Reduced Charges for GnR Leaker

Reduced Charges for Guns N' Roses Uploader, Deal "in the Offing"

By David Kravets October 30, 2008 | 3:51:19 PM

Federal authorities said Thursday they are reducing the criminal charges levied against Kevin Cogill, the Los Angeles man accused of uploading nine pre-released Guns N' Roses tracks from the aging band's upcoming Chinese Democracy album.

Los Angeles federal prosecutor Craig Missakian declined to say why the US attorney's office has changed the charges from a felony to a misdemeanor, a move limiting Cogill's maximum prison exposure from five years to one.

Cogill's attorney, David Kaloyanides, said prosecutors "decided that a misdemeanor was more appropriate."

On Tuesday, the authorities and Kaloyanides are expected to pick a trial date. However, "A deal may be in the offing," he said.

According to court records, Cogill, who runs the music site antiquiet.com, uploaded nine songs from the 14-track album on June 18. Court records allege he confessed to the FBI. The case was cracked by an investigator with the Recording Industry Association of America, according to court records.

Cogill also faces monetary damages if the band sues him.

The felony Cogill was charged under requires the authorities to prove the distribution of pre-released, commercial material over the internet for financial gain or commercial advantage.

Under the misdemeanor statute, the authorities must prove copyright infringement of the right of performance, distribution or reproduction accomplished for commercial gain or financial advantage. Using the internet is not required and the material does not need to be pre-release.

Chinese Democracy is to debut next month.

The nine tracks Cogill allegedly uploaded are: "Chinese Democracy," "Better," "The Blues," "Madagascar," "There was a Time," "IRS," "Rhiad and the Bedouins," "Prostitute" and "If the World."

Wired

DJ Tommy "The Nightmare" Smith

W. Axl Rose plays the voice of Tommy "The Nightmare" Smith, former lead singer of the 1970s rock band Crystal Ship and radio DJ of Classic rock radio K-DST, in the game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

This is by no means all of Axl's audio - but it is a great deal of it.



Thanks go to: pixel1980

"American Boy" Estelle Feat. Kanye West

Let me know what you think of this song.



I Looove it.

-Mack

Winehouse Album Not Coming "Soon"

The 3rd album from Amy Winehouse will not be rushed, a spokesperson for the singer has said.

Winehouse, who was in hospital with a chest infection this weekend, has not been given a deadline for the follow-up to Back To Black.

"The last album's still selling. She's in and out of the studio working but the record company hasn't seen the final result yet. Amy's fine," said the representative.

It has been reported that the new album is inspired by the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz.

The album will allegedly sample the score to the film which includes the classic Harold Arlen songs, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," "Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead" and "You're Off To See the Wizard."

Winehouse's rep is quoted as saying, "She loves the surreal look, sound and score. One of her new songs heavily samples the theme tune. And the soundtrack and score will be a theme running throughout the record.

"It's really interesting, if a little bizarre, but I suppose that's what you would expect from her at the moment."

Her rep added, "When Amy was writing Back To Black she was surrounding herself with 1960s soul music and girl groups and that was obvious in the record. This time it will be sounds from The Wizard Of Oz.

Black To Black was the biggest-selling album in the UK last year.

Digital Spy

15 Second Spot Airs on Canadian TV

Huge Article in November Issue of Popular

This month it seems that finally a miracle has occurred and Chinese Democracy will be put on sale, so we had to celebrate this event by pulling out all the stops.

In the November issue of Popular you'll find a 26 page news article on Guns N'Roses!

Among other things, you'll be able to read the exclusive interview that Izzy Stradlin granted to us this year.

The always smooth and enigmatic Izzy told our correspondent Thiago Sarkis, why he decided to tour again with Guns N' Roses, how his relationship with Axl is at the present, what he thinks of Chinese Democracy, how often he communicates with Slash, Duff, Steven and Sorum, and the possibilities of the reunion which would make millions of fans happy.

Duff McKagan also comments to us about a possible reunion of the Guns N' Roses classic formation.

In addition, he tells Ignacio Reyo how he remembers the height of Guns N' Roses, he speaks of Scott Weiland's exit from Velvet Revolver, and gives his opinion on bands like Mother Love Bone, Alice In Chains, and Blind Melon.

Marc Canter, author of the most complete book ever published on Guns N’Roses, Reckless Road, talks to Fernando Tanxencias giving him access to thousands of interview from the first years of the band.

In one interview that lasted 80 minutes, Marc recalls fifty Guns N' Roses concerts from the band's early history and describes his relationship with Axl, Slash, Izzy, Duff and Steven in those years.

In another section of our magazine, Canter has given us almost 30 unpublished photos.

Some of them that appear only in miniature in Reckless Road, occupy a page or one double page in this issue, so lovers of the original Guns N' Roses will be sure to enjoy this article.

The writer Greg Prato has also granted to Popular two exclusive chapters of his new book on Blind Melon, A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other, totally dedicated to the relationship between Shannon Hoon, Blind Melon, and Guns N' Roses.

Prato has interviewed a multitude of people near both bands (producer Mike Clink, Shannon's mother, Del James - friend of Axl and Shannon, etc) and analyzes in depth the relationship between the frontmen of the two bands, besides recalling the tour they did together.

Six pages of stories, as much for the fans of Blind Melon as for those of Guns N' Roses.

Source: Popular

Translation by: Mack Arillo

Raconteurs Release "Old Enough" Single

The Raconteurs released "Old Enough" this week as a 7" vinyl single.

Track listing:
1. Old Enough (Live from Bonnaroo 2008)
2. Old Enough (Acoustic - Backstage at Bonnaroo 2008)

The single is available through independent retailers, as well as The Raconteurs webstore.

Aficionado of the Fonz

My Dad sent me this.

The Return of EMIN3M

Although Interscope says no release date has been scheduled, Amazon.com is listing a December 23 release date for Eminem's new album, Relapse.

The rapper confirmed the project's existence in a recent interview on Shade 45, his branded Sirius satellite radio station.

He also played a song from the album, titled "I'm Having a Relapse."

Billboard

Although Em hasn't been in hiding as long as Axl Rose, his return to the music world is still big news as he is arguably one of the most controversial figures in popular culture this decade.

-Mack

Related: Axl Rose = Eminem

Merl Saunders Dies

Keyboardist Merl Saunders, a longtime collaborator with the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band, died this morning at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco after complications from a stroke. Saunders was 74.

Saunders suffered a stroke six years ago and lost the use of one of his hands and his ability to speak, but remained active in Bay Area music circles. “Boy, did he get the most out of what he had left,” Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart told the Marin Independent Journal.

Saunders grew up in San Francisco, playing the piano by ten and later graduated to the Hammond B-3 under the careful tutelage of the legendary Jimmy Smith. In 1970 began playing with Garcia in “Legion of Mary” and then “Garcia/Saunders,” producing a number of popular albums including the Deadhead favorite Live at the Keystone.

Their 1990 collaboration, Blues from the Rainforest, hit the Billboard Top 10. Saunders also contributed to the Dead’s album Grateful Dead in 1971.

Later, he became known as a senior member of the jam band scene having played with Phish, Blues Traveler and Widespread Panic, earning him the title “Godfather of Jam Bands.” Saunders also worked as a jazz trio player, performing and recording with Harry Belafonte, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, BB King, Bonnie Raitt, and Paul Butterfield.

“Despite having lost one side of his body to the stroke and being unable to speak, Merl lit up rooms with his smile and spirit” said longtime Grateful Dead publicist and band historian Dennis McNally. “And despite physical damage he put out more sweetness than anyone could imagine. He was a giant soul, and I will remember his smile, at the Greek Theatre tribute to Jerry Garcia a few years back as he played one handed with Melvin Seals. I’ll remember that smile forever.”

RS

Merl always put on a great show.

I saw him perform live at many small venues over the years and what I remember best about him is his enormous grin and his catchphrase, "I Feel Like Dynamite."

He was an amazing musician and a true professional.

Although, not an official member of the band, Merl is the 5th Grateful Dead keyboard player to pass away.

-Mack

Izzy Stradlin / I Know

Well I know, when I go
That I'll probably be back in a week or a day every time
We'll make it alright
It's likely to be so
Call me on the phone say
Miss you here today

Never stay away too long
Never stay away too long



Well I know, when you go
That you'll probably be back in a week or a day every time
We'll make it alright
It's likely to be so
Call me on the phone say
Miss you here today

It's likely to be so
Call me on the phone say
I need you everywhere

Never stay away too long

Izzy Stradlin's newest album, Concrete, is available here.

Related: Video for Izzy Stradlin's "Concrete" Available

-Mack

Chris Pitman Talks Silkworms

There's been a lot of talk about a Guns N' Roses collaboration between yourself and Dizzy Reed, on a track known as "Silkworms."

It has been confirmed that this track will not make the final cut of Chinese Democracy. Why is this? Does the track have a future as a B-side or future release?

I hope so. That song in particular that you are talking about, "Silkworms," it ended up being this incredible track that sounded like Guns N' Roses 10 or 15 years in the future.

It was so far removed from our other songs that we had to put it in this other place. Concept-wise, it didn't fit with Chinese Democracy.

We hope we will have other songs that match that kind of futuristic sound. It's a really exciting track because it morphs into this crazy sound, but it was out so much in the other direction that we have to let time catch up with it.

Daily Music Guide

THEY'RE BACK!

"Three, Four..."



(Cash in now, honey.)

That Slash is a Class Act

Slash was interviewed this week on Boston's Rock station, WBCN, and managed to keep it classy despite the DJ's attempts to get him to trash any number of people they brought up.

Slash on Chinese Democracy:

"Yeah, that sounds cool - it's good to hear his voice. I don't have that kind of negative whatever - know what I mean?"

On Velvet Revolver's new heavier direction:

"We're not making any concessions to anybody - that's why we're being so picky about a new singer."

On his new solo album:

I'd like to think [it'll be out] sometime in the beginning of next year."

On Dr. Drew Pinsky:

"Dr. Drew's actually a real good guy - obviously I would say if I thought he was a shyster."

You can listen to the interview here.

Unfortunately the volume level is extrememly low on this one - pretty sad really for a radio station.

GN'R Reunion Starts ... soon?

-M

Universal Unveils the Final Album Cover

I wonder how long 'til we see the BACK cover ...

[EDIT: Not long apparently ... well, the back of the BOOKLET at least.]

Celebrity Rehab Premieres Tonight

Steven Adler is starring on VH1's Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.

The Season Premiere of Season 2 is tonight (10/23) at 10PM ET on VH1.

In the video below, Steven talks about his friendship with guitarist Slash and his distaste for drummer Matt Sorum.



Many people have complained that this show is just another way to exploit these unfortunate addicts while fueling them with enough money to score some more drugs as soon as the cameras are turned off.

This may be true, but I believe Dr. Drew is sincere in his wish to help these struggling drug abusers.

Drew and his staff manage to keep this show from becoming another Rock of Love freak show, and elevate it to a higher level - a program which may just inspire and help many of it's viewers (I'm one) if not the patients themselves.

We all saw Adler's courtroom drama unfold after his very public relapse following his "graduation" from Pinsky's rehab, so we know how this one ends, for now.

Good Luck Steven.

Honestly, half of me really cares about you and wants to see you clean up, and the other half is just looking forward to some mind-numbing TV tonight.

-M

VH1.com

GNR Announces Chinese Democracy Release

Guns N’ Roses’ management released a statement today officially confirming the arrival of Chinese Democracy on November 23.

“The release of Chinese Democracy marks a historic moment in rock n’ roll,” said Irving Azoff and Andy Gould. They also added that Best Buy would be launching a “monumental campaign that matches the groundbreaking sound of the album itself.”

Pre-orders begin today for the 14-track album co-produced by Axl Rose and Caram Costanzo (Pearl Jam’s No Code, Rage Against the Machine’s Evil Empire).

Chinese Democracy will be available on CD, digital download and vinyl (with a free digital download option) through Geffen Records and Black Frog (Rose’s publishing company).

The official press release:

MINNEAPOLIS, October 22, 2008 – Best Buy and Geffen Records announced that one of the most highly anticipated albums of all time, Guns N’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy, will be available beginning November 23 at Best Buy and BestBuy.com on CD, vinyl, and digital downloads. The title track, the first single from the album, was released to radio today, October 22. Chinese Democracy is the first album of new material from one of rock’s most influential bands since the 1991 simultaneous releases of Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II.

“The release of Chinese Democracy marks a historic moment in rock n’ roll,” said co-managers Irving Azoff and Andy Gould. “We’re launching with a monumental campaign developed by Gary Arnold and the Best Buy team that matches the groundbreaking sound of the album itself. Guns N’ Roses fans have every reason to celebrate, for this is only the beginning.”

“Chinese Democracy is one of the most highly anticipated albums in music history, and Best Buy is thrilled to deliver this explosive and previously elusive release to Guns N’ Roses fans. Longtime fans will be rewarded for their patience and loyalty to this great band, while a new generation of fans will be blown away,” said Gary Arnold, Senior Entertainment Officer for Best Buy. “Axl Rose is one of the most dynamic and gifted writers and performers in modern music. Best Buy is excited to work with Axl to make the release of Chinese Democracy THE musical event of 2008!”

“Guns N’ Roses is THE premier American rock band,” commented Steve Berman, President, Sales and Marketing, Interscope Geffen A&M Records. “Partnering with Gary and everyone at Best Buy to release one of rock’s most anticipated and legendary albums is truly a moment in music history. We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Chinese Democracy is coming, it’s coming this year, and it’s coming to Best Buy.”

Produced by Axl Rose and Caram Costanzo, the album, which will be released on Black Frog/Geffen Records, includes 14 tracks. “Shackler’s Revenge” debuted September 14 through the Rock Band 2 videogame and “If The World” can be heard in the film Body Of Lies, which premiered on October 11.

Chinese Democracy is being released in three formats: CD, Vinyl LP (with a free digital download of the tracks), and as a digital album. Pre-orders at www.BestBuy.com/chinesedemocracy begin today.

www.gunsnroses.com
Rolling Stone

GNR Debuts New Single "Chinese Democracy"

"It's All Happening"

The title track from Guns N' Roses' new album, Chinese Democracy, will be available to download by US radio statios at 5AM Eastern Time tomorrow morning (OCT 22).

This marks both the beginning of Axl Rose's return to the world and the end of the curious saga of Chinese Democracy.

The faithful have waited for this moment for nearly a decade.

Rose first revealed the title of his upcoming album in November 1999 during an interview with MTV's Kurt Loder.

Since then, the album has cycled through at least 4 producers, and has had a veritable "Who's-Who" of talented musicians come and go.

Brian May, Dave Navarro, Moby, Sebastian Bach, and even Shaquille O'Neal are rumored to have worked on the album.

However, the "core" group of musicians consists of GNR veterans Axl Rose and keyboardist Dizzy Reed, along with guitarists Robin Finck, Buckethead, Paul Tobias, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, and Richard Fortus, drummers Josh Freese, Bryan Mantia, and Frank Ferrer, bassist Tommy Stinson and multi-instrumentalist Chris Pitman.

Earlier this month it was reported that Chinese Democracy will be available exclusively at BEST BUY on Sunday, November 23, 2008 in the US.

Album art and a tracklist were posted to the retailer's site last week.

When Chinese Democracy is released, it will be Guns N' Roses first album of new material since 1991's Use Your Illusion I & II.

[EDIT: You can listen to the track here.]

Mack Arillo

Axl Rose: Maverick or Messiah?

THIS NOVEMBER

AMERICA WILL MAKE A CHOICE

REPUBLICAN
DEMOCRACT
INDEPENDANT
LIBREAL
CONSERVATIVE
GREEN
BLACK
WHITE
MAN
WOMAN
72 YR OLD
MIDDLE AGED
PIT BULL
FATHER
HOCKEY MOM
WAR HERO
CHANGE
AFRICAN AMERICAN
OLD GUY
BEAUTY QUEEN
CHANGE

ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN

THIS NOVEMBER AMERICA WILL FINALLY HAVE

CHINESE DEMOCRACY

Hmmm ... Considering that the US Elections are in 14 days, they better start airing these spots pretty soon.

Maybe during the World Series?

In other "news," FMQB is reporting that the 1st single from Chinese Democracy, "Chinese Democracy," will hit the airwaves on Tuesday, October 27.

(About FMQB: FMQB (Friday Morning Quarterback) recently celebrated its 40th anniversary of serving the music and radio industries with high quality unique content, insight articles and news.)

However, WAAF has a news ticker on their front page which reads: Hear the new G'n'R @ the top of every hour starting tomorrow at 6am.

And Eddie Trunk says this: 10/21/08: Well it's finally official. After years of waiting the world will hear the first official release of new Guns & Roses tomorrow! Just got an official email that the song Chinese Democracy is being sent to all radio tomorrow morning.

Looks like Chinese Democracy Starts Tomorrow!

-Mack


stealabasestealataco.com

Don't Ya Try to Stop Us Now

THIS NOVEMBER

HISTORY WILL BE MADE

THE WORLD IS WATCHING

THE FUTURE IS OURS

THIS NOVEMBER AMERICA WILL FINALLY HAVE

CHINESE DEMOCRACY

NOVEMBER 23RD

BEST BUY



http://popflashproductions.com/client/azoff/GNR10.mov

http://popflashproductions.com/client/azoff/GNR3.mov

http://popflashproductions.com/client/azoff/GNR7.mov

FYI - There are 16 videos total, just change the numbers at the end of the links to see them.

The three that I've posted are the most interesting, i.e. they have a NEW SONG!



-Mack

Esto Amor De I

I think I'll let this video speak for itself.

OK. I won't.

Is 1:13 to 2:42 "This I Love?"



Keep In Touch

Guns N' Roses: Attitude for Procrastination

I don't pretend to know what's going on behind the scenes regarding Chinese Democracy, but one thing's for sure - strange things are afoot at the BEST BUY.

For one, BEST BUY is advertising 3 different covers. Or was.

A couple of days ago they had SKU#s for Cover A,B and C.

Six SKU#s in all, 3 compact disc and 3 vinyl.

Now, Cover C is gone but there are even more numbers.

They've even changed the order of the tracklist and slightly altered the names of the songs ("Catcher" to "Catcher N' the Rye").

Any one else find it strange that GN'R waited until 2 days ago to search for an ad agency for this 15-years-in-the-making project?

Obviously, this behavior is nothing new for Axl Rose, a man who is most famous for showing up nearly 3 hours late for most of his live appearances.

You can even watch a new video at EQ TV where Brain talks about how his drum kit was set up for 5 years! When Brain would finish re-recording Josh Freese's drum parts he would go downstairs to find the rest of the band sitting around "watching cartoons."

And as of this morning, Interscope Records is setting up a newsfeed for GN'R on their official website. Huh?

So just when is Axl Rose going to make this thing REAL for us fans who have been burned so many times by actually confirming that the beast is coming out this year?

Well, HOPEFULLY, now that the Dodgers are out of the picture, Axl will get around to checking his email.

-M.A.

Whoa! Album Art and Tracklist

According to the BEST BUY website, the official tracklist for Chinese Democracy is:

1. Chinese Democracy
2. Scraped (Lies They Tell)
3. Shackler's Revenge
4. Street of Dreams (The Blues)
5. If the World
6. Better
7. This I Love
8. There Was a Time
9. Riad N' the Bedovins
10.Sorry
11.IRS
12.Catcher (in the Rye)
13.Madagascar
14.Prostitute

From what I hear, "Scraped' is to be the 1st single.

"It's all happening."



-Mack

Rock Band In Search of Ad Agency

Rock band Guns N’ Roses is seeking an advertising agency to promote their long-awaited next album in a major break from music industry tradition.

Sources suggest that Universal Music has already contacted several London advertising hotshops to launch a marketing communications programme ahead of the global release of Chinese Democracy on November 25.

The move is the latest in a string of new initiatives by the music industry to encourage people to continue buying music, particularly albums, rather than illegally downloading or just buying singles for 79p.

Last summer, Prince gave away free copies of his new album with The Mail on Sunday; and Radiohead launched its own pay-what-you-like download experiment for their latest album.

Declining sales of music have prompted many bands, including Coldplay, to give away their tracks free. Last month Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher said he would “embrace” the growing free music culture by allowing fans to listen to the band’s new album on MySpace, ahead of its official release. The album was posted on the social networking site so that fans could listen free.

It will be the first Guns N’ Roses album since The Spaghetti Incident in 1993 and was initially scheduled for release in March last year.

The delay prompted Dr. Pepper in the US to announce that it will give a free can of its soft drink to “everyone in America” if the album is released anytime during 2008.

Marketing Week

Is Today the Day (Oct 14) ?

Last week, nearly every news outlet on Earth confirmed that the deal between Guns N' Roses and Best Buy was done and that Chinese Democracy will be available on or about November 23, 2008.

Even E's Chelsea Handler (the funniest woman alive) joked about Chinese Democracy on her roundtable Friday night.

In fact, she actually got a scoop from Perez Hilton.



Perez Hilton: "Best Buy bought 3 million copies"

If this is true it means that Chinese Democracy is going to ship multi-platinum and it will probably debut at #1 on the Billboard chart.

This is big news.

The album's not going to flop.

Let's hear a round of applause for Axl Rose and his management. This deal has been the smartest move this organization has made in over 15 years.

As Glen Boyd says here,

"This is how business is done. Through a series of what I believe to have been very well orchestrated media events, what I believe Axl Rose has done to market this album is pure genius. With Chinese Democracy, Rose has succeeded in making a record which otherwise might not have yielded barely a yawn, into a genuine media event."

I don't know about you, but it really seems like a slam-dunk this time to me.

In other news, former Guns N' Roses drummer Josh Freese (1997-2000) has quit Nine Inch Nails.

"We're in negotiations for the release of Chinese Democracy and things are going well. When we begin to put tour plans together, we'll see where things are."

-Axl Rose

Could Josh Freese be the answer to the Matt or Steven question?

As in: Who's going to play drums for the inevitable Guns N' Roses reunion?

I can only hope that Slash and Duff sign up next. If Axl put together a band that looked something like this he could still play his new music while quieting the naysayers who insist that "it's not Guns N' Roses without Slash."

One more thing.

This morning on the pike I got stuck in traffic behind Best Buy tractor trailer. Even though I'd come to a complete halt, I couldn't help but crack a smile wondering if the truck in front of me was full of Chinese Democracy CDs.

I was salivating thinking about all the music contained therein that I haven't heard yet. Piano ballads like "This I Love" and who knows what else.

To think that this may be a reality this time is so exciting. Through all the ups and downs and drama of this saga I really am just so happy to be able to hear the MUSIC.

Six weeks. Could we be holding the CDs in our hands in six weeks?

Maybe Axl will make an announcemnet today. Maybe today is the day.

GunsN'Roses.com

Steven Adler in "Celebrity Rehab" Season 2

A five-minute "super-trailer" for Season 2 of the hit reality TV series "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" can be viewed below. The series, consisting of 8 one-hour episodes, is slated to premiere Thursday, October 23 at 10pm on VH1.

Season 2 will follow Jeff Conaway as he checks back into rehab after a series of back surgeries, setbacks and subsequent reliance on pain medications.

Joining him in rehab are Rodney King, Nikki McKibbon (American Idol), Steven "Popcorn" Adler (Guns N' Roses), Tawny Kitaen, Sean Stewart (Sons of Hollywood), and Amber Smith (model/actress).

Gary Busey, who is 13 years sober from his cocaine addiction, will also be joining the cast to take the journey with the others and to share his experiences on the recovery process.

"Over the course of the first season we were inundated with positive feedback about the series from our viewers and those in the rehab community. Dr Drew is a powerful, positive force for those seeking recovery and I am quite simply amazed not only by the quality of his medical care, but for how much Drew and his team truly care about the people they are treating," said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, VH1.

"This series is a deeply transformative emotional experience in front of the cameras and behind the scenes for everyone involved and I believe it resonates with the viewers because the stakes are so high and the journey is so very human."

VH1.com will launch a sneak peek of the first episode on October 17 before the on-air premiere. Subsequent episodes will be available on VH1.com following their on-air premiere.

A Rose Blooms on Nov. 23

GUNNING FOR TURKEY DAY: Guns N’ Roses’ long-awaited Chinese Democracy album on Geffen/ Interscope finally has a release date. The album will hit all Best Buy stores, where it is an exclusive, on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, giving it a full seven days on sale before entering the chart on Dec. 2. Best Buy’s sales week runs from Sunday through Saturday night. (10/8p)

HITS Daily Double

Bedtime for Chinese Democracy? (I Know it's Hard to Keep an Open Heart)

Here's the latest Chinese Democracy rumor to set the interweb on fire:

"From what I am hearing now, Chinese Democracy is still a three disc set, consisting of the following:

a) a CD containing the new material

b) a CD or DVD (not sure which) with live performances

c) a DVD of behind the scenes footage

so techinically, yeah, it's three discs, but only one with new music

and all signs point to November 25th"

I've been reluctant to pass this rumor along - because it's just that, a rumor, - but with Chinese Democracy news so scarce I figured I'd at least mention it.

It certainly would be nice to have a 3 disc set - and a DVD of behind the scenes footage would be massive.

"The true, ongoing, behind-the-scenes triumphs and casualties are much more complicated than any negative speculation that the media or otherwise has managed to hit upon."

It's not a traditional album - so don't expect traditional marketing. If you're giving up on 2008 because there's less than 8 weeks until Black Friday - then you're suffering from a lack of imagination.

March 18, 2008: The Raconteurs announce the March 25 release date of Consolers of the Lonely, their second disc.

"We wanted to get this record to fans, the press, radio, etc., all at the EXACT SAME TIME so that no one has an upper hand on anyone else regarding it's availability, reception or perception. We wanted to explore the idea of releasing an album everywhere at once and THEN marketing and promoting it thereafter. The Raconteurs would rather this release not be defined by its first week sales, pre-release promotion or by someone defining it FOR YOU before you get to hear it."

So - I don't know when Chinese Democracy is coming out, but there's no law that says they have to announce it 2 months ahead of time. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't say BOO until 1 or 2 weeks before they pull the trigger.

I'll say that again for added emphasis:

I wouldn't be surprised if they don't say BOO until 1 or 2 weeks before they pull the trigger.

Anyway, it's been a slow news week.

Joe Bosso has a well-written piece here about "Shackler's Revenge" that made me chuckle.

"Given all that, Shackler's Revenge in 2008 sounds like it probably should have been released by somebody - certainly not Guns N' Roses, or Axl Rose, or even Izzy - back in 1994. The meat of the track is something of Pro Tools-ed amalgam of Nine Inch Nails meets early Nu Metal rumblings. It might have made for a decent Marilyn Manson album cut back in the day, but as the first "new" music from the GN'R brand in umpteen many years, gee, what are we to say? 'Thanks?'"

The Guys over at Talking Metal have a new podcast where they claim that the BEST BUY / November 25 release date rumor is absolutely true. They say "it's official - but it won't be announced by BEST BUY." That makes sense - I think that after 14 years of trials and tribulations, Axl Rose really deserves the privilege of dropping the bomb himself.

You can download the podcast here:

TALKING METAL EPISODE 231: COUNTDOWN TO CHINESE DEMOCRACY PART VII

Sometimes I think that GN'R just like to wait for the media to calm down before they make an announcement, just so they can keep the buzz going for as long as possible ...

-Mack


Guns N' Roses
Best Buy
Billboard

Members Of Twisted Sister Now Willing To Take It

In a stunning reversal of their long-stated reluctance to take it, members of heavy-metal band Twisted Sister announced Monday that, after 24 years of fervent refusal, they are now willing to take it.

"I acknowledge that we promised not to take it anymore, but things change. The world is a different place today, and with that in mind, we would like to go on record as saying that, starting right now, we are going to take it," read a statement released by the band's lead singer, Dee Snider.

"To clarify, we would still prefer not to take it, but as of now, taking it is an option that we would be open to. That is all." Bassist Mark "the Animal" Mendoza also stated that, in regards to what he wants to do with his life, he no longer solely wants to rock, but would instead prefer doing other things, such as raising a family and working as a claims adjuster in Rye, NY.

The Onion

Skate Park Kids Not Lame

By Michael Seward, Columnist

As has been previously reported in The Sentinel, parents have been meeting with selectmen to voice their support for the Belchertown Skate Park. At a couple of meetings, a few "skate park kids" arrived with their parents to show their support for their favorite park.

The parents deserve credit for ultimately volunteering for a new Skate Park Committee that have already succeeded in getting the park re-opened, but I am more impressed with the fact that the skate park kids were donning Iron Maiden T-shirts at the meetings with selectmen. I was a big Maiden fan at their age. A Maiden poster is the only surviving poster left on my bedroom wall at mom's house.

A couple of weeks ago I commented on the "idiocracy" on MTV these days. The skate park kids demonstrated to me that hope is not totally lost among today's youth. The fact that kids today are still listening to Maiden brought me a glimmer of hope. The fact that a long-haired-teenaged-boy in a black Iron Maiden T-shirt spoke up for what he thought was right also brought me a glimmer of hope. I am willing to bet that I may be the first to see hope in Iron Maiden-T-shirt-wearing-teens.

Many people have not heard of Iron Maiden and many may be afraid of an uncertain "element" that a skate park could attract due to the scary Iron Maiden T-shirts some of them wear. It's perfectly understandable to be concerned by anyone wearing an Iron Maiden T-shirt, as they are scary. However, Maiden is just a British heavy metal band and they were huge in the 1980s. Golfers may be interested to know that this band's drummer is a friend of Nick Faldo and was hanging out at this year's Ryder Cup tournament. They actually talked about it on the Golf Channel.

Regardless of what you think of metal as a genre or Eddie, the mascot that adorns their album covers, posters and T-shirts, one cannot deny the complexity of their compositions or the intellect of their lyrics. Their repertoire spans a wide compilation of themes. These include educational themes like history with songs like, "Alexander the Great". They also cover literature with the epic "Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner"; mythology with "The Flight of Icarus"; and even the Bible with, "Revelations", which the lead singer once cleverly joked was about opening a pair of curtains. "The eyes of the Nile will open and you'll see." You'll see that despite the scary T-shirts, the skate park kids may be the best and brightest Belchertown has to offer.

Although I was never one to skateboard, my friends and I did listen to Maiden and ride our. bicycles. We rode them everywhere. I couldn't imagine being 13 and being picked up by the police for riding my bike. Even with a skate park, is it really the general assumption that they can only ride and skate in the small footprint offered at the skate park?

When my office was in the center of Belchertown I saw a kid jump a curb as I would have done. I told him that he needed to try it again because I didn't think he hit the curb at an optimum angle. He was more impressed with the fact that I wasn't yelling at him to leave the premises than my knowledge of jumping curbs. "Was I really contributing to the delinquency of a minor? Since it was after hours, what is the harm if a kid gets some exercise and fresh air instead of being glued to a television?

Thankfully, the Maiden fans took care of business and did their part to get the skate Park re-opened. They showed that there is not any "idiocracy" among the metal heads!

Submitted by Anonymous

How Does It Feel?

In his latest missive, Bob Lefsetz implores his readers to check out Michael hedges cover of "Like a Rolling Stone."

He says,

"And here's where I give you instruction. From a dead man. Who never really made it. Whose legend has not grown since his passing, but has only contracted. But he's a star in my pantheon. I'll still be playing HIS covers long after [James Taylor's] lame renditions of famous tracks evaporate from my memory bank.

I'm speaking, of course, of Michael Hedges.

You've got to hear his cover of Peter Gabriel's "Come Talk To Me". He covered everything from "I'm Into Something Good" to "Holiday" to "If I Needed Someone". But the absolute best is "Like A Rolling Stone". The supposedly uncoverable Bob Dylan classic. Hedges wrings new meaning from the song, he slows it down and makes it three dimensional. He implores us, he asks us...HOW DOES IT FEEL? To be on your own. Like a complete unknown."

Well of course I headed straight over to YouTube to check it out.



I haven't thought about Michael Hedges in years - in fact I didn't even know that he'd died (Michael's car skid off a cliff in 1997). But I'm grateful to Bob for reminding me of him. In the Summer of 1991, I listened to Hedges' Grammy-nominated-album, Taproot every single day. I can't recommend this album enough, but it occurs to me that I've never even listened to any of his other records. For all I know, Taproot is his worst album (but I doubt it). BAM Magazine had this to say about it,

"Conceived as an autobiographical myth told in music, Taproot offers twelve pixyish instrumental journeys, with often ingenious arrangements, pristine instrumentation and pleasing melodies."

The closing track is the lone vocal on the album, e.e. cummings' "I Carry Your Heart."

The one thing I really disagree with Bob Lefsetz about though is that "Like a Rolling Stone" is an "uncoverable classic." I would never have described it that way.

I remember hearing 10 seconds of the Hendrix version on a PBS documentary and immediately running out to the record store and purchasing Jimi at Monterey. Without a doubt, that performance was a landmark in Rock History - a cover that easily rivals the original.



Much less famous than Jimi's cover but still totally cool is the Other Bob's take on the tune.



Finally, I've embedded the "Judas" performance from the Royal Albert Hall in 1966. This clip is taken from the No Direction Home DVD - this is the closing sequence of the documentary.



I'll never get tired of this song. Lyrically, it's a time-capsule of the 1960s/70s Rock 'n' Roll coming-of-age experience. I think that everyone can relate to feeling lost and alone - even if they aren't homeless drug addicts like the character in this stanza,

You said you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And ask him do you want to make a deal?

How does it feel?

I saw Sandra Bullock on David Letterman one night, and she described how she had recently gotten into boxing at her local "celebrity gym." Her trainer paired her up with Bob Dylan, and all she could think of while they were trading blows to the face was ... "How does it feel?"

-Mack Arillo

The Roots Play Sweet Child O' Mine

Hip-hop moguls The Roots played a free concert over the weekend at Ohio State University's annual "Welcome Week" event in Columbus, Ohio.

One of the highlights of the show was this little medley:

You Got Me (The Roots) which segued into

Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N' Roses) [This got the biggest unsolicited round of applause of the evening] into

Who do You Love (John Lee Hooker) [They spent a few minuets each on both "non-Roots" songs] back into

You Got Me (The Roots)

Thanks to: Pat

You can watch The Roots performing at OSU below.



-M



EDIT: I was able to find this:

The PHISH Returns

Phish 3 678 9

Phish returns to the stage for three concerts at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia on March 6, 7 and 8, 2009.

A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets' online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/ . The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end on Wednesday, October 8th at 11:59AM EST.

Tickets go on sale to the public on Saturday, October 18th at 10 AM EST and may be purchased online at http://ticketmaster.com or by phone at 757.671.8100, 757.872.8100 or 804.262.8100. Tickets will not be available at the venue box office and there is a two-ticket limit per show.

The band intends to announce additional touring in 2009 early next year.

Phish.com