NEWSLETTER #31!

SAL PREPARES FOR TRIP TO ITALY BY WRITING NEWSLETTER IN ITALIAN!

I PRIMI DUE PRETENDERS CHE GLI ALBUM OTTENGONO REMASTERED E SI ESPANSI!

LOTTI DI NUOVI RILASCI PER LA SETTIMANA PROSSIMA!

GIORGIO W. BUSHI, KENNY GIO, CELINE DIONA, E MIGUEL BOLTONO -- OOFA!

SAL DECIDES WRITING NEWSLETTER IN ITALIAN EVEN MORE DIFFICULT THAN IN ENGLISH

And now... NEXT WEEK'S NEW RELEASES!

TREY ANASTASIO - BAR 17. We've never been Phishheads or Phish Phans, although we do like a nice piece of scrod. But Trey's last few solo records have been better than good, and his latest release, Bar 17, is getting great advance word. Featuring all-star jam banders Benevento & Russo, Joan Wasser, and John Medeski.

BECK - INFORMATION. Sal considers Beck a jack of all trades and a master of none, with the exception of pretension. Tony considers Sal just plain wrong when it comes to Beck, and is happy he'll be in Italy when this comes out, so he can blast it in the office.

LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM - UNDER THE SKIN. The first solo album in fourteen years from the legendary Stevie Nicks obsessive. Stripped down and less of a pop record than his brilliant Out Of The Cradle, but still a very interesting collection of introspective tunes that highlight Buckingham's guitar playing and knack for melody. Features an awesome cover of the Stones' "I Am Waiting."

THE DEARS - GANG OF LOSERS. The followup to one of Sal's favorite records of 2004, "No Cities Left," sounds a little less like the Smiths-inspired debut and a bit more aggressive. This band can go from perfectly executed '80s new wave to Brian Wilson-inspired ballads with the click of a remote. Both CDs are highly recommended.

THE DECEMBERISTS - CRANE WIFE. Pioneers of the annoying "literary rock" movement, we don't know much about this band, except that Tony doesn't like them. But if literary rock is your thing, this is their major label debut, so that's certainly saying something.

EVANESCENCE - OPEN DOOR. New release from the Grammy Award-winning band fronted by that goth cutie, Amy Lee. But that doesn't mean we like them, either.

ROBYN HITCHCOCK & THE VENUS 3 - OLE TARANTULA. The Venus 3 are Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, and Bill Riflin, which is 3/4 of the Minus 5 and 1/2 of R.E.M. So there's a 63% chance that this will be an excellent album.

THE HOLD STEADY - BOYS & GIRLS IN AMERICA. Hailed as the greatest rock n' roll band in the world by a handful of morons that we spoke to last year, they now release their new CD, and if it's anything like their last CD, it will leave Tony and Sal baffled yet again as to why Red Buttons never got a dinner.

JET - SHINE ON. Hard retro-rockers follow up their very cool debut with an even cooler sophomore release. A little more produced, and not as many AC/DC-crossed-with-the-Faces -type rockers, but the kickass first single, "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is," is worth the price of admission alone.

KILLERS - SAM'S TOWN. We kind of liked their debut, Hot Fuss, although not as much as the rest of the world. This new release, although getting trashed in the new issue of Rolling Stone, is still highly anticipated by many. And hey, they gave the last Mick Jagger solo album five stars, so what do they know anyway?

AMOS LEE - SUPPLY & DEMAND. Lee made a name for himself with his debut on Blue Note, singing a dozen snoozerific tunes in an attempt to court the Norah Jones audience. Now we know it's very uncool to like Norah Jones, but the truth is, she's a lot better than Amos Lee.

SEAN LENNON - FRIENDLY FIRE. His first album, "Into The Sun," was a likable effort that could have been better if he'd tried a little harder. His new album, on the other hand, sounds like he's trying too hard. He's got a knack for melody and a talent for arranging, but even at the age of 31, he still sounds like a 14-year-old John Lennon. We know it must be tough being the son of a Beatle, but this guy just needs to relax and do what comes naturally. Maybe the Who need a keyboardist?

NRBQ - LUDLOW GARAGE 1970. The original lineup, which featured Steve Ferguson on guitar, not Big Al, is caught here in a legendary, crazy-ass performance, thanks to the fine people at Sundazed Records.

JOHN POPPER PROJECT - THE JOHN POPPER PROJECT. Featuring master of the turntables DJ Logic, this new release mixes Popper's unique harmonica style with Logic's ear for rhythm. Popper really blows on this one.

TONY'S PICKS OF THE WEEK!

As we mentioned earlier, the first two PRETENDERS albums, PRETENDERS and PRETENDERS II, get the long-awaited, much-needed, what-the-hell-have-you-been -waiting-for, these-CDs-sound-awful remastering they richly deserve. They each now feature a bonus disc of rare and unreleased material, most of which is NOT included on their recent box set. No collection is complete without the first album, and the second one is pretty amazing, too.

BOZ SCAGGS - HITS (EXPANDED). Nobody doesn't like Boz Scaggs, to paraphrase the great cake maker Sara Lee. Now, his hits collection gets remastered and five additional tracks. The 1976 masterpiece "Silk Degrees" had also been slated for remastering and expanding at the same time, but it seems to have disappeared. Anyone have an answer?

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - THE SEEGER SESSIONS (DELUXE EDITION). The "American Land" edition of this already-legendary album now features four additional live videos from the recent tour as well as the bonus audio tracks "Bring 'Em Home," "American Land," and "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live." One of the best records of the year just got better.

TIM BUCKLEY - THE BEST OF. The first ever single disc compilation from a man who makes Elliott Smith seem like Donald O'Connor.

SAL'S PICK OF THE WEEK!

DON BYRON - DO THE BOOMERANG. Jazz great Byron gets together a killer band that features George Colligan on B-3, Brad Jones on bass, Curtis Fowlkes on trombone, and Chris Thomas King on vocals and guitar, for a 12 song tribute to the great Junior Walker. Funky and groovy, and totally out there.

STEFON HARRIS - AFRICAN TARANTELLA. Vibraphonist and composer Harris recreates three movements from Duke Ellington's classic "New Orleans Suite," two from his "Queen's Suite," and a few Harris originals.

NOW PAY ATTENTION!!!

To order any of these new releases, or anything else you may want, whether they're CDs or DVDs, you must send an email to HEYNYCD@aol.com, or call (212) 244-3460. SAL WILL NOT BE PLACING ORDERS THIS WEEK BUT TONY WILL BE! So if you directly reply to Sal, you will not get your CDs until the week of October 9. And you wouldn't want that, would you?

DON'T FORGET YOU NEED TO SELL US CDs and DVDs! CALL OR EMAIL!

DON'T FORGET ROBERT STACK IS A MUCH BETTER ACTOR THAN ROBERT REED!

DON'T FORGET TO BUY THINGS FROM US ON AMAZON!

DON'T FORGET TO BRING HOME A QUART OF MILK!

UNTIL NEXT WEEK, WE LEAVE YOU WITH THIS:

Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana.

Your friends,
Tony Sachs and Baciagalupe Vafuoncuolo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US

SEPT. 22, 1993: A new CD store, called Hear Here but soon to change its name to NYCD after one too many customers asks "Hear... Here... what does that mean?" opens its doors for the first time. Sal Nunziato and Tony Sachs are confident that their business venture will succeed because, come hell or high water, people will always love to go to stores to buy music.

NEWSLETTER #30!

ANOTHER BIG UPCOMING WEEK OF RELEASES

CAN YOU SAY, "SUBWAY SERIES?"

BIRTHDAY WISHES TO SHELDON SACHS (TONY'S DAD) & DON FELDER (SAL'S MOTHER)

Here we go.....

NEXT WEEK'S NEW RELEASES:

TORI AMOS - A PIANO: THE COLLECTION. The first ever box set from one of the creepiest performers we've ever set eyes on. 86 alternates, remixes, rarities, and some classics as well. If none of you are familiar with Tori Amos' cover version shtick, think putting a cockring on Michelangelo's David.

JAY BENNETT - MAGNIFICENT DEFEAT. The latest solo record from ex-Wilco member features 13 tracks that we are sure sound nothing like Wilco. Why we're sure, we're not sure, since we haven't heard a single note of it, but we really like Wilco and haven't liked his last two solo albums. Of course, we haven't liked Wilco's last two albums either. Hello? Is this thing on?

BLACK CROWES - THE LOST CROWES. Delayed for a month because of a production error (the songs on disc 1 were actually on disc 2, and vice-versa, and when you're high, that can really mess you up), this two CD set features finished tracks that were set for release and then shelved when the Robinson boys started misbehaving back in the mid '90s. For you Crowes fans, these are the legendary Tall sessions getting their first release. And being a Crowes fan, Sal can tell you that this is one fine collection.

SOLOMON BURKE - NASHVILLE. Produced by esteemed guitar player and songwriter Buddy Miller, soul legend Burke puts his soulful spin on some country tunes, with guest appearances by Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Patty Loveless.

THE BYRDS - THERE IS A SEASON (BOX SET). Four CDs and a DVD chronicling the career of not only a great band, and not only an important band, but an important band that was great. 99 tracks, some unreleased, as well as a DVD with ten vintage live clips. If you're wondering what David Crosby looked like before he got fat, went bald and grew that ridiculous moustache, this is the place.

DAVE MATTHEWS - LIVE TRACKS: FENWAY PARK. This is the sixth volume of DMB's live series, but it's the first available to retail. 4 CDs containing every note played during the two days at Fenway Park. To some of you, that's good news.

ENIGMA - A POSTERIORI. We have a soft spot for Enigma because, when NYCD first opened, they were really popular and we couldn't keep their first CD in stock. Of course, those days are long gone, and Enigma's brand of whatever the hell it is they do is no longer as popular. But for you diehard fans of... whatever the hell that is, this one is three years in the making. Help pay off those studio bills!

GEORGE HARRISON - LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD (EXPANDED). Of course, everyone knows and loves All Things Must Pass, his first proper solo album. But few remember this chart-topping followup which included some of the strongest solo material of George's career. This new remastered version features two bonus tracks and also comes as a limited edition package with a DVD featuring documentary and live footage.

JANET JACKSON - 20 Y.O. This was originally titled 20 Years Old, in reference to the 20th anniversary of her chart-topping album Control. It is now called 20 Y.O. as a tribute to legendary quarterback Y.O. Tittle.

KORN - CHOPPED, SCREWED, LIVE AND UNGLUED. Two CDs plus a DVD, featuring the entire See You On The Other Side album "chopped and screwed" (we think that means "remixed") on one disc. The second CD, along with the DVD, is a hodgepodge of live tracks, acoustic performances, and fan-made remixes. Can you say "we need product for the fourth quarter"?

TONY'S PICK OF THE WEEK!

LEMONHEADS - LEMONHEADS. Their first album in ten years and their best since 1992's "It's A Shame About Ray" finds Evan Dando emerging from his drug-induced stupor and creating great alt-pop tunes again.

JOHN LENNON - THE U.S. VS. JOHN LENNON. The soundtrack to the documentary basically plays like a strange John Lennon compilation, with hits, album tracks and soundbites, as well as a previously unreleased instrumental version of "How Do You Sleep?"

JERRY LEE LEWIS - LAST MAN STANDING. Take a look at these big names. Jimmy Page. B.B. King. Bruce Springsteen. Mick Jagger. Keith Richards. Ron Wood. Neil Young. Robbie Robertson. Ringo Starr. George Jones. Willie Nelson. Ring Lardner. Robert Stack. Y.O. Tittle. George "The Animal" Steele. Pancho Gonzalez. And Ruth Buzzi. They're all here on this list, and most are on the album, too. Advance word is that this is a great one.

MY MORNING JACKET - OKONOKOS. As amazing as their last studio album was, this live 2 CD set is an even better document of a great concert band.

SAL'S PICK OF THE WEEK!

SCISSOR SISTERS - TA-DAH. Don't know how you all felt about their debut, but I thought it was a refreshing change of pace that was pure ear candy -- one '70s AM radio hit after another. Ta-Dah is even better. It's the Bee Gees, T. Rex, Elton John, and David Bowie all rolled into one. Seriously, even after four or five listens, I keep going back for more. Not a bad track in the bunch. Also comes as a 2 CD deluxe edition with five previously unreleased tracks and remixes.

SPARKLEHORSE - DREAMT FOR LIGHT YEARS... On Astralwerks, so ... uh... get yours today! Batteries not included.

WAYLON JENNINGS - NASHVILLE REBEL (BOX SET). 92 track, career-spanning compilation featuring his early RCA hits, a bunch of tracks with Jessi Colter, and some unreleased tracks as well.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK:

New York singer-songwriter JULIAN VELARD brings his style, grace, and awesome chops to the KNITTING FACTORY MAIN SPACE, on September 29th, at 9PM. His new CD, THE MOVIES WITHOUT YOU, is available here for $6.99. If you've never heard Julian Velard, do yourselves a favor and get with the program. Think Ben Folds, only less annoying. Think Billy Joel, only charming. Think Elton John, only better looking.

PAUL WESTERBERG - OPEN SEASON (SOUNDTRACK). What do you do when your career's on the skids and the rent is due? Westerberg follows in the footsteps of formerly-popular '80s artists They Might Be Giants and Dan Zanes (ex-Del Fuegos) and turns to kids' music, with this soundtrack for the upcoming animated film. It's not much different from his other recent albums, but hopefully the snapperheads will enjoy it more than we graybeards did.

SOME JAZZ FOR ALL YOU HEPCATS!

JOHN COLTRANE - FEARLESS LEADER. A 6 CD box set from his Prestige days, remastered with original session notes. For all you people who think his later work sounds like he's trying to eat his saxophone, this is the earlier, more bop-oriented material. And if you like his later work... never mind.

JOHN HICKS - SWEET LOVE OF MINE. One of our favorite piano players, who died suddenly a few months back, gets his last recordings released. Backed by such musicians as Curtis Lundy, Victor Jones, and his wife, Elise Wood, on flute.

KEITH JARRETT - CARNEGIE HALL CONCERT. Two CD set documenting Jarrett's improvised concert from last year, which also included his ramblings on George Bush and the Iraq war. If you listen closely, you can hear Sal's friend John tell him to shut up and play his piano.

SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL '66 - REISSUES. HERB ALPERT PRESENTS..., CRYSTAL ILLUSIONS, and YE-ME-LE all get released for the first time in the US on CD. These are from Sergio's mid and late-'60s peak, so you know they're good!

OOPS, SORRY! THIS IS REALLY SAL'S PICK OF THE WEEK, AND POSSIBLY SAL'S FAVORITE RECORD OF THE YEAR!

STANTON MOORE - III. The third solo album from the New Orleans treasure and drummer extraordinare. If you're familiar with his band, Galactic, you know that Moore can funk you till your brains come out of your ears. But on this record, he leads a trio featuring Robert Walter on Hammond B3 and Will Bernard on guitar, through a set of Jimmy Smith-inspired grooves that are too hot for words. The band is also joined by Mark Mullins of Bonarama and Skerik from Garage A Trois on two tracks, one of which is the absolutely powerful Abdullah Ibrahim tune "Water From An Ancient Well," which will move you to tears in the wake of Katrina.

ORDER ANY OF THESE JIM-DANDY NEW RELEASES FROM US! EMAIL (HEYNYCD@AOL.COM) OR CALL (212-244-3460)! And we can get most older titles for you (not to mention DVDs) as well!

ATTENTION LOUNGE MAVENS!

Are you starved for exotic, swing-a-licious, lounge-a-riffic sounds? Dismayed that the record companies haven't put out a new compilation of bachelor pad tunes since the craze died down years ago? Well, hold onto your jaunty fedoras, because we've been granted access to EXCLUSIVE, NOT-AVAILABLE-IN-STORES-OR-ON-AMAZON CDs by the likes of LES BAXTER, ANDRE POPP, BILLY MURE, ESQUIVEL, DICK SCHORY, and many more! Vintage sounds with digital convenience! Put down that martini and email us for more details!

SELL US YOUR USED CDs & DVDs! You don't want 'em, right? CALL OR EMAIL!

BUY OUR WARES! Lots of cool CDs and DVDs for you to check out!

UNTIL NEXT WEEK, WE LEAVE YOU WITH THIS:

The Fall Classic is just weeks away, and we don't mean the Columbus Day Parade. Hey, Met fans! Put up your Lo Ducas! It's time to start crossing your fingers for another Subway Series!

Your friends,
Mayte and Apollonia

OL' BLUE EYES AND ZIMMY: LATE BLOOMERS?

Ten years ago, if anyone told you that Bob Dylan's next three albums would all hit the Top Ten and inspire some of the most fawning reviews of his career, you'd have laughed and told him to go listen to Under The Red Sky, right? I mean, who ever heard of having an artistic and commercial resurgence when you're in your 60s, after a good 20 years of total irrelevance? Classical composers or jazz musicians, maybe. But a rocker?

I tried to think of anyone in pop music history who did what Dylan has done over the last few years. Brian Wilson? A lot of people love Smile, but the vast majority of it was written when he was in his 20s. Paul McCartney? Two words for you -- Driving Rain. (That's one of his recent crappy records, in case you'd already forgotten it.) Neil Young? Don't count him out yet, but bold experiments like Greendale or Living With War don't quite hit the mark. David Bowie? Give him an "A" for effort, but most of us don't listen to much of his post-1983 work. The Stones and the Who? Glorified oldies acts, although the Stones' latest, A Bigger Bang, was probably their best since Some Girls. Still, given what they put out in the '80s and '90s, that's not saying a lot.

In the end, the only guy I could think of who came close to doing what Dylan's been doing at such an advanced age is Frank Sinatra. Ol' Blue Eyes' career had been spotty since the mid '60s, when he would record great collaborations with the likes of Duke Ellington and Antonio Carlos Jobim in between failed stabs at Top 40 acceptance. After briefly retiring in the early '70s, he came back with Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back, an overblown soft-rock album, followed by one of the worst records of his career, Some Nice Things I've Missed, in which he does horrible covers of hits like "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" and "Sweet Caroline." For the rest of the '70s, Sinatra seemed lost. Eric Carmen and Barry Manilow songs started popping up in his concerts. One of his only studio sessions in the late '70s produced a disco version of "Night And Day" backed with a lame Paul Anka tune.

So it was, to say the least, a shock when the triple album Trilogy was unleashed in 1980, and even more of a shock when it became his best selling album in 15 years, going gold and even spinning off a Top 40 hit with "New York, New York." It's not only one of his most popular songs, but a career-defining performance. The technical skill is still all there, and the bravado and swagger of the vocal is still a thrill to hear even after thousands of Yankees games. Although I could live without hearing drunken Yankees fans singing it off-key while staggering to the subway.

Trilogy wasn't all brilliant. It had its share of rotten M.O.R. covers ("Song Sung Blue," anyone?), and the disc-long suite written and conducted by Gordon Jenkins is without a doubt the most bizarre thing Sinatra ever recorded, and one of the most unlistenable. But what made people buy the record was the disc of standards featuring new arrangements by Billy May and featuring a big, swinging band. It was the first time Sinatra had gone back to the Great American Songbook in over a decade, and while his pipes were a little shaky at times, he used it to his advantage, as on a heartbreaking version of "My Shining Hour." And on the swingers, like "Street Of Dreams" and a ferocious "The Song Is You," he sounds positively defiant, as if he's beating back time and infirmity on sheer will. Going back to what he knew best breathed new life into Sinatra as a performer, and that first album of Trilogy makes the whole megillah worthwhile.

The album's followup, 1981's She Shot Me Down, was a lot darker -- Sinatra's version of Time Out Of Mind, if you want to make comparisons -- and it didn't sell nearly as well as Trilogy. But to my ears, it's one of the greatest albums of his career. Harkening back to the "saloon song" albums like In The Wee Small Hours and Only The Lonely, it's all lovelorn ballads, with dark, string-heavy arrangements by Gordon Jenkins. Rather than going with standards, Sinatra chose to record mostly new compositions, and for the most part he chose well. The standout is "A Long Night," in which he outdoes even his classic ballads of the '50s by taking all the age and wisdom and experience he's stored up over the years and putting it into his vocal. It's positively chilling.

You don't hear much about these records anymore. Trilogy, even though its three LPs have been condensed into two CDs, still sports a prohibitive $30 list price. She Shot Me Down has been out of print for years and now fetches $50-100 on Amazon and eBay, when you can find it. But they're proof that age doesn't always equal irrelevance and declining powers. Just ask Bob Dylan.

ELTON JONATHA

Two recent releases that deserve more than a mere "NYCD Newsletter" mention are the new CDs from Elton John and Jonatha Brooke.

First up, "The Captain & The Kid," Elton's sequel to his 1975 classic "Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy." I've read a number of stellar reviews and I don't get it. Let's face it, Sir Elton's 70's output is some of the greatest in rock 'n' roll history. All of his records from 1971's "Madman Across The Water," thru the aforementioned "Capt. Fantastic" are arguably masterpieces, with the exception of 1974's "Caribou," which still has some damn fine moments. But to true Elton fans, the majority of his output after 1976's "Blue Moves," his last great (and completely underrated) album was unlistenable. Which brings me to "The Captain & The Kid," a hokey account of Elton's life with lyricist Bernie Taupin, picking up in 1970 where "Captain Fantastic" left off.

Elton's voice, which sounded so much better and younger on the wonderful "Peachtree Road," his last release just 18 months ago, is painful. He makes Bea Arthur sound like Lily Pons. And there is nothing to offer musically. The production is flat. The melodies are hookless. It's just awful. The majority of the writing sounds like outtakes from "Red, White, & Blaine," the painfully funny musical from "Waiting For Guffman."

Check out these lyrics from "Just Like Noah's Ark," a song, I think, about Elton & Bernie's arrival in the U.S."

"Ain't It Just Like Noah's Ark/There's two of every kind
Pretty girls and boys in drag/Walking a fine thin line
Radio boss dippin' his nose in a little white packet (pssst, he means cocaine)
You can put it out son and we'll all back it
Just like Noah's Ark"

Really? That's just like Noah's ark? No llamas? Every song has lyrics that are just as laughable. Caveat Emptor. Let's hope there's no Part Three.

JONATHA BROOKE is a wonderful singer-songwriter, who unlike Suzanne Vega, has never had that one monster hit to open everyone's eyes and ears. She is also unlike Lisa Loeb in that she has never had a cooking show. But for those who don't know, get on the horn, call me up, and order her new CD/DVD package, "LIVE IN NEW YORK," a perfect record from beginning to end, recorded in March of 2004 from a week's worth of performances at the Public Theatre in N.Y..

I have always said, it is easier to explain why I don't like something, than why I do. (see above) So, I will make this brief: Miss Brooke has everything. A perfect voice, lyrics that are at times funny, vengeful, and self-deprecating, and at other times heartbreaking. And unlike Miss Vega, who's music I've always respected, Miss Brooke never forgets about the melody. Her band does wonders with the material, especially featured vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Anne-Marie Milazzo, who will leave you mesmerized.

The setlist is my dream setlist (a future blog, stay tuned.) Every song I would want to hear in a performance is here and done flawlessly. The alt-rocking "Crumbs," the funky-for-Jonatha "Room In My Heart," album faves like "Red Dress," "Linger," and "Steady Pull," and two of the most gorgeous ballads ever written "Because I Told You So" and "Landmine." (I dare you to listen to those last two and not be moved.)

I would much rather listen to music than watch it, which is why I usually just opt for the CD-only version of a new release, than the deluxe "bonus DVD" version. But trust me on this one. Miss Brooke's stories between songs are just as amazing, and the overall presentation--performance seemlessly fading in and out of black & white rehearsal footage--is a refreshing change. BUY THIS NOW!!

SEE THEM! FEEL THEM!

There was a moment last night during The Who's performance at Madison Square Garden where Pete Townshend seemed lost. I don't mean "Hey, where am I?" lost. I mean, "Don't bother me, I'm in a zone," lost. It was during the guitar break in the classic "Won't Get Fooled Again." There he was, jabbing at his guitar, windmilling like it was Leeds, 1969. The band rocking louder, harder, and faster than I can remember. The crowd is out of control. And there's Pete, all 60 plus years of him, playing like it was his first gig. He was in such a zone, he missed the bridge.

Roger Daltrey was all ready to sing, "I'll move myself and my family aside..." but Townshend and the rest of the band kept playing. They were...well...jamming. Then, the ultimate dis! Daltrey looked back at drummer, Ringo's son Zak Starkey with a disgusted look while pointing at Townshend, as if to say, "It's him! Not me f**king up!" That middle 8 didn't quite get heard. But it didn't matter. The Who were on fire.

Ya know Rog, maybe they run a tighter ship on the set of "A Christmas Carol," but this is rock 'n' roll. Long live it! How dare you show up your longtime friend and bandmate? Pete was having fun. Pete was inspired. Pete writes all the songs that you sing. NO POINTING!

There are many out there who gave up on The Who when Keith Moon died. I was one of them. I did see them again in 1989. I don't remember the show, just that fantastic "Maximum R&B" t-shirt, that I bought and still have. Saw them again in the early 90's perform "Quadrophenia," with then newcomer Starkey on drums. I was not impressed. My friend and I walked out, citing Starkey as the reason. "He ain't Keith Moon." Well, who is?

It is now almost 15 years later, and Zak Starkey drives this band. It is hard to take your eyes off of him. For the love of rock 'n' roll, and because you never know, this really could be the last Who tour, GO SEE THEM! This is no nostalgia act. This is one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and this performance will never let you forget that.

NEWSLETTER #29!

TONS AND TONS OF NEW RELEASES BY THE TON!

NOT TO MENTION SEASON 6 OF "THE KING OF QUEENS" ON DVD!

SO LET'S GET TO IT, SHALL WE?

NEXT WEEK'S NEW RELEASES!

Probably the single most important release of next week is not the new CLAY AIKEN record, entitled THOUSAND DIFFERENT WAYS. But it is orderable, and does feature his versions of great love songs from the '70s and '80s -- which we think is a fantastic idea.

THE BLACK CROWES - FREAK AND ROLL INTO THE FOG. First released as a DVD document of their recent reunion shows of 2005, it was so successful that they're releasing a 2 CD audio version as well, which we think is a lot better because you don't have to look at Chris Robinson's beard.

THE CARDIGANS - SUPER EXTRA GRAVITY. Tony used to like them before their cheery pop turned gloomy. They've lightened up a little bit on their new album, while still remaining Swedish.

CHRIS DIFFORD - SOUTHEAST SIDE STORY. The lyricist for SQUEEZE, one of the great pop bands of all time, releases his new solo record, which is basically solo acoustic recordings and new arrangements of all your favorite Squeeze tracks, along with an accompanying DVD featuring live footage.

FERGIE - DUTCHESS. In the '90s, she was in a crappy diva-pop band, Wild Orchid, and co-hosted a stupid lip-syncing show, "The Great Pretenders." Then she joined the used-to-be-OK Black Eyed Peas and after one decent single, "Where Is The Love," unleashed the worst song in the history of the world, "My Humps," on an unsuspecting public. The first single off Fergie's solo debut, "London Bridge," sounds exactly like "My Humps." And that's as far as we got.

INDIGO GIRLS - DESPITE OUR DIFFERENCES. We've never really bought into the mildly rebellious acoustic pop that the Girls are known for. Their voices sure sound... nice together, but they were never our cup of tea.

JANE'S ADDICTION - UP FROM THE CATACOMBS: THE BEST OF. 16 songs from Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, and those other guys. We know a lot of you still love them, but we never understood the big deal even when they were huge. "Been Caught Stealing" and "Jane Says" and "Pigs In Zen" are great songs, but that's it. And don't all of you leave the sound off of "Entourage" until the credits are over? What's more annoying than "Superhero"? (Which is included here!)

KASABIAN - EMPIRE. The followup to their fantastic debut is a bit more ambitious but doesn't stray too far from the electronic hard rock that put them on the map in the first place.

MOSQUITOS - III. More sunny Brazilian-influenced pop from the sunny, 1/3 Brazilian popsters.

THE POGUES - REMASTERS. It seems like these CDs have been released more times than Lil Kim. But now Rhino puts their hand in the mix and remasters and expands five titles, all with bonus tracks. Titles include RED ROSES FOR ME, RUM, SODOMY & THE LASH, IF I SHOULD FALL FROM GRACE WITH GOD, HELL'S DITCH, and PEACE AND LOVE. We're pretty sure the first two are making their US debut!

LOU REED - CONEY ISLAND BABY (REMASTER). For its 30th anniversary and Lou's 93rd birthday, RCA remasters and expands one of his best solo records.

ELTON JOHN - THE CAPTAIN AND THE KID. The official sequel to 1975's CAPTAIN FANTASTIC & THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY picks up where that record left off, only now Elton John seems to have a full head of "hair." Elton's last two records, SONGS FROM THE WEST COAST and PEACHTREE ROAD, were two of his best in a long, long time, even if they didn't sell that well, so we've got high hopes for this one.

DIANA KRALL - FROM THIS MOMENT ON. Diana Krall sings standards! How 'bout that!

WEATHER REPORT - FORECAST: TOMORROW. The first and only box set from the pioneering supergroup of fusion which featured Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter and Jaco Pastorius among its members contains 3 CDs plus a two hour DVD of the group live at their peak. All newly remastered!

DJ SHADOW - THE OUTSIDER. Universal Records thought Mr. Shadow important enough to remaster and expand his debut release. We think... well, let's just say we think differently. Here's his long-awaited new release. Enjoy, paisan.

AARON NEVILLE - BRING IT ON HOME: THE SOUL CLASSICS. New Orleans legend puts his vocal stamp on 13 universally loved soul classics, all sung in his low register, not his trademark falsetto, which we must say, sounds very very exciting. The low register, that is, not the falsetto.

And in brief, next week also sees new releases from:

JOSEPH ARTHUR
DAN BERN
BEN KWELLER
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE
SMASHMOUTH
GUY CLARK
JIM LAUDERDALE

PLEASE TO ORDER ANY OR ALL OF THESE FROM US BY EMAIL (HEYNYCD@AOL.COM) OR PHONE (212-244-3460)! And as always, if there's anything we didn't mention in the newsletter, new or old, that you're looking for, we can probably get it for you!

SELL US YOUR CDs & DVDs! Call or email for more details!

Sorry to eat and run, but there are a few crises that need to be taken care of in the NYCD office. Friends need attention, and we can't leave them hanging. So instead, we'll be rude to you, our readers.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK, WE LEAVE YOU WITH THIS:

A C, an E flat, and a G walk into a bar. The bartender says "You know I don't serve minors." The E flat walks out and the C and G split a fifth.

Your friends,
Sality Nunz and Tonity Sachs

YET ANOTHER CONCERT DISASTER

Here's an exciting NEW example of how concert promoters like Live Nation can make the concert-going experience even less of a joy than it's already become. If rising ticket prices aren't enough of a deterrent, try this hosing on for size.

Ticketmaster was offering three price levels of seating for last night's Jeff Beck show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC. There was General Admission standing room on the floor for $56.00. First level reserved seating for $75.00. And, 2nd level General Admission Balcony seating for $56.00.

Standing on the floor for a sold out concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom is about as pleasurable as a wet tweed bathing suit. So, anyone wanting to actually see and hear Jeff Beck, would opt for the extra bucks and guarantee themselves a seat above the overcrowded floor, with a direct view of the stage. So, that's what I bought.

Ticketmaster listed the show as "An Evening With Jeff Beck: 6:30 doors, 7PM showtime." Excellent! Nice & early. I boought my seats. Section 104, Row D, Seats 5 & 6. A bit off to the side, not an aisle, but totally fine. With fees, charges, and raping, my grand total per ticket was $87.00. Well, at least I had a seat.

WRONG!

I assumed there would be an opening act. I couldn't find out for sure, no one would answer the phone at the Hammerstein Ballroom, which strangely enough has the same number as Irving Plaza. (I know) My friend and I arrived at 7:50, only to find the entire Mezzanine full, including our seats. The very kind (seriously) woman at the door said, "Hi guys. Sit anywhere." "But how about the actual reserved seats?" I asked. "Nope. Just sit anywhere." Well, the only seats left that weren't behind a pole were in the very last row, about 5 feet from the very well lit concession area, right underneath an air conditioner vent that was blowing as hard as a twin-engine jet. All for only $87 a ticket.

Well, Jeff Beck hit the stage at 8:25, played his guitar just like a'ringin' a bell, and put on a fantastic show. Can't complain about the performance. But, is there some class action law suit in the future? Is this allowed? I mean, why not sell Jeff Beck tickets, and then have Julie Budd perform instead? False advertising is false advertising, even if no one was complaining but me. But, then why would they? They all had better seats than I did.

MESSAGE TO RECORD COMPANIES: OLD PEOPLE BUY MUSIC TOO!

Take a look at Billboard's album chart this week and you'll find 65-years-young BOB DYLAN's MODERN TIMES sitting pretty at #1 -- his first chart-topper since 1975 -- with a healthy 192,000 copies sold. A few weeks ago, 74-years-old-if-he-were-still-living JOHNNY CASH's AMERICAN V hit the top, becoming his first #1 since 1969. And on a slightly more sickening note, ageless wonder BARRY MANILOW's GREAT SONGS OF THE FIFTIES recently rang the bell.

What do these three albums have in common? Well, not only are all three made by members of the Geritol set, but a good chunk of their audience has enlarged prostates, not myspace.com pages. Sure, Dylan's got that hip iTunes commercial, and the Man In Black became cool among twentysomethings again in the '90s. But do you really think the people buying these records are the same teens that the major labels are targeting with fly-by-night acts like Danity Kane and Paris Hilton? Not friggin' likely.

While the major labels scurry after high school kids and their 99-cent downloads, old folks (read: over 30) are forking over $15-20 for CDs of artists who not only appeal to their demographic, but -- in the case of Dylan and Cash, at least -- are making worthwhile music that will last longer than the single's run on the charts. And since these artists make ALBUMS, not singles surrounded by filler, fans are more likely to buy the whole album than download a track or two. So what can we infer from all this?

Old people like music.

Old people have more money than their teenage kids.

Old people are too damn lazy to find a friend who already has the CD so they can burn a copy, or to search the Web for a site where they can illegally download the album for free.

Old people buy albums as opposed to singles. And $10-20 is more than 99 cents.

Make good music that old people can get into, and they will buy it.

Make bad music that young people are supposed to like, and they may not buy it. Jessica Simpson is the most talked-about human being on the planet, and her album sold about half of what Dylan's moved.

People aren't as stupid as the record companies seem to think they are.

NEWSLETTER #28!

LOTS OF NEW STUFF TO TELL YOU ABOUT!

NO HEADLINES - SAVING THE SNARKY STUFF FOR THE CD REVIEWS!

HERE WE GO!

OUT NEXT WEEK FOR YOUR PURCHASING PLEASURE...

BARENAKED LADIES - "ARE ME." Once upon a time, this Canadian band was an MTV favorite, thanks to their perfect pop singles like "One Week" and "It's All Been Done." It's been about five years since we've given them -- or Canada -- a passing thought, but for the faithful, here's their new album. It may even be as good as the early ones.

BLACK KEYS - "MAGIC POTION." The fourth album of their brand of stripped-down, raw and gritty blues. It's really amazing what you can do with just a guitar and drums. Just ask Jack and Meg, whom the Black Keys do NOT sound like.

JONATHA BROOKE - "LIVE IN NEW YORK (CD & DVD)." The great singer-songwriter, who kept getting better with each of her last few records, documents her recent Joe's Pub run on this new live CD/DVD combo. Features fan favorites from all of her records.

KASEY CHAMBERS - "CARNIVAL." The Australian country/something-or-other releases her fourth record with little to no fanfare. We've never been fans, but we do recognize that there's something more here than your typical hooey that gets released every week.

SHAWN COLVIN - "THESE FOUR WALLS." Colvin's first record since the criminally underrated 2001 release "A Whole New You" is her first on the Nonesuch label, which means a thicker booklet and a slipcase. Featuring the usual Colvin cohorts Marc Cohn, John Leventhal and more, "These Four Walls" has some songs that will no doubt become Colvin classics.

ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA - REISSUES: "On The Third Day," "Face The Music," and "A New World Record." One story about the long delay of these reissues was contractual disputes with some of the band members. Another story was Sony refusing to release them until Jeff Lynne cut off that big stupid Afro. Regardless, they're finally here -- three brilliant releases by the oft-maligned supergroup, all featuring amazing sound and unreleased bonus tracks.

EVERCLEAR - "WELCOME TO DRAMA CLUB." A new Everclear album is much like a new School Of Fish album, in that, when you see it, you say "Damn, they're still making records?" Apparently, they are.

PETER FRAMPTON - "FINGERPRINTS." Rock legend and career killer, Frampton, releases his first all-instrumental record, featuring members of the Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, and the Allman Brothers as special guests. Haven't heard it, but even if it's horrendous -- and it probably won't be -- it's got to be better than seeing him humiliate himself on "Celebrity Duets" singing with Cheech Marin.

AND SPEAKING OF "CELEBRITY DUETS"...

Is there anything sadder? Could Smokey Robinson, who just released a critically acclaimed album of standards, need the money so badly that he needs to perform a duet with Olga Korbut? Is hearing "You Really Haff Huld Un Me" and "Trecks Uff Tears" really that entertaining? Or necessary? How can we make this s**t go away? Makes the Singing Nun look like Stravinsky.

LOS LOBOS - "THE TOWN AND THE CITY." Maybe we just love this band too much, but any new Los Lobos release is a monumental occasion. True, recent releases really didn't break new ground, but they always sound great when they're on. On this new release, Los Lobos seem to go back to the slight experimentation that was so successful on "Kiko," without compromising their traditional blues-meets-East-L.A. cumbia rhythms. Woo hoo for The Wolves!

MARS VOLTA - "AMPUTECHTURE." We don't like them, but that doesn't mean you won't. Although it does mean you shouldn't.

JOHN MAYER - "CONTINUUM." His heart's in the right place. He's an excellent guitar player, he writes an amusing column in Esquire, and he seems to have pretty good taste in music. So why don't we like his records? His previous pop releases have produced monster hits such as "Daughters" and "Your Body Is A Wonderland," which we found to be unlistenable M.O.R. crap aimed towards teenage girls, and gullible ones at that. He threw that fan base a curve by releasing "Try!" a blues trio record which was basically Stevie Ray Vaughan Lite. Now comes "Continuum," recorded with that same trio, but going back to the M.O.R. ballads of his first few releases. So if treacly pop plus competent guitar work is your bag, this is for you.

MADELINE PEYROUX - "HALF THE PERFECT WORLD." Thankfully, we didn't have to wait ten years between "Careless Love" and this new album. Peyroux continues with her Billie Holiday-by-way-of Billie Holiday style on such songs as "Summer Wind" and Joni Mitchell's "River," which features k.d. lang.

R.E.M. - "THE BEST OF THE I.R.S. YEARS 1982-88." Available as a 21 track single disc or a 2 CD version with a disc of rare and unreleased tracks, this chronicles R.E.M.'s ascent from young indie band to budding superstars. Owning this doesn't mean you shouldn't have their greatest album, 1986's "Lifes Rich Pageant," but it's a great place to start, and most of the unreleased tracks are truly rare. Also out next week is the DVD companion, "The Light Is Mine," featuring all their artsy '80s videos plus a lot of rare TV appearances.

BOB SEGER - "FACE PROMISE." His first record since the unforgettable album... um, what was it called again?... in 1995, Seger has spent the bulk of the last decade playing with his kids. And that's sure to inspire some fantastic material. (See Eric Clapton's "Back Home.")

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE - "FUTURESEX/LOVE SOUNDS." Tony's wife is often afraid to ask us for Top 40 records she likes, thinking we'll make fun of her. That's a silly notion, since we're big fans of Kelly Clarkson. That said, we've found out by going through old iTunes receipts that she just used Tony's credit card to purchase Justin's new single, "Sexyback," which we guess is no better or worse than Sal purchasing the new Beyonce single, "Deja Vu." What this says about "Futuresex/Love Sounds" we have no idea. We just wanted to make fun of Tony's wife.

TV ON THE RADIO - "RETURN TO COOKIE MOUNTAIN." They're local, they're getting a lot of press, David Bowie's on track 3. All in all, not a bad reason to buy this record.

YO LA TENGO - "I'M NOT AFRAID OF YOU..." Somewhere along the way, Yo La Tengo went from being annoying, droning Velvet Underground wannabes to being annoying and droning Velvet Underground wannabes who could also write a nifty pop song. Their latest album promises to be both annoying and nifty.

MERLE HAGGARD - "HAG: THE BEST OF." The first ever career-spanning, multi-label best-of by one of country's alltime greats. 26 tracks!

DEFINITIVE COLLECTIONS:

AMERICA - The first two CD anthology by the sometimes cool ("Sister Golden Hair," "Ventura Highway"), sometimes douchey ("Muskrat Love," "Daisy Jane") combo covers all the hits as well as some really strong album tracks such as the lost classic "Amber Cascades." This is a good primer for the upcoming brand new studio record featuring such America supporters as Ryan Adams and the boys from Fountains Of Wayne.

DR. JOHN - Starting with the outstanding debut "Gris-Gris," right on through, um, later albums, this is an excellent anthology for those familiar and those unfamiliar with the New Orleans Night Tripper.

EVERLY BROTHERS - One of NYCD's alltime favorite groups, the Everly Brothers, while anthologized a few too many times, get compiled once again, and this time it's done right. Solid and inexpensive, and includes not only their early hits on the Cadence label, but their later Warner Bros. material as well.

TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS - More hits than you can remember, and a lot better than his reputation would have you believe. All your faves are here -- "I Think We're Alone Now," "Hanky Panky," "Crimson & Clover," "Draggin' The Line" -- and come on, the band is called the Shondells! How could it not be good?!

FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS - If the two CD Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons anthology from Rhino was too much for you, then how about this one, which features... two CDs?


HEY JAZZ FANS! LOTS OF NEW STUFF JUST FOR YOU!


PAT METHENY/BRAD MEHLDAU - "METHENY MEHLDAU." On the aptly named first collaboration between these two top men, one plays guitar and the other plays piano. We wish we had more to say about it, but we haven't heard it yet. On the Nonesuch label, so think big booklet and a slipcase.

NEW ALBUMS FROM THE MARSALI!

Branford's "BRAGGTOWN" finds him with the same quartet as his last few releases (Joey Calderazzo, Jeff "Tain" Watts and Eric Revis), boppin' hard. And Delfeayo, the trombonist and usually the man behind the scenes, hands us his new platter, "MINION'S DOMINION," with such heavyweights as Mulgrew Miller, Donald Harrison, and the late great Elvin Jones on drums.

The latest batch of classic RVG Editions, remastered by the great Rudy Van Gelder, are here!

DONALD BYRD - "OFF TO THE RACES"
MILES DAVIS - "WORKIN'"
ERIC DOLPHY - "OUTWARD BOUND"
COLEMAN HAWKINS - "AT EASE"
FREDDIE HUBBARD - "HERE TO STAY"
BOBBY HUTCHERSON - "HAPPENINGS"
JACKIE McLEAN - DEMONS DANCE"
LEE MORGAN - "CITY LIGHTS"
SONNY ROLLINS - "TENOR MADNESS"
HORACE SILVER - "DOIN' THE THING"

ORDER ANY OR ALL OF THESE FROM US BY PHONE (212-244-3460) OR EMAIL (HEYNYCD@AOL.COM)! AND WE WELCOME THE BARTER SYSTEM, SO PLEASE BRING US YOUR OLD CDs AND DVDs, TICKETS TO EVENTS, BOTTLES OF FINE WINE AND TOP SHELF BOOZE, AND THE OCCASIONAL GOAT TO TRADE IN!

IF THERE'S SOMETHING WE DIDN'T MENTION THAT YOU WANT TO ORDER, WE CAN STILL GET IT FOR YOU! JUST LET US KNOW!

A QUICK THANK YOU to our readers. You have listened to our cries for help. We have been inundated with new stock and, thanks to you, NYCD will continue for at least a little while longer. PLEASE continue to send us your collections of CDs and DVDs, and we'll continue to thank you.

Two quick releases we didn't mention last week:

AUDIOSLAVE - "REVELATIONS." This is a fantastic followup to the fantastic followup to their fantastic debut album. Chris Cornell has quite possibly one of the best voices in rock today, and even though we never liked Rage Against The Machine, this supergroup of sorts has made three awesome CDs. Highly recommended.

BEYONCE - "B-DAY." There's actually some decent stuff on Miss Knowles' new release. If you want to fall for some hype, pick this up instead of Christina Aguilera's "jazz" album.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK, WE LEAVE YOU WITH THIS:

Why did the chicken go to the Knicks game?

Because he heard the ref was blowing fouls.

Your friends,
Marv Albert & The Tijuana Brass

LOUNGE LIZARDS
REJOICE!

At long last, the album that kick-started the exotica craze of the '50s, LES BAXTER's 1952 classic RITUAL OF THE SAVAGE, sees its first proper CD release. Grab a mai tai, slip this album on your hi-fi, and go traveling the globe with Baxter and his orchestra. It's not likely that the far-flung islands Les evokes would have large string sections to go along with the jungle drums and chanting choruses, but the music is compelling enough so that it doesn't matter. As an added bonus, you get Baxter's 1954 freakout piece THE PASSIONS, featuring vocalist Bas Sheva grunting, moaning and screaming over Baxter's typically evocative orchestrations.

Also out is a new twofer by legendary arranger NELSON RIDDLE, who's best known for his work with Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Rosemary Clooney, among many others. HEY DIDDLE RIDDLE is a previously unreleased 1959 album of children's songs rearranged and souped up so they're barely recognizable. The arrangements are incredibly complex and challenging -- for non-kids as well as young'uns -- but play this for your tyke on a daily basis and he or she will not only grow up to be a swingin' hepcat, but a fine citizen and all-around well-adjusted human being. And after you put your snapperheads to bed, Mom N' Dad can learn to croon like Ella and Frankie with SING A SONG WITH RIDDLE, a '50s version of a karaoke record, with a dozen brilliant Riddle charts written exclusively for the album and instructions on how to sing 'em from the man himself. Only problem is that the lyrics aren't included, but hey, isn't that what the Internet is for?

ORDER EITHER OR BOTH OF THESE FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT NYCD! Email us at HEYNYCD@aol.com or call (212) 244-3460!

THANKS, BUT NO THANKS!
Has everyone heard of Pandora.com? This is a website service that claims it can find new music for its users, based on a simple profile and a few of your own suggestions, thereby doing away with a human DJ or music retailer. Here's what their homepage says:

"Can you help me discover more music that I'll like?"
That question often evolved into a great conversation. Each friend told us their favorite artists and songs, explored the music we suggested, gave us feedback, and we in turn made new suggestions. Everybody started joking that we were now their personal DJs. We created Pandora so that we can have that same kind of conversation with you.

OK, I'll play. My first entry was James Booker, the legendary New Orleans pianist. I figured it wasn't an obvious choice or an easy one at that, plus I can't get enough Booker, so I was happy to have more. The first song they played on their Internet jukebox was "Black Night," by James Booker. While playing, Pandora explains how they will go about finding more music that I will like, based on the particular attributes of Booker's music.

Here's what they said:
acoustic rock instrumentation
blues influences
gospel influences
mild rhythmic syncopation
acoustic rhythm piano
acoustic sonority
a twelve-eight time signature
(I've often said, the reason I love Booker is his "twelve-eight time signature")
major key tonality
triple note feel.

DAMN! That's certainly more than I would say. Usually, my rave review goes something like this:
"Oh Man!! Booker is f*#@ing awesome!! Buy this!!"

Score one for Pandora.

The next song in queue was from a pretty mediocre Dr. John CD. OK, I like Dr. John and know Dr.John. This isn't groundbreaking, and why the hell choose something off of an album that even Dr. John doesn't like. The next song was...well....James Booker. Pandora!! You are a genius!! If I like James Booker then I will most definitely like...James Booker. Ok, I lost patience immediately. I typed in something easier. Todd Rundgren. At least Rundgren has had some top 40 hits- "Hello It's Me," "Can We Still be Friends, "I Saw The Light." Ok, what would I tell my customer who loves Todd? What should he buy next?

ME: "Well, there is certainly a Beatles influence, a bit of Philly soul, as well as some early garage rock, some piano-based R&B, oh man, he's f*@#ing awesome!"

PANDORA:
hard rock roots
a political satire lyric
varying tempo and time signatures
interweaving vocal harmony
demanding instrumental part writing
extensive vamping
mixed acoustic and electric instrumentation
a clear focus on recording studio production
heavy syncopation
minor key tonality.

The first song they played was "The Ikon," a 30 minute, side long opus, from an early prog-rock record by Rundgren's band Utopia. If I had to pick 100 amazing Rundgren songs, and I could, "The Ikon" would be #200. The next song they played was by the Tubes, the San Francisco band that Rundgren has played with and produced over the years. The song they played was "Sushi Girl, " a not so great song from an album that Todd had NOTHING to do with!! (i am so confused) Ok, this isn't any fun at all. And furthermore, I don't think this is at all helpful.

If NYCD had suggested any of these songs or records, we would have lost our customer base and closed up shop. Uh...I mean....

SORRY WE'RE TARDY!

Our apologies for not having posted anything in so long -- things have been super busy here at the NYCD offices, and then we were too busy watching the OK Go video over and over again for all of Labor Day weekend to post anything. We will be posting lots of thrilling, exciting and entertaining stuff right here in the coming week, so please bear with us. In the meantime, check out the OK Go video again. Seriously, it's the best argument for the music video we've seen in many a year.