VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR!

 First, Happy Birthday to all my friends over at MTV, the network turned 30 yesterday. It’s almost impossible now to think of music without the visual images that MTV founded. As great as Michael Jackson was (and I do mean GREAT!), the song “Thriller” would never have been as iconic as it is if not for the video. There is not a better made music video. Some can and do argue that MTV ripped the soul out of songwriting and made to many “prefab” stars. Personally, I’m a big fan of putting visuals together with my music, either a concept video or live performance; it’s all good to me.

 Here we go again; I just got the bad news that Kings Of Leon has canceled the balance of the United States summer tour, citing “vocal issues” troubling lead singer Caleb Followill. The man appears to have a serious drinking problem and I can only hope that he will seek help and be able to return to their music in a positive way.

 Have you heard about the new Super Group yet? I am usually not a big fan of “super groups, I think the term is over used. There have been super musicians and super voices that have teamed up over the years to make some very memorable music. My favorites would be; Blind Faith; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; The Traveling Wilburys, Oysterhead, Velvet Revolver and Chickenfoot.  The new super band is called Super Heavy, and features together: Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, Joss Stone, Damian Marley and AR Rahman. The first single is called “Miracle Worker”. Check them out at the link below:

 http://superheavy.com/

 There is a great band out of Santa Barbara, CA that you should check out. The name is “Rey Fresco” and the sound is a refreshing combination of Bob Marley, Jack Johnson and a hint of Sublime. What’s really cool is the combination of original tunes (“Precious Time”) and covers like “Just a Friend”, “Caution” and even “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath.

http://reyfresco.com/home

 Another new artist worth checking out is the rocker named Colleen Rose Novak. Hearing her music makes me think of early Deborah Harry and Blondie (early MTV staples). Turn up the volume and listen to the songs, “Memories Remain” & “It’s Not the End”.

http://www.reverbnation.com/1forgod

Fun fact of the day, the Canadian Rockers, “The Sheepdogs” have just been named as the first unsigned band that will grace the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.