors.

It's now 10 p.m., and I just got home from the lecture - which was amazing - and now have to finish the Warren Haynes story.

To give you an idea of what I'm working with:

The story needs to be 1,000 to 1,200 words, plus a bio box (with information about Warren's CD's, when he was born, etc.)
- Just the quotes from Warren are about 4,000 words.
- The quotes from Warren's dad are 1,500 words.

Right now, the story is 1,100 words, but I have 1,900 words of unused quotes. So it's time to rewrite and edit and rewrite and edit.

Ah, the life of a writer.

Working on Warren

I'm currently writing up the Warren Haynes story.

Yesterday, I had the great honor of talking with his dad for about 30 minutes. Just like Warren, his father Ed was a truly nice man to speak with.

Warren and his father are very close, and my editor thought it would add a great perspective to my story.

He's right. The story's taking great shape.

Back to work . . .

News and notes

Grammy's on Sunday
Sunday is the 47th annual Grammy Awards. The show will open with a multi-artist performance stretching across three stages and feature the Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani and Eve, Los Lonely Boys, Maroon5 and Franz Ferdinand, all of whom are nominated in multiple categories.

I'm sure lots of people are just dying to hear Gwen's "Fiddler on the Roof" impression. That song easily gets my vote for: worst song of the year, worst cover song of the year, worst sign that people will buy anything put in front of them.

Another vomit-inducing moment will be the performance by Jennifer Lopez and her latest husband, Marc Anthony.

Bad Brains reunited
The Soul Brains (formerly the Bad Brains) have completed basic tracks for their first all-new studio album since 1995's "God of Love." The album is produced by Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch. Billboard reports that the as-yet-untitled set recalls the hardcore/reggae style of such classics as "Bad Brains" and "Rock for Light." A sign of good things to come?

More Black Crowes shows
The reunited Black Crowes have been added to Bonnaroo and the New Orleans' annual Jazz and Heritage festival. In addition, the group has added two additional shows to its run at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. Hopefully that's another sign of more good things to come.

Super-safe halftime show

The musical performances at the Super Bowl yesterday weren't too bad, but weren't spectacular either.

It always amazes me how "hyped" the performances get, but they always seem to disappoint.

Pregame
I only saw bits and pieces of the pregame performances.

Black Eyed Peas did a decent medley, but they all seemed to be singing a little bit off. I'm not complaining though - at least they didn't lip synch.

"America the Beautiful"
Alicia Keys' "America the Beautiful" was average to me. They shouldn't have brought Ray Charles into it, in my opinion - referring to his appearance on the Jumbotron.

Charles' rendition of "America the Beautiful" was simply great, and trying to recreate that just didn't work in my opinion.

McCartney
There's nothing more American than the Super Bowl, so why not get a big name from England (?) to star in the halftime show.

Not sure what the logic was there, aside from the ongoing fear that a breast might pop out.

So does this mean that female artists will never be at a Super Bowl halftime again?

And why is America so prudish? We can show people dying on TV. We can have more profanity than is necessary. But show a nipple shield and it's all "vanilla" from here on out..

It's so sad...

Super Bowl Halftimes

There are some interesting guests on the list of past Super Bowl performers.

Some of the highlights:

Super Bowl XXII - Cubby Checker, the Rockettes and 88 grand pianos. Can't say I remember this one, but I'm sure it had to have been interesting.

Super Bowl XXXIII - Stevie Wonder and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Some of the lowlights:

Super Bowl XXV - New Kids on the Block. I bet the producers look back and hang their heads....

Super Bowl XXXV - Aerosmith and NSync. Don't forget Britney Spears, too.

The worst (looking back):

Super Bowl XXVII - Micheal Jackson and 3,500 local children. No comments needed.

More on MTV2

There's more news about MTV2 over at billboard.

Apparently, in addition to new programs, the network will focus more on hip-hop and modern rock (emo and punk-pop).

That would make it...hmmm.... just like MTV!

What are these executives thinking? That there is only one kind of music fan out there and that they're all 15 and love hip-hop and emo?

Sometimes I feel like I'm writing about the same things on here, but then again, that's what's being shoved down the throats of the collective music fan population.

It's sad that we, as consumers, have to search for the good stuff and weed through the garbage.

Some quick news and notes

McCartney
Paul McCartney will be the only performer at the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday. While no one really cares to see his exposed nipple, it should be a better halftime show than in years past.

On Sunday, I'll focus my blog entry on the "problems" of past halftime shows.

Wylde on Zakk
There's an interesting story about Zakk Wylde over at mtv.com. His Black Label Soceity is scheduled to play Winston-Salem in the near future.

More on Warren
My story on Warren Haynes isn't quite finished yet. I'm trying to get an interview with his dad set up so I can ask a few questions about the North Carolina native.

Allman set for next week
The Gregg Allman story I did the interview for a while back will publish next Friday, Feb. 11.

Silence of the Lambs

Yesterday afternoon, I got an email from a music publicist entitled, "Silence of the Lambs."

Here's some highlights:

LAMB OF GOD is BANNED from performing at the Forum in Los Angeles!!!

Lamb Of God is being forced to step aside from one of their arena concerts on the upcoming Subliminal Verses Tour with Slipknot, because of their name Lamb Of God and former moniker Burn The Priest.

The venue, The Forum in Los Angeles, is owned by The Faithful Central Bible Church who decided to impose a ruling to BAN LAMB OF God’s performance at their venue.

Drummer Chris Adler clearly states, "The 'situation' in LA can only be described as ridiculous. It's already been a huge waste of energy trying to turn this around. The powers that be aren't interested budging - or doing their research apparently - and we've never been a band to placate anyone to get our way, smooth things over or make anyone feel better. ...

"It's truly a shame for the show overall, especially for our friends and fans in LA that are being forced to miss our part of the show."

" ... the word from the powers that be is that LAMB OF GOD is not the wholesome family fun that the good people of Los Angeles deserve."

Quite surprising to me in this day and age that people are still feaful of music.

As we all know, ritual sacrifice is a big part of concerts all over and people shouldn't be surprised by it.

That's sarcasm, people! It's just music.

Lamb of God will head to Ziggy's in Winston-Salem in the near future, and you can bet I've already pitched a preview story to my editor. I'd be interested in hearing more from the band on what's happened.

Is it getting worse?

Is the musical landscape getting worse by the day?

Turn on MTV (during the hour when they play music videos) and it's actually quite frightening.

I've already trashed Gwen Stefani's "Fiddler on the Roof" travesty and Nelly/Tim McGraw's repetitive monotony.

Have you seen Jennifer Lopez's new video? Not a bad concept of her playing 10 different characters, but could that song get any worse? Why is repetition becoming so mainstream?

Are musicicans bored? Are they just lazy? "Maybe I'll write one line, and say it or play it over, and over, and over, and over."

The other day when Lopez's video came on, and the annoying saxophone-loop-so-I-can-dance started, my girlfriend actually yelled, "Stop it!"

Where is the talent? Do you think any of these people are going to be around in 10 years?

I don't see Stefani, Lopez, Simple Plan, Good Charlotte or Ciara being inducted into any Hall of Fame any time soon.

The music is mass-produced for the consumer, yet the consumer doesn't seem to care about quality any more.

If you keep buying the garbage, they'll keep selling it to you.

Waiting on Warren; updated

My interview from Monday with Warren Haynes was rescheduled for Tuesday afternoon. So right now, I'm trying to gather questions and do some last minute research.

If you don't know who he is, he's a guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule and Phil Lesh & Friends and also toured with The Dead last year.

He's about to tour with Gov't Mule and is this week's "house band" for "Last Call with Carson Daly."

Check back this afternoon, and I'll let you know how it went.

UPDATE: Just got off the phone with Warren about 15 minutes ago. I talked with him for about 30 minutes, and all went well.

He's a nice guy who talked about the Dead, the Allmans and Mule as well as growing up in North Carolina. The story will be out soon, and I'll post a link when it publishes.

He was at the studio taping the appearances for Last Call - very cool of him to call in the middle of all that.

It's always great when you get a friendly person to interview. I've had my share of rough ones - but that's a story for another day.


Belew's Power Trio
I just got a new album in the mail, and can't wait to pop it in the CD player.

It's from Adrian Belew called, "Side One" and features Les Claypool on bass and Tool's Danny Carey on drums.

Belew, of King Crimson fame, has also worked with Frank Zappa, David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails among others.

Stay tuned for a review.