Music Review: Duran Duran - All You Need is Now

Duran  Duran release their new album “All You Need Is Now” which many critics are claiming to be the follow up of their successful second album “Rio”. The new studio album does have a mystique aura about it, as it is their 13^th album. The number 13 is historically a significant number through the ages, so for Duran Duran with their back to basics sound on “All You Need Is Now” it fits the groove perfectly. 

Duran Duran  come full circle, and go back to their roots, with what made them successful as a band and recording artist in the first place, the music. There is even a sense of the visual artistic style that had eluded the band since the early 80’s.

The band minus a founding member Andy Taylor, come back with a smash hit album that is nothing shy of a miraculous reincarnation of their original sound and style,  including the romantic love affair of poem with dance pop music. 

Mark Ronson who produced “All You Need Is Now” is a well known English DJ and producer, and avid Duran Duran fan since his childhood. Ronson takes Duran Duran and brings them back to their sound, and style of music and songs, which really makes this album the follow up of “Rio”. 

Simon Le Bon’s vocals soar with conviction, energy and style on every track, which makes the album a true Duran Duran album. John Taylor is back as a Bass player, with those funky bass lines, that were heard on early Duran Duran albums, backed up with Roger’s solid drumming rhythm.  Last but not least is Nick Rhodes with the pioneering electrified synthesizer sounds of the early days. 

Duran  Duran is back and stronger than before, “All You Need Is Now” is the next best album after “Rio”.

Track listing of All You Need Is Now:

• All You Need Is Now
• Blame The Machines
• Being Followed
• Leave a Light On
• Safe (In the Heat of the Moment)
• Girl Panic !
• A Diamond in the Mind
• The Man Who Stole a Leopard
• Other People's Lives
• Mediterranea
• Too Bad You're So Beautiful
• Runaway Runaway
• Return to Now
• Before the Rain

Duran Duran's new album "All You Need Is Now" is available now, released on Tapemodern Records, which is the bands own record label.

Duran Duran are about to go on tour to promote All You Need Is Now, and this tour marks the 30th anniversary of their debut album release "Duran Duran (1981)", which had one of its biggest singles "Girls on Film".

See Duran Duran: All You Need Is Now Tour Schedule.

By George Luker (C) Copyright 2011 Krule Music

Music Review: Braids - Native Speaker

Braids is an indie band, but in reality more of an undercover complex social music unit. The band is from Calgary, Canada and is currently based in Montreal. Braids just recently released their debut album “Native Speaker”, which is a surprising, unique and refreshing musical sound. 

The band’s sound, is hard to label and pin point, but if words had to describe, the sound, style, and music of Braids, it would be experimental, techno social culture pop. The songs on Native Speaker are well written, conscientious songs, with a light flair and wave of digital techno engineering. This is in no way a dance album; it is a social awareness album with a new youth sound. Although it is an Indie experimental band, the songs are interesting and captivating to listen to.

Free MP3 Download:

Braids is giving a Free MP3 Download of the song “Plath Heart” 
The band is giving away a free download of their song Plath Heart, this download is available from Amazon MP3. You can download the song its self, or get the album and the song as well.

Title Tracks of Native Speaker:

• Lemonade (Explicit Lyrics)
• Plath Heart (Free MP3 Download)
• Glass Deers
• Native Speaker
• Lammicken
• Same Mum
• Little Hand

The songs on the album have a very polished production and timing, which makes Native Speaker stand out against other indie releases. A great debut album overall, never boring and worth listening to. As the young band matures more, it is quite possible they could be the next Arcade Fire.

Native Speaker is released by Flemish Eye in Canada and Kanine Records in the United States. 


By George Luker (C) Copyright 2011 Krule Music

Commentary: Clay Aiken Album Sales

Rumor has it that Clay Aiken has been dropped by his record label Decca, and speculation is due to poor album sales. Decca and officials for Clay Aiken have not made any comments as of yet. Clay did make a statement recently, that he has no immediate plans to record a new album, and that he was going to put all of his energy and focus on his current Tried and True Tour. Clay made this statement a few days before word hit the street about Decca dropping Clay from the label.

So let’s look at what happened. Tried and True was released in June 2010; the album is a great album full of classic songs, and songs everyone knows, including songs that Clay had sung on American idol (Season 2). Tried and True is a solid album from start to finish, music is spot on, and the songs Clay sings showcases his talent as a singer. In theory this was a well made and well planned album, which should have sold extremely well. One thing I will say though, it did not seem that marketing was high priority on Decca’s part. 

Tried and True album sales to date 63,000 copies sold. 

Did you see that? Let me repeat that statement, 63,000 copies sold. There is something wrong with this picture. If Tried and True was an album with original material, or songs written by songwriters for him, and the songs were not strong, then I would think, yes 63,000 sounds right. But that is not the case here, Tried and True is an album of classic cover songs, songs like the album title states are tried and true songs. 

Where are Clay Aiken’s Fans?

This is where I have a problem comprehending, that Tried and True sold only 63,000 copies. Clay Aiken has legions of fans worldwide, and very loyal fans. “Hypothetically I am going to say Clay has 10 million fans worldwide.” (Please feel free to correct me on my figures, by making a comment).  So if out of 10 million fans only 20 percent like the new album, this would be 2 million fans. Now let’s say that from 2 million fans, only 30 percent bought the album. By simple arithmetic, that would mean the album should have sold 600,000 copies. 

My estimate would have been that Tried and True should have sold between:  750,000 to 1.5 million copies worldwide within 1 year. By the calculation above 600,000 copies should have been sold, to date only 63,000 copies have been sold.  Did I miss something here? 

How many fans does Clay Aiken have? I will guess again and say 10 million fans worldwide, and I am going to make an assumption, and I bet that at least 2 to 3 million die hard Clay Aiken fans have a copy of Tried and True on their iPhones and laptops, but only 63,000 copies were sold.

How did this happen? Illegal file sharing could be the culprit, downloading songs and albums for free destroys an artist, and the recording industry. Clay Aiken’s Tried and True album is classic example.

Maybe now fans will realize why Clay was dropped from his record label, and he was dropped purely from a business standpoint, which was the album had poor sales. This is sad, because Tried and True is a great album, and from this point on, will be known as a turning point, and or the continued decline of legal album sales, due to piracy.

This is a commentary and this view is my own personal opinion, and does not reflect the views of Decca, or Clay Aiken.  

I am very passionate about my music, and always buy my music to support the artists and bands that I like. I became a fan of Clay Aiken, when I bought his Tried and True album to write a review for this blog, and it’s a CD I play quite often.

There is a link here to Amazon, where you can purchase the album, now would be a good time to show some support to Clay, and hopefully he will record a new album in the future.

Clay is currently on tour to support his album Tried and True.


By George Luker (C) Copyright 2011 Krule Music

Music Review: Linda Eder "Now" Nostalgic Romance

New music releases for March include the latest release from Linda Eder titled "Now". The new album can be described as easy listening and retro 60's Broadway musical. Linda reunites with a former musical partner Frank Wildhorn, who is the main songwriter and composer on her latest album "Now".

The mood and theme of Now is 1960's musical complete with the big band sound and nostalgia. Eder's vocal style on this album are very similar to Barbara Streisand, and the style of music just adds to that notion. The songs that Wildhorn has written back up and solidify the style of the album, with its throw back to 60's pop, with string orchestrated standards. Ironically the album's title "Now" does not reflect the actual time period of the music, but does give the indication that it's release is  current.

The style of Linda Eder's album is hopelessly romantic and lush mood music which gives it a romance themed CD.  Like all easy listening music, you could enjoy a glass of wine and listen to the whole album in its entirety, with a loved one of course.

Title Tracks:

1. Not Gonna Fall This time
2. No Finer Man
3. Ordinary People
4. The Heart of the Night
5. What Did You See in the Stars
6. Now
7. The Mad Hatter (From Wonderland)
8. A Woman In His Arms
9. Good bye
10. What's Never Been Done Before
11. More Than Heaven
12. Living In The Shadows

Overall a great album to listen to that transforms you to the romantic and nostalgic feelings of love, love and lost and reunion. Linda Eder covers all the emotion with her album "Now"

By George Luker (C) Copyright 2011 Krule Music

American Idol: Season 10 Breaking Point

American Idol starts season 10 with out Simon Cowell and his brutal judging. This season brings two new judges to the table, Jennifer Lopez (JLo) and Steven Tyler, Aerosmith's front man. Steven and Jennifer are seasoned performers and entertainers, so this is more realistic, than someone like Ellen DeGeneres.

 

This season of American Idol is a breaking point, and to be considered by many to be the make it or break it season. Simon Cowell is no longer a judge, and was at the forefront of AI since the beginning. Simon was the shows main attraction, apart from weird far out contestants. Simon will be back on TV with X-Factor this year, something to look forward to there.

 

Has American Idol outlived its expectations for viewers?

 

Steven Tyler will be the one person, who can make or break Idol this season, besides Tyler, There isn't any possible entertainment there from the judges.

 

“I know why we’re here. We’re all here because we’re not there” A nice quote from Aerosmith's front man, and in Steven Tyler style.

 

Aerosmith have put everything on hold for a year, while Tyler does his stint on Idol, this could be a strategic marketing plan for the band.

 

Season 10 of American Idol, so far has a few hopeful contestants that have a chance of making it to the final round, some of the noticeable contestants are Robbie Rosen, Jacee Badeaux, Kenzie Palmer, and Victoria Huggins.

 

Clay Aiken, American Idols Season two second place contestant, has made some good comments, and support behind Victoria Huggins. Clay and Victoria Huggins apparently go back a few years and know each other from other variety shows, where they had both won in their respected categories. Clay Aiken’s support for Victoria is only natural, and the 16 year old girl is a great singer with a huge potential for the future, regardless of how well she does on American Idol.

 

While we are talking about Clay Aiken, He is about to start his tour to support his latest release “Tried and True”  Complete details and concert listings and album reviews are on the Tried and True Tour Schedule article.

 

 

By George Luker © Copyright 2011 Krule Music

Clay Aiken: Tried and True Tour Schedule

Clay Aiken is about to start his official Tried and True tour, which is 22 date tour staring on February 10, 2011 in Miami, Florida. This is the much anticipated Tried and True tour all Clay Aiken fans have been waiting for. The tour will have Clay show case his gifted talent on all the classic songs from his latest release “Tried and True”.

 

The tour comes following Clay’s successful summer tour “Clay and Ruben Timeless Tour” with his friend and colleague Ruben Studdard, which was well received by fans and critics alike.

 

Read our album review of Tried and True along with complete song listing is on our blog post “Clay Aiken: Tried and True, Songs for You.

 

The album contains many classics including songs Clay had performed on American Idol (Season 2) including “Unchained Melody” and “Mack The Knife”

 

Clay Aiken had released a DVD “Clay Aiken: “Tried and True Live!”(2010) which was his live performance for the PBS concert special. It’s a great DVD which gives fans a taste of what to expect on his up coming tour.

 

Tried and True Tour Dates:

Event:	Location:	Date:
Clay Aiken	Knight Concert Hall,   Arsht Center for the Performing Arts Miami, FL	Feb. 10, 2011
Clay Aiken	Hard Rock Live Orlando, FL	Feb. 11, 2011
Clay Aiken	Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Sarasota, FL	Feb. 12, 2011
Clay Aiken	Jones Hall            (Valentine’s Day) Houston, TX	Feb. 14, 2011
Clay Aiken	Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Atlanta, GA	Feb. 16, 2011
Clay Aiken	Tennessee Theatre Knoxville, TN	Feb. 17, 2011
Clay Aiken	Carnegie Music Hall Homestead Pittsburgh, PA	Feb. 18, 2011
Clay Aiken	Playhouse Square Cleveland, OH	Feb. 19, 2011
Clay Aiken	Palace Theater Waterbury, CT	Feb. 20, 2011
Clay Aiken	Kraushaar Aud at Goucher College Baltimore, MD	Feb. 22, 2011
Clay Aiken	Blek Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Charlotte, NC	Feb. 23, 2011
Clay Aiken	Peace Center for the Arts Greenville, SC	Feb. 24, 2011
Clay Aiken	Theater at Westbury Westbury, NY	Feb. 26, 2011
Clay Aiken	Keswick Theater Glenside, PA	Feb. 27, 2011
Clay Aiken	Taft Theater Cincinnati, OH	March 01, 2011
Clay Aiken	Embassy Centre Fort Wayne, IN	March 02, 2011
Clay Aiken	Genesee Theatre Waukegan, IL	March 04, 2011
Clay Aiken	State Theatre Minneapolis, MN	March 05, 2011
Clay Aiken	Minglewood Hall Memphis, TN	March 07, 2011 Cancelled
Clay Aiken	Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie Grand Prairie, TX	March 08, 2011
Clay Aiken	Mesa Arts Center Mesa, AZ	March 10, 2011
Clay Aiken	The Warfield San Francisco, CA	March 12, 2011

There is a special date on Clay’s Tried and True tour, which would be Valentine’s Day, lucky fans in Houston, TX particularly the ladies, should be in for a special treat. (Wink! Rumor). For the guys, this would be a concert to take your woman to, and on this special day as well, it would be a Valentine’s day gift she would never forget.

 

Clay Aiken Links and Resources:

Clay Aiken’s Official Website: Clayaiken.com

Tried and True released from Decca: Tried and True CD+DVD (Amazon)

PBS Concert Special on DVD: Tried and True Live! (2010) (Amazon)

Album Review: Clay Aiken: Tried and True, Songs for You

 

 

By George Luker © Copyright 2011 Krule Music

Front Stage: Music Blog Update

The Front Stage music blog, is currently going through several updates. Once of the first updates you will notice is a completely redesigned look and interface for 2011, which will include Amazon MP3.

 

We will continue to bring music reviews on your favorite recording artists, along with updates on touring schedules, dates, and news from all your favorite artists.

 

New Music, Reviews, and Ways to Buy Music:

 

With continued updates in process Front Stage, will be offering music reviews, concert reviews along with direct links to purchase music from Amazon. The purpose of the Front Stage music blog, is to be an entertaining source for music and reviews, along with the ease to purchase music easily, quickly and directly with our music links.

 

Purchasing music legally supports the music artists that we love. Always buy your music legally and from a trusted source. Illegal piracy hurts everyone from artists to consumers.

 

Interacting with our subscribers:

 

As we have done in the past Front Stage will continue to provide current information concerning your favorite music artists, with up to date touring news, concert schedules, and a chance for real fans like you to comment on concert reviews.

 

Social commenting benefits everyone, from music fans, to the artists, as they see the real reaction, and comments of their fans.

 

We would like to remind everyone to purchase music responsibly, to support all music artists, and to purchase music through a reliable source such as Amazon MP3, iTunes, and other reputable sources for music downloads.

 

Amazon MP3 lets you download music to any handheld device.

 

Search for new music now at Amazon, and take advantage of the $5 Albums, while it lasts.

 

 

By George Luker © Copyright 2011 Krule Music