Many people tuned into the BBC this morning were treated to a brand new song by Radiohead. The song is called “Harry Patch (In Memory Of) and is dedicated to the last remaining WWI veteran to fight in the trenches, who died on July 25th at the old age of 111. On Radiohead’s webspace, Thom Yorke recounts hearing an interview given by the veteran in which he detailed some of the horrors of trench warfare; an interview that left Yorke very moved and inspired to convey what he feels is an important anti-war sentiment that mankind cannot afford to forget. The song features a beautifully swelling arrangement of strings by Jonny Greenwood, quite similar in sound to those found in the score he penned for the hit film There Will be Blood.... [Read more]

Tens of thousands braved the torrential rains and ensuing mud-lakes to bring in the third day of music at All Points West Music Festival in Jersey City, New Jersey this past Sunday. Among other acts to entertain the soaking wet festival goers was Akron, Ohio’s famous blues-rock duo, the Black Keys. Clearly, this blogger is just using this recent show date as an excuse to call attention to a band that has quickly become one of America’s most respected acts. The stripped-down, two-man lineup of Dan Auerbach on guitar/vocals and Patrick Carney on the drums produces a no-holds-barred, rough and ready sound that is anything but austere. Carney’s drums are nothing short of a powerful explosion, filling out a barbaric string of rhythms... [Read more]

Filming has begun on the biographical account of the tumultuous rise to fame of the all-girl 70’s rock group, The Runaways. The movie is based on stories within original lead-singer Cherie Currie’s book ‘Neon Angel’ which is basically a collection of her experiences as a rock-star. The Runaways were founded by rhythm guitarist, Joan Jett, and drummer, Sandy West after individually attracting the attention of producer Kim Fowley. The lineup was completed when they added Lita Ford on lead guitar, Cherie Currie on Vocals and Jackie Fox on bass. The band was signed to Mercury Records in 1976 and releases their self-titled debut shortly after. After opening for bands such as Cheap Trick, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, The... [Read more]

It has been reported that legendary giutarist Eddie Van Halen is on the mend after undergoing surgery on his crucially important left hand. According to Van Halen, himself, the guitarist began to experience pain in his thumb and pinky finger towards the end of his band’s most recent tour. The pain got progressively worse until, about three months ago, both digits locked up completely and he was unable to play guitar at all. In fear of losing his legendary prowess on the six-string, Van Halen consulted hand specialists in Germany who, at first, began treating him for what was perceived to be severe arthritis. However, further examinations soon revealed that the musician was actually suffering from a bone spur, a twisted tendon and a small... [Read more]

On October 29th and 30th, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a pair of star-studded shows at Madison Square Garden. The likes of U2, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Metallica will all perform sets over the course of the two-night stand. All of these performers are also inductees into the hall with several of the shows featuring guest performances by many collaborating musicians. Rolling Stone magazine reported that Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin would be fronting a classic soul revue backed up by Paul Schaffer and the CBS Orchestra. General-public tickets will go on sale August 3rd, but chief sponsor American Express is offering cardholders an extravegant... [Read more]