ELTON JOHN RUMORED TO JOIN LADY GAGA
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THE WEB GOSSIP
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THE WEB GOSSIP
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DOORS -- Fans of iconic rock band The Doors are in for something special. The group's final album - 1971's L.A. WOMAN, with the signature hits “L.A. Woman,” “Love Her Madly,” and “Riders On The Storm” - is being celebrated with a special two-CD release from Rhino Records and a behind-the-scenes DVD/Blu-ray from Eagle Rock Entertainment. The L.A. WOMAN 40th anniversary edition features a never-before-heard song, “She Smells So Nice,” which captures the band--organist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, drummer John Densmore and late singer Jim Morrison -joyfully barreling through a full-throttle original before segueing into the blues standard “Rock Me.” As the song closes, Morrison can be heard chanting, “Mr. Mojo Risin’”- an anagram of his name that was made famous during the bridge of “L.A. Woman.” Recently discovered by producer Bruce Botnick while reviewing the L.A. WOMAN session tapes, a teaser clip of “She Smells So Nice” can be heard here: In addition to “She Smells So Nice,” the second disc of the L.A. WOMAN reissue includes eight never-before-heard versions of songs from the album. Alternate takes of “L.A. Woman,” “Love Her Madly” and “Riders On The Storm” offer a fresh view on this landmark album, which was the group's sixth straight Top 10. The studio chatter between the songs is a revelation too, transporting listeners to The Doors Workshop: the West Hollywood rehearsal space where they recorded the album with Botnick. One segment in particular captures a fascinating moment of inspiration when Morrison suggests they add the now-iconic thunderstorm sound effects to the beginning of “Riders On The Storm.” Rhino will also release L.A. Woman: The Workshop Sessions, L.A., a double LP featuring all of the previously unreleased material found on the CD collection on three sides of vinyl, with the fourth side featuring a laser etching of the original “Electric Woman” art originally included with the L.A. WOMAN album. Also, “Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman” is told through new interviews with the band, as well as Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, original manager Bill Siddons, engineer/co-producer Botnick and others. The high-definition video also features live and studio performances as well as rare archival photos. This fascinating documentary contains rare footage of the in the studio and on stage. L.A. WOMAN marked The Doors' swan song, as Morrison would pass away a few months after its release. At the time, Rolling Stone's Robert Meltzer called it “The Doors; greatest album ... a landmark worthy of dancing in the streets (5/27/71).” The Doors were the first band to release eight consecutive platinum albums and they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.
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CHICAGO ON CALL – Musicians On Call (MOC), a nonprofit organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities, has announced a special live performance by the legendary rock band Chicago, Monday night (11-28) at B.B. Kings. The event, which will benefit MOC, includes hors d'oeuvres, open bar, and exclusive meet-and-greets for top sponsors. An auction running from October 27-November 17 on Charity Buzz (charitybuzz.com) will support MOC’s fundraising efforts, and includes a chance to bid on two front row seats to a Chicago concert and a chance to sing the hit song, “If You Leave Me Now” on stage with the band. The MOC event looks to be a very special and intimate experience for fans of the band, as they will be performing its most beloved songs--the multi-platinum and award-winning band boasts 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, and 11 Number One singles. Chicago will also perform songs from their new Christmas album, O Christmas Three, which features special guests Dolly Parton, America, Steve Cropper, and BeBe Winans, and was produced by veteran producer Phil Ramone. Tickets can be purchased at www.musiciansoncall.org. We'll be there for a full re-cap.
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RAPPER SHANNON -- When I heard WPLJ’s Scott “Super” Shannon rap the intro to the legendary song “Rapper’s Delight” the other morning … I just had to smile. That’s why he’s still #1 … we love him!
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Photos By: James Edstrom/RD/GDP Photos/Orchon/Sara De Boer/Retna
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