Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Blu-ray Disc: Justin Bieber Never Say Never

I recently saw Justin Bieber on television and noted how talented he is. Wonderful singing voice, and clean cut upbeat presence. I enjoy watching him perform, which makes some of the hate that people put out towards him strange to me.



Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (Two-Disc DVD/Blu-ray Combo)


Special Features

- Concert Dance Off – Justin and his crew show off their amazing moves
- Favorite Girl – Full-length concert performance from the Director’s Fan Cut
- R.I.P. Hair Flip – Justin says goodbye to his signature ‘do
- Giving Back – Justin’s team suprise lucky fans with concert tickets!

Blu-ray Combo Pack includes a Digital Copy of the film to watch anytime, anywhere!

Editorial Reviews from Amazon.com

Never underestimate the power of perseverance, social media, good hair, and a winning smile. Small town boy Justin Bieber is a young musician (16 years old at the time of this film's release) who started out goofing around on the drums at home as a young child and posting videos on You Tube as a preteen. With the help of producer Scooter Braun, he has rocketed to the status of pop phenomenon, performing for a sold-out house at the coveted Madison Square Garden in less than two years.

Part documentary, part concert video, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never combines archival home videos with live concert footage; interviews with everyone from Justin's young single mother and his grandparents to his vocal coach "Mama Jan" Smith, pop icon and actor Usher, and producer Braun; and way too much footage of squealing, overwrought preteen female fans (the latter will likely cause one's eyes to spontaneously roll back in one's head and trigger a gag reflex unless one happens to be a 10- to 12-year-old girl).

Showcased are Bieber's early visits to every radio station imaginable; his life backstage, on the road, and during a rare visit with his friends back home; the determination of those around him to keep his life as normal as possible; and lots of up-close footage of his concerts. Throughout the 10 days preceding his Garden debut, guest artists like Miley Cyrus, Usher, Jaden Smith, and Boyz II Men join Bieber onstage for collaborative performances of songs including "Overboard," "Somebody to Love," "Never Say Never," and "U Smile." Bieber also deals with the stress and pain of a throat infection that causes him to cancel his first show ever and threatens to prevent him from honoring his performance date at the Garden.

Finally, the day of the Madison Square Garden performance arrives and viewers are treated to a great sampling of Bieber's powerful performance. The film does a good job of chronicling Bieber's rise to stardom, but let's face it, his career has spanned less than two years as of this film, so there's not really all that much to say in a movie that lasts almost two hours. But even if you're not a rabid Justin Bieber fan, you have to admit the kid has talent and you've got to respect his incredible journey. (Ages 9 - 13) --Tami Horiuchi

Product Description

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never is the inspiring, entertaining and intimate look at the life and meteoric rise of pop phenomenon Justin Bieber. From small town boy to global super-star, Never Say Never follows Justin Bieber’s journey from his early years, to his rise from break-out internet sensation to global super-star, culminating with a sold-out show at the famed Madison Square Garden. More than just a concert, Never Say Never is a captivating, cinematic event featuring all-star musical talent including, Usher, Jaden Smith, Ludacris, and more!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Blu-ray Disc: Rock Montreal and Live Aid




Editorial Reviews from Amazon.com
In November 1981, with "Under Pressure" topping the charts in the UK, Queen arrived in Montreal following dates in Japan and their record-breaking tour of Latin America. It was to be the only concert by Queen that was ever shot on film. Always a great live band, with arguably the greatest frontman of all time in Freddie Mercury, they excelled themselves with the cameras rolling. The picture has been digitally restored from the original film and the sound has been newly mixed and mastered for DTS Surround Sound and PCM Stereo from the original multitrack tapes.

TRACKLISTING:
1) Intro
2) We Will Rock You (fast)
3) Let Me Entertain You
4) Play The Game
5) Somebody To Love
6) Killer Queen
7) I'm In Love With My Car
8) Get Down Make Love
9) Save Me
10) Now I'm Here
11) Dragon Attack
12) Now I'm Here (reprise)
13) Love Of My Life
14) Under Pressure
15) Keep Yourself Alive
16) Drum & Timpani Solo
17) Guitar Solo
18) Crazy Little Thing Called Love
19) Jailhouse Rock
20) Bohemian Rhapsody
21) Tie Your Mother Down
22) Another One Bites The Dust
23) Sheer Heart Attack
24) We Will Rock You
25) We Are The Champions
26) God Save The Queen -

BONUS FEATURES
* Brand new commentary from guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor
* Weblink to microsite

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Walking In A Winter Wonderland - Jason Marz

Brad Paisley - Santa Looked a lot Like Daddy

Another one of those cool country songs that brings a smile to my face during Christmas. While I never saw my daddy dressed up as Santa, my wife made me dress up as Santa one year. The photos of that still make me laugh till this day.




Allison Krauss and Alan Jackson - The Angels Cried




Melody Gardot - Pertend I Don't Exist




Thursday, December 15, 2011

Run DMC - Christmas In Hollis

OK, here is a little old school hiphop for the holidays. Run DMC doing "Christmas In Hollis".

The Lyrics are from the notes at YouTube, just in case you want to rock the mike.



Run:

It was December 24th on Hollis Ave in the dark
When I seen a man chilling with his dog in the park
I approached very slowly with my heart full of fear
Looked at his dog, oh my God, an ill reindeer
But then I was illin because the man had a beard
And a bag full of goodies, 12 o'clock had neared
So I turned my head a second and the man had gone
But he left his driver's wallet smack dead on the lawn
I picket the wallet up then I took a pause
Took out the license and it cold said "Santa Claus"
A million dollars in it, cold hundreds of G's
Enough to buy a boat and matching car with ease
But I'd never steal from Santa, cause that ain't right
So I'm going home to mail it back to him that night
But when I got home I bugged, cause under the tree
Was a letter from Santa and all the dough was for me

D.M.C. :

It's Christmas time in Hollis Queens
Mom's cooking chicken and collard greens
Rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese
And Santa put gifts under Christmas trees
Decorate the house with lights at night
Snow's on the ground, snow white so bright
In the fireplace is the yule log
Beneath the mistle toe as we drink egg nog
The rhymes you hear are the rhymes of Darryl's
But each and every year we bust Chrsitmas carrols
(Christmas melodies)

Run-D.M.C. :

Rhymes so loud and prod you hear it
It's Christmas time and we got the spirit
Jack Frost chillin, the orchas out?
And that's what Christmas is all about
The time is now, the place is here
And the whole wide world is filled with cheer

D.M.C. :

My name's D.M.C. with the mic in my hand
And I'm chilling and coolin just like a snowman
So open your eyes, lend us an ear
We want to say

Run-D.M.C. :

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Buck Owens - Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy

This song never fells to make me smile.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Battles - Ice Cream ft Matias Aguayo

And now for something totally different!

Oh, and sometimes a girl licking an ice cream cone is just a girl licking an ice cream cone.



Azealia Banks - 212 ft. Lazy Jay

Say what???

OK, just put the headphones and crank that b1tc4 Up!



Notes from YouTube
Azealia Banks - "212" Video (2011)

azealiabanks.com

Anthony Hamilton - Mad

Just love the harmonica in this song.





Anthony Hamilton Back To Love @Amazon.com


Anthony Hamilton @KK&R Music Blog

Alabama Shakes - Hold On

"Don't know where I'm going to go, don't know what I'm going to do..."

I'm really feeling this. I played it three times just to make sure that it was making me feel as up beat as it does. The Alabama Shakes are really doing it on this uplifting number aptly titled "Hold On".

Yeah, you got to come on up, you got to hold on.



Alabama Shakes - Hold On, from their debut EP Alabama Shakes (2011)

Buy the EP @ http://alabamashakes.bandcamp.com/

Blu-ray Disc: Billy Joel: Live at Shea Stadium


Billy Joel: Live at Shea Stadium [Blu-ray]


Editorial Reviews from Amazon.com

A concert celebrating the end of an era: The Beatles opened it and Billy Joel closed it.

Built in 1964, Shea Stadium was the home of the New York Mets for 45 years. Designed as a multi-purpose stadium, Shea first met rock 'n' roll when The Beatles appeared there August 15, 1965, establishing Shea as the premier stadium for the world's greatest bands. The Who, The Police, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and The Clash all played Shea.

The Last Play At Shea, staged on July 16 and July 18, 2008 before a combined 110,000 fans, comprised the final performances ever at the historic stadium. Live At Shea Stadium contains two and a half hours of hits and album favorites, featuring special guests Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, John Mayer, John Mellencamp, Steven Tyler and Roger Daltrey.

Live At Shea Stadium captures the music and memories of a generation. After 45 years, the Mets' two World Series victories, The Beatles and The Last Play At Shea, the final section of Shea Stadium was torn down in 2009.

TRACKLISTING:
1. Prelude/Angry Young Man
2. My Life
3. Summer, Highland Falls
4. Everybody Loves You Now
5. Zanzibar
6. New York State Of Mind (with Tony Bennett)
7. Allentown
8. The Ballad Of Billy The Kid
9. She's Always A Woman
10. Goodnight Saigon
11. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
12. Shameless (with Garth Brooks)
13. This Is The Time (with John Mayer)
14. Keeping The Faith
15. Captain Jack
16. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)
17. The River Of Dreams/A Hard Day's Night
18. We Didn't Start The Fire
19. You May Be Right
20. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
21. Only The Good Die Young
22. I Saw Her Standing There (with Paul McCartney)
23. Take Me Out To The Ballgame
24. Piano Man
25. Let It Be (with Paul McCartney)

BONUS PERFORMANCES
Walk This Way (with Steven Tyler)
My Generation (with Roger Daltrey)
Pink Houses (with John Mellencamp)


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Erin Bode - Time

The Man I Love



Kelly Clarkson - My Grown Up Christmas List with Lyrics



Notes from YouTube:
Kelly Clarkson performs live MY GROWN UP CHRISTMAS LIST on American Idol


Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
and wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up Christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up Christmas list

What is this illusion called
the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind
belief can we ever find
the truth (there'd be)

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up Christmas list

Spin Doctors - Little Miss Can't Be Wrong

This song was spot on back in the 90s when it came out and it fits today even better. It is totally about my wife and probably about yours too, LOL.

But don't consider this a dis, because like the song says, "If I had a hundred dollars I would probably give her 99!"

Blu-ray Disc: The Rolling Stones - Some Girls

The Rolling Stones Some Girls
The Rolling Stones: Some Girls - Live in Texas '78 [Blu-ray]


Editorial Reviews from Amazon.com
The Rolling Stones 1978 tour of the USA in support of that year s Some Girls album is considered by fans to be one of their very best. The tour followed immediately on the release of the Some Girls album and by the time the band arrived in Texas in mid-July the album had hit the No.1 spot on the US charts.

The tour took a back to basics approach, with the band and their music very much at the forefront and little or no elaborate staging. Filmed at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 18th, 1978, this concert is typical of the tour with the Rolling Stones delivering a raw, energetic performance in front of a crowd who are clearly loving the show. Many of the tracks from Some Girls are included in the live set with a sprinkling of Stones classics from earlier albums. Originally shot on 16mm film, the footage has been carefully restored and the sound remixed and remastered by Bob
Clearmountain from the original multitrack tapes. This is undeniably the Rolling Stones at the peak of their form.

Bonus Features: Newly filmed interview with Mick Jagger. Tomorrow featuring Dan Aykroyd and Mick Jagger from Saturday Night Live, October 1978 Shattered , Respectable and Beast Of Burden performed by The Rolling Stones, introduced by Laraine Newman from Saturday Night Live, October 1978 Excerpts from ABC 20/20 Special, introduced by Hugh Downs with interviews by Geraldo Rivera from 20/20, June 1978 5 mins in total includes Mick, Keith, Ronnie and Bill Interview with Mick [France Aug 2011] 15 mins

Track Listing:
1) Let It Rock
2) All Down The Line
3) Honky Tonk Women
4) Star Star
5) When The Whip Comes Down
6) Beast Of Burden
7) Miss You
8) Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
9) Shattered
10) Respectable
11) Far Away Eyes
12) Love In Vain
13) Tumbling Dice
14) Happy
15) Sweet Little Sixteen
16) Brown Sugar
17) Jumpin Jack Flash

Friday, December 2, 2011

Otis Redding - I've Got Dreams To Remember

There is a commercial that comes on TV that keeps reminding me of this song. I had to post it, just so I could get it out of my head.

It is a wonderful song, and I like to sing it to my wife.



Al Green - Love and Happiness



Al Greens's "Love and Happiness" at Amazon.com

Britney Spears Tuns the Big "3" "0"

Here is some cool video of the dancers from her most recent tour.

Notes from YouTube:
"Meet the choreographers and dancers from Britney Spears' Femme Fatale Tour, and get a sneak peek at some of the dancing styles and routines you can expect to see when Britney hits the road."



Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Louis Armstrong - Accentuate The Positive

Notes from YouTube:
Live from club Zanzibar New Year's Eve 12-31-1945.


Coltrane - Lush Life 2010

Spottiswoode & His Enemies

Spottiswoode & His Enemies are a New York based rock band. Fronted by Jonathan Spottiswoode, who also writes most of the band's music, the group has an eclectic and hard to describe sound, with songs ranging from rock to folk to jazz and even gospel.

Lady Gaga: The Monster Ball Tour Blu-Ray

A reviewer at Amazon.com had this to say about this video:
I too saw her show live twice and watched this on HBO. I wasn't expecting the magic of the live show to come across on TV but it actually did! Which once again proves what a stellar performing artist she is. The odd fashion choices and other dichotomous behavior aside, this woman is incredibly talented and will have a long career in any kind of music she chooses whether it be pop or jazz. I applaud her politics and hope more will listen to her message of love, compassion and understanding for all.

Lady Gaga The Monster Ball Tour
Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Tour At Madison Square Garden [Explicit]



Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Adele Live At The Royal Albert Hall Blu Ray



Editorial Reviews from Amazon.com

Live At The Royal Albert Hall was recorded on September 22 at the height of what has been an amazing year for Adele. Available on DVD and Blu-ray, "Live At The Royal Albert Hall" features the full 90 minute concert performance, plus special behind the scenes footage shot throughout the day leading up to the concert.

The package also includes an exclusive live CD of the entire show. This is the first time all of Adele's hits and best loved songs will be on one CD plus her stunning covers of Bonnie Raitt's "If I Can't Make You Love Me" and The Steeldrivers "If It Hadn't Been For Love"
This version contains mature language. This release is also available as a DVD/CD.

Track Listing:
1.Hometown Glory
2.I ll Be Waiting
3.Don t You Remember
4.Turning Tables
5.Set Fire To The Rain
6.If It Hadn t Been For Love
7.My Same
8.Take It All
9.Rumour Has It
10.Right As Rain
11.One & Only
12.Lovesong
13.Chasing Pavements
14.I Can t Make You Love Me
15.Make You Feel My Love
16.Someone Like You
17.Rolling In The Deep

Melody Gardot Cry Wolf Video

Melody Gardot is such a great talent, love her voice and since of style.



Check out these MP3s @ Amazon.com

Taylor Swift Sparks Fly Video

I still can not figure out, how a person like me who is no where near the demographics that Taylor Swift's music is aimed at, loves her music so much.

Yes I used the word love, LOL.

The only thing I can think of is that it is just good stuff!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Kirk Franklin - Hello Fear

I hope you all are having a laid back Sunday, here is some Kirk Franklin to make it a more mellow day. Go ahead and kiss Fear goodbye...



Adele - Rolling In The Deep Video

I really like Adele's music and "Rolling In The Deep" is such a great song.



Editorial Reviews

21 is the eagerly awaited sophomore album from British singer-songwriter Adele. It’s the follow up to Adele’s critically acclaimed, Grammy award winning debut album 19 (both named after her age at the time the songs were written). Recorded in Malibu and London, 21 offered Adele the opportunity to work with such luminary producers and songwriters as Rick Rubin, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Dan Wilson and Fraser T. Smith, as well as continuing to work with Francis “Eg” White and Jim Abbiss.

This new collection of songs showcases the growth of this incredible artist, who at the very young age of twenty two, exhibits the poise of a seasoned veteran. Adele’s music takes some new direction while staying true to her signature style. “I discovered lots of artists I'd never heard of, particularly Wanda Jackson, Allison Krauss, Yvonne Fair, Andrew Bird, Neko Case, Lady Antebellum and Steel Drivers who I fell in love with. Then I delved in to more from artists I've loved forever - Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Elbow, Mos Def, Alanis Morissette, Tom Waits and Sinead O'Connor. There's something in every single one of these artists that have really really inspired 21.”

Michael Bublé - "Christmas" Medley Clip

Is it me or is it time to bust out the Christmas music.

I think so, and Michael Buble is a great musician to get it started with.



His album "Christmas" is looking and sounding really good.

'Christmas' (track listings/times)

1 It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - [3:27]
2 Santa Claus is Coming to Town - [2:51]
3 Jingle Bells (featuring the Puppini Sisters) - [2:40]
4 White Christmas (duet with Shania Twain) - [3:37]
5 All I Want For Christmas is You [2:52]
6 Holly Jolly Christmas [2:00]
7 Santa Baby [3:52]
8 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas [3:51]
9 Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) [3:08]
10 Silent Night [3:48]
11 Blue Christmas [3:43]
12 Cold December Night [3:19]
13 I'll Be Home for Christmas [4:26]
14 Ave Maria [4:01]
15 Mis Deseos/Feliz Navidad (duet with Thalia) [4:24]
16 "This Is Michael Bublé Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas" [:04]

Blind Melon From the Archives

Here is a post I did a few years ago from the archives. I still like Blind Melon's music. I had been working really hard at my job and so did not have as much time to devote to my music blogs, but I was recently laid off from my job and now will blog more often.

Blind Melon is one of those bands that had so much promise, I love the video below for it's uplifting message of hope. That is why the tragic loss of the bands lead singer to a drug overdose was such a shock.

I recently read of them getting back together, I hope they pull it off.

Blind Melon
Blind Melon Album by Blind Melon





Rolling Stone Magazine, Issue 669
November 1993 - Blind Melon Cover
Rolling Stone Magazine, Issue 669, November 1993 - Blind Melon Cover by Jann S Wenner
click on image for details


Blind Melon @Amazon.com

Thursday, February 10, 2011