Music From The Edge: Chris Gaines

As Garth Brooks retired (for, I think, the 4th time), he realized he couldn't stand to be away from music. He decided that he wanted to explore his "rock" roots and separate himself from his country identity.

In walks his alter-ego Chris Gaines. Originally conceived as a concept album, "The Life Of Chris Gaines,", [released September 28, 1999] (Peaked at #2 on Billboard's Top 200) was meant to be a starting point for a whole new career path for Brooks. This album was meant to serve as the "GREATEST HITS" of Chris Gaines and set the stage for an upcoming movie that Garth wrote about Chris Gaines' life, called "The Lamb."

The lead off single from the album was "Lost In You." Produced by Don Was and having that "Babyface" flair, the single was the only bright spot in the experiment of Chris Gaines. A massive ad campaign was started to promote the whole idea of Chris Gaines - trailers for the movie, a full page bio in Billboard Magazine, and even a VH1 Behind The Music Documentary (amazing!). But not all things Garth Brooks turn to gold....The movie deal went bust, the album flopped, and Chris Gaines went back to where he came from never to be heard from again. Many people had assumed that Garth Brooks had simply gone crazy, wanting to become another person and trying to start a new music career under an alias with an entirely new look - I personally think it was Genius.

Interestingly enough, for all of the many hits that Garth Brooks has had - this is the ONLY song to make the Top 5 in Billboard's Hot 100 - landing at #5 for 2 weeks. Two other tracks from the album managed some chart activity, "It Don't Matter To the Sun" (peaked at #24 Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks), and "That's The Way I Remember It," (peaked at #26 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart).

Download: "Lost In You" (Single)
Bitrate: 320 kbps

Bonus: Chris Gaines - Right Now


Enjoy!
Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Bananarama

I picked this track because it seems like the end of the road for Hillary Clinton. And "blue" is how I feel!

After a five year hiatus, Bananarama (Keren Woodward and Sarah Elizebeth Dallin) got back in the studio to record what they hoped would be their comeback album. Their 7th studio album titled "Ultra Violet" was your basic Euro-pop fare - nothing extraordinary, and certainly dated by today's standards. Without a record label, they duo shopped around various indie labels to promote and release "Ultra Violet." In Europe (sans United Kingdom where the album was never released) it was ZYX (one of the best dance labels EVER!), and in the U.S., it was a predominantly country label Curb Records (home to Lee Ann Rimes, among others...).

The lead off single was "Every Shade of Blue". Unfortunately, besides a minor blip on the U.S. Dance Singles Chart, this single flopped, as did the album and both disappeared as quickly as they had arrived. (Personally - I love this track, and think it was clearly overlooked!)

Fans of Bananarama believe it was the lack of promotion that killed any chance of this making a splash - but the release of a CD5 with no less than 7 mixes proved that to be false. There was definitely some money spent here - with remixes by Armand Van Helden and Lenny Bertoldo.

Bananarama's latest effort "Drama" was released in 2005. They are currently on the "Here and Now Tour" in Europe. Rumour has it...(I heard a RUMOUR!!!) that they are also working on a new album to be released in fall 2008 or early 2009.

Download: "Every Shade Of Blue" CD5
Bitrate: 320kbps

Track Listing:

1. Radio Version
2. Lenny B's Radio Mix
3. Mix I Vox Hi
4. "12" Fab Four Mix For Cleveland City
5. X-tended Club Mix
6. Armands Ruffneck Mix
7. Alternative mix

and as added pleasure....the video:



and a bonus ....the remix video Vox Hi


ENJOY!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

RapidShare

Can anyone tell me why they choose to use Rapidshare as their uploading source? For the life of me - I can't understand it. personally, I think zshare is the best -

I am sincerely interested in knowing why Rapidshare is so popular....your thoughts are appriciated!

Peace.Live.Love.
JPB

See you Tuesday!

I can't believe that it has been two weeks since I have blogged! I promise to re-appear tuesday, thank you all for your patience!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Meja

Meja (pronounced May-a) had her first chart success as a member of the HiNRG group Legacy of Sound and their dance hit "Happy" in 1993.

Chart Info:
Hot Dance Music/Club Play #20
Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Single Sales #7
Billboard Hot 100 #68
Top 40 Mainstream #29

Music Video: HAPPY -Legacy of Sound

Wanting more, Meja (born Meja Anna Pernilla Beckman in Stockholm Sweden) broke out on her own hoping to capitalize on the success of her Swede-pop counterparts Ace of Base and The Cardigans. Success did happen.................IN JAPAN...........

But in the U.S. her carreer stalled. Meja released her debut CD "Seven Sisters" (1999) to little more than a Billboard mention. Though this album sold over a million copies in Japan, it failed to chart in the U.S., despite having a catchy lead-off single in "All 'Bout The Money."

Chart Info:
Top 40 Mainstream #37
Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Single Sales #36

(interestingly, Meja had more success on the Latin Radio [Latin Pop Airplay #28, Latin Tropical/Salsa Airplay #31], which helped Meja secure a duet with Ricky Martin called "Private Emotion" - produced by Desmond Child).

Download: Meja - All 'Bout The Money (The Remixes)

Bitrate: 320 Kbps

Track Listing:
1) Album Version
2) Hector's Radio Mix
3) Galaxy Of Stars Remix
4) Pierre J's Extended Version
5) DJ Zeb & Sezam's Radio Mix

An artist truly talented and truly overlooked here in the U.S. - Meja continues to make music and delight fans overseas.

Check out her Official Myspace (as her website is currently under construction).
Enjoy.

I actually dedicate this song to my Brother ....who constantly reminds me that it really is "All 'Bout The Money." (Love ya Jimmy!!)
Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Alpha Team

Released during the early techno craze in late 1992 early 1993, "Speed" is the only track from Strictly Hype Recording Artist ALPHA TEAM. Not much to the song, but definitely will remind you of clubbing in the 90's.

Chart history: Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play #43, Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Single Sales #16, Billboard Hot 100 #74.

The single can be found online selling for as much as $30.00 used.

Here is my tribute to the release of SPEED RACER: THE MOVIE out in theaters today...
Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD: SPEED - Alpha Team CD5
Bitrate: 320Kbps

Track Listing:
1) Speed (Club Mix)
2) Speed (Radio Edit)
3) Speed (Hardcore)


The Video (forewarning - the sound quality is pretty bad).



Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Bette Midler

I would have to turn in my card if I didn't give fair mention to the Divine Miss M. You just gotta love her!

In 1995, after a 5 year studio hiatus, Miss M revisited her AC sound with the wonderfully produced album "Bette of Roses (Peak position Billboard Top 200 Albums #45-but still interesting to note the RIAA certification of 2x Platinum!). Though there were many songs on this album that could have been released, Atlantic wanted something that would cross-over to the clubs. The best track, they felt, was "To Deserve You."

Interesting choice, as the song is really about a woman who believes that her one and only can't possibly love her. She pleas desperately for his love...

I would die for you.
Could you ever love me that much?
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
Yes, you tell me this,
and I want to believe that it's true.
Aah, how I want, how I want to deserve you.

Pretty heavy for a club song, right? Well, add a bit of Bette spice with a hint of Arif Mardin and Steve Skinner and PRESTO....Instant Club Success!!!

Going through my own personal struggle with break-up and relationship disaster, this song certainly allowed many a tear to flow down my cheek. To hear it at the club, helped me down another beer and dance my heart out.

I look back on this, now, older and wiser - I can visualize myself in the role of that woman (or in my case man)- wanting and deserving someones love and feeling as if I could not possibly ever be worthy.....it was telling...it was truthful....haunting if I might say...and extremely sad as well.

Then I was able to understand. I was worthy, I was deserving...no more wanting necessary! 1995 was a period of transition in my life, I began to grow up. I was that person singing "How I want to deserve you...." to being the man I am today singing...."I am what I am...." and being loved for that just the same...! I realized that my "want" to be loved was not the same as actually "being" loved. It can't be forced, it can't be wished...it just has TO BE. I had to love myself enough to know it would happen, but not on my terms....but in time....and it did.

Download: To Deserve You CD5

Bitrate: 320Kbps

Track Listing:
1) Arif's Dance Radio Mix
2) Bonzai Club Mix
3) Bonzai's "Die 4" Mix
4) Arif's Club Mix
5) MK Mix
6) Album Version

Video Fun....
To Deserve You - Album Version


To Deserve You - Club Mix

Peace. Love. Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Kim Richey

By accident - you come across an artist that just "grabs" you. Kim Richey is one of those artists. A native of Ohio (go Buckeyes!), Kim Richey (more famous as a songwriter for artists like Trisha Yearwood and Lorrie Morgan) was destined (for me) to end up in my pile of artists that I would eventually get to but never do. Then I was introduced to the song "Come Around"

Released by Mercury Nashville in 1999, "Come Around" was supposed to be the lead-off single for Richey's 3rd album "Glimmer"....but for some reason (at the last minute) was replaced by "The Way It Never Was." Neither song charted. So much for promotion.

A departure from her previous two albums, "Glimmer" focused more on a popular sound - a way for her to break out as an artist. Well, for some reason it didn't work......while Ms. Richey's first two albums managed to make the Top Country Album Chart (72 and 53), "Glimmer" didn't chart at all, and now the CD is out of print. But thankfully you can still download the full length CD on Itunes.

If you are into singer/songwriters with a Sam Phillips flair- you need to check out this artist.




DOWNLOAD: "Come Around" Advance CD Single

Bitrate: 320Kbps

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: The Human League

80's new wave/synthpop band The Human League was ready to reclaim their position as an international sensation when they released their 7th full-length album "Octopus". It was a re-birth of sorts, as The Human League had been released from their long-term contract with Virgin Records after the album"Romantic?"** failed to garner a single hit ("Heart Like A Wheel" managed to reach #32 on the Billboard Hot 100).

With a new record label, East/West, The Human League was ready explode back on the music charts. The lead off single from "Octopus" was a catchy upbeat song reminiscent of their earlier work in the 1980s (prior to "Human"). "Tell Me When" was a return to their roots, so to speak, with a more mature approach to song lyric and more attention to the musical layering. Originally recorded as a demo in 1991 for Virgin records (who promptly rejected the song before releasing the band of their contract), Philip Oakey was determined to make this the focal point of a new album.

The video, filmed entirely in Prague, also provided proof of a more mature message the rich scenery replaced the substantive 80's flair. "Tell Me When" went on to reach #6 on the UK Singles Chart, #31 on Billboard Hot 100, #15 on Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play and was their biggest chart success in 9 years.

Unfortunately, The Human League was unable to repeat the success with their follow-up singles "One Man In My Heart," and "Filling Up With Heaven" (both failed to chart in the US but "One Man In My Heart" managed a Top 20 showing in the UK). With the music industry beginning to show signs of weakening, East/West Records went through a roster shake-up resulting in The Human League without a recording deal.

Download: "Tell Me When" CD5

Bitrate: 320Kbps




**A side note - the failure of "Romantic?" and the loss of the record contract with Virgin Records almost doomed The Human League, but a stubborn and extremely positive Joanne Catherall managed to keep the group together.. (and they are still together in 2008!)

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Hal

Capitalizing on the electronic/ambient craze of the mid-to-late 90's, and coming off her extreme popularity as Agent Scully on the X-Files, Gillian Anderson lends her sensual voice as the back drop for this rare track by Hal.

Not only did Gillian lend her vocal talents to this track, she personally selected all of the songs featured on the release, "Future: A Journey Through The Electronic Underground." This 2CD set was a collection of music inspired by the BBC television Future Fantastic,(which Gillian hosted).

"Extremis" was the first track released. Interestingly - Hal was virtually unknown in the electronic/ambient movement, whereas William Orbit, Brian Eno, Chemical Brothers, and Air all had some name recognition...Sometimes you must wonder why labels choose the lead-off tracks they do?





DOWNLOAD: Hal featuring Gillian Anderson "Extremis" CD5
Bitrate: 320Kps

So enjoy a piece of 90's obscure electronica!

For an added bonus - here is the video!.....all I can say is it puts new meaning to the term "cyber sex".....!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Do You Remember? 90's Edition

2000 Malibu Road
Aired Wednesdays 9pm on CBS...first airdate 08/23/1992 ...last airdate 09/09/1992

I could have loved this show...! Drew Berrymore, Jennifer Beals, Lisa Hartman, and (ohhhhhhhhhh) Brian Bloom (hotttttt)!!!

Do you think there is a chance we will ever see this on DVD????

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Sunday Edition

Well, as promised I am bringing you more, more, more. As many of you know (but most of you don't....) I love music. It truly is my passion. I was lucky enough to spend many years in the music industry (until it all came crashing down)...and honestly have to say that I had found my "dream" job. Well - reality hits pretty hard - and even though I am no longer in the industry - I continue with my passion. So much so that I began to create mix CD's. For my own purposes - yes - but I did pass them out to family and friends from time to time.... My mix CD's are similar in nature to those wonderful 80's mix tapes we used to all make. No way professional, but full of music we certainly love.

In my mind (and boy does it work overtime sometimes) I created my own music label...(as you will see below), and created graphics for my CD's....ok, maybe I took it a bit far - but I was having fun!

This Mix CD is the 2nd in a series titled "Illicit Material Enclosed"

DOWNLOAD: DJ CatchR Present's: Illicit Material Enclosed II
Bitrate: 320Kbps





I converted the file to RAR so I could upload the entire file at once (I really got sick of doing it one by one...).....if anyone has trouble with unzipping - you can download a free unzip program called Rarzilla

So let the music play. Enjoy.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Meco

1977 was a banner year if you were a young boy like myself. Star Wars! What boy didn't go see this like a bizillion times?? I know I must have begged my mom to let me go see it every weekend - I even tried very hard to be good!

Along with the delicious memory of watching Luke Skywalker rescue Princess Leia, I fondly remember the musical score. Amazingly (or maybe not so), a genius of an artist (or maybe not), came up with an idea to make a disco version of the Star Wars Theme.

I remember this being my favorite song for a very long time - and Hippo Records finally re-released the track in 1999.

Meco's original claim to fame was as co-producer for Gloria Gaynor's "Never Can Say Goodbye" in 1974. His brilliant idea, was founded in a keen obsession with all things "Star Wars." His obsession lead to the re-working of John Williams' masterful score into a campy disco version. "Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band" made it all the way to #1 (Billboard Pop Singles Chart) and #8 (Billboard Black Singles Chart) in June-July 1977.

Meco went on to do disco covers of other memorable film scores like, "The Wizard of Oz," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and "The Empire Strikes Back."

STAR WARS AND OTHER GALACTIC FUNK

1) Star Wars (a. Title Theme, b. Imperial Attack, c. The Desert & The Robot Auction, d. The Princess Appears, e. The Land of the Sand People, f. Princess Leia's Theme, g. Cantina Band, h. The Last Battle, i. The Throne Room & End Title)

2) Other Galactic Funk

3) Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band (7" Edit)
4) Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band (Promotional Only DJ 12" Mix)

Bitrate: 320 Kbps

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

I'll Be Back! Tomorrow!

Thank you all for your kind words, and your concern! I have been super busy lately with life - something had to give. I really don't want my blog to suffer! I just need to budget my time a bit better so that I don't lose my audience! (PLEASE TELL ME YOU ARE STILL OUT THERE!!!).....

I have been spending my time working out at the gym (noble I know!) and I plan to make my transformation a part of a future blog entry - so watch for it.

For my amends, I will be linking some great songs I found while perusing my collection - some I am sure you will all enjoy and remember! That will be coming in the next few days.

Then it will be off to my mom's for her birthday - not sure how much I will be able to contribute during the weekend. Then back for the workweek ....with a few more interesting tidbits that you will be happy to have tuned in for!

In the meantime, please accept my sincerest apologies - know that I am well...just super duper busy!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

A Sad Day, Indeed

Hot off the presses....and I am depressed!!!!!




Jericho Cancelled Again
It's the end of the road for the resurrected series.
by Eric Goldman
March 21, 2008 - Last year Jericho got a lot of attention when CBS cancelled the series, only for the fans to rally behind it. The ensuing "nuts" campaign was a very impressive one, and resulted in the series achieving the incredibly rare feat of being un-cancelled, as CBS renewed it for a seven episode second season.

Unfortunately for Jericho fans however, the publicity surrounding the show's resurrection didn't result in increased ratings for Season 2, leaving its fate very much in doubt once again. And indeed, CBS has now announced that this coming Tuesday's Season 2 finale will serve as a series finale.


CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler has released the following statement:

"The March 25th episode of Jericho will be the series finale. Without question, there are passionate viewers watching this program; we simply wish there were more. We thank an engaged and spirited fan base for keeping the show alive this long, and an outstanding team of producers, cast and crew that went through creative hoops to deliver a compelling, high quality second season. We have no regrets bringing the show back for a second try. We listened to our viewers, gave the series an opportunity to grow, and the producers put a great story on the screen. We're proud of everyone's efforts."

It had previously been revealed that two different endings were shot for the Season 2 finale - one to be used if the show was coming back, one if it was not. Clearly the producers will now be using the more definitive ending version.



I guess it would be too much to ask for another network to pick this GREAT show up.....and cable - from everything I am hearing, this show is way too expensive to produce for a cable network to pic it up....(SCIFI???? CAN YOU HEAR ME?????)

Tonight's episode is the final episode. Luckily I have the first season on DVD and the second season Tivo'd.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Bush= Buffoon: A ludicrous or bumbling person; a fool.

I know I talk a lot about the Prez, and what a real boor (a crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement)he is. I am sure one day the history books will reflect what is the sad truth - he IS the WORST President EVER.

That being said, I would just love to leave you with a quote from GEORGIE talking about his "job" as President of the United States.....



"In this job you've got a lot on you plate on a regular basis; you don't have much time to sit around and wander, lonely, in the Oval Office, kind of asking different portraits, 'How do you think my standing will be?'"

-George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., March 16, 2005.

WHAT?????? What????? Are you serious???? I challenge you, my readers, to make sense of this.....what does that statement SAY to you?




308 DAYS LEFT AND COUNTING......!!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

TV on the Internet .....FOR FREE

I was reading the USA Today a few days ago in my hotel room (yeah, I actually picked up a paper and got my hands filthy with print ink!!!) and I came across an article about a new website that is offering television shows and movies for free....

I thought - I don't want to be caught up in some illegal downloading thing - but decided to check it out - and wouldn't you know it...it's LEGIT!!!

The major television and movie studios have utilized this "network" to promote their shows on DVD (I would assume) and offer a variety of shows....I personally got caught up watching episodes of Charlie's Angels as I was working on my taxes last night (no - they aren't done yet!!!)

But it helped pass the time.

I also thought about my sister Jodi...she doesn't own a TV...(I know...I know...) It's ok though, I have enough TV's in my house for about 5 people.....(I am a junkie). I give her mad props for being able to avoid the boob-tube. But even my dear sister has fits about not having a television - and this site can help - you can browse til your heart's content!
For action .....The A-team, Heroes, Charlie's Angels, Chuck - and the list goes on...

So here is my gift to you! ALL of my wonderful readers!

Visit HULU NOW!!!
Enjoy!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Sorry about the delay.....

So, even though I promised that I would spend more time "blogging" - I find myself having a difficult time getting it done.

I must say that the gym has taken the front seat (as I prepare for my 20th reunion in August)...I am trying my darnedest to be the best I can be and i am having a whole lot of fun doing it. It is amazing to me the transformation in my body shape....I just love that hard work can pay off at the gym.

The interesting thing is that I don't spend HOURS a day there - nope - just 1 to 1 1/2 hours per day for 5 days a week.....focused workouts and cardio where I monitor my heart-rate to be sure I zone correctly.... My optimal fat burning heart rate is 124 and I reach Zone 3 at 133. Knowing these two key elements (and having a rocking Polar Heart Rate Monitor) has made the difference! I am shrinking inches and putting on muscle....WIN WIN....I never thought I would be a gym rat - but I gotta tell you - it is ADDICTING....

Considering that I no longer have any bad habits (I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs) I must honestly say that I am healthier today than at any point in my adult life!

My advice - it's never too late...all it takes is about 3 weeks of making it a habit - and seeing some immediate results and then your own will power will take it from there....

So here's to a healthier way of life!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

David Hernandez: REVEALED

VOTE FOR THE NUDE STRIPPER ON AMERICAN IDOL.

Just in case you didn't know - David gave lap dances to a mostly male clientele at a strip joint. These lap dances were done completely naked!

Hmmmm......I can't wait for the clothes to come off!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

R.I.P. Lawrence King

I am too upset to write on this right now.

Lawrence, you are in God's hands now, sweet child. I mourn your loss, even though I didn't know you.

I promise to write on this later. In the meantime, please follow this link

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB