It’s the one day that independently owned record stores come together to celebrate music. They offer special deals on cd’s and records and have promotional products that are made just for the day.
The big item for this year is the official poster for the 2013 event, featuring Seattle's own Jimi Hendrix. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Jimi’s sister Janie Hendrix said, “It’s entirely appropriate that an image of Jimi Hendrix is on the official Record Store Day poster.” She goes on to say, “He was an avid music fan and record collector himself."
The special Jimi Hendrix poster is a limited edition run with only 5,000 being made for the event.
Also, a limited edition, individually numbered 7” vinyl single will be up for grabs featuring the original mono mix of ‘Hey Joe’ backed with ‘Stone Free,’ both previously unavailable since their release in 1966.
The 6th annual Record Store Day takes place April 20th, 2013. Check out information about participating stores in Seattle here.
On Feb. 28, 1983, Styx released ‘Kilroy Was Here". Ultimate Classic Rock calls it "their most ambitious concept album yet."
But within a year, tensions in the group came to a breaking point, bringing the classic era of Styx to an end.
It was partially because Dennis De Young was really big on concept albums AND making long form videos to go along with them. The rest of the band wanted to move forward.
As Randy Meisner of the Eagles said in “The History of the Eagles” “Every rock and roll band is almost always on the verge of breaking up.”
Here's a song form the album.
To keep up to date on news of your favorite artists, make sure you join the club.
What is it about Seattle that seems to draw filmmakers to our neck of the sound and set up movie making shop?
Add another Seattle flick to the list below as Toni Collette and Thomas Haden Church are in town filming “Lucky them”.
According to the Seattle Times it’s been in the making for many years. Collette stars as a rock journalist who returns to Seattle to stalk an old musician boyfriend; Church is a documentary filmmaker who accompanies her. Read more about it here.
Here are movies based in Seattle that I knew off the top of my head:
“Sleepless in Seattle” (duh)
“Singles” (double duh)
“10 Things I Hate About You” (R.I.P.. Heath)
“War Games”
“Battle in Seattle”
“Say Anything”
I did a quick search for “movies that are set in Seattle” and up came some that I forgot about, or *GASP* didn’t even realize the Seattle connection. Some of them take place outside the city, and some were just filmed in the area. A complete list from Wikipedia is here.
“Fabulous Baker Boys” (saw a looong time ago)
“The Ring” (I don’t watch scary movies)
“Safety Not Guaranteed”
“The Last Mimzy”
“Harry and the Henderson’s”
“Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”
“An Officer and a Gentleman”
To keep up on what's going on around town, make sure you join the club.
1954, Born on this day, Neal Schon, guitarist from Journey who had the 1982 US No.2 single 'Open Arms'. Was also a member of Santana, who had the 1977 UK No.11 single 'She's Not There'. - See more at: http://www.thisdayinmusic.com/#sthash.vosHlICh.hPrg2EHS.dpuf
1954, Born on this day, Neal Schon, guitarist from Journey who had the 1982 US No.2 single 'Open Arms'. Was also a member of Santana, who had the 1977 UK No.11 single 'She's Not There'. - See more at: http://www.thisdayinmusic.com/#sthash.vosHlICh.hPrg2EHS.dpuf
Happy Birthday to Neal Schon, who was born on this day in 1954.
Mostly known for his work with Journey, he was a member of Santana first. In fact, Carlos Santana is looking to get the old band back together so look for Neal and old Journey and Santana band mate Greg Rolie to join forces again.
To keep up with all the Journey and Santana news, make sure you join the club.
They haven’t spoken in years, but Foreigner stars Mick Jones and Lou Gramm will perform on stage together for the first time in over a decade at the Songwriters Hall of Fame awards ceremony that will take place in New York City on June 13.
Mick Jones tells Ultimate Classic Rock that he’s “very much looking forward” to the event. “I’m so proud of what Lou and I achieved in those early years and throughout the time that we were together. I think it’s the first time that we’ve been recognized for our work and our writing, which was really the foundation of what we did together, as much as the performing.”
Mick Jones still tours with Foreigner; Lou Gramm left the band again in 2003. Could this signal a full blown reunion tour?
Here is one of the songs they will do:
Keep up to date on all the Foreigner news and join the club.
Have you seen the new commercial for Bailey’s Cream with Spirit? If so you may have wondered," what is that song? I know I've heard it before."
It's none other than the 1981 single "Rapture" by Blondie.
‘Rapture’ was also used in commercials for Dior, and in the films ‘Heartbreak Kid’ and ’200 Cigarettes,’ among many others.
Some people have mixed emotions about using iconic songs in commercials. But I guess at the end of the day the artist has to eat and pay rent like the rest of us, and "selling out" takes care of the bills.
I remember trying to get out of bedtime many times, and I am sure your kids have tried to as well, but calling 911 takes the cake.
A ten-year-old in Massachusetts boy did not want to go to bed the other night. His mom had told him to get ready but it was winter break for the fourth-grader and he wasn’t tired. So he called the police for help.
He dialed 911, but hung up real quick. Then operator called back and they sent out an officer to talk to the boy about the importance of leaving 911 calls for emergencies only.
Besides the scolding from the cops and getting grounded for two weeks, he’s probably going to obey bedtime rules from now on.
At the Who‘s concert at the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario a fan who brought his seven-year old daughter got an earful from the guitarist after they waved a sign that said, “Smash Your Guitar, Pete!”
Townshend pretty much gave up smashing guitars, but hasn’t given up swearing. He apparently said, “Don’t wave that sign. Don’t bring your children [and] use them. I want to tell you two words, but I can’t because you have a child on you.” He then went on to mouth a two word profanity that ends with the “you”
The incident is unfortunate, but the Who has never claimed to be family friendly. Should you really take a seven year old kid to a rock show?
Did you know that margaritas are one of the top selling cocktails in the country? You can celebrate that crowning achievement by taking part in National Margarita Day, preferably tonight after work.
Frozen, on the rocks, salt or no salt? There are so many choices and so many flavors and recipes.
Where did the margarita come from? There are conflicting sources about the origins of the margarita, but the New York Daily News says that the first margarita was created in 1948 by Margaret “Margarita” Sames, a Dallas Socialite who loved tequila and lime. During one party she served the spirits mixed with fresh lime juice and garnished the rim of the glass with salt.
If that makes your mouth water you might want to grab some mix on the way home.
It was this day on February 22, 1983 that Journey's eighth studio album (and ninth overall), was released.
The album climbed to #2 on the Billboard chart and spawned four top 40 singles: "After the Fall", "Send Her My Love" , "Faithfully" , and "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)". The album would later achieve an RIAA certification of six times platinum.
What’s the one Journey song you could listen to over and over?
This Friday and Saturday (February 22 & 23, 2013) Fremont Studios turns into a swanky beverage lounge for the 11th annual beer and Scotch festival.
There’s an expression that goes “the liver is evil and must be punished”, why not make it pleasant and head on out to Fremont this weekend for the Hop Scotch Beer & Scotch Festival.
If you have attended in years past you know how wonderful an experience it is for whiskey and premier beer fans. They have wine too, so really something for everyone. Proceeds benefit the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). It’s a win win!
Eagles Don Henley is releasing solo album in May, and in a recent interview he let it slip that a former member of the Eagles will return to the band for an upcoming tour.
According to UltimateClassicrock.com the Eagles will tour this summer with a greatest hits show billed as ‘The History of the Eagles’ as a nod to the Eagles documentary of the same name that was recently released.
Now did he really accidently slip? Henley’s known for expecting perfection. At any rate, he didn’t elaborate on who would be returning yet, but it won’t be guitarist Don Felder, who trashed Henley and Glenn Frey in his memoir last year. The likely choice is either Bernie Leadon and/or Randy Meisner.
Who would you like back into the Eagles nest?
Keep up to date on the latest Eagles news and join the club.
I am an unabashed fan of baseball. And this time of year I start getting antsy, spring training is just starting and we have some weeks to get through before opening day.
Behold the magic of the "Baseball Movie."
My favorites are:
NEW FAVE:
“Moneyball”-Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill recreate the Billy Beane days in Oakland.
Old Faves:
“Bull Duram”-The steaminess between Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon…priceless. And read some little know facts about the flick here.
“Little Big League”-It’s a dream come true when a little boy inherits a baseball team.
“*61”- Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle race to break Babe Ruth's single-season home run record.
Honorable Mentions
“Field of Dreams”-Kevin Costner again. I know it’s schmaltzy but it get my tear ducts going every time.
“Major League”-And even though I am not a Charlie Sheen fan anymore, I’ve been known to stop and watch it if it shows up on TV.
Anyone who’s a fan of music will probably know the name Clive Davis, he’s high profile record producer and music industry executive, and he’s just release a new memoir.
Rolling Stone Magazine says it details his interactions with a wide range of artists over nearly five decades. He recounts his early years with Columbia Records where he haggled with Bob Dylan and he a relates how he told Bruce Springsteen's manager Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., needed a few more radio-friendly songs – which resulted in Springsteen adding "Blinded by the Light" and "Spirit in the Night" to the finished record.
He reveals he is bisexual, which might overshadow the other parts of the book that no doubt will reveal some juicy stories about the music biz and prove to be a good read for music fans.
A few weeks ago, it was announced that J.J. Abrams will be the new director for the next Star Wars movie-taking over for George Lucas.
And now, according to Rolling Stone magazine, Harrison Ford is set to return as Han Solo. No word on whether Ford will just make a cameo or if he'll have a larger part in the flick, but either way it gives the movie some nice pre-production buzz.
Other cast members from the original Star Wars trilogy, including Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, have also reportedly signed on to return as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.
No stranger to playing a pirate, actor Johnny Depp has enlisted the help of Keith Richards, Michael Stipe, Patti Smith and more for an upcoming compilation album featuring covers of traditional pirate songs.
According to Spin magazine, the collection includes some spirited pairings: Depp with Patti Smith; a duet from Michael Stipe and Courtney Love; and Tom Waits teaming with Keith Richards.
Would certainly make an interesting gift for that pirate lover on your list, ahoy mates!
Son ofRogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs and Chanteys will be released tomorrow-February 19, 2013
You might have heard that Washington’s own Heart will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame April 18 in Los Angeles. Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell will do the honors.
Back in December Ann Wilson told Rolling Stone Magazine that she didn’t think the original line up would get back together.
However, according to Ultimate Classic Rock-original guitarist Roger Fisher’s Facebook page this weekend had a post that said “I haven’t seen anyone announce it yet: THE ORIGINAL HEART LINEUP WILL PLAY AT THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY.”
This is believed to be the first time they will have performed together since Fisher’s departure in 1979. So far this news has not been disputed, that would be a nice set to see indeed.
Get more up to the minute info on Heart when you join the club.
The Oscars are next Sunday, have you seen any of the movies? I usually have a few nominees under my belt, but for some reason I have only seen “Flight” –Denzel Washington is up for Best Actor in that flick. I have some time to catch a few this week.
It’s a great excuse to get with some friends and get snarky about other people's outfits. And since they are live in Seattle, the fun starts early. Best Picture Nominees are below; you can see the rest here.
Best Picture Nominees
Amour
Argo
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Django Unchained
Les Misérables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Are you still friends with your ex on Facebook? What if you could get rid of an ex, or those friends that you are so over with on Facebook with almost a click of a switch?
There is of course an app for that, call Killswitch.
According to Mediabistro.com the makers of the Killswitch app want to help you with your recent break-ups by removing any remnants of unwanted relations from Facebook. The app will discreetly remove photos, messages and shared links with any arch nemesis you are friends with.
Because letting go is good for the heart, the the app also donates its proceeds to the American Heart Association of New York.
Love works out better in movies. It’s not weird or messy, or full of akward silences. You wake up with make-up on and clean teeth. Magic. And how about those great romantic lines?
In honor of Valentine’s Day-here’s my top three, if you want you can see more here.
And let us know if you have a favorite.
From "When Harry Met Sally"
From "Casablanca"
And one of many scenes from "Love Actually" I;m a super sap fro that flick.
Love is in the air, time for an old fashion love song? Love 'em or hate 'em they are a part of our culture. The break-up songs, and the make up songs. The bleep you songs and the love you songs.
But what about the first love song you ever bought yourself?
Here’s mine-bought with baby sitting money. Do you remember the first love song you bought?
In honor of VD (that’s what I call Valentine’s Day) I trolled Twitter for some corny pick-up lines, because really how does love start if not for a pickup line?
These are the clean ones, if you search Twitter for some more, I’ll warn you they get a little raunchy.
Top 5 Corny Pick Up Lines
1-You must be a tower, because Eiffel for you.
2-I lost my number can I have yours?
3-Does your left eye hurt? Because you've been looking right all day.
4- Is your name WIFI? Because I'm feeling a connection.
5-Are you Irish? Cuz’ your eyes are smilin’.
(One of my favorites-was actually used on a friend of mine.)
A new book about the Rolling Stones is coming out soon, and Mick Jagger is not amused. The book, due out March 6 is titled “A Prince Among Stones: That Business with The Rolling Stones and Other Adventures” was written by the band’s former financial advisor of 40 years.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock Jagger said, “Call me old fashioned, but I don’t think your ex-bank manager should be discussing your financial dealings and personal information in public,”
Snap!
While I tend to agree with him, this is the Stones we are talking about, and is anything surrounding the band really a secret?
Should be a good read, for you or the Stones fans in your life.
Keep up to date with the latest Rolling Stones news, make sure you join the club.
Bono for Pope? by Susan Cruise,posted Feb 12 2013 1:02PM
According to KOMO news, not long after Pope Benedict XVI resigned, bookies began offering odds on the candidates who could replace him. Cardinals from Ghana, Nigeria and Canada are among the early favorites.
Ireland's Paddy Power, the country’s biggest bookie, is offering odds on the three, as well as long odds on unlikely candidates — including U2 singer Bono at 1,000/1.
Bono for Pope? Could you see him wearing the pope hat with his glasses?
To keep up to date on the latest U2 news, make sure you join the club.
Sting made an appearance on the Grammy Awards last night, and he looked good.
I wasn’t the only one who thought so, I stumbled upon this tweet from Comedian Jamie Kaler (@JamieKaler)-“I'm not sure exactly what it entails, but I'm starting my "Aging like Sting" program today.”
Not sure it’s something that would work on the rest of us mere mortals.
For more news and updates on Sting and your favorite artists make sure you join the club.
Last week Mick Fleetwood, drummer for a little group called Fleetwood Mac,said he was working very hard on getting Christine McVie to join the rest of the group on tour.
According to Classic Rock Magazine, Mick said that one of the big reasons Christine didn’t want to rejoin the band on the road was because she’s deathly afraid of flying, but Mick said he was going to take her to Hawaii to get her over that. Flying from London to Hawaii with a huge flight phobia doesn't seem like the best way to combat that fear.
But it appears Christine just does’t want to tour, and she told Mick to stop asking her already.
The core of the group-Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood will be onstage when the band comes to the Tacoma Dome May 20th.
For more Fleetwood Mac news and updates, make sure you join the club.
The Grammy Awards were on last night, and I know it’s not fashionable in some circles to watch the now 55 year old celebration of several genres of music, but as a long time lover of all music, I can never resist. 

The show runs tape delayed in Seattle, even though it’s filmed on this coast. It's already happened by the time we see it. So most of the country will see it and talk about it on social media. And CNN and AP sent out breaking news alerts to my phone when Mumford and Sons picked up the album of the year, so helpful.
So in a little protest I actually DVR’d the whole spectacle and watched this morning while doing my Monday morning chores. This way I could fast forward through the acts I did not care to see and the endless commercials.
Took me about 90 minutes to watch the 3 hour and 30 minute show.
Why do I watch? It used to be to keep up with who are some of the hottest performers in genres I might not necessarily listen too. Yes, the Grammys are notoriously behind the times. But they do honor the elder statesmen as well. And the tribute collaborations are becoming stuff of legend. Sting, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, and Ziggy Marley came together at the 2013 Grammy Awards for their Bob Marley Tribute.


The other great tribute was Levon Helms, the drummer for The Band who passes away last year. It was nice to see Sir Elton John with the kids like Mumford & Sons and Mavis Staples belted her heart out.
Te best Grammy tribute in my book, is a tribute performance by Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, Steve Van Zandt and Elvis Costello performing "London Calling" to honor Joe Strummer of the Clash right after he died. That 2003 Grammy gem brings me to tears every time.
Looking for something to do this weekend, either for date night or with the kids? How about catching the classic flick “Top Gun” now out on 3-D and IMAX where available.
The high flying action/romance starring Tom Cruise in 3-D? It’ll be like the planes are flying right at you!
According to the Seattle Times the movie was remastered by director Tony Scott, who completed the task shortly before his suicide last August.
Check your local listings, but here’s a list of the local theaters screening the adventure if you are feeling “the need for speed.”
Pacific Science Center IMAX - PACCAR IMAX Theater
Regal Cinemas Thornton Place IMAX
Lincoln Square
AMC Southcenter
AMC Loews Alderwood Mall
AMC Kent Station
For updates on what's going around town make sure you join the club.
Here’s an old novelty tune by Kip Adotta, a comedian who was big on the talk show circuit back when Johnny Carson was doing “The Tonight Show.” Kip's put out a couple of comedy songs, like this one called “Wet Dream” which features a series of fish puns.
If you are a pun person, this will be one of the best five minutes of your life. The video quality is not the best, but if you listen to the lyrics closely you won’t really need the visuals.
Time to say goodbye to Dwight, Jim, Pam and the rest of the gang. After nine seasons the NBC show “The Office” is coming to an end.
NBC has announced the last episode will be televised May 16. The finale is ironically the 200th episode of the show. Do you think they planned that?
No word on whether or not old boss Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell, will return to say goodbye, although according to Rolling Stone it’s not likely. Carell left in season seven.
Who in the cast do you think will go out on their own and find continued success?
For more entertainment updates make sure you join the club.
If you've ever taken any form of public transportation, either in Seattle or another city, you know that sometimes you could be riding with a busker or two. These are street performers who do a little number for you in hopes that you give them a couple of coins. You can’t walk through Pikes Place Market without running into one. It is a common practice of many people to just ignore a busker.
Well what if the busker is actually a well known singer? According to the New Music Express, that’s what happened to Paul McCartney recently. McCartney and his wife were in New Orleans for the Super Bowl and while riding the street car he started singing a few Beatles tunes. The passengers ignored him at first, thinking he was just a street performer.
Of course, once someone realized who it was, the whole street car got the ride of their lives as McCartney sang along with everyone and took pictures.
Makes you want to take a closer look at that next busker you encounter.
If you want to keep up on all the Paul McCartney news and sightings, make sure you join the club.
We all have been late to work at least once in our life. You hit the snooze one more time, you get caught up with the latest gossip on the mornings shows and lose track of time, or you just can’t get out of the warm cozy shower and into the cold morning air. Sometimes it’s not all your fault, like if the car won’t start or there's a traffic jam.
Well a new survey released by CareerBuilder.com reveals that “16 percent of workers reported arriving late to work at least once a week or more, up slightly from last year. In addition, 27 percent of workers said they arrived late to work at least once a month.”
Are you in any of these categories?
But the funniest thing is the excuses people have come up with:
Woman thought she won the lottery, (she hadn’t)
An angry roommate cut the cord to his phone charger, so it didn't charge and his alarm didn't go off.
Man believed his commute time should count toward his work hours.
Employee claimed a fox stole her car keys.
What’s the best excuse you have heard, or made yourself?
The 55th Grammy Awards take place Sunday, and it’s a good time as any to reflect on those artists who suprisingingly never snagged a Grammy.
The "Overlooked Grammy Club" includes:
The Who-Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Bob Marley-2007 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee.
Led Zeppelin
The Doors
Lynyrd Skynyrd-Grammy Tribute in 2005
Queen
Grateful Dead
It’s irksome to know that groups like Taste of Honey, Baha Men, and Christopher Cross have won Grammy’s and yet these greats haven’t. We just have to be happy with the fact that they are still around, and they could still get more awards in the future.
Rolling Stone is reporting that iTunes hit the 25 billion song download mark. That’s alot of memory space!
The lucky 25 billionth guy was a German customer who will get an Apple gift card worth around $13,500, enough music for him and his entire town.
Have you embraced digital music yet? Some of the classics have been remastered and sound great. While downloads aren’t like the tangible warmth of an album, music downloads offer some quality upgrades when the old CD or record just has too many scratches.
What's your take on that? Let us know, and make sure you join the club.
Even if you have a passing interest in music, you know Phil Spector. A famous producer who worked with some of the biggest girls groups around as well as members of the Beatles. His achievements are numerous, but he's sadly most recently known for his 2009 second-degree murder conviction for the 2003 shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson. He is serving a prison sentence of 19 years to life.
But art likes to imitate life and so behold HBO’s upcoming TV movie, “Phil Spector” that tells the tale of his trial. And who is crazy enough to play Phil? Why Al Pacino of course-with all kinds of crazy hair styles to boot. Add in Helen Mirren as his lawyer and have David Mamet write and produce it and you are sure to be entertained.
Check out the trailer below and mark your calendar for the debut on March 24, 2013
We know that traffic is bad out there, but according to the Seattle Times a new study says Seattle drivers lost an average of 48 hours due to congestion in 2011. That dubious figure ties us with Philadelphia for ninth place. Whoo hoo, we made the Top 10!
The area that wastes the most time stuck in traffic was Washington DC., with L..A. and San Francisco not too far behind.
So if you are a daily commuter around here, keep up those deep breathing techniques, or get started on some soon.
1. Washington, 67 hours.
2. (tied) Los Angeles, 61.
2. (tied) San Francisco, 61.
4. New York, 59.
5. Boston, 53.
6. Houston, 52.
7. (tied) Atlanta, 51.
7. (tied) Chicago, 51.
Looks like Robin Williams is trying to make a bit of a comeback and go back to where he started-television. He starred in Mork and Mindy for 1978-1982 and since then has been in a huge list of movies.
Entertainment Weekly said this new show is called “Crazy Ones” and follows a dad and daughter who work together in an advertising office. I am assuming he plays the dad, but you never know with Robin Williams. The show is created by David Kelly of “The Practice”, “Ally McBeal”, etc. CBS will announce later in the year if they decide to order the show for its fall lineup.
Might be interesting to see Robin on the small screen again, depending on which Robin Williams shows up.
To keep up to date and be in the know-make sure you join the club.
Sometimes it’s interesting to put a new spin on an old tune and see what gem emerges. John Fogerty had that idea in mind when he asked artists from rock, pop and even to country to duet with him on his new record.
According to the website Ultimate Classic Rock- Fogerty has retooled a dozen of his songs from his past, including Creedence Clearwater Revival hits.
Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Foo Fighters and Alan Jackson are just a few artist that sing along with Fogerty. Look for the album to be out in stores in May.
To be up to date and in the know, make sure you join the club.
Have you heard of SodaStream? It's a contraption that let you make fresh carbonated water and flavor to your taste. You make your concoctions in reusable bottles, so you aren’t filling up the landfills.
The company created a Super Bowl ad that attacks Coke and Pepsi. CBS rejected it. So you won’t see it on TV, but you can see it here. Read more about this story at The Daily Beast.
Anyone who has ever gone to a Seafair counts the Blue Angels as the top attraction, behind the boats, the pirates and the parade.
Seafair, for the uninitiated, is an annual July/August festival with ship tours, air shows, hydroplane races, parades, and street performances that take place in the Seattle area.
The Blue Angels are a big thrill for everyone in the area. Even if you don't go to Seafair, if you live or work close enough to Downtown, you can still catch them overhead, during practices and performances.
Sadly, that might come to an end. According to the Seattle Times, "Seafair’s Blue Angels air show could be canceled do to budget cuts that are scheduled to hit the Navy on March 1"
