Rick Springfield back on 'General Hospital' for 50th Anniversary

photo courtesy: ABC Television/rickspringfield.com

Rick Springfield is currently in the midst of a brief return to "General Hospital."

The veteran musician/actor is reprising the role of Dr. Noah Drake, which he first played from 1981-83, in conjunction with the ABC-TV soap opera's 50th Anniversary.

Ongoing plot lines have brought back various characters from the past.

Yesterday, he was on the talk show "Katie" and is also part of host Katie Couric's "20/20" special to air Saturday night on ABC about the soap milestone. 

Come Monday's "General Hospital" episode, Springfield will perform with full band during the "Nurse's Ball" event plot. Last October, Songs for the End of the World - his first studio album in four years - came out on Universal Music Enterprises.

An excellent collection that was among my 2012 year end top 20 albums, the songs range from gorgeous power ballads ("You & Me") and insanely catchy hard rock ("Wide Awake," the sarcastic, chant-friendly "I Hate Myself" and "Love Screws Me Up") to soaring power pop ("Our Ship's Sinking") and the memorable new wave-tinged ("One Way Street").

All could be easily be radio hits today if program directors had more open minds and didn't stigmatize '80s hitmakers.

The album comes with different intriguing cover art designs and bonus material that can be accessed by scanning a picture inside the booklet through an app developed by Aurasma.
I have the version that contains a great live cover of Paul McCartney & Wings' "Jet," recorded in Nashville. 

Earlier this year Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl tapped Springfield to be part of his Sound City Players, which have made several live appearances across the country and in the U.K. to promote Grohl's acclaimed documentary on the infamous Sound City studio. 

Springfield recorded his hit LPs Working Class Dog, Living in Oz and Hard to Hold at the studio. He joined Foo Fighters on seething rocker "The Man That Never Was" on the new Sound City soundtrack album Real to Reel (RCA).

Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' redux details, U.S. tour and Stevie Nicks news

With Fleetwood Mac's much-anticipated 2013 North American Tour slated to start tomorrow in Columbus, Ohio (see web site for full routing), it's a good time to discuss the recent three-disc expanded edition of the band's 1977 classic Rumours. 

While there have been plenty of reissues over the years (including a fine one in 2004), this 35th Anniversary Edition benefits from the addition of a dozen previously unreleased live tracks from the Mac's '77 tour for the album from four shows (Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Nashville and Columbia, S.C.).

Highlights on the live Disc 2 include Lindsey Buckingham's spiralling guitar work on "World Turning," more sizzling fretwork from him amid "The Chain" and "Go Your Own Way" and a powerful 7 1/2 minute version of "Rhiannon," where Stevie Nicks sings an extra verse. 

Disc 3 - comprised of 16 previously unreleased early demos and alternate takes - provides a new glimpse into the creation of these beloved songs.

Here's a complete breakdown:

“Second Hand News,” an unfinished Buckingham demo, has partial lyrics; “Dreams” (Take 2) is spooky and skeletal with only electric guitar and keyboards; “Never Going Back Again” (Acoustic Duet) is even more rustic and has some tasty electric guitar touches; “Go Your Own Way” (Early Take) has only Buckingham vocals; “Songbird” (Demo) is very simple and it is followed by “Songbird” (Instrumental, Take 10); “I Don’t Want To Know” (Early Take) finds Buckingham working out where things should go; “Keep Me There” (Instrumental) is a 5 minute jam and embryonic version of "The Chain".

“The Chain” (Demo) is quite different from the finished one we all know. Here Nicks is singing different lyrics calmly to acoustic guitar; “Keep Me There” (with Vocal) has a soulful Christine McVie vocal, elements of "The Chain," keyboards and a still searing guitar solo by Buckingham; “Gold Dust Woman” (Early Take) is just Nicks' aching vocal; “Oh Daddy” (Early Take) is very interesting as Christine calls out key changes; “Silver Springs” (Early Take) has unfinished lyrics, but is simple and elegant without backing vocals; “Planets Of The Universe” (Demo) has a "Rhiannon" vibe and piano only; “Doesn’t Anything Last” (Acoustic Duet) is a fragment that displays a pure Buckingham/Nicks vocal blend; “Never Going Back Again” (Instrumental). 

For those who prefer to program their CD player or cherry picking selected tracks, I'd suggest “Dreams” (Take 2), “The Chain” (Demo), “Keep Me There” (with Vocal) and “Gold Dust Woman” (Early Take).

The freshly-penned liner notes by David Wild includes quotes from Christine McVie, Buckingham and Nicks. A four panel fold out cardboard CD casing has pictures of the band and the other side is a panoramic live shot. There are plenty of color and B&W images, lyrics and credits inside the liners. 

Another edition of the package comes with a vinyl and DVD element. 

In related news, Nicks' documentary "In Your Dreams," an up close and portrayal of Nicks recording her critically acclaimed same-titled solo CD with Dave Stewart, just screened at dozens of theaters across North America yesterday. 

Hopefully, a DVD release will follow.

fleetwoodmac.com 

Jimmy Eat World return with new album

Jimmy Eat World will release their seventh studio album, Damage, on June 11 via RCA Records.  

It is the follow up to 2010's critically-acclaimed Invented, was produced by the band with Alain Johannes (Mark Lanegan, Chris Cornell) and recorded in the fall of 2012 at the producer's Los Angeles home studio.

Damage will be supported with a world tour beginning in May, details to be announced soon.

Track listing

1. Appreciation

2. Damage

3. Lean

4. Book Of Love

5. I Will Steal You Back

6. Please Say No

7. How'd You Have Me

8. No, Never

9. Byebyelove

10. You Were Good

The Beatles’ Let It Be… Naked on iTunes, McCartney plays Boston

The Beatles’ 2003 archival album, Let It Be… Naked, has made its global digital debut exclusively at www.itunes.com/thebeatles.

In addition to the 11-track album, the iTunes LP features all of the original booklet art and liner notes, as well as bonus audio of studio banter captured during The Beatles’ 1969 recording sessions for Let It Be.  Music videos for the ‘Naked’ versions of “Get Back” and “Don’t Let Me Down” are also exclusively available on iTunes for download purchase and free streaming.

Taking the listener into the band’s initial session takes for Let It Be, recorded primarily at Apple Studio in January 1969, Let It Be… Naked is the stripped-down, return-to-live-takes album The Beatles aimed to create, free of added effects and vocal and instrumental overdubs. 

“If we’d had today’s technology back then, it would sound like this because this is the noise we made in the studio,” said Paul McCartney upon Let It Be… Naked’s '03 release. “It’s all exactly as it was in the room.  You’re right there now.”

“When I first heard it, it was really uplifting,” said Ringo Starr.  “It took you back to the times when we were this band, the Beatle band.” 

The Beatles: Let It Be… Naked [iTunes LP] 

1.  Get Back
2.  Dig A Pony 
3.  For You Blue 
4.  The Long And Winding Road 
5.  Two Of Us
6.  I’ve Got A Feeling
7.  One After 909
8.  Don’t Let Me Down
9.  I Me Mine
10. Across The Universe
11. Let It Be

In related news,

Paul McCartney has announced the first dates and locations of his new 2013 "Out There" U.S. tour:

On July 9, Paul will play Boston's Fenway Park, returning for the first time since his August 2009 shows set the record for the highest ever two-day concert attendance in the history of the storied ballpark. 

Before that, he will play Frank Erwin Center in Austin on May 22. Tickets for the Texas show go on sale April 12 at 10 a.m. local time at livenation.com and texasboxoffice.com.

 

American Express® Cardmembers can purchase tickets before the general public beginning April 9 at 10 a.m. through April 11 at 10 p.m.  All times Central Standard Time.

Tickets to Paul McCartney's historic return to Fenway will be on sale beginning April 5 at 10 a.m. at livenation.com or redsox.com. American Express® Cardmembers can purchase tickets before the general public now through April 4 at 10 p.m. All times Eastern Standard Time.

The "Out There" tour will feature hours of material from the most beloved catalog in popular music, with Paul performing songs spanning his entire career--as a solo artist, member of Wings and of course The Beatles.

Having played with his peerless band of Paul 'Wix' Wickens (keyboards), Rusty Anderson (guitar), Abe Laboriel Jr. (drums) and Brian Ray (bass/guitar) for over ten years, Paul is throwing himself into 2013 with full force following yet another landmark year in 2012, which saw him conclude his record-breaking "On The Run" tour, release his Grammy-winning Kisses On The Bottom album, accept a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, play at both the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics Opening Ceremony, be named MusiCares Person of the Year, and headline 12-12-12 The Concert For Sandy Relief--to highlight just a few memorable moments. With the "Out There'" tour and a new studio album in the works, it looks like 2013 will show no signs of Paul slowing down.

Further announcements and dates will be added in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to www.paulmccartney.com for official news and updates.

Rolling Stones U.S. tour news

The Rolling Stones, who rocked London and New York in 2012, announced they will kick off their “50 and Counting” tour in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. (Date TBA pending NBA/NHL playoff schedules).

Also, the tour will come to Honda Center in Anaheim on May 15, with additional performances in Oakland, San Jose, Las Vegas, Toronto, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia.

Over the past year, the band has released of a greatest hits collection, “GRRR!,” a groundbreaking documentary film “Crossfire Hurricane” and a photographic book “Rolling Stones: 50.”

It "has been pretty amazing so far,” said Mick Jagger. “We did a few shows in London and New York last year…and had such a good time that we thought…let’s do some more. It’s a good show. Lots of the classic stuff everyone wants to hear…with a few little gems tucked in here and there. The stage is shaped like lips and goes off into the venue so I get to run around in the crowd. It’s great fun to be able to get that close to the audience.” 

“From day one at rehearsals it sounded so fresh. You could tell that everybody was dying to get their teeth into it. It was like…open the gates…let us out!” said Keith Richards. “Cause man, it is the life and blood of us to play in front of people.” 

Mick Taylor, who was a member of the Rolling Stones from 1969-74, will be a special guest throughout the tour.

Stage design for the tour is based on the band’s ubiquitous tongue and lips logo, which extends out into the crowd, allowing the Stones to interact directly with their audience.

Known for their ground-breaking sets and use of cutting-edge technology, the Stones’ set design will feature video screens and special effects that will enhance the high-octane experience of attending a live Stones’ show. 

The band will also play London’s Hyde Park on Saturday, July 6 following a headlining appearance at UK’s Glastonbury Festival on June 29.

TOUR DATES

DATE CITY VENUE ON-SALE
 

TBA Los Angeles STAPLES Center TBA
May 5 Oakland Oracle Arena On sale April 8 @ 10AM PST
May 8 San Jose HP Pavilion On sale April 8 @ 10AM PST
May 11 Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena TBA
May 15 Anaheim Honda Center TBA
May 25 Toronto Air Canada Centre On sale April 8 @ 10AM EST
May 28 Chicago United Center On sale April 8 @ 10AM CST
June 12 Boston TD Garden TBA
June 18 Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center TBA

Download the official Rolling Stones app, to be presented by Citi, available on iOS and Android - receive breaking news, access to exclusive content, listen and download music, connect with the band and Stones fans worldwide on the app’s fan wall.
For more information, please visit www.rollingstones.com.

www.rollingstones.com

www.youtube.com/user/therollingstones 

www.facebook.com/therollingstones 

twitter.com/rollingstones 

@RollingStones 

#Stones50

Hunter Hayes' major label debut gets expanded

Hunter Hayes is set to world premiere new single "I Want Crazy" at the Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7 at 8 pm ET/PT on CBS. The song is his next single from his forthcoming deluxe CD titled Hunter Hayes (Encore) due out June 18 on Atlantic.

His current single, "Somebody's Heartbreak" holds the top spot this week marking his second No. 1 single off his debut release. The deluxe album "(Encore)" will feature seven new and re-recorded tracks and will be available for iTunes pre-order immediately following his performance on the ACM Awards.

Hunter Hayes is nominated for six ACM Awards, the second most nominated artist this year. This marks his first nominations in the “Song of the Year” (Artist and Composer), “Single Record of the Year” (Artist and Producer) and “Video of the Year” categories.

Michael Buble album details

Michael Bublé’s new studio album “To Be Loved” is scheduled to be released on April 23 in the US (April l5 internationally) via Reprise Records. First single, “It’s A Beautiful Day”, co-written by Bublé, is at radio now.

“To Be Loved,” Bublé’s sixth studio album, follows his “Christmas” CD which sold 7 million copies internationally and was the #2 biggest selling album of 2011 (after Adele).

Produced by Bob Rock, the new one includes a mix of standards as well as four original songs all co-written by Bublé. “After All” - one of the four originals - was co-written and performed by fellow Canadian Bryan Adams. 

Also included are songs previously recorded by some of Bublé’s musical heroes: the Bee Gees (“To Love Somebody”), Dean Martin (“Nevertheless, I’m In Love With You,” with The Puppini Sisters), the Jackson 5 (“Who’s Loving You”), Jackie Wilson (“To Be Loved”), Van Morrison ("Have I Told You Lately," with Naturally 7), Bublé is joined by actress Reese Witherspoon on the classic Frank and Nancy Sinatra duet “Something Stupid.”

“My new record is about love, happiness, fun and yummy things. Getting to work with my friend and longtime collaborator Bob Rock, who produced the entire album was very exciting. We’re a good team. I love the songs we selected this time out. It was also terrific working once again with my songwriting partners,” said Bublé.