Uncanny

PR INSIDE Gregg Jokobson, who co-wrote and co-produced the original album, says, "I always said, 'Taylor, you sound just like Dennis.' Taylor is just a natural. He came in, he did the vocal within an hour and I really think he knocked it out of the park."

STREETINSIDER WHO: Music legend Brian Wilson and Capitol / EMI executives

WHAT: Brian Wilson global announcements at Capitol Records in Hollywood

WHEN: Monday, May 19, 10am PT (media check-in begins at 9:30am)

WHERE: Capitol Records (1750 N. Vine St., Hollywood, CA 90028)

DETAILS: Brian Wilson will be joined by Capitol / EMI executives for major announcements at Capitol Records. Wilson will address the media at Capitol's entrance, followed by B-roll ops with Wilson on Capitol's rooftop, offering a stunning Los Angeles backdrop including the 'HOLLYWOOD' sign in the hills.

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THE VELVET UNDERGROUND
DISPATCHES FROM THE DREAM FACTORY

3CD, Scorpio, GBS9

Disc 1: Erupting Plastic Inevitable: 1. Walk Alone / 2. Miss Joanie Lee / 3. Heroin / 4. There She Goes Again II / 5. Get It On Time / 6. I'll Keep It With Mine / 7. European Son/Susie Q / 8. Heroin / 9. Venus In Furs / 10. Waiting For The Man / 11. European Son / 12. All Tomorrows Parties / 13. Heroin / 14. Venus In Furs / 15. The Ostrich.

1-4: rehearsals, Andy Warhol's Factory, New York City NY, January 3, 1966 / 5: rehearsals, Andy Warhol's Factory, New York City, NY, March 7, 1966 / 6-7: Film-Makers' Cinematheque, New York City NY, February 6, 1966 / 8-12: Scepter Studios, New York City, NY, April 1966 / 13-14: Poor Richard's, Chicago IL, June 23, 1966 / 15: The Primitives 45, 1964.

Disc 2: The VU From The Bandstand: 1. I'm Not A Young Man Anymore / 2. Waiting For The Man / 3. Run Run Run / 4. Sister Ray / 5. Sweet Sister Ray.

1-4: Gymnasium, New York City NY, April 1967 / 5: La Cave, Cleveland OH, April 28, 1968.

Disc 3: Warlocks Decapitating: 1. We're Gonna Have A Real Good Time Together / 2. Ride Into The Sun / 3. Sweet Jane / 4. I Can't Stand It / 5. Sweet Bonnie Brown / 6. It's Just Too Much / 7. Heroin / 8. Some Kinda Love / 9. Sweet Bonnie Brown II / 10. Lisa Says / 11. That's The Story Of My Life / 12. Candy Says / 13. Jesus / 14. Sunday Morning / 15. Waiting For The Man / 16. White Light/White Heat / 17. Ocean.

1-2: demos, late 1969 / 3-10: rehearsals recorded either at the Matrix or Family Dog, San Francisco CA, November 1969 / 11-14: End of Cole Ave. Dallas TX, October 18, 1969 (original first generation transfer) / 15-16: San Francisco CA, Novemver 11, 1969 / 17: Lou Reed demo, Winter 1970.

This set looks absolutely incredible. I can't wait to get ahold of this sucker.

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VILLAGE VOICE “To describe Russell's music in a single phrase or paragraph is nigh on impossible. When making dance sides, he fused Indian, African, reggae, jazz, and funk rhythms into a beguiling and pliant blend that defied categorization yet filled dance floors, becoming a staple at the Loft, Nicky Siano's Gallery, and Larry Levan's Paradise Garage during disco's heyday. His modern compositions, made among peers like Glass, Steve Reich, and Rhys Chatham, were minimal yet highly lyrical: One set of work, entitled Instrumentals, hints at his underlying pop sensibilities. In the '80s, the art songs he recorded (appearing as World of Echo and Another Thought) were beatless and beatific affairs, as if resounding from unfathomable depths courtesy of oceans of reverb and echo, which bathed his singular voice and cello playing.”

Allen Ginsberg on Arthur Russell: "There was something that he exuded that was both delicate, exquisite-minded, and youthful, and at the same time oddly reticent."

From an internal Warner Bros. memo written by a befuddled record executive: "Who knows what this guy is up to—you figure it out."

AUDIKA RECORDS plans to issue a set of cowboy/folk tunes in September

ALL ABOUT JAZZ

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ALL ABOUT JAZZ “He also worked with Brian Wilson on the making of Pet Sounds, the classic 1966 album by the Beach Boys.”

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SWITCHED What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set?

I always travel with my MacBook and tons of DVD's. I plug in my Apple Airport Express in order to be wireless in hotel rooms. I video chat via AIM/AOL with my four sons when I'm touring in the Beach Boys world of wonder. I suppose I should add an iPod one of these days but I'm always playing my iTunes while I work on my MacBook (listening through very cool Bose noise cancellation headphones).

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I have a reliable clunky low tech and steam-powered year-old Nokia....I can talk, text, pick up messages and not take fuzzy pictures....Perfect for an old surf guy.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

My recent text was from my 25 year old son Justin telling me about his new job in corporate strategic planning at a major Las Vegas hotel group (recent MBA paid for by Dad's surf music career...Thanks Mike & Brian!). One more thing: Justin also texted me to send him money for unforeseen 'expenses.'

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?

I go to AOL to see if I still have a friend or two & then I camp out on Google (the world's Ouija board!).

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop (or any other gadget)?

I love having an iPod...I dislike dropped cell phone calls...but I wish I could marry AOL & also marry my MacBook! I'm not really annoyed at much except for having to choose between a Democrat and Republican soon! Hmmm....I should probably write in Christina Aguilera on the ballot.

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop (any gadget) could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish my technology could help me figure out a way to create a workable and realistic U.S. flat tax.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

I'd like a gear in my car that says "Home, no tickets" after a vodka martini.

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

Stranded on a desert island? I'd have a water maker, sun block, and a satellite phone (powered by solar cells). Also, I'd have a surfer girl there to keep me company.

Tell us what's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

As I'm still without an iPod but listening to iTunes...anything recorded after 1954 by Frank Sinatra is always at the top of my playlist. Remember, I was born before guys wore untucked dress shirts and used four letter words in front of girls. FYI: I also check out tunes on AOL Radio.

BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

A Blackberry, Sidekick, or Treo won't be in my life 'cuz my fingers are too large and my eyes require atomic glasses these days.

Are you getting an iPhone-if so, why?

Not yet. I kinda like using my cell phone but I also chat over AIM/AOL via camera or voice on my MacBook. For now that's all I really need.

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

I do not play video games. I'm usually working with ProTools and the MacBook in my studio trying to chase one last elusive songwriting hit before I retire to only surfing (and I'm serious about the waves).

THE SPECTRUM

PITCHFORK only gives them a 6.7 out of ten. This album is much better than that.

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