Anywho, after a busy working vacation two weeks ago and a pretty busy news cycle last week, things have slowed down a little bit around here, which isn't a bad thing since I'm finally getting back into a normal sleep rhythm.
I think the reason I do the blog on Mondays is because it's my one bright spot in avoiding "The Mondays," as in, "Crap. Weekend over already."
But then again, the sheer practicality of being able to let you guys and gals know what's being released Tuesday in CDs, or giving y'all a heads up as to what shows are lurking behind the curtain this week, well, that certainly doesn't suck, either.
Lucky you.
Those of you who stopped by the Listening Room this weekend saw that our pal Randy Cox was back in town to dazzle your pupils with some fantastic photos from the Taylor Swift show in Grand Rapids at Van Andel Arena Friday night.
Randy reports that Ms. Swift did a great show, and all of us here in the Listening Room are sorry we couldn't bring you a review. Tickets and logistics proved a bit messy. But you can see the pics, as always, on the entertainment page.
Muchas gracias, Rand. Always a pleasure.
On the CD landscape, we'll see a pair of releases Tuesday from some of rock's most familiar faces -- four that wear makeup and one that flaunts his chiseled mug out in the open.
Aerosmith axe-slinger Joe Perry's "Have Guitar, Will Travel" drops tomorrow, and grease-painted '70s shock rockers Kiss will also unleash "Sonic Boom," the first new Kiss studio album since 1998's "Psycho Circus."
"Guitar" is Perry's fifth outing sans his Aerosmith bandmates. Listening Room managing editor and photographer Josh Daunt had this to say about the disc.
(Further note: "Sonic Boom" is a Wal-Mart exclusive, folks. Tune in this week for that review. Much to the dismay of Ace Frehley fans everywhere, yours truly's taking that one on.)
In other CD news, reunited popsters Backstreet Boys are releasing "This Is Us," and '90s alt-rockers Everclear return Tuesday with "In A Different Light." The Cinematics drop "Love And Terror."
Hair metal mistress Lita Ford will see "Wicked Wonderland" on store shelves this week, and "American Idol" sixth season runner-up Blake Lewis is releasing "Heartbreak on Vinyl."
Country crooner Toby Keith Tuesday drops "American Ride," which surged to the top of Billboard's country chart in 13 weeks.
"I've only ever done, like, four or five songs in 16 albums that I didn't write, and this one sounds like I wrote it," Keith told Billboard.com. ("Ride" was written by Joe West and Dave Pahanish.)
Also on the country front is Roseanne Cash with "The List," and Brandi Carlile is dropping "Give Up The Ghost."
In the R&B section of the CD bins, Meshell Ndegeocello is returning to the charts with "Devil's Halo," which promises to further enhance the singer's many explorations into pop, jazz and hip-hop.
British singer Mr. Hudson is releasing "Straight No Chaser," and '80s popsters Simple Minds are scheduled to finally put out the much-anticipated "Graffiti Soul."
(As always, release dates are subject to change.)
On the concert front, unless you've been pinned under a rock and unable to peruse headlines lately, you know that rap mogul Kanye West has canceled his upcoming U.S. jaunt with pop princess Lady Gaga.
Anyone not see that coming? The tour was scheduled to land at the Palace of Auburn Hills Jan. 14. Refunds are available at point of purchase.
In brighter concert news, Disney darling Miley Cyrus descends on the Palace tomorrow night, and rock's newest supergroup Them Crooked Vultures plays the Fillmore Detroit Thursday, Oct. 8.
(Josh will be all over the Vultures, so again, stay tuned.)
Ventana will drop in on Flint's Machine Shop Thursday, Oct. 8, and pop singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat hits the Royal Oak Music Theatre Friday, Oct. 9.
Homeboys The Verve Pipe return to the Mitten Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Ark in Ann Arbor, and hold onto you hats, blues legend B.B. King pays a visit to the Motor City Casino's Sound Board the same day.
(And with that, another chapter in the blog book has come and gone. Make sure to check back in with us.Thanks for stopping by, and as always, keep rockin'.)
The ABC12 Listening Room staff: James R. Chesna, editor-in-chief; Josh Daunt, managing editor; Eric Fletcher, chief photographer; Randy Cox, photographer; Josh Daunt, photographer; LeeAlan Weddel, contributing editor, writer.
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