Ryan Adams News

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals will be releasing a new album next month, while they're in the middle of their current tour. Titled Cardinology, the disc should be available in the U.S. on October 28 and in Europe on October 27. Interestingly enough, this album is by The Cardinals. No mention of Ryan Adam's name anywhere except for songwriting credits...

Last fall, Adams said the band was going to work on several new projects:

20/20 : a box set of unreleased albums (that most people already have)
Cardinals III/IV: Two discs of songs that see Ryan Adams and Neal Casal splitting vocals
(Untitled RA Solo Album) : Adams mentioned that he was going to do a solo album (followed by a theatre tour) that was in a crooner style...

Britney Spears To Open Video Music Awards

MTV has confirmed what people had been speculating: Britney Spears will be appearing at this year's Video Music Awards. They won't say, however, whether it will be a performance. Only calling it something "fun and unexpected." I don't know if they can top last year's "fun and unexpected" appearance, but it'll be interesting to see...

I don't plan on watching the VMAs, as they're usually a crock of shit, but I'm blown away by the fact that the Ting Tings are nominated for Video of the Year for "Shut Up and Let Me Go". If you haven't listened to them, DO SO!

www.myspace.com/thetingtings

Kid Rock = Not A Political Scientist

With the upcoming presidential election, you can count on a lot of celebrity endorsements of candidates. There are your regulars, like Eddie Vedder and Michael Stipe, who insist on plugging their candidates whether or not anyone is listening; but it seems like a lot more musicians are coming forward to promote Barack Obama. Hell, even Broken Social Scene told voters to "put down the bong and vote for Obama."

Well, there's one musician in particular who you won't see any endorsements from: Kid Rock. In an interview with Country Music Television, he explained "I truly believe that people like myself, who are in a position of entertainers in the limelight, should keep their mouth shut on politics." Rock, who currently has a huge hit without selling his music on iTunes, also clarified that he is not, in fact, a political scientist.

U2's Bono: Ordered To Lose Weight???

From what I've heard, touring takes quite the toll on a performer's body. All of the quickie meals, running around onstage for a few hours a night, going to bed late and waking up early... So it's no surprise that artists visit their physicians before a tour much like athletes get physicals before their season begins. But what is surprising is that the members of U2 have actually been ordered to lose weight before they go on the road to support their upcoming album, rumored to be titled No Line On The Horizon.

A New York newspaper is reporting that the band, who sang about how "Big Girls Are Best", will be hitting the road and appearing at arenas near you beginning in April or May of 2009. So this gives them a few months to work off those extra pounds.

So for Bono and Co., maybe they shouldn't have too much of the "sweetest thing(s)" this fall/winter. They could always go sugar-free, I hear it's even better than the real thing... (wink, wink)

More From Madonna...

You know, if you would have asked me who I thought Madonna was going to vote for, I probably could have guessed right. But for those of us who aren't so good at inferring these things, she's using her tour to express said views. During one segment of her "Sticky and Sweet" show, which kicked off last week, (see earlier post) she showed both candidates on the monitors along with some other well-known public figures.

After showing what news networks are calling "images of destruction [and] global warming", the audience saw Adolf Hitler and Zimbabwean president (and major league asshole) Robert Mugabe followed by none other than Arizona Senator and Presidential candidate John McCain.

Then later in the show, Barack Obama's image was presented after John Lennon, Al Gore, and Gandhi.

So while some acts will bring along booths where concertgoers can register to vote, Madonna just compares them to dictators or martyrs. Glad to see she's doing her part...

New Metallica Songs: "Cyanide" and "The Day That Never Comes"

After spending years working with Rick Rubin on what many people are calling their comeback album, Metallica has finally debuted a few new songs. The first single is now on the band's official website, and is titled "The Day That Never Comes." The streaming quality isn't that great, (obviously a deterrent to those who would want to, *gasp*, download it without paying) but most fans are probably just happy to hear some finished product.

The other new song was debuted during their set at Ozzfest in Dallas, TX. Once again, the band's official site came through for the fans and provided official video of the performance. This song, titled "Cyanide", unforunately sounds like cookie-cutter Metallica. Very color-by-numbers. Double-bass drums, chugging guitars, fast Kirk Hammett solos... Some things just don't impress anymore. However, I wouldn't doubt for a second that this album won't gain them a bunch of new young fans. Hell, it's better than them listening to Avenged Sevenfold, right? It's a good laugh to hear the polite "Thank you, Dallas" right after the song ends, too.

The new album, Death Magnetic, comes out on September 12.

P.S. It takes a lot of balls for a rocker to wear shorts onstage. See YouTube.

The Day That Never Comes
http://www.metallica.com/index.asp?item=601119

Cyanide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOVX6nMhf9A&feature=related

Meet Glen Campbell

In the last decade or so, we've seen a lot of veteran country acts trying to work their way into the mindsets of today's youth. Waylon Jennings joined Lollapalooza, Johnny Cash did his albums with Rick Rubin, and Kris Kristofferson appeared in some terrible movies. (Remember that Planet of the Apes re-make with Mark Wahlberg?) Well, it looks like Glen Campbell has joined the ranks by releasing his first album of the new millenium: Meet Glen Campbell.

The title is appropriate for this album, which is acting as a re-introduction. Campbell must have known that he had to change directions, since he hasn't had a true hit since 1989's "She's Gone, Gone, Gone." On Meet Glen Campbell, he covers artists like Travis, Tom Petty, U2, and Green Day. (Don't worry, nothing too radical, it's "Good Riddance") But this isn't a takeoff of the Johnny Cash/American Recordings albums. Campbell genuinely works to make these songs his own. You'll recognize guitar tones in some of the songs that immediately bring to mind classics like "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston", and "Gentle On My Mind." Plus, the strong, clear voice you heard on the recordings of the 60's and 70's seems to have barely aged.

Key tracks: "Sing", "Angel Dream", "All I Want Is You"

Live Video of "All I Want Is You" from AOL:
http://music.aol.com/video/all-i-want-is-you-aol-sessions/glen-campbell/2198844

Madonna's Upcoming Tour

If there's one thing Madonna is known for, it's taking EVERYTHING over the top. And it sounds like her upcoming tour won't be an exception. She has called it a "rock-driven, dancetastic journey." (shudders) Word is that the show will be broken down into four sections: 1920's Gangsta (I think it should be gangstER) Pimp, old school New York (Studio 57?), gypsy, and a "far-eastern inspired rave."

Here are the main points:

--8 Costume Changes
--Pre-recorded duet with Britney Spears
--16 Dancers
--12 Member Backing Band
--653 Hours of Tour Rehearsals

The tour kicks off on Saturday.

Malaysia Takes On Avril Lavigne

I found this on the NME site today and found it absolutely hilarious...

The Malaysian government, who is known for being strict with performers (particularly female performers), has cancelled Avril Lavigne's August 29th concert for being, and this is completely serious: too sexy. A spokesperson said that the performance would "not be good for viewers in Malaysia", and that it's inappropriate since their Independence Day is near that date.

What's the worst that could happen? I mean, sure, a few Malaysian girls might wear neckties, plaid and rip off Toni Basil (there, I said it!!!)...

David Byrne: Talking Head, World Musician, Bike Rack Designer

If I could have one band reunite, it would be the talking heads. There was a brief period there a few weeks ago where I thought I would prefer an Uncle Tupelo reunion (it would still be nice), but I came to my senses and realized what this world really needs is for David Byrne to finally come to his senses and reform the band that, in my opinion, founded alternative rock as we know it.

Well, it looks like he's going to have more important matters on his mind. Of course, there was the album he just released with Brian Eno, his solo career, and now this: David Byrne has designed bike racks for New York City. You would think that he would have more productive, exciting things to do with his spare time, but you'd be wrong. He has a blog on his site where he talks about whatever his strange little hear desires, and one day, it was entirely about how much he likes bicycles. Yep... The man who created powerful albums like Fear of Music and Remain In Light is now writing about bikes. Personally, I preferred when he authored pieces about buildings and food, how we shouldn't worry about the government, and psycho killers. (Fa-fa-fa fa-fa, Fa-fa-fa fa-fa)

Anyway, I guess writing wasn't enough, since he has created these new themed bike racks. There's one on Wall Street shaped like a dollar sign, a guitar-shaped rack in Brooklyn, and a car-shaped piece he calls "Jersey" that is located near the Lincoln Tunnel.

Another note, this one seriously musically related, he kicks off his tour September 16 in Pennsylvania.

New Wilco Album and Songs

In the last few weeks, the internet has been all in a flutter with people discussing the new Wilco songs. I heard One Wing live at Lolla '08, and I found a decent audience recording of the other new song, "Sunny Feeling." Now, I wasn't too wild about Sky Blue Sky, but it looks like we might get a little more variety on this album, which is a good thing. If you look at their finest work, 2002's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, I think you'd agree that one of the most impressive characteristics of the album is its diversity. There were normal sounding songs like "I'm The Man Who Loves You" and "Kamera", noise tracks like "Reservations" and "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart", poppy numbers like "Heavy Metal Drummer", and whatever you want to call "Radio Cure"...

But my point is: that diversity has been lacking on the last two Wilco albums. A Ghost Is Born had its moments, but for the most part was simple, piano based alternative rock. The songs only really shined after the addition of Nels Cline. Sky Blue Sky, which I mentioned earlier, suffered even worse. Each song sounded the same: light, folky, with chiming, jammy solos. Of course, there are exceptions on both albums. (See "Spiders (Kidsmoke")

But it looks like the variety will be back on Wilco's next album, which, according to Jeff Tweedy, should come out this spring. "One Wing" sounds like something off of Sky Blue Sky with a little more edge to it, while "Sunny Feeling" would fit perfectly on Summerteeth. So I'll keep hoping that Jeff Tweedy and Co. will lose their focus, since it just hasn't been the same since the albums are more concentrated...

(Also, it'd be really cool if they'd bring Jay Bennett back... Seriously...)

One Wing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsjCzx89uvM

Jane's Addiction Reunion Status: Really, Really Unlikely

Let me start by saying that I think Perry Farrell is a first-class, blue ribbon, grade-A, ice cold freakcicle. I always knew he was a little odd, but after I saw him perform with Slash at Lollapalooza this summer, I was at a loss for words. He got onstage and introduced "Jane Says" as a song by a girl he knew who was "very confused." Right before "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", he explained to the audience the beauty of life, but that there's another side to life called death...

Now, it's not like Lollapalooza is alway sunny and happy. This year had bands like Love & Rockets (3/4 of Bauhaus) and Nine Inch Nails, you know, the paint-your-fingernails-black type stuff... But the problem with Perry talking about death and addicts was the fact that it was on the Kidzapalooza stage. But I digress...

Since the NME Awards last spring, there has been buzz about a possible Jane's Addiction reunion. Before the lineup was announced, there were even rumors of a Lolla '08 appearance. (Rumors that were, of course, untrue)

But the possibilities seemed to be pretty good after Farrell told a reporter at Lollapalooza, "I'm not opposed to it like I used to be... All that hell and effort and tumult still sounds worth it to me..." So does this mean we're going to see them back together like we did several years back? Did the NME reunion remind them of the passion and fire they used to feel? According to Perry: no.

He said: "There's as much likelihood of that happening as there being commercial space flights."

God, he's weird...

Neil Young Announces Fall Tour Dates

The O.G. of alt-country, Neil Young, has announced a fall tour of the United States and Canada, beginning this October. The nineteen dates do an adequate job of covering North America, including obvious locations like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles; while throwing a few oddball choices such as Omaha, Kansas City, and Reno, Nevada. Young is bringing along some strong support for this tour, promoting Chrome Dreams II. Death Cab For Cutie will be the opening act until Nov. 5, when Wilco will take over the slot.* Everest will be performing as an opener for the entire tour.

*Note: Wilco will not be playing at the Chicago show.

October 2008
14 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
16 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - MTS Centre
18 - Regina, Saskatchewan - Brandt Centre
19 - Calgary, Alberta - Pengrowth Saddledome
21 - Everett, WA - Comcast Arena at Everett
22 - Vancouver, British Columbia - GM Place
29 - San Diego, CA - Cox Arena
30 - Inglewood, CA - The Forum

November 2008
1 - Reno, NV - Events Center
4 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
5 - Omaha, NE - Qwest Center
29 - Halifax, Nova Scotia - Metro Centre

December 2008
1 - Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre
2 - Ottawa, Ontario - Scotia Bank Place
4 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre
7 - Detroit, MI - Palace of Auburn Hills
9 - Chicago, IL - Allstate Arena
12 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Spectrum
15 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden

New Oasis Album: Experimental?

That's what Noel Gallagher (bless his soul...) is saying. In an interview with BBC 6Music, he discussed the new direction his band will be taking on Dig Out Your Soul, saying the new songs are influenced by veteran acts like The Doors and The Stooges. Gallagher, the eloquent man he is, stated "It's not Britpop, let's put it that way." He also makes mention of the fact that several of the songs feature two drummers. Not that it's a big deal or anything, since bands like Genesis and, more recently, Modest Mouse have been doing it for a while.

In a moment of ego-free honesty, Noel admitted he would "be amazed if anything else gets on the radio past the first single." That first single is titled "The Shock of the Lightning" and will be hitting the radio in late September.

Tegan Quin's Electronic Side Project

In my opinion, Tegan and Sara's The Con was the second best album of this decade, only behind Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. It was the alterna-folk with a touch of emo (gasp!) every now and then that's expected of them with the occasional boops-and-beeps that add texture without coming across, you know, all Kid A-y. Well, with her time off after wrapping up the tour in support of The Con, Tegan Quin is embarking on a new solo project with AFI's Hunter Burgan. She recently spoke to Rolling Stone about these endeavors, which, she explains, also involves her True Colors tourmate Cyndi Lauper. Tegan said she "sent him [Burgan] a lot of B-sides and things and he started redoing the instrumentation and turning it into a dance electro thing. Sometimes it sounds like Kelly Clarkson, actually. I think it could make us both really rich."

There isn't any information about the project's name, release dates, or anything else, but it's safe to assume that it won't be too soon, since Tegan and Sara have a fall tour that runs late into this year. (I plan on seeing their 10/09 show at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago, but more on that later)

Source:
http://www.rollingstoneextras.com/rocknrolldiary/blog/

This Is Beat A Drum

This is Beat A Drum, a music blog that will feature music news, single/album/live reviews, and the occasional download. My name is Bryn, and I'm the sole operator of the blog. I'm a 19 year old college student from Illinois whose favorite bands include R.E.M., Wilco, U2, and Ryan Adams & The Cardinals. I'm a musician myself (www.myspace.com/brynrichmusic) who performs in the Central Illinois area, and will also use this blog to cover local acts I see and hear. Feel free to e-mail me at bigbadbryn@hotmail.com with any suggestions, comments, etc. (Just be sure to put Beat A Drum in the title)