Detritus
Issue #427
Week of September 3, 2007
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
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Patrick Brower, Editor
patrickbrower@...

Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
lof@...
http://www.lakeoffire.net/

Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@...

Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@...
http://www.myspace.com/kdsteve

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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-Wow, hey, a new Detritus and it's *not* a Friday! Stay tuned, though,
'cuz tomorrow brings a Mini-Issue with Neal's long-overdue interview
with drum god John Macaluso. - Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Iron Maiden Announce Their Most Extraordinary Touring Plans Ever!

Iron Maiden announce their most ambitious and extraordinary touring
plans ever -- and are very pleased to announce that this will include
Australia for the first time in 15 years!

The "Somewhere Back In Time" World Tour 2008 will be in three
sections, starting in February and March 2008 with the first leg
encompassing major concerts in 20 selected cities on five continents
in seven weeks including India, Japan, North America, Central and
South America, and, of course, Australia, opening in Perth on February
4 and continuing through Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane:

SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME, AUSTRALIA 2008

February :-
Monday 4th, Burswood Dome, Perth
Wednesday 6th, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Saturday 9th, Acer Arena, Sydney
Tuesday 12th, Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

The tour then continues with more concerts in North America in late
May and June before finishing with a third leg in July and August
encompassing major stadiums and festivals all over Europe. During the
tour the band is expected to play to well over one and a half million
fans and travel close to 100,000 miles.

In an historic first, Iron Maiden, their 60-strong crew and support
staff and over 12 tons of equipment will be travelling around the
world en masse for the first leg of the tour in a specially
commissioned and converted Astraeus Boeing 757 decorated with Maiden
and Eddie designs! Vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who is a qualified
Airline Captain flying for Astraeus Airlines, will pilot the plane on
its epic mission, flying over 50,000 miles.

Comments Bruce Dickinson, "We had the idea last year of converting a
jumbo jet into effectively what would be a flying 113 ton 'splitter
bus' for touring and we have been working seriously on it ever since.
It's pretty complex but in the end we were able, with a lot of help
from Astraeus Airlines, to overcome all the technicalities of
customising the plane for our purposes. We are taking out the back 10
rows of seats to fit in a customised cargo hold that we can use again
in the future if this jaunt works. This is in addition to all the
standard storage holds. By taking band, personnel and equipment in one
form of transport it makes all the touring so much easier and
overcomes the logistical difficulty of people and equipment going in
different planes. We can even work out exactly how big our carbon
footprint is and take care of that responsibility! We will be packing
as much of the show into the plane as we possibly can for this first
leg and intend to give the fans something very special to remember.
And it allows me to combine two of my greatest passions, music and
flying!!"

To tie in with forthcoming 2008 releases on DVD of the classic LIVE
AFTER DEATH and MAIDEN ENGLAND concert videos (more details coming
soon) this tour, aptly entitled "Somewhere Back In Time," will revisit
the band's history by focusing almost entirely on the '80s in both
choice of songs played and the stage set, which will be based around
the legendary Egyptian Production of the 1984-85 POWERSLAVE tour. This
will arguably be the most elaborate and spectacular show the band have
ever presented, and will include some key elements of their SOMEWHERE
IN TIME tour of 1986/7, such as the Cyborg Eddie.

Steve Harris comments; "On the last tour we opened the show by playing
our new album A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH in its 80 minute entirety. We
thought we needed the challenge and it proved the right thing to do.
However, it can be hard on the fans playing so much new material and
we really appreciated the superb support they gave us. So now I guess
it's payback time. It's tremendous to be able to use the profile of
the DVDs to do what is effectively an '80s show. It will be enormous
fun and by changing the approach to the songs we play tour by tour it
keeps it fresh and interesting for both the band and the fans alike. I
think POWERSLAVE was an incredible show with the Egyptian theme and
look forward to seeing it all again myself. We have been planning this
for a few years and hoping to take it to Australia -- so we are all
delighted that it has now worked out. I would also like to say that we
are all are very grateful to our loyal fans in Oz who have kept the
Maiden flag flying all these years and we are sorry to have
disappointed you for so long. Thanks and see you there."

Rod Smallwood, Iron Maiden's Manager, further commented; "Following
Bruce's various hints from on stage this last year about our plans for
2008 ('We are taking some time off to build some pyramids!'), fans
have been pestering me for details of the tour and especially asking
which songs from that era will be played. That may be as easy as a run
in the hills but we will keep our aces close to our chest on this
issue. I know it would only take a couple of minutes but at this stage
of planning, I'd have to be clairvoyant to know what they will do. I'm
sure though it will be no revelation for you that we intend to make up
for those wasted years by visiting a large number of hallowed metal
venues around the world. Historically POWERSLAVE was an incredibly
important album for the band and it would be madness if we didn't give
the fans a taste of the full on Iron Maiden show from that time. With
our jumbo there really is no rime nor reason why the band cannot now
visit fans almost everywhere as many have been real troopers to have
waited this long. Heaven only knows what the band will choose but if I
could and did tell you now I would have to shoot you! You'll all have
to be patient and see. But it will be spectacular. No fear!!"

Historically, this will be Maiden's fourth Australian Tour having
first toured in 1982 when THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST was Australia's
number one album, then again in 1985 with the original POWERSLAVE show
and most recently in 1992 with FEAR OF THE DARK. However a great deal
has happened with the band since then, especially in recent years when
ticket sales have continued to explode around the world as the band's
loyal fan base continues to flourish. As Maiden have never had airplay
or much video channel exposure anywhere in the world their popularity
spread mainly by word of mouth on the back of a legacy of many great
albums and an awesome live reputation. With the ever increasing power
of the Internet the Maiden legend has fired the imagination of new
young fans around the planet, and, although their audience spans two
generations, it is now predominantly a young one, inspired by the
massive legacy and influence of this unique band (and, of course,
Eddie).

To allow Iron Maiden fans in Australia to get right up close to the
band, the fan club are organising advance booking of tickets for
members and running a special draw for them whereby 60 winners and
friend at each show will be given first access to the venue and be
first to the stage barrier. Full details will be on
http://www.ironmaiden.com/ .

Tickets go on sale to the public 9 a.m. Thursday 27th September, but
members of the Iron Maiden fan club get exclusive first access to
purchase tickets from 12 noon Thursday 20th September through to 12
noon Monday 24th September. More details soon!

http://www.ironmaiden.com/

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-Z Records News

James Christian (House Of Lords) Checks In For Z Rock 07

Things are heating up as we draw closer to Z Rock 07 on October 7th.

James Christian, legendary lead vocalist of House Of Lords, was asked
to send us a comment regading the band's forthcoming appearance at Z
Rock 07. James is one of the true Gents in the business and actually
went one further by sending us an audio file for fans to hear -- now
that is the personal touch. Check it out at
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest .

We can confirm that Z Rock 07 will be the only House Of Lords European
appearance before Spring 2008. Check House Of Lords' Web page out
shortly for further information: http://www.jameschristianmusic.com/

Meanwhile Steevi Jaimz also checked in -- if you haven't heard his
all-new act you must do so now by visiting
http://www.myspace.com/steevijaimzband . Steevi sent the following
message for fans....

"Looking forward to playing our first U.K. show for a long time, can't
wait to share the stage with such great bands at such a great venue.
Z-Rock is becoming such an unmissable event and it's an honour to be
part of it."

Z Rock 07 Tickets

All back orders for tickets have now been sent out and our ticket
outlets will be fully restocked by Thursday. Help support the show and
waiver the booking charge by booking direct online at
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest .

All pre-show tickets have been mailed and only a few are remaining.

DOKKEN (exclusive U.K. appearance)
HOUSE OF LORDS (exclusive U.K. appearance)
KINGDOM COME (exclusive U.K. appearance)
CHINA (exclusive U.K. appearance)
STEEVI JAIMZ (exclusive U.K. appearance)
LOST WEEKEND

plus new U.K. hopefuls: Crimes Of Passion, Sacred Heart and Bullitt.
The date is of course October 7th at Maximes, Wigan.

To buy your ticket in advance either visit our site and buy direct
online at http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest or in person at Music90 -
Wigan, X Records - Bolton, Probe Records - Liverpool and ST Records -
Dudley. If you would like to help promote the show e-mail us at
info@... with "Z Rock 07 HELP" as your subject.

Melodic Rock Gig Guide Sept. / Oct.

THURSDAY SEPT 13TH: TOBY JEPSON (ex-Little Angels)
Tickets £10 advance / £12 door
doors 7:30 p.m.
Hotel California, Birkenhead
http://www.myspace.com/midasentertainment

THURSDAY SEPT 20TH: KIP WINGER
Tickets £10 advance / £12 door
doors 7:30 p.m.
Hotel California, Birkenhead
http://www.myspace.com/midasentertainment

SATURDAY OCTOBER 6TH: CHINA (acoustic Z Rock pre-show)
Tickets £10 advance / £12 door
doors 7:30 p.m.
The Tavern, Wigan
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest

SUNDAY OCTOBER 7TH: DOKKEN, HOUSE OF LORDS, KINGDOM COME and six more
bands (Z Rock 07)
Tickets £45 advance / £50 door
doors Noon til Late
Maximes, Wigan
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest

For further details or to buy tickets online visit...

http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest
http://www.myspace.com/midasentertainment

New Black 'N Blue Album Still In The Cards

The new Black 'N Blue album is still very much on, despite many
setbacks due to studio closures, label scheduling delays, and
scheduling problems for members of the band. The good news is that
HELL YEAH will be released. All good things are worth waiting for, and
HELL YEAH will not disappoint. The band could have rushed the
recording, but Jaime and company wanted to release a grade A product
as do Z.

Jaime has sent the following message for fans.......

"Listen up rock fans!! I can't say how much it sucks that the Black 'N
Blue HELL YEAH CD has taken about 400 years to be released, but Z
Records will get it out as soon as it's finished. It's not my fault
but I will take the blame. There are no rules in rock my friends, but
I hate the fact that I have kept you waiting. It will happen. Love,
Jaime St. James"

Further news regarding the 2008 release will be posted when available
at http://www.zrecords.net/ .

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Mad Margritt News

Mad Margritt will be releasing their brand new CD entitled ANIMAL on
Tuesday, September 25!!! The CD will be released on Perris Records and
distributed across the U.S.A. by Select-O-Hits distribution. You can
purchase the CD at http://www.perrisrecords.com/ or at any of the
following stores:

Best Buy
http://www.bestbuy.com/

Target
http://www.target.com/

Circuit City
http://www.circuitcity.com/

FYE
http://www.fye.com/

Sam Goody
http://www.samgoody.com/

Borders
http://www.bordersstores.com/

Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Wherehouse Music
http://www.wherehouse.com/

Virgin Megastores
http://www.virgin.com/gateways/megastore

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/

AOL Music
http://www.music.aol.com/

plus many more!!!

You can also download tracks at iTunes and Rhapsody.

http://www.itunes.com/

http://www.Rhapsody.com/

The CD will be Distributed in the U.K. by Plastic Head Music, Italy by
Andromeda, Greece by Soundforge Music Group, Spain by Goimusic, Sweden
by Border, The Netherlands by Bertus, Germany, Austria, Switzerland,
France, Belgium by ZYX Music.

Here is an interview Mad Margritt singer Eddie Smith did with
Rocknation discussing the new CD:

Rocknation: Your new album ANIMAL is coming out in September on Perris
Records. Tell us a little about the album.

Eddie: We are real excited about the new album. It is by far the best
stuff that we have ever recorded. It's a lot heavier than our last few
albums and definitely a lot angrier sounding. We wanted to put out an
aggressive sounding album but still keep the songs catchy. I'm real
happy with what we came up with.

Rocknation: How do you think your current fan base will react to your
new sound?

Eddie: I think people are gonna be blown away by it. We've always
tried to write catchy songs with hooks that stick in your head and
this time is no different. If anything, the hooks to these songs are
bigger and better than anything we've ever written. Some of the
backing vocals on these songs are huge! It still sounds like a Mad
Margritt album but it's a louder, darker, more aggressive version of
Mad Margritt.

Rocknation: I understand you did everything yourselves this time.

Eddie: We recorded the whole CD at Scott's (Mad Margritt guitarist)
studio. He had worked for years as an engineer at several studios
around Atlanta so it just made sense to do it ourselves this time. We
had total control over everything and it definitely made the recording
process a lot more enjoyable.

To read more, check out the upcoming issue of Rocknation Magazine!!

http://www.myspace.com/rocknationtv

Mad Margritt will be featured on the upcoming Perris Records
compilation HOLLYWOOD HAIRSPRAY VOLUME 7!! Details to be announced
soon.

Upcoming Shows

Friday, September 7 - The Wild Wing Cafe - Augusta, GA
Saturday, September 8 - Napper Tandy's - Raleigh, NC
Friday, September 14 - The Wild Wing Cafe - Marietta, GA
Saturday, September 15 - The Wild Wing Cafe - Greenville, SC
Friday, September 28 - Buffalo's - Gainesville, GA
Friday, October 5 - The Wild Wing Cafe - Suwanee, GA
Saturday, October 6 - Uncle Woody's - Lilburn, GA
Friday, October 12 - The Dixie Tavern - Marietta, GA
Saturday, October 13 - The Wild Wing Cafe - Marietta, GA

http://www.madmargritt.com/

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-Leaves' Eyes North American Tour Update

Leaves' Eyes are still on their North American tour. Says male
vocalist Alex Krull: "The shows have been great so far. Even if we
felt the long breath of the summer festival tours on a few shows only,
every concert was awesome! There were about 1,000 fans celebrating in
New York, and we are looking forward to be there soon again. The
American audience is just incredible, and this tour will be another
unforgettable great experience for us. We are currently on the way to
California; the phantastic shows in Canada are already behind us. A
big thank you to all our Canadian fans, you are just unbelievable! Now
we are looking forward to the next shows in the U.S."

One major single flaw is the fact that some parts of the band's
equipment got lost during the flight to the U.S., and it took the
flight company another two weeks to deliver them. Guitarist Thorsten
Bauer adds, "It's really sad and totally unacceptable how the airlines
are treating us. And it's not just the fact that our equipment was
lost for this long period, there was simply nobody who took care of
it. Without constant pressure and hundreds of dollars spent on phone
calls, we would be still without our equipment. Besides, several
things got damaged, which is simply a scandal! We are definitely gonna
sue those people responsible for that! Since the beginning of the
tour, we have been forced to improvise every night, and fortunately
Kamelot has been giving us some help in lending us some of their gear!
Thus, a very big thank you to our friends from Kamelot!"

The remaining dates on Leaves' Eyes' current North American tour:

9.1.07 - Santa Ana, CA @ Galaxy Theatre
9.2.07 - Los Angeles, CA @Key Club
9.4.07 - Tempe, AZ @The Clubhouse
9.5.07 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
9.6.07 - Austin, TX @ Emo's
9.7.07 - San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
9.8.07 - Ft. Worth, TX @ Ridglea Theater
9.9.07 - Houston, TX @ Meridian

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-D:Drive - STRAIGHT UP THE MIDDLE

Hailing from North America this hard rock quintet released its first
self-titled CD in early 2005. It received critical acclaim as well as
airplay in the U.S., Australia, and Europe for having strong classic
rock roots with a modern edge sound all its own. The group's main
writers Phil Naro (Talas, Peter Criss and 24K) and Don Mancuso and
Andy Knoll (The Lou Gramm Band, Black Sheep, Cheater, and Celtic Fire)
decided to team up for the D:DRIVE album and recruited the production
expertise of Steve Major to round out the direction and production.
The D:DRIVE CD did so well that it was decided to put together the
forthcoming release from D:Drive titled STRAIGHT UP THE MIDDLE. Built
on the strengths of the first CD, STRAIGHT UP THE MIDDLE is a more
focused and mature effort and is right in line with great grooves,
emotion and the good and bad realities of the world today. The band
playing in support of the new release is Phil Naro (Vocals, Guitar),
Don Mancuso (Guitar, Vocals), Andy Knoll (Keyboards, Guitars,
Sequencing, Samples, Vocals), Bobby Bond (Drums) and John Taylor
(Bass, Vocals). Other musicians who appear on the CD are Joe Lana
(Drums), Richard Gramm (Bass, Guitar), Lou Gramm (Backing Vocals), AD
Zimmer and Dave Quick (Bass) and Steve Major (Guitar).

STRAIGHT UP THE MIDDLE is released by Chavis Records in Europe on
October 15th.

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-Cosmosquad Launching Back Into Orbit With ACID TEST; September
Performance Clinics Announced!

Heralded Southern California-based metal fusioneers Cosmosquad,
featuring acclaimed guitarist Jeff Kollman (Glenn Hughes, UFO) and
Canadian drummer Shane Gaalaas, (B'z, Diesel Machine), have returned
with their fourth album, ACID TEST. It marks the group's first studio
effort since 2001's highly regarded SQUADROPHENIA which firmly
established the band as one of the premier progressive instrumental
acts on the scene.

Described by Kollman as "purposely textured, moody, multi-layered, and
compostional," Cosmosquad's expressive fusion of dark, ethereal
textures and brute, metallic force are a far cry from the million-
notes-a-minute mindset the genre is often associated with. "ACID TEST
is not just a guitar record. It really is a collaboration between
Shane and myself," states Kollman emphatically, who co-produced the
album with Gaalaas at the drummer's Crumb West Studios in Simi Valley,
CA. "The songs are focused on vibe and mood and go beyond mere shred
and improv. It has those moments of sheer chops as well, but that's
just another element that comes into play. The song is really at the
center of what we do."

ACID TEST is the first Cosmosquad effort without co-founding member,
Barry Sparks, whose bass duties have been filled by a trio of capable,
well credentialed players in Paul Shihadeh (Scott Kinsey), Kevin Chown
(Uncle Cracker, Edwin Dare), and the group's latest full-time
addition, Christopher Maloney (Dweezil Zappa, Hardline). Explains
Gaalaas: "Once we started recording, we spread the tunes around to our
revolving cast of bass players and everybody came through with some
great playing." In addition, the album also features keyboards by Ed
Roth and Jono Brown.

The ACID TEST track listing read as follows:

01. NuMena
02. The Spy Who Ate Her
03. Lubitorium
04. Bedbucket
05. Goathead
06. Hindenburg
07. The Long Walk Goodbye
08. Swink
09. Grossalicious

Cosmosquad is gearing up to hit the road in support of ACID TEST.

"This is not a 'project' or a group of session players getting
together in between other work," explains Kollman. "This is a band in
the true sense of the word. We are dedicated to continue working and
writing together and to taking our live shows to a whole new level."
Cosmosquad will be kicking off their 2007/'08 tour with a performance
at their favorite Los Angeles area club, the world-famous Baked
Potato, followed by a string of performance clinics in the Northern
Illinois and Southern Wisconsin area.

The exact dates are as follows:

Friday, September 21
9:30 p.m.
Baked Potato
3787 Cahuenga Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604

Wednesday, September 26
7:00 p.m.
Guzzardo Music
3010 Charles St.
Rockford IL 61108

Thursday, September 27
7:00 p.m.
Henri's Music
500 S. Military Ave.
Green Bay WI 54303

Friday, September 28
7:00 p.m.
White House Of Music
3218 W. Washington
West Bend WI 53095

Saturday, September 29
2:00 p.m.
Cascio / Interstate Music
13819 W. National Ave.
New Berlin WI 53151

Thursday, October 18
4:00 p.m.
Musician's Institute
1655 N. McCadden Place
Hollywood, CA 90028

For more info visit:
http://www.cosmosquad.com/
http://www.myspace.com/officialcosmosquad

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-Coheed And Cambria Preface North American Fall Tour -- Launching
Monday, October 29 In Toronto -- With CMJ Alzheimer's Benefit Concert
At New York's High Line Ballroom On October 19

Eagerly-Anticipated New Coheed And Cambria Album, NO WORLD FOR
TOMORROW, Available Tuesday, October 23

Coheed And Cambria will embark on an extensive North American fall
headline tour beginning Monday, October 29 in Toronto and winding up
at Philadelphia's Electric Factory on Wednesday, November 28 (see full
itinerary following). Support acts on the tour include rock veteran's
Clutch and The Fall Of Troy.

The Coheed And Cambria tour is in celebration of the release of the
band's new Columbia Records album, NO WORLD FOR TOMORROW, on Tuesday,
October 23.

Coheed And Cambria (Claudio Sanchez – vocals, guitar; Travis Stever
– guitar; Michael Todd – bass; Chris Pennie – drums) will offer
fans a prelude to the band's headline tour with a special benefit
concert raising funds to combat Alzheimer's disease. Organized by
Coheed And Cambria and the New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer's
Association ( http://www.alznyc.org/ ), the concert to help end
Alzheimer's will take place at Manhattan's High Line Ballroom, during
the CMJ Music Festival, on Friday, October 19.

NO WORLD FOR TOMORROW is dedicated to the memory of Antonia Cristiano,
Claudio Sanchez' aunt, whose life was claimed last year by
Alzheimer's. Cristiano -- a psychologist who played an essential role
in the band's early career, counseled the group during deep growing
pains and kept Coheed And Cambria from breaking up in 2002 -- was the
inspiration "Justice In Murder," a key song on the new record.

NO WORLD FOR TOMORROW marks the apex and final chapter of "The Amory
Wars," the conceptual, apocalyptic storyline which runs through the
band's previous albums -- THE SECOND STAGE TURBINE BLADE (2002), IN
KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 (2003), and GOOD APOLLO, I'M
BURNING STAR IV, VOLUME ONE: FROM FEAR THROUGH THE EYES OF MADNESS
(2005) -- and chronicles the the trials and tribulations of main
characters Coheed And Cambria Kilgannon and their children as they
fight to save civilization.

Coheed And Cambria Fall Tour Itinerary

Fri/Oct-19 - New York, NY - CMJ – Highline Ballroom
Mon/Oct-29 - Toronto, ON - Kool Haus
Tue/Oct-30 - Cleveland, OH - House Of Blues
Wed/Oct-31 - Cleveland, OH - House Of Blues

Thu/Nov-01 - Detroit, MI - State Theatre
Fri/Nov-02 - Chicago, IL - The Riviera
Tue/Nov-06 - Denver, CO - The Fillmore
Wed/Nov-07 - Salt Lake City, UT - Salt Air
Fri/Nov-09 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield
Sat/Nov-10 - San Diego, CA - SOMA
Sun/Nov-11 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern LG
Tue/Nov-13 - Phoenix, AZ - Marquee Theatre
Thu/Nov-15 - Dallas, TX - House Of Blues
Fri/Nov-16 - Houston, TX - Wharehouse Live
Sat/Nov-17 - Austin, TX - Waterloo Park
Mon/Nov-19 - Orlando, FL - House Of Blues
Tue/Nov-20 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle
Wed/Nov-21 - Myrtle Beach, SC - House Of Blues
Fri/Nov-23 - Winston-Salem, NC - Millennium Center
Sat/Nov-24 - Norfolk, VA - NorVa
Sun/Nov-25 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club (w/o Clutch)
Mon/Nov-26 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
Wed/Nov-28 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory

http://www.coheedandcambria.com/
http://www.myspace.com/coheedandcambria
http://www.columbiarecords.com/

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-Rainstorm Records Newsletter

Hello from hot and humid Memphis. This has been my first summer here
and after living in the cool wetness of Seattle for so long, this is
quite a change!

Yours,
Paul Speer

"Oculus" To Be Released Soon

I am close to finishing the Italy Project, now entitled "Oculus."

The DVD and CD soundtrack will be released sometime this fall. The
next newsletter will have all the details.

The round opening at the top of the rotunda in the Pantheon in Rome is
called the Oculus and I thought the name was a good fit as a title to
the project.

You can preview the track "Prelude Oculus" on MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/paulspeermusic

Digital Downloads

The following albums are now available for the first time as
downloads:

- COLLECTION 983: SPECTRAL VOYAGES
- COLLECTION 991: MUSIC+ART
- QUIET THOUGHTS
- HELLS CANYON (search for Rockenfield/Speer).

They were recently re-mastered as digital downloads and I think they
sound quite good. Click the following links to access my pages:

iTunes
http://www.itunes.com/

Rhapsody
http://www.rhapsody.com/paulspeer

eMusic
http://www.emusic.com/artist/Paul-Speer-MP3-Download/11822750.html

Sony Connect
http://musicstore.connect.com/artist/200/Paul-Speer/30001900.html

All of my albums on Narada with David Lanz are available on those
sites as well.

Redesigned Web Site

My talented webmistress, Laurie Koster, has redesigned my site and I
am very proud of what she did. If you haven't visited in a while, I
invite you to have a look: http://www.paulspeer.com/

Rockenfield/Speer - HELLS CANYON

A friendly reminder that HELLS CANYON is still on sale for only $5.99.
A record distributor went out of business and I have too much
inventory so here is your chance to own this critically acclaimed
album for a very low price.

Thanks for having a look at the newsletter and as always, your
interest in my music and videos.

Paul Speer
Rainstorm Records

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-Creativity Goodwill Exchange Bridge Between New York City U.S.A. And
Newcastle Oz To Benefit All The Children~Parents~Families Of Our Sad
And Wounded Global Village... HAPPINESS Happening....

September 1, 2007 -- the 1st Day of Spring and New Life in Australia!

Greetings from the Lady Liberty Creativity Center in New York City who
announce the "Children Of Children" Rock Opera by the composer, Mark
A. Durstewitz, Creative Director of Madelf Productions (
http://www.madelf.com/ ) and the band Madmen & Dreamers (
http://www.madmen-and-dreamers.com/ ), will be touring Down Under in
July '08. Their inaugural fun Oz Odyssey.

The aim is to showcase their original music whilst building bridges of
cooperation and creativity exchange between the U.S.A. and Oz. As
their Aussie launch pad they will be performing at the "International
Creativity Summit for Children~Parents~Families" in Newcastle.

Mark will appear 'live' on Sydney's FM Radio 89.3 FM this Tuesday 4
Sept. '07 from 10.30 a.m. to 12 high noon talking with the Australian
newspaper journalist John Stapleton, musican Peter van de Voorde
(composer, singer and producer of CD OUR STOLEN CHILDREN), Greg
Andresen and Ian Purdie of "Dads On The Air." The focus will be
sharing the songs from the "Children Of Children" Rock Opera that is a
modern day positive cautionary tale about the challenges upon the
marriage and parenting path that should be a family JOY. Mark is also
highlighting in this "live" trans-Pacific radio interview the
importance of the Creativity Summit grassroots empowerment goodwill
exchange of ideas, people and projects.

David Levy, the Washington, D.C.-based lawyer, founder and chair of
the worldwide peak body Children's Rights Council (
http://www.crckids.org/ ), has also agreed to come on the Oz Odyssey
adventure down under. He has recently been in the U.K. working with
Sir Bob Geldof.

Dr. Warren Farrell -- http://www.warrenfarrell.com/ -- the
internationally recognised author and expert on Children~Parents~
Families, is open to joining this Oz Odyssey. He is well known from
the "Oprah" TV Show. One of Dr. Farrell's books, "Father & Child
Reunion: How To Bring The Dads We Need To The Children We Love,"
dovetails ideally with the Rock Opera "Children Of Children's" purpose
and theme to empower Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Children and Families
in the living arts of Human Happiness and Personal Fulfilment.

One person Mark wants to meet is the innovative South Australian Upper
House MP, Ann Bressington. He says "Ann is a Champion of Children,
Parents and Families. She also introduced us to the 14 year old South
Australian voice of an angel, Grace Bawden --
http://www.australiaslittlevoice.com/ -- who is destined to become a
global superstar with her graceful humble qualities and unique talent.
We want to wholeheartedly support Grace and her mother waltzing
Matilda, who is the Research Officer to the MP Ann Bressington. The
Voice of GRACE brings ALIVE the vital potent and pure energy in
sharing the spirit of our Creativity Summit Expression and Experience
with others. The Gifts of Grace reflect our Hope for the Future. A
worldwide Creativity Renaissance Movement building great momentum -- a
grassroots groundswell becoming a Global Tsunami for GOOD!!!"

Mark went on to say "...Australia is pioneering for global export the
Shared Parenting need for Children. State-of-the art cyberspace tools
such as the Web Portal created and financed by Aussie IT design genius
Paul Mee -- http://www.familylawwebguide.com.au/ -- shows the way
internationally. Paul is now building a Creativity Web Portal for us
and EveryOne. That is a wonderful Godsend!

"We are working closely with Edward Dabrowski, National Director,
Shared Parenting Council of Australia -- http://www.spca.org.au/ --
and all the other selfless people and groups dedicated to the best
interests, well-being and welfare of Children, Parents and Families in
our Global Village. Ed is the Development Director/Web site Master for
the Creativity Summit and his work-in-progress can be seen unfolding
via http://www.fatherquest.com/ where he is inviting proactive
collaboration and participation.

"Yes, we Yankee Madmen & Dreamers are very excited about our first
journey Down Under to the ancient mystical DreamTime Land of Oz. In
Dr. Albert Einstein's terms the Aussie DreamTime correlates with
Ingenuity and Imagination Wealth being shared with a generosity of
spirit by you all. Our boomeranging reciprocal gift will include
'Children Of Children' and the ThanksGiving Arts that WORK... it is in
giving that one receives! See you all soon cobbers!!!"

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
-Century Media Records: New Albums, Tours De Jour, Videos...

[Note: This is compiled from two separate newsletters. - Tim]

The Agonist

The Agonist has released their video for "Business Suits And Combat
Boots," which can be seen for the small price of your soul on their
MySpace page. Even though I have no idea what Alissa's saying when she
grunts, it's cool to see in the video that The Agonist's theme isn't
just another band revolving around death, blood, and beer! Mmmm...
beer. I've already had two customers who didn't believe me that it was
a chick doing vox for this band, so I'd advise all stubborn b*stards
to check our their tour dates to go see for yourselves before ringing
up Ripley. They will be supporting Sonata Arctica, Overkill, and then
Enslaved on the road for the next coming months to prove that no
matter what kind of metal heads they play for, they'll get them wind-
milling their hair as naturally as breathing... even bald dudes
somehow. Their debut, ONCE ONLY IMAGINED can be found on CMDistro
for...you guessed it eight butt-jamming dollars. This is definitely a
band to keep your eyes on!

http://www.myspace.com/theagonist

Arsonists Get All The Girls

THE GAME OF LIFE has been unleashed on the world and like any
Hollywood street drug, injecting this one in your system may leave you
a little schizo. What's even crazier is if you haven't gotten off your
hairy b*tthole to pick this one up, you can get it at CMDistro for
$8.00!! "What about shipping?" Free shipping for everyone who's not a
poser! Don't test us though, we can tell just from your voice.
Kidding, we love you all... But seriously, find me one distro that
sells their new releases for that cheap and I'll find you monkey that
can shred with one hand and eat its own crap with the other. AGATG are
taking a nap for the meantime from their "Captain America Is Dead"
tour, but soon...very soon a new tour will arise out of nowhere and be
felt like a silent but deadly fart. Like I said above, I'm not the
biggest music fan of videos let alone watch them more than once, but
my god, these guys made all my body fat jiggle simultaneously when I
watched their dance coordination in their concept video for "Shoe
Shine For Neptune," on their MySpace. *sigh* Good times.

http://www.myspace.com/agatg

Behemoth

Behemoth! By the time you read this, the decimating Ozzfest trek will
itself be decimated, but for bands like Behemoth it was merely a groin
stretch. That very energy that drives them to play ferociously every
night has granted them enough horns-up to be hailed as the
breakthrough artist for this year's Ozzfest. After one quick month,
Behemoth will be back and teaming with Job For A Cowboy, Gojira, and
Beneath The Massacre to make up the Radio Rebellion tour. Also, stay
tuned for what's looking to be one eye-raping video for
"Prometherion." I'll be honest, I really don't care for music videos
unless I'm too trashed to notice what I'm watching, but just from
looking at the previews for this one I can honestly say that my
nipples have had the biggest boners ever since. Stay tuned for its
premier. One last thing, Revolver's balls have just gotten bigger all
because they have a five-page spread featuring Poland's greatest gift
to metal for this month's issue. Don't be fooled by the gay cover,
it's what's inside that matters. "The more you know."

http://www.myspace.com/behemoth

Divine Heresy

Divine Heresy has officially carved their name on the map with BLEED
THE FIFTH and aren't stopping until it's carved on your wrists.
Actually that's a little dangerous...please refer to branding it on
your forehead instead. Starting October, the "Operation Annihilation"
tour will commence in which Shadows Fall, Static-X, and 3 Inches Of
Blood will join the ranks of DH in completing their mission: being
badass mofos. Click on the link below for an E-Card with all tour
dates and enough info to make you OD and leave you coughing blood on
the ground. Once you get back from the hospital you can also check out
their music video for one hell of a track: "Failed Creation," and get
a little taste for what's coming your way. The new CD is available at
CMDistro for a mere eight bucks. If that's too expensive for you I'm
sure we can do a trade-off of your first born for slave labor. How do
you think I got here in the first place?

Divine Heresy are going to suplex their video on "Headbanger's Ball"
this coming Saturday in support of BLEED THE FIFTH (OUT NOW!). I know
some of you may have plans to get laid that night, but trust me,
watching this video will have the same effect anyways. For all you
loners, prepare to lose your virginity. On Saturday make sure you push
the right buttons no your TV, grab some tissues, steal your mom's
lotion, and maybe grab some band aids because this is going to hurt.
Metal Injection caught up with the trio (now cuatro) in NY and dived
in with questions from how Tim got into the band, to who would win a
Philly cheese steak eating contest. While you're on your DH binge, you
might want to check out FPE-TV highlight Dino's guitar skills. If you
ever labeled Dino as just a rhythm guitarist, you'll be kicking your
own ass when you find out how wrong you are. I can do it for you if
you want. Also, if you missed the Divine Heresy CD release party, we
would like to shove it in your face with some pictures! Damnit...I
missed that one...too sad to type anymore...

Divine Heresy E-Card
http://www.centurymedia.com/eCard/divineheresy/bleedthefifth/

Divine Heresy - "Failed Creation" Video
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=16371751

Finntroll

Grab a beer and get ready for a hoedown pit because your favorite
folk/black/polka/beer metal band is coming to the states. Finntroll
have surged forward being the band that you find when you think metal
couldn't get any more diverse. UR JORDENS DJUP was released this year
and left countless trolls thirsting for a live show, because drinking
and folk dancing alone isn't exactly a big esteem booster. I tried and
cried. Starting in less than a month, the U.S. has been granted the
rare gift of a full tour from these fiddlers of death to meet your
metal fetish needs. "Who are they touring with?" Who gives a buttf**k,
it's Finntroll...but a tour with Turisas would be killer. Click on
their MySpace page below for all your precious info.

Century Media is celebrating the arrival of black metal's craziest
Trolls to the states by lowering their newest release, UR JORDENS DJUP
to a mere $10.00 (FREE F"ing shipping). Not to mention downing a keg
every day to countdown the days before they start their blitz on the
U.S. on the 18th of this month. They haven't hunted the blood of N.
American daughters in...wait, have they ever done a lengthy tour out
here? I should know this. By golly, I think this may be the first time
Finntroll may ever step foot on such places like Virginia or Arizona.
Make sure they get a crazy first impression of our lame country so
that they'll come back.

http://www.myspace.com/officialfinntroll

Watch "Trollhammeren" by Finntroll
http://youtube.com/watch?v=yGywo81G6lk

At All Cost

After the deployment CIRCLE OF DEMONS, At All Cost are wrapping up
what is only the beginning of your brain confiscation. You can have it
back later...maybe. They just released a new video for the title track
on their MySpace and it makes out to be a solid semblance of what At
All Cost does best: making killer thrash and strong hooks encompassed
in a musical maze that has no exit. MTV News' Metal File also has them
as a featured artist and touches on how the band fits, or rather
doesn't fit, into CM's roster. When you have AC/DC and Daft Punk as
listed influences, I don't think you're going to fit on ANYONE's
roster for that matter. I better not hear any whiners about how
everyone is doing the same thing, because this band is doing what
everyone else hasn't even thought to be musically possible. During all
the madness of pushing their debut into every toddlers' ears on earth,
the boys were able to visit their new headquarters at CM and let us in
on their crazy tour life from their crazy...stinky tour van to what
they'll be poking at next.

"At All Cost Stops by the CM Office" video
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=16502970

Himsa

I didn't know Himsa played tennis. Have you seen this s**t? Himsa's
new video shows off how they're not just brutal on stage, but just as
killer on the courts featuring the track, "Unleash Carnage," from
their Century Media debut: SUMMON IN THUNDER (September 18th). With
only a fraction of the CD revealed, the new album is breaking the
boundaries of its genre just as everyone had expected. What everyone
didn't expect is a tour package with an arsenal featuring Amon Amarth,
Decapitated, and Sonic Syndicate. Don't even try to pretend you
predicted that. The tour will commence this coming November after the
guys get over their jetlag from being in Europe with Darkest Hour. All
the info in the universe can be found on their E-card including the
most important thing: how to get the new CD in the first place for a
sleazy $8.00 (free shipping). Also available is a T-Shirt package for
$15.00 if the CD just won't do. Download it and die!

Himsa on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/himsa

Pull The Trigger Tour

Suicide Silence + Despised Icon + Winds Of Plague + See You Next
Tuesday + your bloody carcass = Pull The Trigger Tour. Some of the
heaviest bands are throwing a tour to remind you that summers come and
go, but brutal death-core is forever. I know a lot of you kiddos are
already back in school and won't be able to go, but if you just tell
your parents you're going on a spiritual journey to find god...it
won't be that far from the truth. If that doesn't work...um, just go.
Just to make sure you guys don't forget, a sweet MySpace page was made
below for all the details of this tour, which starts next week. I'll
see you in the pit!

http://www.myspace.com/pullthetriggertour

Street Teamers Unite!!!

Whatever you do for a living, quit your job now because Century Media
is looking for only the best street teamers for Himsa and Arch Enemy
to join their frontline of metal. You don't get paid, but when you die
from hunger at least you'll know you did something moral for this
world. I know you all need time with your families, but you should
quit hiding from the truth and realize that the only real family you
have is composed of drunk metal heads that can barely keep their eyes
open. CM can only be your daddy for so long but after all of us
eventually die in horrible situations, you're devotion for promotion
will be the light for future zombie slaves to the metal axe. What
would this world come to without zombies? I know, it's a horrible
thing to think about. Don't let it happen, join now.

- To join put a capitalized AE on the end of your last name to join
ARCH ENEMY's Street team
- To join put a capitalized HM on the end of your last name to join
HIMSA's Street team
- To join put a capitalized ITM on the end of your last name to join
IN THIS MOMENT's Street team

Register to Join the street team
http://www.m80teams.com/register/index3.html?centurymediarecords

Century Media Records
http://www.centurymedia.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
*
-Insomnium & Swallow The Sun First U.S. Tour Draws Near

PHILADELPHIA -- Finland's Insomnium and Swallow The Sun are mere days
from the start of their first American tour alongside Sweden's
Katatonia and Scar Symmetry for the anticipated all-European "Live
Consternation" tour set to kick off at Jaxx Nite Club in West
Springfield, Virginia. Both bands are enjoying growing American
audiences and are excited to meet with their American fan base.

Insomnium are expected to perform selections from their current/third
album ABOVE THE WEEPING WORLD. "This is by far the best Insomnium
album," says vocalist/bassist Niilo Sevänen. "It is the first time we
feel we really succeeded in the studio. As a band we are very happy
with the end result." Formed in 1997, Insomnium recorded two demos
before signing with Candlelight Records. Kerrang says, "Insomnium have
grown into something truly remarkable."

HOPE is the third album from rising doom/death band Swallow The Sun.
Featuring a guest appearance by Katatonia vocalist Jonas Renske the
album charted in the band's home country of Finland upon its release.
The tour comes as the band's profile is rising internationally.
Digital Metal says, "Swallow The Sun have to be considered on of the
genre's top newcomers... highly, highly recommended."

Insomnium, Swallow The Sun, Katatonia, Scar Symmetry
09/04/07 - Jaxx Nite Club - West Springfield, VA
09/06/07 - B.B. King's Blues Club - New York, NY
09/07/07 - Mark's Showplace - Bedford, NH
09/08/07 - Chance Theater - Poughkeepsie, NY
09/09/07 - Le Medley - Montreal, QU
09/10/07 - Imperial De Quebec - Quebec City, QU
09/11/07 - The Funhaus - Toronto, ON
09/12/07 - Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
09/13/07 - I-Rock - Detroit, MI
09/14/07 - The Pearl Room - Mokena, IL
09/15/07 - Station 4 - St. Paul, MN
09/17/07 - Bluebird Theater - Denver, CO
09/19/07 - Whiskey-A-Go-Go - West Hollywood, CA
09/20/07 - Showcase Theater - Corona, CA
09/21/07 - Brickhouse - Phoenix, AZ
09/22/07 - Launchpad - Albuquerque, NM
09/24/07 - White Rabbit - San Antonio, TX
09/25/07 - Ridglea Theater - Ft. Worth, TX
09/26/07 - Scout Bar - Houston, TX

http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-The Dead End Kidz have uploaded new video and a slideshow to their
MySpace profile, http://www.myspace.com/dekmusic . The band now has a
YouTube page with two videos at http://www.youtube.com/john8186 , and
will be the spotlight/cover band in the September 11 issue of the Long
Island music paper Good Times. The band is still set to gig this
Sunday, September 9, after lead singer John Erigo's wedding at Eleanor
Rigby's in Mineola, NY.

-Electric Earth will enter the studio this weekend to "record a
tribute to home town hero Peter LeMarc with a song called 'Little
Willie John.'" The song will be included on a tribute record due next
year. See http://www.electricearth1.com/ and
http://www.myspace.com/electricearthband for more.

-Terry Ilous (XYZ, Cage) is now being represented by Jee Jacquet at
GTR Communication for the European promotion of his new album HERE AND
GONE. See http://www.xyzmusic.com/hereandgoneretail.html for more on
the album, and http://terryilous.com/ ,
http://www.monstersofclassicrock.com/ , http://www.loft81.com/ , and
http://www.xyzmusic.com/ for more on Ilous.

-The first night of Megadeth's U.S. headlining tour, this past Tuesday
in Anchorage, Alaska, featured this set list: "Sleepwalker," "Take No
Prisoners," "Wake Up Dead," "Skin O' My Teeth," "Gears Of War," "She-
Wolf," "In My Darkest Hour," "Hangar 18," "Kick The Chair,"
"Washington Is Next," "A Tout Le Monde," "Tornado Of Souls,"
"Reckoning Day," "Peace Sells," "Symphony Of Destruction," "Never Walk
Alone," "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due."

-Ratt front man Stephen Pearcy is working on a semi-autobiography
tentatively titled "Rattails." He has been working for the last four
years and it should see the light of day early next year.

-Thunderstone has parted ways with singer Pasi Rantanen and keyboard
player Kari Tornack. A post on their official site reads:

"We are sad to announce that Pasi Rantanen [vocals] and Kari Tornack
[keyboards] are no longer part of Thunderstone. Due to personal
reasons and a visible lack of motivation on their part we saw it best
to part with the guys, although the decision was not easy and the
timing perhaps the worst possible. Everything was done in good spirits
and we thank the guys for an unbelievably great and fun seven years
and wish them all the best in their private endeavors.

"However, the first priority for us was not to let our fans down even
in a situation like this. Therefore, we will go on with the upcoming
co-headlining tour with Nocturnal Rites as planned. And we are most
proud to announce two incredible musicians who agreed to fill in for
the tour on such a short notice. On keyboards we will have none other
than legendary Jens Johansson, the crazy Swede and a long-time friend
from Stratovarius. The vocal duties will be handled by the
incredible-sounding Tommi 'Tuple' Salmela who in recent years has
shared the vocals with Marco Hietala in the classic Finnish metal
outfit Tarot.

"As you can probably imagine, we are more than thrilled to have these
guys on board. Book your tickets NOW!!!"

See http://www.thunderstone.org/ for more

-Vision Divine has a new video clip of the making of THE 25TH HOUR
posted on its Web site, http://www.visiondivine.com/ .

Thanks to Mikey@... help gathering some of this
information.

*
*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
*
by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@...)

-I splurged last week and got the limited edition two-disc version of
the new Queensryche "best of," SIGN OF THE TIMES. Re-buying all the
songs on disc 1 didn't hurt *so* bad because 1) Best Buy had the set
for $16.99 plus I had a coupon, and the bonus disc is pretty cool. The
packaging is nice with some snazzy artwork, but I did laugh at Paul
Gargano's liner notes a couple times. First, he calls "Sign Of The
Times" a "power ballad" and mistakenly says it's from EMPIRE, when
it's from HEAR IN THE NOW FRONTIER. He also says "hindsight serves
'Sign Of The Times' and 'Some People Fly' [also from HEAR IN THE NOW
FRONTIER] better than their initial response at the height of the
grunge phase" -- um, not from me...these songs still blow. :) Not
ripping on Mr. Gargano, mind you, just chuckling here... And what's
with the *sparse* page entitled "Reflections By Geoff Tate"? There are
32 songs on this two-disc set and Mr. Tate manages to bang out a mere
five lines of text here??? I guess he wasn't in the mood for much
reflecting that day. You can always debate the track list on a "best
of" by one of your favorite bands, so I'll skip that whole mess in
favor of rambling about the bonus disc: Sure, a lot of this stuff
isn't exactly "rare" but it's nice having these 15 tracks compiled
safely in one place. The three demos from Myth -- Tate and guitarist
Kelly Gray's pre-Queensryche band -- and the trio of THE WARNING-era
demos are all very cool. (Man, "Prophecy" still rules!) Then comes a
mixed bag of B-sides, soundtrack songs, and previously-released bonus
tracks: "I Dream In Infrared (1991 Acoustic Remix)," "Dirty Lil'
Secret," "Last Time In Paris," "Scarborough Fair," "Della Brown (MTV
Unplugged)," "Someone Else?" (with full band), "Silent Lucidity"
(live), and "Chasing Blue Sky." The closer is a previously-unreleased
track written by, and featuring, former guitarist Chris DeGarmo called
"Justified." To these ears, it's a throwaway but its inclusion is, I
suppose, cool for the die-hards. So was it worth the $17? Yeah, sure.
My interest in this band certainly has waned over the last dozen years
or so, but there's no denying Queensryche its place in hard rock
history and this collection is a nice overview of its output.

-My Best Buy excursion also netted me the new Scorpions disc, HUMANITY
- HOUR I. (Bargain priced at $7.99, plus the coupon!) No, it's not a
classic Scorpions album, and I still dry-heave when I think of Billy
Corgan making a guest appearance on the disc, but it is a pretty good
album. There are a lot of co-writers (Desmond Child, Marti
Frederiksen, etc.) which is fine -- sometimes bands need to do that --

but the weird song writing things I noticed were: 1) no band members
collaborated on any of the songs, and 2) counting the Best Buy bonus
track "Cold," lead guitarist Matthias Jabs has more songs here (five)
than either singer Klaus Meine (four) or rhythm guitarist Rudolf
Schenker (four). How does *that* happen??? :) Nothing against Jabs at
all -- in fact I think this is very cool -- but the Kiss fan inside me
equates this with, say, Ace Frehley having more songs on an album than
either Paul Stanley or Gene Simmons.

-More on A&E's cool show "Private Sessions"... Heart will be featured
on October 3. And we can now contact the folks at the show to tell
them who we'd like to appear, online at
http://newsletters.aetv.com/cgi-bin15/DM/y/haJW0LaPaA0BiL0ZkS0EV .

-Neal showed me this list of "World's Worst Band Names" a while ago
but I forgot to post it. The link is
http://www.southbeach-
usa.com/features/features1/band_names/worst_names_1.htm
.

-Now in my current playlist: Heaven & Hell - LIVE 2007: RADIO CITY
MUSIC HALL (CD & DVD) (Rhino), Iced Earth - FRAMING ARMAGEDDON
(SOMETHING WICKED PART 1) (SPV/Steamhammer), Dogpound - III (Lion
Music), M.O.D. - RED, WHITE AND SCREWED (Index Entertainment), John
Macaluso & Union Radio - THE RADIO WAVES GOODBYE (Lion Music).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
JK NORTHRUP - WIRED IN MY SKIN (B) Alien Records, 2007
11 tracks, RT: 40:06
[ http://www.jknorthrup.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/jknorthrup ]
[ http://www.alien1111.com/ ]
Veteran guitarist Jeff "JK" Northrup (XYZ, King Kobra, Cage, Paul
Shortino, Northrup) struts his stuff on this solo disc, showing off
his song writing versatility by assembling an actual album, not merely
a collection of "guitar songs." Yes there are instrumentals -- the
kinda trippy opener "Black Moon," "Mark My Territory," and the rockin'
"Metamorphosis" -- but to me the vocal tracks are the real focal
point. Northrup uses different singers on the remaining eight songs --
XYZ cohort Terry Ilous, Kelly Keeling (Baton Rouge, Blue Murder MSG),
Danger Danger's Ted Poley, Johnny Edwards (King Kobra, Montrose,
Foreigner, Northrup), and David Zaragoza (Category 7) -- and the man
just flat-out knows how to match a singer to a song! Keeling does his
trippy vibe thing on the heavy Beatles-ish "Big Blue Sky," Edwards
nails the big hook in the super-catchy title track, and Zaragoza's
gritty heavy metal vocals fit "Cemented Eyes" to a "T." Ilous sings
two nice ballads, the piano-led "The Road" and full-band "So Long,"
and "Grind Me Down," a rocker that recalls both XYZ and vintage Lynch
Mob. Poley stands out on his two tracks, the can't-be-denied poppy,
fun "Perfect Imperfection" (this song was made for Ted's distinctive
voice!) and the clever, funny, acoustic "If I Were James Taylor (I
Could Finish This Song)." Nice going, Jeff! Oops, I mean, "JK." :)
- Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@...)

*
*** OUT ***
*