Remembering Don Kirshner, "Comeback" Seems To Be The New Buzzword, And More!

It's hard to believe that were more than halfway through January already, (which is a good thing if you live in the "snow belt" here in the US), but it seems the music news is coming at us fast & furious - even faster than the time seems to be flying by.

By now, my first topic can be considered "old news" in this digital world... even though the unfortunate event only happened 2 days ago. With the untimely passing of Don Kirshner, rock music has, bar none, lost a major figure and icon. While it's possible that anyone under the age of 25 may not have a clue as to who this man was, you should. If it wasn't for Kirshner, rock music would not be what it is today - period.

Without going into a historical diatribe on the man, (there's plenty of that to be found on the net), I considered Kirshner to be kind of a living irony. The guy couldn't sing or play an instrument if his life depended on it, but was so influential. How influential? Rumor has it that he persuaded The Rolling Stones to play on his show instead of on other TV networks, simply based on his reputation. Kirshner could only pay them $300 per man, while other network offers were around one million dollars. He also took chances. He aired bands on his late night TV show (which was 100% live) when other forms of media barely gave those bands passing glances. And this was an extreme rarity in the 70's. It's even rare today. You will be missed, Don.


Over the past few weeks, it seems "comeback" is the new buzzword for 2011. Artists from Amy Winehouse to Britney Spears have been using the term in regards to their music career. Well, add three more names to that list. Archers of Loaf, Camper Van Beethoven, and Cracker.
- Archers of Loaf, the indie icon from North Carolina, performed their 1st live gig since 1998 at the Love Language show at Carrboro, N.C.'s Cat's Cradle last Saturday. Listed only as "special guests" on the program, word still got out & the place was packed to capacity. According to reviews, the performance was outstanding.
- Camper Van Beethoven & Cracker; I can cover both these bands in one shot. Why? Because David Lowery delivered a two-for-one at New York City's Highland Ballroom last Friday night. He led Camper Van Beethoven through the entirety of 1989's Key Lime Pie, took a break, and then returned to whip through 1993's Kerosene Hat with his later group, Cracker. I'm unsure if this is a first of sorts, but it was a win-win for the fans.

Some quick notes about albums that are out today;
- The Decemberists, The King Is Dead
- Social Distortion, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes

After weeks of rumors, a formal announcement was made regarding some of the bands who will be playing the 2011 Coachella Festival, which will be held April 15-17 at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California. For a while, everyone from Neil Young to The Rolling Stones were rumored to be playing. When the dust settled, it seems Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire, the Strokes, and Kanye West are set to headline the event. Other artists who will take the stage during the festival will be The Black Keys, The National, as well as Mumford & Sons. Tickets go on sale this Friday the 21st.

While we rarely tackle anything Broadway, I do know we have some fans of U2 as well as Spider Man. There's been much anticipation for the official opening, but U2's Spider-Man musical has been delayed for a fifth time and will now premiere on March 15, producers for the show announced yesterday. The delay will allow for "more time to fine-tune aspects of the show, including the new ending," according to the New York Times. Also, well known U2 producer Steve Lillywhite has been called in to work on the show's music. I guess the $65 million dollar price tag of the show (the most expensive in Broadway history) can't buy everything...

Dabbling into a bit of interesting history, it was this week back in 1982 when the band Gene Loves Jezebel played their 1st gig under their new name at the London Institute of Contemporary Art. The band consists of identical twins Jay & Mike Aston, Ian Hudson, and a drum machine. The ironic part of all this is how the band got the gig in the 1st place. Apparently, the bartender working for the ICA highly recommended the band and was also a fan. His name? Mike Aston.

Also, this week back in 1979, the Ramones came to Hollywood to start filming the Roger Corman film, "Rock n' Roll High School". One scene calls for the Ramones to drive up to the front door of the Mayor Theater in a big pink Cadillac with leopard upholstery and a New York license plate "Gabba Gabba Hey". Hollywood would never be the same...


Until next time, keep listening!
Peace out,
Dave