Swanktrendz's Blog

popular culture, random musings, current events, music


Blog For Free!


Archives
Home
2008 July
2008 May
2008 April
2008 March
2008 February
2008 January
2007 December
2007 November
2007 October
2007 September
2007 August
2007 July
2007 June
2007 May
2007 April
2007 March
2007 February
2007 January
2006 December

tBlog
My Profile
Send tMail
My tFriends
My Images


Sponsored
Blog



Speculating what songs would have been on the Beatles' next album By: Shane Christensen
07.17.08 (7:07 pm)   [edit]
Visit Swanktrendz

It is actually pretty easy to figure out what songs could have been on the Beatles' next album, simply by looking at the solo work and songs that came out immediately after their acrimonious breakup in 1970.

The biggest surprise of this album would be the fact that John Lennon and Paul McCartney would have probably played a lesser role in the songwriting department, as George Harrison had been stockpiling a number of heavyweight tunes which had previously been denied a place on a Beatles record.

But that all changed during the recording (and subsequent release) of their final studio album, Abbey Road. The first single was Here Comes The Sun, followed by one of the greatest love songs ever written (so says Frank Sinatra - and who's going to argue with him?) Something.

It was during these sessions that the band also experimented with a prophetic, beautiful tune called All Things Must Pass. Anyone who's heard the Beatles' version would probably agree that this song would have been a standout tune, especially with the lovely vocal harmonizing between George and Paul during the chorus. Unfortunately, their relationship was strained to the point that the last thing George wanted to hear was Paul singing alongside him.

Another surprise on this album would be the inclusion of other non-Beatles musicians participating in its making, which they had done previously on Let It Be (Billy Preston) and the White Album (Eric Clapton). With all the interpersonal tensions in the band, the members enjoyed having "neutral" players break the ice so that everyone could actually have fun and enjoy themselves again. It was akin to a marriage that had soured, and having friends over for drinks and a BBQ was all that was needed.

So, in saying that, I would speculate that Bob Dylan would guest on this album and offer a tune he gave to George for his first solo album. If Not For You is a mellow love song that would chart as a "new country" tune today. I think it would have been amazing to listen to Dylan playing on the next album of a band who simply idolized him years before, and who he influenced greatly (remember Rubber Soul)?

Paul had a few songs that had been bumped from earlier albums which I feel would finally surface on this latest album. The tunes Junk and Teddy Boy had both been written in India, but were cut from Abbey Road and Let It Be respectively. Now, with a little reworking, these songs would make it on this new album, along with the classic Maybe I'm Amazed. This tune was the stand-out track on McCartney's first solo release, and the Beatles' version would have been far superior with the participation of the other top-quality musicians as well as with the production of George Martin to do it justice.

Ringo Starr's contribution would be the song from his first solo release; one which many speculated was actually written by George or John due to its intricate level of songwriting, It Don't Come Easy. Ringo's song was a number one hit for him, and there's no doubt the Beatles' version would have done equally well, if not better. John Lennon was the most dominant member of the Beatles up until Sgt. Peppers, and then a number of factors precipitated his decline as the acknowledged leader. Meeting Yoko, experimenting with heroin, and losing Brian Epstein all affected John's attitude towards being a Beatle, and it was he (not Paul) who first suggested the dissolution of the band in 1969.

After the break-up, many people were shocked at the lack of quality in Lennon's material, and it would take him over a year to produce anything comparable to Beatles' caliber. This finally came with the release of the song Imagine. Perhaps Instant Karma and Working Class Hero; his solo songs released in 69/70, could have been offered up for a new Beatles' project (which would have guaranteed quality production and effort).

Of course the one song that would definitely be on this album, and which would also be its title, is the anti-war anthem Give Peace A Chance. This song sums up the passion and ideology of the man, and the Beatles as a whole, and it would be reflective of an entire generation who grew up loving the Beatles, their music, and their message of love and peace.

Give Peace A Chance, would have been the next album by the greatest musical group in the entire world, The Beatles.

 
New Band Alert - Tickle Me Pink By: Christine Albrecht
07.09.08 (4:25 pm)   [edit]
Visit Swanktrendz's Home Page

I received a band alert from Windup Records, and I do believe we have a potential 'winner' with Tickle Me Pink.

Colorado's latest musical export reminds me a bit of Story of the Year, especially with their release Typical (due out on radios next week). I prefer the melancholic tune, Madeleine, and predict it will become as popular as Typical.

One note of sadness, the band's bassist, Johnny Schou died on July 1, 2008. This must be heartbreaking; to have one of the most important days of your life (album release date in the USA) be countered with one of the most saddest.

Check out the tunes yourself atWindup Records

Enjoy.

(The full-length Madeline album is due out in Canada in August).

 
CFox's Vancouver Seeds 2008 Tickets on Sale July 11th
07.09.08 (4:20 pm)   [edit]
Visit Swanktrendz's Home Page

On Friday, at 11:00, tickets will go on sale for CFOX's, August 9th, Vancouver's Seeds 2008 event, at the Commodore Ballroom.

Tickets are only $9.93 (so you are definitely getting your money's worth and then some).

The evening's lineup includes:

Incura

Innocent Bystander

Cold Driven

Versus the Nothing

Jordan Carrier

With Special Headliner: Thornley

One of these top five acts will receive the Platinum Award which provides:

- A management consultation deal with Coalition Entertainment (currently managing Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven and Simple Plan)

- An agency consultation deal with the Agency Group (Ralph James)

- Recording of an EP at Mushroom Studios Vancouver from Mushroom /Hipposonic

- A 1-day song writing session with Brian Howes (Hinder, Rev Theory, Puddle of Mudd, Sheryl Crow)

- Mixing of 1 radio single by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Ill Scarlett)

- A demo recording deal with Maple Music Including national distribution

- A gig opening Foxfest with Stone Temple Pilots at GM Place on August 30th.

I feel that the Fox's contribution to the independent British Columbian music scene via The Seeds contest is commendable.

There is one contest entry requirement that I have always felt must hamper some eager band's eligibility. The Seeds entry form lists several conditions that entrants must adhere to. The most standard condition is: This competition is open to residents of BC, except the employees, directors, and immediate family members of CFOX Radio, Corus Entertainment Inc., Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Labatt Brewery and Music BC, their employees, and immediate family members of anyone in these groups.

These aforementioned companies employ A LOT of British Columbians and I am sure there were a few potential entrants who were affected by their (or their family members') employment. I have often wondered why this is a common requirement with contests? (The first explanation that comes to mind is eliminating any accusations of unfairness or favoritism.) Be sure to get your Seeds' tickets and support our local musicans.

To listen to the final ten CFOX 2008 Seeds' entrants, Click Here.
 
Upcoming Vancouver, Canada, Concerts as of July 2, 2008 by Christine Albrecht
07.02.08 (6:10 am)   [edit]
Visit Swanktrendz's Home Page

July

2nd

True Colors Tour: Cyndi Lauper, The B52's, Rosie O'Donnell

Deer Lake Park

Tickets $57.50

Jack Packs: 4 Tickets For $169.00

3rd

Ashes Divide

Richard's on Richards

Tickets $20.00

3rd

Mark Knopler

The Orpheum

Tickets: Sold Out

4th

George Michael

General Motors Place

Tickets: $199.00, $149.00, $99.00 & $69.00

8th

Collective Soul

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: SOLD OUT

11th

Easy Star All-Stars

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $29.00

12th

Stevie Wonder

General Motors Place

Tickets $119.00, $89.00, $69.00 & $49.00

12th

Wolf Parade

Commodore Ballroom

$25.50

14th

Newton Faulkner

The Media Club

Tickets $12.50

14th

Jimmy Eat World

The Croatian Cultural Club

Tickets $28.50

18th

Mark Farina

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $25.00

18th

James Taylor and His Band of Legends

General Motors Place

Tickets $85.00, $65.00 & $45.00

19th

Akon/ Wyclef Jam/ Sean Paul

GM Place

Tickets: $75.50, $55.50, $39.50

21st

Boy George

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $69.00

23rd

Emmylou Harris

The Orpheum

Tickets $69.50, $55.00 & $35.00

24th

Girl Talk

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $19.75

24th

Judas Priest

General Motors Place

Tickets $69.50, $49.50 & $35.50

26th

Les Savy Fav

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $21.50

July 25, 26, 27

Pemberton Festival

Campground is full

Tickets: 3-Day Pass $259.50, VIP Tickets $599.00 / 3-Day Tickets $259.50 / Single Day tickets $149.50 / GENERAL ADMISSION OR phone 1-800-594-8499

29th

Cute is What we Aim For

The Plaza Club

Tickets $15.00

August

1st

The Faint

Commodore Ballroom

Ticket: $25.50

5th

Feist

Deer Lake Park

Tickets $49.50

7th

Angels & Aairwaves

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets SOLD OUT

8th

Brooks & Dunn, ZZ Top

General Motors Place

Tickets $79.50, $59.50 & $45.50

8th

Michael White & The White (Led Zeppelin tribute)

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $19.50

9th & 10th

Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival

Colin James, Jonny Lang, Ryan Shaw, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Shelby Lynne

Deer Lake Park, Burnaby

Early Tickets: (Jun 6 - Jul 10) $40.00 or 4 pack $120.00

Later Tickets: (Jul 11 - Aug 9) $45.00 or 4 pack for $140.00

11th

Crue Fest

General Motors Place

Tickets $85.00, $65.00 & $39.50

14th

An Evening with Yes

Pontiac Theatre at General Motors Place

Tickets $149.50, $99.50 & $69.50

16th

The Pack A.D.

Richards on Richards

Tickets" $10.00

18th

Joshua Radin

Biltmore Cabaret

Tickets: $15.00

19th

Radiohead

Thunderbird Stadium

Tickets: Sold Out

21st

Seether

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $39.50

21st

Jack Johnson

Thunderbird Stadium

Tickets: Sold Out

22nd

Amos Lee

Commodore Ballroom

23/24

Blue Rodeo

Malkin Bowl

Tickets: $65.50, $49.50 & $37.50

25th

Summer Slaughter Tour

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $27.50

24th, 25th, 26th

Chris Rock No Apologies Tour

The Orpheum

Tickets:ALL 3 SHOWS SOLD OUT

26th

3 Doors Down

General Motors Place

Tickets: $59.50, $45.50 & $34.50

27th

Oasis

General Motors Place, Vancouver

Tickets: $69.50, $59.50 & $49.50

31st

The Stanley Park Singing Exhibition Day 1: NEKO CASE, ANDREW BIRD, DESTROYER, DEERHOOF, AND THE EVAPORATORS

Malkin Bowl, Vancouver

31st

Airbourne

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $23.50

September

1st

The Stanley Park Singing Exhibition Day 2: THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, STEVIE JACKSON, THE 1900S, & VISQUEEN

Malkin Bowl, Vancouver

Tickets: 1 day tickets $35.00

2 day tickets $60.00

3rd

A Simple Plan

Pacific Coliseum Concert Bowl

Tickets $39.50 & $29.50

3rd

The Black Crowes

The Orpheum Theatre

Tickets: $69.50, $49.50 & $35.50

4th

Backstreet Boys

General Motors Place, Vancouver

Tickets $75.00, $55.50 & $39.50

4th

John Butler Trio

Malkin Bowl

Tickets $35.00

6th

Mogwai

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $26.50

7th

Santana

General Motors Place

Tickets $85.50, $59.50 & $39.50

10th

Janet Jackson

GM Place

Tickets: $129.75, $99.75, $79.75 & $49.75

18th

The Raconteurs with The Kills

Malkin Bowl

Tickets: $39.50

19th

Federico Aubele

Richard's On Richards, Vancouver

October

4th

Sheryl Crow

General Motors Place, Vancouver

Tickets: $69.50, $59.50 & $39.50

7th

Sigur Ros

Chan Centre For The Performing Arts

Tickets: $59.50 & $49.50

8th

Hedley

The Orpheum, Vancouver

Tickets: $34.50 & $29.50

14th

Flogging Molly

Commodore Ballroom

Tickets: $27.50

19th

Stereolab

Commodore Ballroom

29th

Video Games Live With Vancouver Symphony

The Orpheum

Tickets $69.50, $49.50 & $29.50

30th

Madonna

BC Place Stadium

Tickets: SOLD OUT

November

5th

Lenny Kravitz

General Motors Place, Vancouver

Tickets: $75.00, $59.50 & $39.50

December

12th

Sarah Brightman

General Motors Place, Vancouver

Tickets: $89.50, $69.50 & $45.50

 
This is not a 'new' blog, it is merely an adjustment on our old tblog. To 'connect the dots' visit Our Old tblog Home