New releases for Jan. 10, 2011: Safetysuit’s “These Days,” “Moneyball,” John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars”
Former Tulsa band Safetysuit, now based in Nashville, Tenn., has released its second album “These Times.”
“Moneyball,” the acclaimed adaption of Michael Lewis’ nonfiction baseball and statistics best-seller, is out on DVD today.
And on the bookshelf, “The Fault in Our Stars,” the fourth novel from acclaimed young-adult fiction writer John Green is new in stores.
Here is a list of more CDs, DVDs and books out this week, from Amazon.com and VideoETA.com:
CDs
Safetysuit, “These Days.”
Snow Patrol, “Fallen Empires.”
Nightwish, “Imaginaerum.”
Joshua Bell, “French Impressions.”
David Crowder*Band, “Give Us Rest.”
The Little Willies, “For the Good Times.”
Stevie Nicks, “The Lowdown.”
Charlie Haden and Hank Jones, “Come Sunday.”
Dean Martin, “Pennies from Heaven.”
Van Morrison, “Live on Air.”
Johnny Cash, “Country Boy.”
Willie Nelson, “The Last Letter.”
DVDs
1911
Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season
Hawaii Five-O: The Twelfth and Final Season
An Idiot Abroad: Season One
Killer Elite
Moneyball
Primeval: Volume Three
The Scorpion King 3: Battle For Redemption
Sinners and Saints
There Be Dragons
What’s Your Number?
Books
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith
Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George
I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down by Jennifer Hudson
Smart Trust: Creating Prosperity, Energy, and Joy in a Low-Trust World by Stephen M.R. Covey, Greg Link, Rebecca R. Merrill
Emotional Equations: Simple Truths for Creating Happiness + Success by Chip Conley
-BAM
Van Halen to play May 1 at Tulsa’s BOK Center
Van Halen members Eddie Van Halen, right, and David Lee Roth perform at Cafe Wha? in New York on Thursday. (AP Photo)
Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Van Halen will perform their first show at Tulsa’s BOK Center on May 1, the venue has confirmed in an email.
Ticket prices and sale date for the Tulsa show have not yet been announced, according to an arena spokeswoman. R&B group Kool & the Gang will be special guest for the Tulsa date.
Van Halen is legendary for its multiple personnel changes, and like the band’s 2007-08 trek, this tour will feature three-fourths of the original lineup: Singer David Lee Roth, guitarist Eddie Van Halen, his drummer brother Alex Van Halen and Eddie Van Halen’s song Wolfgang Van Halen on bass. Original bassist Michael Anthony was dropped from the band in 2006.
After its initial announcement of another reunion tour in December, the band revealed Thursday night that it will launch its 45-date tour on Feb. 18 in Louisville, Ky. The announcement followed an intimate club show in New York on Thursday night at Café Wha?, according to MTV.com.
The first show on the tour will take place less than two weeks after the release of “A Different Kind of Truth,” Van Halen’s first album of new material with Roth since 1984. “Tattoo,” the first single and video from the album, is set to debut Tuesday.
From MTV.com, here is a very simplified rundown on Van Halen’s checkered history:
After parting ways with Roth in 1985, Van Halen rebooted with singer Sammy Hagar in 1985, enjoying a string of hit albums and songs through 1996, when Hagar was shown the door and briefly replaced by former Extreme singer Gary Cherone, who only lasted three years in the slot. After bringing Hagar back in from 2003 to 2005, Van Halen invited Roth back into the fold several years ago and toured with him in 2007 and 2008.
For more information on the Tulsa show, go to www.bokcenter.com. I’ll pass along additional information as I get it.
-BAM
Video: The Flaming Lips cover The Beatles’ “I Am the Walrus”
On Wednesday, I shared video highlights of Oklahoma City-based psychedelic rockers The Flaming Lips’ New Year’s Eve Freakout #5, which was last weekend at the Coca Cola Bricktown Events Center. The two-night extravaganza – which included NYE and New Year’s Day shows – featured Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band.
Highlights of the show included covers of The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields” and “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” the famed holiday anthem Ono wrote and recorded with her late husband, John Lennon. Some fans who attended the show have kindly posted videos from the show for our viewing enjoyment, and as a follow-up, this video of the Lips performing The Beatles’ “I Am the Walrus” at the Pink Floor Studio in Oklahoma City has been brought to my attention.
Check out The Oklahoman’s review of the NYE show by special correspondent Joshua Boydston by clicking here. Or see photos of the Freakout #5 taken for The Oklahoman by Garrett Fisbeck, click here.
-BAM
Photo gallery: Flaming Lips’ New Year’s Eve Freakout #5 in Oklahoma City
- Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon, the widow and son of the late, great Beatle John Lennon, join the Flaming Lips on stage during the Flaming Lips New’s Year’s Freakout #5 at the Coca Cola Event Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma City-based psychedelic rockers The Flaming Lips performed their fifth annual New Year’s Eve Freakout last weekend at the Coca Cola Bricktown Events Center. The two-night extravaganza – which included NYE and New Year’s Day shows – featured Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band.
Check out these great photos taken for The Oklahoman by Garrett Fisbeck.
Highlights of the show included covers of The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields” and “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” the famed holiday anthem Ono wrote and recorded with her late husband, John Lennon. Plus, Lips manager Scott Booker presented Ono with a proclamation from Mayor Mick Cornett declaring NYE “”Yokolahoma City Day” in Oklahoma City.
To see a few fans videos from the show, click here.
Check out The Oklahoman’s review of the NYE show by special correspondent Joshua Boydston by clicking here.
Scott Booker, Flaming Lips manager, presents Mayor Mick Cornett's proclamation that Dec. 31w ill be known as "Yokolahoma City Day" during the Flaming Lips New's Year's Freakout #5 at the Coca Cola Event Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011.
Wayne Coyne, of the Flaming Lips, rolls around the crowd in his "space ball."
The crowd celebrates as The Flaming Lips perform during the Flaming Lips New's Year's Freakout #5.
Yoko Ono performs during the Freakout.
Yoko Ono sings during the Freakout.
Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne is all smiles.
Wayne Coyne sings during The Flaming Lips' set.
Wednesday Video Spotlight: Highlights of The Flaming Lips New Year’s Eve Freakout #5 featuring Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon
Oklahoma City-based psychedelic rockers The Flaming Lips performed their fifth annual New Year’s Eve Freakout last weekend at the Coca Cola Bricktown Events Center. The two-night extravaganza – which included NYE and New Year’s Day shows – featured Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band.
Highlights of the show included covers of The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields” and “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” the famed holiday anthem Ono wrote and recorded with her late husband, John Lennon. Some fans who attended the show have kindly posted videos from the show for our viewing enjoyment.
Check out The Oklahoman’s review of the NYE show by special correspondent Joshua Boydston by clicking here.
-BAM
New releases for Jan. 3, 2011: “Jimmy Owens,” Elvis, “Contagion,” “The Guard,” Lisa Swayze’s memoir
If like me you still haven’t used all your Christmas gift cards, here are this week’s new CDs, DVDs and books for your perusal:
CDs
Jimmy Owens, “The Monk Project.”
Elvis Presley, “Elvis Country” (Legacy Edition).
Lego Feet, “Lego Feet.”
The Beau Brummels, “Bradley’s Barn” (Limited edition re-release).
Johnfish Sparkle, “Flow.”
Mr. Oizo, “Stade 2.”
Monkees, “Head” (Limited collector’s edition).
DVDs
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Season Five
Contagion
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
The Guard
I Don’t Know How She Does It
Justified: The Complete Second Season
The Last Lions
Mildred Pierce
Puncture
Removal
Shark Night
Books
Worth Fighting For: Love, Loss, and Moving Forward by Lisa Niemi Swayze
Private: #1 Suspect (Jack Morgan) by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together by Mark Driscoll and Grace Driscoll
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, Jim DeFelice
The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery That Holds the Secret of America’s Future by Jonathan Cahn
Taking People With You: The Only Way to Make Big Things Happen by David Novak
-BAM
Video: LookatOKC’s “Got It Covered” – K.C. Clifford and David Broyles take on Leon Russell’s “Superstar”
My excellent colleagues George Lang and Kyle Roberts continue their latest video series for LOOKatOKC called “Got It Covered.”
In the latest episode, husband-and-wife Oklahoma City musicians K.C. Clifford and David Broyles take on Tulsa Sound pioneer Leon Russell’s “Superstar.” Russell co-wrote the song, initially titled “Groupie (Superstar),” with Bonnie Bramlett, and it was originally recorded by Delaney & Bonnie and Friends in 1969.
In 1971, it became a big hit for the Carpenters, and since Clifford is an unabashed fan of the sibling duo, she selected “Superstar” from the roster of 12 songs by Oklahoma artists on the “Got It Covered” list.
For more information on the series, go to http://lookatokc.newsok.com/got-it-covered.
-BAM
New releases for Dec. 27, 2011: “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” soundtrack, “The First Grader” on DVD, Dean Koontz’s “77 Shadow Street”
Nine Inch Nails mastermind and Oscar-winning composer Trent Reznor (AP file)
In case you have gift cards or Christmas money to spend, there are some new entertainment options this week, including the three-CD soundtrack to the Hollywood adaptation of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the uplifting Kenyan film “The First Grader” on DVD and new books from best-selling authors Dean Koontz and Christine Feehan.
Here is a list of this week’s new CD, DVD and book releases, from Amazon.com and VideoETA.com:
CDs
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (soundtrack box set).
Elvis Presley, “Complete Louisiana Hayride Archives” (box set)
Seal, “Soul 2.”
Music Theatre Wales, “Philip Glass: In the Penal Colony.”
Thomas Newman, “The Iron Lady: Music from the Motion Picture.”
Yardbirds, “Glimpses 1963-1968” (box set).
DVDs
Apollo 18
Archer: The Complete Season Two
The Borgias: The First Season
Brighton Rock
Final Destination 5
The First Grader
A Good Old Fashioned Orgy
Hostel: Part III
Jersey Shore: Season Four
Love Crime
The Pool Boys
Shameless: The Complete First Season
The Tunnel
Books
77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz
Spirit Bound (A Sea Haven Novel) by Christine Feehan
A Brief History of Thought: A Philosophical Guide to Living by Luc Ferry
Life Is Not a Reality Show: Keeping It Real with the Housewife Who Does It All by Kyle Richards
Hidden Summit (Virgin River) by Robyn Carr
-BAM
13 Days of Oklahoma Music: Leon Russell joins the rock and roll and songwriters halls of fame
The 13 Days of Oklahoma Music continue here at BAM’s Blog, as we look back on the musical milestones state artists experienced in the past year as 2011 draws to a close.
Tulsa Sound pioneer Leon Russell’s 2010 resurgence powered through 2011.
After 50 years of rocking, the Lawton native officially rolled into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March, with British superstar Elton John, with whom Russell recorded the 2010 duet album “The Union,” ushering him into the hall.
In April, Russell and John performed on “Saturday Night Live,” with the “Rocket Man” pulling double duty as host. Also in April, director Cameron Crowe’s (“Almost Famous”) documentary chronicling the making of “The Union” will open New York’s Tribeca Film Festival.
On May 1, the singer/songwriter/pianist known as Uncle Leon played the closing day of the Stagecoach Festival. In June, Russell and Oklahoma country superstar Garth Brooks were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
And in September, Russell returned to “Home Sweet Oklahoma” to play what was believed to be his first showcase at the state fair.
Hopefully, Russell, 69, will continue his comeback into 2012.
-BAM
CD review: The Beach Boys “The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album”
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
Holiday
The Beach Boys “The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album” (Capitol)
The notion of merging The Beach Boys’ surf rock sound with seasonal carols undoubtedly seemed incongruous back in 1964. But nearly five decades later, Gen Xers like me have grown up with the rollicking “Little Saint Nick,” the bopping “The Man with All the Toys” and the toe-tapping tale of youth disillusionment “Santa’s Beard” and couldn’t imagine the holidays without “The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album.”
Capitol Records has once again reissued the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers’ perennially popular Christmas effort. This year’s edition has been digitally remastered, making the sun-kissed merriment sound better than ever, but it also has been restored to its original 12-song tracklist. Other reissues have included various bonus tracks, and without the extra songs, the CD runs less than half and hour.
The album opens with five original songs, including a spirited tribute to “Christmas Day,” which features Al Jardine’s first recorded solo as a Beach Boy, and the drab seasonal breakup ballad “Merry Christmas, Baby.”
Brian Wilson did the vocal arrangements for the album’s seven holiday standards, which beautifully showcase the group’s tight vocal harmonies. Backed by a 40-piece orchestra, the quintet offers a fittingly bouncy rendition of “Frosty the Snowman,” an appropriately reverent reading of “We Three Kings of Orient Are” and a playfully jazzy cover of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” The band’s California sun-and-fun vibe gives “White Christmas” an extra layer of longing.
Between the original 1964 album artwork and the late Dennis Wilson’s earnest holiday greeting during “Auld Lang Syne,” the reissue has a high nostalgia factor, but “The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album” really deserves to be a part of any rock fan’s holiday collection.
— BAM
