Warner Bros. Records Exclusive Releases For Black Friday

Warner Bros. Records has announced they will make a series of vinyl singles and albums available on November 28^th in honor of Record Store Day's "Black Friday" celebration. Originally, Black Friday was created by large corporate retailers to drive consumers to stores by promoting deals and discounted prices on mass-produced products. RSD's Black Friday subverts this tradition by creating special limited-edition pieces, often numbered, from a diverse list of beloved artists. RSD's version of Black Friday celebrates the pieces themselves and honors the special independent record stores that carry them. 

Warner Bros. Records - a proud official sponsor of Record Store Day - will make available the following special releases:

Green Day: Tune In Tokyo; Transparent blue vinyl. Limited to 5,000

This limited-edition 2001 live recording from Japan is available worldwide for the first time ever on transparent blue vinyl.

Flaming Lips: "Imagene Peise - Atlas Eets Christmas"; Transparent red vinyl. Limited to 5,000

The Flaming Lips secret 2007 Christmas album, Atlast Eets Christmas was previously released in a very limited physical quantity on CD only under the pseudonym Imagene Peise (with a sticker that read "Love Is The Answer - Merry Christmas From The Flaming Lips 2007"). This Black Friday release will mark the first time the album is available both widely and on vinyl.

Mastodon: "The Motherload"; 12" Picture disc. Limited to 5,000.

A limited-edition 12" vinyl picture disc of the band's latest single from their current album Once More 'Round The Sun, featuring stunning artwork by Skinner.  B-side is an exclusive instrumental version of "Halloween".

Jenny Lewis: "Pax-Am Sessions"; 7" limited-edition mint green vinyl single. Limited to 5,000

This Black Friday exclusive features two unreleased alternate versions of songs from Lewis' critically acclaimed album The Voyager, produced by Ryan Adams and Mike Viola, on limited-edition mint green vinyl. Side A is "Just One of The Guys (Pax-Am Version)" and Side B is "You Can't Outrun 'Em (Pax-Am Version)."

Conor Oberst: "Standing On The Outside Looking In" / "Sugar Street"; 7" vinyl. Limited to3,000

A Black Friday exclusive containing two previously unheard songs - "Standing on the Outside" and "Sugar Street" - recorded during the sessions for 2014's Upside Down Mountain, produced by Jonathan Wilson. 7" vinyl in single pocket art sleeve, small hole, 33RPM.

Echosmith: "Cool Kids" 12" Picture disc vinyl single. Limited to 3,000

A 12" picture disc of the Los Angeles alt-pop band's breakthrough single, which hit No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. This vinyl edition includes a previously unreleased remix by acclaimed remixer RAC (Tegan & Sara).

Please note that the following title by Wilco is NOT part of Black Friday but comingMonday November 17^th:

Wilco: Alpha Mike Foxtrot: The Wilco Rarities Anthology, 4-LP Set. Limited to 7,500.

Though this is not a Black Friday Exclusive, be on the lookout for this 4-LP box set containing 47 rare tracks recorded in the studio, most never before released on vinyl. Plated and pressed on 180g audiophile vinyl, this packaged includes a 36-page booklet filled with rare photos, liner notes from the band and their circle, and track-by-track notes by Jeff Tweedy. It also includes a download card for all 77 tracks on the Alpha Mike Foxtrot CD. 

Black Friday exclusive releases rock! 

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Playoffs Edition

The winter sports are finally drawing to a close. Most regular readers of The Rock And Roll Guru know how much I love baseball, but may not realize that I am an avid sports fan in general. During the winter when I can’t see winter league baseball games, I follow hockey and basketball. For the first time in many years, both the basketball team that I follow (The New York Knicks) and the hockey team that I follow (The Pittsburgh Penguins) are in the post season. For me, this is a real treat. It means that there is a game on every night that I have interest in.

Playoffs are a real thrill for me, as I enjoy rooting my team to victory. After having followed their every move, shot, miss, decisive win, and agonizing loss, rooting for the team in the playoffs is extra special. I only hope that both the Knicks and the Penguins can go deep into the postseason and continue to make the thrills last.

Here’s what rocked this week:

Fantastic Video Interview With Nikki Sixx
Over at Rolling Stone, there is a great video interview with Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. He dishes the dirt on the upcoming tour with Poison and the New York Dolls, the history of his songs, and the upcoming movie, “The Dirt.” This is must watch stuff!

Guitar Center’s King Of The Blues Contest Is Underway
Continuing its support of aspiring artists, Guitar Center (www.guitarcenter.com) the world's largest musical instrument retailer, today launched its fifth-annual King of the Blues, the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered blues guitar player. Guitarists can sign-up at any of Guitar Center's 216 stores across the country for the chance to compete for over $50,000 in prizes including studio time with Grammy Award-winning producer Pete Anderson. Five finalists will perform for a panel of celebrity judges at the King of the Blues finals at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, playing alongside guitar titan Warren Haynes. For more information, or to sign up, click on the link above.

Interview With Rush Live From Madison Square Garden
As most of you know, I went to see Rush at Madison Square Garden last Sunday night. Rolling Stone did a great interview with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson before the concert. There is some solid show footage cut in as well. This is definitely worth checking out.

Record Store Day Arrives Tomorrow
We end this version of Friday’s Rockin’ Roundup with a brief reminder. Record Store Day is tomorrow, April 16th. Get out and support your local record retailer. There will be specials galore, and in some cases, in store appearances. If you know of a local dealer near you, pay them a visit tomorrow. You just might find yourself a new favorite store.

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Rush Live At The Garden Edition

This Sunday night, I am going to see Rush in concert for the third time in my life. I will be attending their concert at Madison Square Garden with my cousin and my uncle, who have attended each Rush concert I’ve ever seen with me. I am looking forward to seeing the band again. They are still on the Time Machine tour and they are still playing Moving Pictures in its entirety. It will be nice to hear that whole album live once again.

In other news, there is a big announcement coming to The Rock And Roll Guru this Monday (April 11th). Be sure to check the home page on Monday morning. It will contain all the information you need to know about the future of The Rock And Roll Guru. I am excited about this announcement and I hope that you will be as well.

Here’s what rocked this week:

Our Fascination With Bad Music
Florind Metalla takes a closer look at why so many people love bad music. Personally I think all of the views are coming from teen hipsters who are trying to stay cool with the “it” songs of the moment. They certainly can’t be coming from anyone with musical taste.

A Touching Tribute To Kurt Cobain
It is so hard for me to believe that it has been 17 years since Kurt Cobain’s suicide. I was a big fan of Nirvana and I’ve often wondered where the band would have evolved to if Cobain were still alive. Over at Blogs N Roses, there is a touching tribute that speaks to the reality of Cobain’s suicide.

Rest In Peace Scott Columbus
There is some sad news from the Manowar camp. Former drummer, Scott Columbus, passed away on Monday. The Guru’s thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family during this tragic, difficult time.

Record Store Day Is Next Week
And finally, we end this edition of Friday’s Rockin’ Roundup with a reminder that Record Store Day is coming. Next Saturday, April 16th. Be sure to get out and support your independent dealers. They are becoming harder and harder to find. It’s a shame to think that one day we may not have a physical store to walk into and talk music with fellow passionate fans. That’s why Record Store Day is such a great day. To find a participating store near you, click on the link above.

For more news, reviews, concert updates, Record Store Day awareness, and other things that only music lovers can relate to, you should follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Spring Cleaning Edition

This weekend is one of my favorite weekends here at the Vie household. It’s spring cleaning weekend. Once a year, we go through the entire house and clean everything from top to bottom. We go around getting rid of the winter grime, throw out junk we haven’t touched in a year, and basically make the house shine.

While it’s my favorite weekend, it is the least favorite weekend of Mrs. Vie and our daughter. Both of them give me the same look when I profess my excitement for spring cleaning weekend as they do when I tell them I am going to see Iron Maiden. It’s not quite an eye roll, but it is certainly a look that says “we just don’t get you sometimes.” Well, too each their own.

To their credit, both girls pitch in and help, albeit very begrudgingly. Regardless of their attitude, I am excited for this weekend. I even plan on starting a room tonight so I have one room conquered before the “official” spring cleaning begins tomorrow.

Here’s what rocked this week:

Rockitt Rant Gets It Right
Over at Hard Rock Hideout, Rob Rockitt has blessed us with another wonderful Rockitt Rant. This time, he’s ranting about Poison needing to give us some new music. I couldn’t agree more!

Record Store Day Is Coming
In what is now considered an annual tradition, Record Store Day 2011 is coming up fast. This year it is scheduled to take place on April 16, 2011. This year finds another slew of releases that will only be available at these independent retailers. Most of them will only be available for a limited time. You can get the full list by clicking the link above. Be sure to visit your nearest local independent store on April 16th.

Quiet Riot Hitting The Road With Warrant And L.A. Guns
I’m not sure what to make of this. First, only Australian dates have been announced (so far). Second, should Quiet Riot really be touring? Perhaps it’s best to remember Kevin DuBrow by retiring the band. Last, it’s Warrant without Jani Lane and Phil Lewis’ version of L.A. Guns. If this show comes to the states, how much would you pay to see it? I’d give $10, but not much more than that.

Rolling Stone Magazine's Spring Music Preview
Over at Rolling Stone, they have been kind enough to share their spring music preview, to help us gear up for all the great music that is about to be released. It comes complete with the ability to listen to a song from certain albums. While there are some albums that I am really looking forward to, the one I want most of all is Pop Evil’s War of Angels. Last check, it was still delayed with no new release date.

For more news, reviews, updates, complaints, and tour announcements, you should follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie