radio barz

McCartney and Petty set to release massive live collections

Do you like your rock legends live? If so, you're in luck. Coming this month, two massive live collections:

• Paul McCartney,Good Evening New York City (2CD/1DVD), release date November 17
• Tom Petty, The Live Anthology (4CD Box Set), release date November 23

New Kris Kristofferson album: "Closer to the Bone" due September 29

Kris Kristofferson releases "Closer to the Bone" on September 29. Available in multiple configurations, including:

• Limited Deluxe Edition
• Audio CD
• Digital
• 180g Vinyl

Special limited deluxe edition includes an 8-song bonus CD of Kristofferson performing live at the Olympia Theater in Dublin, Ireland on March 21, 2008; and a fold-out color poster.

Along with the release, Kristofferson's label announced the launch of a new Web site.

Paste Reports: Dylan, McCartney and Starr plan collaboration

Bob and two former Beatles plan a new release of original music. Paste Magazine has the details.

Subscribe to Paste.

Red State Blues featuring Sharon Jones and James McMurtry

Austin Music Hall will host the November 3 Red State Blues Concert featuring Sharon Jones and James

Purchase your tickets!

Friend the concert on myspace (now that's a concept!).

Get more info.

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Live Poltz may cure what ails you

Stressed about the economy? Tired of all the electioneering? If you live near Rock Island, Illinois, check out the October 21 show sponsored by Daytrotter at Huckleberry's Pizza Parlor featuring Steve Poltz and Becca Rice.  Poltz is great live. I caught two of his ka-jillion sets at SXSW 2008, including his appearance at Mojo's Mayhem at the Continental Club where he almost suffered decapitation by ceiling fan after a stage dive.

It's an all-ages show and begins at 7 p.m. Central Time.

And if you're not in the vicinity, get your virtual dose of Steve Poltz -- singer of Jeep jingles and former Jewel paramour.

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Coldplay, the last of the 20th century arena rock bands?

Sunday's Chicago Tribune featured a preview of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" (Due in stores Tuesday. Check local listings!) by rock critic Greg Kot. In his comprehensive article, Kot places Coldplay in the arena rock league of U2 and the Rolling Stones. And I agree. When my son first heard the song "Viva La Vida" featured in the  iPod TV ad, he asked, "Dad, is this U2?" Still, the catchy strings, booming production and jaunty Chris Martin vocals made the tune a must download and replay during our 2,000-mile summer roadtrip last week.

Kot makes the case that while Coldplay doesn't break any new ground, it does bring the rock noise. And I agree.  In fact, if you want innovation and  arena-sized beats, I'd recommend dusting off your copy of Spoon's Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. In fact, every time I hear "Viva La Vida," I want to follow it up by spinning "Cherry Bomb."

Maybe I should thank Coldplay for delivering a solid summer rock release and giving me yet another reason to play one of my favorite albums of 2007.

What do you think of Viva La Vida? Share your comments with Radio Barz.

Coming attractions: Shelby sings Dusty

Shelby Lynne had me with "I am Shelby Lynne." But I'm really looking forward to her January 29 release "Just a Little Lovin'," her tribute to Dusty Springfield.

Growing up in the 1960s, I was a huge Dusty fan. "Wishin' and Hopin'," "Son of a Preacher Man," and "I Only Want to Be with You" are deep edged grooves on the soundtrack of my decade.

According to Geoff Boucher's preview of the release in the Chicago Tribune, we have a "spare, mesmerizing tribute" to look forward to.

Visit Shelby's myspace page.
Learn more about Dusty Springfield.