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
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment