YellowCard is a pop punk band(in the earlier years more punk rock) started in 1997, their music is very different due to the addition of a violin. The band had quite a few members who were all from the same school in Jacksonville, Florida. It was 1995 when Harper met Parsons that school year, after playing together for 2 years they met Cooke(bass), Clarry(guitarist) and Clarry friend Dobson(lead singer). They named their new formed band of 1997 YellowCard after their own highschool term for party foul, in fact they even played soccer together but stopped after realising they need more practice time for the band. They were all about practice after school and played a few times in school through the early years.
The band released their first album Midget Tossing in 1997, although Sean Mackin and his violin featured a few different songs on the album, he was not officially a member yet. Their second album Where We Stand still had a same lineup, but soon after it was released Dobson left the group out of lack of interest and personal problems with a few band members. Harper stated: people don't realize that the most important thing for a band is the relationships between the members. Dobson was replaced by Ryan Key(vocals and rhythm guitar). With Key in their group their music changed drastically from Hardcore Punk to Pop-Punk(although with still a hint of punk rock), which also changed there fans and started them with a fresh start. They also had Mackin play with most of there songs now being an official member.
In early 2000 they recorded their first extended play Still Standing, soon after it was released Clarry left the band and Key filled in his spot along with his own job. In 2001 the band signed their first recording contract with Lobster Records and headed to California to began working on their next full length album. Later that year they released the album One for the Kids, which was followed up by their forth album The Underdog in 2002. Although the fans recieved both albums with excitement, shortly after Underdog was released Cooke left the band. The group asked Pete Mosely, a friend of theirs, to play bass for them,he accepted. Somwhere between the released of their extended play and the time Cooke left the band, they filmed an music video for the song "Powder". They redid the video with Mosely and was released on their next album Ocean Avenue. http://youtube.com/watch?v=psIwACaJiIg
Shortly after releasing The Underdog, YellowCard signed with Capitol Records who were looking for more Pop Punk then anything else. They started writing their major label debut Ocean Avenue in late 2002, and finished in spring of 2003. However, during their recording for Ocean Avenue Mosely left due to personal problems with one of the members. The band immediately began searching for a new bass and found Alex Lewis, he became their bass player and in the process his sister, Alieke Wijnveldt, contributed to the vocals in the song "View From Heaven". (http://youtube.com/watch?v=6bdvfK58gfM&feature=related) After Ocean Avenue was released their popularity reached new heights. The band released the first single from the album which was Way Away(http://youtube.com/watch?v=9xw0UrML-fg).
During the middle of the bands headline tour(in support of Ocean Avenue) Mosely came back from his semi-retirement and asked for his place in the band back. Since Mosely was partially there for Ocean Avenue and was with them from the beginning back in the high school days, they asked Lewis to leave and let Mosely rejoin as the bass player.
In 2003 they released the single "Ocean Avenue"(http://youtube.com/watch?v=wkw0Ry7qYVo) which skyrocketed their popularity, they were all over from covers of Alternative Press, to headlines of the 2004 Warped Tour. Their track Way Away was featured on soundtracks of SSX 3 and Madden NFL 2004. Also their track "Breathing" was featured on Burnout 3 and Flatout 2. (http://youtube.com/watch?v=CbyzdTfVW74). With Ocean Avenue's success they released the single "Only One", a rock ballad that did well on the radio. Finally with just this one release gaining them so much popularity the result was 2 million copies of the album sold in the US alone.
As their popularity began to settle down again they spent some time writing songs for various soundtracks. The first was "Gifts and Curses" that was featured in Spider Man 2.(http://youtube.com/watch?v=SeCR6-gaQaA One of my favorite songs) Yellowcard also performed a cover of the song, "Dont You(Forget About Me)" for the movie The Breakfast Club.
After about 2 years of touring nonstop, the band took a few months break in the beginning of 2005 and Key and Mosely went to New York to start writing for their new album(the rest of the band stayed in L.A). The band regrouped in L.A and started their production for their next album. They excepted it to be released in Augast 2005 but it got held back for several more months because of slow production and other delays.
In the few months following issues had arisen between the band members, Harper and Key had made comments stating "the fame went to their heads", and after a few court sessions Harper left the band. Eventually Harper was replaced by Mendez, and Lights and Sounds as finally released Janurary 24th, 2006.
The album was more of a concept album, with most of its songs based of their negative feelings towards L.A. Key felt the album would alienate most of their fan base and he was OK with that. Twenty songs were recorded and fourteen of them were on the CD, it was also the only album with an instrumental intro track.
The first single released for this album was "Lights and Sounds" and was released a week before the album, and was featured on the video game Burnout Revenge.(http://youtube.com/watch?v=-FS8nG8SZEI) Just on its first week out it sold 90,000 copies, but only reached gold status. On May, 2o06 the second single was released titled "Rough Landing, Holly", it was recieved as well as Lights and Sounds and only after the second week it dropped off the charts dramatically.
In May 2006 Key had to have surgery on his vocal cords due to having problems with his singing since 2005. He was mute for a little over a week and couldn't sing for more then a month.
On October 2006 they announced on their official website that they were finally back in their studio starting their next album, and guitarist Mendez states that he think both older and newer fans will like their new album. The first YellowCard show since 2006 was on March 29, 2007 at Hollywood, California, at the performance Key announced their new album was to be titled Paper Walls. One night they played two songs from their new album, "Fighting" and "The Takedown",(http://youtube.com/watch?v=bIfa-EUHqr8) and on another night they played "Shadow and Regrets" and "Light Up the Sky"(http://youtube.com/watch?v=fZj-0nHmtuM) also from their new album.
One month before the album was released Key described their album: "...very much a record of hope and finding yourself again. It's after you've come through all that -going to the height of it-and picking yourself back up again. And by "hitting rock bottom" I don't mean in record sales or fame or any of that shit. I mean personally-emotionally...Paper Walls is the story, the feeling of what it's like to be out of those holes, looking back, no regrets, but smarter and having grown through them."
When I read that quote I said to myself: "Wow...Deep"
The album was released on July 17, 2007.
Yellowcard has been on tour promoting the album nonstop, also in their tours supporting Blue October and Linkin Park. While touring Mosely announced that yet again he was leaving Yellowcard for his own endeavors. The band hasn't made and official decisions yet, but Josh Portmant has been a stand-in bass player at the moment. They had to cancel severoul European tours due to Parsons taking a few months off to stay with his Grandmother in Florido whos health is failing. YellowCard has scheduled a few different tours, one in Iraq was canceled due to the presidents showing up and canceling all flights, and several others for random reasons.
Their most recent album, Live From Las Vegas at the Palms, was released January 22nd 2008.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-btPHNaQVc8&feature=related
Friday, February 1, 2008
Linkin Park
Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Rob Bourdon, all highschool friends in Agoura Hills California, formed their own band in 1994 and named it Xero. After highschool they began to take it more seriously and recruited Joe Hahn, Dave Phoenix, and and Mark Wakefield in 1996. Although they had limited equipment they started recording in Shinodas bedroom studio. Frustrations grew when they failed to land a few record deals and with little success Wakefield left the band in 1998 leaving them with no vocalist. After a year of searching for a replacement Jeff Blue, president of Zomba Music, referred Chester Bennington to their band, and he joined in 1999. The band changed their name from Xero to Hybrid Theory and began working on new material with Bennington. A little while later they changed their name again to Linkin Park, and although they were working hard they still could not land any record deals. Finally Jeff Blue now vice president of Warner Bros. Records helped the group sign a deal with them in middle 1999, and now having a record deal they released their first album.
In 2000 the band released their first album, Hybrid Theory, on October 24, 2000, and more then half of there work from recent years was on there. New fans emerged to the liking of the the band and the album sold more then 4.8 million records during its first year and earning best selling album of 2001. A few singles from the album were featured on movies such as Valentine, Little Nicky, and a few others. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-eAYHooUo"Crawling"). The album catapulted their success to great heights, they were invited into many tours, in just one year they played 320 concerts.
In 2001 they began working on a remix album called Reanimation, it was released July 30th 2002 and sold just over 270,000 copies in just one week. In 2002 they spent alot of time touring the US and while traveling they started new material. Meteora featured the bands nu metal and raprock along with their recent heavy rock, they also included a shakuhachi along with other unusual instruments. The album was released March 25, 2003, it sold more then 800,000 copies only in its first week and reached #1 in the US and UK, and #2 in Australia. By October 2003 the album sold about 3 million copies. After this success the band played a few concerts and worked with Blindside, Mudvayne and a few others. A few of the singles from this album were "Numb"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7VvkZY3VVk), "Somewhere I Belong"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsCD5XCu6CM), "Breaking the Habit", and "Faint"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sesOnXMcaBk). The album won them a few awards like Best Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year.
2004 the band took a break and instead of starting new material they spent the beginning of the year touring the world. After that each of them went to work with different bands for a while. They began another remix album with Jay-Z and that album was titled Collision Course. Shinoda also formed a new band, Fort Minor, as a side project, and with the help of Jay-Z they started to become a hit also. During that time their deal with Warner Bros. Records was slowly sinking because of some trust and finacial issues, and finally after a few months of feuds they made a deal in November 2005.
They also participated in some charity projects for Hurricane Charley in 2004 and later Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They also played 8 worldwide concerts with Jay-Z for Tsunami relief. For many of the concerts they played Numb/Encore, their single from the remix album(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N54gFc2FpPM).
In 2006 they began working on new material for the new album, they recorded 30-50 songs. It was released on May 15, 2007 and was titled Minutes to Midnight. The new album strayed away from the previous nu metal and although it had a few songs with rapping most of the album had new material altogether. The band explained they wanted to experiment their range in genre. It sold over 600,000 copies in the US alone in its first week.
The first single was "What I've Done"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sgycukafqQ), then "Bleed it Out" which lead more too their recent rap rock(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnuuYcqhzCE), "Shadow of the Day"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_eEE12R8Gw), and finally "Given Up"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_eEE12R8Gw).
Now recently the band has been touring worldwide for their last album Minutes to Midnight.
Linkin Park is one of my favorite bands, their music is great, their influential. I think its great how they're trying new genres but still sticking too their old music. They've been through alot but they never gave up and in the end it won them major fame.
In 2000 the band released their first album, Hybrid Theory, on October 24, 2000, and more then half of there work from recent years was on there. New fans emerged to the liking of the the band and the album sold more then 4.8 million records during its first year and earning best selling album of 2001. A few singles from the album were featured on movies such as Valentine, Little Nicky, and a few others. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-eAYHooUo"Crawling"). The album catapulted their success to great heights, they were invited into many tours, in just one year they played 320 concerts.
In 2001 they began working on a remix album called Reanimation, it was released July 30th 2002 and sold just over 270,000 copies in just one week. In 2002 they spent alot of time touring the US and while traveling they started new material. Meteora featured the bands nu metal and raprock along with their recent heavy rock, they also included a shakuhachi along with other unusual instruments. The album was released March 25, 2003, it sold more then 800,000 copies only in its first week and reached #1 in the US and UK, and #2 in Australia. By October 2003 the album sold about 3 million copies. After this success the band played a few concerts and worked with Blindside, Mudvayne and a few others. A few of the singles from this album were "Numb"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7VvkZY3VVk), "Somewhere I Belong"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsCD5XCu6CM), "Breaking the Habit", and "Faint"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sesOnXMcaBk). The album won them a few awards like Best Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year.
2004 the band took a break and instead of starting new material they spent the beginning of the year touring the world. After that each of them went to work with different bands for a while. They began another remix album with Jay-Z and that album was titled Collision Course. Shinoda also formed a new band, Fort Minor, as a side project, and with the help of Jay-Z they started to become a hit also. During that time their deal with Warner Bros. Records was slowly sinking because of some trust and finacial issues, and finally after a few months of feuds they made a deal in November 2005.
They also participated in some charity projects for Hurricane Charley in 2004 and later Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They also played 8 worldwide concerts with Jay-Z for Tsunami relief. For many of the concerts they played Numb/Encore, their single from the remix album(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N54gFc2FpPM).
In 2006 they began working on new material for the new album, they recorded 30-50 songs. It was released on May 15, 2007 and was titled Minutes to Midnight. The new album strayed away from the previous nu metal and although it had a few songs with rapping most of the album had new material altogether. The band explained they wanted to experiment their range in genre. It sold over 600,000 copies in the US alone in its first week.
The first single was "What I've Done"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sgycukafqQ), then "Bleed it Out" which lead more too their recent rap rock(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnuuYcqhzCE), "Shadow of the Day"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_eEE12R8Gw), and finally "Given Up"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_eEE12R8Gw).
Now recently the band has been touring worldwide for their last album Minutes to Midnight.
Linkin Park is one of my favorite bands, their music is great, their influential. I think its great how they're trying new genres but still sticking too their old music. They've been through alot but they never gave up and in the end it won them major fame.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Green Day
In 1987 14 year old friends Billie Armstrong(guitar/lead vocals) and Mike Dirnt(bass/back up vocals) started their own band called Sweet Children. Their first show was where Armstrong's mother worked at Rods Hickory Pit in Vallejo, California, October 17, 1987. In 1988 Armstrong and Dirnt recruited Al Sonbrante as their drummer and also their buisness manager.
Larry Livermore, owner of Lookout! Records, signed the group to his label after watching an earlier show. In 1989 they recorded their first extended play called 1,000 Hours, but before it was released they changed there name to avoid confusion with a local band called Sweet Baby. So, due to their liking of marijuana, they changed their name to Green Day. Very soon after their name was changed Lookout! Records released their first album 39/Smooth early in 1990. While the album was being sold I.R.S Records tried signing a deal with the group, but Green Day replied with a turndown to them making it very clear they were loyal to Lookout! Records, and that I.R.S was a "cheesy and washed-up" label. In late 1990, a little while after the bands first Nationwide tour, Sonbrante left the band to attend college, Tre Cool is Sonbrante's replacement.
Through 1992 and 1993 the band went on tour through the US and most of Europe, shortly after there second full length album Kerplunk was released and sold 50,000 copies in the US alone. Kerplunks succes aroused interest to many record labels, and soon after Green Day left Lookout on friendly terms and signed with Reprise Records whos producer was Rob Cavallo. After signing with Cavello many punk rock fans of Green Day took them as sellouts.
In February,1994 the band released their first album with Reprise "Dookie", and only after 3 weeks the album became a commercial success, helped by MTV which showed the videos for "Longview", "Basket Case"([lyrics were based on Armstrongs "panic attacks"]http://youtube.com/watch?v=XKOwGffqlbM) and "When I Come Around". Later that same year Green Day embarked on a nationwide tour with queercore guest band Pansy Division who were their opening acts in the shows. During the show a security gaurd mistook Dirnt for a stage invading fan and punched out some of his teeth. Millions saw it on via pay per view television which aided Green Days publicity and recognition and also helped pushed their album to diamond status. In 1995 Dookie was awarded Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album of the Year.
In the fall of 1995 their new album was released named "Insomniac", being alot darker then there recent more pop album Dookie. Insomniac recieved 4/5 stars from Rolling Stones Magazine, and its singles were "Geek Stink Breath", "Brain Stew/Jaded", "Walking Condradiction"(lyrics warning the effects of drugs) and "Stuck With Me"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE4oVTdPY9U). The album was not as popular as there album Dookie but still sold seven million copies in the US.
After taking a break from exhaustion in 1966, Green Day started their next album in 1967. The band and Cavallo both agreed they needed something new and different from their recent albums and came up with Nimrod. Nimrod was a more pop punk then the recent more hard punk albums, it was released in October, 1997. They even added an acoustic ballad called "Good Riddance(Time Of Your Life)"( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zEJ5m429AI) which showed people undergoing major changes in their lives. The other singles released from Nimrod were "Nice Guys Finish Last"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAj7DcSQeWY&feature=related), "Hitchin A Ride" and "Redundant".
In 2000 the group released the album "Warning", a step forward with their new kind of music All Music Guide gave them 4.5/5 stars, but Rolling Stone Magazine gave them 3/5 stars. "Who wants to listen to faith, hope and social commentary from what used to be snot-nosed biggest-selling band ever?" says Rolling Stone Magazine. Although it produced the single "Minority"( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW_H7hF8rYI) and an even smaller hit "Warning" Green Days popularity was faltering with only a gold status unlike their recent albums that had at least double platinum.
In 2001 they released a few albums with their recent hits and were won 8 awards they were nominated for such as Outstanding Male Vocalist, Outstanding Group, Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Song Writer, and a few others. In 2002 the group co-headlines with Blink-182 in the Pop Disaster Tour. Even though they were co-headlined Green Day played first at each show. The tour was documented on the DVD "Riding In Vans With Boys".
During the summer of 2003 the band went into a studio to write and record new material for the next album named "Ciggarettes and Valentines". After writing about 20 tracks there tapes were stolen overnight from the studio, the band was upset but decided not to rewrite it. They created all new material vowing to be even better then last. Later in the year the band went under serious theropy undergoing a few long talks from Cool and Dirnt who said Armstrong was being "the bands Nazi" and taking the limelight from the them.
Their 2004 album American Idiot was their first album to hit #1, it also won the 2005 Grammy for "Best Rock Album" with a mention for the song "Jesus of Suburbia"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbmZw2croxI). Through 2005 they toured in support of the album, going through Japan, The UK, South America, and Australia. While touring they recorded two of there shows at Milton Keynes National Bowl in England which was called "The Best Show On Earth" in a Kerrang! magazine. These recordings were released as a CD and DVD called "Bullet In a Bible" which featured hits from American Idiot and previous albums. It also had footage of the band preparing before the show and how they put on the show.
In September 2006 Green Day teamed up with U2 and producer Rick Rubin to record a cover song of "The Saints Are Comming", originally recorded by the Skids. The song was to benefit Music Rising which is an organization to help raise money for musicians who lost their instruments in Hurricane Katrina. Green Day released a cover song of "Working Class Hero" ,originally from John Lennon, that was featured on the album "Instant Karma". The Band performed the song on the season finale of "American Idol". Also in 2006 Green Day won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for the song "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxfpMGLMZ7Y) that was on the album American Idiot. That summer the band appeared in a cameo role in The Simpsons Movie where they performed the movies theme song. Their version was released July 24, 2007.
In an interview with Kerrang Armstrong revealed that in 2008 there is a fair estimate that their new album would be released. In October Armstrong also revealed that he has been working more on the piano for his new material and he has about 45 songs ready. He said he wants the new music to dig into whats hes feeling more and more lately, middle-age. They have just started recording it all this January.
Most fans say they are a new wave punk and compare them to earlier punk bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and several others. The mojority of their songs are composed of fast beat, distorted guitar, manic drums, and lower heavy bass(mostly the newer ones). Armstrong has mentioned that a few of his influences are semi alternative bands such as The Replacements and Husker Du. In fact a few of their songs were based on other bands songs.
Beginning with there major album Dookie, Green Day has recieved alot of criticism from those who see punk as more of a social movement then a type of music and look. With the release of American Idiot and millions of new fans alot of the criticism has been revived. More recently Oasis guitarists Noel Gallagher accused the band of ripping off his song "Wonderwall" for their song "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAPtTS0TYtU). One of the more continuous criticism is the genre labeling. Many fans believe that due to there music and background Green Day are "posers" of punk. A comment issued by John Lydon, former frontman of the 1970's Sex Pistols: "So there we are fending off all that and it pisses me off that years later a wank outfit like Green Day hop in and nick all that and attach it to themselves. They didn't earn their wings to do that and if they were true punk they wouldn't look anything like they do." A few more artists have commented on how they go and play American Idiot over in England and they aren't taking it the same way punk should be meant.
I think their music is fun to listen to and they diffinately stand out which is what all bands need and want. They make their point in their lyrics, they are also very loyal to there record dealers and to each other sticking together through it all. Good job Green Day.
Larry Livermore, owner of Lookout! Records, signed the group to his label after watching an earlier show. In 1989 they recorded their first extended play called 1,000 Hours, but before it was released they changed there name to avoid confusion with a local band called Sweet Baby. So, due to their liking of marijuana, they changed their name to Green Day. Very soon after their name was changed Lookout! Records released their first album 39/Smooth early in 1990. While the album was being sold I.R.S Records tried signing a deal with the group, but Green Day replied with a turndown to them making it very clear they were loyal to Lookout! Records, and that I.R.S was a "cheesy and washed-up" label. In late 1990, a little while after the bands first Nationwide tour, Sonbrante left the band to attend college, Tre Cool is Sonbrante's replacement.
Through 1992 and 1993 the band went on tour through the US and most of Europe, shortly after there second full length album Kerplunk was released and sold 50,000 copies in the US alone. Kerplunks succes aroused interest to many record labels, and soon after Green Day left Lookout on friendly terms and signed with Reprise Records whos producer was Rob Cavallo. After signing with Cavello many punk rock fans of Green Day took them as sellouts.
In February,1994 the band released their first album with Reprise "Dookie", and only after 3 weeks the album became a commercial success, helped by MTV which showed the videos for "Longview", "Basket Case"([lyrics were based on Armstrongs "panic attacks"]http://youtube.com/watch?v=XKOwGffqlbM) and "When I Come Around". Later that same year Green Day embarked on a nationwide tour with queercore guest band Pansy Division who were their opening acts in the shows. During the show a security gaurd mistook Dirnt for a stage invading fan and punched out some of his teeth. Millions saw it on via pay per view television which aided Green Days publicity and recognition and also helped pushed their album to diamond status. In 1995 Dookie was awarded Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album of the Year.
In the fall of 1995 their new album was released named "Insomniac", being alot darker then there recent more pop album Dookie. Insomniac recieved 4/5 stars from Rolling Stones Magazine, and its singles were "Geek Stink Breath", "Brain Stew/Jaded", "Walking Condradiction"(lyrics warning the effects of drugs) and "Stuck With Me"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE4oVTdPY9U). The album was not as popular as there album Dookie but still sold seven million copies in the US.
After taking a break from exhaustion in 1966, Green Day started their next album in 1967. The band and Cavallo both agreed they needed something new and different from their recent albums and came up with Nimrod. Nimrod was a more pop punk then the recent more hard punk albums, it was released in October, 1997. They even added an acoustic ballad called "Good Riddance(Time Of Your Life)"( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zEJ5m429AI) which showed people undergoing major changes in their lives. The other singles released from Nimrod were "Nice Guys Finish Last"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAj7DcSQeWY&feature=related), "Hitchin A Ride" and "Redundant".
In 2000 the group released the album "Warning", a step forward with their new kind of music All Music Guide gave them 4.5/5 stars, but Rolling Stone Magazine gave them 3/5 stars. "Who wants to listen to faith, hope and social commentary from what used to be snot-nosed biggest-selling band ever?" says Rolling Stone Magazine. Although it produced the single "Minority"( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW_H7hF8rYI) and an even smaller hit "Warning" Green Days popularity was faltering with only a gold status unlike their recent albums that had at least double platinum.
In 2001 they released a few albums with their recent hits and were won 8 awards they were nominated for such as Outstanding Male Vocalist, Outstanding Group, Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Song Writer, and a few others. In 2002 the group co-headlines with Blink-182 in the Pop Disaster Tour. Even though they were co-headlined Green Day played first at each show. The tour was documented on the DVD "Riding In Vans With Boys".
During the summer of 2003 the band went into a studio to write and record new material for the next album named "Ciggarettes and Valentines". After writing about 20 tracks there tapes were stolen overnight from the studio, the band was upset but decided not to rewrite it. They created all new material vowing to be even better then last. Later in the year the band went under serious theropy undergoing a few long talks from Cool and Dirnt who said Armstrong was being "the bands Nazi" and taking the limelight from the them.
Their 2004 album American Idiot was their first album to hit #1, it also won the 2005 Grammy for "Best Rock Album" with a mention for the song "Jesus of Suburbia"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbmZw2croxI). Through 2005 they toured in support of the album, going through Japan, The UK, South America, and Australia. While touring they recorded two of there shows at Milton Keynes National Bowl in England which was called "The Best Show On Earth" in a Kerrang! magazine. These recordings were released as a CD and DVD called "Bullet In a Bible" which featured hits from American Idiot and previous albums. It also had footage of the band preparing before the show and how they put on the show.
In September 2006 Green Day teamed up with U2 and producer Rick Rubin to record a cover song of "The Saints Are Comming", originally recorded by the Skids. The song was to benefit Music Rising which is an organization to help raise money for musicians who lost their instruments in Hurricane Katrina. Green Day released a cover song of "Working Class Hero" ,originally from John Lennon, that was featured on the album "Instant Karma". The Band performed the song on the season finale of "American Idol". Also in 2006 Green Day won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for the song "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxfpMGLMZ7Y) that was on the album American Idiot. That summer the band appeared in a cameo role in The Simpsons Movie where they performed the movies theme song. Their version was released July 24, 2007.
In an interview with Kerrang Armstrong revealed that in 2008 there is a fair estimate that their new album would be released. In October Armstrong also revealed that he has been working more on the piano for his new material and he has about 45 songs ready. He said he wants the new music to dig into whats hes feeling more and more lately, middle-age. They have just started recording it all this January.
Most fans say they are a new wave punk and compare them to earlier punk bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and several others. The mojority of their songs are composed of fast beat, distorted guitar, manic drums, and lower heavy bass(mostly the newer ones). Armstrong has mentioned that a few of his influences are semi alternative bands such as The Replacements and Husker Du. In fact a few of their songs were based on other bands songs.
Beginning with there major album Dookie, Green Day has recieved alot of criticism from those who see punk as more of a social movement then a type of music and look. With the release of American Idiot and millions of new fans alot of the criticism has been revived. More recently Oasis guitarists Noel Gallagher accused the band of ripping off his song "Wonderwall" for their song "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAPtTS0TYtU). One of the more continuous criticism is the genre labeling. Many fans believe that due to there music and background Green Day are "posers" of punk. A comment issued by John Lydon, former frontman of the 1970's Sex Pistols: "So there we are fending off all that and it pisses me off that years later a wank outfit like Green Day hop in and nick all that and attach it to themselves. They didn't earn their wings to do that and if they were true punk they wouldn't look anything like they do." A few more artists have commented on how they go and play American Idiot over in England and they aren't taking it the same way punk should be meant.
I think their music is fun to listen to and they diffinately stand out which is what all bands need and want. They make their point in their lyrics, they are also very loyal to there record dealers and to each other sticking together through it all. Good job Green Day.
Monday, January 28, 2008
AC/DC
Ac/Dc is a hard rock band from Australia formed from 1973 to the now present day. Although many fans call them hard rock and heavy metal, the band themselves say they are Rock N Roll.
In 1966 the Young family moved to Sydney, Australia, where the 3 brothers George, Angus, and Malcolm learned to play guitar, George being the first. George joined a group called the Easybeats a succsessful band in Australia in the 1960's. Malcolm soon after joined a band from New South Wales called The Velvet Underground(not the group from New York).
In 1973 Angus and Malcolm formed their band recruiting Larry Kriedt for bassist, Dave Evans for vocalist, and Colin Bergus as precussion. They then named there band AC/DC after seeing that symbol on there sisters sewing machine, it stands for alternating current/direct current. The group thought the name would symbolize there raw energy and new music and so from there on they were AC/DC.
The group played their first gig on NewYearsEve, 1973. Later they were signed to EMI for Australia and New Zealand. There lineup on players changed frequently the first year, Burgess was the first member fired and after that they had several other drummers. Evans was not suitable for the band, thinking he was too glamorous then needed, he was fired also. Evans was replaced by their first manager Dennis Laughlin. Laughlin was later replaced in 1974 by Ronald Scott a good friend of George, who was with the band from 1974-1980. Their first single with Scott was "Can I Sit Next To You Girl"(http://youtube.com/watch?v=biaGJ_4rEzE). 1975 their first album "High Voltage" was recorded. Within a few months the groups lineup had stabalized with Scott, the bassist Mark Evans, drummer Phil Rudd, and the Young brothers. Later in the year they came out with the single "Its a Long Way to the Top(If You Wana Rock N Roll)" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=H1iR2Wi3u5o). Between 1974 and 1977 they were broadcasted on a T.V show called Countdown, their last performance on the show was April 3, 1977. In 1976 they signed an international deal with Atlantic Records and toured through Europe. Their first album to go worldwide had songs taken from "High Voltage" and "T.N.T", the album sold 3 million copys worldwide. Their next album "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" was released in the same year for Europe, and released in 1981 for the US. In 1977 Mark Evans was fired due to personal issues with Angus, he was replaced by Cliff Williams who was also backup vocals.
In 1978 they released Powerage with Williams there for the first time, and started Let There Be Rock, only one single was released with Powerage, "Rock N Roll Damnation"(http://youtube.com/watch?v=i__LRINO2oI). In the same year they released "If You Want Blood, You've Got It". In 1979 their sixth album Highway To Hell was released, it was number 17# out of 100# in the US, the final track "Night Prowler" was very popular intended to give that tone of feer and eeryness.(http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hruhe6n7Stk)
February 19, 1980 Scott died of heavy consumption of alcohol poisoning, his family buried him in Fremantle, Australia, where they moved when he was a child. The band considered quitting but after thinking that Scott would want them to go on. There were many auditions for his replacement, Brian Johnson sang Whole Lotta Rosie and Ike and Tina Turners "Nutbush City Limits", and few days later they hired him. With Johnson they finished recording there album they started with Scott "Back In Black". It became there biggest selling album with hits including "Hells Bells" and "You Shook Me All Night" where it reached #1 in the UK and #4 in the US. Also sold well there follow up album in 1981 For Those About To Rock We Salute You reached #13 in US and #15 in the UK.
Phil Rudd and Malcolm Young's dislike for each other got worse and worse which made them fight. Two hours after the fight Rudd was fired, although they recorded most of the drum track for their next album he was replaced by Simon Wright after an anonymous audition. Although their next two albums weren't as successful in 1988 they were put in the Australian Recording Industry Association's Hall of Fame. While on there worldwide tour in 1988 Malcolm announced he was taking time off touring to recover from his alcoholism, his younger brother Stevie Young took his place for that time. After the tour Wright left the group to work on the Dio album, and was replaced by Chris Slade. Johnson was unavaible while fianlising his divorce, which left the young brothers to right the songs for their next album. The next album, Razors Edge, was produced by Bruce Fairbairn(who recently worked with Aerosmith and Bon Jovi), and the album was released in 1990 which renewed their old popularity. The album featured UK's top twenty single "Heatseeker" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=GP5Z999-8jQ). In 1991 AC/DC recorded Big Gun for the sountrack of the movie Last Action Hero starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and was made number #1 single in the US.
In 1994 Rudd was invited back into the band replacing Slade who didnt do much for them. In 1995 with the old group back together again they release BallBreaker which was recorded in California. Through 1997-2000 they made a few singles for movies, and in 2000 their 16th album, Stiff Upper Lip, was released. The album reached #1 in Argentina and Germany including three others, #2 in Spain, Switzerland and France, #3 in Australia, and so on.
In 2002 the band signed a multi-album, long term deal with Sony Music, who then released a long series of remastered albums. In March 2003 AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, "In the beginning man didn't know about Rock N Roll show and all that jive. The white man had the schmaltz, the black man had the blues, but no one knew what they were gonna do but Tchaikovsky had the news, he said: 'let there be rock'". Malcolm announced Scott wrote that and in his name its a real honor to accept these awards. In May,2003 Malcolm Young recieved a Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Service to Australian Music at the Music Winners Award where he payed tribute to Bon Scott. On October 1, 2004 a central Melbourne thoroughfare, Corporation Lane was renamed in honor of the band where they recorded the video for the 1975 hit "Its a Long Way to the Top(If You Wana Rock N Roll)". Starting January 2006 the band will be recording a new album, with all new songs and footage. Malcolm says "its gotta be perfect". With the Young brothers working on the new lyrics for new songs the album should be out sooner or later. Latest thing to happen is October 2007 where Columbia Records released a DVD called Plug Me In. It consists of 5 hours of rare footage from their old days some even showing Bon Scott.
Many have been influenced from this band and some still are. I think their music is original even now as they're improving it. Although it's more older music I enjoy listening to more of there older albums although the newer ones are still great.
In 1966 the Young family moved to Sydney, Australia, where the 3 brothers George, Angus, and Malcolm learned to play guitar, George being the first. George joined a group called the Easybeats a succsessful band in Australia in the 1960's. Malcolm soon after joined a band from New South Wales called The Velvet Underground(not the group from New York).
In 1973 Angus and Malcolm formed their band recruiting Larry Kriedt for bassist, Dave Evans for vocalist, and Colin Bergus as precussion. They then named there band AC/DC after seeing that symbol on there sisters sewing machine, it stands for alternating current/direct current. The group thought the name would symbolize there raw energy and new music and so from there on they were AC/DC.
The group played their first gig on NewYearsEve, 1973. Later they were signed to EMI for Australia and New Zealand. There lineup on players changed frequently the first year, Burgess was the first member fired and after that they had several other drummers. Evans was not suitable for the band, thinking he was too glamorous then needed, he was fired also. Evans was replaced by their first manager Dennis Laughlin. Laughlin was later replaced in 1974 by Ronald Scott a good friend of George, who was with the band from 1974-1980. Their first single with Scott was "Can I Sit Next To You Girl"(http://youtube.com/watch?v=biaGJ_4rEzE). 1975 their first album "High Voltage" was recorded. Within a few months the groups lineup had stabalized with Scott, the bassist Mark Evans, drummer Phil Rudd, and the Young brothers. Later in the year they came out with the single "Its a Long Way to the Top(If You Wana Rock N Roll)" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=H1iR2Wi3u5o). Between 1974 and 1977 they were broadcasted on a T.V show called Countdown, their last performance on the show was April 3, 1977. In 1976 they signed an international deal with Atlantic Records and toured through Europe. Their first album to go worldwide had songs taken from "High Voltage" and "T.N.T", the album sold 3 million copys worldwide. Their next album "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" was released in the same year for Europe, and released in 1981 for the US. In 1977 Mark Evans was fired due to personal issues with Angus, he was replaced by Cliff Williams who was also backup vocals.
In 1978 they released Powerage with Williams there for the first time, and started Let There Be Rock, only one single was released with Powerage, "Rock N Roll Damnation"(http://youtube.com/watch?v=i__LRINO2oI). In the same year they released "If You Want Blood, You've Got It". In 1979 their sixth album Highway To Hell was released, it was number 17# out of 100# in the US, the final track "Night Prowler" was very popular intended to give that tone of feer and eeryness.(http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hruhe6n7Stk)
February 19, 1980 Scott died of heavy consumption of alcohol poisoning, his family buried him in Fremantle, Australia, where they moved when he was a child. The band considered quitting but after thinking that Scott would want them to go on. There were many auditions for his replacement, Brian Johnson sang Whole Lotta Rosie and Ike and Tina Turners "Nutbush City Limits", and few days later they hired him. With Johnson they finished recording there album they started with Scott "Back In Black". It became there biggest selling album with hits including "Hells Bells" and "You Shook Me All Night" where it reached #1 in the UK and #4 in the US. Also sold well there follow up album in 1981 For Those About To Rock We Salute You reached #13 in US and #15 in the UK.
Phil Rudd and Malcolm Young's dislike for each other got worse and worse which made them fight. Two hours after the fight Rudd was fired, although they recorded most of the drum track for their next album he was replaced by Simon Wright after an anonymous audition. Although their next two albums weren't as successful in 1988 they were put in the Australian Recording Industry Association's Hall of Fame. While on there worldwide tour in 1988 Malcolm announced he was taking time off touring to recover from his alcoholism, his younger brother Stevie Young took his place for that time. After the tour Wright left the group to work on the Dio album, and was replaced by Chris Slade. Johnson was unavaible while fianlising his divorce, which left the young brothers to right the songs for their next album. The next album, Razors Edge, was produced by Bruce Fairbairn(who recently worked with Aerosmith and Bon Jovi), and the album was released in 1990 which renewed their old popularity. The album featured UK's top twenty single "Heatseeker" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=GP5Z999-8jQ). In 1991 AC/DC recorded Big Gun for the sountrack of the movie Last Action Hero starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and was made number #1 single in the US.
In 1994 Rudd was invited back into the band replacing Slade who didnt do much for them. In 1995 with the old group back together again they release BallBreaker which was recorded in California. Through 1997-2000 they made a few singles for movies, and in 2000 their 16th album, Stiff Upper Lip, was released. The album reached #1 in Argentina and Germany including three others, #2 in Spain, Switzerland and France, #3 in Australia, and so on.
In 2002 the band signed a multi-album, long term deal with Sony Music, who then released a long series of remastered albums. In March 2003 AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, "In the beginning man didn't know about Rock N Roll show and all that jive. The white man had the schmaltz, the black man had the blues, but no one knew what they were gonna do but Tchaikovsky had the news, he said: 'let there be rock'". Malcolm announced Scott wrote that and in his name its a real honor to accept these awards. In May,2003 Malcolm Young recieved a Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Service to Australian Music at the Music Winners Award where he payed tribute to Bon Scott. On October 1, 2004 a central Melbourne thoroughfare, Corporation Lane was renamed in honor of the band where they recorded the video for the 1975 hit "Its a Long Way to the Top(If You Wana Rock N Roll)". Starting January 2006 the band will be recording a new album, with all new songs and footage. Malcolm says "its gotta be perfect". With the Young brothers working on the new lyrics for new songs the album should be out sooner or later. Latest thing to happen is October 2007 where Columbia Records released a DVD called Plug Me In. It consists of 5 hours of rare footage from their old days some even showing Bon Scott.
Many have been influenced from this band and some still are. I think their music is original even now as they're improving it. Although it's more older music I enjoy listening to more of there older albums although the newer ones are still great.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground was a first American rock/punk band that was mostly active from 1965-1973(although was off and on for years later). Although the band has had many different players Lou Reed and John Cale were the most active and longest players. They were known by one of the most influential and important groups of there era. There music inspired many who heard to start there own bands with genres including Experimental, Postpunk, New Wave, and Gothic Rock.
In 1964 Lou Reed performed with a few garage bands although they never lasted long. A little later Reed met John Cale, a Welshman, who moved to the United States to study music. Although he was more of a classical man he was also interested in Rock. Reed and John talked alot about droning sounds and using guitar in a style to create that sound. They rehearsed it together and finding there similiar interests began the early stages of the Velvet Underground. Reed and Cale recruited Sterling Morrison, an old classmate of Reeds, to their band to play guitar. Also recruting Angus Maclise to percussion. They called themselves Warlocks and later Falling Spikes. The Velvet Underground was a book about the sexual underground of the early 60's by Michael Leigh that Reed picked up and read. The group liked the name and the concept changing their previous Falling Spikes to The Velvet Underground. They then came out with the song Venus in Furs.(http://youtube.com/watch?v=AwzaifhSw2c&feature=related)
The new announced Velvet Underground performed alot in New York City being a more relaxed group, which would change later. In July 1965 they recorded a demo tape that never became much although in 1995 it was released on the box set and named Peel Slowly and See. When the group recieved 75$ for performing at a highschool in Summit, New Jersey, Maclise left the group considering it a sellout. Maclise was replaced by Moe(Maureen) Tucker. Her playing on percussion was unusual: she would play on tom toms and an upturned bass drum, using mallets as dumsticks and never really played the cymbals. One time when her drums were stolen at a performance she used garbage cans. Her unusual methods aroused a few people which earned them a regular playing gig.
Andy Warhol became the bands manager in 1965 and suggested they let Nico a singer born in Germany contribute in several songs. By having Warhol as there manager they gained an even higher reputation. Warhol helped secure the group a record contract with MGM's Verve Records, with Warhol as the producer. Warhol set up roadshows that traveled and played for several months first playing in NewYorkCity then traveling through the United states and Canada. Eventually their last installment ended in May 1967.
After Warhol pressuring Nico into the band they released there record The Velvet Underground and Nico in March 1967 at the Verve Records. A few different songs showcased their dynamic range such as "Heroin" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=6xcwt9mSbYE), "Run Run Run" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=4Bp-ihtgzdE), "I'm Waiting for the Man" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=1UpFGoJHwLI) and many more.
The Velvet Underground performed live often and there music became louder and harsher more and more. Cale had reported that this early in time The Velvet Undergound was one of few to recieve an endorsment from Vox. With there new producer Tom Wilson, Cale started playing more piano in there new record WhiteLight/WhiteHeat. There were a few different types of songs some noisy ones such as "SisterRay" "I Heard Her Call My Name" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=vX_huSGJDFY), and some more darkly ones like "The Gift". The record was released January 30, 1968. However the group was tired of recieving little recognition for its work and Reed and Cale were pulling them in different directions. Two pop like songs in Reeds direction and a few more droning songs in Cales direction.
There was often a struggle between Reed and Cale, Reed never agreed with Cales experimental music saying it could cost them but Cale said they needed something new. Before any work on their third album Cale was kicked out of the band and was replaced by Doug Yule. The Velvet Underground was recorded in the late 1968 and released in 1969. With Yules new influence on new equipment the group started playing with 12 string guitars which gave there new album a more folkish tune. In 1969 most of there time was on the road, not feeling at home in New York City, making music that will never be released because of disputes from there record companys. Also in 1969 Mike Curb president of MGM wanted to purge any drug-or hippie related bands and The Velvet were on the list. Atlantic records signed the Velvet's final studio album with Reed. From Atlantics request the new album was called Loaded because it was loaded with there hits including "Sweet Jane" and "Rock and Roll". (http://youtube.com/watch?v=lzm5NUg-8Tc)
In August, 1970 Reed quit the band due to no progress being made and always being pressured by their manager Steve Sesnick. Every time Lou Reed saw the album Loaded in stores he would say bitterly, "I left them an album with the hits I made". Reed was most bitter about how they alternated some of his songs.
Now having Yule as LeadVocals/guitarist and Willie Alexander as backupvocals/keyboard, The Velvet Underground played shows in England/Wales/and Netherlands. Some of the bands were dissapointed with the new written songs and their new name "Velveteen Underground".
In 1972 Atlantic released Live At Max's Kansas City a live bootleg version of the Velvet Underground's final performance with Reed. Meanwhile with Yules group Sesnick secured a contract with Polydor Records in England, and fired Tucker, Powers, and Alexander. After sending them back to the US Yule recorded the new album Squeeze under his name with a few assistance musicians. After the lineup of the new album a tour was scheduled through the UK, Sesnick left the band right before the tour started, leaving Yule to pull the plug when the tour ended in December. In February of 1973 the album Squeeze was released, in Europe only, which recieved terrible reviews. Although Yule ended the Velvet's in 1972, in 1973 a cover band with Doug Yule, Billy Yule, George Kay, and Don Silverman played in New England. Their manager misleadingly billed them as the Velvet Underground. The band objected the the billing and parted there ways with manager.
Meanwhile in 1972 Reed, Cale and Nico teamed up to play a few concerts in Paris and London. Besides that Reed and Cale developed solo careers, and Morrison became a teacher of Literature at the University of Texas. Tucker rasied a family before contributing in a few small gigs and recordings in the 1980's. In July 1988 Nico died of a cerebral hemorrhage following a bycicle accident. In 1990 Reed and Cale released Songs for Drella dedicated to Andy Warhol who had recently passed away. Before that album the Reed and Cale had not worked together for what seemed decades. After fans saw the album there were rumors of reunion of the Velvet Underground fueled by Morrison, Cale, Reed and Tucker playing Heroin in France as an encore the to new album. The foursome reunited as The Velvet Underground and had a tour through England. After the success of there first tour in England they proposed a few tours in the US. Although before any of the Us tours could happen Reed and Cale left again breaking up the band once more. On August 1995 Sterling Morrison died of lymphoma. It seems the band was really over forever but shockingly Cale and Reed put there disputes aside due to being placed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Reed, Cale and Tucker played at the ceromony a song written for Morrison called "Last Night I said Goodbye to My Friend". (http://youtube.com/watch?v=_bPH26aNltQ)
The band still exists in New York with a based partnership managing the financial aspects for the band members. No performances will be played, thus the end of the band Velvet Underground.
I think their music was original, catchy and very influential with there droning sounds and additions never heard before.
In 1964 Lou Reed performed with a few garage bands although they never lasted long. A little later Reed met John Cale, a Welshman, who moved to the United States to study music. Although he was more of a classical man he was also interested in Rock. Reed and John talked alot about droning sounds and using guitar in a style to create that sound. They rehearsed it together and finding there similiar interests began the early stages of the Velvet Underground. Reed and Cale recruited Sterling Morrison, an old classmate of Reeds, to their band to play guitar. Also recruting Angus Maclise to percussion. They called themselves Warlocks and later Falling Spikes. The Velvet Underground was a book about the sexual underground of the early 60's by Michael Leigh that Reed picked up and read. The group liked the name and the concept changing their previous Falling Spikes to The Velvet Underground. They then came out with the song Venus in Furs.(http://youtube.com/watch?v=AwzaifhSw2c&feature=related)
The new announced Velvet Underground performed alot in New York City being a more relaxed group, which would change later. In July 1965 they recorded a demo tape that never became much although in 1995 it was released on the box set and named Peel Slowly and See. When the group recieved 75$ for performing at a highschool in Summit, New Jersey, Maclise left the group considering it a sellout. Maclise was replaced by Moe(Maureen) Tucker. Her playing on percussion was unusual: she would play on tom toms and an upturned bass drum, using mallets as dumsticks and never really played the cymbals. One time when her drums were stolen at a performance she used garbage cans. Her unusual methods aroused a few people which earned them a regular playing gig.
Andy Warhol became the bands manager in 1965 and suggested they let Nico a singer born in Germany contribute in several songs. By having Warhol as there manager they gained an even higher reputation. Warhol helped secure the group a record contract with MGM's Verve Records, with Warhol as the producer. Warhol set up roadshows that traveled and played for several months first playing in NewYorkCity then traveling through the United states and Canada. Eventually their last installment ended in May 1967.
After Warhol pressuring Nico into the band they released there record The Velvet Underground and Nico in March 1967 at the Verve Records. A few different songs showcased their dynamic range such as "Heroin" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=6xcwt9mSbYE), "Run Run Run" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=4Bp-ihtgzdE), "I'm Waiting for the Man" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=1UpFGoJHwLI) and many more.
The Velvet Underground performed live often and there music became louder and harsher more and more. Cale had reported that this early in time The Velvet Undergound was one of few to recieve an endorsment from Vox. With there new producer Tom Wilson, Cale started playing more piano in there new record WhiteLight/WhiteHeat. There were a few different types of songs some noisy ones such as "SisterRay" "I Heard Her Call My Name" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=vX_huSGJDFY), and some more darkly ones like "The Gift". The record was released January 30, 1968. However the group was tired of recieving little recognition for its work and Reed and Cale were pulling them in different directions. Two pop like songs in Reeds direction and a few more droning songs in Cales direction.
There was often a struggle between Reed and Cale, Reed never agreed with Cales experimental music saying it could cost them but Cale said they needed something new. Before any work on their third album Cale was kicked out of the band and was replaced by Doug Yule. The Velvet Underground was recorded in the late 1968 and released in 1969. With Yules new influence on new equipment the group started playing with 12 string guitars which gave there new album a more folkish tune. In 1969 most of there time was on the road, not feeling at home in New York City, making music that will never be released because of disputes from there record companys. Also in 1969 Mike Curb president of MGM wanted to purge any drug-or hippie related bands and The Velvet were on the list. Atlantic records signed the Velvet's final studio album with Reed. From Atlantics request the new album was called Loaded because it was loaded with there hits including "Sweet Jane" and "Rock and Roll". (http://youtube.com/watch?v=lzm5NUg-8Tc)
In August, 1970 Reed quit the band due to no progress being made and always being pressured by their manager Steve Sesnick. Every time Lou Reed saw the album Loaded in stores he would say bitterly, "I left them an album with the hits I made". Reed was most bitter about how they alternated some of his songs.
Now having Yule as LeadVocals/guitarist and Willie Alexander as backupvocals/keyboard, The Velvet Underground played shows in England/Wales/and Netherlands. Some of the bands were dissapointed with the new written songs and their new name "Velveteen Underground".
In 1972 Atlantic released Live At Max's Kansas City a live bootleg version of the Velvet Underground's final performance with Reed. Meanwhile with Yules group Sesnick secured a contract with Polydor Records in England, and fired Tucker, Powers, and Alexander. After sending them back to the US Yule recorded the new album Squeeze under his name with a few assistance musicians. After the lineup of the new album a tour was scheduled through the UK, Sesnick left the band right before the tour started, leaving Yule to pull the plug when the tour ended in December. In February of 1973 the album Squeeze was released, in Europe only, which recieved terrible reviews. Although Yule ended the Velvet's in 1972, in 1973 a cover band with Doug Yule, Billy Yule, George Kay, and Don Silverman played in New England. Their manager misleadingly billed them as the Velvet Underground. The band objected the the billing and parted there ways with manager.
Meanwhile in 1972 Reed, Cale and Nico teamed up to play a few concerts in Paris and London. Besides that Reed and Cale developed solo careers, and Morrison became a teacher of Literature at the University of Texas. Tucker rasied a family before contributing in a few small gigs and recordings in the 1980's. In July 1988 Nico died of a cerebral hemorrhage following a bycicle accident. In 1990 Reed and Cale released Songs for Drella dedicated to Andy Warhol who had recently passed away. Before that album the Reed and Cale had not worked together for what seemed decades. After fans saw the album there were rumors of reunion of the Velvet Underground fueled by Morrison, Cale, Reed and Tucker playing Heroin in France as an encore the to new album. The foursome reunited as The Velvet Underground and had a tour through England. After the success of there first tour in England they proposed a few tours in the US. Although before any of the Us tours could happen Reed and Cale left again breaking up the band once more. On August 1995 Sterling Morrison died of lymphoma. It seems the band was really over forever but shockingly Cale and Reed put there disputes aside due to being placed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Reed, Cale and Tucker played at the ceromony a song written for Morrison called "Last Night I said Goodbye to My Friend". (http://youtube.com/watch?v=_bPH26aNltQ)
The band still exists in New York with a based partnership managing the financial aspects for the band members. No performances will be played, thus the end of the band Velvet Underground.
I think their music was original, catchy and very influential with there droning sounds and additions never heard before.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Ike Turner
Born as Izear Turner on November 5th, 1932 in Clarksville Mississippi. As early as the age of eleven Ike played the blues on the piano known as boogie woogie. Also learning to play guitar as well. By 1945 as a teenager he played disc jockey on the radio station WROX in Clarksville. In 1951 Ike joined a band named The Kings of Rhythm, with Jackie Brenston, where he played in the piana in the song "Rocket 88"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbfnh1oVTk0) known as one of the first Rock N Roll Records because of its fast beat and addition of the guitar. Here and there Ike contributed to records by Blues players Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, and Otis Rush. (Also becoming a talent scout for Howlin' Wolf)
In East Louis, 1956, he met Anna Mae Bullock, Anna was still 18 and in highschool when she joined the group The Rhythm Kings as a singer and later was put in the horns section. Ike and Tina soon grew a personal relationship and was married(which was illegal considering Ike never divorced his first wife) in 1958 changing Anna's name to Tina Turner. From there Tina was the star and they renamed there group The Ike and Tina Turner Revue.
In 1961 Ike and Tina released many singles including "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" which made them extremely popular in England. With Tinas prancing and thrilling voice they changed from R&B to top pop-rock with singles like "Want to Take You Higher", "The Midnight Special" and more.
Ike and Tina became world wide when they joined the Rolling Stones in 1969, which turned there music into even more Rock.
But Ike had many problems off stage, being a drug addict he abused his wife and children, Tina walked out on him in 1975.
Not much later Ike was put in prison for 18 months when he was discovered in pocession of cocaine. Ike and Tina Revue was put into the the Rock N Roll hall of fame in 1991(he was in prison at the time so he had to miss the ceremony). In 2001 Ike released his first commercial album in 23 years "Here and Now", which later got the Grammy Award of Best Traditional Blues Music. In 2002 he recieved the Comeback Album of the year award.
On December 12,2007 Ike died in San Marcos, California. No one really knew if there was any cause to his death although his wife Jeanette Bazzell mention he was suffering from emphysema. Nothing much is said from his past wife Tina Turner, but all others close to him will mourn and miss him.
In East Louis, 1956, he met Anna Mae Bullock, Anna was still 18 and in highschool when she joined the group The Rhythm Kings as a singer and later was put in the horns section. Ike and Tina soon grew a personal relationship and was married(which was illegal considering Ike never divorced his first wife) in 1958 changing Anna's name to Tina Turner. From there Tina was the star and they renamed there group The Ike and Tina Turner Revue.
In 1961 Ike and Tina released many singles including "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" which made them extremely popular in England. With Tinas prancing and thrilling voice they changed from R&B to top pop-rock with singles like "Want to Take You Higher", "The Midnight Special" and more.
Ike and Tina became world wide when they joined the Rolling Stones in 1969, which turned there music into even more Rock.
But Ike had many problems off stage, being a drug addict he abused his wife and children, Tina walked out on him in 1975.
Not much later Ike was put in prison for 18 months when he was discovered in pocession of cocaine. Ike and Tina Revue was put into the the Rock N Roll hall of fame in 1991(he was in prison at the time so he had to miss the ceremony). In 2001 Ike released his first commercial album in 23 years "Here and Now", which later got the Grammy Award of Best Traditional Blues Music. In 2002 he recieved the Comeback Album of the year award.
On December 12,2007 Ike died in San Marcos, California. No one really knew if there was any cause to his death although his wife Jeanette Bazzell mention he was suffering from emphysema. Nothing much is said from his past wife Tina Turner, but all others close to him will mourn and miss him.
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