AEROSMITH - THE FULL AEROSMITH - TO PLAY DOWNLOAD?

The Download Festival is a big UK festival, and they've just announced via their website that Aerosmith will be one of the headliners this year (along with AC/DC and Rage Against The Machine). The website is very careful to specify that this won't be the Aerosmith guys with another singer: "Last playing as headliners of the Donington Monsters Of of Rock Festival in 1990 and 1994, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry et all return with their legendary juggernaut performance..." Great! I wonder if Joe Perry knows? Download takes place June 11 - 13 at Donington Park in the UK.

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, BRENDAN O'BRIEN

Brendan O'Brien has produced some of my favorite artists, so I'm glad he got the Grammy for Producer of the Year. Some of the recent albums he produced: Bruce Springsteen's Working On A Dream, Pearl Jam's Backspacer, AC/DC's Black Ice, Killswitch Engage's self-titled record and Mastodon's Crack The Skye. I thought T-Bone Burnett would have also been a good choice, but so was Brendan.

AC/DC: THEY ARE IRON MEN?

Today it was announced that the Iron Man 2 soundtrack would consist of AC/DC songs. I can't wait for the film, and obviously I love AC/DC, but this seems like a marketing thing. That said, AC/DC's music probably will work really well in the film, and it's way better than using a bunch of nu-metal bands that will be over by the time Iron Man 3 comes out. Read more at AC/DC's website.

BEST ROCK ALBUM? GREEN DAY OR U2?

No Expiration is a NARAS member and Grammy voter, and this weekend, I've spent time on my ballot. One category I'm stuck in is Best Rock Album. My favorite albums that would be considered for this category were unsuprisingly not nominated: The Cocktail Slippers' Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, Rancid's Let The Dominioes Fall, The Dead Weather's Horehound and Muse's The Resistance. 

The nominees in the category, though, are AC/DC's Black Ice, Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood's Live From Madison Square Garden (which is disqualified from my ballot, many of the songs on the album are as old as I am, and some are older, you can't compare albums that came out this year to Blind Faith and Traffic), The Dave Matthews Band's Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King, Green Day's 21st Century Breakdown and U2 's No Line On The Horizon.

So, Clapton/Winwood is disqualified. While I respect DMB, I'm not a huge fan and their album didn't seem to make any kind of impact. I really dig Black Ice, but I really think the best of the bunch are the Green Day and U2 albums.

Green Day's album was a bit disappointing to me: it comes on the heels of my favorite album of 2008, Foxboro Hot Tubs' Stop Drop and Roll (Foxboro Hot Tubs are actually Green Day playing old school garage rock). And before that was Green Day's greatest album, American Idiot. But there are a lot of classics here, I love "Know Your Enemy," "21st Century Breakdown," "Peacemaker," "21 Guns" and especially "Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" which sounds like a Foxboro Hot Tubs song.

U2's album, as always comes with huge expectations, and at first I felt a bit let down. It has definitely been growing on me, and I now realize that "Moment Of Surrender" is one of their greatest songs. And there are other great songs: "No Line On The Horizon," "Magnificent," "Breathe," "Stand Up Comedy" and "White As Snow." One of the problems with the album is that they led off with a kind of weak single, "Get On Your Boots," which was like a second rate version of "Vertigo." And their performance at last year's Grammy Awards wasn't great (the live version they've been doing on tour is much better), and the second single, "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" is also weak (the "remix" version that they were playing live was also better).

Tough decision: but a few years ago when I was doing interviews for VH1 at the 2004 Grammys, Bono himself told me that he was glad that they had won a bunch of Grammys (for "Vertigo") but that U2 would gladly step out of the way for another band -- he mentioned Green Day -- to get more acclaim.  There's room for everyone of course. Hmm, this is gonna be a touch choice.

TOMORROW ON OUTQ: CRACK!

Well, other people call them "box sets," to me they're like crack. I'm a big fan of box sets! And tomorrow on The Morning Jolt with Larry Flick on OutQ, I'll be doing a "Black Friday" special, discussing some cool box sets that are out now and make great gifts. (by the way, I have always hated the term "Black Friday," but everyone knows that it refers to the day after Thanksgiving, a big shopping day). I have already talked about The Beatles' box sets, so I'm not discussing them tomorrow. And I am not going to get into the new DVD box set of highlights from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies that recently came out. Here's the skinny on what I will be discussing:

Dolly Parton: Dolly

• The Deal: A box set in the classic sense, it is four CDs of hits, album tracks and rarities like "Puppy Love," Dolly's first recording from 1959. The lame thing about it is it doesn't have any of her music from her recent indie label albums. But it comes from Sony Legacy, who do some of the greatest box sets. I'll admit here that I am friends with some of the Sony Legacy folks, and they hooked me up with a copy, but I definitely don't write about stuff they send me just because they send it to me.
• Who Is It For? Longtime fans will dig it, but it is also good for "beginners," because it has all the big hits.
• If You Want To Spend Less $: Get the 2-CD set, The Essential Dolly Parton, which came out in 2005, and actually has some more recent material.

Hall & Oates: Do What You Want, Be What You Are

• The Deal: Like Dolly, a box set in the classic sense: four CDs of hits, album tracks and rarities, including two tracks by Daryl Hall's pre-Hall & Oates band The Temptones and John Oates' former band The Masters. Also from Sony Legacy.
• Who Is It For? Also good for longtime fans, but also good for beginners, it really covers all the hits. I wish it had some recordings from their 1992 summer acoustic tour, which I saw. So many of their songs sound great stripped of their studio sheen (which is great anyway).
• If You Want To Spend Less $: Again like Dolly, there is a 2005 2-CD collection The Essential Daryl Hall & John Oates that is really good.
  
  

The Rolling Stones: Get Your Ya-Ya's Out (expanded edition)

• The Deal: This is a expanded version of the band's live album that was recorded at Madison Square Garden in 1969, when they were in full swagger (this was during the era that Mick Taylor was in the band). The box set contains five tracks that weren't on the original album, as well as the full sets by opening acts Ike & Tina Turner and B.B. King. And a DVD of performances and backstage footage. There's a "super-deluxe" version that also includes all the music on vinyl as well.
• Who Is It For? Obviously Rolling Stones freaks will want this: so will B.B. and Tina's fans. But I don't think it would be alienating for new fans. The band played lots of hits, but it also introduces new fans to some of the band's influences: both the openers, and via some of the covers: Chuck Berry's "Carol" and Robert Johnson's "Love In Vain." The Stones' reissues have been pretty boring thus far, this is actually something that will excite the fans.
• If You Want To Spend Less $: You can get the single CD version of Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out. Another good choice for new Stones fans is the 2-CD best-of 40 Licks, that covers their entire career except their great 2005 album A Bigger Bang.
  
  
  

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: The Live Anthology

• The Deal: It is four CDs, spanning the band's entire career. It's all live material, not the studio hits. But most of the hits are represented, as well as lesser-known songs and lots of covers. There is a deluxe version only available at Best Buy, which has a fifth CD, a DVD doc called 400 Days, shot during the recording of Wildflowers (my favorite album by Tom) and the subsequent tour. Another DVD with a live concert filmed on New Year's Eve 1978. A blue-ray disc with all the songs from all five discs, a vinyl live EP and a huge booklet. Guess which one I bought?
• Who Is It For? I don't know that it would alienate new fans, but it isn't what I would get them first. Instead, I might recommend he 1995 6-CD box set Playback covers Petty's MCA career, (meaning it ends after Into The Great Wide Open and before Wildflowers). It has all the hits from that era (which is most of his hits), and lots of other great rare stuff, and some early Mudcrutch recordings.
• If You Want To Spend Less $: Well, the 4-CD version of The Live Anthology is just $20. But 2000's Anthology: Through The Years, is a 2-CD best of, but also only covers the MCA years. Live Anthology is the only Petty collection that has stuff from MCA and Warner Brothers.

AC/DC: Backtracks

• The Deal: It is two CDs of rarities and a DVD of videos from 1993 through today (basically updating the Family Jewels DVD from a few years back). A deluxe version not in stores has three CDs, two DVDs and a vinyl record, and the box itself is an actual amplifier that you can play your electric guitar through. Really. I have the regular version.
• Who Is It For? This is for the hard core fans. The deluxe version is for the super-hardcore fans.
• If You Want To Spend Less $: Oddly, AC/DC have no greatest hits of any kind, other than the soundtrack to the 1986 Stephen King film Maximum Overdrive. The album is called Who Made Who, and features some hits, the title track was new, and AC/DC recorded some instrumental music for the film. I would just recommend for beginners any of the albums with Bon Scott, or from Brian Johnson's era, Back In Black or Live! If You Want To Spend More $, go for the 1997 box set, Bonfire, which is mostly live and unreleased stuff from Bon's era, plus it includes Back In Black.

Next year, I'm looking forward to, so far, the expanded box set versions of Bruce Springsteen's Darkness On The Edge Of Town and The Rolling Stones' Exile On Main Street.

A PLEA TO AC/DC FROM THE FANS

Everybody wants something! Last week, I begged the other four guys from Aerosmith not to continue on under that name if Steven Tyler leaves the band. In a somewhat more important matter, earlier tonight I implored our President (who I have the highest opinion of, his very existance makes me proud to be an American) not to tolerate the ridiculously skewed and potentially-internet-destroying ACTA.

But sometimes, things work better when there's a large group behind the effort (although there are already large groups protesting ACTA, of course). So I wonder if this will work: a group of AC/DC fans, at the fansite AC/DC Fans, are pleading with the band: please change your set list! Apparently, it's been the exact same songs, in the same order, every single night! I wanted to see them this summer, but I was in Costa Rica when they played Giants Stadium. I am a huge fan of the band: it was one of the honors of my life to be invited to write the liner notes for their Fly On The Wall album. But I generally only see them once per tour, I can see how this could be disappointing for people who go to several shows. I wonder how this will play out. I hope it works.

I, TOO, WAS WRONG: THE NEW KISS ALBUM ROCKS

I know I was pretty cynical when I heard that KISS was recording a new album. (A) Hard rock bands have a hard time making material that compares to their earlier stuff - KISS have been around for 35 years. (B) I just didn't think that Gene Simmons would be that into it: he doesn't like to dedicate himself to niche projects, and even he has admitted that he's not sure where a KISS album fits into "today's market." And (C) KISS fans don't really want to hear new music at concerts, which is where KISS make more of their money than they'll ever make on an album. Still...

Mark Strigl from the show Talking Metal also had reservations, and his latest blog post about the album is titled "I Was Wrong." Me too! It's a really fun album. It is the first time in decades where they don't sound like they are appropriating whatever is "in" at the moment (disco, prog-rock, hair metal, grunge). It sounds like they are influenced by their glory days, and the music (including power pop) that they loved before they even started the group.

I've mentioned before that it's weird that rock critics that are quick to criticize just about everything about KISS fall over themselves praising Jay-Z, despite his commercial tendencies, his insatiable love of wealth and some borderline misogny in his lyrics - things that KISS never get a pass for. Maybe it is because they like his music so much. Well, KISS may not get a pass when their music isn't happening, but this is a fun record, so I ain't mad that I had to go to Walmart (my first time in a Walmart, ever - I ordered AC/DC's Black Ice online) to get it.

IN HAPPIER AC/DC NEWS...

It's a bummer that AC/DC has to postpone some of the dates on their tour because of Brian Johnson's is recovering from surgery. But in more positive news, AC/DC is going to unleash a huge box set, Backtracks. The deluxe version will come inside an actual working amplifier, which is pretty sick, and will contain 3 CDs, 2 DVDs and an LP of rare stuff, plus a coffee table book. The regular edition will be 2 CDs and a DVD. It comes out November 10.

BRIAN JOHNSON - GET WELL SOON

I'm bummed to hear that AC/DC has to postpone some concerts on thier tour because frontman Brian Johnson needed some time off to recover from a medical procedure. The shows will all be rescheduled, and the band will be back on the road in about two weeks. Get well soon, Brian!

AC/DC SNEAKERS!

Every hip-hop artist seems to get their own sneaker, but now AC/DC is being immortalized by Converse's Chuck Taylors. I don't mind that: I have a pair of Ramones Chucks.

33 1/3's "CHOSEN ELEVEN"

I've written a bit about the 33 1/3 series of books before -- I was totally moved by the edition on Black Sabbath's Master Of Reality -- and they've just announced the next eleven books they will be putting out. Congratulations to everyone whose idea was picked. I may try to submit something next time.

Some great albums will be featured: Portishead's Dummy, Johnny Cash's American Recordings (which Bob Dylan just ripped in his recent Rolling Stone interview, but whatever, they were awesome), Television's Marquee Moon, Liz Phair's Exile In Guyville, AC/DC's Highway To Hell, Radiohead's Kid A and The Rolling Stones' Some Girls (one of my favorites by them, it's the first album with Ron Wood as a real member of the band).

AC/DC TOURING STADIUMS THIS SUMMER

Ever since I was young, I remember AC/DC playing arenas. I don't remember them ever doing smaller shows (other than a one-off at Roseland a few years back). But I don't remember them ever headlining stadiums in the U.S. Well, that's about to change, they are doing a few stadiums this summer, including Giants Stadium. Here's hoping I can get a ticket for that! Find out more at the band's website.

AEROSMITH IN THE SADDLE WITH BRENDAN O'BRIEN

Last year, I told you that Aerosmith is finally hitting the studio to record a new album. Well, it turns out that they are making the album with Brendan O'Brien, which is great news. Brendan did a great job with AC/DC on Black Ice, and he doesn't go for the trendy stuff that Aerosmith sometimes veers towards in the name of seeming current. I wonder how that will work, he's also supposed to be producing the next Pearl Jam album, and supposedly he is going to oversee the deluxe reissues of Vs., Vitalogy and No Code. Anyway, hopefully this will result in a great album. By the way, I loved Aerosmith's latest album, 2004's album of blues and R&B covers, Honkin' on Bobo, it's awesome.

BEST OF '08: AC/DC'S BLACK ICE

AC/DC did it again with Black Ice. Ignored trends, came up with great riffs and fun songs. In years past, this resulted in decent selling albums. In 2008, it resulted in one of the biggest success stories of the year: they had a #1 album which sold 2 million copies, and almost unheard of number for a band of their age. I think that people have never placed more value on ignoring trends than they do now.

Of course, that was partially due to their partnership with WalMart, which I'm not mad at. AC/DC has never been a remotely political band, and they know where their fans are. This album holds up well to the rest of the non-Back In Black Brian Johnson-era albums, and the single, "Rock and Roll Train," was one of the best of the year (the same was true for 2000's "Stiff Upper Lip").

A GOOD TIME TO BE IN AC/DC

AC/DC's new album, Black Ice has sold a million copies in the U.S. already, and is at #1 for the second week in a row. It's their first #1 album here. They are also on the cover of Rolling Stone - also for the first time ever. How'd they do it?

A few years ago, I asked Tom Petty how he was still able to attact young crowds to his show. He said, "Because I don't pander to them." I think the same is true here. AC/DC never wondered if what they were doing was hip, they just do what they do.

I haven't heard the album, other than the first single, the instant classic "Rock and Roll Train." My copy of Black Ice is coming in the mail, I'm eager to hear it.

THIS WEEK ON OUTQ: METAL!

This week, I'm going to be talking about the biggest album in the world at the moment: Metallica's Death Magnetic. And if you're calling to dis it (as one guy named Wayne did last week when we weren't even talking about it) you best be prepared to scrap! I hate saying "it's their best album since..." it is their best album since at least the black album, if not ...and Justice For All.

We'll also talk about Motorhead's new one, Motorizer. A very consistent and underrated group. Maybe the documentary Lemmy will change that.

Also, AC/DC's new album, Black Ice. Actually, I've only heard one song, "Rock and Roll Train," but it's pretty great. AC/DC have a limited time SIRIUS/XM channel, AC/DC Radio.

And if we get to it, we'll hit the Black Sabbath debate: who is the better singer, Ozzy Osbourne or Ronnie James Dio?

AC/DC's BLACK ICE DUE 10/20

So, AC/DC's new album Black Ice is coming out on October 20 through Walmart. I don't love having to buy something through Walmart, but I will make an exception in this case. I have every AC/DC album! I'm excited to hear this one, I think producer Brendan O'Brien was a great choice. I saw AC/DC a few years ago at Roseland the night after they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and they killed it. So I look forward to seeing them tour in the '09.

AC/DC ALBUM: A WAL-MART EXCLUSIVE

AC/DC's next album is going to be available exclusively at Wal-Mart. It's a good move by the band. The Eagles have done really well with Wal-Mart, and I bet AC/DC will as well. One difference between The Eagles' deal and AC/DC's is that AC/DC is still signed to a major label - Sony - while The Eagles did the deal on their own. 

But what does it say when a major label takes one of the best selling bands of all time, and decides to sell their albums only at Wal-Mart? 

AC/DC HOLDS UP NEW SUPERSUCKERS ALBUM. HUH?

Well, it turns out that AC/DC actually is in the studio, and they've chosen a great producer: Brendan O'Brien. O'Brien has a long list of credits, including three of the last four Bruce Springsteen albums, as well as records by Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine and Matthew Sweet, among others. Here's hoping that this results in a great album.

What's funny is the way this news has gotten out: not via AC/DC or Brendan O'Brien, but The Supersuckers. On their web site, frontman Eddie Spaghetti said that the guy producing their album works as an engineer for O'Brien, and was called away from doing 'Suckers mixes to work on AC/DC.

I'll take this opportunity to try to pimp the 'Suckers. Great band. Saw them twice last year, once opening for Social Distortion, and then again for The New York Dolls. Lots of fun, criminally underrated. Anyway, here's hoping for new AC/DC and Supersuckers music soon.

AC/DC TO RETIRE?

Rumors are circulating that the almighty AC/DC may be calling it a day. The rumor started with radio host Eddie Trunk, but Eddie himself has pointed out that it is a rumor.

The band hasn't put out a new album since 2000 - clearly they don't want to work as much as they used to, and they don't need to. I think it would be cool for them to go out with one last album and one final tour.

I saw them a few years ago doing a rare club gig at Roseland, the day after they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: they were righteous. But at some point, they won't be that great - and I hope they call it a day before that happens.