Joel Plaskett Emergency’s new CD, Ashtray Rock, is available now on iTunes.

Ashtray Rock, the newest and maybe (eventually) best set from the Halifax trio concieved, fronted by, and named after former Thrush Hermit frontman Joel Plaskett, flies out of the gate with anthems like Drunk Teenagers and Fashonable (that’s how iTunes spelled it) People. Things eventually settle down with Chinatown/ For the Record.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while you have probably read a thing or two about Joel Plaskett. I’m obviously a fan. This is some of his best work to date.

(DJ)

Sly and the Family Stone are set to do a nine-day tour of Europe this summer, starting with a show in July at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy. The press release states that Sly will actually be performing with the band. Maybe, but I’ll believe it when it happens. The mercurial artist has been missing in action the past several decades and when he has made a public appearance, (Grammy awards) it’s only been for a brief few minutes, while the rest of the band carried the performance. He’s a talented guy, who redefined R&B with his crossover psychedelic funk sound influencing numerous musical artists. The band’s performance was considered to be the highlight of the Woodstock Festival in 1969 with their energized performance of “Higher.” But Sly’s been stifled for many years by personal demons and drug addiction and it’s difficult to say if he can pull it all together. It would be great to see him resurface again to show a new generation what the excitement was all about.

My fellow blogger will reach a milestone birthday tomorrow. I’ll give you a hint, it rhymes with nifty.

On the day Jim was born Elvis Presley’s “All Shook Up” was the number one song on Billboard. That year saw the beginning of Jerry Lee Lewis and Patsy Cline’s careers (if you can believe Wikipedia. And I do… without question). Patty Smyth was born a month later on June 26th. Paul McCartney and John Lennon met for the first time that year, and Simon and Garfunkel performed under the names Tom and Jerry (Again, Wikipedia).

Happy Birthday, Jim.

(DJ)

Besides being in the spotlight for portraying Johnny Depp’s pirate pop, Keith Richards is in the news once more this week as word was released that Mr. R. was meeting with New York-based publishers to discuss financial arrangements with regard to releasing his anticipated autobiography. Rumor has it that the deal could land him $5 big ones, a pirate’s ransom by any measure. With that kind of spare change, Captain Keith can afford to hire someone to read it to him.

Squeeze, the band that was too clever for it’s own good, is reuniting for a tour of the states this summer. Songwriting duo, Difford and Tilbrook whom many critics once declared to be the 80s equivalent of Lennon and McCartney, have temporarily patched up their differences to embark on brief U.S. tour to be followed by an expanded jaunt around the U.K. Personally, I always thought that “Tempted” was one of the best pop songs to come out of that era. I wish them well and hope that they can find their way back to the recording studio again.

The latest issue of Rolling Stone features Johnny Depp and Keith Richards as the cover story. Everyone already knows that Depp modeled his Jack Sparrow character in “Pirates of the Carribean” after Richards, and since art imitates life (or is it art imitates an amusement park ride?) Richards has been tabbed to portray Depp’s long-lost dad in the final installment of the Pirates.

Regardless, they make for a nice couple and take a charming photo together and should take home a pirate’s ransom after the blockbuster film hits the screens this week. The article makes for a fun read. Sample an excerpt here. Rumor has it that Keef was able to use his standard wardrobe for his role in the film.

From The Onion:

NEW YORK—According to data released Monday by the International Registry of Rock Band Names, only seven of the estimated 518 million potential names for musical acts remain available.

Thanks Rob

“It’s all Ginger’s fault. He’s a terrible guy. Nowadays we happily co-exist in different continents, with Ginger in South Africa, although I was thinking of asking him to move. He’s still a bit too close.”

Jack Bruce, bassist/vocalist and one third of the legendary rock group Cream, citing drummer Ginger Baker as the obstacle for further Cream reunion concerts

I know haven’t posted in a while. I bought a guitar last weekend and I can’t put it down. I’m getting callouses and everything. I’ll write something interesting later.

***The new Wilco CD is wonderful. Buy it!

I kid you not, Hillary Clinton is asking the people of America to help select a campaign song for her run at the presidency. On the ballot so far are two U2 songs, “City of Blinding Lights” and “Beautiful Day,” as well as Smash Mouth’s cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer,” and the Temptations’ “Get Ready.”

Do your part and be sure to vote. I’m thinking of nominating a little ditty from Lesley Gore, “It’s My Party (And I’ll Cry If I Want To).” Of course I’m the guy who suggested Frank Zappa’s “Give Me Your Dirty Love” for Bill Clinton’s campaign and he foolishily ignored it over Fleetwood Mac’s cheesy, “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow.” Maybe she can get Tipper Gore to host a slumber party and the two can while away the hours poring over old 45s for musical inspiration.

(JD)