Recent Podcast Episodes:

Saturday, June 30, 2007

New Release Tuesday - July 3rd, 2007



















Collie Buddz - S/T
Notorious B.I.G. - Life after Death: 10 Years Later (DVD)
Pastor Troy - Tool Muziq
Kelly Rowland - Ms. Kelly
Silverstein - Arrivals & Departures
T.I. - T.I vs. T.I.P.
Various Artists - Transformers: The Album
Velvet Revolver - Libertad

Remember, these are albums scheduled for U.S. release and all details subject to change without notice.

For a far more comprehensive list, check out Billboard.com's new release information here.

"Transformers... more than meets the eye..."

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Replay Factor for 06/26/07 Show Notes

In this episode, I look forward to new albums by the Smashing Pumpkins, Velvet Revolver and the Transformers soundtrack.

I reviewed some recent used cd purchases including the Police, the Flaming Lips and Mike Post as well as soundtracks for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III and the X-Files show & movie.

Also, there was news about Queen + Paul Rodgers, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Prince and Ted Nugent.

Music played in this episode:
"Crash!" by the Propellerheads
"Don't Stand So Close To Me '86" by the Police
"Tarzan Boy" by Baltimora
"Flash" by Queen
"Stranglehold" by Ted Nugent
"So What'cha Want" by the Beastie Boys
"These Apples" by Barenaked Ladies
"Eminence Front" by the Who

Plus a promo for my View From The Cheap Seats co-host Scott Cederlund's comic book podcast, Wednesday's Haul.


Replay Factor... did you hear something?

Podcast RSS feed HERE.
Subscribe via iTunes HERE.
Direct podcast downloads HERE.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

COMING SOON: Smashing Pumpkins, Transformers, Velvet Revolver

Here are a few upcoming releases I'm looking forward to:


Various Artists - Transformers: The Album
Release Date: July 3 2007

1. Linkin Park "What I've Done"
2. Smashing Pumpkins "Doomsday Clock"
3. Disturbed "This Moment"
4. Goo Goo Dolls "Before It's Too Late (Sam and Mikaela's Theme)"
5. The Used "Pretty Handsome Awkward"
6. HIM "Passion's Killing Floor"
7. Taking Back Sunday "What It Feels Like To Be A Ghost?"
8. Styles Of Beyond "Second To None"
9. Armor For Sleep "End Of The World"
10. Idiot Pilot "Retina and the Sky"
11. Julien-K "Technical Difficulties"
12. Mutemath "Transformers Theme"

I need another version of the Transformers theme...

Velvet Revolver - Libertad
Release Date: July 3 2007
http://www.velvetrevolver.com/

***Track Listing Unavailable ***

Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist
Release Date: July 10 2007
http://www.smashingpumpkins.com/

1. Doomsday Clock
2. 7 Shades of Black
3. Bleeding the Orchid
4. That's the Way (my Love is)
5. Tarantula
6. Starz
7. United States
8. Neverlost
9. Bring the Light
10. (Come on) Let's Go!
11. For God and Country
12. Pomp and Circumstances

If you purchase the album from iTunes, you get "Stellar" which is an iTunes exclusive bonus track and a digital booklet.

If you pre-order the album from iTunes (which I will be doing), you also get an E.P. featuring covers of SP songs:
"Rocket" by Bravery
"Tonight Tonight" by Panic At The Disco
"I Am One" by +44
"Mayonaise" by The Academy Is...
"Ava Adore" by Test Your Reflex

Saturday, June 23, 2007

New Release Tuesday - June 26th, 2007

Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
Beastie Boys - The Mix-Up
Marc Broussard - S.O.S. Save Our Soul
Kelly Clarkson - My December
The Crystal Method - Drive *Best Buy Exclusive*
Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus (Soundtrack) (2CDs)
Sinead O'Connor - Theology
Pearl Jam - Live At The Gorge (7CDs)
Phil Perry - Mighty Love
Pharoahe Monch - Desire
Paul Simon - The Essential Paul Simon
Trin-I-Tee 5:7 - The Best Of Trin-I-Tee 5:7

Remember, these are albums scheduled for U.S. release and all details subject to change without notice.

For a far more comprehensive list, check out Billboard.com's new release information here.

"You gotta fight... for your right... to paaaaaaaaaarty!'

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Replay Factor for 06/19/07 Show Notes

In this episode, I relay news about Underworld, Barenaked Ladies, Ringo Starr, Harry Potter, Moby, Asia and Def Leppard. For more on these articles and other music news, check out Billboard.com, Soundtrack.net and RollingStone.com.

I ran down some of the new releases from Tuesday, June 19th. For more new release information, check Billboard.com.

I gave my review of The Traveling Wilburys Collection. For more information on this release, check TravelingWilburys.com.

Music played in this episode:
"Crash!" by the Propellerheads
"Eminence Front" by the Who
"I'm Not Driving Anymore (Instrumental)" by Rob Dougan
"Wanted Dead Or Alive" by Bon Jovi
"Handle With Care" by the Traveling Wilburys
"These Apples" by Barenaked Ladies
"Over My Head" by King's X

Podcast RSS feed HERE.
Subscribe via iTunes HERE.
Direct podcast downloads HERE.

REVIEW: The Traveling Wilburys – The Traveling Wilburys Collection (2CD/1DVD)

In case you didn't catch this in the latest FREE episode of Replay Factor...



In 1987, George Harrison was having renewed success with his then recently released album ‘Cloud 9’. When asked to come up with a b-side for one of his singles, George assembled his friends Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan & Jeff Lynne and recorded the song “Handle With Care”. The people at Warner Bros. heard it and decided that this was too good to waste on a b-side. Harrison took the idea and ran with it; the Traveling Wilburys was born and ‘Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1’ was released the following year. That album, along with its 1990 follow-up ‘Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3’, went out-of-print in the late nineties.

17 years after the release of ‘Vol. 3’, Rhino Records has re-released the super-group’s landmark albums in a 2CD/1DVD set called ‘The Traveling Wilburys Collection’. This is all the Wilburys you’ll ever need; containing both albums in their entirety with bonus tracks, a half hour documentary and the band’s 5 music videos. A deluxe edition with a cloth bound cover and 40 page book is also available.

The first disc is devoted to ‘Vol. 1’ and its bonus tracks. Kicking off with “Handle With Care”, this album is chock full of jangly guitar pop goodness and features the five principals at the top of their game. Everyone writes, plays and sings and it shows; the songs manage to showcase the individuals while maintaining an overall cohesive sound that binds the album together. From Harrison’s signature slide guitar to Dylan’s social commentary lyrics; everyone has something to contribute. Tacked on to the end are the two bonus tracks, “Maxine” & “Ship In Line”, both previously unreleased.

Disc two is the DVD and holds the documentary and the music videos. The documentary, “The True Story of the Traveling Wilburys”, contains vintage material and runs through the creation of each song on ‘Vol. 1’. Informative and entertaining, it’s fun to watch these guys truly enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, it’s also incomplete; there is no footage regarding ‘Vol. 3’ and it would have been nice to get some interviews with the surviving members (George Harrison passed away in 2001). The music videos are entertaining but fairly routine for the time; look for the late John Candy's brief cameo in "Wilbury Twist".

Finally, the third disc contains ‘Vol. 3’ and its bonus tracks. Before this album was recorded, Roy Orbison passed away and his velvety smooth vocals are genuinely missed, giving the album a slightly different feel. The opening track, “She’s My Baby” is much more of a rocker than anything on its predecessor and that general attitude permeates the entire album. The instrumentation is denser and leans towards a 50’s rockabilly sensibility. There are two bonus tracks “Nobody’s Child” (from a compilation) & “Runaway” a cover of the Del Shannon hit.

If you enjoyed these albums originally or if you’re a fan of any of these artists, ‘The Traveling Wilburys Collection’ is a no-brainer purchase. Digitally remastered with good extras should be incentive enough even if you already own the originals.

If nothing else, this collection proves that they just don’t make all-star super-groups like they used to.

Rating: Music - **** out of ***** / Reissue - ***** out of *****

Replay Factor for 06/19/07

More news, new releases and a review of the Traveling Wilburys Collection.


Saturday, June 16, 2007

New Release Tuesday - June 19th, 2007

Beyonce - B'Day Anthology Video Album DVD
Bon Jovi - Lost Highway
Deborah Cox - Moon Destination
Donnie - Daily News
Down To The Bone - Supercharged
Euge Groove - Born 2 Groove
Huey - Notebook Paper
Lifehouse - Who We Are
Chrisette Michele - I Am
Mandy Moore - Wild Hope
Brad Paisley - 5th Gear
Papa Roach - The Paramour Sessions (Deluxe Edition)
Kia Shine - Due Season
Shop Boyz - Rockstar Mentality
Straylight Run - The Needles In Space
The White Stripes - Icky Thump
Various Artists - Plugged Into Summer *Circuit City Exclusive*

Remember, these are albums scheduled for U.S. release and all details subject to change without notice.

For a far more comprehensive list, check out Billboard.com's new release information here.

"I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride..."

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

REVIEW: The Police - The Police (2 CD Set)

In case you didn't hear this review in the FREE podcast...















Released in 2007, this set is the perfect companion piece to their 30th anniversary reunion. Bringing together 28 chart-topping hits and fan favorite album tracks across 2 cds, 'The Police' is a nearly stellar overview of their all-too-brief career. Yes, I said "nearly". Although a remake of an earlier hit, the exclusion of 'Don't Stand So Close To Me '86' is a glaring omission as this was their final studio recording.

The collection begins in 1977 with "Fall Out", the Copeland penned and produced first single and runs through their five studio albums, ending with 8 of the 11 tracks from 1983's 'Synchronicity'. 'Synchronicity' is arguably their most successful record, but the Police took a break in 1984 which became permanent (for 22 years anyway) the following year. Tracking their progression from punky new wave band (with a hint of Reggae) to mature pop hit makers, 'The Police' doesn't miss a beat.

There have been other compilations before; from 'Every Breath You Take: The Singles' to 'The Very Best Of Sting & the Police' - even a boxed set featuring every recording they did. This collection exists in a weird gray area, being neither as comprehensive as said boxed set (remember, they only released 5 albums) nor as strictly radio-friendly as the various singles collections. Since casual fans could find all of the big radio hits on a single disc and die hard fans would not go broke acquiring their entire discography, this anthology seems a bit redundant, obviously being released simply to capitalize on the band's recent media exposure.

The packaging of this set leaves something to be desired and is the only true letdown here. An "elegance through simplicity" approach has been employed here; the black slipcase's front cover adorned with a black and white close up of the trio and the words "The Police" covering a yellow digipack - the back cover simply housing the track listing. This works fine until you get to the pamphlet or poster or whatever it is they try to pass off as a booklet. This six panel folded one-sheet contains a pair of "then and now" photos, a short essay by Chris Salewicz (with no mention of who he is or why he's qualified to write an essay about the Police and have it included here) and some brief track details. Flip it over to reveal a vintage 1979 concert poster reproduction. Boring.

The essay is fine, but something bigger seems in order here; maybe band interviews regarding the reunion or quotes from other artists about how they were inspired by the Police. Given that this is the compilation that is supposed to introduce a new generation to the Police and reaffirm older fans as to why we should be excited about their triumphant return, it just seems like there should be... more.

That having been said, music-wise there's not a single dud in this create of fireworks which has been carefully carted out and dusted off to ring in the much celebrated and perhaps long overdue return of the Police.

Replay Factor for 06/12/07

What do Prince and Bono have in common? Probably nothing, but they're both in the news. There's new releases this week and Brad reviews last week's 'The Police' 2 CD set. Plus, a promo for our OTHER favorite podcast. It's another episode of Replay Factor... did you hear something?

For more information on the news items I discuss and other music news, check Billboard.com here.

For a far more comprehensive list, check out Billboard.com's new release information here.

Music samples used in this podcast:
'Eminence Front' by the Who
'Clones' by Ash
'Musicology' by Prince
'Lonely No More' by Rob Thomas
'Vertigo' by U2
'Have A Nice Day' by Bon Jovi
'Silver Surfer Theme' by John Ottman
'Every Breath You Take' by the Police
'These Apples' by Barenaked Ladies
'Over My Head' by King's X

If you use iTunes, you can subscribe to Replay Factor by clicking here.

Direct download: Replay_Factor_for_06_12_07.mp3

Sunday, June 10, 2007

New Release Tuesday - June 12th, 2007

New Release Tuesday - June 12th, 2007



DMX - Definition Of X: Pick Of The Litter
Fabolous - From Nothin' To Somethin'
Enrique Iglesias - Insomniac
Toby Keith - Big Dog Daddy
Eddie Levert Sr. & Gerald Levert - Something To Talk About
John Ottman - Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Sliver Surfer (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Paramore - Riot!
Queens Of The Stone Age - Era Vulgaris
The Rolling Stones - The Biggest Bang (4 DVD Set) *Best Buy Exclusive*
Terror Squad Presents: DJ Kahled - We The Best
The Traveling Wilburys - The Traveling Wilburys (2 CD/1 DVD Set)
Various Artists/John Lennon - Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur (2 CD Set)
Various Artists - Reggae Gold 2007

Remember, these are albums scheduled for U.S. release and all details subject to change without notice.

For a far more comprehensive list, check out Billboard.com's new release information here.

"I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round..."

Friday, June 8, 2007

Replay Factor is now on iTunes!



If you use iTunes, you can find Replay Factor by clicking here.

Don't have iTunes yet? Click here to get it.

Podcast Alley

My Podcast Alley feed!

I'm trying to get Replay Factor out there as much as possible so I'm submitting it to all sorts of podcast websites.

Podcast Alley wants me to post that bit of code at the top of this so they can confirm the podcast is mine.

So be it.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Replay Factor for 06/05/07

Welcome to the premier episode of Replay Factor. The Traveling Wilburys and the Cult are in the news, there's new releases this week and I take a dip into the bargain bin. It's a bumpy ride but we'll get through it together.

For the direct download, click here.
For the podcast RSS feed, click here.
Coming soon to an iTunes near you!

Monday, June 4, 2007

New Releases Tuesday - June 5th, 2007

I have yet to find a good source that can deliver the new release info before Tuesday, so these are culled from the weekly news paper ads. This is by no means a comprehensive list:















The Police - The Police Anthology (2-CD Set)
Chris Cornell - Carry On
Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full
Poison - Poison'd
Bruce Springsteen - Live In Dublin
Marilyn Manson - Eat Me, Drink Me
Tesla - Real To Reel
Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos
Tom Petty - Highway Companion (Deluxe Edition 2-CD Set)
Various Artists - 2007 Warped Tour Compilation (2-CD Set)
Ella Fitzgerald - We All Love Ella
Big & Rich - Between Raising Hell And Amazing Grace
T-Pain - epiphany
Daddy Yankee - El Cartel: The Big Boss
Carl Thomas - So Much Better
Black Light Burns - Cruel Melody
Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad
Lil Wyte - The One & Only

My Comments - I'm a sucker for 'greatest hits' so even though I own some Police already, I'll probably get the Anthology. Chris Cornell is one of the best singers to come out on the 90's and, if 'You Know My Name' from Casino Royale is any indication, 'Carry On' should not disappoint. More out of curiosity than the idea that great music resides within, I want to hear something from the new Poison album.

Don't need nothin' but a good time...

*** Remember, dates are subject to change. ***

Saturday, June 2, 2007

New Album From The Cult Coming

I got this article from Kingblind:

The Cult Inks With Roadrunner

Veteran British rock act the Cult has signed with Roadrunner. The group's first new album since 2001's Atlantic set "Beyond Good and Evil" will be released Sept. 25 in conjunction with its own New Wilderness imprint. The as-yet-untitled set is being recorded in London with producer Youth.

Beginning June 5, the Cult, which now includes lone founding members vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy, will be on the road in Europe supporting the Who. North American dates are being booked for the fall.

Following the release of "Beyond Good and Evil," which Astbury previously told Billboard.com was a "soul destroying" experience, the Cult was inactive for three-and-a-half years before reuniting to tour in the spring of 2006.

As previously reported, Astbury guests on "Burn My Shadow," the first single from the upcoming UNKLE album, "War Stories."
(via billboard online)

Now Brad:

That's awesome. I saw them live in Chicago in 2001; they were touring with Stabbing Westward and Monster Magnet (probably the loudest band I've EVER heard) and they rocked. I might have to do a Cult retrospective before the new album comes out.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Welcome to Replay Factor!

The podcast for people who love music is coming. News, reviews and an interview or two is what you can expect, so check back here in the next week or so for the premier episode.

Thanks,

Brad