Listen to Warren Zevon's 1976 Masterpiece, Remasterd with 15 Unreleased Alternate Takes and Rarities

Warren Zevon signed with Asylum Records in 1975 and began recording his major label debut, WARREN ZEVON. Today, many consider his self-titled album a high water mark not only for Zevon, but for the decade as well.

Jackson Browne produced the album and also enlisted some of the West Coasts biggest names to help out, including members of the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, David Lindley and J.D. Souther. Providing Zevon with an outlet for his pent-up creativity, he unleashed a barrage of sharply observed songs that pulse with dark wit and sophisticated melodies. Many of his best-known tracks are included here, such as 'Hasten Down The Wind,' 'Poor Poor Pitiful Me,' 'Carmelita' and 'Mohammed's Radio' all of which were later covered by Linda Ronstadt. The album also contains 'I'll Sleep When I'm Dead,' 'Frank And Jesse James' and 'Desperados Under The Eaves,' a song Zevon wrote about staying at the Hollywood Hawaiian Motel with no way to pay his bill.

The bonus disc uncovers 15 unreleased tracks, including different versions of every song on the album. Several demos capture Zevon alone at the piano, including a poignant take on 'Frank And Jesse James,' a song he wrote while touring with The Everly Brothers. A demo Zevon recorded for 'Hasten Down The Wind' features a full band. In addition, the collection presents alternate versions of 'Poor Poor Pitiful Me' and 'Carmelita' along with different takes from the sessions for 'Join Me In L.A.' and 'Desperados Under The Eaves'. The live bonus track of 'Mama Couldn't Be Persuaded' was recorded in October 1976 during an appearance on the Cleveland radio station WMMS.

Hear a preview now. Listen to an exclusive listening party by choosing your preferred link below.

WARREN ZEVON (COLLECTOR'S EDITION)

Listening Party
Track List:

1) Poor Poor Pitiful Me
2) The French Inhaler
3) Desperados Under The Eaves
4) Frank & Jesse James (Solo Piano Demo)
5) Carmelita (1974 demo)
6) I'll Sleep When Im Dead (Alternate version)

QT
WMA
REAL

The two-CD set will be available November 11 from all retail outlets, including rhino.com, for a suggested list price of $24.98 (CD) and $13.99 (digital).

The Ry Cooder Anthology: "The UFO Has Landed" To Critical Acclaim

Rhino is Crazy 'Bout An Automobile and takes a joy ride through Ry Cooder's prolific career with a two-CD collection of his work as a solo artist and soundtrack composer. THE UFO HAS LANDED: THE RY COODER ANTHOLOGY was released today and the critically-acclaimed reviews have landed as well:

“...this is an impressive and relatively inclusive recap that is a fine starting point for anyone interested in delving into Ry Cooder's extensive and influential career". 4 1/2 stars. - All Music Guide

“...as much slide guitar blues eloquence as you'll find in our time" Buffalo News

“Highly recommended!" Hickory Wind.org

"With an immense talent for the guitar, Cooder has made an extraordinary contribution to that thing we call Rock n Roll". MusicTAP.net

"Cooder's skills as a musician and arranger only strengthen what a ferocious talent he is." iF Magazine

“When Cooder plays the slide-guitar theme of the road movie 'Paris Texas,' you'll marvel how the notes shimmer like heat haze on asphalt". Christian Science Monitor

But alas, these are only words. Listen and decide for yourself with an exclusive 10-track listening party:

Listening Party Track list:
1. Low Commotion
2. Let's Work Together
3. On A Monday
4. Maria Elena
5. Down In Hollywood
6. Paris, Texas
7. Theme From Southern Comfort
8. Billy The Kid
9. Why Don't You Try Me
10. Going Back To Okinawa

And then strap your senses in for the first 3 minutes of the movie 'Paris, Texas' to hear Ry Cooder's audio portrait of the movie's title song in all its soul-shuddering brilliance:

All Hail Caduceus! 'Whole Foods' Straps Their TOOL On!

Maynard James Keenan, singer of TOOL, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, and Arizona Stronghold Vineyards co-owner Eric Glomski are in the midst of a 10-city tour of Whole Foods locations in Southern California to meet fans and sign bottles of wine from CADUCEUS CELLARS & MERKIN VINEYARDS.

I went to the signing held last night from 5-9 PM in West L.A. at the WF at National & Barrington. The address has '666' in it. Considering his affinity for numerology, I would imagine MJK appreciated that little detail. Surprisingly, there were only about 25 people in line, which had formed outside. Upon arrival, a rep presented a dry cleaner type check stub with a number on it. I was 206. Two hundred had already passed through? Next up was a sushi style long form with the wines listed for easy ordering. Patrons were told that the more expensive Caduceus wines ($57.99, $79.99 & $109.99) were low in quantity, each store only getting 36 bottles (aka 3 cases) of each to sell (I purchased the 28th bottle of Sensei). Reason being is that each of the Caduceus wines are produced in very limited quantities, typically 415 cases or less. The only White wine listed for sale was already sold out for this event.

Here's a Jeff Beck blow by blow breakdown:

Arizona Stronghold Tazi White ($22.99) - 34% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Chardonnay, 33% Riesling and 16% Malvasia Bianca. Has a hint of Mandarin Orange.

Arizona Stronghold Nachise ($24.99) - Mix of 10 different grapes including Grenache, Syrah and Petite Syrah.

Arizona Stronghold Mangus ($24.99) - Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Undertones of tobacco and leather.

Merkin Chupacabra ($29.99) - As stated on the order card...Their mystery red blend. Think forest, not trees. Think weather, not rain. Stare and the Chupacabra, who dwells in your heart and not in your head, will vanish.

Caduceus Primer Paso ($57.99) - A Syrah with a touch of Malvasia Bianca and Muscat. Wet campfire smoke, orange peel, tangerines, pomegranate and a hint of green melon on the nose.

Caduceus Nagual del Sensei [the bottle that Maynard is pictured with] ($109.99) - Divine mouth feel. This bruiser will most likely outlive its maker. 90 POINTS, Wine Spectator. -- I was told by a rep that the guy from Wine Spectator came to the Venice Whole Foods event back in September and tried all of the wines, rating the Sensei a 90 on the spot. MJK did some blogs about his wines for WS last year. Register and read them HERE

Caduceus Nagual de la Naga ($79.99) - Their Cabernet Sauvignon & Sangiovese blend, confident and understated with subtle raspberries, lychees and cherry pie filling on the nose.

Roaming the line to answer questions about the wines was Jim, an employee from a Whole Foods store in Arizona, which is where Merkin Vineyards in Yavapai County calls home. Jim confessed that he didn't know much about Tool's music at the time but had originally talked to the winery about stocking the wines. After learning of Keenan's involvement, store signings were discussed to promote the relatively new vintner's offerings with their only vintages being '04s & '05s with '06's ready on some of the labels.

Back to the action...There was quite a bit of security which allowed 10 people in at a time (kinda laughable for buying moderately pricey wine at a Whole Foods...guess it was the perceived aggression of a typical alpha-male fan at a Tool rock show). We were escorted to two check-out lanes where we turned in our order forms, paid and were given a receipt. We then waited in another line for a few minutes. Then one purchaser at a time was lead to another line near the front of the store where you then received the bottles of purchased wine and stood in yet a further line to say 'Hello' to Maynard and Eric while getting your bottles autographed (no limit, which was cool but no pictures were allowed).

Even though there was a maze of various lines, everything moved quickly and efficiently. At the front of this final line was the biggest security guard yet, so big that I couldn't see Maynard or Eric sitting behind him at a table until he stepped out of the way. I spoke to them briefly about the current drinkability of the wines and how they would age over time. The Caduceus wines should reach their peak in 4-5 years though time will be the presiding judge. Both guys were amiable and knowledgeable.

Guess I can scratch 'Talk to Maynard Keenan of Tool about the subtleties of fine red wine' off of my Bucket List.

More about CADUCEUS (site is reminiscent of a Tool/APC web experience and has a Myst video game soundtrack and UI)

Check out Maynard's video for QUEEN B. from his side project PUSCIFER which features copious wine drinking and a cameo by a Caduceus bottle. Puscifer is rumored to be set to tour next year.

Sign The Petition To Help WARREN ZEVON Get Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

Back in March at the 23rd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the following 5 artists were inducted: Leonard Cohen, The Dave Clark Five, Madonna, John Mellencamp & The Ventures.

April 4, 2009 is the 24th Annual Induction Ceremony where 5 of the following 9 nominees will make the grade. Nominees include Jeff Beck, Chic, Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Metallica, Run-D.M.C., the Stooges, War & Bobby Womack. While we're stoked to see Metallica up for the honor and recognize the importance of those artists' place in musical history, it's time for the HOF to recognize and induct Mr. Warren Zevon.

If you believe so as well, head over to sign an ongoing petition to try and get WZ on the HOF ballot for 2010. It'll be the 25th Anniversary which would tie in nicely with his long-overdue induction. There's a cool signature script by CrookedBush to allow you to actually sign your name.

SIGN THE PETITION
ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

Here's a treat from December 1976. Warren with Jackson Browne performing 'Mohammed's Radio' from his magnificent debut.

A Funky Chicken Man UFO Mystery! Help Solve The Ry Cooder Cover Art Conundrum!

A where's Waldo of the UFO variety...a decades old dilemma persists...

In the thank you notes (on page 39) of the beautifully elaborate booklet accompanying the career-spanning THE UFO HAS LANDED ANTHOLOGY, Ry Cooder poses the final words:

--Somebody sent me the cover art in the mail years ago.
Who was it? Please speak up! - RC --

A cyber quest is underway to find the artist. With the broad reach of the internet at our side, we're optimistic that the artist that masterminded the brilliant art showcasing the funky chicken man from outer space in a brown fedora and blue loafers will reveal him/her/itself.

Let us know if you can shed some light from above on this close encounter of the 39th kind. Bloggers in cyber space unite!

Out 11/11 - Reissue Of Warren Zevon's Debut With Bonus Disc Of 15 Unreleased Tracks

Warren Zevon moved to Spain in the summer of 1975, dropping out of the music business after nearly a decade. During his self-imposed exile, he performed regularly at the Dubliner, a colorful bar owned by a former mercenary who helped Zevon pen the classic “Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner.”


Zevon’s luck changed when his friend Jackson Browne contacted him about a recording deal. He signed with Asylum Records in 1975 and began recording his major-label debut, WARREN ZEVON. Today, many consider his self-titled album a high water mark not only for Zevon, but for the decade as well. Rhino will reissue a Collector’s Edition of WARREN ZEVON that includes the original album remastered, along with a bonus disc filled entirely with unreleased demos and alternate versions of album tracks. The two-CD set will be available November 11.

WARREN ZEVON – COLLECTOR'S EDITION
Track Listing

Disc 1
1. “Frank And Jesse James”
2. “Mama Couldn’t Be Persuaded”
3. “Backs Turned Looking Down The Path”
4. “Hasten Down The Wind”
5. “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”
6. “The French Inhaler”
7. “Mohammed’s Radio”
8. “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead”
9. “Carmelita”
10. “Join Me In L.A.”
11. “Desperados Under The Eaves”

Disc 2 (Previously Unissued)
1. “Frank And Jesse James” (Solo Piano Demo)
2. “The French Inhaler” (Solo Piano Demo)
3. “Hasten Down The Wind” (Band Demo)
4. “Carmelita” (1974 Demo)
5. “Mohammed’s Radio” (Solo Piano Demo)
6. “Backs Turned Looking Down The Path” (Take 1 - 1/28/76)
7. “Join Me In L.A.” (Take 2 - 11/20/75)
8. “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” (Alternate Version)
9. “Frank And Jesse James” (Alternate Version)
10. “Mohammed’s Radio” (Take 2 - 11/6/75)
11. “The French Inhaler” (Take 1 - 1/13/76)
12. “Carmelita” (Alternate Version)
13. “Desperados Under The Eaves” (Take 2 - 1/13/76)
14. “Mama Couldn’t Be Persuaded” (Live WMMS 10/13/76)
15. “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” (Alternate Version)

More info @ AMAZON

Spike Lee & Avril Lavigne. He Was A Boy. She Was A Girl. Can I Make It Any More Obvious?

Received an invitation from Nettwerk Management to attend a special event (I've dubbed a social experiment) at the Nokia Plaza in downtown L.A., which is a 40,000 square foot open-air area directly across the street from the Staples Center.

After filing though a metal detector, attendees stopped on the "blue carpet" to pose for a Nokia rep taking pitures. These snaps were then downloaded to a high-quality color printer and voila; instant memory (and not even a $20 charge...totally free). Scattered about were concessions by Wolfgang Puck, a KIIS radio booth with plenty of High School Musical 3 ticket giveaways and a Guitar Hero mobile contest. The 2 GH mobile high scorers eventually competed on stage to Santana's 'Black Magic Woman' to win an Aerosmith Guitar Hero bundle. The winning kid was about 10 years old. No surprise there.

The 1st main attraction of the evening was a brief appearance by director Spike Leeintroducing the premiere of his 5-minute mobile film culled from 162 chosen entries submitted via Nokia phones. While loosely emulating the Nokia tagline of 'Connecting People,' the heavily edited video often displayed eloquent imagery but, ultimately, was mired in a typical Spike Lee heavy-handed fashion. Lofty and ambitious but then again, considering the source content, how much could really be expected? It is what it is.

Next up was a concert by punk-pop muthafuckin' princess Avril Lavigne. Her current Best Damn Tour skipped Los Angeles and a handful of other west coast dates earlier this year due to a case of spring time laryngitis (or a possible PR move on behalf of poor ticket sales) so this performance was her chance to prove she still matters to the town that gossips like no other.

Aside from the abomination that was her dancers' supposed choreography, Avril seemed to be in a playful mood displaying her trademark smile in between one-handed cartwheels (quite a sight) & random ballet poses. Over the hour+ set, she emoted, sneered, fist-pumped in syncopation, skipped back & forth, played the drums and rocked her pink glitter guitar. On the mic, she seems a little less enthused crooning her big hit-maker produced songs like 'Keep Holding On,' from the movie Eragon, but appears at ease belting out her edgier material like 'I Always Get What I Want,' 'I Can Do Better' & her cover of Joan Jett's 'Bad Reputation'.

Highlight was a noticeably drunk husband Deryck Whibleywho encouraged the crowd to tell him to Shut The Fuck Upbefore he and the missus launched into a balls-out version of Sum 41's 'In Too Deep' followed by the propulsive sing-songy thrust of 'Sk8er Boi'. Here's a decent version of the same encore from a show in Halifax in August.



All in all, the Nokia social experiment probably looked good on paper and was a decent attempt to try and marry their brand to the latest attention deficit gen but its execution was modest, both in total perceived entertainment and depth of sensory involvement. Coachella need not be afraid.

Douse Yourself With A 10-Track Double Dose Of The Sound Of The Smiths

THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS, a new collection of classic and rare recordings that will be available from Rhino Records on November 11. The compilation was completed with the full cooperation of Morrissey, who provided the title, and Johnny Marr, who personally supervised the mastering. They both assisted in the track selection, and their joint involvement ensures that this will be the most comprehensive look back at The Smiths' extraordinary career to date.

In anticipation and in celebration, and without further ado, here are links to an exclusive 10-track The Sound of THE SMITHS listening party.

Listening Party track list:
1. Hand In Glove
2. This Charming Man
3. What Difference Does It Make? (Peel Session version)
4. How Soon Is Now? (12" version)
5. That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore
6. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
7. Panic
8. Girlfriend In A Coma
9. Meat Is Murder (Live)
10. The Queen Is Dead

QT
WMA
REAL

More TSOTS info @ AMAZON

The Ascension Of Koch Records Is Back By Blockular Demand

Founded in 1988 (a cool 100 years after the birth date of modern Media in 1888), Koch Records is home to a diverse roster of cutting edge artists & producers as well as tenured industry stalwarts.

Here's a quick hit list of some key Koch artists and their respective current project:

URBAN
Alchemist - Chemical Warfare (due 2/10/09)
Ray J - All I Feel (released 4/8/08)
Slim Thug presents Boss Hogg Outlawz - Back by Blockular Demand (released 9/2/08)

ROCK
The Smithereens - B-Sides the Beatles (released 9/2/08)
Hatebreed - Live Dominance DVD (released 9/2/08)
Dirtfedd - The American Nightmare (due 2/24/09)
OT3P - The Ascension (released 10/30/07)

JAZZ
Basia - It's That Girl Again (Spring 2009)
Earl Klugh - The Spice of Life (released 4/29/08)

KIDS
The Wiggles - You Make Me Feel Like Dancing DVD (released 7/29/08)

Bada Bing Bada Boom, Sopranos' Wines Have Entered The Room

Global credit crisis notwithstanding, the wine industry is experiencing an unprecendented global boom. French, Italian and Californian wines are still mostly dominant varietals but Chile, Argentina, South Africa & New Zealand are home to bold vintner statements. Amidst this heightened growth to capitalize, wineries have upped the ante with elaborate bottle artwork and intriguing names. Obviously, it's not wise to buy wine based on a pretty package or enticing name but hasty decisions are made far too often in this manner. 1st impressions can often go a long way. Businesses understand this weakness, so, to further exploit consumers' penchant for established media brands, enter celebrity wines.

Several years ago Marilyn Merlot burst on to the scene with much fanfare. Soon Elvis wines from Graceland fought for shelf space with Jerry Garcia's grapes which suprisingly made for a decent Chardonnay. Who knew? The ensuing explosion of sales flipped the switch for everyone to hop on board to hawk an alcoholic semblance of themselves. It's now reached a crescendo with everyone from baseball's Bobby Abreu and his Merlot to tOOl's frontman Maynard James Keenan and his CADUCEUS brand. Now, even the revered HBO show The Sopranos has fallen prey. Five Sopranos' themed Italian-made wines have hit the market with each one associated to a beloved character, further preying on one's inability to resist curiosity:

Tony's wine: Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata Garantita) - Estate Bottled and Grown Traditional Chianti vinification method of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Trebbiano and Malvasia del Chianti all hand selected from estate vineyard.

Uncle Junior's Wine: Chianti Classico DOCG from Italy - Provinicia di Pavia.

"Pauli Walnuts' Wine" - A daily wine for a working guy: Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 10% merlot from Italy/Tuscany.

"Christopher's Wine": 100% Pinot Noir, Provincia di Pavia.

"Carmella's Wine": 100% Pinot Grigio, Provincia di Pavia. Fuller, richer than traditional pinot Grigio, with fresh, ripe apple and pear aromas. Finishes with rich crisp taste of juicy melons with wonderful balance and acidity.

For the most part, this kind of marketing is equal parts clever and equal parts shameful. Pitted between my cautious reservations and fondness of Chiantis, I'm going to give the Riserva a try. If nothing else, at least the empty bottle will look good as a candle holder. Foiled again.

And, here's hoping that HBO's vampire series reverses it's ratings negativity and lives on because I can't wait to try some Type "O" negative True Blood Bordeaux!

SOPRANOS WINES @ MONDO WINES

A Definitive Double Dose of THE SMITHS

On November 11th, Rhino Records will release THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS as either a single-disc (pink lettering) or two-disc collection (blue lettering). Each will be available at all retail outlets, including rhino.com, for a list price of $18.98 for the single disc and $29.98 for the double-disc. THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS will also be available digitally $11.99 (single-disc) and $25.99 (double-disc). Disc 2 of the deluxe 2CD version contains choice B-sides, live cuts, and rarities. The same day, The Smiths full catalog (seven albums) will be available digitally from all digital partners.

THE SOUND OF THE SMITHS

SINGLE CD VERSION (Pink letter cover)
1. "Hand in Glove" - Single Version
2. "This Charming Man" - Single Version
3. "What Difference Does It Make" - Peel Sessions Version
4. "Still Ill" - Album Version
5. "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" - Single Version
6. "William, It Was Really Nothing" - Single Version
7. "How Soon Is Now?" - 12" Single
8. "Nowhere Fast" - Album Version
9. "Shakespeare's Sister" - Single Version
10. "Barbarism Begins At Home" - 7" Version
11. "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" - Single Version
12. "The Headmaster Ritual" - Album Version
13. "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side" - Single Version
14. "Bigmouth Strikes Again" - Single Version
15. "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" - Album Version
16. "Panic" - Single Version
17. "Ask" - Single Version
18. "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby" - Single Version
19. "Shoplifters Of The World Unite" - Single Version
20. "Sheila Take A Bow" - Single Version
21. "Girlfriend In A Coma" - Single Version
22. "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish" - Single Version
23. "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" - Single Version

DOUBLE CD DELUXE VERSION (Blue letter cover)
(Includes the Single CD along with the following)
1. "Jeane" - Single B-Side
2. "Handsome Devil" - - Single B-Side, Live 1983
3. "This Charming Man" (New York vocal)- 12" Single
4. "Wonderful Woman" - 12" Single
5. "Back To The Old House" - Single B-Side
6. "These Things Take Time" - 12" Single B-Side
7. "Girl Afraid" - Single B-Side
8. "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" - Single B-Side
9. "Stretch Out And Wait" - Single B-Side
10. "Oscillate Wildly" - 12" Single B-Side
11. "Meat Is Murder" - Live In Oxford - Single B-Side
12. "Asleep" - Single B-Side
13. "Money Changes Everything" - Single B-Side
14. "The Queen Is Dead" "Take Me Back To Dear Old Blighty" - Medley
15. "Vicar In A Tutu" - Single B-Side
16. "Cemetry Gates" - Single B-Side
17. "Half A Person" - Single B-Side
18. "Sweet And Tender Hooligan" - 12" Single B-Side
19. "Pretty Girls Make Graves" -- Single B-Side, Troy Tate Version
20. "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" - Album Version
21. "What's The World?" -Live In Glasgow
22. "London" - Live In London

More Deluxe version info @ AMAZON

More Standard version info @ AMAZON

Scrab Rehab Complete. Lexulous Is Fabulous!

That word game that rhymes with babble is back! After last Friday's ruling on the use of the name Scrabulous (trademark infringement) and the game itself (no copyright infringement), Scrabulous has, as predicted, re-emerged at a new site called Lexulous.com. Other than a name that doesn't easily roll off your tongue and one that some, ironically, may find difficult to spell, the game remains the same and you can utilize your existing user name / password to login. Player rooms include Rack Shack, Addicts' Attic, Sowpods Junction & Vowels Valley.

Indian brothers and Scrabulous developers Jayant and Rajat Agarwall, said in a statement; "We thank all our fans for their love, blessings and kind words of support." "Here's a message for our fans: 'Folks! Take a deep breath, relax and smile :) We are still here to share and spread happiness with you through our little online games. With your support and good wishes, we will continue to develop amazing games for you to enjoy. Thank you!"

Mattel will appeal the ruling but for now, fans can rejoice that their beloved game continues to remain free.