Meet the UK-based guitar rock band, Viva Brother. Their sound is a mixture of Oasis and Blur, but the band is also influenced by The Smiths and The Rolling Stones. They’re signed to A&M/Octone Records, also home to Maroon 5, and released their full-length debut, FAMOUS FIRST WORDS last August. Watch their video for “Darling Buds of May” above and if you like what you hear be sure to check out videos from their tour with UK indie-rockers, The Wombats here.

BANDWDTH Publishing, in conjunction with the George Harrison Estate, announces the release of a special iPad app celebrating the guitarist and his historical guitar collection. The Guitar Collection: George Harrison iPad app will be released through iTunes on February 23, two days before Harrison’s birthdate.

The app brings George Harrison’s private guitar collection to life through photographs, detailed descriptions, audio, and video footage. Fans will be able to examine Harrison’s private guitar collection, through personal audio recordings from Harrison himself as he introduces many of the guitars and plays sections of songs.

Fans will also learn every detail of the guitar collection including the origin of the guitar, how it became a part of his collection, any modifications done to it and its importance in his collection. Sounds pretty cool, right? Fans of George and The Beatles will be able to purchase the app  for $9.99 at the Apple App Store on February 23rd. Watch the video above to get an inside look of the app before it is released.

The Wanted consists of Max George, Jay McGuiness, Siva Kaneswaran, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes. Watch their first live American TV performance above where they performed their hit single ‘Glad You Came’ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. They will also be performing 10 US shows during January and February. Tour dates below:

JAN 17  Orlando                                The Social
JAN 20  Washington DC                 Rock N Roll Hotel
JAN 22  New York                            Irving Plaza
JAN 24  Philadelphia                        Theatre of Living Arts
JAN 26  Chicago                                 Bottom Lounge
JAN 27  Minneapolis                       Fine Line
JAN 31  Dallas                                     Prophet Bar
FEB 2     Salt Lake City                      Club Sound
FEB 7     San Diego                            HOB
FEB 8     Los Angeles                        The Roxy

MxPx will be releasing their new album, Plans Within Plans, through MRI/Rock City Recording Company within the U.S. and Canada on April 3, 2012. The album will feature 13-tracks and will also be available in Japan (Bullion Records), Europe/UK (Flix Records) and Australia/New Zealand (El Shaddai Records).

Part of the labor behind the hard work and life of a band is referenced within the album title, Plans Within Plans. “I struggled with this album title for a long time,” explains vocalist and bassist, Mike Herrera. “I had been recording this album in between tours and booking tours, studio sessions, and trying to live somewhat of a normal life. Life got in the way of that. Plans Within Plans was the only way I could describe all the mayhem that was going on behind the scenes of putting this collection of brand new songs together.”

Hollywood Records has announced the signing of American Idol Season 10 finalist Stefano Langone.

Stefano began singing and playing piano during childhood in his hometown of Kent, Washington. His talent was such that Bellevue College granted him a full-ride scholarship.  In 2009, Stefano’s life was nearly cut short after being hit by a drunk driver. The accident left him with two broken arms, a fractured pelvis and other life-threatening injuries. With a murky prognosis, Stefano was wheelchair-bound for months. The accident only made Stefano stronger and more determined to fulfill his dreams of walking and playing piano again, and, ultimately, to become a recording artist.  Fast-forward to Season 10 of American Idol, and Stefano was well on his way.

While on American Idol, Stefano was a clear favorite of new judge Jennifer Lopez as her “wild-card” pick, and his performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Lately” brought her to tears.

This past summer, Stefano was on the American Idol tour and once the tour finished his management at 19 Entertainment team set out to secure Stefano a record deal and found their home with Hollywood Records. Stefano has nothing but high praise and excitement about working with Hollywood Records. “I feel blessed to have gotten this opportunity with Hollywood Records,” he said. “I think it is a great fit for me and I’m so excited and hungry for what’s to come”.

If you are not an American Idol fan then watch Stefano perform Grenade by Bruno Mars below to see what all the fuss is about.

New North American dates have just been added to A Day To Remember’s Spring 2012 U.S. tour with Rise Against.  Tickets are on sale now.

A DAY TO REMEMBER Tour Dates with RISE AGAINST:

Jan 17, 2012            Austin Music Hall, Austin, TX, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Jan 18, 2012            Illusions Theater at Alamodome, San Antonio, TX, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Jan 21, 2012            UCF ARENA, Orlando, FL, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Jan 22, 2012            Township Auditorium, Columbia, SC, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Jan 24, 2012            CONSTANT CONVOCATION CENTER, Norfolk, VA, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Jan 26, 2012            Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, Kent, OH, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Jan 27, 2012            UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Jan 29, 2012            Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Jan 30, 2012            MID HUDSON CIVIC CENTER, Poughkeepsie, NY, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Feb 1, 2012 Tsongas Arena, Lowell, MA, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Feb 3, 2012 NASSAU VETERNS MEMORIAL COLISEUM, Uniondale, NY, US
w/ Rise Against, Glassjaw,The Menzingers

Feb 4, 2012 SUSQUEHANNA BANK CENTER, Camden , NJ, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Feb 5, 2012 Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA, US
w/ Rise Against, The Menzingers

Apr 15, 2012           Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

Apr 16, 2012           Rabo Bank Arena, Bakersfield, CA, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

Apr 17, 2012           SJSU EVENTS CENTER, San Jose, CA, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

Apr 19, 2012           ShoWare Center, Kent, WA, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

Apr 20, 2012           Century Link Arena, Boise, ID, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

Apr 21, 2012           SALTAIR PAVILLION, Salt Lake City, UT, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

Apr 23, 2012           Santa Ana Star Center, Rio Rancho, NM, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

Apr 26, 2012           Verizon Wireless Music Center, Pelham, AL, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

Apr 27, 2012           St. Augustine Amphitheater, St. Augustine, FL, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

Apr 28, 2012           Sunset Cove Ampitheater, Boca Raton, FL, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

Apr 30, 2012           Green Iguana Stadium, Tampa, FL, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

May 1, 2012            The Masquerade, Atlanta, GA, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

May 2, 2012            Time Warner Cable Uptown, Charlotte, NC, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

May 4, 2012            The Lawn at Riverbend Music, Indianapolis, IN, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

May 5, 2012            PNC Pavilion At Riverbend Music, Cincinnati, OH, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

May 6, 2012            Tribune Total Media Amphitheater, Pittsburgh, PA, US
w/ Rise Against, Title Fight

May 6, 2012            Trib Total Media Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

May 8, 2012            New York State Fair, Syracuse, NY, US
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

May 10, 2012         AIR CANADA CENTRE, Toronto, ON, CA
w/Rise Against, Title Fight

“Adelaide”

Awhile back we posted about Doctor Rosen Rosen’s EP, GIRLS which features Meg Myers. They have teamed up again for Meg’s debut album with Doctor Rosen Rosen producing and co-writing a couple of tracks. Meg has that addictive haunting quality in her voice. Definitely check out “Monster” and “Adelaide” above if you are fans of Fiona Apple and Alanis Morrisette.

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

Insomniac had the right idea when they decided to create a documentary concert film of the Electric Daisy Carnival. If you have ever been to EDC you know what I mean. I attended EDC last year where it was moved to Las Vegas and let me tell you it was the craziest concert experience I have been to and I have been to quite a number of shows in my lifetime. There is no other concert like it and although other festivals may try they won’t be able to accomplish what Insomniac has. EDC manages to produce the top DJs in the world every year.

EDCE features performances from the following (in alphabetical order): 12^th Planet, Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Benny Benassi, Boys Noize, David Guetta, Deadmau5, DJ AM, Fedde Le Grand, Kaskade, Laidback Luke, Moby, MSTRKRFT, Simian Mobile Disco, Steve Aoki, Swedish House Mafia, Travis Barker X A-Trak and will.i.am. All of the performances are from 2009 and 2010 when EDC was at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

They begin by giving the background of EDC and the creator of Insomiac Events, Pasquale Rotella. This is followed by interviews with industry insiders and some of the dance performers who you see on stage and all around the carnival. In between concert performances there are also interviews with many of the performers. Some interviews include: Kaskade, BT, will.i.am, Fedde Le Grand, Travis Barker, A-Trak, Steve Aoki, Swedish House Mafia and 12^thPlanet. Keep in mind this is a documentary, so if you just wanted a concert DVD to play in the background of your place this won’t work.

Kerslake was presumably chosen to direct because of his background in directing music videos and documentaries for The Ramones, Green Day, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rise Against. Nothing compares to the actual experience, but he was still able to capture the essence of EDC. I also really liked the inclusion of the DJ AM performance as I never got the chance to see him perform live. In fact, the Electric Daisy Carnival Experience concert documentary is dedicated to him.

Overall, if you have never attended EDC or you have and want a way to relive the experience then you will definitely want to pick this up on iTunes or on Video on Demand.

Neil Diamond
The Very Best of Neil Diamond – The Original Studio Recordings

When you think of legendary singer-songwriters, Neil Diamond will always be on the list. Even though he began in the 60s his music continues to thrive. Fans have been waiting for the day to get a hold of a compilation that includes singles from all of the record labels he has recorded with over the years and that was not possible until now.

There are 23 hit recordings featured on this compilation. The entire track listing includes: 1. Forever In Blue Jeans, 2. Beautiful Noise, 3. Love On The Rocks, 4. Cherry, Cherry, 5. I Am…I Said, 6. Sweet Caroline, 7. Cracklin’ Rosie, 8. Play Me, 9. I’m A Believer, 10. Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon, 11. Holly Holy, 12. Solitary Man, 13. Song Sung Blue, 14. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, 15. Hello Again, 16. Red, Red Wine, 17. If You Know What I Mean, 18. Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show, 19. Pretty Amazing Grace, 20. Kentucky Woman, 21. Shilo, 22. America and 23. Hell Yeah.

Keep in mind these are hit singles he has released over a span of nearly five decades. Of course Neil has had a plethora of hits, but the tracks chosen for this compilation covers more than you can ask for. Fans will be happy to see singles from “The Jazz Singer”, unforgettable hits such as “Sweet Caroline” and “Cherry Cherry” and a personal favorite, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”, a duet with Barbra Streisand.

The mastering is phenomenal. It is hard to believe that these are tracks that were recorded ages ago and on multiple record labels. The consistency of the sound levels is so impressively crisp that you can feel the songs come alive like they were intended to.

One of the coolest aspects that set this compilation apart from others is the liner notes that Neil wrote. He goes through each track retelling a significant story or inspiration for that song. It is far better than just having the obligatory Thank You’s and lyrics. Clearly this release was very special to Neil and he wanted to make it even more special for his fans.

The Very Best of Neil Diamond: The Original Studio Recordings is a needed addition for all the die-hard fans and of course the new fans who have been introduced to a true classic musical artist. Not only is this The Very Best of Neil Diamond, but it will also be the very best compilation in your collection.

Track listing on Punk Goes Pop Volume 4 includes: 1. Pierce The Veil – “Just The Way You Are” (originally by Bruno Mars) , 2. Tonight Alive – “Little Lion Man” (originally by Mumford & Sons), 3. Woe, Is Me – “Last Friday Night” (originally by Katy Perry), 4. The Ready Set – “Roll Up” (originally by Wiz Khalifa), 5. Sleeping With Sirens – “F**k You” (originally by Cee Lo Green), 6. Go Radio – “Rolling In The Deep” (originally by Adele), 7. For All Those Sleeping – “You Belong With Me” (originally by Taylor Swift), 8. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! – “We R Who We R” (originally by Ke$ha) , 9. A Skylit Drive – “Love the Way You Lie” (originally by Eminem and Rihanna) , 10. Allstar Weekend – “Yeah 3X” (originally by Chris Brown), 11. I See Stars – “Till The World Ends” (originally by Britney Spears) , 12. Silverstein – “Runaway” (originally by Kanye West and Pusha T), and 13. The Downtown Fiction – “Super Bass” (originally by Nicki Minaj).

Hands down my favorite cover on this volume is “Rolling In The Deep” by Go Radio. It still holds the true essence of the song, but yet they managed to make it all their own. I will admit this track was seriously on repeat until I forced myself to continue listening to the rest. Other notable tracks include: “Just The Way You Are” (Pierce The Veil), “F**K You” (Sleeping With Sirens), “Yeah 3x” (Allstar Weekend), “Till the World Ends” (I See Stars) and “Super Bass” (The Downtown Fiction).

This is definitely not my favorite edition of Punk Goes Pop, but it’s not mediocre either. I would have loved to see more well-known bands like in previous editions. In Volumes 1-3 I knew almost all, if not all, of the bands featured. When newer bands are introduced, the first song you want to hear from them is an original song not a cover. Also, it kills the curiosity you have when wanting to hear what your favorite punk bands come up with when covering a pop song.

Overall, there are some good covers on Volume 4, but if you’re hoping it will exceed previous volumes you may be disappointed. However, Punk Goes Pop Volume 4 is still worth getting if not just for the tracks by Go Radio, The Downtown Fiction and Allstar Weekend.