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Wang Chung back for more in September 2010 – plus Rent Free EP

retroDan — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:47:03 +0000

After spending this past summer touring all across the U.S., Jack Hues and Nick Feldman of Wang Chung will be back for a couple of more dates. To mark the release of their next downloadable EP package, Rent Free (available September 20th), the band will be playing five shows in September. The new single, Rent Free, stands up nicely alongside their classic hits and features the memorable line “You’ve been living rent free in my head for far too long”.

here are the September dates and locations:

02-Sep-10 Key Club, West Hollywood, CA
04-Sep-10 the Monte Carlo Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
09-Sep-10 Infinity Husic Hall, Norfolk, CT
10-Sep-10 The Vibe Lounge, Rockville Centre, NY
11-Sep-10 Oyster Fest, Veterans Park, Norwalk, CT

head over to the official website to get the latest on Wang Chung as well as download their new releases.

September 1st is Todd Rundgren Appreciation Day!

retroDan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:28:57 +0000

According to Roger Linder’s calendar over at TR Connection, September 1st is Todd Rundgren Appreciation Day. So, I might as well take the opportunity to post some TR related items here for all to enjoy. like who’s gonna stop me, right? heh.

First up, here’s Ed Vigdor’s trailer for the upcoming ToddStock movie that’ll premiere next week at the Cinema Carousel Theatre in Muskegon, MI.

Also, if you don’t already know, Rundgren will be performing the albums, Healing (1981) and Todd (1974) in their entirety at six shows beginning this sunday. check my previous post for more info.

as for TR songs – I thought I’d post some neat TR covers I have lying around on my current computer. My huge music archive is still on my laptop hard drive that went kaput a few weeks ago. no worries though, I’ll retrieve the files off the old hard drive once I get my new laptop setup and running.

[the following mp3s will be available for a limited time so get 'em while you can...]

Couldn’t I Just Tell You by Joe Jackson
Keep your head and everything will be cool
You didn’t have to make me feel like a fool
When I try to say I feel the way that I do…

Love of the Common Man by Future Kings of Spain
I’ve been burned in my prime
The simple things in life seem so hard to learn sometimes..

Mated by Jaki Graham and David Grant
I see things far ahead, maybe light, maybe beautiful children
I don’t have words I’m thinking of but it’s way beyond what they call love

I Saw the Light by Lori Carson
But my feelings for you were just something I never knew
‘Til I saw the light in your eyes..

Couldn’t I Just Tell You by the Wondermints
Couldn’t I just tell you the way I feel
I can’t keep it bottled up inside
And could we pretend that it’s no big deal
And there’s really nothing left to hide

Love of the Common Man by the Lovemongers (Nancy and Ann Wilson)
Everyone is waiting, just anticipating on you
Won’t you make a showing everybody knows what to do..

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Bonus links: Zinhof‘s got the whole Acapella Tour 2CD set available on his site (mp3-320kbps)

also Never Get Out of the Boat has the long out of print Oblivion on his blog.
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Todd Rundgren – 2010 Healing/Todd album tour – plus webcast

retroDan — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:17:10 +0000

After the successful run of A Wizard a True Star album shows last year, Todd Rundgren is ready to do a follow-up. This time around, he’s revisiting TWO classic albums – Todd (1974) and Healing (1981). That’s right, Rundgren will be performing both albums in their entirety!! And once again, working behind the scenes to bring these shows to the fans are Doug and Mel of Rundgren Radio. As most TR fans know, Rundgren Radio has been instrumental in promoting/sponsoring TR gigs these last few years including AWATS, some “Robert Johnson” gigs and now the Todd/Healing shows. Without RR, this Todd/Healing tour probably wouldn’t have happened especially since no other concert promoter has stepped up to take the tour beyond the 6 initial gigs Rundgren Radio has put together.

If you haven’t done so already, head over to ticketmaster to purchase your tickets to one of these 6 shows. It doesn’t appear likely that Todd will be bringing this show anywhere else so if you love these two albums, this’ll be your only chance to hear the songs live in their entirety.

But if you can’t make the drive, you’re still in luck!! Rundgren will also be providing a pay-per-view webcast of the September 14th show at the Keswick Theatre via todocast. head over to the todocast site for more info.

So, here are the dates/locations for the 6 Todd/Healing album shows in September produced by Rundgren Radio:

Sun 09/05/10 Akron, OH Akron Civic Theatre

*special event* 09/07/10 “Todd-Stock” movie premiere – Muskegon, MI

Wed 09/08/10 Muskegon, MI Frauenthal Center For The Perf. Arts

Fri 09/10/10 St. Louis, MO Roberts Orpheum Theater (The Fixx will be the opening act)

Sat 09/11/10 Indianapolis, IN Clowes Memorial Hall (The Fixx will be the opening act)

*special event* 09/13/10 live interview with Roy Firestone – The Franklin Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

Tue 09/14/10 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre (special PPV webcast from this show)

Wed 09/15/10 Morristown, NJ The Community Theatre At Mayo Center For The Performing Arts

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..and then at the end of September, Rundgren will be headed down under (and then on to Japan) for some “Robert Johnson” shows:

Fri 9/24/10 Auckland, New Zealand The Powerstation
Sun 9/26/10 Wellington, New Zealand San Francisco Bathhouse
Sat 10/02/10 Sydney, Australia The Basement
Sun 10/03/10 Batemans Bay, Australia Mackay Park
Wed 10/06/10 Richmond, Australia Corner Hotel
Fri 10/08/10 Perth, Australia The Esplanade
Mon 10/11/10 Tokyo, Japan Club Quattro
Wed 10/13/10 Nagoya, Japan Club Quattro
Thu 10/14/10 Osaka, Japan Club Quattro
Fri 10/15/10 Tokyo, Japan Duo Music Exchange

There’s also a new gig that popped up in Las Vegas (12/11/10 at NV Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort) so there may be more Johnson gigs planned for the West Coast in December.

for the latest TR info be sure to check out TR Connection and Rundgren Radio.

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the Todd album tracklist:
1 How About a Little Fanfare? 1:03
2 I Think You Know 3:05
3 The The Spark of Life 6:24
4 An An Elpee’s Worth of Toons 2:09
5 A Dream Goes on Forever 2:25
6 Lord Chancellor’s Nightmare Song 3:32
7 Drunken Blue Rooster 3:01
8 The Last Ride 4:51
9 Everybody’s Going to Heaven/King Kong Reggae 6:38
10 No. 1 Lowest Common Denominator 5:13
11 Useless Begging 3:40
12 Sidewalk Cafe 2:16
13 Izzat Love? 1:55
14 Heavy Metal Kids 4:16
15 In and out the Chakras We Go 5:48
16 Don’t You Ever Learn? 6:06
17 Sons of 1984 4:35

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Healing tracklist:
1 Healer 3:40
2 Pulse 3:07
3 Flesh 3:58
4 Golden Goose 3:16
5 Compassion 4:43
6 Shine 8:12
7 Healing Pt.1 7:28
8 Healing Pt.2 7:52
9 Healing Pt.3 4:40
10 Time Heals 3:33
11 Tiny Demons 3:08

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Asia Concert Review – Raleigh Memorial Auditorium – Omega 2010 Tour

retroDan — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:15:17 +0000

While my 13 year old son and I were walking around downtown Raleigh this past Tuesday evening, it was interesting to see the huge crowd of people heading for the Raleigh Amphitheater to see Maroon 5. We were headed in the opposite (less crowded) direction to see and hear classic 80′s pop/prog at its finest. That’s right, Asia in concert at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium (Progress Energy Center).

Yes, I admit that it took a bit of convincing to get the 13 year old to agree to come with me and that’s understandable. I mean, these guys aren’t spring chickens by any means and are more likely to appear on the cover of AARP than Rolling Stone magazine. But come on, John Wetton, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes and Steve Howe are legends of 70′s prog rock! And this was the FIRST time they’ve come to Raleigh so I just had to go to show my support as well as educate the young one on how *real rock musicians* play live.

And fortunately Asia did not disappoint. Yes, the members of Asia all look like your average “grandpa” but they can still ROCK. Wetton’s voice sounds stronger than ever – even singing the majority of the old 80′s tunes in their original key. Howe still amazes on the guitar. Downes has reduced the size of his keyboard rig but can still get those signature synths sounds we all know and love. And as for Palmer – man, he’s still a monster behind that double-bass drum kit. Yes, Palmer still has issues with tempo but when you’re there in the audience being pummeled by the mammoth wall of sound that the four of them create, tempo can blissfully be ignored.

highlights for me included: Palmer’s requisite drum solo – definitely worth the price of admission alone, “Holy War”, the unplugged version of “Don’t Cry”, “Time Again” and “Sole Survivor”.

There were a few noticeable rough patches though. Wetton had a hard time remembering the words to “Days Like These” and had to use a prompter. and Howe fudged the signature riff during “Heat of the Moment”. But man, I still enjoyed the show regardless.

As for my 13 year old – he gave me a thumbs up at the end of the night and I’ll accept that since he basically went along to please his old man. Hopefully concerts like this one will instill in him a reference point for what great musicianship is all about. It’s sad to think about but this level of musicianship may not be around when my son gets to be my age.

other random thoughts about the show:
- I wonder what they’re using to flesh out the harmonies during the big choruses especially since Howe and Palmer don’t sing. I suspect some real-time vocal harmonizer device of some sort.

- it was disappointing to see that the 2200 seat auditorium was a little over half full. I guess the concert promoter overestimated what Asia would draw here in Raleigh. It’s not the band’s fault since they don’t decide on the venues. but hopefully the promoter didn’t take too much of a hit for this gig.

- that being said, I like Memorial auditorium (except for the small bathrooms). The seats are nice, the staff is laidback and the section near the stage has plenty of room to move around.

- Geoff Downes didn’t have his keytar on this tour. I miss it.

- love the deep bass sound Wetton was getting with those Moog Taurus 3 bass pedals. it shook the building whenever it was used. nice!!

- Steve Howe had a Line6 Variax on a stand for the sitar sound. I personally didn’t think it was worth the trouble. the variax didn’t sound all that great. maybe a mix issue?

- and kudos to the band for including a healthy chunk of their new songs in the set list. I’m sure it’s easier just to rely on old favorites but the new stuff held their own. The set included 4 from Omega and 2 from Phoenix.

retroGrade: A

Asia
at Progress Energy Center Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
Raleigh, NC
17 August 2010

The band members: John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, Steve Howe

set list:
I Believe
Only Time Will Tell
Holy War
Never Again
Through My Veins
Don’t Cry (Wetton and Downes)
Steve Howe solo
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (Wetton and Downes for Part I, full band for Part II)
Open Your Eyes
-intermission-
Go
Time Again
An Extraordinary Life
End of the World
The Heat Goes On (w/ drum solo)
Sole Survivor
-encore-
Days Like These
Heat Of The Moment

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Roy Orbison – The Last Concert – CD review

retroDan — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:40:05 +0000

“Only the lonely know the heartaches I’ve been through
Only the lonely know I cry and cry for you…”

His voice is unmistakable and his songs are timeless. Even years after his passing, there hasn’t been anyone that has come close to filling Roy Orbison‘s shoes. Orbison’s sweet, operatic voice combined with those haunting melodies are his and his alone. And thanks to Eagle Rock Entertainment, we can all continue to celebrate his legacy by listening to his last live performance on the newly released CD titled, The Last Concert: December 4, 1988. All the hits are here including “Crying”, “Only the Lonely”, “Blue Bayou” and “Oh, Pretty Woman”. Contrary to what you might think, Orbison sounds energetic and in good spirits during this historic performance. Even at the age of 52, he still had command over his four octave voice, hitting those spine-tingling high notes with ease.

No one knew Orbison would pass away two days after this concert so we’re very fortunate to have a high-quality soundboard recording of this show. I’m pretty certain this isn’t a multi-track recording so the sound mix that was captured onto tape that night can’t be changed in post-production. So there are some issues with levels being a bit uneven at times. For instance, the backing vocals are a bit too upfront on “Only the Lonely” and “Blue Bayou”. But that might be just me being a little nitpicky. Ultimately, the sound level issues are just minor quibbles. Orbison and the band gave a great performance that night in Ohio and this recording is a must have for any Orbison fan.

retroGrade: A

Roy Orbison – The Last Concert: December 4, 1988
Eagle Rock Entertainment
released August 2010

Tracklist:
1 Only the Lonely 4:32
2 Leah 3:16
3 Dream Baby 2:56
4 In Dreams 3:28
5 Mean Woman Blues 3:17
6 Blue Bayou 3:27
7 Candyman 3:45
8 Crying 5:43
9 Ooby Dooby 5:57
10 Go, Go, Go (Down the Line) 5:52
11 It’s Over 3:29
12 Working for the Man 1:50
13 Lana 2:48
14 Oh, Pretty Woman 5:23

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the Weepies announce 2010 Be My Thrill tour dates

retroDan — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:08:40 +0000

The Weepies are set to hit the road after a four year break from touring. They’ll be supporting their new album Be My Thrill which will hit the stores August 31st courtesy of Nettwerk Records. I’m looking forward to seeing them live. Hopefully Deb Talan and Steve Tannen will also include songs from their album Hideaway in their setlist since they didn’t get a chance to tour behind it back in 2008. It’s definitely a personal favorite of mine.

2010 U.S. tour dates
10/10/2010 Los Angeles CA El Rey Theatre
10/13/2010 San Diego CA Winston’s
10/14/2010 San Juan Capistrano CA Coach House
10/15/2010 Visalia CA Fox Theatre
10/16/2010 San Francisco CA Great American Music Hall
10/17/2010 Chico CA El Rey Theatre
10/19/2010 Eugene OR John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts
10/20/2010 Portland OR Aladdin Theater
10/21/2010 Seattle WA City Arts Music Festival – The Crocodile
10/22/2010 Boise ID The Bouquet
10/23/2010 Salt Lake City UT The State Room
10/24/2010 Englewood CO The Gothic Theatre
10/26/2010 Iowa City IA The Englert Theater
10/27/2010 Minneapolis MN Cedar Cultural Center
10/28/2010 Madison WI High Noon Saloon
10/30/2010 Evanston IL SPACE
11/1/2010 Grand Rapids MI Ladies Literary Club
11/2/2010 Ann Arbor MI The Ark
11/3/2010 Cleveland OH Beachland Ballroom
11/5/2010 Philadelphia PA World Cafe Live
11/6/2010 Londonderry NH Tupelo Music Hall
11/7/2010 Boston MA Royale Nightclub
11/8/2010 Fairfield CT FTC Stage One
11/10/2010 New York NY Hiro Ballroom
11/11/2010 Falls Church VA The State Theatre
11/12/2010 Norfolk VA The Attucks Theater
11/14/2010 Charleston WV Mountain Stage
11/15/2010 Annapolis MD Rams Head On Stage
11/17/2010 Atlanta GA Variety Playhouse
11/19/2010 Dallas TX Lakewood Theater
11/20/2010 Austin TX Momo’s
11/23/2010 Phoenix AZ The Rhythm Room

Be My Thrill Tracklist:
1 Please Speak Well of Me
2 When You Go Away
3 Red Red Rose
4 I Was Made For Sunny Days
5 They’re In Love, Where Am I?
6 Add My Effort
7 Be My Thrill
8 Be My Honeypie
9 Hummingbird
10 Hard To Please
11 Not a Lullaby
12 How Do You Get High?
13 Hope Tomorrow
14 Empty Your Hands

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Eric Clapton – August Outtakes & Different Mixes – 1986 – review

retroDan — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:42:30 +0000

I’ve been meaning to post about this ol’ boot, August Outtakes & Different Mixes, for a while now. The amount of enjoyment one would get from this 2-disc set largely depends on how one feels about Eric Clapton’s August album from 1986. I personally have a soft spot for the Phil Collins produced album. But I can definitely see how someone would get bored to tears from these “alternate mixes” when not having a strong connection with the source material. Frankly there aren’t major revelations here in this bootleg. Mainly you’ll find early takes of songs from the album that aren’t all that much different from the final product. “Lady From Verona” is the only song that I wasn’t familiar with but it’s essentially a throwaway with cringeworthy lyrics. “Wanna Make Love to You” is another outtake but most fans are familiar with this one since it ended up on the Crossroads box set. The rest of the boot is made up of alternate takes. I don’t know about other fans but I get a kick out of hearing demos and work-in-progress versions of familiar songs. It sort of gives you a glimpse of the creative process that went into the final versions.

Two highlights for me are the guide vocals done by Nathan East and Greg Phillinganes on “Grand Illusion” and “Miss You”. I’m not exactly sure why their vocals were recorded other than for an early run-through of the songs. Nevertheless, it’s a hoot listening to them singing along (presumably without the lyric sheet) filling in nonsense words to fit the melody. fun stuff. The second disc ends with subpar audio from Clapton’s live appearance on the TV show NightLife. Those two tracks aren’t really necessary since there are superior sounding live boots from Clapton’s 1986/87 tour.

So, is this an essential Clapton boot? not really. But if you’ve got a fondness for mid-80′s Clapton (plus the heavy-handed production style of Phil Collins), this boot is worth seeking out.

retroGrade: B

Eric Clapton
August Outtakes & Different Mixes
Duffy Records
recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles April/May 1986
sound quality : B+ (cassette tape quality)

Tracklist:
CD 1 –
Lady From Verona
Hold On
Take a Chance
Bad Influence
Hung Up On Your Love #1
Wanna Make Love to You #1
Behind The Mask
Holy Mother
Walk Away
Run #1

CD 2 –
Tearing Us Apart
Grand Illusion #1
Grand Illusion #2
Wanna Make Love To You #2
Run #2
Miss You #1
Hung Up On Your Love #2
It’s In The Way That You Use It (live, Nightlife TV show, 29 January 1986)
Miss You (live, Nightlife TV show, 29 January 1986)

the band:
Eric Clapton – guitar, vocals
Phil Collins – drums
Nathan East – bass
Greg Phillinganes – keyboards
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*for a limited time* – here’s Lady From Verona [mp3, download via mediafire]

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Roy Orbison – The Last Concert to be released on CD – August 2010

retroDan — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:46:33 +0000

Eagle Rock Entertainment recently announced that they’ll be releasing Roy Orbison’s Last Concert on CD on August 10th, 2010. The December 4, 1988 show at the Front Row Theater in Highland Heights, Ohio was sadly the last for this legendary performer. Orbison died of a heart attack two days after the concert at the age of 52. Orbison was in the midst of a comeback at the time due to the popularity of his work with producer Jeff Lynne and The Traveling Wilburys.

Here’s the official press release:
ROY ORBISON: THE LAST CONCERT
An Intimate Experience – Live, Untouched, In Concert for the Last Time
Instantly recognizable in vocals, songwriting and style, Roy Orbison was a musical pioneer. One of the few artists to have worldwide recognition in all forms of music – pop, rock ‘n’ roll, spoken word, and country – he received Grammys in all categories, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award. On August 10, Eagle Rock Entertainment will pay homage to Roy Orbison upon the release of The Last Concert CD [MSRP $13.98].

Originally released as a limited run via iTunes in 2008 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing, The Last Concert is now available on CD for the first time. Recorded on December 4, 1988 just two days before his sudden death, this was the last time Roy ever performed. This collection of fourteen songs, including seven top ten singles, is the exact order of his show that evening. This includes one of the most loved Rock ‘n Roll songs ever, “Oh, Pretty Woman,” as well as his Grammy-Award Winning “Crying” and “Dream Baby.” This historic performance is untouched by mixing and enhancements – it’s pure, honest, unmistakable Roy.

Following Roy’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, in 1989, Roy became the second singer to ever simultaneously have two posthumous Top 5 albums (King of Hearts, Mystery Girl) on the Billboard charts (the first was Elvis Presley). In addition to his inductions into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and Nashville Walk Of Fame, Orbison was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2008, the Library of Congress added “Oh, Pretty Woman” to the National Recording Registry.

The Last Concert CD is a rarity in these days and times because it is historically correct—it is a trip down memory lane, capturing one of the best rock ‘n roll singers of all time. You don’t really get to know an artist until you go to a live performance, and this particular concert, on December 4th, 1988 was the very last time that Roy Orbison performed. It is an incredible example of Roy’s on-stage presentation, in which he always gave stellar, near-chilling performances. It is a must-have in any record collection.

Track Listing:
1 Only The Lonely
2 Leah
3 Dream Baby
4 In Dreams
5 Mean Woman Blues
6 Blue Bayou
7 Candyman
8 Crying
9 Ooby Dooby
10 Go, Go, Go (Down The Line)
11 It’s Over
12 Working For The Man
13 Lana
14 Oh, Pretty Woman

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The Buggles – Adventures in Modern Recording – review

retroDan — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:09:55 +0000

Even though I’m a long time fan of Trevor Horn’s work, I never took the time to seek out the second album by The Buggles, Adventures in Modern Recording. I guess I assumed that it was simply a throwaway album filled with leftover tracks after keyboardist Geoff Downes left the band in 1981. Well, recently I had the chance to listen to the new re-issue put out by Salvo/ZTT and I have to say that I’m pleasantly surprised by the material on the album. It’s actually very good. In fact, I prefer this Buggles album over their more well known debut, Age of Plastic.

It’s got Trevor Horn’s signature production touches all over it. The sounds and production techniques that Horn achieved here on this album obviously carried over to his subsequent production work with ABC, Yes (90125) and Frankie Goes to Hollywood. There are also precursors to his work with the Art Of Noise in the song “Vermillion Sands”. Just listen for the samples of a car crashing and the car engine turning over. very AON. Horn also does a “left turn” at the end of “Vermillion Sands” with an upbeat pseudo-big-band like instrumental which would fit right in on an AON album. definitely fun to view all of this in hindsight knowing what he achieved as a producer after his start in the Buggles.

10 bonus tracks are also included here on this release. Notables include “We Can Fly From Here” (which was considered for Yes’ Drama album), the 12″ mix of “I Am a Camera”

Yes, there isn’t another song as catchy as “Video Killed a Radio Star” here but taken as a whole, this album is far more satisfying than their first album. Definitely worth seeking out. Highlights include: Adventures in Modern Recording, Vermillion Sands, I Am A Camera, Lenny.

retroGrade: A

Adventures of Modern Recording by The Buggles
remastered reissue by Salvo/ZTT
released: Feb 2010

tracklist:
1. Adventures In Modern Recording
2. Beatnik
3. Vermillion Sands
4. I Am A Camera
5. On TV
6. Inner City
7. Lenny
8. Rainbow Warrior
9. Adventures in Modern Recording (Reprise)
Bonus Tracks
1. Fade Away
2. Blue Nylon
3. I Am A Camera (12” mix)
4. We Can Fly From Here – part 1
5. Dion
6. Videotheque
7. On TV
8. Walking On Glass (original version of Lenny)
9. Riding A Tide
10. We Can Fly From Here – part 2

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The Doors – When You’re Strange DVD – review and giveaway

retroDan — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:47:17 +0000

I had a chance to watch the new Doors’ DVD When You’re Strange: A Film About the Doors over the weekend and I have to say that I really enjoyed the Tom DiCillo-directed documentary. Like most music fans, I’m so accustomed to “VH1: Behind the Music”-style music documentaries that DiCillo’s choice of using only archival footage was a refreshing change of pace. “When You’re Strange” is essentially an overview of the band’s short time together with Johnny Depp doing the narrating. DiCillo assembled a great variety of riveting footage from Jim Morrison’s onstage antics to the surreal clips from the unreleased film “HWY”. The vintage clips have been cleaned up and restored for this release and the quality of the footage definitely adds to the enjoyment of this documentary. One of the more memorable scenes is when Morrison is simply hanging out in the crowd before “The Who” gig and fans are just in awe of his presence, some just wanting to touch his hair. Another great clip is of the band recording “Wild Child” in the studio with Morrison being a bit self-conscious with his vocals.

As expected, Morrison gets the bulk of the screentime here but the other band members (Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and John Densmore) make their mark by their notable instrumental performances.

I’m sure longtime fans will gripe about DiCillo not going into more detail about certain events or songs but my guess is that it would take a multi-volume set to get into the real “nitty-gritty” which simply can’t be accomplished in 86 minutes.

The bonus material on the DVD features an interview with Morrison’s dad, Admiral George Stephen Morrison, before he passed away in 2008. From what I heard, it’s the only interview he has done on camera concerning his famous son.

Title: When You’re Strange: A Film About the Doors
DVD released by: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Rhino
Directed by: Tom DiCillo
runtime: 86 minutes
released in the U.S.: July 2010

OK, as for the DVD giveaway, here’s the scoop. One lucky retroblog reader will be receiving a new DVD of “When You’re Strange: A Film About the Doors”. To enter in the drawing all you have to do is post your favorite Doors’ album in the comment section of this blog post. This will count as ONE ENTRY in the drawing. Please be sure to leave a legitimate email address or else I won’t have a way of contacting you if you’re selected as the winner.

For those that want a better chance of winning, you can also join the retroblog facebook page (which is essentially hitting the LIKE button on that page). And by “LIKING” us on facebook, you’ll get the equivalent of TWO ENTRIES in the DVD drawing. I hope that makes sense. Let me know if I’m confusing you.

Yeah, as you can see, I’m trying to build up the retroblog fanbase on facebook. Hopefully I can get enough people on there so that I can offer exclusive giveaways and contests via the facebook page in the future. It all depends on you guys!

This contest/giveway ends at 11:59pm July 31th, 2010. A winner will be picked at random from all entries and will be contacted by me via email on or around August 1st. Once the winner provides me a mailing address, it will be forwarded to Universal Music who will be sending out the prize.

No purchase necessary and the contest/giveaway is only open to U.S. residents age 18 or older. By participating in this RetroBlog contest, you agree to allow RetroBlog to post the winner’s name and city on this site.

Thanks and good luck!

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