Eric Johnson talks about live album titled “Europe Live”

Eric Johnson is a platinum selling guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist who’s extensive career dates back to the mid 1970’s. Johnson’s latest offering is a live album titled “Europe Live” which is a collection of tracks recorded during Johnson’s recent European tour. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Eric recently about the new release as well as his current plans for a new studio album.

Adam Lawton: What was it that interested you in doing a live album as opposed to a traditional studio album?
Eric Johnson: We were touring Europe and at some point during that run the company who put out the European version of my album “Up Close” contacted me asking if they could record some of the shows. It wasn’t anything that was planned ahead of time. After everything was done they sent me the tracks to see what I thought. We went through all the tapes and there ended up being quite a bit of stuff we were able to work with.

AL: So the album is a collection of takes from a number of different shows?
EJ: We recorded 4 different cities with the bulk of the performances coming from the Amsterdam show. The forth city we recorded in was Paris and that was just a board tape. It was never meant for anything. I decided to put one acoustic song on the record which was different from the electric stuff and that ended up coming from that board tape. What you hear is the actual two track tape from the board as there was nothing we could really do to that track being is was done from the board.

AL: What do find to be the most challenging aspect of doing a live album?
EJ: Keeping everything live and performance oriented is certainly the hardest part. When you have that reference point of the live material there is a raw spark that happens. When you deviate from that it’s really obvious. This has been a great thing for me to do and I have found a lot of entertainment in it.

AL: Do you see yourself doing more live recording as opposed to studio recording?
EJ: Yes, Definitely. Even working live in the studio is something I am open for. The more you are able to do in real time the more energy and emotion I think the work will have. This has made me rethink my entire way of doing things as I want to be able to incorporate more of the live process whenever I can.

AL: For the shows that were recorded to you alter the night’s set list in any way from the nights that weren’t being recorded?
EJ: Not really. We just did our sets and I didn’t think much about the recordings. Other than a couple extra lines running off the amps to the back room I never actually saw what was going on. There wasn’t a vibe of we were making a live record it was more of just someone was out there recording the show that night. Everything was very off the cuff.

AL: With your last studio album being a reworking of the “Up Close” album do you have plans to start on a new studio record any time soon?
EJ: Right now I am currently working with Mike Stern on a collaboration record. We have finished all of the recording and we are in the middle of mixing as we speak. That album should be out in November. The album is sort of a fusion record as Mike comes from the jazz world and I from the rock world. It’s mostly an instrumental record with the exception of one track. The album is very song oriented and not just a bunch of riffing. I am really excited about it as it turned out great. I also am finishing up a solo acoustic record that I hope to get out soon. Doing an acoustic record is something that I have wanted to do for about 10 years now. I am a big folk music fan so I am excited to do something in that style.

AL: When you are working on a record outside of the rock genre what steps do you take to adjust your playing and tone?
EJ: I just try to keep my ears open and learn more about music. I try and take the new things I have learned and incorporate those things into my own sound and playing. Being around other musicians from different areas they are naturally going to play things that I don’t know. I am always listening to try and make my playing better and to support those I am playing with. It’s been a great learning experience for me.

AL: Do you have any tour plans in place for this spring/summer?
EJ: We have a 3 week Midwest tour planned for August. That will take us to Chicago, Minneapolis and a few other places. In November Mike and I will be doing a 2 week tour of the East Coast.

Anthrax to Release “Chile on Hell” Live DVD


LOS ANGELES, CA – Wednesday, May 28, 2014 – Get ready to mosh in the privacy of your own home, because multiple Grammy-nominated, Platinum-selling thrash masters ANTHRAX have announced the release of “Chile On Hell,” a live-in-concert DVD that is set for a September 16, 2014 release. “Chile On Hell” was filmed at the Teatro Caupolican in Santiago, Chile on May 10, 2013, and features Anthrax – Joey Belladonna/vocals, Scott Ian/guitar, Charlie Benante/drums, Frank Bello/bass and Jon Donais/lead guitar. The band performed an extended set that featured songs from Anthrax’s entire catalogue – all the fan-favorites including “I Am The Law,” “Indians,” “Madhouse,” “Caught In A Mosh,” “The Devil You Know,” and “I’m Alive.” “Chile On Hell” will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray, was recorded in 5.1 Surround Sound, and will retail for $16.98.

“Santiago was the perfect place to film the show for this,” said Anthrax’s Charlie Benante. “When we’d played there in the past, we’d finish our set, play our encore and go back to the dressing room. But every time, the fans would continue to scream and cheer and clap. I mean, they went on and on, they wouldn’t stop. One time Scott and I walked out to the side of the stage just to watch what was going on in the audience, it was intense. Why wouldn’t we want to film a DVD in front of an audience like that?

“Plus,” Benante continued, the time was right to do this DVD.” The band was in the home stretch of a three-plus-year campaign to record and support Worship Music and the Anthems EP, a period of time that was loaded with high points: the return of “classic era” vocalist Joey Belladonna, Worship Music making the band’s highest chart debut in two decades, the series of Big Four shows – Anthrax, Metallica, Slayer and Metallica, the four bands that wrote the speed and thrash metal road map – that culminated in the September 2011 Big Four spectacular at Yankee Stadium in the band’s home town of New York, “Anthrax Day” declared in the Bronx, becoming the first metal band to have its music (“Got The Time”) played on Mars, two Grammy nominations, and sold out shows in every corner of the globe. “We wanted to finish on a high note,” Benante continued, “we didn’t want to look back and regret that we didn’t record the live show.”

“Chile On Hell” was produced by Jay Ruston and filmed by City Drive Entertainment Group and DC3 Global. The DVD’s cover art was designed by Stephen Thompson who partnered with Benante to “redesign” the artwork from last year’s Anthems EP.

Film Review “Only Lovers Left Alive”

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton, Mia Wasikowska, John Hurt, Anton Yelchin and Jeffrey Wright
Directed By: Jim Jarmusch
Running Time: 123 minutes
Sony Pictures Classics

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

May 2014 – “Only Lovers Left Alive” made its US debut at the New York Film Festival this past autumn, when this review was posted. It’s subsequently been on limited release since April. I can’t recommend this film highly enough and we are reposting the review in light of its nationwide expansion this month. Enjoy!

Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston, already pretty ethereal as they are, are well cast as vampire lovers Adam and Eve in Jim Jarmusch’s wonderful upcoming film, Only Lovers Left Alive. The film finds Adam at a low point in his long existence with wife Eve swooping in to lift him from his disappointment at the state of the modern world. It’s a clever, macabre character study that beneath its too-cool undead protagonists lies a tremendously romantic beating heart.

As Adam, Hiddleston drives away any and all comparison to that other shaggy, dark-haired immortal he has so expertly played recently. Adam is a fascinating creature who displays a wall full of iconic mortals in his den, all the while repeatedly protesting that he has no heroes. Everyone from Edgar Allan Poe and Oscar Wilde to Rodney Dangerfield and Iggy Pop are framed in a shrine to human imagination that at this point in time Adam is lamenting the “zombies” have lost. This admiration for human achievement somewhat undermines Adam’s intentions to kill himself with a wooden bullet obtained from his stoner human buddy Ian (Anton Yelchin in a Renfield-goes-Rock-n-Roll mode). Adam wants to seem the depressive loner, it’s a romantic notion that suits his look and music, but every so often there are cracks in this facade where Hiddleston lets through brilliant moments of enthusiasm. He can be completely enchanted by an unknown singer in a back alley club or excited over a new guitar despite an already huge collection. Adam gives an angry impassioned speech about the world’s dismissal of great scientists–Tesla, Darwin and the like–but that he is able to get so worked up about the fate of humanity weakens his stance that he’s lost all hope in it.

These small embers of optimism are fanned by Adam’s wife Eve and Swinton is perfect at embodying his more mischievous other half. When we meet her, Eve is living apart from Adam in Tangier trying to stir up some controversy in the mortal world by goading her friend, fellow immortal Kit Marlowe (John Hurt), into dusting off the Shakespearian authorship debate just for a bit of entertainment. She’s recalled to her husband in Detroit when she senses Adam’s melancholy over a touching video phone call they share.

Eve having to carefully engineer night flights to make such a journey possible is one of the many vampiric touches Jarmusch cleverly slips in without being explicitly expository about his brand of bloodsucker. Others include Adam’s usage of preternatural speed only when really pushed or their eyes growing paler the more in need of a drink they are. There are references to a larger crisis of contaminated human blood, causing Adam to haunt a complicit doctor (Jeffrey Wright, making a huge impact in just two scenes of bouncing dialogue off a hilariously unresponsive Hiddleston in scrubs) for a healthy supply, but that’s not the focus here.

Rather, Eve is content to share blood popsicles with Adam during a game of chess or bond over their mutual appreciation of Jack White. Such smaller moments are where Hiddleston and Swinton really shine. They have a chemistry that feels lived in without any of the negative connotations so often associated with the “old married couple.” And they really can’t get much older than these two. One gets the sense that Adam’s depression is just part of a larger cycle the two have weathered many times before with the gleeful Eve returning to turn over the hourglass that Adam says is running out of sand. In a particularly joyful scene, Eve finds Adam’s would-be means of suicide and defuses the tension by drawing him into a heartwarming dance to Denise LaSalle’s “Trapped by a Thing Called Love” instead of an argument. This tendency to physical interaction over words in many instances adds to an animalistic dynamic this little clique of vampires share. It becomes more pronounced when Eve’s party-vamp sister Ava (Mia Wasikowska) drops in on the couple. In the only concrete conflict of the film, the sister from LA throws a monkey wrench into Adam and Eve’s chilled out lifestyle, demanding they all go out and over indulge on their “good” blood. Like most bingeing, it doesn’t end well. The sisters together are able to push Adam around rather like the females in a pride of lions, an idea reinforced by Gerd Zeiss’s wild hair designs which incorporated actual animal furs.

Beyond the cool makeup design, Jarmusch creates a fascinating nighttime world for his characters to inhabit. Eve is surrounded by books in her lush Tangier location while Adam’s lair in Detroit is completely wired and filled with all the things he’s engineered himself from decades of technological equipment. Both the cities are richly shot by Yorick Le Saux who finds beauty both in the dark and in locations of complete decay. Jarmusch’s own band SQURL reinforces this dark environment with a hypnotic guitar driven soundtrack that will haunt viewers long after the credits roll. Still, despite its gothic trappings, Only Lovers Left Alive is a surprisingly funny and touching character study of what it is to sustain love and inspiration throughout a very long lifetime.

The Oak Ridge Boys’ Richard Sterban talks about new live album “Boys Night Out”

Photo Credit: Jarrett Gaza

Richard Sterban is best known as the bass singer for the country and gospel quartet The Oak Ridge Boys since 1972. He started off his career singing with the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Going 40+ years strong, the band is currently touring around 150 days a year and shows no signs of slowing down. On tax day, April 15th, the band is releasing their first live album “Boys Night Out”. So if you have any money left over, I would highly recommend checking it out. Media Mikes had the privilege to chat with Richard about the live album, singing with Elvis and non-stop touring.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about the new album “Boys Night Out” and why a live album now?
Richard Sterban: This is something that our fans have wanted for a long time. Our fans always tell us that they love our studio albums but that live and in person we are so much more exciting. So we decided that it was time to capture that excitement on a CD. It seemed like every time we were going to try and record a live album, we would get an opportunity to do a new studio album whether it would be a new country album, Christmas album or Gospel album. So we always put the live album on the backburner, so to speak. Last year, we just decided we were going to record some of our shows live. We ended up recording eleven live shows and between all of those we chose out what we thought were the best cuts that would describe a live Oak Ridge Boys show. I think it turned out really well.

MG: How much planning when into picking the playlist for this album?
RS: There were certain songs that we felt had to be included, “Elvira” for sure and “Thank God for Kids” was another. Then we listened to the input of Cleopatra Records, who we just recently signed with. It was a combination of their input and what we wanted. We just put our heads together and came up with fourteen songs. I feel that it is really a great example of a boys night out with The Oak Ridge Boys.

MG: What was it like starting your career singing with Elvis? How do you top something like that?
RS: I have had a pretty excited life and career. For two years prior to joining The Oak Ridge Boys, I sang with JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet and I had a chance to sing with the King of Rock and Roll, which was really exciting. I got a call one day that the bass singer from The Oak Ridge Boys” was leaving and they wanted me to take the job. So I had to make a very important decision. I loved singing with the King of Rock and Roll…lip-singing with Elvis but I joined the Oak Ridge Boys and I have gone on to bigger and better things with them.

MG: I know that you also have a book out that also covers your early years with Elvis and through your amazing career with The Oak Ridge Boys.
RS: Yes, I do have a book out called “From Elvis to Elvira”. It is my life story and is filled with tons of great stories. It is available on my personal site RichardSterban.com, Amazon.com or catch up with us at a show and I will have them with me to sell and sign if like.

MG: Over 40 years with The Oak Ridge Boys, what continues to drive you?
RS: I think it is several things but the most important is that even after 41 years we still enjoy doing what we do. We look forward every night to getting up on that stage and taking our music live to our audiences. We are still having fun doing this and I think that is the most important. We also love the creative process of going into the studio and creating new music. So that is what keeps us going.

MG: Why do you think that generations of fans are still following you guys today?
RS: We pride ourselves on that. There is no question that we have gotten older and our core audience has aged along with us. But we are really considered family entertainment. There is something for every family at our shows whether you are a grandpa/grandma or a young kid. We encourage parents to bring their kids to their show as well. Our shows are definitely fun for the whole family.

MG: Which of your songs really gets you going the most when you are on stage?
RS: Naturally, I would have a tendency to levitate to “Elvira”. That is our biggest song and everyone has to hear “Elvira” at our shows. We have tons of other really great songs. I think one of the most meaningful songs that we ever recorded is “Thank God for Kids”. We do that song every night and we look out in the audience and see parents hugging their kids and people holding hands. It is pretty emotional. Now at our age, when William Lee Golden sings this song at the end he says “Thank God for Grandkids too!” [laughs] We are all grandparents now and I hate to admit this but last week I became a great grandfather as well, so that is definitely something amazing.

MG: Can you reflect on music today in the age of Facebook, Twitter and other social media?
RS: We try to pay attention to that. Duane Allen is on Facebook all day and keeps the fans posted there. Joe Bonsall, our drummer, is on Twitter all day. There is an advantage to being in a group since you can spread the responsibility out. I am not a big social media guy. I am on Twitter though. I spend my time doing the old fashion thing, like we are doing right now. I talk to

Photo Credit: David Bean

newspapers and radio stations all the time. So that is the function that I serve. In this day and age, we have a lot of ways to get the news out and we are really embracing it.

MG: You guys never seem to rest; tell us about your non-stop touring this year?
RS: We average about 150 days a year on the road. You can tell by looking at our schedule this year going to be no exception, in fact probably more. But it is what we love doing. We look forward to each night and sharing our music with our fans and that is why we are still going strong. Touring is a big thing for us and we love getting out there and doing it. Health is probably the key to our future. I think as long as the four of us continue to enjoy good health then we are going to keep getting out there and touring.

Blu-ray Review “How I Live Now”

Actors: Saoirse Ronan, George MacKay
Directors: Kevin Macdonald
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: February 11, 2014
Run Time: 101 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I found out about “How I Live Now” through the composer Jon Hopkins, who asked me to check out his score to the film. Let me tell you the score is outstanding but the film is definitely not. I think it is safe to say now that I am official not a fan of Saoirse Ronan. With this film, which was quite unwatchable topped with last year’s gem and official worst film of the year, “The Host”. I honestly expected more from co-writer Tony Grisoni (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) and Academy Award-winning director Kevin MacDonald (The Last King of Scotland). Skip the film, buy the soundtrack.

Official Premise: Set in the near-future UK, Saoirse Ronan plays Daisy, an American teenager sent to stay with relatives in the English countryside. Initially withdrawn and alienated, she begins to warm up to her charming surroundings, and strikes up a romance with the handsome Edmund (George MacKay). But on the fringes of their idyllic summer days are tense news reports of an escalating conflict in Europe. As the UK falls into a violent, chaotic military state, Daisy finds herself hiding and fighting to survive.

The Blu-ray presentation on this Blu-ray is quite beautiful. It really captures the locations quite well. I enjoyed it very much. The real winner of the release is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which portrays the music and Jon Hopkins score so well. I love his score, it is soft and deep but also quite dark. In terms of special features, there is only a cheap EPK featurette, “AXS TV: A Look at How I Live Now” and trailer included.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater Turns up the Holiday Cheer with “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”


Theater captures the spirit of Frank Capra’s cinematic classic

Orlando, FL – Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF warms Central Florida audiences with the holiday cheer of Joe Landry’s It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast and directed by Florida Rep’s founding Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play begins December 4 and runs through December 29, 2013 at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. Tickets ($17-$40) may be purchased by calling the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 or online at http://orlandoshakes.org.

Inspired by Frank Capra’s beloved American film, Orlando Shakes’ It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play includes a five-member ensemble that brings to life a dozen familiar characters performed in the style of a 1940s live radio broadcast. Complete with commercial jingles and man-made sound effects, audiences will fall in love all over again with the selfless George Bailey and the gentle angel who saves his life on Christmas Eve. A holiday classic suitable for the entire family!

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is a joy for audiences young and old,” said Director Robert Cacioppo. “I am thrilled that Orlando Shakes’ Artistic Director Jim Helsinger offered me the opportunity to revisit this play with a truly wonderful cast.”

Cacioppo, who previously directed the production at Florida Rep in 2011, will be recreating his elaborate pre-show prologue in Orlando. Prior to the performance, theatergoers will take part in a holiday sing-along amongst busy telegram boys, popcorn girls, and 1940’s paparazzi. ”I urge Orlando audiences to show up early, because that’s when the fun begins!”Cacioppo said.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play features actors Brad DePlanche, David Edwards, Duke Lafoon, Suzanne O’Donnell, and Piper Rae Patterson. Secondary performers include Anachebe Asomugha, Sophie Bell, Bridgette Hoover, Chris Metz, Alexander Ross Neal, Jeffrey Todd Parrott, and Seth Wallen. The creative team includes Scenic Designer Richard Crowell, Costume Designer Mel Barger, Lighting Designer Mary Heffernan, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS

PRE-SHOW CHAT
Join us in the Patron’s Room on December 6 at 6:45 p.m. for a brief, informative discussion with the director and members of the artistic team about the creative process.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY
Directly following the show on December 6, audience members are invited to celebrate with the cast, crew, designers, and Orlando Shakes staff at the Opening Night Party. The party begins after the show (approx. 10 p.m.) and everyone is invited. No RSVP necessary.

PLAYSHOP
School-age children can participate in a fun and creative camp during select Orlando Shakespeare Theater performances. Led by Orlando Shakes Actor/Educators, theatergoers’ children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy supervised arts and crafts, play educational games, and maybe even learn a song or dance. For It’s a Wonderful Life, the service is available to all ticket buyers on Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 2 p.m. for just $15 per child. Advance registration is required. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 for tickets and information.

THURSDAY TALK BACK
Stay after the performance on Thursday, December 19 for an informal Q & A with the cast and members of the design team.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Preview Dates: December 4 & 5 at 7:30 p.m. ($18)
Opening Date: December 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Senior Matinees: December 11 & 18 at 2 p.m. ($17)
$20 Under 30: December 13 at 7:30 p.m. ($20)

TICKET INFORMATION

DATES AND PRICES
Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. – all seats $35, $30, $20
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. – all seats $40, $35, $30

DISCOUNTS
Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+
Student Rush: $12 – 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices
Single and Season Tickets are available by calling (407) 447-1700, online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is made possible through the generous support of Holland & Knight, LLP, Raymond James Financial, and Florida Hospital. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts collaborative campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council.

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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT

Publicity photos feature actors Brad DePlanche, Suzanne O’Donnell, and Piper Rae Patterson. Photos by Landon St. Gordon.

ABOUT ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

Now celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region’s most acclaimed Equity theaters producing classic, contemporary, and children’s plays. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its patrons, while showcasing William Shakespeare’s legacy as the cornerstone of the company. Through PlayFest and Harriett’s New Play Series, Orlando Shakespeare Theater has garnered national recognition for the development of over 100 new works within the past 10 years. Orlando Shakes also provides immersive educational programming serving Central Florida schools and the local community at large.

Twitter: @orlandoshakes or http://www.twitter.com/orlandoshakes
Instagram: @orlandoshakes or http://www.instagram.com/orlandoshakes
Facebook: “Orlando Shakes” or http://www.facebook.com/orlandoshakes

Blu-ray Review “Lady Antebellum: Live – On This Winter’s Night”

Starring: Lady Antebellum
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 29, 2013
Run Time: 76 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

I think that there is nothing that Lady Antebellum cannot do. Their music is quite amazing and crosses from beyond just country music fans. Last year when the band released “On This Winter’s Night”, it was easily my favorite Christmas album of the year and was on loop for endless plays on my phone. I was thrilled to find out that Eagle Rock is releasing a filmed concert of the band performing these songs at Nashville’s famed Schermerhorn Symphony Center along with more than 40 symphony orchestra musicians. This Blu-ray is a great way to get into the Christmas mood. I have a feeling that we are going to wearing this Blu-ray out this holiday season.

Official Premise: In between dates on their massively successful world tour, country superstars Lady Antebellum spent their brief summer break recording Christmas songs for their festive album On This Winter’s Night . This live concert film brings those songs to life with the help of more than 40 symphony orchestra musicians at Nashville’s famed Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The program includes seasonal favorites like ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow’, alongside the self-penned title track ‘On This Winter’s Night’. The collection includes 11 live performances along with personal Christmas stories, memories, and traditions that Lady Antebellum are sharing with their fans for the first time.

Eagle Rock Entertainment delivered this Blu-ray with a slightly disappointing 1080i transfer. It still looks good enough for the live performance. The DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers a solid sound for these tracks. This Blu-ray includes some decent special features as well.  There are five acoustic tracks including “Blue Christmas,” “The First Noel,” “Silent Night (Lord Of My Life),” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas”. There is a promo video for “A Holly Jolly Christmas”. There are “5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Holly Jolly Christmas Video”. There is a behind-the-scenes look into the track “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and also a making of “On This Winter’s Night”.

Track List:
1) A Holly Jolly Christmas
2) On This Winter’s Night
3) This Christmas
4) I’ll Be Home For Christmas
5) Silver Bells
6) Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
7) Blue Christmas
8) The First Noel
9) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
10) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
11) Silent Night (Lord Of My Life)

 

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CD Review: Emerson Lake & Palmer “Live In Montreal, 1977”

Emerson Lake & Palmer
Live In Montreal, 1977”
Shout Factory
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

The 70’s super group Emerson Lake & Palmer are back with a new edition to their already impressive live CD catalog. “Live in Montreal, 1977” captures the band during the last show of their “Works” tour which featured a 70 piece orchestra. The re-mastered 2 disc album is the first official recording from this widely popular performance which is being release via Shout Factory.

Over the last few years a number of these live releases have become available to the public. For me they almost always miss their mark and this one was no exception. Emerson Lake & Palmer’s “Live in Montreal, 1977 is cluttered mix of crowd noise and over instrumentation. At several points throughout my listen I needed to stop and ask myself just what was I listening to? Knowing ELP’s history as an experimental 70’s jam band I had somewhat of an idea of what to expect but I definitely was not fully prepared. The 70 piece orchestra concept certainly adds to this performance but for me it was just too much. The overall sound of the album is quite tinny and lacking in bottom end however I did enjoy the performance of “Lucky Man” which features a cool shimmery chorus type guitar sound that compliments Greg Lake’s vocals.

If you are a big Emerson Lake & Palmer fan or attended this specific show you most likely will want to pick up a copy of this album as it serves a great example for 70’s experimental music. However if you’re looking for an album to throw on and kick back to then this probably isn’t the record for you.

Track Listing:
Disc 1:
1.) Abaddon’s Bolero
2.) Karn Evil 9, 1st Impression Part 2
3.) The Enemy God Dances with The Black Spirits
4.) C’est La Vie
5.) Lucky Man
6.) Picture at an Exhibition
7.) Piano Concerto No. 1, 3rd Movement
8.) Closer to Believing

Disc 2:
1.) Knife Edge
2.) Tank
3.) Nutrocker
4.) Pirates
5.) Fanfare For the Common Man (Including Rondo)

 

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Feld Entertainment and Marvel Entertainment Unveil Exclusive New Details on “Marvel Universe Live!”

FELD ENTERTAINMENT AND MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT UNVEIL EXCLUSIVE NEW DETAILS ON MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! – THE ULTIMATE MARVEL ARENA SPECTACULAR – AT NEW YORK COMIC-CON

Explosive Trailer, Official Show Logo and Creative Team Revealed for Next Summer’s Must-See Marvel Live Action Event

New York, NY – October 12, 2013 – Today at New York Comic-Con, Juliette Feld, executive vice president and producer with Feld Entertainment, unveiled the first sneak peek of next year’s groundbreaking arena spectacular: Marvel Universe LIVE!, produced by Feld Entertainment.  During Marvel’s signature “Cup O’ Joe” panel, Marvel’s chief creative officer Joe Quesada introduced Ms. Feld for a surprise presentation about this highly anticipated Marvel live action arena event.  Ms. Feld premiered the show’s first teaser trailer, providing a tantalizing taste of the cavalcade of Super Heroes to be featured and insight into the original story, and then revealed the official Marvel Universe LIVE! logo.  In conjunction with the Comic-Con appearance, Feld Entertainment also introduced the creative team tasked with developing this monumental live entertainment Marvel experience.

“For Marvel Universe LIVE!, we have assembled an accomplished creative team to develop these characters in a truly authentic production for the millions of Marvel fans around the world,” said Juliette Feld.  “This touring event will be the most technically advanced live show to date, and will bring the Marvel Universe and its bigger-than-life Super Heroes and Super Villains to life before a live audience for the first time.”

Marvel’s chief creative officer Joe Quesada added, “Marvel Universe LIVE! is going to blow people’s minds.  I have personally been involved and collaborating with the unmatched talent and expertise of the Feld team.  The way in which they will be bringing the Marvel Universe to life is truly mesmerizing and there is no doubt in my mind it will be a can’t miss event for Marvel fans of all ages.  I am excited to have the opportunity to share the show’s vision first with our die-hard fans at New York Comic Con.”

Producers Kenneth Feld and Juliette Feld have tapped an award-winning creative team for next year’s preeminent live event.  Two-time Emmy award-winner Shanda Sawyer (“Rock ‘N Reality Special,” Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®will serve as director, and is joined by brother and sister writing duo Adam Wilson (“What’s Important is Feeling: Stories,” “Flatscreen: A novel”) and Melanie Wilson LaBracio.  Andy Armstrong, stunt coordinator for the 2011 blockbuster film “Marvel’s Thor,” functions as action and stunt coordinator, while television and live show veteran Joe Stewart (“The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” “The Magic of David Copperfield”) will lead set design.  The vision for the Marvel Universe LIVE! costume design will be guided by Cynthia Nordstrom, whose projects have included Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and several off-Broadway productions. Norm Schwab (Imagine Dragons ‘Night Moves’ Tour, Kid Rock ‘Best Night Ever’ Tour), lighting designer, and Bob Bonniol (Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando,Electric Zoo NYC), video content and system designer, round out the team.

Marvel Universe LIVE! will bring Marvel’s most iconic heroes and fearsome villains to life like never before during a live-action arena spectacular that will tour 85 North American cities in its first two years.  Officially kicking off in July 2014, Marvel Universe LIVE! will redefine the live show experience by integrating a Marvel character driven story with state-of-the-art special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts and countless other show elements.

Access embeddable videos of Feld Entertainment’s Marvel Universe LIVE! Comic-Con reveals and an image of the official show logo at www.MarvelUniverseLive.com.

Keep up to date on all the exciting developments of Marvel Universe LIVE! through the show’s vast array of social channels:

Facebook —  www.facebook.com/MarvelOnTour

Twitter —  @MarvelOnTour 

@Juliette Feld (show’s producer twitter feed)

YouTube —  www.youtube.com/MarvelOnTour

Instagram– @MarvelOnTour

Google+: —  http://gplus.to/MarvelOnTour

 

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, Nuclear Cowboyz®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Disney On Ice and Disney Live! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online atwww.feldentertainment.com. More information on Marvel Universe LIVE! can be found at www.marveluniverselive.com.

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com.

 

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Win Family Four Pack of Tickets to See Disney Junior’s Choo Choo Soul LIVE in Miami, FL [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

ALL ABOARD!!! Calling all parents who have kids that love Disney Junior and the fantastic music of Choo Choo Soul. If you live in Miami, Florida and would like to attend a live show Genevieve and DC on Saturday October 26th, you came to the right place since Media Mikes are giving about a family four pack of tickets. If you would like to enter for your chance to win this great prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite Choo Choo Soul song. This giveaway will remain open until October 25th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in the state of FL or those looking forward to traveling. Tickets will not be mailed but will be picked of at the event. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Choo Choo Soul will be performing LIVE at South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center as part of the Family Series on Saturday, October 26 at 11am. Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets visit www.smdcac.org or call the Box Office at 786-573-5300. The Center is located at 10950 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay.

Featuring the musical adventures of singer/train station manager Genevieve Goings and dancing/beatboxing engineer DC, Choo Choo Soul takes kids to the jungle, the sea and magical locales while performing songs from classic Disney films including “When You Wish Upon A Star,” “Hakuna Matata,” and many more! Kids should come dressed as their favorite Disney character for the costume contest.

CD Review: Panic! at the Disco “Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die”

Panic! at the Disco
“Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die”
Produced by: Butch Walker
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Label: Atlantic Records

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I was introduced to this band by my cousin back in 2005 with their album “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out”. The album has never left my phone over the years and is one of my favorites to rock out to. Unfortunately, I have felt that band has never really taken it up a notch since that album. I thought that they changed their sound too much with “Pretty. Odd”. I actually did like a few tracks on “Vices & Virtues” but nothing memorable. “Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die” still doesn’t top the band’s 2005 album either but I feel that it comes the closest since and has been a blast to listen to.

First of all, I had a feeling this album was going to rock just being it has a wicked cool title. If you are a Hunter S. Thompson fan than you will enjoy that “Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die” comes from his book “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”. Easily one of my favorite quote of all-time. The album really brings up the energy that the band had with “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” and also tries a few different tricks, most successfully with “Miss Jackson” which is a funky yet rockin’ track.

The album is produced by Butch Walker (Fall Out Boy, Weezer). I love the energy in the tracks like “Vegas Lights” and “Nicotine”. But I have to give the most risky song on the album, “The End Of All Things”, props since it feels really personal and delivers on an emotional level. I would say if you haven’t been big on this band or are just finding this, this album is definitely worth taking a look at. I do warn you though get ready since from the very first track, this album kicks off and doesn’t look back until after it’s over.

Track Listing:
1. This Is Gospel
2. Miss Jackson (feat. Lolo)
3. Vegas Lights
4. Girl That You Love
5. Nicotine
6. Girls/Girls/Boys
7. Casual Affair
8. Far Too Young To Die
9. Collar Full
10. The End Of All Things

Image Entertainment Sets Date for Lewis Black’s Live Pay-Per-View and Video on Demand Special “Old Yeller”


The First Ever Live Comedy Special to Air Simultaneously on all PPV and VOD Carriers on August 24, 2013

LOS ANGELES (July 30, 2013) – Image Entertainment, an RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand, has set the date for the Pay-Per-View (PPV) and Video On Demand (VOD) Mega Comedy Event LEWIS BLACK: OLD YELLER – LIVE AT THE BORGATA. This will be the first ever live comedy special to air simultaneously on all cable, satellite and telco platforms including Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, Dish, Cablevision, Charter Communications, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FiOS and many others. The show premiers live on Saturday, August 24th at 9:30 PM EDT, followed by replays on those platforms. It is presented in both SD and HD.

In his ninth comedy special, Lewis Black tears into a country that is going nowhere at the speed of light. OLD YELLER weaves the riotous tale of a country that is so strung out on ADD that it can’t see straight. In his rabid attack, Mr. Black even turns on himself—and his entire generation. From cable television to the computer, from Facebook to Twitter, Mr. Black rages about the prison we’ve insanely created for ourselves. He snarls at the country’s failure to find alternative energy sources while creating cell phones out of the realm of science fiction. He mauls our nation’s leaders for their laughably inept handling of social security and health care—and failing to provide help on any level whatsoever. As Mr. Black puts it, “What are you going to do when the Democrats are dumb, the Republicans are stupid and the Tea Party doesn’t even know what day it is?” He takes what makes us crazy and makes it funny. It’s a night of live comedy you won’t forget. . . “but if you do, it’s probably because you’re taking a drug that lowers your cholesterol,” he adds.

The announcement was made today by Image Entertainment’s Chief Acquisition Officer, Bill Bromiley.

“We are proud to be the first to debut this groundbreaking comedy special simultaneously live on all cable and satellite providers,“ said Bromiley. “Audiences will have even more of an opportunity to see for themselves the genius of Lewis’ comedy.”

The deal was negotiated by Bromiley, Jonathan Saba, the executive in charge of production, and Michael Bayer on behalf of Image Entertainment and Jim Gosnell, President and CEO of APA, and Leon Dang on behalf of Lewis Black.

“We are excited to be a part of this comedy special that will utilize a largely untapped mode of distribution for standup,” said Gosnell. “This event will revolutionize the way audiences see live comedy, and there’s no doubt comedians will follow in its footsteps.”

Receiving critical acclaim as a stand-up, actor and author, Lewis Black has performed for audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada and The United States. In 2012, he performed eight sell-out shows at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway.

Lewis got his first big break in comedy back in 1996 when he created the segment Back in Black for Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. It became one of the most popular and longest running segments on the show and also created a long and successful relationship with the network. Since then, Lewis has taped four specials for the Comedy Central Presents series, co-created Last Laugh with Lewis Black, presided over Lewis Black’s The Root of All Evil, and continues to perform Back in Black on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. His popular appearances on Comedy Central helped to win him Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards in 2001.

Increased exposure from The Daily Show eventually generated a record deal with Stand Up! Records. His first CD, The White Album, was released in 2000 to much critical acclaim. Lewis followed with eight more, six under the Comedy Central Records label. He has been graced with five Grammy nominations and two wins for his work. The first nomination came in 2006 for Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center Blues, the second in 2009 for Anticipation. In 2007 he won the Grammy for Best Comedy Album for The Carnegie Hall Performance and in 2011, his second for Stark Raving Black. His most recent release, In God We Rust (Comedy Central Records) was nominated for a Grammy.

Lewis filmed two specials for HBO, Black On Broadway and Red, White and Screwed. The latter was nominated for an Emmy in 2007. He had a regular feature for two seasons on Inside the NFL (for which he earned a Sports Emmy) and in 2006 was honored to be asked to participate in Comic Relief. In 2009 Lewis filmed his first feature length concert film, Stark Raving Black at the Fillmore Theatre in Detroit. The film had a limited run in theaters across the US and Canada in the summer of 2010. At the end of the theater run, premium movie channel EpixHD picked up the film for its channel along with the accompanying documentary Basic Black. Both are still aired regularly and can be found in the EpixHD on demand queue. 2011 found him producing his second full length concert, In God We Rust, which also still airs on EpixHD.

In the midst of a rigorous touring schedule, regular TV appearances and movie roles, Lewis has written three best selling books, Nothing’s Sacred (Simon and Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008) and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010). All garnered critical praise as well commercial success and spent numerous weeks on the New York Times best-seller list.

Image Entertainment recently released The Numbers Station with John Cusack and Malin Akerman; Tomorrow You’re Gone with Stephen Dorff, Michelle Monaghan and Willem Dafoe; and Day of the Falcon with Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto and Mark Strong. Upcoming features include Evidence with Stephen Moyer and Radha Mitchell; Blood with Paul Bettany, Stephen Graham, Mark Strong and Brian Cox; The Colony with Laurence Fishburne, Bill Paxton and Kevin Zegers; and Paradise with Julianne Hough, Russell Brand, Octavia Spencer and Holly Hunter, written, directed and produced by Diablo Cody.

Jane’s Addiction “Live in NYC” CD/DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

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Media Mikes has teamed up with Total Assault PR to giveaway 2 CD/DVD copies of Jane’s Addiction’s “Live in NYC” which was recently released via UME. If you would like to enter for your chance to win this great prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite Jane’s Addiction song. This giveaway will remain open until July 26th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US and Canada only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

“Live in NYC” encapsulates the true essence of Jane’s Addiction in concert, mixing music with performance art. Flying burlesque dancers, trapeze artists and carnival sideshow antics offer stunning visuals which are further enhanced through the bands vast repertoire of hits and fan favorites, including “Been Caught Stealing” and “Stop!,” Also included is the debut live performance of the groups latest single, “Irresistible Force (Met The Immovable Object),” from the album “The Great Escape Artist”.

Jane’s Addiction’s unconventional and unique style could not be contained in one single category or format. They created the blueprint for what would be labeled “Alternative Rock” and kicked open the doors for generations of modern rock bands. And as the years have passed, Jane’s Addiction continues to keep pace in a modern culture that the band has helped to expand and progress.

Track Listing:
1. Whores
2. Ain’t No Right
3. Just Because
4. Ted, Just Admit It…
5. Been Caught Stealing
6. Irresistible Force (Met The Immovable Object)
7. Up The Beach
8. Ocean Size
9. Three Days
10. Mountain Song
11. Stop!
12. Jane Says

Blu-ray Review “The Doobie Brothers: Live at Wolf Trap”

The Doobie Brothers: Live at Wolf Trap
Blu-ray (also available on DVD, CD, and vinyl)
Eagle Vision
Total Running Time: 166 minutes (including extras)

Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

From the opening motorcycle revving to the closing bows, “The Doobie Brothers: Live at Wolf Trap” makes a solid two-hour case for why the Doobies stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest bands of the classic rock era. The two-hour show is packed with iconic hits that never seem dated: “Long Train’ Runnin’”, “Take Me In Your Arms”, “Jesus is Just Alright”, “Black Water” – the list goes on and on. Filmed in 2004 at Virginia’s Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the band immediately launches into a groove that combines elements of rock, country, bluegrass, blues in a way that is always appealing and flat-out fun. And, as the closing credits roll, one question is clear: Why aren’t the Doobie Brothers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?  They’re looooong overdue.

The 2004 Tommy Johnston-led line-up draws almost exclusively from the band’s LPs from the 70’s that featured Johnston on lead vocals and guitar. Songs from the considerably mellower Michael McDonald era of the 1980’s are almost entirely absent – a respectable move given that McDonald’s “ya mo’ be there” vocal is such an inseparable earworm trademark. The sole McDonald track performed at the Wolf Trap – “Takin’ It to the Streets” – is handled vocally by founding Doobie, Pat Simmons, and the Brothers’ touring bassist, Skylark. The result is a live version that is equally as good if not better than the original version. It also provides the energetic bassist some center stage time that he so richly deserves. In fact, if there’s an intoxicatingly awesome performance to watch on this disc, it’s his.

Despite the fact that the concert is from almost a decade ago and has been available on DVD for  nearly as long, it truly shines on this first-ever Blu-ray issue given that the show was filmed using 10 high-definition cameras. While the overall program does suffer some from rapid-fire editing, the picture is always crisp and clean and the colors are perfectly balanced. The disc defaults to a LPCM stereo audio track that often buries the lead vocals so much that they’re almost inaudible in various spots. Switching over to the vastly superior DTS Master HD mix provides a much more even mix that utilizes the surround channels very effectively.

The disc also suffers from other technical issues that should have been corrected before this disc made it to market. The biggest problem is the extreme difference in sound levels between the live concert itself and the bonus features that are included, which include “backstage pass interviews” (which is more-or-less a sampler from the “Listen to the Music” documentary released late last year) and interactive links that appear during the concert that allow the viewer to jump into interview segments that directly pertain to the song being performed. While this audio glitch isn’t a big deal for the former, it’s hugely frustrating to have to crank up the volume to hear what Johnston and Simmons are saying and then, as a result, return to the concert footage now at deafeningly-loud sound levels. Some simple equalization and basic mixing would have gone a long way. It’s also somewhat annoying that the distracting talking head icons that appear at the bottom left corner of the screen to indicate the availability of the in-concert interview clips can’t be turned off completely.

Technical issues aside (they’re the only reason I’m docking this one by a full star), this is an amazing disc that showcases a legendary band in peak form. Now 40+ years on down the track, the Doobie Brothers’ long train is still runnin’ as strong and as powerful as ever.

CD Review: Terror “Live By The Code”

Terror
“Live By The Code”
Victory Records
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

The Los Angeles based hardcore band Terror are back with a brand new full length album titled “Live By The Code” The album features 11 bombastic tracks that are sure to whip even the most docile listener into a rabid frenzy. “Live By The Code” is the follow up release to the bands 2012 album “No Regrets, No Shame”. This album also marks the first release by the band since signing to legendary hardcore label Victory Records.

Honest and in your face Terror pulls no punches with their latest release. All 11 tracks contained on “Live By The Code” have everything I love about hardcore. Ripping vocals and chunky riff heavy guitar lines that made it hard to pick which songs were my favorite being they are all just so good! From the opening song “The Most High” which recounts vocalist Scott Vogel’s discovery of hardcore music to the thunderous “Hard Lessons” to the albums closing track “One Blood” which is anthem like in its approach you just couldn’t ask for anything better.

Mid 90’s angst with a refreshing musical take that grabbed me from the start. “Live By The Code” is the bands strongest album to date. The partnership between the band and Victory Records seems to be just what the band needed to take their sound to the next level. Even the most fringe hardcore listener will want to do themselves a favor and pick up a copy of this album!

Track Listing:
1.) The Most High
2.) Not Impressed
3.) Cold Truth
4.) I’m Only Stronger
5.) Live By The Code
6.) The Good Die Young
7.) Shot of Reality
8.) Hard Lessons
9.) Invasion
10.) Nothing In Your Hand
11.) One Blood