Otis Magazine v2.0

The Beatles Now Available In Mono

noreply@blogger.com (the webmaster) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:27:00 +0000

by Jake Topp

Up until the of their years as a working band The Beatles spent most of their time and energy on the mono mixes of their songs, not the stereo mixes. Mono was "the standard" as it was the way that most people listened to their music back then so it makes sense that the mono mixes were their primary concern.

Sadly these original mono mixes have been "lost to history" since the advent of the CD in the 1980s because the CDs were pressed in stereo and the original mono mixes then could only be found on the original vinyl LP. And of course these days few people even have a record player, and even if they do, it can be very difficult to track down the original mono mixes of The Beatles albums on vinyl.

On 9/9/9 The Beatles Mono Box Set is coming out. It will include their UK studio albums from 1963 (Please Please Me) through 1968 (The Beatles, better known as The White Album.) The Mono Masters non-album tracks compilation completes this mono box set so that every single original mono mix of a Beatles song is included it it. But that's not all, it also includes the original stereo versions of the band's two 1965 albums: Help! & Rubber Soul.

Why are the stereo versions of these two albums included in a mono box set? Because these original stereo mixes have been "lost" since the CD era. New stereo mixes were made when the albums were released on CD and so the only way to hear these original stereo mixes has been with the original vinyl LPs.

This box set is aimed at people who are interested in The Beatles history and how their albums sounded like in the 1960s. That's why it makes sense to include these original stereo mixes for Help! and Rubber Soul even though they are stereo and not mono like the rest of the set.

Yellow Submarine, Abbey Road, & Let It Be are not included in this box set. The reason for that is pretty obvious: They were never mixed in mono in the first place. And unlike Help! and Rubber Soul their stereo mixes were not changed for the CD release.

As far as the Mono Masters compilation, you may think that since this is a compilation of songs that didn't make it onto The Beatles albums that they are mostly forgettable B-sides. But that's definitely not the case. The Beatles would often exclude big hits from their albums feeling like most of their fans had already bought those songs on the singles, so they didn't want to include them on the albums as well.

"From Me To You," "Hey Jude," & the fast version of "Revolution" are some of the big hits that are included on the Mono Masters set.

And I would also dispute the notion that The Beatles B-sides are "forgettable." Sure a few might be (such as "Matchbox" and "Bad Boy") but there are also some real gems like "Rain" & "This Boy."

There are two more really important points about the mono box set that you should know. The first is that these mono mixes of The Beatles albums are only available as a part of this box set, not for individual sale. The second is that there are apparently only 10,000 copies of the box set being made so it's a good idea to order it now to make sure you get your copy.

About the Author

Jake Topp does recommend Buying The Beatles Mono Box Set ASAP because only 10,000 copies of the set are being released and they could easily sell out very quickly. The Beatles Stereo Box Set is another must buy for any serious Beatles fan.

Rock Stars vs American Idol Contestants

noreply@blogger.com (the webmaster) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:42:00 +0000

by Cameron Landers

A lot of people think that all you have to do to get famous is get close to the top on American Idol. That's certainly an avenue that didn't exist years before, but there have always been talent shows.

Even with the popularity of American Idol, I have to say Idol is not and cannot be the de-facto standard by which (I hope) we all measure talent. First of all, there's the age limit. There are so many rising stars and excellent budding artists and performers in this country and all over the world that don't fall into that age range that Idol is only scratching the surface of worthwhile aspiring talent.

And let's keep things in perspective: Idol is an entertainment show. Their objective is to provide entertainment in the form of a hit show - not to "create new artists". They depend on ratings to stay on the air. Some would say-- isn't that (the popularity of the show and it's good ratings) a true measure of the performer's talent?

No - it's just a measure of a well-orchestrated hit show. The performer's talent is not really the objective of the show - rather - keeping the show on the air and it's ability to sell advertising is what's important to the producers and investors who fund it. Just like any other show on TV.

I have to say from my own experience that long-term success in the music business does not revolve around the age 15-20-ish kids that you see performing from week to week on Idol. Not that they aren't good... and not that for that small snapshot in time they haven't (in a way) proven their ability to be a draw... even though the venue actually generates that. Certainly most of those who make the top 12 are capable singers and they will have incoming opportunities from record producers and MTV and all... and maybe they will get a real career going - IF they don't get sucked down the wrong path...

At the end of the day, it's a tough business, and that's the side of it the rest of us don't see.

My point is, there is no replacement for experience. People think its some sort of fairy tale golden plate and spoon - that everyone will just hand you everything you'll ever want for the rest of your life once you reach that point on idol where you have industry recognition. Such is hardly the case...

If you do end up being an artist and live performer as a career for real - it's not going to be glamour and success handed to you on a silver platter just because you came in at the top (or close to the top) of an American Idol competition.

When you get to the point where the top 6 find themselves each season, you've got a good chance to get called for record deals, sure... but then you better be able to "put up or shut up". You've got to hack it through some boot-camp-like A&R "development" and then instantly adapt to being on the road. Now the work begins - and it ain't a good time to be needy... even if you're only 15.

Something about audiences and longevity... Even those who win (or make it close) on Idol are mostly appealing to a 14-25 year old audience. That's cool if you're 14-25... hell yes! But to make it in this business across several decades and to maintain mass appeal across audiences of all-ages requires an ability to seriously compete on a massive scale - hitting the circuits... day after day, week after week. All of them - east coast, west coast, Reno, Tahoe, Vegas, New York, Atlantic City, Europe, Japan, international resort circuits, and everywhere in between.

It's a tight tour schedule, it's a blazing roller coaster, and you have no time to be moody or tired or even to think about how it feels. You will be running on very little sleep - all the time. They will drag you out of your bunk and shove you on that stage if that's the only choice you leave them, with barely time to clear your poor, hoarse throat.

When you arrive backstage at the shows: nobody cares what you look like or how you sound. They only care that you fulfill the contract - and you will - no matter what it takes. Your inconvenience or feelings or mood or heath or scratchy voice thing or petty problems are of no concern to a stage manager or tour boss. They don't care, and they don't want to hear it. You're on, babe. And you better shut up and be ready for cue.

Next: To make it through more than one tour, YOU must consistently generate a DRAW. The moment you fail to do that more than once at a large venue, you're freakin' toast. Those empty seats cost someone a lot of money. They were counting on YOU to fill them.

What money there is in the music business (if you are not a chart-topping 20-year-old artist) is made on the road-- and if you can also sell recordings that's gravy but you can never bet on that, especially these days.

The whole industry has changed in this new MP3 era to a model where the emphasis is on live performances... which are pod-casted all over the place and excerpts sold online as teasers to get fans to buy your single or the EP, or subscribe to members-only fan sites, buy promotional merchandise and all that good stuff... but mostly to get them to your next show.

I can tell you from experience that being on the road for a long time is tough - only suitable to those who have a true obsession for the music and working a crowd and those who can handle being on the road long enough to consistently generate filled seats. And then turn around and do it again the next day, town after town, over and over again, week after week, month after month.

I've been singing for live audiences since I was 12. Believe me - that was a long time ago. More years have passed since I was 12 than some of you who are reading this have even been alive. The music business is a hell of a lot more hard work than it is fun most of the time. But at the end of the day - you either bust your hump for it or you get knocked aside by those who will. You pretty much have to like it a lot to survive that.

About the Author

--- Cameron Landers has been exciting audiences as a vocalist and front man performing live stage shows for many years. His live show entitled, CAMERON LANDERS EXPERIENCE is a MUST SEE. Check out the cool MP3 clips and the live video featured here: www.CameronLanders.com Enjoy!---

Amy Goes Nutts Over Lil Wayne

noreply@blogger.com (the webmaster) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:23:00 +0000

by Amy Nutt

On September 27, 1982, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He spent his early years growing up in the tough Hollygrove district. He started rapping at a very young age at local block parties, where he was heard by a group signed by Cash Money Records.

Cash Money's CEO, Brian "Baby" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams was giving Wayne some consideration. After Wayne learned the phone number and location of their office, he practically haunted them day and night. He would even leave daily rap messages on their answering machine. They were so impressed with the 12 year olds dedication they decided to give in and sign him, pairing him up with another young rapper, Big Goochie, who they had also just signed.

The duo released an album, "True Story" under the "The B.G.'s" and right from day one his style was a true gangsta rap. He was unlike most young rappers who usually start off with "bubble gum rap," and do not make the change over until they are well out of their teen years.

Wayne's mother became worried about her son's actions and the company he kept when he began wearing gang affiliation clothing. Knowing the street reputation the Williams brothers had, she decided it was best to remove Lil Wayne from the Cash Money Company. In retaliation, he ran away from home for a week and during that time managed to convince his Mom that the records company owners were not to blame for any of his actions or choices.

In 1995, he along with B.G., and two other young rappers, Young Turk and Juvenile, formed the group Hot Boys. The first album, "Get it How you Live" in 1997 was followed up with "Guerilla Warfare" in 1999, shortly before his first solo effort. Wayne's first solo album was a great success; "Tha Block is Hot" (title track) became a top ten hit.

The second album, "Lights Out" and the third,"500 Degreez", did not fair as well and lead him to take a brief break from solo efforts to collaborate with others. Also, by this time he was the last of the Hot Boys; the others having gone their own way and retreating from what seemed to be a failing record company.

During the early 2000's, Lil Wayne was a prolific contributor to others rap lyrics and made numerous guest appearances on other rapper's recordings. At this time, he also made several mix tapes that received critical acclaim within the music industry. He even offered a few mixes online for free. In 2004 he released a new album, "Tha Carter" which introduced the public to a more defined and crisper performance from the young rapper. The single, "Go D.J.", hit the top 20, and the album, the top five. In December 2005, he released "Tha Carter II", which arrived on the charts at number two and produced a hit single, "Fireman."

"Tha Carter III" was released in June 2008 and sold one million copies within the first week, and another million within the month. Two big hit singles from this album were "Lollipop" and "A Milli."

Wayne's style has become refined and improves as time progresses and with his talent for writing lyrics, record sales for him come with great ease. If his work is followed, and especially from such a young age, it may be easy to agree with his self proclaimed statement, that he is "the best rapper alive."

About the Author

Searching for music video artists and songs online? Come check out the largest collection of music videos online featuring all of the most popular artists and bands including Eminem, Akon, Lil Wayne music and many others!

What's Up With Outkast?

noreply@blogger.com (the webmaster) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:23:00 +0000

by GM

Now to some people north of the Mason Dixon line this is news to you, but to the music fans who don't discriminate based solely on location or music genre (hip hop)- knows that Outkast is the Greatest Rap Group of all time. I know...I know I heard the screams for Tribe Call Qwest, EPMD, NWA and Public Enemy and even the delusional fans who believe that Mobb Deep, and Bone belong in the group. (Which of course they don't)... Truth be told hip hop has never seen a group as versatile and prolithic as Outkast. Don't believe me Just Listen to their album catalog and don't base it on records sales even though Outkast has outsold any hip hop group with 21million record sales on 6 albums. Not to mention that Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is one of only four hip hop albums to go diamond, the other three being MC Hammer's Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, The Notorious B.I.G.'s double-album Life After Death, and Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP. But what makes Outkast special is not the record sales or mass appeal, but the simple fact that each album they release is a completely new groundbreaking style. They are not afraid to push the envelope and in fact there latest and rumored final project is the soundtrack to the movie Idlewild. So name one group that can try multiple styles and are yet still successful?

But let's take it a bit further and ask the real question. Why is the best group ever disappearing when their star is the brightest?

This is the question that all fans, music executives and concert promoters are scratching there head over. Sure we know Andre 3000 is probably a lyrical genius that should be mentioned with the likes of Nas, Notorious Big, Rakim and others, but is he the reason Outkast is fading away? The answer to that question is of course Yes! And No! If you're an Outkast fan from jump street then you watch the duo evolve stylistically from album to album. In fact by the time Aquemini came out Andre was wearing blonde wigs, skirts, feathers and other flamboyant wear to differentiate himself from his music partner Big Boi. Maybe Outkast fell victim to what mostly every musical group seeks - Individuality. This was further supported by their highly successful double CD- Speakerboxxx/Love Below which both demonstrated the individual styles on lets face-separate albums. They don't record together in the same studio, Andre turned down millions to pursue acting instead of touring after the worldwide success of Speakerboxxx/Love Below.

Or maybe the reason is just to try something new? The acting scene worked very well for Will Smith and even Ice Cube, but at least they still release albums from time to time. Ok...Ok... so Will Smith's "Getting Jiggy with it" is not a mirror of his old "Parents Just don't understand" works and Ice Cube is long way from "Predator" Album but they do take the effort to give there fans an album to listen too and a concert to bob your heads to. According to sources Outkast is just about to go their separate ways after the Idlewild movie /soundtrack. But hell they wouldn't be labeled Outkast if they didn't do the unexpected or unpopular.

So ask yourself-do you go against the grain? Are you not afraid of challenging the norm? Or charting your own course? If the answers to these questions are yes then you too are an Outkast. But will they return to stake their claim amongst the musical elite. I hope so, boy oh boy does the Music Industry hope so b/c the world of music needs a little Outkast to vibe too.

Visit www.musiklot.com for more news, searches and much more.....

About the Author

A huge music fans that hopes to build his music site www.musiklot.com to a premier site, but as with any dream it takes hardwork, and a lot of luck.

Cool Facts About Bob Dylan that Probably Won't Get You Laid

noreply@blogger.com (the webmaster) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:11:00 +0000

by Jake Ruston

"I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom." - Bob Dylan

1. Crooning Bob, Hidden Muse Recently a Japanese writer named Junichi Saga was astonished and flattered to learn that passages from one of his books apparently found their way into a few of Bob Dylan's lyrics. In Bob Dylan's 2001 song, "Floater", he croons - "My old man, he's like some feudal lord, got more lives than a cat." "I'm not quite as cool or forgiving as I sound" "Sometimes somebody wants you to give something up, and tears or not, it's too much to ask."

On page six of Junicihi Saga's book, "Confessions of a Yakuza", he writes - "My old man would sit there like a feudal lord." "I'm not as cool or forgiving as I might have sounded." Then on page 182, writes - "Tears or not, though, that was too much to ask."

The practitioner of Chinese medicine resounded that the revelation of Dylan calling upon his own work was surprising. This could be counted as a literary theft of sorts, but the author has stated he has no plans to sue. "Why would I sue? To take something that made people around the world happy and try to exploit it for money - that's poverty.", stated Saga. "This shows that people in other countries can relate to the harsh realities of prewar Japan, which was a poor, struggling nation. I'm just happy somebody read my book and liked it.", said Saga. "My book hasn't even sold that well, and it's out of print in Japan." He further added he has estimated to have only made about $8,475 from the publication.

A few weeks ago, Saga bought his first Bob Dylan CD, "The Best of Bob Dylan".

2. Masked & Anonymous Would you reach out a hand to save a drowning man if you thought he might pull you in?

This is the tagline for Bob's latest film called, "Masked & Anonymous". In it, Bob plays, Jack Fate, a singer whose career has gone on a downward spiral and is forced to make a comeback to the performance stage for a benefit concert. For this film he was joined by some of Hollywood's hottest and brightest, all of which reportedly signed onto the film at scale rates. The cast includes: John Goodman, Jessica Lange, Luke Wilson, Jeff Bridges, Penelope Cruz, Reggie Lee, Angela Bassett, Steven Bauer, Larry Campbell, Bruce Dern, Alex Desert, Treva Etienne, Dan Frischman, Tony Garnier, Laura Elena Harring, Ed Harris, Shawn Michael Howard, Val Kilmer, Bruce Kirschbaum, Antonio David Lyons, Cheech Marin, Chris Penn, George Receli, Giovanni Ribisi, Mickey Rourke, Sam Sarpong, Charlie Sexton, Jon Sklaroff, Christian Slater and Fred Ward. On top of all of that, T-Shirt King friend, Keri Bruno, pulls 2nd Unit Directing duties on the talent heavy film.

The film hits theatres in a limited US release on July 25th.

3. Robert Allen Zimmerman At 5 foot six inches, Robert Allen Zimmerman might be a slight man, but under the name Bob Dylan, he is a legendary giant of a musician.

4. Elston Gunn Robert Allen Zimmerman was born May 24th 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. His father, Abe, was employed by the Standard Oil Company there, but when Robert was six the family moved to Hibbing, Minnesota. The one riddling note about Hibbing is that is very often the coldest place in the United States. Yikes. Growing up there he taught himself piano and guitar and formed several high school rock bands. Around this time he toyed with the stage name, "Elston Gunn".

5. A Star Is Born By 1959, Robert entered the University of Minnesota and began performing under the name Bob Dylan at clubs in Minnesota and St. Paul.

6. A Legend Mends A Legend In 1960 he traveled to New York to perform in various folk clubs throughout Greenwich Village. While in New York he spent time with his idol, Woody Guthrie at his hospital room.

7. Emergence Late in 1961 he landed a contract with Columbia Records and the following year his debut album was released with two original songs. A year after that, "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" emerged with an all original album, including a song that became an anthem of the '60's - "Blowin' in the Wind".

8. Bringing It All Back Home In February 1964 Dylan and a small group of friends drove south out of New York City and stopped in unannounced to see poet 'Carl Sandburg' in North Carolina. Disappointingly, Dylan left only 10 minutes after arriving when he realized he couldn't get the venerable man of letters to take him seriously as a fellow poet.

He popped folk-rock into the mainstream after touring with Joan Baez with his own flavor of electric/acoustic swagger, culminating with his hit song, "Bringing it all Back Home". Soon after the Byrd's turned his song "Mr. Tambourine Man" into another hit with their cover version of the famous tune.

9. Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid Following a motorcycle accident in 1966 which took him out of the limelight until 1969. Around that time, Sam Peckinpah asked him to compose the score and appear in his film, "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid". This would be the only the beginning of a long and continuing relationship with Hollywood and filmmaking.

10. Grammy Time In 1974, Bob Dylan and The Band hit the road to promote their first number one album, "Planet Waves". The next year they had another chart-topper with the release of, "Blood on the Tracks". He followed that with several Rolling Thunder tours, a film called, "Renaldo and Clara" and then stunned the music world with the release of his fundamentalist Christian album, "Slow Train Coming". A song from this album garnered him his first Grammy.

11. Pope On The Red Line In May 1997, he was stricken with histaplasmosis, a possibly fatal infection of the heart sac, but recovered to take on a tour of Europe. He kicked off the trip by September, starting off in Rome by special request of the Pope.

12. In Their Father's Footsteps? His son Jakob Dylan has made a good time semi-emulating his infamous father with his own band, The Wallflowers. However, his Jesse Dylan has taken a slightly altered route to stardom, opting for the glamour of Tinsletown. His first major directing gig is about to be released, "American Pie 3". Jesse also directed a film called, "How High" and appears with a special thanks credit on "The Matrix Revisited".

13. Albums Of The Year He is truly legendary, his 1997 album, "Time Out of Mind" and his 2001 album "Love and Theft" were both voted Album of the Year by the Village Voice's annual critics' poll. Seems like a no-brainer to us.

14. Hollywood Hit List He has composed and recorded songs or had his recorded songs used in the following films:

Gods & Generals Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood Vanilla Sky Bandits Blow Remember the Titans High Fidelity Wonder Boys The Hurricane American Beauty Hope Floats Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas The Big Lebowski Jerry Maguire Breaking the Waves With Honors Dogfight Band of the Hand American Pop Renaldo and Clara Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid

15. Jack Fate The small $10 million dollar film, "Masked & Anonymous" was directed by veteran TV comedy director, Larry Charles, who has also helmed shows for, "Mad About You", "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm".

He appeared on the TV show, "Dharma & Greg" playing himself. When he met Conan O'Brien at a recent concert, Bob was quoted as saying, "I know you from the TeeVee."

16. Award Monger He has received numerous awards of note, including: The Polar Music Prize from the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in 2000, The Commandeur dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France in 1990, an honorary doctorate from Princeton University in 1970 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Bruce Springteen at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1988.

17. The Missing Beatle? He appears on the sleeve of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club".

At the famous "Johnny Cash at San Quentin" concert, Johnny Cash introduced a song he co-wrote with Dylan by describing his as "...the greatest writer of our times."

About the Author

Get great deals on Electronic Drum Kits.

The Top Ten Michael Jackson Stories: Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (the webmaster) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:17:00 +0000

by Patrick Omari

Michael Jackson was in the public eye from a young age as a part of the Jackson 5, and like him the stories started very early on.

Story Number 1i: Neverland

Neverland Valley Ranch, is situated in Santa Barbara County, California and was the home of Michael Jackson from 1988-2005. Neverland was named so after the make-believe land in Peter Pan - a figure or idea that Michael was thought to have idolized. He turned Neverland into his home and a private amusement park. There was a zoo, theme park, two railroads, a ferris wheel, carousel, zipper, spider, sea dragon, wave swinger, super slide, dragon wagon kiddie roller coaster and bumper cars.

Michael Jackson's Neverland, it was initally reported, would be turned into "Foreverland" a permanent memorial to the King of Pop - a bit like Presley's Graceland - so that fans and tourists from all over the world could travel to see the singers former home and a glimpse into his life.

Story Number 2i: The changing faces of Michael Jackson

The story of Michael Jackson's plastic surgery is no secret and it has been incredibly well documented by the media.

Initially, Michael's changing appearance was put down to puberty and adolescence, and weight loss. Michael first started to become slimmer in the early 1980's following his desire to have a 'dancers body'. After accusations of child abuse in 1993 and 2005 MJ underwent massive weight loss and was hospitalized on more than one occasion. However, eventually the press cottoned onto the idea that it was more than natural growth that was changing the way that he looked.

By the mid-1980's it was noticeable that Jackson's skin was gradually getting lighter his nose and his chin were changing and the shape of his body had changed. Some professionals suggest that Michael suffered from 'body dysmorphic disorder' as a result of the verbal 'bullying' and abuse that he had suffered at the hands of his father.

In 1986 Jackson was reportedly diagnosed with Vitiligo and Lupus. Jackson's make-up artist suggested that initially Jackson tried to cover the lighter patches of his skin with make-up but eventually the condition became too extensive. Gradually, as a result of the treatment his skin lightened even further until he looked almost porcelain white.

However, it was not only Michael's skin that appeared to be changing, it was also the shape of his face. Apparently, by 1990 sources close to the singer suggested that he had had 10 operations on his face in total. Michael had his first rhinoplasty in 1979 after damaging his nose in a dance routine. In his Biography MJ suggested that he had had two bits of plastic surgery on his nose and one on his chin. Any other changes to his face Michael insisted were due to adolescence, change of diet, weight loss, a change of hair style and performance lighting that was used and not extensive surgery.

Story 3i: Earth Song

Earthsong was the third single from the album HIStory and it was released on November 27, 1995. Although Jackson had written other songs that dealt with different issues this was the first that specifially dealt with the environment and animal welfare- which is what made it such an interesting record. It supported Jackson's work as a humanitarian which was first noticed with the release of "We are the World" with Lionel Richie in 1985 and with the initiation of the "Heal the World Foundation" in 1992. He received the Genesis award for the song in 1995 which was an award given each year for animal sensitivity.

The song received a Grammy nomination in 1997 and was a top five hit in most European countries, while in the UK it still remains Jackson's best selling single, having sold over 1 million copies. It debuted at number one where it stayed for six weeks in December 1995.

Story 4i: Child Abuse Allegations

1993 was the first time that Michael Jackson was accused of child abuse by the father of 13-year-old Jordan Chandler. Evan Chandler, had supposedly administered Jordan with a powerful sedative and under this influence his son reportedly admitted that the star and he had engaged in sexual acts. Experts later said, that the drug used makes patients highly susceptible to suggestion. Apparently, Jordan's mother did not believe Jackson had molested her son and further investigations into his home found no evidence to support a criminal filing. Jordan refused to testify against Jackson after he had received an out of court settlement of 22 million pounds, Michael justified the pay out saying "I didn't want to do a long drawn-out thing".

Jackson was again accused of child abuse later in 2005 by Gavin Arvizo, a 13-year-old cancer survivor who had become close friends of Jackson. In a documentary both Michael and Gavin had spoken about sharing a room and bed which Michael had described as a "beautiful, charming and sweet thing".

MJ was branded a 'serial child molester' during the 16 week trial in 2005. Jackson was accused of four counts of molestation including molesting a minor, intoxicating a minor, abduction and kidnapping.

Further allegations were then brought up that proposed Jackson had been groping five other young boys in the 1990's including Macaulay Culkin. However, Culkin defended Jackson on the stand denying all charges that were held against him.

The verdict of the case found Michael Jackson to be not guilty on all charges; after assessment the jurors had thought the brothers stories to 'not add up'.

Story 5i: Death

On June 25 2009 at 2:26pm Michael Joseph Jackson was pronounced dead, after he was found in a coma at his Bel-Air mansion.

Exactly how Michael Jackson died and the circumstances in which he did are still unclear. Reportedly homicide investigations are being made into his death, although it is thought that at present there is no evidence of criminal wrong doing.

Several media sources have reported that Propofol, a powerful anesthesia, was found in Jackson's house after he died. Apparently the drug is a prescription drug, only used in hospitals and administered by IV to send people to sleep before surgery. Several medical experts have suggested there was no reason for Jackson to have had this drug in his home; although he reportedly begged for such drugs to help him sleep having suffered chronic insomnia before his death.

Supposedly, a coroners report suggested that MJ was actually in surprisingly good health and despite scarring on his face, several injection sites all over his body and bruises on his chest (due to CPR) there seemed to be no signs of a heart attack but it looked more likely that drugs had caused the heart to stop beating or the lungs to stop breathing. However, reportedly, the coroners office has ordered more tests to determine the Jackson's Cause of Death. The office won't rule on his death until toxicology and other additional testing has been completed.

Sources suggest that a memorial service will be held for Michael Jackson on Tuesday at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles where he had been rehearsing for his O2 London concerts.

End:

There is no doubt that Michael Jackson was the King of Pop despite his controversial lifestyle and person. He, his music and performances will undoubtedly be remembered forever.

About the Author

Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in BCP Airport Parking, Gatwick Airport Parking and Heathrow Parking

Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King by Dave Matthews Band

noreply@blogger.com (the webmaster) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:42:00 +0000

by Patrick Daniels

After a hiatus of sorts lasting four years, the Dave Matthews band has come back with their latest contribution, "Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King". To say it is a departure from the earlier work of DMB would be an understatement and stating the obvious.

The Dave Matthews Band has been known for years as a band with a more rocking sound then their jam-band contemporaries such as Phish or Moe, but on this album the depart and take a journey towards places they haven't visited in the past. Breaking away from their early, more main stream sound, the band uses this album to expand on their more mature approach toward music and its influences while lamenting their departed friend and founding band member, LeRoi Moore.

The bands saxophonist, Moore, died in 2008, due to complications after a ATV accident. While in the studio Jeff Coffin, has taken the role on the new album. It has been said that this album is a tribute to the late Moore, and it is evident through each album track.

Many of the songs on this new album, especially the first release, "Funny the Way It Is", reflect the loss of Moore and the way the band dealt with his passing. "Funny the Way It Is" is most likely the track that most resembles the old Dave Matthews band sound while encompassing their new direction. Other songs on the album, such as "Alligator Pie" and "Baby Blue" show the influence on the band from their time apart, working with other people such as former Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty, and their experience recording in Louisiana with producer Rob Cavallo.

The New Orleans French Quarter sound finds its way into the album alongside more Delta Blues sounding songs and other clear laments. All in all the album is solid with band's ability play showing through even in the absence of LeRoi Moore.

While it is a departure from past albums, true fans of the band are likely to find the feeling of the music little changed, although the sound has. If those same fans have found the heart of the sound with the Dave Matthews Band before, they will find it again here, and enjoy the little bit of change the band offers up. "Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King" is sure to become a DMB classic on par with "Under the Table and Dreaming" and "Crash", even though it may take a little getting used to if your listening to it right after those albums.

About the Author

The New Dave Matthews Band CD, has been said to be a tribute, of sorts, to the passing of fellow band member LeRoi Moore. To order your copy, of Dave Matthews Band Whiskey, today check out www.cdwow.com.

The Top Ten Michael Jackson Stories: Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (the webmaster) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:32:00 +0000

by Patrick Omari

Michael Jackson was in the public eye from a young age as a part of the Jackson 5, and like him the stories started very early on.

Michael Joseph Jackson was born August 29, 1958. He had started performing at the age of 5 and by the age of 8 he was touring the Midwest extensively with the Jackson 5. He finally made his debut on the major music scene in 1968 as a member of the Jackson 5 at the age of 10.

Story Number 1: Childhood

It was in the first television interview that Michael Jackson had given since 1979 that he first spoke of the stories of his alleged childhood abuse. Michael Jackson admitted that he had often felt lonely and persecuted as a child and cried as a result of this. He revealed that he was physically and emotionally abused by his father in several different ways; enduring incessant rehearsals, beatings and verbal abuse.

On one occasion their father, had apparently, climbed into Michael's room wearing a scary mask and proceeded to scream and shout. Their father's reasoning for this behavior is that he wanted to teach his children not to leave their windows open whilst they were sleeping.

However, this quite obviously did more to damage Michael than teach him a simple lesson. The singer revealed in an interview that this incident resulted in nightmares centered around kidnapping for years after.

In an interview with Martin Bashir, which was released in 2003, Michael said: "i didn't have it that hard, he used me as the example, "do it like Michael" ... he practiced us with a belt in his hand and if you missed a step then expect to be hit...he would tear you up if you missed... really get you". Although Michael did admit he had been abused by his father, in extra footage he suggested that 'he hurt me with his love, be he is a genius, the man is a genius".

Story Number 2: Thriller

On November 30 1982, Jackson released his sixth studio album produced by Epic Records; Thriller. Thriller was the follow up album to 'Off the Wall', 9 of the tracks were written by MJ himself and it explored several different genres including funk, disco, soul, soft rock, R&B and pop.

At its best the album was selling a million copies a week worldwide, and in just over a year it became, and still remains, the best selling album of all time. It is estimated that the album sold an excess of 60 million copies around the globe. Seven of the songs were released as singles and all reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album broke records, winning eight Grammy Awards in 1984 in three different genres - pop, R&B and rock. It was Thriller that sent Jackson soaring into super-stardom and cemented him as one of, if not the, predominant pop star of the late 20th Century.

The album ranked number 20 in the Rolling Stone magazine's 500 greatest albums of all time in 2003 and was also listed by the National Association of Recording Merchandisers at number three in their 'Definitive 200 Albums of All Time'.

Story Number 3: The Moonwalk

The 'Moonwalk' or 'backslide' is a dance technique that presents the illusion that the dancer is stepping forward while actually moving backward.

Michael Jackson's first ever public moonwalk was supposedly in 1983 at the Motown 25th Anniversary whilst performing "Billie Jean".

Jackson was not the first person to perform the moonwalk and older stars have claimed that they taught him the move, but there is no doubt that he popularized the moonwalk and the robot dance moves and made them his own. The dance gained worldwide popularity after Michael Jackson performed it and soon became considered his signature move. The moonwalk has since become one of the best known dance moves in the world.

Story Number 4: Bad

In his autobiography Jackson said that the song was about the street. A kid from a bad neighborhood who goes away to a private school. He comes back and the kids from the neighborhood start to tease him. He sings "I'm bad, you're bad, who's bad... etc". Michael paradoxically suggests that when you are strong and good, you are bad.

Michael Jackson's album 'Bad' was released on 31st August 1987 followed closely by the single 'Bad' which was released on September 7 1987, which was MJ's seventh number one hit single over all. Bad remained in the top spot for two consecutive weeks from October 24th 1987.

Twenty years after the album was released it had sold over 30 million copies worldwide and shipped 8 million units in the United States. It was the first and currently only album ever to feature five songs in the Billboard Hot 100 number 1 singles.

In the late 80's the album won two Grammy's, one for Best Music Video for Leave Me Alone and one for Best Engineered Album. Bad was also ranked number 43 in the 100 Greatest Albums of All Time of the MTV Generation in 2009 listed by VH1. It was also ranked number 202 on the Rolling Stone magazine 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Bad became the first of Jackson's albums to debut at number-one on the Billboard 200 where it remained for the next six consecutive weeks. In the UK the album sold 500,000 copies in just five days and is currently certified 13x platinum, for sales of 3.9 million making it Jackson's biggest-selling album in the UK.

Globally, it is Jackson's overall third best-selling recording, with 30 million copies sold. Five of the album's songs hit number one, which was a record in itself. Bad was the 9th best selling album in British History and this was announced in 2006.

Story Number 5: Bubbles and Pets

Bubbles is the name of the chimpanzee that became associated with Michael Jackson. He rescued the chimp from a Cancer research clinic in Texas in 1985.

Michael Jackson was reportedly quite close to the chimp but the media mocked this friendship; as they mocked many aspects of his life. The relationship was portrayed as weird and Jackson as a 'bizarre eccentric', obsessed with recapturing his lost childhood. It was this incident that lead the star to be named 'Wacko Jacko'.

Bubbles sat in with Jackson when he recorded Bad, and was obviously a big part of his life for a while; Bubbles even made a cameo appearance in "Liberian Girl" a track from the album. The chimp was moved to the Neverland ranch with 'Jacko' in 1988 and he slept in a crib in his bedroom. Sometimes the Chimp wore a diaper and on other occasions he was allowed to use Michael Jackson's private toilet - something which the star was also scrutinized for.

Jackson has been reported as once said "My chimp bubbles is a constant delight." Kenny Rogers once said of Bubbles: "..[he] was so human it was almost frightening. He would take Christopher [Rogers' son] by the hand, walk over to the refrigerator, open it, take out a banana, and hand it to him. Christopher was amazed...we all were."

Bubbles is reported to still be alive today after he was removed to an animal century because there were fears he may attack Jackson's newborn son, Prince Michael II.

About the Author

Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Gatwick Parking and Heathrow Parking

Is 37 too old to be "punk"?

noreply@blogger.com (the webmaster) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:26:00 +0000

by Brett Golbert

Is 37 too old to be "punk"?

We'll all find out on Tuesday, August 25 when the latest Green Day tour returns to the Southland for a performance at the Forum in Inglewood. The tour is proving to be a success as shows at each stop are selling out nightly. Only Golden Circle Tickets can get you access to the premium Green Day tickets. You can be as close as you want to be!

The Offspring. Rancid. Social Distortion. When you consider the punk bands that came out of California in the 1990's to redefine the genre, perhaps none were more successful than Billie Joe Armstrong and the boys from Green Day.

"Dookie" - its major label debut - sold over 15 million copies worldwide. While their follow-up albums "Insomniac", "Nimrod", and "Warning" did not live up to this level of smashing success, they were still going platinum and selling out arenas nationwide.

Even punks with black eyeliner know how to tap into their softer side, as Green Day proved with their acoustic ballad, "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)", which was famously featured in the retrospective leading up to the series finale of "Seinfeld".

Green Day flew under the radar for much of the early 2000's before returning to the big stage with their punk rock opera, "American Idiot", featuring the massively popular hit of the same name. The album - following the journey of their fictitious character, Jesus of Suburbia - debuted at #1 on the the Billboard charts, previously uncharted territory for the band.

Now, the trio is getting older, but still proving they can be as loud and provacative as ever. "American Idiot" was a clear and derisive attack of George W. Bush's administration and Green Day did themselves no favors by filming their live DVD, "Bullet in a Bible", overseas in front of European crowds. Brandon Flowers of The Killers labeled it "calculated anti-Americanism".

So is it possible for a trio of 37 year old millionaires to still be punks? Wasn't punk formed to rip corporate sponsorship and put corporate America in its place? Perhaps so, but if the reviews of its latest offering, "21st Century Breakdown", are any indication, the answer is a resounding yes. The album has been positively received by fans and critics alike and the first Green Day tour in three years is quickly becoming one of the most successful tours of the year.

Make your own decision. Plan on hearing tracks from all of these classic albums and more when you see Green Day at the Forum on Tuesday, August 25. Green Day tickets are quickly selling out and only Golden Circle Tickets can get you up close and personal.

About the Author

Brett Golbert is a self-proclaimed media expert based out of Los Angeles.