May 2, 2012 - Norah Jones is set to appear with a Live-on-Letterman webcast, featuring Jones from the prestigious Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, tonight - Wednesday, May 2nd at 8:00 ET. This is a clever, strategic move for Jones to push her next album “Little Broken Hearts” set for a May 1st release. 
April 27, 2012- It’s been said that some things in life may come back to haunt you and in this case, Elton John is being accused of stealing lyrics for a hit single he released back in 1985. 
April 4, 2012 – Esperanza Spalding is a groovy chick. I mean, really, when she’s in the room, everyone else disappears and I’m talkin’ more than that big “love-sculpture” hair. She’s the type of musician you might walk up to at a party, ask about her music, and walk away three hours later regretting the question. This lady has a vision so you better have a seat. 
April 3, 2012 – Great news for Pink Floyd fans. After a slew of re-releases last year there’s more to come with the DVD documentary on the making of another classic album, ‘Wish You Were Here.’
April 1, 2012- The band KISS is touring with Motley Crue this summer and they want to hire a veteran to hang out with the band on the road. KISS is participating in a program called "Hiring Our Heroes." They are looking for a strong hand that can help in setting up the stage, running effects and breaking it all down. 
February 10, 2012 – It’s no secret that Steve Lukather, like many of us, is a huge Beatles fan. It was announced this week that the Toto guitarist and founding member will join Ringo for the famous tour to begin in Niagara Falls Ontario on June 14th. 
February 7, 2012 – Unwrapping this one might bring back Christmas-past memories of a re-gifting faux pas. As they say it must be a great gift if they are giving it back to you? Sure, you will feel a certain déjà vu with the new Van Halen album, “A Different Kind of Truth.” That classic sound is certainly there. The problem? 
Jan 31, 2012 - Good news for all the Norah Jones fans out there! The singer is set to release a new album in spring called 'Little Broken Hearts.' This will be Jones' fifth studio CD and she will be joined by producer and musician, Danger Mouse who is notably the backbone for the project. He also co-wrote many of the tunes with her. 
Jan 24, 2012 - Bruce Springsteen is full speed ahead with his new album due out in March. “Wrecking Ball” will be his 17th studio album and is produced by heavy hitter Ron Aniello (Patti Scialfa, Jars of Clay) and talent thrown in from Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machines) and members of the E Street Band. 
January 24, 2012 - It’s a done deal as Paul has announced (via his website) that he will be preforming at the 54th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb 12. This is also a very special occasion for him as he’s nominated this year for Best Historical Album for "Band On The Run." McCartney is definitely no stranger to the stage and if he pulls this one in it will be his 15th Grammy win in all. 
January 23, 2012 - John Mayer has been out of the spotlight since he cancelled numerous gigs last year to undergo throat surgery. His decision to finally go under the knife was necessary after attempts to rest his voice did not help. In the meantime, John had to regroup and push back the release of his new album. 
Jan 20, 2012 - Etta James, an iconic R&B American singer known for her classic songs “ At Last” and “Something’s Got A Hold Of Me” has died today at the age of 73. 
January 19, 2012 - Steven Tyler of Aerosmith never ceases to amaze me. He sat in on an Ellen DeGeneres show recently and proceeded to explain why he decided over the Christmas holidays to marry girlfriend Erin Brady. 
January 14, 2011 - Aerosmith fans will be watching as Steven Tyler is about to get really comfortable in his seat for his second round of American Idol. Ever since he joined the panel for this vocal talent show last season Tyler says sales of Aerosmith’s back catalog has rose 260 percent. We all know he has much to talk about when it comes to American Idol, but let’s get back to your roots Steven! 
July 26, 2011 - Although Dan Peek left the group America in 1977 he is certainly not forgotten as a member of the famous band. Peek passed away on July 24 of undisclosed causes. He was 60. The singer’s site simply states, “Dan went to Heaven on July 24 2011” and features a video of Peek performing his 
Sept, 2011 – On her third album Colbie Caillat has decided to strategically give us an uptempo summer-vibe. It still sounds like her smash debut “Coco” but this time it’s Colbie with caffeine and it’s positive and fun. 
October 31, 2010 – This project started after Elton John just happened to mention his chief influences on “Spectacle,” a TV program hosted by Elvis Costello and produced by him and partner David Furnish. 
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REVIEW – Van Halen – A Different Kind of Truth (***3 out of 5)
First off, it’s great to hear David Lee Roth back with the band. He does sound like his former self, albeit without some of the edge, but lets remember he is 57. Noticeably absent is bassist and backing vocalist Michael Anthony who left (well, he was kicked out) after the reunion tour in 2006. I agree with many die-hard fans that this is not a true Van Halen reunion without Anthony’s contributions. I really miss his backing vocals, which were a bigger part of that classic sound than most people think. |
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“A Different Kind of Truth” kicks off with the lacklustre “Tattoo.” An older tune, originally called “Down in Flames,” with all-the-balls of that seventies Van Halen sound but without much substance. It’s heavy but lacking excitement. “She’s the Woman,” another older track was given some new lyrics and backing vocals via Diamond Dave but repeating the chorus over-and-over gave me a rash. Eddie’s guitar work is, however unbelievable on this one! Borrowed from Eddie’s 1984 soundtrack work on “The Wild Life” is “You and Your Blues.” It’s that full Rock/Pop production packed with multi-layered background vocals and catchier than most things on the project. “China Town” opens cold with Eddie’s guitar shredding and it’s the kick-ass tune on the album. I’m not saying it’s good but it is fast. Unfortunately, it suffers the album’s collective feeling of being too thin and sometimes decaffeinated. I liked “Blood and Fire.” Originally called “Ripley” and another song from Eddie’s film work on the “The Wild Life” this one, at least, sounds like a finished product. To me, this is the real Van Halen. At their commercial best the band juggled so carefully with Rock and Pop in the eighties. They could give you a scratch on the back and massage you at the same time – everybody was happy.
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Probably the most irritating tune on the album, “Bullethead” is another fast rocker and a common concert favorite from the seventies. Roth reworked the lyrics, but his relentless repetition of the title and it’s mocking-style vocal made me want to reach for scotch at ten in the morning! Hey, maybe this is the old Van Halen after all? “As Is” also has that vintage sound. Fast and fun with Alex’ double bass drum in tow! This is no hit single but it’s more fun than sending the Kardashians to the moon with a slingshot. Interestingly, our Rock station, Rock History Book Radio, got tons of response for “Honeybabysweetiedoll” on first play. It features signature, inventive, hypnotic guitar work from Eddie and this one is almost all him. “The Trouble with Never” serves up a huge anthem chorus. It moves beyond garden-variety album track material and is a hard-rockin’ reminder on why this band lead the pack. Its much more Rock than it’s Pop chorus suggests. Another really fast one, “Outta Space” is plucked from 1976 demos. Originally called “Let’s Get Rocking” it’s thick and mad enough to belong on that classic first album in 1978. This is also one of the best tracks on the CD.
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Everyone is saying “Stay Frosty” is a carbon copy of “Ice Cream Man” from the debut album. I can see that, but I’m sure Diamond Dave doesn’t give a crap. In it David does the talk/singing thing but it’s another standout from this album. In it’s first life in the seventies, “Big River” was called “Big Trouble.” This one actually sounds like the Doobie Brothers at their heaviest. It’s as if I can almost hear Doobies lead singer Tom Johnstone in the chorus. This is another fun chugging-along high point on this album. The album closes with a 1976 tune called “Put Out the Lights” but in 2012 its new title is “Beats Workin.” It describes the album perfectly – It’s good but not great. “A Different Kind of Truth” gives the audience some relief. This is truly Van Halen and in some cases using the old songs proves that this is from the same pot that created this beautiful loud monster. The problem is it’s 2012 and my gut says these guys are not out of gas yet. Maybe it was easier for Eddie and David to court themselves this way, after all these old tunes are remnance of a better time. Some might even say their honeymoon! As mentioned earlier, this album, is good just not great. Maybe this project is a perfect healer for a deeper commitment from the boys. Let’s hope so. - By John Beaudin
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February 7, 2012 – Unwrapping this one might bring back Christmas-past memories of a re-gifting faux pas. As they say it must be a great gift if they are giving it back to you? Sure, you will feel a certain déjà vu with the new Van Halen album, “A Different Kind of Truth.” That classic sound is certainly there. The problem? This album is watered down. These are mostly old demos – tunes that didn’t make the grade the first time. There is nothing that sounds remotely like “Jump,” on this album, not even close. Though it’s somewhat unfair to compare anyone’s former greatness, especially when they peaked 28 years ago, it still needs to be said. So have Van Halen given you a gift that you gave back? It’s hard not to ask but for a comeback, that’s so important, why couldn’t the band start from scratch? Can Roth and Eddie Van Halen stand each other enough to write a freakin’ new tune? |
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