Music (458)
Astonishing tales of record-biz hijinks in Dave Morrell’s ‘Run-Out Groove’
Written by Mike Dow
There was a time when success in the music industry hinged on the caliber of a record company’s promotions team. Tasked with taking their bosses’ latest investment to the top, these label reps could make or break a career. Iconic record company promo man Dave Morrell’s fourth volume chronicling his many years of music industry adventures and misadventures, “Run Out Groove: Inside Capitol’s 1980s Hits & Stiffs,” covers the decade he spent at the legendary label with astonishing tales of success, failure, hilarity and cruelty.
Morrell’s time at Capitol Records, from 1980 to 1990, was a rollercoaster ride that included dealing with career breakthroughs for bands including Crowded House and Duran Duran, working with legacy artists like Paul McCartney and Bob Seger, and helping some artists, like Bonnie Raitt, reach a new level of success.
Morrell also had to work internally with a few Capitol kooks whose eye-popping antics earned them nicknames in his book such as “Mr. Hollywood,” “Cattle prod guy” and “Psycho Johnny.” Morrell recalls every shocking instance of their absurdity with hilarious clarity and says some of his former co-workers have been in touch after reliving those years through his book.
New spring titles from Paul Stanley, Melissa Carper, Morgan Wade and more
Written by Mike Dow
I have a feeling we’re in for a deluge of new music titles as artists everywhere prepare to release the fruits of their lockdowns in hopes they’ll soon be able to take the stage in support. Here are a few recently released LPs that should not be overlooked in the pending flood.
Maine’s music scene is still quiet one year after the start of the pandemic but there are signs that things are beginning to move in the right direction, according to some of Maine’s music-makers and presenters.
Maine Edge readers to cite 10 Best Waterfront Concerts from 10 great seasons
Written by Mike Dow
It’s hard to believe that more than a decade has passed since the greater Bangor area’s entertainment landscape was transformed by the rise of Waterfront Concerts and Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion.
To celebrate this milestone, The Maine Edge is asking readers to share their picks for the 10 best shows presented at the venue since it opened. One winner, selected at random, will receive a prize package including ticket vouchers to exchange for an upcoming show of the winner’s choice courtesy of Waterfront Concerts.
New music on the way from Willie Nelson, Alice Cooper, Edie Brickell
Written by Mike Dow
The hits just keep on coming. Here’s a look at some just-released and soon-to-come music offerings, with plenty of tunes from old friends and new faces alike.
Foo Fighters, Iron Maiden, Carole King among 2021 Rock Hall nominees
Written by Mike Dow
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced 16 nominees for consideration to be inducted into the hall later this year for its 36th class. This year’s nominees include Todd Rundgren, The New York Dolls, Foo Fighters, The Go-Gos, LL Cool J, Chaka Kahn, Fela Kuti, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Carole King, Rage Against The Machine, Devo, Foo Fighters, Iron Maiden, Kate Bush, and Dionne Warwick. From that group, it’s expected that at least 6 will see induction during ceremonies tentatively set for this fall. The final list of inductees will be released in May, according to the Rock Hall.
Artists become eligible for induction to the rock hall 25 years after the release of their first record.
There is a bit of mystery regarding the process of how the list of nominees gets whittled down to the final inductees. As Rock Hall CEO Greg Harris told The Maine Edge a year ago “The industry vote is what ultimately determines election to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.” He explained that the industry vote is made up of more than 1,000 voters, many of whom are already inductees.
Until April 30, fans are encouraged to cast a vote for up to five nominees daily at www.vote.rockhall.com. As of this writing, world music pioneer and multi-instrumentalist Fela Kuti is the top fan-vote getter with nearly 125,000 votes. Tina Turner is in second place with more than 88,000.
Never-before-heard music from pivotal moments in the respective careers of Bob Dylan, The Band, Frank Zappa, Neil Young, and The Who, will be the drawing card for a number of forthcoming archival classic rock box sets. Designed for the super-fan looking for a deeper dive, these sets can be pricey, but they’re usually manufactured in limited quantities, which could turn some into sought-after collectibles on the secondary market when they’re gone.
New LPs on the way from Foo Fighters, Weezer, Hagar
Written by Mike Dow
It’s been a great week of listening here at The Maine Edge. I’m sure there are other things happening in the world that deserve my attention, but with so much fine new music materializing at the moment, it will have to wait. Here’s a sampling of titles just released or due next week.
Portland rockers theWorst share tales of forthcoming LP ‘Yes Regrets’
Written by Mike Dow
PORTLAND – Much has occurred in the lives of Portland-based alt-punk-grunge rockers theWorst since they formed and embarked on their first nationwide tour five years ago. The band’s celebrated 2017 debut “Jane Doe Embryo” was an aggressive and authentic “How do you do?” but according to lead singer and guitarist Brooke Binion, the best is yet to come.
As this story goes to print, Binion, bassist Will Bradford (SeepeopleS) and drummer Craig Sala (Paranoid Social Club) are wrapping sessions for their sophomore LP “Yes Regrets” at Chillhouse Studios in Boston with producer Will Holland. No second album syndrome for this band, Binion says, adding she isn’t worried about heightened expectations. “I think I’ll be more worried about topping this one to be honest,” she said. “It’s different, but it’s a lot more mature and I’m really proud of it.”
Former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett wants to take you on a trip
Written by Mike Dow
Iconic progressive rock guitarist Steve Hackett says he’s had a most productive lockdown.
The former guitarist for Genesis (1970-1977) has just released his 25th solo album, his first acoustic offering since 2008. Hackett says the 11 pieces of music recorded for “Under a Mediterranean Sky” take inspiration from his extensive travels in and around the Mediterranean with his wife, Jo, whom he credits with the idea.
During an interview with The Maine Edge, Hackett says his goal was to not only pay tribute to the extraordinary beauty of the Mediterranean but to offer a transportive experience for listeners who’d like to break away from their current inertia and take the journey with him.
When Hackett’s live performances last year vaporized in the wake of COVID, he rescheduled his Genesis Revisited tour “Seconds Out and More” for this fall in the U.K. with forthcoming dates to be announced soon for the U.S.
Last summer, Hackett released his memoir, “A Genesis in My Bed,” an engrossing and revealing read that shed light on his life in and out of music, his years spent creating classic prog-rock albums with his former band and the myriad musical journeys undertaken during his solo career, all delivered with a hefty dose of levity.
Each piece on “Under a Mediterranean Sky” is devoted to a different part of the Mediterranean landscape while highlighting the regions’ cultures and indigenous instruments. It’s a beautifully written and recorded album centered by Hackett’s classical guitar playing and longtime collaborator Roger King’s orchestral arrangements.
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