Power Pop Music News: Headlines

Eric Carmen Live?

(Updated Nov. 17, 1999) Due out November 23, the import "All By Myself: The Best Of Eric Carmen" (pictured above; the cover shot is from the "Hungry Eyes" video of 1987). The album is on Holland's CAMD label distributed by MSI.

The album's tracks are (with Billboard Hot 100 status: "All By Myself" (# 2, 1976), "Never Gonna Fall In Love Again" (# 11, 1976), "Hey Deanie", "Make Me Lose Control" (# 3, 1988), "Change Of Heart" (# 19, 1978), "She Did It" (# 23, 1977), "It Hurts Too Much" (# 75, 1980), "No Hard Feelings", "Boats Against The Current" (# 88, 1977), "Sunrise" (# 34, 1976), "I Think I Found Myself", "Nowhere To Hide", "Take It Or Leave It", "Someday", "Love Is All That Matters", "Last Night" and "Run Away". Unfortunately, there's only one track ("It Hurts Too Much") from Eric's brilliant 1980 album, "Tonight You're Mine."

Meanwhile, a number of the best rock 'n' rollers will perform a few tunes at the Cleveland, Ohio, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum for New Year's Eve. Confirmed performers include The Rascals and Wilson Pickett.

Sarah Crump of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, who reported the news Oct. 12, reporting that "(Eric) Carmen said he'll invite members (of the Raspberries) up for a few numbers when he takes the stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's New Year's Eve party."

I asked David Spero, Eric's manager, about this and he told Power Pop Music News, "Sarah was way ahead of herself in confirming the date. The Hall of Fame has yet to decide on the talent."

Until all of the acts are confirmed, an appearance by Eric and/or The Raspberries is not on the drawing board. Even though a couple of sources close to the band have told us it won't happen, I urge everyone to wait and see who turns up on the Rock Hall's final list when announced.

David Spero (manager of Eric Carmen, Joe Walsh, The Raspberries, The Eagles...) is the event's chairman. David has a long list of potential entertainment that he is trying to lock down.

The concert is a benefit for the Education Department of the Rock Hall (an example of the good work Robert Santelli is doing, which has given the museum credibility in the music community).

Anyone interested can call the Rock Hall at 216-515-8426. According to a mailer for the event, it will have "world class entertainment, exhibits, gifts, prizes, along with great food and champagne. A free shuttle will take guests to city-sponsored downtown festivities."

Although it now looks like Eric may not appear at the above benefit, he did appear at another recent benefit as an honorary chairman of "Share the World," a Mt. Sinai Community Partners' benefit for the Gathering Place held at the Moxie in Beachwood, Ohio, on Oct. 10. Eric's cousin is the head chef at the Moxie, by the way.

That organization donated $72,000 for a computer-book-video resource center at the Gathering Place, a nonprofit "wellness" center (which opens in January 2000) for individuals with cancer, their friends and their families. Eric and his wife, Susan, were among the chairs of the event, according to Sarah Crump of The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Eric and manager David Spero apparently got "all shook up" Oct. 16, 1999, while on business in Los Angeles. Jane Scott reported in the Cleveland Plain Dealer Oct. 20:

"Eric Carmen joked with his manager, David Spero, that it would be just his luck to run into an earthquake again in the Los Angeles are, as he had during his last visit four years ago. And 2:45 Saturday morning, Carmen got a call from Spero in his room in a Beverly Hills hotel, saying they were getting out of their that morning. An earthquate measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, had just shaken them out of their beds. Spero and Carmen were in Los Angeles to meet with executive's about Carmen's upcoming album."

Speaking of Raspberries' charity, Eric performed in 1990 (a CBS-TV special; Eric and Susan were pictured in People magazine at the event) at the Arista 15th Anniversary concert, which benefited AIDs research.

Wally Bryson, Jim Bonfanti and David Smalley joined Michael Stanley & Friends (including Kevin Raleigh, Donnie Iris and Ben Orr of The Cars) for the recording of Cleveland Artists Recording for Ethiopia (The C. A. R. E. Project)'s "Eyes Of The Children." A terrific single, it was released in 1985 on 45 rpm and 12" maxi-single (amazingly, it remains little known and has never been reissued on any album or CD since).

Eric Carmen

(Updated Nov. 10, 1999) Eric is pictured above at Cleveland writer Jane Scott's birthday party in Cleveland in May 1999.

The photo is copyrighted by John Quinn and appears through the kind permission of Jimmy Quinn, known for his work with Cleveland's Damnation Of Adam Blessing. Pictured, left to right: Jim Quinn, Eric Carmen and George Sipl (ex-Magic and a frequent player on Eric's recordings over the years). (Thanks for sending us the photo, Jim!) Make sure you check out John's great photography site, too, at Magic Lantern Home Page .

Ugly Things magazine recently did an 18-page article on the Damnation of Adam Blessing (get a taste of the article and order the magazine at Ugly Things Web: Damnation Of Adam Blessing ). The band will be the subject of a Sundazed Records anthology next Spring and Jim says a band website will be up soon.

We have heard from several sources that Eric's 1998 Japanese-only release, "Winter Dreams," will see a US release in 2000. The album has the same tracks, remixed, as the original Japanese release.

Eric's 1998 Japanese-only "Winter Dreams" album (recorded 1995-97) will finally be released in the US as "I Was Born To Love You" on Feb. 29, 2000, according to Rhino Records. The album will appear on Pyramid, a division of Rhino, with distribution by Warner Brothers, Rhino's parent company.

The album features the guitar work of Wally Bryson of The Raspberries and Dale Peters of The James Gang.

The first single will be "I Was Born To Love You" which will be tied in with a promotion as a "wedding song" with Bride magazine.

Plans also call for a tie-in of the song with Victoria's Secret for Valentine's Day, with additional promotions planned to be tied in with the lovers' holiday.

Eric appeared Oct. 26, 1999, on a segment (these usually last about five to 10 minutes each) of VH1's US cable TV series "Where Are They Now?" (which will be rebroadcast several more times this fall if you missed the original airing).

Look for additional appearances by Eric on such US television programs as "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," "Regis & Kathie Lee," "The View" and "The Today Show" in the coming months.

A "definitive" Raspberries collection is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 11, 2000, release by Capitol Records. It will feature some bonus tracks (the original demos that got the band signed) and new interviews by Ken Sharp.

The previously unreleased tracks are: "Come Around And See Me" (by Wally Bryson) and "I Saw The Light" (Bryson-Carmen), both later recorded in alternate versions by the band. Also, "Oh Tonight" (not to be confused with "Tonight") and "Please Let Me Come Back Home" (both Bryson-Carmen, with some harmonica by Wally on the latter demo).

The year 2000 marks the 30th anniversary of the Raspberries formation in 1970.

One other Damnation of Adam Blessing note, the band's bass player had a run in with the law some years ago and has served 18 years behind bars. During that time, his son died. He had a parole hearing November 9, 1999, and we're happy to report that his parole has been granted. His website has appropriately been retitled from Free Ray Now to Ray Benich is Free . Congratulations Ray!

Oasis Regroups

(Updated Nov. 17, 1999) Oasis has added guitarist Andy Bell following the departure of two band members in August 1999, according to Reuters News Service and other sources.

Bell is a former member of Hurricane Number 1 and will play bass for Oasis.

The new Oasis lineup has been rehearsing constantly for a short radio appearance tour of the US in December 1999. The band will launch its public appearances in February 2000 with a nine-month worldwide tour that will begin in Japan.

The group's fourth studio album will be released Feb. 28, 2000.

Bassist Paul McGuigan quit the band August 25, just two weeks after the departure of rhythm guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs.

Lead singer Liam Gallagher and his brother, guitarist Noel Gallagher, told Reuters that there is no bad blood between them and McGuigan.

Arthurs, who helped found British supergroup Oasis in 1991, left the band two weeks ago for personal reasons.

Arthurs' official statement: "After a lot of consideration I have decided to call it a day with Oasis. I've had a fantastic 8 years in one of the best bands ever to come out of Britain, and now feel I have come to the stage where I'd like to concentrate on other things in my life, outside of the demands of being in a successful rock and roll band. I've made some great friends along the way and wish everyone in the band every success with the next album, and intend to enjoy watching the band go on to further success in the coming years. I would like to thank the band and everyone around it, especially the fans, for making it so special. See you at the next show! /s/Paul Arthurs."

"It's hardly Paul McCartney leaving The Beatles," bandmate Noel Gallagher was quoted by the Reuters News Service as saying of Arthurs exit.

According to SonicNet, the band will continue as a quartet.

Paul, the only band member with children, wants to concentrate on other things in life, including spending more time with his children, sources say. He turned 34 in June.

McGuigan is the third member of the band to exit. Drummer Tony McCarroll was fired in 1995 and replaced with Alan White. Tony then sued the band, with a settlement being reached earlier this year.

White remains in the band.

Links: Links - Oasis , Oasis and Oasis: index.

Rock photo showcase

In another photo from Jane Scott's birthday party in May 1999, Eric Carmen was photographed while performing with fellow Raspberries Wally Bryson and Jim Bonfanti.

The above photo (copyright 1999 by Anastasia Pantsios and used by her kind permission) shows Eric rocking out on one of four Beatles' songs the guys covered that night.

Anastasia Pantsios of The Cleveland Plain Dealer is one of the best photographers on the music scene. Her photos have appeared in numerous rock music publications and on albums by a number of artists (including The Raspberries). Her work will be showcased in Cleveland in October and November. For complete details, visit our page: The Photos Of Anastasia Pantsios (including her autobiography).

Additional photos by Anastasia appear throughout this website (especially shots of the various Raspberries over the decades). Check some examples at chrissie hynde , michael stanley . prince and madonna .

Anastasia also has allowed us to reproduce some of her images from the show and these are at: Madonna , Prince , Michael Stanley and Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders .

Raspberries Reunion

(October 21, 1999) The reunion will not occur in 1999 and is presently on hold for a possible Summer 2000 launch. In other words, it's still on the drawing boards.

The 1999 tour had been announced in April 1999 to begin in May 1999. The tour was then pushed back to July and then to October before being cancelled.

(August 26, 1999) You can see Eric Carmen sitting in his favorite Cleveland restaurant in the August issue of Northern Ohio Live. Eric is pictured in Moxie's, an upscale Cleveland restaurant whose executive chef Doug Katz is one of Eric's relatives.

(August 18,1999) One-time record industry giant Brad Bell celebrated his birthday at a small club in The Willoughby, Ohio , on August 15. As the band The Cover Girls performed, Eric, Wally and Jim Bonfanti were brought out of the audience and onto the stage for a brief performance. Among the songs, an impromptu "Overnight Sensation". Details are at the Official Raspberries Website (http://www.raspberries.net/raspberries/menu.shtml).

The legendary foursome are pictured above in front of the Record Plant in New York City in 1973 (photo by Bob Gruen, courtesy of the Capitol-EMI Digital Media).

On May 6, 1999, in Cleveland, Ohio, the birthday of the Cleveland Plain Dealer's legendary music writer Jane Scott did see Eric, Wally and Jim performing with Billy Sullivan and Paul Sidoti alternating on bass. Good news: Eric played guitar throughout, with the band performing four Beatles' tunes.

Wally Bryson's son, Jesse, was brought on stage when everyone was asked to sing "Sweet Jane". Rich Spina, Susan Carmen and Barb Bonfanti were also in attendance.

Not to worry --- Dave Smalley is still in the reunion, but he lives in Arizona and was unable to attend. Dave and fellow Raspberry Scott McCarl (who is not part of the reunion) have put their plan to record together on hold for now.

Officially, Scott McCarl and Michael McBride aren't in the tour because band manager David Spero wanted the tour to be done by the "original" band: Eric, Wally, Dave and Jim.

Wally's 1999 efforts include singing lead on two tracks by country artist Nanker Tillis on the new "Bronking Buckos" CD. For ordering info: The Bronking Buckos - CD Ordering Info .

Wally's 1998 release with The Sittin' Ducks (his band since 1985, which includes ex-Choir mates Kenny Margolis and Dan Klawon), is still available for purchase at: CD Ordering Info: Sittin' Ducks .

Diana Ross has recorded "Someone That You Loved Before," a song written by Eric and Diane Warren that Eric recorded on the "Winter Dreams" album, for her "Every Day Is A New Day" CD. She also performed the song on the soundtrack of the ABC-TV film, "Double Platinum," which was a ratings success in May 1999, hitting # 15. The film was released on home video on July 20, 1999.

Ex-Gin Blossoms members form Gas Giants

Ex-Gin Blossoms lead singer Robin Wilson, drummer Philip Rhodes and guitarist Dan Henzerling (who were calling themselves Pharoahs 2000 last year) are now The Gas Giants.

The group's debut album, "From Beyond The Back Burner," will be released in the US on October 12, 1999, on Atomic Pop Records (run by former MCA president Al Teller). The Gas Giants will reportedly have a harder rocking sound than The Gin Blossoms, who were known for such pop hits as "Hey Jealousy" and "Follow You Down."

Atomic Pop has MP3s online of two of the songs from the album: "Quitter" and "I Hope My Kids Like Marilyn Manson" . Other songs include "Stinking Up the Charts" and a cover of Kristy MacColl's "They Don't Know."

The album is produced by John Hampton, who previously produced both full-length, multi-platinum Gin Blossoms albums.

"From Beyond The Back Burner" was actually recorded in the Spring of 1998 for A&M Records. But that label put all its new acts "on hold" last year while reportedly planning on dismissing one-third of the label's acts.

The label finally told The Gas Giants that the album would be released on A&M, but not until the year 2000. The Gas Giants decided that wasn't acceptable and shopped the album around, finally signing with Atomic Pop.

The band is presently playing as a trio and doing acoustic sets around their home base of Tempe, Arizona, while looking for a replacement for bass player G. Brian Scott who has left the band.

Web links: Gas Giants (official band site), Atomic Pop: Gas Giants , The Low Watts (another band featuring two ex-Gin Blossoms), The Unofficial Gin Blossoms Home Page and SONICNET .

Matt Bruno

Fresh from a successful appearance at International Pop Overthrow on July 23, popster Matt Bruno has a special deal on his new album for you.

Matt tells us that if you act now, you can get his latest CD, "Punch And Beauty," for just $5 (that's US money and I did say "FIVE DOLLARS"!!!) plus postage from Matt Bruno.com (that's http://www.mattbruno.com if you can't get the link to work).

Visit the website for ordering information and be sure to check out the link to Pops Away! Recording Co.

Optional Arts compilation

Rich Horton (aka Rich Arithmetic) of Optional Art Records (email: RichArithmetic@hotmail.com) is preparing a compilation disc for release next spring.

Rich told Audities, "All songs on the disc will have a summertime topic or theme. Only original material is being accepted." Deadline for submission is December 1, 1999.

"Though the majority of tracks have been accepted, including two by our very own Kerry Kompost and Jeremy Morris," according to Rich. "Chris Earl (aka Squires of the Subterrain) may also be included (he was on the last Optional Art compilation disc, "Cool Yule")."

"I still have a handful of slots open," Rich said. "If you or your band is interested, I'd be glad to send you our informational packet about the project."

Contact: RichArithmetic@hotmail.com

Encyclopedia Of Record Producers

"What began as the Encyclopedia of Record Producers book (Watson-Guptill Publications) has now grown into a fully searchable internet database with the most important recordings in popular music history!"

So says Pat Nelson (email: patnelson@mojavemusic .com) of the new website Encyclopedia Of Record Producers.

"You can now get discographies for your favorite artists, producers, labels, and song and/or album titles from the '20s to today," Pat says. "For the first time ever, complete discographies on the most popular and artistically significant singles and albums in rock, jazz, country, blues, R&B, reggae, pop, dance and virtually every other style of popular music can be found in one place! The database now has over 100,000 entries and is growing daily. Plus we've waived the usual subscription fee!"

"We give users options for removing their information from our database to not receive future communications or to no longer receive our service," Pat said. "We also give users options for changing and modifying information previously provided. You can send e-mail to correct@mojavemusic.com."

Register for free for a limited time at: Mojave Music, Inc.: Register .

Additional contact: Pat Nelson, Mojave Music, Inc.
415 S Topanga Canyon Blvd, Ste 114, Topanga, CA 90290, USA.

"Unsound" Series

Gary "Pig" Gold (pictured above) and Shane Faubert are offering an outlet for bands to get their demos heard: it's the "Unsound" CD series.

For info, contact Gary for information by email at: PigProd@aol.com .

To see what I think of "Volume 1," visit our web page: Review: "Unsound" Compilation .

Badfinger

Ray Paul of Permanent Press Recordings agreed to a question and answer session from Power Pop Music News regarding the newly released "Airwaves" CD and the VH-1 "Behind The Music" documentary on the band. The Q&A is on one of our pages at: Badfinger News.

Besides Badfinger, letter-writing campaigns to have VH-1 do a documentary have been started by fans of The Raspberries and The Knack. Wanna take part? Just send a letter requesting the band you would like to see in a documentary to: VH-1 - Behind the Music, 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, USA, or send emails to: shows@vh1.com .

Web Link: Badfinger Web Ring Page: Links .

New Radicals

"You Get What You Give" was a huge radio and video channel hit for The New Radicals earlier this year. Their album, "Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too," did well, too.

Apparently the success wasn't enough to keep the band together, though. The New Radicals announced their break-up in July 1999.

That put's the band in the pop music history books as a "one-hit wonder."

Gregg Alexander, the band's lead singer, primary songwriter and founder, said in a statement: "Over the last several months, I'd lost interest in fronting a 'one hit wonder' to the point that I was wearing a hat while performing so that people wouldn't see my lack of enthusiasm."

New Radicals was something of a studio project featuring Alexander and several backup musicians.

Alexander plans to concentrate on producing other artists for now. One upcoming production is of New Radicals' collaborator Danielle Brisebois, who will record and tour with some of the musicians who recorded on the New Radicals' last album.

"Pop Under The Surface: Volume 3"

Yesterday Girl Records in Sweden is releasing the third volume in its "Pop Under The Surface" CD series shortly. The first two volumes were acclaimed by the critics.

Stefan Johansson, the man behind Yesterday Girl Records, gave us the following bandlist for "Volume 3," which will be released soon:

The Bradburys – Hello, Hello (Unreleased so faar)
Blue Cartoon - Sunday Morning Drive (Unreleased)
The Pranks – Ab (Randell Kirsch & Jeffrey Fosketts band from early 80´s. Unreleased)
Double Naught Spies - Ever Since
The Mashed Potatoes - Do You Want Me To Touch You, Baby ?
The Berkeley Squires - I Stand Alone (Unreleased)
The Waking Hours - Picture Show
John McMullan - Nothing Your Eyes Won´t Cure (Unreleased)
The Jellybricks - Brand New Sunglasses
The Barracudas - Driving Song (Unreleased from ´92)
Bent – I Can Tell (92 Degrees. Unreleased)
Randell Kirsch – Get Set
Yuji Oniki – Remodelia
Teenage Frames - Bullet, Kill, Kill, Kill
The Autumn Leaves – Ì´ll be on my way (Beatles cover. Unreleased)
The Flashcubes – Nothing To Say To You (Recorded 82 & 99. Unreleased)
Wonderboy - Words Escape Me (Unreleased)
Spinning Jennies - Girl Of The 90´s Builds A Bridge To The 21st Century
Nice Guy Eddie - Other Side (Unreleased)
Paranoid Lovesick - Mothers Day (Unreleased so faar)
The Happy Regrets - It´s All The Rage (Unreleased)
The What Gives - Summertime Everywhere (Unreleased)
The Orphans - Last Time (Unreleased)
Wünderband - Kitty Love (Unreleased)

For ordering information, please contact: Stefan Johansson by email at: yesterdaygirl@telia.com .

Stefan's also looking for bands to play on "Volume 4" next year, I'm sure.

New Power Pop 'zine from Sweden

Swedish Popclub mentions The Raspberries reunion, Scott McCarl and The Action in its April 1999 issue of the Popin' Up print magazine. Columns by Don Krider and Bill Lloyd with articles by Christer Stromberg, Stefan Johansson (great article/photos of IPO 1998), Jerker Emanuelson and others. Also, an interview with The Spinning Jennies and news about Kyle Vincent's new "Wow And Flutter" album. This new quarterly magazine will also include exclusive 7" singles in one or two issues a year in the future --- a must for any power pop fan. For information:

Jerker Emanuelson
Swepop@hotmail.com
or write him at
Sound Asleep Records
Storgatan 1
534 31 Vara
Sweden

The next issue is scheduled for August 1999.

Written and maintained by Don Krider.
Updated November 17, 1999.
Email: Krider@Stones.Com
Snail mail:
Don Krider
P. O. Box 43391
Louisville, Ky. 40253-0391
U.S.A.

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