#lyrics from believe in me todd rundgren

[oceancamp]

Rules: Write the first 10 songs that come up on shuffle (no skipping) and quote your favorite lyrics from each song, then tag 10 people    

tagged by @sheonlycaresaboutbands, thx!

1) Genesis - Watcher Of The Skies

Sadly now your thoughts turn to the stars Where we have gone you know you never can go Watcher of the skies watcher of all This is your fate alone, this fate is your own

2)  Motorhead - 1916

And I marched and I fought and I bled and I died, And I never did get any older, But I knew at the time that a year in the line, Is a long enough life for a soldier.

3)  Todd Rundgren - Zen Archer

Mountains of pain, Valleys of love, Death without life, And life without meaning To the promise kept and broken To the love that's never spoken Just as surely as I'm in your ears A dark figure slips from out of the shadow

4)  Iron Maiden - The Trooper

And as I lay there gazing at the sky My body's numb and my throat is dry And as I lay forgotten and alone Without a tear I draw my parting groan

5)  Yes - And You And I

I listened hard but could not see Life tempo change out and inside me. The preacher trained in all to lose his name; The teacher travels, asking to be shown the same. In the end, we’ll agree, we’ll accept, we’ll immortalise That the truth of the man maturing in his eyes, All complete in the sight of seeds of life with you.

6) Pearl Jam - Last Exit

Let the sun shine, burn 'way my mask Three days, and maybe longer Won't ever find me here Let the ocean dissolve 'way my past Four days, and not much longer

Let my spirit pass

7) Soundgarden - Mind Riot

And the candle was burning yesterday Like somebody's best friend died And I've been caught in a mind riot I'm tied within I'm luck's last match struck In the pouring down wind

8)  Guns N' Roses - You Could Be Mine

While you're breakin' down my back n' I been rackin' out my brain It don't matter how we make it 'Cause it always ends the same You can push it for more mileage But your flaps r' wearin' thin And I could sleep on it 'til mornin' But this nightmare never ends Don't forget to call my lawyers With ridiculous demands An you can take the pity so far But it's more than I can stand 'Cause this couchtrip's gettin' older Tell me how long has it been 'Cause 5 years is forever An you haven't grown up yet

9) The Rolling Stones - Time Waits For No One

Yes, star crossed in pleasure, the stream flows on by Yes, as we're sated in leisure, we watch it fly And time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me And time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me

10) Green Day - Jesus of Suburbia

Everyone’s so full of shit Born and raised by hipocrits Hearts recycled but never saved From the cradle to the grave We are the kids of war and peace From Anaheim to the Middle East We are the stories and disciples of The Jesus of suburbia Land of make believe And I don’t believe in me Land of make believe And I don’t believe And I don’t care! I don't care

tagging: @arcadegannonn, @nikki-sixx-suxx-dixx, @magnetic-storm, @rybak-vevo, @shadowsonoureyes, @that-gay-metalhead, @led-sbian, @mr-selfdestructx, @izzystradlinsyellowpants, @black-satin-dancer

[pupuplatters]

CRIMSON :: Crimson ~ 7.3

[No label] | 8310X58

The great accomplishment of Crimson is it makes explicitly religious music easy to digest. The basic approach is twofold: the lyrics aren't heavy-handed, and the performances are enthralling. The sound is tidy with commercial ambition, but the restless dynamics of the songs bring to mind progressive rock. The theatrical "Master of Disguise" is full of starts, stops, and tricky rhythmic shifts designed to knock the listener off balance. While the whole band excels at musically complimenting the material, the vocalists are especially impressive. Throughout the album, they amusingly take huge leaps with their voices, reaching for notes that seem impossible to grab. Lead singer Teri Dew has a crystal-clear voice with a beautiful vibrato, and she's often joined in perfect harmony by a second female with a voice so similar that it sounds like Dew is double-tracked. The opener "Angel Dust" is a trip. As it begins, I can see it grabbing the attention of Alan Parsons fans but shunned by consumers of more staid spiritual music. Ugly scenes of immorality and death unfold, and the music could be the soundtrack of a maniac stalking his prey in a scary movie. Add some distorted guitar and Ozzy Osbourne wailing over top of it, and it's one of the standouts from Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. The lyrics on Crimson are mostly humble and insightful, avoiding preachiness. "Spinning" declares simply, "I really want to believe in something worth believing in." There's probably a tongue-in-cheek Biblical reference in the message of "Lukewarm" that I'm missing, and its slightly goofy synth hook and the way the title is sung bring welcome moments of silliness to a generally serious album. The changes and lush chords of "He Is a Fool" (“who follows a follower”) remind me of a well-crafted Todd Rundgren ballad from the early '80s. In it, idol worship is calmly dismantled, rejected with a sense of peace that is genuinely heartfelt and affecting. The emotional impact of "He Is a Fool" is one example of the effort that went into this record. Although it's an independent release, the pristine shine of the recording isn't lost through a crummy vinyl pressing. Also, the artwork and design (including color-coordinated lyric sheet) are relatively lush. The lack of information about the project gives it intrigue too. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, the level of quality through all facets of Crimson is rare among comparable albums.

December 11, 2020

[fivestarjamz]

“Ben” by Michael Jackson (1972)

Really, Mike? “Ben”?

Sure, I love “Ben”. That song meant a lot to me as I was growing up.

And that’s great. You loved a lot of crap growing up. But would you really consider it a perfect song?

Actually, yes. 

Dude, it’s so cheesy! It’s a love song to a fucking rat! What is wrong with you?

It’s a love song to a rat, but Michael never explicitly mentions that in the song itself. Separated from the (allegedly awful) movie it was written for, “Ben” could be-well it is-a song about friendship between two beings. Both of whom could, hypothetically, be human. 

You’re such a Michael Jackson Stan. 

If I was really a Michael Stan, I’d rate “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” five stars (I didn’t). Or I’d rate “Black Or White” five stars (I didn’t; it’s awful). Or “Heal The World” or “You Rock My World” or “The Lost Children” (awful, mediocre, and OH MY GOD PLEASE STOP I WANT TO RIP BOTH MY EARS OUT OF MY HEAD.)

Whether real or artificial, the sensitivity and tenderness with which Michael Jackson sings the lyrics of “Ben” is borderline heartbreaking. He’s selling this song with every ounce of soul he has in his 14 year old body, and there was already more soul in there than you’d find in 98% of other 14 year olds. Sure, it’s cheesy in a ‘70s soft rock kinda way, but are you gonna tell me The Carpenters and James Taylor didn’t have some jams?

Fine, five stars it is.

Four-star songs between “Believe In Love” and “Ben”: “Believe In Me” (Lenny Kravitz goes full-on Timbaland, 2001) | “Believe In Me” (Todd Rundgren, 1970) | “Believe In Us” (Mint Condition feat. Bobby Ross Avila, 2012) | “Believer” (Chic, 1983) | “Believers” (Emily King, 2015) | “Belle” (Al Green, 1977) | “The Belle Of St. Mark” (Sheila E., 1984) | “The Bells” (The Originals, 1970 + Laura Nyro & LaBelle, 1971) + Process & The Doo-Rags (1985) + Color Me Badd (1993)...and I’m not gonna lie, CMB made my favorite version of the four* | “Belly Belly Nice” (Dave Matthews Band, 2012) | “Belong” (Roosevelt, 2016) | “Below The Funk (Pass The J)” (Rick James, 1981)

*-I considered (and am still considering) giving this song five stars. If it has so many great covers, it’s probably worthy.

Bonus...here’s an adult MJ absolutely crushing it.

[krispyweiss]

It Was 50 Years Ago Today at Akron Civic Theatre, Akron, Ohio, Sept. 28, 2019

"I've got blisters on my thorax!" came the paraphrasing-Ringo Starr cry as Todd Rundgren wrapped a throat-shredding take on "Helter Skelter" that found him rocking so hard, he head-banged the sunglasses right off his face.

It was one of the only moments during the Akron stop of the It Was 50 Years Ago Today tour celebrating the Beatles "White Album" - which came out 51 years ago for those keeping score - where the performers took any liberty at all with the songs as they appeared on the landmark double LP that preceded Abbey Road, which did turn 50 this year. Every other song - whether it was the false ending and porcine snorts on "Piggies," the birdsong and tapping of "Blackbird" or the shoo-be-dos on "Revolution 1" - was rendered as the Beatles recorded it, which was wise because the Beatles had a good idea of what they were doing.

The Fab Faux Five consisted of a Utopian (Rundgren), a Monkee (Micky Dolenz) with a Badfinger (Joey Molland), a dude from Chicago (Jason Scheff) and Christopher Cross. Motley and, unbelievably, well-matched, the group was backed by a stellar four-piece band who provided essential vocal backing and played synths, keys, drums, guitars, harmonica and bass as needed. They didn’t get a break, while the stars spent little time on stage all together (now), instead coming and going to play 23 of the Beatles' 30 tracks and two solo/band songs apiece.

Split into sets of 75 and 50 minutes, respectively, the show went, Beatles, Monkees, Badfinger, Chicago, Rundgren, Cross and more Beatles in Act 1 and Beatles, Beatles, Beatles, Beatles and more Beatles in Act 2.

Walking on to the taped strains of "Revolution 9," the entire band kicked off with "Back in the U.S.S.R," which found the principals swapping lyrics and licks - save for Dolenz who banged a tambo - before Scheff led the troupe through "Dear Prudence." That was it for sequencing as Rundgren fronted the ensemble for a terrific take of "Everybody's Got Something to Hide Expect Me and My Monkey," which found Dolenz, in a long, black coat, fedora and shades, sauntering on stage to look dourly at the frontman as he sang.

Hey, hey he's a Monkee. Get it?

Oddly, the musicians, who range in age from 57 (Scheff) to 74 (Dolenz) mostly fared better on the Beatles material than on their own stuff. That's because most of their voices have diminished with age, and while they were pretty much - Rundgren being the exception and Scheff did well recreating Peter Cetera's vocals - unable to recall their past glories, they were able to use their vocal instruments to make the Fabs' songs fab.

They didn’t imitate John, Paul and Geoege; instead Todd, Micky, Joey, Jason and Christopher embodied the characters in each song.

Here's a look at each:

Runderen was the most colorful character, playing a recreation of the Fool as he sang "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," dressing in white and bestowing fragrant flowers on the audience during "Sexie Sadie" and prancing around in camo short-shorts (an obvious Ted Nugent caricature) and spraying the audience with an oversized squirt gun on "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill." Akron is fertile Rundgren territory and the audience full of partisans ate this - and his own "I Saw the Light" and "Hello it's Me" - up as the brought his unique persona to this unique band setting.

Dolenz: He can't sing at all anymore, but he can perform. "I'm a Believer" and "Pleasant Valley Sunday" were fun because they're fun songs, but he butchered them. The Monkee was much more successful when he bounded around the lip of the stage asking the front few rows the musical question "Why Don't We Do it in the Road?" and when he sat on a chair and regaled the audience with the story of "Rocky Raccoon."

The jean-jacketed Molland was the least-present of the five front-line musicians, leaning on Rundgren for vocal support on "Baby Blue" and "No Matter What," and pulling off a couple of subdued guitar solos in the process. His "Savoy Truffle," however, was sweet.

As bassist, Scheff was on stage more than any of the key players - taking occasional breaks when the back line took over the bottom end - and shone brightly whether he was standing in for George Harrison (the aforementioned "Piggies"), John Lennon ("Glass Onion") or Paul McCartney (duetting with Cross on "Julia"). Scheff had the dubious honor of not having any original material of his own, instead reprising his role as a Chicago transplant on "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" - a lowlight - and "25 or 6 to 4," which had no business working with synthesized horns and no Terry Kath, but was a solo-portion highlight.

Cross was the biggest surprise. Sporting a tam and a Steely Dan T-shirt, and having issues with his electric guitar, the show-biz kid nevertheless played a fine solo on "Ride Like the Wind," which made up for the "Sailing" he and Scheff tattered just before. While Cross struggled vocally on his own material, he was like a fifth Beatle on the album tracks - particularly during the acoustic portion that opened the second set when, seated on a stool, he ran through "Blackbird," "Martha My Dear," "I Will," "Mother Nature's Son" and "Julia." His version of “Honey Pie” was also sweet.

After a long sequence of playing in twos and threes and fours, the full band reconvened for the homestretch, which climaxed with "Birthday" and "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da,” while the Akron Civic Theatre shook its collective stuff to the celebratory tribute to the Beatles' strangest opus. As the latter came to a close, the pre-recorded strains of "Good Night" (Ringo was the only Beatle unrepresented in performance) filled the nearly sold-out house as the audience - many of whom were surprised by how well this thing came off based on Mrs. Sound Bites' comments and random conversations heard at set break - filtered out with Beatlemania on the brain.

Grade card: It Was 50 Years Ago Today at Akron Civic Theatre - 9/28/19 - A-

See more photos from the show here.

9/29/19

[avaliveradio]

11.10 New Music Monday Release Radar with Jacqueline Jax

Musicians create music to express their creativity and skill. Listening to new music is an experience and an opportunity to connect with that creative spark. Explore some exciting new music from creators all over the world recently discovered by our host Jacqueline Jax as she searches the far corners of the globe for talented songwriters and music creators who are telling their truth to bring the listener a unique experience.

SUBSCRIBE to our broadcast here: www.wavve.link/avaliveradio

Listen to the show now: https://anchor.fm/ava-live-radio/episodes/11-10-Mixed-Genre-and-Holiday-New-Music-Monday-Play-with-Jacqueline-Jax-e8ujq4

FEATURED TODAY:

Artist: Living Waters

New Release: Sing to Jesus

Genre: Christian Rock

Sounds like: Beatles, Byrds, Boston, U2

Located in: : New England

This is one or our 'classic' tunes from the 70's. This brand new production of it is from our latest thematic album, "Overflow". It addresses the basic predicament each person faces within themselves. The answer is THE Good News, the Best News of all. It has been described as very "catchy"; you can't just listen one time. It is a brand new production that goes back to our earliest roots 40 years ago: it has roots and wings. It is filled with infectious joy that springs from the Best News anyone can get: we are NOT alone!

Right now we are...: Launching a brand new podcast about our music:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1482663884 or https://anchor.fm/livingwatersband

Social Media:  Spotify LINK: https://open.spotify.com/track/2CkXZ552610iNee7A2drbO?si=pujoRLKESiGJEtpll6Y0tA https://www.facebook.com/livingwatersband/ https://www.instagram.com/livingwatersmsc/ https://twitter.com/LivingWatersMsc https://www.tumblr.com/blog/livingwatersmsc https://www.pinterest.com/marklajoie1/ https://www.youtube.com/user/LivingWatersUtube https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1482663884 https://anchor.fm/livingwatersband

Artist: Beautiful Things

New Release: When the Night Comes Down (Bliss Mix)

Genre: Pop/Electronica/Alternative Rock/Singer-Songwriter

Sounds like: : Chvrchs/Evanesence/Kate Bush/Metric/School of Seven Bells/The Corrs

Located in: : Los Angeles, CA

This song is about overcoming anxiety and fear when making decisions about your life. I’ve had some dark times in my past where I was filled with anxiety about my future and my abilities and that attitude didn’t serve me well, nor does it serve anyone well. I had to learn to overcome fear and make bold decisions that ultimately improved my life. You can’t just stay in your comfort zone because then you will never grow, and you can't be quick to give up and think defeatist thoughts. We chose to do this "Bliss" remix of this song because we thought it would be a good contender to re-do with some new electronic soundscapes we had been experimenting with. We stripped the song to its skeleton and re-did it using these new sounds.

Spotify LINK: https://open.spotify.com/track/763jHhoTLvkmgcCgMTJcMt

Right now we are...: We are working on a brand new single and an epic new video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEZaYgoOAww Twitter - https://twitter.com/officialthings Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/beautifulthingsmusic Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beautifulthingsmusic/

Artist: Janet Odani

New Release: Rising

Music Genre:: Gospel/Easy Listening/Alternative Rising is yet another inspirational song I wrote out a very desperate situation. I would like to encourage listeners to that in such times we are eligible for help from above - all we need to do is ask.

Link to play:: https://open.spotify.com/track/1eMxyYPEjdxIbU9bcDLcbx?si=e72E3KU3QA6fy_Xrxf270Q

I have to say without a doubt, that would be the Savior of my soul, Jesus Christ. I distinctly remember writing my first song when I was only 6 years old and I didn't know at the time just how much music is a part of me. Looking back I always found myself involved in something to do with music from being in choirs at church or performing in talent shows at school. I have always enjoyed being involved in activities related to music. I think the right path found me way before I even realized!! The fact that I can encourage others through my music is what inspires me most.

Website & social media links: :  Website: www.janetodani.com Facebook:  www.facebook.com/janetodanimusic Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/janetodanimusic Instagram : http://instagram.com/janetodani Twitter : https://twitter.com/OdaniJanet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Jk85PgZin4TnnBx9S8fev Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1483760814 iTunes : http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1483760814?ls=1&app=itunes www.eyeem.com/u/Janetodani

Artist: John O'Brien New Release: The Christmas Song

Genre: Holiday Pop

Sounds like: Michael McDonald, Todd Rundgren, Boz Skaggs

Located in: Saint Augustine Beach, Florida, US

A remake of the most popular Christmas carol ever recorded. "The Christmas Song". Nat King Cole originally popularized the song. This is the first Christmas song on an EP that has been released with 5 songs on it titled "3 Ghosts and a Sailor's Christmas". It includes "The Christmas Song" plus, John Lennon's song "Happy Xmas (The War Is Over)" popularly known as "So This Is Christmas", Jimmy Buffett's "A Sailor's Christmas", Dan Fogelberg's "Same Auld Lang Syne" and the Christmas classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". A YouTube lyric video playlist with all five songs has been released that is a perfect singalong piece for friends and families and even total strangers to sing together this holiday season. Put it on your TV and sing along with the holiday spirit!

We will be doing a tour of the UK in May 2020. We are so looking forward to it. We will also release an EP of new original material in April 2020 for the tour and our fans.

LINKS:  Sound Cloud Christmas Album Link: https://soundcloud.com/john-obrien/sets/3-ghosts-and-a-sailors/s-5KMZr YouTube Christmas Album Link: https://youtu.be/YUjPV7kt_SM http://johnobriensmusic.com Linktree: linktr.ee/johnobriensmusic Listen to my New Album: : https://johnobrien.hearnow.com EPK: http://johnobriensmusic.com/gallery Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lRwXnKMf5nIw0THEttkXJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwzP4-jgRZ1ofrEaKgQWX4w?view_as=subscriber Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/john-obrien Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnobriensmusic Twitter: @JohnMacsss111 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnobriensmusic/?ref=bookmarks

Artist: Jimmy Francis

New Release: Christmas In Hawaii

Genre: Alternative and holiday

Located in: Los Angeles, California USA

My music is mostly alternative rock but I also have a strong blues and classic rock influence. This song is meant to be a quirky parody of “White Christmas” with a little angst and some comedy. “Christmas In Hawaii” was inspired by an incident in high school where my mom brought up going to Hawaii for Christmas and got me all excited only to have the trip not take place which left me disappointed and depressed but then I started turning my pain into a song, I tend to do this a lot.

Being around Christmas season, I kept hearing Christmas songs like “White Christmas” but I started changing the words and premise of the song from being about White snow to being about the white, sandy beaches of Hawaii.

LINKS:  Twitter: www.twitter.com/hyperpiperjlf Instagram: www.instagram.com/hyperpiperjlf Spotify link: ‪ https://open.spotify.com/artist/52iNdli7Vl7enT7ku1gG7W?si=3oqOwoQORneEL5-KeMsl6w‬

Band Name: Joey Stuckey

Song name: Santa That Plays Guitar

Music Genre: Holiday/Blues

I live in... : Macon, Georgia

Link to play:

This is an original Christmas song about what guitar players always want—to play guitar. And at Christmas, it would be even more exciting to play guitar with Santa.

I didn’t choose music—it chose me. As a blind brain tumor survivor, music helped me as a child when I was sick to take me away from the hospital and into my own creative world. Music is the closest we can get to the language of the angels and it is an amazing vehicle for positive change. I’m driven and inspired by the fact that music helps put the lie to the idea that we are alone and that no one else could possibly understand us or what we are going through. If music isn’t so necessary to your life that you don’t hurt without it, then you’re in the wrong business.

Website & social media links:  https://www.joeystuckey.com Twitter https://twitter.com/Jstuckeymusic IG https://www.instagram.com/jstuckeymusic FB https://www.facebook.com/JoeyStuckeyMusic Newsletter https://eepurl.com/dg6LqT Bandsintown http://www.bandsintown.com/joey-stuckey

Artist: BlindSide Thunder

New Release: Bring Me To My Knees

Genre: Rock, Rebel Rock

Sounds like: : Motley Crue, Guns N Roses, ZZ Top, etc.

Located in: : Providence, RI USA

‘Bring Me To My Knees’ has a straight forward 80's rock feel. The song is about uncertainty and questioning things that are delivered to you as fact. It has a religious overtone to it, but it's really about 'who do you believe?' Are your parents right? The Church? Your politicians? People naturally question things, especially today. We think it's OK to question things.

BlindSide Thunder is the original Rebel Rock band. Bring Me To My Knees is a track from our latest CD, Unchained. Right now BST is writing new material to be released in 2020. We have all new merchandise being developed to be introduced with the new material, possibly for the 2019 holidays! We are looking at some tour dates for 2020 also, to conclude with a real Rebel Rock bang in Providence, RI.

Social Media:  Spotify LINK: https://open.spotify.com/track/1NCnTDjN26XR7bDel3lZV7 www.blindsidethunder.com www.facebook.com/BlindSideThunderOfficial Twitter @BlindSideT Instagram @blindsidethunderofficial

Artist: Vovkulaka

New Release: Purple Door

Genre: Metal/Dubstep

Sounds like: : Korn meets xKore

Located in: Odessa, Ukraine

What happens when you go deep into meditation and something goes wrong? This song is about what happens when you meet a Dark Force on your way to the Purple Door... Like Metal? Ghost Hunting? Beautiful Ladies? Then you've got to listen to VolK, Naya G, and JuleZ from the Ukrainian Metal Band:Vovkulaka. This track, a mix of "Korn meets xKore", is about meeting the 'Demon Mara' in a Buddhist quest for the seventh door...The "Purple Door"!

Social Media:  Spotify LINK: https://open.spotify.com/track/2TzM4AsfwvIT9kE4AV7iSo?si=BCCYM7g4TYS16FVnHXPFpQ http://Vovkulaka.com http://Twitter.com/VovkulakaMusic http://YouTube.com/VovkulakaMusic http://Instagram.com/VovkulakaMusic http://Facebook.com/VovkulakaFanPage http://SoundCloud.com/VovkulakaMusic

[sinceileftyoublog]

Live Picks: 5/22-5/23

U2

BY JORDAN MAINZER

Stuck not knowing what to see tonight or tomorrow? None of these shows are sold out.

5/22: Dirty Projectors, Thalia Hall

It’s impossible to hope for the Dirty Projectors of Swing Lo Magellan, let alone opus Bitte Orca. Since Dave Longstreth has essentially returned the project to a solo affair with features, it just hasn’t been the same. Last year’s self-titled LP/uncomfortable breakup album had moments of unmistakable brilliance, like Dawn collaboration “Cool Your Heart”, but suffered from insularity and self-aggrandizement. The project’s upcoming album Lamp Lit Prose sports even more collaboration--Syd, Empress Of, Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold with Rostam, Amber Mark, and Dear Nora--but if harmonica-laden and overcooked first single “Break-Thru” is anything like the rest of the album, it will be another disappointment for Longstreth. It’s hard to believe that will be the case, though, considering not only the pedigree involved but Longstreth’s decade of composition genius, in the past knowing when to pull back just as much as when to propel forward. Dirty Projectors have been playing lots of the new tracks live, so hopefully a show at the immaculate Thalia Hall will shed some light on the composition and lyrics.

Buzzy Lee, the project of Nicolas Jaar collaborator Sasha Spielberg, opens.

5/22: Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, Chicago Theatre

It’s the first tour in 32 years for Utopia, the prog rock band founded by Todd Rundgren, due to popular demand. The band is a far cry from the much beloved pop smarts of albums like 1972′s Something/Anything, though the experimentalism of Rundgren’s A Wizard, a True Star is more in line with what he would later explore in the decade. Still, for Rundgren die-hards--the type of people who spent upwards of $70 on a limited-edition CD box set of the band back in April--this show is a must-see. He may even pull a solo track or two out of the bag.

5/22 & 5/23: U2, United Center

Who goes to a U2 show to hear new U2 songs? In fact, who goes to a U2 show to hear U2 songs at all? I’m only half-joking. The Dublin band’s songs have always been built for stadiums, from the opening ringing riffs of “Where The Streets Have No Name” to even recent asinine singles like “You’re The Best Thing About Me” and “Get Out Of Your Own Way”. The eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE tour is a sequel to their tour surrounding 2015’s iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour (just like last year’s Songs of Experience is a companion to 2014’s Songs of Innocence.) That tour, unlike the associated album, got rave reviews for its theatrics. This tour, too, should not disappoint--believe it or not, on opening night, the band played Achtung Baby’s “Acrobat” for the first time ever. If you’re going, download the augmented reality eXPERIENCE app being used in the show.

5/23: Brett Naucke, Constellation

Though it came out two months ago, tomorrow marks the official record release show for local composer/recording artist Brett Naucke's The Mansion. The album is an emotional and personal narrative, an essential treatise on memory; the sounds he conjures are broad enough to be accessible by all, concrete enough to be personally adaptable. It features Natalie Chami (TALsounds and Good Willsmith) and Whitney Johnson (Matchess). This performance will be a full-band recreation of the record, featuring Chami and Johnson in addition to visuals by Nick Ciontea, aka Brownshoesonly.

Bill MacKay & Ryley Walker, because they don’t already grace us with their talents enough, open.

[avaliveradio]

11.4 New Music Monday Release Radar with Jacqueline Jax

Listen now: https://anchor.fm/ava-live-radio/episodes/11-4-New-Music-Monday-Release-Radar-with-Jacqueline-Jax-e8ot9j

Artist: Beautiful Things

New Release: When the Night Comes Down (Bliss Mix)

Genre: Pop/Electronica/Alternative Rock/Singer-Songwriter

Sounds like: Chvrchs/Evanescence/Kate Bush/Metric/School of Seven Bells/The Corrs

Located in:  Los Angeles, CA

This song is about overcoming anxiety and fear when making decisions about your life. I’ve had some dark times in my past where I was filled with anxiety about my future and my abilities and that attitude didn’t serve me well, nor does it serve anyone well.

We are re-defining our sound with this EP. We're launching our music into the modern era while still heavily influenced by our love of 80s alternative rock and pop. We are working on a brand new single and an epic new video!

LINKS:  Brand new YouTube video! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEZaYgoOAww

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/763jHhoTLvkmgcCgMTJcMt

Twitter - https://twitter.com/officialthings

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/beautifulthingsmusic

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beautifulthingsmusic

Artist: Janet Odani

New Release: Sea of Love

Genre: Gospel/Easy Listening/ Alternative

Located in: Coffs Harbour, Australia

Gospel/Easy Listening/ Alternative :  I believe as I am being led and guided by my God, doors are opening for me to share my gift. I don't in anyway take lightly the ability to create music and I believe this music release is important because I am learning to trust in Him more each step of the way and I hope at the same time also encouraging others to excel in their own gift/talent. I am passionate about music and I believe my music encourages others

Right now we are working on music videos for songs on this album.

https://open.spotify.com/track/5ZnNs6tEbYjhrfY6gX4BCz?si=a3dk_-qUTy-rrG42O5BT9w

LINKS:  Website: www.janetodani.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/janetodanimusic Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/janetodanimusic Instagram : http://instagram.com/janetodani Twitter : https://twitter.com/OdaniJanet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Jk85PgZin4TnnBx9S8fev Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1483760814 iTunes : http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1483760814?ls=1&app=itunes www.eyeem.com/u/Janetodani

Artist: Aantdoe

New Release: GetAway (feat. Kasper Genius)

Genre: Hip Hop

Sounds like: : J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Mos Def, T,I., Chance The Rapper, Common

Located in: Philadelphia, P.A.

The Song is a dedication to all the fellas out there that have an outstanding woman by their side and they're not ashamed or proud to give her the credit she deserves. 

This song is one aspect of my vision and the direction that I am choosing to go in my journey as an artist... Hip-hop doesn't always have to be negative or degrading... Some artists have a positive message that they want to address and I am one of those artists... GetAway is just one step of many to come...

Right now we are. I am most excited about working with Ava, pushing my music a little further and out to more possible fans... I'm in the process of shooting my first video for my most streamed song to date "Right Back"...

LINKS:  https://open.spotify.com/track/0bXwBIuYkKXqVUvvTKw5xy?si=Lkl7h5SyRyCV6vEtlMlB9g  https://twitter.com/Aantdoemusic https://www.facebook.com/AantdoeMusic-2369559169743353

Artist: Cabela and Schmitt

New Release: Sunshine On My Soul

Genre: Acoustic

Sounds like:  The Beatles, Eagles, Tom Petty

Located in:  Nebraska and Colorado

A song that is dedicated to anybody who has had a profound and lasting affect on your life and they probably don't even know it. Sunshine on My soul is our first unplugged track released to date. Working on several projects and designing our plan for 2020.

Spotify LINK: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ezi1FZF1yLu8bXOYry1F8?si=dALbHTgdS-SaRdRgLIhMTg

Social Media:  http://www.cabelaandschmitt.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwn7yE8P2rrU9ZjnN0UACQ https://www.facebook.com/cabelaschmittmusic https://twitter.com/CabelaSchmitt https://www.instagram.com/cabelaandschmitt

Artist: Paul K

New Release: Regression One

Genre: Electronica

Sounds like: : Brian Eno Max Richter Nils Frahm

Located in: : UK

 "Regression One" comes from my new album "Reconstructed Memories". The album is life in an hour from birth to death and was written as a tribute to my father who died last year. It explores life as a series of small memories that combine to become recollections and also deals with false memory, regression therapy, aging and memory loss and learning through life to accept who you are.

This album is a follow up to my last to albums "Omertà (previously featured on AVA) and last years "The Fermi Paradox", both critically acclaimed albums in their own right. This is the triptych of the set and is a more stripped back affair featuring just myself on piano and electronics and Rachel Dawson on cello. It the last stage of a multi-year instrumental writing process that next year will evolve into a more electronic approach with vocals on the next album currently in production.

I've made 20 videos to accompany each track on the new album "Reconstructed Memories" and I'm excited about the audio and visuals coming together which will be used in the 2020 live shows.

LINKS:  Spotify Artist Link (Album is out on 29th Nov) - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HF8QoNffXbGMWsnF1UkMP?si=gb8QwslySsinxhLGFgWUcw Twitter (not really used much) - @paulk_music Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/pauljkmusic Instagram - @_pauljk_ You Tube Channel - https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCu5ev4VH1FTRkNjg1Pq5YIg/featured Website - www.paulk-music.com www.reconstructedmemories.com

Band Name: Joey Stuckey

Song name: Santa That Plays Guitar

Music Genre: Holiday/Blues

I live in... : Macon, Georgia

Link to play:

This is an original Christmas song about what guitar players always want—to play guitar. And at Christmas, it would be even more exciting to play guitar with Santa.

If music isn’t so necessary to your life that you don’t hurt without it, then you’re in the wrong business.

Website & social media links:  https://www.joeystuckey.com Twitter https://twitter.com/Jstuckeymusic IG https://www.instagram.com/jstuckeymusic FB https://www.facebook.com/JoeyStuckeyMusic Newsletter https://eepurl.com/dg6LqT Bandsintown http://www.bandsintown.com/joey-stuckey

Artist: John O'Brien New Release: The Christmas Song

Genre: Holiday Pop

Sounds like: Michael McDonald Todd Rundgren Boz Skaggs

Located in: Saint Augustine Beach, Florida, US

A remake of the most popular Christmas carol ever recorded. "The Christmas Song". Nat King Cole originally popularized the song.

This is the first Christmas song on an EP that has been released with 5 songs on it titled "3 Ghosts and a Sailor's Christmas". It includes "The Christmas Song" plus, John Lennon's song "Happy Xmas (The War Is Over)" popularly known as "So This Is Christmas", Jimmy Buffett's "A Sailor's Christmas", Dan Fogelberg's "Same Auld Lang Syne" and the Christmas classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". A YouTube lyric video playlist with all five songs has been released that is a perfect singalong piece for friends and families and even total strangers to sing together this holiday season. Put it on your TV and sing along with the holiday spirit!

What’s coming up next?

We will be doing a tour of the UK in May 2020. We are so looking forward to it. We will also release an EP of new original material in April 2020 for the tour and our fans.

LINKS:  Sound Cloud Christmas Album Link: https://soundcloud.com/john-obrien/sets/3-ghosts-and-a-sailors/s-5KMZr YouTube Christmas Album Link: https://youtu.be/YUjPV7kt_SM Spotify available after November 1 release date http://johnobriensmusic.com Linktree: linktr.ee/johnobriensmusic Listen to my New Album: : https://johnobrien.hearnow.com EPK: http://johnobriensmusic.com/gallery Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lRwXnKMf5nIw0THEttkXJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwzP4-jgRZ1ofrEaKgQWX4w?view_as=subscriber Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/john-obrien Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnobriensmusic Twitter: @JohnMacsss111 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnobriensmusic/?ref=bookmarks

Artist: Jimmy Francis

New Release: Christmas In Hawaii

Genre: Alternative and holiday

Located in: Los Angeles, California USA

My music is mostly alternative rock but I also have a strong blues and classic rock influence. This song is meant to be a quirky parody of “White Christmas” with a little angst and some comedy. “Christmas In Hawaii” was inspired by an incident in high school where my mom brought up going to Hawaii for Christmas and got me all excited only to have the trip not take place which left me disappointed and depressed but then I started turning my pain into a song, I tend to do this a lot.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1EeOfxTKfel1FFMAewjYdH?si=EbGwzQ-wQy-a4ykAqcQDFg

Being around Christmas season, I kept hearing Christmas songs like “White Christmas” but I started changing the words and premise of the song from being about White snow to being about the white, sandy beaches of Hawaii. I just pictured singing this song on a beach with drums, an acoustic guitar and throw in a cool saxophone solo cos... why not?

LINKS:  Twitter: www.twitter.com/hyperpiperjlf Instagram: www.instagram.com/hyperpiperjlf Spotify link: ‪ https://open.spotify.com/artist/52iNdli7Vl7enT7ku1gG7W?si=3oqOwoQORneEL5-KeMsl6w‬

Follow our Playlists:

[fivestarjamz]

“Can We Still Be Friends?” by Todd Rundgren (1978)

This song is perfect. 

Perfect melody, perfect vocal performance, perfect background vocals, perfect tempo, perfect mix of melancholy and hopefulness in the lyrics. Todd Rundgren is a weirdo, and his music is all over the place, but “Can We Still Be Friends?” is in the pantheon of the greatest songs of all time. Hard to believe sometimes that this is from the same guy who wrote “I don’t wanna work, I just wanna bang on de drums all day.”

Thank you, Mandy Moore, for introducing me to “Can We Still Be Friends?” I remember receiving a promo copy of her Coverage album when I was working as a buyer for AltiTunes (the record stores that used to be inside airports). Not being much of a Mandy fan but intrigued by the covers concept, I discovered not only that I dug Mandy Moore but that she had excellent taste in covers. Through her I also discovered XTC, went into a deep dive on Joan Armatrading and more. Talk about unlikely musical sherpas. Almost makes up for the fact that I’ll never see a Ryan Adams/Dawes double bill because of her.

Four star songs between “Can I Kick It?” and “Can We Still Be Friends?”: “Can I See You In The Morning?” (The Jackson 5, 1970) | “Can I Stay” (Ray LaMontagne, 2006) | “Can I Touch You...There?” (Michael Bolton, 1995) | “Can It Be All So Simple (Wu-Tang Clan, 1993)” | “Can It Stay” (Gerald LeVert, 2010) | “Can U Believe” (Robin Thicke, 2007) | “Can U Help Me (Usher, 2001)” | “Can U Keep A Secret” (De La Soul, 1989) | “Can We Pretend” (Bill Withers, 1974) | “Can We Still Be Friends” (Mandy Moore, 2004)