Al Green

Obama Campaign Playlist Includes Wilco, U2, Al Green

10 Feb 2012 17:44:08 EST

Ricky Martin, Bruce Springsteen, Dierks Bentley and Sugarland also in the mix.
By Gil Kaufman

We already know President Obama likes to listen to (and occasionally sing) Al Green songs. And he's told us that his iPod has a bit of Jay-Z and Lil Wayne on it. But with the toughest re-election campaign of his career on the horizon, what music will Obama 2012 be using to pump up crowds at rallies?

Judging by a playlist uploaded to Spotify this week, it looks like a cheerful, noncontroversial mix of classic rock, country, soul and R&B, but, alas, no hip-hop.

Instead, in a clear bid to appeal to the broad middle, Obama chose songs by beloved soul acts like Booker T. & the MG's ("Green Onions"), Earth Wind & Fire ("Got to Get You Into My Life"), The Impressions ("Keep on Pushing") and, yes, Green (the pleading "Let's Stay Together").

From the rock pile, he went with Wilco ("I Got You"), Arcade Fire ("We Used to Wait"), U2 ("Even Better Than the Real Thing") and the new blue-collar recession anthem from Bruce Springsteen ("We Take Care of Our Own"). For those visits to the heartland, he loaded up on country goodness from Sugarland ("Stand Up" and "Everyday America"), Darius Rucker ("This"), Zac Brown Band ("Keep Me in Mind") and Dierks Bentley ("Home").

There are a few oddball picks in there as well, including a deep cut from No Doubt ("Different People"), a very literal AM radio staple from REO Speedwagon ("Roll with the Changes"), a cover of the Band's "The Weight" by Aretha Franklin, some indie rock from Noah and the Whale ("Tonight's the Kind of Night") and a Ricky Martin/ Joss Stone duet ("The Best Thing About Me Is You").

While likely GOP opponent Mitt Romney takes the stage to the rousing strains of Kid Rock's Americana anthem "Born Free," Obama plans to get crowds pumped with the likes of modern R&B master Raphael Saadiq ("Keep Marchin' "), Florence and the Machine ("You've Got the Love") and afro-era prog popsters Electric Light Orchestra ("Mr. Blue Sky").

Rounding out the list is obscure jam act AgesAndAges, whose "No Nostalgia" is a handclapping ditty that just begs for a group hug, Jennifer Hudson's "Love You I Do," Ledisi's self-explanatory "Raise Up," James Taylor's feel-good "Your Smiling Face," country duo Montgomery Gentry's small-town homage "My Town" and Ray LaMontagne's tear-in-your-beer lovefest "You Are the Best Thing."

It might sound tame, but don't forget that back in 2008 when he was still just Candidate Obama, the president's taste in music was pretty similar. At the time, the future boomer-in-chief said he listened to everything from Bob Dylan, Elton John, Earth Wind & Fire and the Rolling Stones to Sheryl Crow, Springsteen and a number of jazz and classic giants, including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Yo-Yo Ma.

What songs would you add to the president's playlist? Let us know in comments below!

Check back for up-to-the-minute coverage of the primaries and stick with PowerOf12.org throughout the 2012 presidential election season.

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President Obama Boosts Al Green's Sales Almost 500 Percent

27 Jan 2012 08:12:23 EST

Obama's singing of 'Let's Stay Together' at Apollo Theater last week upped sales of iconic 1972 hit.
By Gil Kaufman

Sure, clean energy, the return of manufacturing, a boost in education spending and saving the domestic car industry are awesome ways to revive the American economy. But another tactic President Obama might consider is more singing.

Because a week after the falsetto singer-in-chief unleashed his version of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" at an Apollo Theater fundraiser, sales of the good Rev.'s most iconic hit have taken off.

According to Billboard magazine, the viral video of the president singing the first line of the #1 hit from 1972 boosted sales of the song by 490 percent. In fact, the tune had its best week since SoundScan began tracking digital sales in 2003, with 16,000 downloads. The YouTube video of the impromptu recital has been viewed more than 4 million times.

It was likely the second surprise this week for Green, who was present at the Apollo event where Obama acknowledged the soul singer's presence in the room from the stage.

"Those guys didn't think I would do it," Obama laughed while pointing to his staffers at the side of the stage. "I told you I was going to do it. The Sandman did not come out."

Fans also rushed out this week to snatch up music by Etta James, the soul legend who passed on January 20. According to The Hollywood Reporter, James' sales were up 378 percent over the past week. One compilation, The Best of Etta James -- 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection, shot up from #162 to #46 on sales of 8,000, giving James her highest chart position ever. For the week ending January 22, James' overall catalog sold 30,000 copies, a significant jump from the previous week, when her collected album sold just over 6,000.

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Al Green

Obama's Singing Gets Raves From 'American Idol' Coach

20 Jan 2012 15:49:14 EST

'AI' associate music director Michael Orland tells MTV News in an exclusive that prez's pipes would get him to Hollywood Week.
By Jim Cantiello

This week, "American Idol" kicked off its 11th season, and it appears even President Obama is getting into the spirit. On Thursday night at a fundraiser at the Apollo Theater, the commander in chief surprised a star-studded Harlem, New York, crowd by busting out a few measures of "AI" staple Al Green's "Let's Stay Together."

Obama's smooth singing voice impressed many — including the Rev. Al Green himself, who told TMZ that Obama "nailed it" — but does the leader of the free world have what it takes to make it on America's #1 singing competition?

"American Idol" associate music director and vocal coach Michael Orland certainly thinks so!

"I swear to you, if he auditioned for me in the big stadium [rounds], I would have put him through to the producers immediately," Orland exclusively told MTV News. "I think he was really charming and had a great voice, and that's all you can really tell in the a cappella rounds anyway. ... I thought his phrasing was great, how he broke it up and really worked the room while he was doing it."

But even more noteworthy was Obama's perfect pitch. "He was in the exact same key [as Al Green's recording]. To pull that out of the air, with everything perfectly in tune, I was really impressed," Orland added.

The vocal pro even believes Obama's voice was strong enough to win over ultimate deciders Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. "I guarantee you he would have gotten a Golden Ticket."

On his hypothetical "Idol" journey, Obama's next challenge would be the dreaded Hollywood Week, where hundreds of hopefuls are forced to work around the clock, learning group numbers with little sleep and lots of drama. "I think considering the amount of stress he's normally under, he'd do really well," Orland laughed.

The "Idol" insider struggled to compare Obama's singing voice to any previous contestants but, ultimately, that's what makes the President a fantastic prospect.

"It sounded like him! He sang like he speaks. He has a unique voice, which is all you ever try to find in somebody. ... He didn't try to copy anybody," Orland raved.

Still, every singer could use a little constructive criticism — even singers who have the power to start nuclear war — and if Orland were working with Obama on a full-fledged "Idol" performance, he would encourage the President to take a few risks. "When you do one of those really well-known songs, don't be afraid to change it up a little bit," Orland said, jokingly adding, "If they could send Air Force One, I would give him a free coaching!"

Alas, Obama is too old to audition for "Idol" by 22 years, but fear not, Mr. President: there's always season two of "The X Factor."

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Outside Lands 2010 Lineup Includes Kings Of Leon, Phoenix, Furthur

01 Jun 2010 20:33:33 EDT

Strokes, Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley and Nas, Janelle Monáe and Al Green also set to play San Francisco festival.
By Kara Warner

Deadheads rejoice! Phil Lesh and Bob Weir's pet project Furthur have been named one of the 2010 Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival headliners.

The announcement brings forth both a bit of a blast from the past, as well as a call home, of sorts, for die-hard fans who will remember the Bay Area fondly as a frequent Grateful Dead concert location. It's been 19 years since Lesh and Weir played the park (their last appearance was in 1991 for rock promoter Bill Graham's memorial tribute; the Dead broke up in 1995) that helped launch their careers.

Furthur headline the first night of the two-day fest, along with the Strokes and My Morning Jacket. Night two opens with festival favorites Kings of Leon, headlining with Phoenix and Social Distortion. Other bands in the lineup from across several genres include: Al Green, Gogol Bordello, Janelle Monáe, Empire of the Sun, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Nas, Levon Helm, the Whigs, Cat Power, Wolfmother, Bassnectar, Chromeo, the Temper Trap, Amos Lee and Mayer Hawthorne, just to name a few.

The popular outdoor music, food and wine festival takes place August 14-15 in San Francisco's storied Golden Gate Park. Two-day tickets go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT; single-day tickets will be available June 6, via the Outside Lands website. A portion of all ticket sales will go to San Francisco's Recreation and Park Department.

Last year's Outside Lands included performances from Pearl Jam and Incubus on day one and the Black Eyed Peas and Dave Matthews on day two.

What do you think of the Outside Lands lineup? Sound off in the comments!

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Justin Timberlake May Team Up With Fellow Memphis Man Al Green On LP

05 Sep 2007 14:44:00 EDT

?uestlove is slated to produce; drummer also reveals details about Roots' 10th album.
By Shaheem Reid, with reporting by Brennan Williams

The Roots' ?uestlove has a lot on his plate, but the top priorities are clear: masterminding the 10th Roots album, Rising Down, and overseeing a yet-untitled Al Green album.

"I know Justin wants to be a part of this project," ?uest said of Justin Timberlake's probable contribution to Green's LP. "Anthony Hamilton did some honorary background vocals. Corinne Bailey Rae wrote two songs. She's a monster songwriter. We also have been talking to Justin's people now. Both he and Al are from Memphis. D'Angelo will be a part of this record as well."

?uest said he's been working on Green's album for three years, but due to their conflicting schedules, only about three months' worth of work has been done.

"It's been putting gray hair in my afro," 'Love laughed. "I'm not producing, I'm reducing it. I'm trying to take him back to 1974 — very dry, very dirty, very grassroots sound. One of the biggest mistakes of modern technology, it doesn't sound gritty, doesn't sound raw. A lot of the favorite records we sample from today, those were recorded in studios that were very lackluster. Those weren't the best studios in the world. Pretty much, I want this album to sound very cheap, very dirty ... the vibe the Amy Winehouse album gave you. More than just the song, the creative aspect. I wanted the engineering to feel like it was made 30 years ago."

The Philadelphia producer said Green's album should be out next spring, around the time the Roots' next project launches on April 29 (see "?uestlove Says New Roots LP Was More Stressful Than Backing Jay-Z, Chappelle").

"We are 55 percent finished," ?uest said. "I will say this is an electric record, more synthy. The darks are darker and the lights are lighter. But all I know is making quality hip-hop stylistically. We tried to do something we never did before. Kamal had to be the sacrificial lamb this time. The one instrument that has defined the Roots has been the Fender Rhodes [electric piano]. This is the first year he's had to change his instrumentation and try other sounds out. We have a bunch of keyboards and synthesizers we're using on this record. It feels like the musical equivalent of 'Blade Runner' sometimes. We've also added a horn section."

This month, the Roots start the VH1 Hip Hop Honors Tour, where they will be playing their own hits as well as backing sets by Big Daddy Kane and MC Lyte. ?uestlove said he'll eventually work on an LP by Common and Q-Tip and go back in on D'Angelo's third album (he's currently doing the liner notes for the re-releases of D's Brown Sugar and Voodoo).

Hungry for more hip-hop coverage? Sink your teeth into our "Hottest MCs in the Game" feature.

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Road To The Grammys: John Mayer Shifts From Pop Idol To Bluesman On Continuum

05 Feb 2007 06:00:00 EST

Album of the Year nominee draws inspiration from late-night NYC walks, Al Green's recording booth.
By James Montgomery

It's clear just from listening to John Mayer's Continuum that he's got a lot to say.

Filled with songs about life and death, love and loss, anger and apathy, it's a smoky and — at times — simmering disc that gleefully tosses his status as a frat-guy favorite out the window, recasting the 29-year-old axeman as a cocksure-yet-world-weary blues crooner with a book of songs and a bag of licks for these terrorizing times.

The record — for which Mayer received three of his five Grammy noms, including a nod for Album of the Year — (see "Mary J. Blige, Chili Peppers Top Grammy Nominations List") — is an intense, sophisticated and certifiably accomplished effort, for sure. But to call it Mayer's most mature is to sell both the man — and his music — short. Ever since 2003's Heavier Things, he's been crafting songs that delve deeper than your average sorta-crunchy/ sorta-dreamy popsmith. But with Continuum, you can tell he's finally, well, matured.

"I believe that the album is a turning point; because from the artwork to the recording process to the songs John wrote, it's an abandonment of one thing and a declaration of another," said Steve Jordan, Mayer's drummer/co-producer on Continuum. "This thing is really all about music — the whole 'pop idol' thing is fine and all, but this album is not reliant on that. It's like it says in the liner notes: 'Music by John Mayer.' Because that's what this album is all about."

Recording began in earnest with a late-night session in January 2005 featuring Mayer, Jordan and bassist Pino Palladino. That session not only berthed a version of Jimi Hendrix's "Bold as Love," but also the John Mayer Trio, who would tour for the better part of a year and begin to work on songs that appear on Continuum (see "John Mayer Trio Geek Out With Live Album, Rolling Stones Jokes"). And then, toward the end of that year, the band would begin work on the record — work that proved to be fruitful, to say the least.

"We recorded enough material for two studio albums, and we had debated for about a week whether or not we were gonna make it a double album. But we decided that we'd rather have one excellent album as opposed to one good double album," Jordan laughed. "And it was an unusual situation, because we ended up taking some songs off the record that would be hits that people would die for. And as a producer, it was strange, because you're hired to make hit records, and then you're taking hit songs off the record.

"But basically, it came down to John wanting particular songs on the album and me wanting particular songs on the record, and so we had to make an agreement to just take 'em both off," he continued. "And as soon as that happened, the record came together and had this wonderful mood ... this really sexy feel. John feels it's even more of an R&B album, but I think it's a groove-based pop album."

Sessions would continue for more than eight months, with Mayer and Jordan crisscrossing the continent (the album was recorded at four different studios in New York, Los Angeles and Memphis) and striving to build upon that mood. It was a goal Mayer had from the beginning of Continuum, and he took it upon himself to carry it though the entire process. In addition to stepping behind the control board for the first time, Mayer also snapped some of the photos inside (including one of a studio on which he's scrawled the phrase "This is what my heart looks like") and co-designed the album's somber, minimalist artwork.

"He wanted to make something that was timeless but also steeped in the times of the moment," Jordan said. "The lyrics John seemed to gravitate towards were about inner exploration. Explaining himself now. Expressing how he feels now at this point in his life and career, what he's seeing going on around him. There are a couple of tunes that he kind of conveys a social commentary, and that's something he had never done before, and that was a concern for him: whether or not people would listen to him."

And Mayer would express those concerns to Jordan during breaks in the recording process at Right Track Studios in the heart of NYC. The two would take late-night strolls though Times Square, getting lost in conversations that would eventually end up in songs like "Waiting on the World to Change" and "Gravity," two of Continuum's strongest — and most personal — moments.

"John and I would just walk in Times Square and talk about life and my take on spirituality and stuff like that. It was all about exploration. Certain things were happening to him for the first time, and we just talked about things that made each other click," Jordan said. "We were getting to really know and learn about each other, to forge this really strong bond. And that was a real fond memory of making this record."

Another of those memories occurred down in Memphis, in a rickety brick building known as Royal Studios. Since opening in 1957, it's been home to a host of soul legends, including Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner and O.V. Wright. And on a whim, Jordan decided to call his old friend, venerable producer "Papa" Willie Mitchell, to see if Mayer could record a track down there. And, as luck would have it, Mitchell said yes.

"Down in Memphis, it was really magical. John had written this song, and it was great, and I suggested we go down there and put a Willie Mitchell horn arrangement on it," Jordan said. "So we got down there and we're in this studio where Al Green recorded all these great albums, and I said, 'Since we're down here, and we got the horns on and they're sounding real great, why don't you sing a bit too?' So John gets into the vocal booth — the same booth where Al Green sang — and Willie broke out this RCA Ribbon microphone, the only mic Al sang on. And he allowed John to sing on it. [John] was really honored and inspired. We all were. And I think that was sort of the perfect metaphor for making this album: Old and new. Timeless."

Get the story behind the other Album of the Year nominees:

The show's over but there's plenty of Grammy hotness here on MTVNews.com. Check out photos of the hottest red-carpet and onstage action; join our reporters as they hit all the Grammy week parties; and let us know what you think about the performers, winners and losers. Plus see videos of all the nominees on MTV.com and check out exclusive video footage from the big night right here.

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Road To The Grammys: John Mayer Shifts From Pop Idol To Bluesman On Continuum

30 Jan 2007 08:11:00 EST

Album of the Year nominee draws inspiration from late-night NYC walks, Al Green's recording booth.
By James Montgomery

It's clear just from listening to John Mayer's Continuum that he's got a lot to say.

Get the story behind the other Album of the Year nominees:

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New Releases: Now 18, Brooke Valentine, Kaiser Chiefs, Daft Punk & More

14 Mar 2005 22:51:00 EST

Also due Tuesday are albums from Soundtrack of Our Lives, Jon Butler Trio and Al Green.
By Alyssa Rashbaum

Stand back — there's about to be a "Girlfight" and a "Riot" among the artists included in this week's new releases.

R&B singer Brooke Valentine, featured on MTV's "You Hear It First," has been building major buzz around the release of her album Chain Letter, with the help of debut single "Girlfight." Lil Jon and Big Boi have her back on the song, while the late Ol' Dirty Bastard lent a hand to another track, "Blah, Blah, Blah."

Indie-pop up-and-comers the Kaiser Chiefs are ready to do battle with their LP Employment and its single "I Predict a Riot." The debut album from the Leeds, England-bred quintet combines classic Britpop sounds with dance-rock and undeniably catchy hooks.

The singles compilation Now 18 will also put up a strong fight this week. The album includes Gwen Stefani's "What You Waiting For?," Lindsay Lohan's "Rumors," Destiny's Child's "Soldier," Ashanti's "Only U," Omarion's "O," John Legend's "Used to Love U" and Good Charlotte's "I Just Wanna Live," among others.

Their last studio album was out in 2001, but Sweden's the Soundtrack of Our Lives are back this week with Origin Vol. 1. Trivium represent for metal with their second album, Ascendancy. Australian blues-infused outfit John Butler Trio release their second LP as well, called Sunrise Over Sea, while energetic Parisian dance-music duo Daft Punk put out their fourth album, Human After All.

Also out this week are albums by Keren Ann (Nolita), the Blind Boys of Alabama (Atom Bomb), Dishwalla (Dishwalla), Al Green (Everything's OK) and Long-View (Mercury).

Out Tuesday, March 15:

Keren Ann - Nolita (Metro Blue/Blue Note)
Avila Brothers - The Mood: Soundsational (Thump)
Baby Bash - Super Saucy (Universal Motown)
Ron E. Beck - Soul Cry (Thump)
Biirdie - Morning Kills the Dark (Pop Up)
Blind Boys of Alabama - Atom Bomb (Real World)
Blood or Whiskey - Cashed Out on Culture (Punkcore)
David Bowie - David Live (Virgin)
David Bowie - Stage (Virgin)
John Butler Trio - Sunrise Over Sea (Atlantic)
Buy Now: Sunrise Over Sea (Atlantic)
Celtic Fiddle Festival - Play On (Green Linnet)
Coughs - Fright Makes Right (Load)
Daft Punk - Human After All (Virgin)
Buy Now: Human After All (Virgin)
Matt Darey - Point Zero (Varese Sarabande)
Devin Davis - Lonely People of the World, Unite! (Mousse)
Dishwalla - Dishwalla (Orphanage)
Dr. Dog - Easy Beat (National Parking)
Eagles - Eagles (Rhino)
Al Green - Everything's OK (Blue Note)
Mary Haskell - Inspired Standards - Good for the Soul (Insight)
Holy Shroud - Ghost Repeaters (Level-Plane)
Hope 7 - Hope 7 (Trauma)
Kaiser Chiefs - Employment (Universal)
Read: "Kaiser Chiefs 'Predict A Riot,' Music Press Predicts Franz Ferdinand-Like Success"
Buy Now: Employment (Universal)
Kamelot - The Black Halo (Steamhammer US)
Konks - The Konks (Bomp)
Miranda Lambert - Kerosene (Epic Nashville)
Nguyen Le Quartet - Walking on the Tiger's Tail (HighNote)
Long-View - Mercury (Columbia)
Los Lobos - Live at the Fillmore (Hollywood)
Curtis Mayfield - Mayfield: Remixed — The Curtis Mayfield Collection (Rhino)
Marian McPartland & Friends - 85 Candles — Live in New York (Concord)
New Monsoon - Live at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (SCI Fidelity)
Gruff Rhys - Yr Atal Genhedlaeth (Sanctuary)
Joanne Shenandoah - Skywoman (Silver Wave)
The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origins, Vol. 1 (Republic Records)
Steely Dan - Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz Radio Broadcast (Concord)
Paul Taylor - Nightlife (Peak/Concord)
Tierra Santa - Apocalipsis (Locomotive)
Trivium - Ascendancy (Roadrunner)
Ultralyd - Chromosome Gun (Load)
Urban Knights - VI (Narada Jazz)
Brooke Valentine - Chain Letter (Virgin)
Read: "Don't Mess With 'Girlfight' Singer Brooke Valentine: Lil Jon And Big Boi Have Her Back"
Buy Now: Chain Letter (Virgin)
Patrick Wolf - Wind in the Wires (Tomlab)
Various artists - DJ Afrowax Presents: eVolution (VI Music)
Various artists - Drum Nation 2 (Magna Carta)
Various artists - "NASCAR in 3D: The IMAX Experience" soundtrack (Shout! Factory)
Various artists - Now That's What I Call Music! 18 (Epic)
Various artists - "Robots" soundtrack (Varese Sarabande)
Various artists - Soldiers of the 213 (Thump)
Various artists - Subdivisions (Magna Carta)
DVD: Asleep at the Wheel - "Live at Billy Bob's" (Image)
DVD: Various artists - "Magic Moments: The Best of '50s Pop" (Shout! Factory)

March 22:

Bloc Party - Silent Alarm (Atlantic)
Read: "Franz Ferdinand Give Bloc Party A Leg Up"
Buy Now: Silent Alarm (Atlantic)
Moby -Hotel (V2/BMG)
Read: "Moby Takes Aim At Nick And Jessica With 'Beautiful'"
Buy Now: Hotel (V2/BMG)
Queens of the Stone Age - Lullabies to Paralyze (Interscope)
Read: "Queens Of The Stone Age Keep LP, Tour Shrouded In Mystery"
Buy Now: Lullabies to Paralyze (Interscope)

March 29:

Beck - Guero (Geffen)
Read: "Finished Version Of That Beck LP You Downloaded Due In March"
Buy Now: Guero (Geffen)
The Bravery - The Bravery (Island)
Read: "The Bravery Bring Today's Technology To Yesterday's Sounds"
Buy Now: The Bravery (Island)
Will Smith - Lost & Found (Interscope)
Read: "Will Smith Has 'Sumthin' For Eminem' On New LP, Due In March"
Buy Now: Lost & Found (Interscope)

April 5:

Faith Evans - First Lady (Capitol)
Hot Hot Heat - Elevator (Sire)
Read: "Hot Hot Heat's Ups And Downs Inspire Elevator"
Various artists - Music from the O.C. Mix 4 (Warner Bros.)

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For The Record: Quick News On Bruce Springsteen, Al Green, Mary J. Blige, Hall & Oates, Redman, Method Man & More

24 Dec 2003 13:47:00 EST

They don't call him the Boss for nothing. Bruce Springsteen was the touring champion this year, pulling in almost $116 million from 47 shows, concert industry magazine Pollstar reported in its year-end sales data. Springsteen's single-year figures were the second highest of all time; in 1994 the Rolling Stones brought in $121.2 million. This year the veteran rockers took in $38.5 million, earning them a #14 ranking. ...

Don Was, who has produced albums by the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Black Crowes and the B-52's, has formed a TV and home video production company called M101. The first project from the company is the high-definition television series "Music Room," which will feature music legends performing with contemporary artists. In the two-hour pilot, "Music 101: The Green Room," Al Green will be joined by Mary J. Blige and Hall & Oates, among others. There is no launch date for the series. ... Fu Manchu will record the theme song for the upcoming Jesse James movie "West Coast Choppers," singer/guitarist Scott Hill wrote on the band's Web site. The track will be called "I'm Gettin' Away (Away From It All)." Five of the band's previously released songs will also be featured on the soundtrack. ...

The Recording Academy will present lifetime achievement awards to a number of musicians at the 2004 Grammys. Classical pianist Van Cliburn, Motown sound architects the Funk Brothers, children's music composer Ella Jenkins, bebop tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, swing band leader Artie Shaw, and folk guitarist and songwriter Doc Watson will all be honored. Also receiving lifetime achievement awards: jazz producer Orrin Keepnews, radio host Marian McPartland, and songwriters Gerry Goffin and Carole King. ... Clearly smitten with Redman and Method Man's thespian skills, FOX has picked up an as-yet-untitled television show starring the two rappers. The sitcom features Red and Meth as themselves, living in a white suburb of New Jersey. The show was based on an idea from Method Man. ...

Tommy Hill, a.k.a. John Wilson, of rap group the RAM Squad was arrested Tuesday evening and charged with drug dealing and possession after his Philadelphia home was raided by police. Authorities believe Wilson sold drugs out of his home and through dealers in the Richard Allen Homes projects, which the RAM Squad got their name from (the Richard Allen Mob). Wilson is also thought to have ties to Philly mob boss Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino. ... Factory 81 have broken up following the departure of bassist Kevin Lewis and drummer Andy Cyrulnik. The hardcore metal outfit's only album, Mankind, came out in 2000. ...

12.23.03

Ozzy Osbourne has been taken out of the Wexham Park Hospital intensive-care unit and placed in a private clinic to recuperate from the injuries he sustained in an ATV crash on December 8, according to a statement from the Osbournes. The former wildman of rock fractured his collarbone, eight ribs and a vertebra in his neck in the accident, which occurred on his Buckinghamshire estate in southern England. Last week, Sharon Osbourne said it would probably take Ozzy six months to fully recover. ...

Hip-hop's greatest storyteller, Slick Rick, will headline his own "Welcome Home" concert in Brooklyn, New York, on January 9. The old-school icon was recently freed from an INS detention center after 17 months while he awaited deportation. Several of Slick Rick's legendary peers are expected to perform at the event but none have yet been confirmed. ... Gang Starr's DJ Premier and Guru are sorting through tracks for a greatest-hits collection due next year. In 1999, the seminal hip-hop duo released the double-disc Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr, but this collection would include newer tracks, B-sides, remixes and at least one new track. ...

Perhaps inspired by all those Priceline.com commercials, in which he sang alongside established rockers, William Shatner is working on a new music album, and he's beaming up some talented artists, including Henry Rollins and Joe Jackson, to help him out. Ben Folds will produce the project, which will likely come out next year. The former Starship Enterprise captain has been in Nashville recording the LP and recently weighed in on the project via his Web site: "I am attempting excellence in music. I feel like I'm almost there, but I'll have to wait for all of you to tell me if I have reached excellence or not." ... Singer/guitarist Justin Hawkinsof British hair metal revivalists the Darkness will address England on MTV Europe on Christmas Day at 3 p.m., the same time the queen of England delivers a speech to her subjects on BBC1. Over the past year, the Darkness have become rock icons across Europe; in North America they remain an acquired taste. ...

On the heels of Rob Halford's return to the band, Judas Priest will release a box set called Metalogy on March 9. The box will feature three or four CDs and may include a live DVD. Judas Priest are working on new material with Halford as well. Tim Owens, who sang on the last two Priest records, is now a member of Iced Earth, whose new album, The Glorious Burden, will be released January 13. ... Murderdolls singer Wednesday 13 will launch a line of merchandise next year that will include shirts, bags, stickers and patches. The product line will feature "The Thirteen Dead Kids" logo, cartoon renderings of 13 dead children drawn in red and black. Wednesday 13 came up with the idea during the downtime that followed this year's tours with Iron Maiden and Stone Sour. ...

The Presidents of the United States of America are re-releasing their self-titled debut album (featuring "Lump" and "Peaches") with five bonus tracks (including a new song called "Some Postman") and a DVD. Titled Extra Super Double Bonus Thrill Pack, the collection is due February 16. ...

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Vedder Rambles, Green Day Scramble As Ramones Enter Hall

19 Mar 2002 19:42:00 EST

Talking Heads, Tom Petty, Isaac Hayes also inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
By Jennifer Vineyard

NEW YORK — A mohawked Eddie Vedder put the regal Waldorf-Astoria hotel in a punk rock state of mind Monday night when he inducted the Ramones into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (check out Kurt Loder's take on the Hall's history here).

Nearing the end of his 17-minute speech, Vedder said, "After this, I'm sure the evening will move quickly, but it's the Ramones and it's punk rock and I'm just about finished and I hope you're OK with that." (Watch Vedder's full Ramones induction speech here.) The crowd's response included some jeers and boos.

"Apparently you're not. F--- you," he replied.

But overall, the night was filled with special moments — including a Talking Heads induction and reunion as well as posthumous inductions of Joey Ramone and Chet Atkins — even though the ceremony was also plagued by technical difficulties and long delays (the delays will be edited out when VH1 broadcasts the event on Wednesday).

There was no question about the content of Vedder's speech, which was called "brilliant" by those who followed him. But as well spoken as the Pearl Jam singer was in his call to remember how the Ramones revitalized rock and how desperately that needs to happen again, he was also slow, pausing and mumbling through passages.

"They were armed with two-minute songs that they rattled off like machinegun fire," Vedder said, "and it was enough to change the Earth's revolution. Now it's Disney kids singing songs written by old men and being marketed to 6- and 7-year-olds, so some kind of change might have to happen again soon."

Vedder's speech set the tone for the evening, but for capturing the spirit of the Ramones, masters of the short and sweet, Green Day did the trick. The pop-punk trio saluted their forefathers with efficiency, blasting through "Rockaway Beach," "Teenage Lobotomy" and "Blitzkrieg Bop" without speaking to the crowd or to reporters backstage.

For the most part, the Ramones kept it light, with bassist Dee Dee Ramone joking, "I'd like to congratulate myself and thank myself and give myself a big pat on the back. Thank you, Dee Dee, you're wonderful."

Drummer Tommy Ramone, however, reiterated that the honor did mean a lot to the band, especially since it was something their late singer had wanted. "The honor of our induction ... means a lot to us. But it's really meant everything to Joey." He continued that thought backstage, saying it was one of the last things he talked about with Joey before the singer's death last April.

Talking Heads put aside their legendary acrimony and performed for the first time in 18 years. Joined onstage by CBGB owner Hilly Kristal, the band thanked just about everyone who had nurtured, fed or paid them over the years, including the rock hall itself, "for giving this band a happy ending," drummer Chris Frantz said.

Latter-day touring members of the band, including Bernie Worrell of Parliament/Funkadelic and Steve Scales, joined on two-thirds of the set, which consisted of "Psycho Killer," "Burning Down the House" and "Life During Wartime." "This is a song completely inappropriate at this time," singer David Byrne said before launching into "Life During Wartime," "but then again, maybe it is appropriate."

Witnesses to the band's performance started wondering if talk of a full-fledged reunion would also be appropriate. After all, Byrne actually seemed relaxed playing with his former bandmates, with little to no trace of the self-conscious and idiosyncratic moves that comprised his so-uncool-he's-cool Talking Heads persona. Content to move in sync with Tina Weymouth's able bass playing, Byrne instead painted a picture of ease.

Backstage, Byrne said the choice of songs helped "smooth things out." "We just played what we imagined people wanted to hear," he said. "This wasn't the time to pull out obscure numbers." Would there ever be such a time again? Guitarist Jerry Harrison said that they would think about that later. "We haven't played together for a really long time," Frantz added, "and I think we're all grateful to have a happy night like this and to have a good vibe."

Good vibes weren't hard to find in the evening's other performances, which started off with an orchestrated version of "Shaft," conducted and then sung by inductee Isaac Hayes. Dressed in a silky pajamalike outfit, Hayes led Paul Schaffer's band in a long prelude to his famous theme song. Waving his arms around, Hayes acted out instrument parts as if he were playing them himself, adding a sense of spunk to his funk.

Inducted later in the evening, Hayes warned young rap and hip-hop artists to avoid being blinded by the money. "It's not all about bling bling and all the gold and Cristal," he said. "Don't slip into the traps, and don't forget about your 'hood."

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers took it a little easy on their renditions of "Last Dance With Mary Jane" and "American Girl." Petty didn't reach for the slightly higher register he usually sings those songs in, and instead dropped it down a notch, bearing a resemblance to his presenter's father. "Before Tom came along, a lot of singer/songwriters were stuck with the label the 'new Dylan,' " presenter Jakob Dylan said. "Tom's vision was so strong that when I came along, I was called the 'new Petty,' when actually I may have been the only one who deserved the burden of being called the 'new Dylan.' "

The closing all-star jam turned out to be neither all-star nor a jam. Many of the evening's performers, inductees and presenters — from the Ramones and Green Day to Anthony Kiedis (who inducted Talking Heads) and Alicia Keys (who inducted Hayes) — didn't participate.

The first song of the finale, Al Green's soul classic "Take Me to the River," had to be done twice, since audio problems made it difficult to hear the full mix the first time around. Some of the pairings for the rest of the jam made sense — presenter Darlene Love joining inductee Gene Pitney on "He's a Rebel," which he wrote for her group, the Crystals — but having Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas (pulled from the audience) duet with Jewel (who inducted Brenda Lee) was less to do with the event than with positioning. Still, it didn't dilute their tribute to George Harrison on "Here Comes the Sun."

Other inductees included Chet Atkins (as a sideman) and Jim Stewart (as a non-performer).

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony airs Wednesday at 9 p.m. on VH1.

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