Foo Fighters, Sex Pistols, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oh My!

I had to make a trip to the DMV (aka MVR, RMV... basically the registry of motor vehicles or whatever it's called in your neck of the woods) this morning. I have to admit, waiting there is good for one thing. It makes for a good time to get caught up on what's going on in the music world! For one thing, the news is a mix of new & old.

It's hard to believe, but the Sex Pistols album, "Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols" was released 33 years ago as of tomorrow October 28th. Looking back, it's a miracle the album is even released. The band went through three (3) record labels in less than 9 months before Warner Brothers signed them. The album goes through constant changes - everything from the album cover art work to song selection. There's so much indecision, that the first 200,000 copies of the album had to be shipped with an "additional" 45 single version of the song "Submission", which would be included on the full length album afterwards... all due to last minute decisions.

There's still some confusion & speculation about the bands name. The groups manager Malcolm McLaren has stated repeatedly that the name came from two things: 1). The "Sex" part is in regards to the name of his clothing store back on the Kings Row in London and 2). He (McLaren) wanted the 2nd half of the name "to sound dangerous"... so he chose the word "pistol".

Not everyone was convinced. Within one hour of the record hitting the streets, it is banned from at least three major department stores. The album does moderately well in the states, mostly due to curiosity, but over in England, it's an entirely different story. The song "God Save The Queen" goes to #2 on the singles chart in the UK with absolutely no airplay (it's banned obviously) and the album goes to #1. Record shop owners are harrassed (and in some cases arrested and/or fined) if they sell the album, advertising of the record is practically forbidden, and many towns are blocking the band from playing any venues. Some ask why all the fuss? After all, it's just an album & an album cover. It's more than that... it's a movement. It's a reclaiming of rock n' roll that would still feel it's influence to this day.

Moving back into the current, one of the big headlines that popped up this week was the news of the new Foo Fighters album. It wasn't necessarily the release that made all the talk, or the fact that the group is cutting the record DIY-style in Grohl's garage. The big hoopla was the fact that Dave has returned to his Nirvana-era roots. Nevermind producer Butch Vig is at the helm and bassist Krist Novoselic will make a guest appearance on bass. "This whole project has been really cool - the album is totally old school analog," Grohl said. "I haven't made a record with Butch for 20 years." So far, the Foos have cut seven tracks and are planning to lay down five or six more.

This just came in this morning - for those of you who were looking forward to the new Devo tour will have to wait a little longer. Devo have postponed their upcoming November tour until Spring of 2011, according to the band's label Warner Bros, due to guitarist Bob Mothersbaugh sustaining a serious hand injury. No other details were available, except "OUCH!"

Another cool tidbit that I glanced at was Tyson Ritter of the All American Rejects is auctioning off an autographed suit to raise money for Haiti relief. The suit is signed by Rejects' tour mates on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour, including Alkaline Trio, Dillinger Escape Plan, Andrew W.K., Mike Posner, Sum 41 and more. I won't post the link here, but you will find it on e-Bay.

Another band stepping into the "new release" arena, are the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The group has been on a fairly serious hiatus that started back in 2007 - mainly to weather the departure of guitarist John Frusciante. However, it seems RHCP back in the studio working on a new record, which the band is hoping to release in Spring of next year. For the still-untitled album, Anthony Kiedis, Flea and Chad Smith have roped in touring guitarist Josh Klinghoffer for lead duties and the band is teaming up once more with longtime producer Rick Rubin.

I haven't done this for a while, but I've had some emails asking me about when I was going to start posting some "history" tidbits, as quite a number of people thought it was cool. On that note, we'll just say, no problem - you asked for it!
- In 1986, (Waiting For) The Ghost Train is released, the last Madness single.
- In 1993, Pearl Jam sets a 1st week sales record by selling 950,000 copies of the "Vs." album.
- In 1973, a new girl group called The Stilettos have been floating around New York City. The band is formed by Debbie Harry. They are occasionally joined by guitarist Chris Stein. They will make their formal debut this week back in '73 at Bobern Tavern. It will be Debbie's first big step towards Blondie.

That's about it for today. Keep listening!
Peace out,
Dave

The Cars Reunite, Money To Burn, New Stuff From U2 & Smashing Pumpkins, & RIP Ari Up

Alright - it's Friday! Hopefully you're getting ready for the weekend... and we hope you'll be taking along 360 Degrees of Alternative along for the ride as well! I'm sure we all noticed the full moon this week - as things in the alternative music world I think were kinda noticing it as well.

The first tidbit I wanted to cover was the breaking news that the Cars are reuniting. There was rumblings of this back in July, but it was just "...well, we're thinking about it..." sort of thing. Now, apparently it's official. There will be an album, but as for a tour at this point - that still needs to be hammered out. The Cars' engineer Paul Orofino confirmed that the band - Ric Ocasek, guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes, and drummer David Robinson -have been recording in a studio in Millbrook, New York. No word as of yet who would be handling bass guitar duties as founding bassist Benjamin Orr died of cancer in 2000. As stated above, the band is "strongly considering" touring, but they have not yet nailed down dates.

I was on the road this week and I was listening to some "early" White Stripes while in the car, if there is such a thing. I later came across an article which stated that a copy of the 7" single "Lafayette Blues" which the White Stripes recorded back in 1998 sold for over $18,000... and they say there's no money in music. The unique thing about this particular album was it was one of only 15 copies with a hand-painted cover done by Jack White and Italy Records honcho Dave Buick. The single originally went for only $6 when they were sold at the Stripes' concert at Detroit's Gold Dollar 12 years ago.

More new stuff on the horizon! According to a press release, Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins will release Teargarden by Kaleidyscore Vol.II: The Solstice Bare, the second EP in Corgan's planned 44-song, 11-EP project, on November 23rd. Yes, this release will also be a limited edition CD like the last one.

U2 is also in the new release spotlight, but in spades! Despite Bono's emergency back surgery earlier this year, the band is currently working on three (no typo here) three new albums. First up is a collaboration with Gnarls Barkley mastermind and production whiz Danger Mouse. The wait for that album might not be too long. Earlier this month, U2's manager Paul McGuinness told the Irish Times that he expected the band's next album to drop in early 2011, before the next leg of the group's U.S. tour, which begins in May.

On a sad note, Ari Up — co-founder of the iconic British punk band the Slits — died October 20, according to the Sex Pistols' John Lydon. Ari Up, who was born Arianna Forster, succumbed to a "serious illness," according to Lydon, who is married to Up's mother. She was only 48.

For those who are unfamiliar with the singer, Up formed the band The Slits with drummer Palmolive when she was only 14 years old in 1976. The group would go on to become one of the most pioneering female punk groups, laying the groundwork for the '90s riot grrrl movement and inspiring everyone from Bjork and Courtney Love to Bikini Kill and Sleater-Kinney. The Slits' sound was wild and experimental - a mixture of reggae grooves and spiky punk guitars -and earned them fans from bands like the Clash, who took the Slits on the road for their 1977 White Riot Tour. When the group finally made it to vinyl by 1979, again they made headlines with their debut release "Cut" - but it was more for the album cover art instead of the music which featured the band posing naked. RIP Ari...

Finally, I received an email from a listener asking what does the song "Daughter" by Pearl Jam mean? I replied with a web link giving them the answer, (you'll just have to look it up yourself :-p), but I also found some cool trivia about that album as well. Did you know that the album was originally going to be called "5 Against 1", but then the band changed it to just "Pearl Jam" and then to "VS". Apparently, there are a handful of copies out there with the "Pearl Jam" title, before it was changed to "VS".

That's about it for now... whew! Until next time, keep listening.
Peace out,
Dave

Pixies in Chile, More New Releases... We Think, and Nirvana Goes On Display.

Greetings all -

I read this 1st bit of news this morning & I had to spread the word on it, because I thought it was really cool. My apologies to those who already know this. The Pixies performed what was most likely the longest concert in their history (at least the group said it was) in Santiago, Chile Wednesday night in honor of each of the 33 miners who were rescued from a collapsed mine that same night. Lead vocalist and guitarist Black Francis said in a statement, "We were so moved by this story, by how many lives had been affected by this, and how the Chilean people banded together to support what can only be described as a miracle. We wanted to do something to show how affected we were by this." The Pixies, whom originally formed in Boston back in 1986, ended up playing 35 songs in all, including a two-song encore.

This next bit has been quite the buzz this week on Twitter, that it even caught the attention of the BBC... and that's saying something. According to R.E.M.'s band manager, Bertis Downs, the group has finished work on their 15th studio album and have decided what to call it: Collapse Into Now. A release date of "Spring 2011" was given but no other info was available at this time.

While we're on the subject of new releases, I hope the Beastie Boys decide at some point to stop playing musical chairs... or records. I know Adam Yauch has recovered (or is still recovering) from his bout with cancer, but is well enough to get back in the studio and start doing some mixing. Don't get me wrong - glad to have you back (and around) Adam! However, the group's supposedly next release Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 now has been delayed indefinitely. However, Hot Sauce Committee Part 2, according to a B.B.'s press release will be out on time in spring! Um... OK! I'll leave the holding your breath part up to you...

In the "this should be interesting" department, according to the Seattle Post, the Seattle museum Experience Music Project will launch the largest ever exhibit on Nirvana starting April 16th 2011. The show will be called, "Nirvana: Taking Punk to The Masses" will contain over 200 items from the band and families' archives, including Kurt Cobain's lyrics, an old reel-to-reel used to record demos, and rare photos and snapshots of the band.

Lastly, I was glancing through some websites regarding "Rock History" or "Today in Rock History". Most of the time, I find some cool tidbits and what-not. I do not remember this next piece of history, however. It seems back in 1990, "Rocky Horror Picture Show Day", is declared in Los Angeles, marking the 15th Anniversary of the film. Can you imagine what this would've been like? But my big question is, where the hell was I?

Well, I guess you can't remember everything... especially at my age!
Until next time, keep listening!

Peace out,
Dave

Billie Joe Does Broadway, A Landslide of New Releases, and More Ways To Feel Old

Now that I think of it, that first tag line in the title, "Billie Joe Does Broadway", sort of reminds me of a certain porn movie title of a slightly different name... however, we won't go there... but it does bring quite some food for the mind. This topic is making quite a buzz in the media world.

Billie Joe Armstrong, frontman for Green Day, actually made his debut on Broadway. Even before the curtain rose for American Idiot at Manhattan’s St. James Theater, (no pun intended here - that is the actual name of the theater), an announcer listed the house rules and then added, “By the way, the role of St. Jimmy will be played by Billie Joe Armstrong.” Needless to say, the roar from the crowd that followed may have been the loudest in Broadway history for a person who was was stand-in.

Armstrong played the character of St. Jimmy, the evil influence on the punky protagonist Jesus of Suburbia (played by John Gallagher Jr.). Billie Joe was filling in for Broadway veteran Tony Vincent (who is on short leave for a family matter) for eight performances. According to reviews and feedback, not only did the show get a favorable thumbs up, but apparently Armstrong was a decent actor as well as a dancer, the latter of which surprised many people.

The show was also a first on another front - it was the first punk / alternative rock album to be made into a Broadway show. It joins some impressive company like The Who's "Tommy" in regards to a "rock opera" of sorts to actually make it to Broadway. Who would've thought when American Idiot was released that it would actually go this far?

Some people say it's because the holidays are right around the corner, others are saying it's because it's the end of the year and it will be a case of "one-up-man-ship". Whatever the reason, I really don't care! October as well as the following months are setting up to be a cool time for a variety of new releases from a number of bands. Everybody and their brother seems to be up to speed regarding the new stuff from Weezer and Kings of Leon. Here's a short list of bands that will be releasing new stuff very soon;
- My Chemical Romance
- The Cold War Kids
- My Morning Jacket
- Gold Panda
... and there's more on the horizon.

Lastly, I felt a little aged by this bit. A listener emailed me and said, "Hey... you're almost 50 (thanks pal), but do you remember this? Not only was this almost 30 years ago (28 to be exact) but also the fact that Joe Strummer is now in rock n' roll heaven. It was on this date back in 1982 that The Clash played Shea Stadium as part of their farewell tour.

If you now feel a "little old"... good. Welcome to the club, we have jackets.
Until next time, keep listening!

Peace out,
Dave

Getting Out Of Our Confort Zone & Where The Heck Do You Find These Bands??

I received an email the other day from a listener, as they put it, "I just found your station... and it blew me away. You play a lot of tunes I'm familiar with as well as many songs & bands I've never heard of - but they kick ass! You NEVER hear these bands on the radio... where do you find these bands and songs?"

1). Glad you found us!
2). Glad you like the station!
3). Unfortunately, I make it a habit of not revealing my sources for where I "find" these bands and/or some of the songs the station plays. The reason for that is, is it keeps me one step (hopefully) above other similar genre stations.
4). And probably most important, is that's why we're here... because there are a lot of great bands & tunes that you don't hear on the radio. Chances are, there's a possibility you never will... and that's a shame.

Sometimes it's a question of a new (read: local) band getting "discovered". Other times, it's a geographical situation. In other words, let's say a new band from L.A. just got signed to a record label. It's going to take a little time for that music to reach the east coast. But sometimes, I feel there's a third aspect. I guess that's in direct relation to some other emails I've received asking as to why I don't play a certain tune, especially if it's getting tons of airplay on commercial radio stations. In my humble opinion, just because a certain song is getting some significant airplay, doesn't mean it's good or worthwhile and likewise, just because a certain song isn't getting any airplay, doesn't mean it's bad.

I know I might piss a few people off by saying this, but just because it's "popular", doesn't mean it's good or worthwhile. Classic example - Disco music from the 70's. How else do you explain such tunes like "Disco Duck" by DJ Rick Dees & His Band of Idiots going all the way to #1 on the charts?

This is one reason why I eat, sleep & breathe rock n' roll... and especially all forms of alternative music from the past few decades. It's a music that makes people get out of their comfort zone. My belief is, it's the same for both the artists as well as the listeners. The first real examples getting listeners out of their comfort zone, were The Velvet Underground and Iggy Pop & The Stooges.

While the Beatles were singing "Yesterday", Lou Reed & the VU were singing about heroin. While people thought Jim Morrison was "deep and thoughtful", Iggy Pop was being authentic... and there are very few authentic madmen in this business. I mean, Iggy walked on people's hands and heavily involved the audience. One never knew what to expect. With Iggy, there was the possibility that he could take the entire audience with him. In hindsight, he was much more dangerous that Jim Morrison who would waive his penis around on stage in Miami.

Now before you start sending me hate mail, I also like the Beatles as well as the Doors. (Side note - did you know that Ray Manzarek, keyboardist of the Doors was a HUGE punk rock fan?) However, that same spirit carried through the mid 70's, with the American & English punk rock movement. Without that intense D.I.Y. effort, we would not have progressed as far as we have over the past 35 years. Listeners have responded to many a musicians call to "get out of your comfort zone".

That D.I.Y. concept still thrives today. This is the part where I feel the artists also get out of their comfort zone. A classic example is a piece I stumbled on about 6 months ago.

Photos by: Rachel Keenan

Apparently, there was this word-of-mouth gathering out in San Francisco. The woman who took these pictures was called up by a friend and said that there was going to be "some show" going on in someone's backyard... or something like that. Turned out to be a cluster of three kick ass garage pop bands tucked behind a turn of the century house on Folsom in the inner Mission.

The band in these pics is a group we feature on 360 Degrees. They're called Brilliant Colors. No, this is not some free plug the band asked me to do. However, tke a good look at these photos... look how cramped the setting is. Talk about getting out of your comfort zone! However, in my opinion, this is where some of the most exciting things can happen. No barriers, no egos, no bullshit. During the performances the audience noted that there was nothing too cute, no psychedelic or jam-ridden interludes, just pure Saturday afternoon rock.

Lastly, I'll close with a thought brought to by Elvis Costello. He once said "Rock n' Roll is not someone dressing a certain way, or having a guitar at a certain angle, or having the cigarette a certain way or knowing a certain big-wig... it's someone in a room discovering something new or something neither of us have heard of waiting to get discovered... hopefully."

'Til next time, keep listening. Peace out,

Dave

We'll Skip The "Short But Sweet" Part & Just Continue With The Dazed & Confused!

Remember the blog post from yesterday? If not, you can access it from the either the 360 Degree's of Alternative Facebook page or in the blog archives page. Anyways, we were kind of "taking a tour" of Planet Bizzaro... noting some pretty weird happenings, but also highlighting some cool stuff. Well, I was poking around the music world this morning & I guess some people are calling for an encore!! Unsure what I mean? Check it out...

Yesterday I mentioned a "story" that was circulating around the web involving Dave Grohl & a $75 million dollar lawsuit (and a good chance that it was bogus). But here we have another head scratcher; Now I gotta admit... for most Weezer fans, these are exciting times: The band's dropped a new album, Hurley, partied with My Chemical Romance, (more on them in a bit), and are bringing some of their most popular albums - "The Blue Album" and Pinkerton - to the stage for several fall shows.

But not everyone is psyched about all this "Weezer-ness", to coin a certain non-phrase, and one man is doing whatever it takes to make them go away. Seattle local James Burns is rallying a campaign to pay the band $10 million to "disappear." As Seattle newspaper The Stranger reports, Burns has set up a web-page via a fund-raising site to collect money to "stop hearing about a shitty new Weezer album every goddamn year." Burns also writes, "This is an abusive relationship, and it needs to stop now," referring to his disappointment with songs like Beverly Hills (uh oh... 360 Degrees plays this song. Maybe I'll get sued...) and I'm Your Daddy.

Despite Burns' proactive rallying, don’t expect Weezer to call it quits. So far, Burns has only raised $172, although one philanthropist has pledged $100. Weezer seem amused by the campaign. Drummer Patrick Wilson posted on his Twitter, "If they can make it 20 [million], we'll do the 'deluxe breakup!'"

And I thought the country was in a recession... Sheesh! Of course, I could be persuaded to stop playing the all the Weezer songs that we currently feature for say... 500 thousand dollars. I figure, what the hell; all this money is just flying around, why not cash in on some of it! Yes... pun intended. Don't worry, I won't be here all week, but do try the veal.

Next up, I read a piece on a reunion, of sorts. While this is a little out of the realm of "alternative", these guys were definitely an alternative force in metal during the 80's and all those hair bands. The bottom line on this - it's truly kick-ass news! Nineteen years after first touring together under the "Clash of the Titans" banner, thrash metal kings Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax are reunited and back on the road, this time on the "Jagermeister Music Tour." But make no mistake: In the eyes of all the bands involved, it's "Clash of the Titans: Revisited." As I said, this is great news. I can remember all the shit Anthrax got shortly after 9/11 in regards to the bands name, even though they had been around for YEARS prior to that.

I found a pic of the bands frontmen... how would you like these guys showing up at your reunion? If anything, it would be one hell of a reunion! From left to right, Ian Scott (Anthrax), Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), and Kerry King (Slayer).


Lastly, we'll be making a stop at the "it's about time" department. For a while there, I thought My Chemical Romance was trying to out-do Green Day in the follow-up album area. Last December, the band focused on writing and recording the follow-up to 2006's The Black Parade, the multi-platinum smash that established them as one of the decade's biggest new bands (hey, now there's a new term to lay on your music loving friends at your next party). Front-man Gerard Way had completed nearly seven songs, which were inspired by everything from Judas Priest and Def Leppard to the Hives and the Killers. Man, think about that for a second... what a combination!

But then the band decided to start over from scratch. (Drummer Bob Bryar also split amicably from the group around the same time.) According to guitarist Ray Toro, "It's been a very long writing process. Some songs we just had to get out of our system and some songs we kept and reworked." My Chem will reveal those years of hard work on their new album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, which hits stores November 22. Let's hope it's worth the four year way.

That's if for today. Sorry, I'm out of motion sickness pills if you need any. Please consult your local pharmacy...

Peace out,
Dave

Short & Sweet, But Dazed & Confused

OK - what's up with the title? I thought it was rather fitting, because I feel we need put out the idea or concept or hope that things will "even out" over the next week or so. I see the next question coming already... Dave; what the hell are you talking about?

It's simple really. It seems like the music world can't seem to make up it's mind. One week, we've got nothing but "weird" or "off". The next week, all the planets seem to be lined up and things happen and we kick ass. The week after, we're back to Planet Bizzaro.

Case in point - 1st stop on the tour bus on Planet Bizzaro. My apologies in advance for starting you off so harshly. I read a piece on-line about what could possibly provoke Dave Grohl to sue Scissor Sisters, their label, management company, and wardrobe department, Ticketmaster, and the venue where he recently saw the band perform, for a total of $75 million? Apparently, Sisters frontman Jake Shears' bare testicles. That's right, his balls... nuts... cubes... whatever you want to call them.

Now, from what I've also read, this whole thing is a joke and is not real, although the "wardrobe malfunction" part on stage is apparently legit. Do I really care how this is going to pan out? Nope. Again, I'm just putting out a call for things to get back to normal.


Hang on for stop #2... if you need motion sickness pills, let me know. I found this out about this interesting tidbit on Monday. Velvet Underground's former drummer Moe Tucker has traded music for politics. The drummer was interviewed by a local Albany New York channel about her pro-Tea Party stance. Apparently, Lou Reed is not impressed. Whatever... If you want to watch the piece, I think you can still find the video out there on You Tube. If you do watch it, skip about 80% of it. Moe's bit is at the last 30 seconds. Now, I'm not endorsing anyone or any party here... relax.

Here we go for stop #3; This one's going to bring stuff to an upswing... I promise. It's been ten years since Chris Carrabba unleashed his sensitive brand of emo-pop with The Swiss Army Romance, his debut as Dashboard Confessional, back when he performed by himself, armed only with an acoustic guitar. To celebrate that record's 10th anniversary, Carrabba will hit the road for a 17-date solo tour and release a limited-edition pressing of the album. The intimate trek of theaters and clubs kicks off with two nights in Carrabba's home state of Florida and wraps up with two nights Chicago.

Carrabba isn't kidding when he means a "limited-edition" pressing. The Swiss Army reissue will be a vinyl-only release, limited to just 1,000 numbered copies. The newly-remastered version will be issued on five 7-inch records, bundled with new artwork, previously unseen photos, tour laminates, and guitar picks. The reissue will be available on November 16.

That's about it for now, and I feel that's enough. So... how's your stomach holding out? Hopefully, next time, we'll have lots more cool stuff, although you gotta admit this drama shit is pretty hilarious...

Keep listening & peace out,
Dave