Launched in 1991 as a folk-based acoustic duo, Vertical Horizon gradually molded itself into a slick pop/rock outfit, culminating in the band's brief (but significant) heyday at the turn of the 21st century. Matt Scannell and Keith Kane first performed together at Georgetown University, where the two undergraduates honed their harmonized vocals at parties and local coffeehouses. Shortly after graduation, they relocated to Boston to record a debut LP, 1992's There and Back Again, and returned to their native D.C. after the album's release. They later crossed paths with Jackopierce, another acoustic rock act, and the two groups soon launched a multi-week package tour that introduced Vertical Horizon to a wider audience.

Backup musicians were hired to fill out Vertical Horizon's evolving sound, and a tour alongside the Dave Matthews Band proved to be especially fortuitous, as drummer Carter Beauford -- a newfound fan of the band -- agreed to handle percussion duties on the sophomore effort Running on Ice. Bassist Sean Hurley and drummer Ed Toth were added to the lineup in 1996, thus making Vertical Horizon a permanent four-piece, and 1997's Live Stages captured the quartet's strength in concert. Such momentum wasn't lost on the major labels, and RCA ultimately offered the group a contract as the '90s drew to a close.

Vertical Horizon reissued its three previous LPs after signing with RCA, and the band's major-label debut, Everything You Want, followed in July 1999. The album went double platinum on the success of the title track (a number one hit) and three additional singles, and Vertical Horizon supported its release with a string of American and European tour dates. Although originally intending to issue a follow-up album in late 2002, the bandmates struggled with their representation at RCA, and ultimately left the label after Go's release in September 2003. A new contract was inked with Hybrid Recordings in 2005, but Toth left the band that same year, with the band continuing to work on a new release in his absence. Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide

Download Vertical Horizon - Best I Ever Had

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Few bands get to the top and drop out so fast as Helloween. Their career is characterized by ups, downs, disappearances, new members, name changes and a lot of critics.

The band started in end of '70's (1978 to be precise), when Kai Hansen and Peter Sielck formed a band named Gentry, with some guest musicians. Two years later, they decide to invite two new members in the band: Markus Grosskopf on bassist and Ingo Schwichtenberg on drums. And with the new members they changed their name to Second Hell.

The band still wasn't satisfied with their new name, so in '82 they changed it again to Iron Fist. At that time, Kai Hansen was trying to bring a new guitarist to his project. It was Michael Weikath, who came from an unknown band named Powerfool. They then changed their name again and finally to Helloween.

After two years full of rehearsals and a few gigs, they were finally invited to record two songs for a collection named "Death Metal", which in spite of the name it had nothing to do with the style. They recorded "Metal Invaders" (their first hit) and "Oernst of Life". The second one was in fact an old composition from Weikath's last band. Recently this music was re-released in a double CD named "12 years in Noise", from their first label, Noise Records.

In their self-named first mini-LP, released in '85, the vocals were done by Kai Hansen, who also sang in their first album, "Walls of Jericho", But Hansen couldn't sing and play guitar at the same time, and they invited Michael Kiske to join the band. As everybody knows, this was the perfect decision, 'cause Michael Kiske's amazing voice and charisma got Helloween to the top all over the world.

With this formation, the band released their masterpieces, "Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt. I and II". But in the beginning of the '90's, they rann in to some serious problems First, guitarist/vocalist/mentor Kai Hansen left the band, alleging tours fatigue. Kai formed another band some months later, Gamma Ray. Then, Michael Kiske got involved with an obscure religion, and started a lot of misunderstanding with the other members.

But surely the worst episode happened with drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg, who had some schizophrenic hereditary problems. Before a show in Japan, he dropped on the floor and started to cry compulsively. While touring, he used to become very depressed, and then this was compounded by euphoric moments caused by cocaine use. Everybody knows how this story ended: Ingo commit suicide. With all these problems, it becomes obvious why the next few albums didn't have a good repercussion. The band started a fight with labels, and according to Weikath, Noise didn't paid then what they should have, EMI fired them, and even nowadays they are rumors they're having problems with Castle.

After overcoming all these problems, they invited Andi Deris to replace Michi's place and Uli Kusch (ex-Gamma Ray) to the play the drums. And so, with the current formation (Deris, Kusch, Weikath, Grosskopf and Roland Grapow) they released "Master of the Rings" and tried to get back to the top. In the last year, they released "The Time of the Oath", a double-live album named "High Live".

Now, in 1998, they have just released their lastest album, "Better than Raw", wich is considered the best since Keepers. The band stays the same for the happyness of the fans. Now we will have to wait for the next album until the next milenium...

Download :

Helloween - Forever and One

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Pop Shuvit began making waves in the local music scene in late 2001. Comprising of Moots (vocals), JD (guitars), AJ (bass), Rudy (drums) and UNO (turntables), the band has had 4 successful releases under their belt and rocked fans throughout Asia notably in Japan, Thailand and Singapore. Known for their adrenaline packed live shows and eclectic blend of hip hop and rock, Pop Shuvit are being touted as Asia’s leading Hip Hop Rock band.

Their debut album ‘Take it & Shuvit’ broke new ground when their first single ‘Skaters’ Anthem’ was released exclusively on the Internet and became one of the most downloaded local songs in Malaysian music history. The hype and street buzz from the track caught the ears of ESPN, who in turn licensed the track for use in their Summer X-Games broadcast that hit millions of households worldwide. As further credit to Pop Shuvit, ESPN played their music videos and tracks off the album throughout the duration of competition.

In 2003, Pop Shuvit released “Take it & Shuvit” in Japan and became the first Malaysian band to hit the music chart in Japan. The overwhelming support from Japanese youth market ensured that all tracks of the album charted the top 20 on the Tower Records sales charts (even beating raprock luminaries like Linkin Park) without any promotion to back the album. The success of their releases in Japan led to Pop Shuvit touring the land of the rising sun in 2005 to support their sophomore release, ‘HERE & NOW’, leading to one of the most successful and talked about headlining tours for any Malaysian rock band. The album was a hard-hitting social commentary of urban culture and spurred hits like “Old Skool Rocka” and “Journey”, with the latter earning the band the 1 Song of the year on the Malaysian English Top Ten for 2005 and “Best Rock Act” at the inaugural Hitz.fm Malaysian English Top Ten Awards 2005.

Always one to go against the grain, the band released a dance remix album and a hip hop EP in 2004 and 2006 respectively. The remix of their track ‘Conversations’ from the “Shuvit Remixes” dance CD was hand picked by uber DJ Nick Warren for inclusion in pioneering UK dance music label Global Underground’s mix CD, Shanghai GU28 that peaked at 19 on the UK TOP 40 Dance Album Charts. The hip hop EP, a 4 track 12 inch vinyl release, featured collaborations with some of hip hop’s most respected emcees from around the globe including US emcees Big Pooh from Little Brother, L.E.G.A.C.Y, Cesar Comache, ZION from ZION I, Def Jam Japan’s DABO and Reggaeton duo Nitro Y Fanta from Puerto Rico.

Not resting on their laurels, Pop Shuvit’s eagerly anticipated third album, aptly titled “Amped & Dangerous” hit stores in Japan on 23 August 2006 with a later release date being planned for the Malaysian market. The 12 song set is a rollercoaster ride of crunching guitars, pounding rhythms and funked out hip hop beats and rhymes."This is essentially a guitar driven album that’s made for the mosh pit. Simply put, it rocks harder!” says skinman Rudy about the new material.Malaysian fans can expect something different as Guitarist/Producer JD hinted, “We had to think strategically this time around and only release tracks that cater for a specific market so the Japanese/Asian and Malaysian editions will be different.” The Japanese edition of the album will be released throughout Asia as an import edition so fans will still be able to obtain both copies.To top off a great 2006, Pop Shuvit walked away with the “Best Live Act” at the Annual Malaysian English Top Ten Awards 2006.Being independent, the boys understand that there is a need to diversify and take the band to the next level as frontman Moots! Pointed out, “That’s the essence of Pop Shuvit, we always do things differently and love taking risks. We want to turn Pop Shuvit into a brand name and to do this we need to branch out and spread our wings be it in music or other facets of urban culture.”

True to their word, the boys have done just that by setting up Shuvit Management and Studio 21:05 to undertake the responsibilities of band management, marketing, music publishing and music production. Based in Taman Tun, Kuala Lumpur, Studio 21:05 is a fully equipped professional recording studio owned by Pop Shuvit and run by guitarist JD who is a qualified professional audio engineer. The next step for Pop Shuvit will be the world of fashion where Pop Shuvit have already sold out 3 limited edition T-shirt designs under its “Unknown Clothing” merchandising line and are in the midst of taking its clothing line to retails stores throughout Malaysia, a testament that the band is evolving and building itself into a successful business.

1. Moots! -Vocals
   

2. Rudy - Drums
   

3. JD - Guitars/Vocals
   

4. AJ - Bass
   

5. Uno - Turntablis

READ MORE - Pop Shuvit Biography

The new-school punk trio blink-182 was formed in the suburbs of San Diego, California around guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge, bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus, and drummer Scott Raynor. Originally known as simply Blink, the band debuted in 1993 with a self-released EP, Fly Swatter. After releasing the album Buddha in 1994, the trio signed to Grilled Cheese/Cargo and released Cheshire Cat the following year. The threat of a lawsuit from a similarly named Irish band forced them to change their name to blink-182, but the group earned a higher profile touring the world with Pennywise and NOFX on the 1996-1997 Warped Tour, plus appearing on innumerable skate/surf/snowboarding videos.

The third blink-182 LP, Dude Ranch, was jointly released in 1997 by Cargo and MCA. Dude Ranch expanded the group's audience and went platinum by the end of 1998, due in part to the popularity of their infectious teen anthem, "Dammit (Growing Up)." The group also signed officially with MCA, which released the band's fourth album, Enema of the State, in the summer of 1999. The album, produced by Jerry Finn (Green Day, Rancid), also welcomed a new member into the trio's ranks; Travis Barker, formerly with the Aquabats, settled in on drums after Raynor left midway through a 1998 U.S. tour. Enema was greeted with almost immediate success, and helped the band achieve the mainstream status of toilet-humored pop-punk kings that Dude Ranch had only hinted at. Driven by the commercially successful singles "What's My Age Again?," "All The Small Things," and "Adam's Song," music videos for the three songs (whose clips included themes of streaking and boy band spoofs) were MTV smashes as well.

After selling over four million copies of Enema of the State, the trio played on with the limited-edition release The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back) in fall 2000. The album featured the band's radio hits in a live setting, intertwined with their quirky sense of humor as well as the new song "Man Overboard." Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, issued in spring 2001, saw the band return to their SoCal punk rock roots. Maturity, of a sort, came with 2003's self-titled album, released on Geffen. Not only did the album sport a song ("All of This") that featured Robert Smith of the Cure, but "I Miss You" also topped the modern rock charts in 2005.

In February 2005, however, popular as ever and seemingly indestructible, blink-182 unexpectedly announced they would be going on an "indefinite hiatus," supposedly to spend more time with their growing families. Asking fans for help in selecting tracks, the group issued Greatest Hits that November. Bandmembers also continued on with other projects: Barker -- who had previously released an album with DeLonge as Boxcar Racer -- continued playing with the Transplants and running his clothing company, Famous Stars and Straps. His family was also spotlighted in the MTV reality show Meet the Barkers. Hoppus carried on with his Atticus fashion venture, began producing -- starting with Motion City Soundtrack's Commit This to Memory -- and hosting his own podcasts. He further began work with Barker in a new band, Plus 44. DeLonge also continued work with his lifestyle clothing company, Macbeth, and formally announced his new project, Angels and Airwaves, that fall. John Bush & Corey Apar, All Music Guide

Download Blink 182 - Always

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Biography:

It all started in 1968 when Chris Curtis, an ex-Searcher, formed a group withDave Curtiss (no relation, note different spelling) on bass, Bobby Woodman-Clarke on drums and brought in ex-Artwoods organist Jon Lord (born 9 June 1941, Leicester, England) and ex-Johnny Kidd andThe Pirates bassist, Nick Simper (born 3 November 1946, Southall, Middlesex).Nick had survived the car crash that had killed Johnny Kidd in 1966. GuitaristRitchie Blackmore (born 14 April 1945, Weston-super-Mare, England) joined inrehearsals for this new act initially dubbed Roundabout. Curtis dropped outwithin days, and when Dave and Bobby also proved incompatible, two members ofMaze, Rod Evans (born 19 January 1945, Edinburgh, Scotland; vocals) and IanPaice (born 29 June 1948, Nottinghamshire; drums), replaced them.

Having adopted the Deep Purple name (apparently inspired by Ritchie'sgrandmother's favorite song) following a brief Scandinavian tour in April 1968(where they played as Roundabout, "in case they flopped"), the quintetbegan recording their debut album, which they patterned on USA group VanillaFudge. "Shades of Deep Purple" thus included dramatic rearrangementsof well-known songs, including a faithful cover of Hendrix's version of"Hey Joe" and the Joe South-penned, Billy Joe Royal hit"Hush", the latter hitting US #4 in 1968 but not troubling the UKchart-compilers one bit.

Lengthy tours ensued as the group, all but ignored at home, steadfastly courtedthe burgeoning American concert circuit. "The Book Of Taliesyn" and"Deep Purple" albums also featured several excellent reworkings,notably "Kentucky Woman" (Neil Diamond) and "River Deep MountainHigh" (Ike And Tina Turner). The lengthy intro section to "RiverDeep" was a dramatic work-out of the theme from the then recently releasedStanley Kubrick sci-fi classic film "2001: A Space Odyssey". Thispiece was based on Richard Strauss' "Thus Spake Zarathustra" and JonLord's classical leanings would soon culminate in a self-composed full-lengthwork performed at the Royal Albert Hall in September 1969.

The band also drew acclaim for their original material and the dramaticinterplay between Lord and Blackmore. In concert these guitar/organ duels couldgo on for over 20 minutes!

In July 1969 both Evans and Simper were axed from the line-up, which was thenbuoyed by the arrival of Ian Gillan (born 19 August 1945, Hounslow, Middlesex,England; vocals) and Roger Glover (born 30 November 1945, Brecon, Wales; bass)from the pop group Episode Six. Acknowledged by aficionados as the"classic" Deep Purple line-up (forever onwards known as Mark II), thereshaped quintet made its album debut on the grandiose "Concerto For GroupAnd Orchestra", scored by Lord and recorded with the Royal PhilharmonicOrchestra conducted by Malcolm Arnold (later sir Malcolm).

Its hard rock successor, "In Rock", established the group as aleading heavy metal attraction and introduced such enduring favorites as"Speed King" and "Child In Time." Gillan's powerfulsilver-throated vocals brought a third dimension to their sound and thisnew-found popularity in the UK was enhanced when the single, "BlackNight" reached number 2. "Strange Kind Of Woman" followed itinto the Top 10 (reaching #8 in Feb 1971), while "Fireball" and "Machine Head" both toppedthe album charts. The latter included the riff-laden "Smoke On TheWater", based on a real incident involving Frank Zappa and The Mothersand an infamous Montreaux concert.

Although the platinum-selling "Made In Japan" captured their liveprowess in full flight, relations within the band grew increasingly strained,and "Who Do We Think We Are!" would be the end of this highlysuccessful line-up. The departures of Gillan and Glover robbed DeepPurple of an expressive frontman and imaginative arranger, although DavidCoverdale (born 22 September 1949, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Lancashire, England;vocals) and Glenn Hughes (born 21 August 1952, Penkridge, Staffordshire;ex-Trapeze, bass & vocals) brought a new impetus to the act."Burn" and "Stormbringer" both reached the Top 10, butBlackmore grew increasingly dissatisfied with the group's direction and in May1975 left to form Rainbow. US guitarist Tommy Bolin (born 18 April 1951, SiouxCity, Idaho), formerly of the James Gang and who had impressed Coverdale withhis playing on Billy Cobham's "Spectrum", joined Deep Purple for"Come Taste The Band", but his jazz/soul style was incompatible withthe group's heavy metal sound, and a now-tiring act folded in 1976 following afarewell UK tour.

Bolin died of a heroin overdose within months of Purple's demise. Judiciousarchives and 'best of' releases kept the group in the public eye, as did thehigh profile enjoyed by its several ex-members. Successful off-shoot bandsinclude Whitesnake, Rainbow and Gillan. Pressure for a reunion bore fruit in1984 when Gillan, Lord, Blackmore, Glover and Paice (the original Mark II)completed "Perfect Strangers". A whole new generation of fansdiscovered Deep Purple through this release and subsequent US, Japaneseand European tour. A second album, "The House Of Blue Light",followed, but recurring animosity between Gillan and Blackmore resulted in thesinger's departure following the disappointing live album "Nobody'sPerfect" which included a 1988 rehearsal re-working of their first hit"Hush".

Joe Lynn Turner, one of Blackmore's many Rainbow vocalists, joined and gave theband more of an AOR (Adult-Orientated Rock) direction. After a disappointingSlaves & Masters album released in 1990 (though Fire In The Basement isclassic 70s Purple), better sense prevailed. Gillan was re-admitted for histhird stint, uncomfortably sharing stage and studio with Blackmore. The line-upremained stable while the band recorded "The Battle Rages On" albumreleased in 1993, but Blackmore jumped ship once more during the tour thatfollowed. The tour was completed courtesy of US guitar whizzkid Joe Satriani.Contractual obligations however, meant his tenure could only be short-term andPurple hurriedly enlisted Steve Morse (ex-Kansas, Dixie Dregs, The Steve MorseBand, et al) (born 28 July 1954, Hamilton, Ohio) as his replacement to recordPurpendicular released early in 1996.

Setting off on tour again, they took a fresh look at their 70s repertoire; tourhighlights were captured on the "Live at the Olympia" CD (1997) with forgottenfavorites jostling for position against new material from the "Purpendicular"set. Suddenly they felt they could have fun again, and the concerts wereenlivened by dropping old faves like "Lazy" and "SpaceTruckin'" in favour of new material and songs from the back catalogue thathad seldom if ever been played (such as "Bloodsucker", "No OneCame" and "Rat Bat Blue").

1998's "Abandon" album had all the classic rock attitude, nasty guitars, poundingdrums and driving bass to scratch that R.O.C.K. itch. The album included abrilliant reworking of "In Rock"'s "Bloodsucker" (retitled"Bludsucker") and the Floydish-style "Watching The Sky"amongst other driving rock tracks.

In 1999 Deep Purple had a very successful tour of Australia and Europe.

Jon Lord retired in 2002 and was replaced by journeyman keyboardist Don Airey. This new line-up, which left Ian Paice as the only original member, released the stunning "Bananas" album in August 2003. Both a return-to-form and a look to the future, the "Bananas" album was well-accepted by the rock community at large.

The Legend marches on...

Beginners' Guide:
Newcomers to Deep Purple with a big budget should start with the 1999 "Shades(1968-1998)" 4CD box set released by Rhino Records. Praised by criticsand fans alike as an excellent retrospective of this great band, with all theirclassic tracks as well as enough rarities to keep collectors happy.
Those of you on a tighter budget would do well to start with "Made In Japan",the 1973 live album recorded on tour in Japan in August 1972. Arguably one ofthe all-time greatest live albums ever.

In 1999 EMI released "30: The Very Best Of Deep Purple" compilation CD which isas good a retrospective on 1 CD that one can hope to find ("Child In Time" isedited though... horror!). It is also available as a double CD with more tracksand longer versions of a number of their classic singles.

Download Deep Purple - Highway Star

READ MORE - Deep Purple

SID, punk rock pioneers of Bali, were born and bred in Kuta Rock City. The band is three chord attitude-heavy young men, by name : Bobby Kool (lead vocal, guitar, a dog lover and a graphic designer) , Eka Rock (low ridin' family man, beer drinker, laid back bass and backing vocal and a warm smilin' Rock 'N Roll bandman, IT warior) , Jrx (low ridin' beer drinking Rock 'N Roll prince charming, drummer and a hairwax junkie, Bar owner)

The name 'Superman is Dead' started its' evolution from Stone Temple Pilot's "Superman Silvergun". The name moved on to "Superman is Dead" cause they like the idea that there's no such thing as a perfect person out there.
SID actually stumbled together in '95, drawn by their common love of Green Day and NOFX. Their influences soon extended to the punk 'n roll genre a la Supersuckers, Living End and Social Distortion, and here they stay. They say what they wanna say, how they wanna say it. In your face, to say it precisely.

SID public image, self described, is "Punk Rock a Bali" (think raw energy of NOFX vs Social Distortion supersonically fueled with beer-soaked Balinese Rockabilly attitude).
History ? SID produced their first three albums independently (the boys worked years of crappy night jobs), with fabulous, small scale indie labels 1997 "Case 15", 1999 "Superman is Dead", 2002 "Bad Bad Bad"(mini album, 6 tracks).

In March 2003, SID finally signed with Sony-BMG Indonesia after extended negotiations regarding their right to sing the majority of their tracks in English and have full artistic rights over their 'image'!! With that decision they single handedly became the first band from Bali to be invited to sign with a major recording label in Indonesia, the first band in their nation (to my knowledge) to be recording majority of songs in English and the first punk band in Indonesia to get the national exposure and promotion that working with a major label in a third world country provides. And so the history of Indonesian Punk Rock begins!

And as for the question that everyone wants to know, the infamous bomb in Bali happened about 75 M from their home, hangout center, punk rock boutique, bar and rehearsal studio that is also Jrx' house, in the heart of Kuta.
After panel beating back the rolling doors of the studio and shifting a little debris, rehearsals continued as usual. Yeah, they saw a lot, it sucked big time, but its' not gonna stop 'em!

And where are they now? At the end of 2002, one of the more respectable music mags here cited SID as "The Next Big Thing" for 2003. With the release of their fourth album "Kuta Rock City" followed by major air play nationally and in some countries overseas, coupled with the instant popularity of their newest film clip.

SID suddenly find themselves touring continuously throughout Indonesia. Last week they were in four major Indonesian cities, on three islands, in 7 days! Sometimes playing for free at underground scene clubs, sometimes at street skate parties or alternative band festivals, at lots of universities and even occasionally at "classy" venues who would have probably denied them entrance years ago!
Which means more beers for all.

In 2003 SID even got a mention in Time Asia.
They also won a few music awards “MTV Awards for The Best New Artist 2003”, “AMI Awards for The Best New Artist 2003” and nominated again in “AMI Awards 2006 for The Best Rock Album”.

October 2007, they did an amazing Australian tour, 8 cities, 16 gigs, 33 days with their strong D.I.Y work ethic.
SID had share stages with international bands such as International Noise Conspiracy, NOFX, MXPX and Hoobastank.
They remain proud, boys from the streets of Kuta with a love of punk rock, beers and a good time. Ready for whatever comes next, excited about the next gig.

READ MORE - Superman is Dead (S.I.D)

Michael Heart has no propensity for nonsense. Neither in his life nor in his music. His no-frills approach to songwriting and production work is a clear testament to that. Despite his vastly diverse musicianship skills in different genres (clearly a direct result of having been raised all over the world), he has an affinity for authenticity and purity when it comes to his music. When he makes a Pop/Rock record, you just know it’s a Pop/Rock record.
		Such is the case with his just released, debut Pop/Rock CD titled “Unsolicited Material”. Although this record may not necessarily entirely sound like the work of his musical influences, you can definitely hear traces of artists such as Don Henley, Bryan Adams and possibly even a hint of Daughtry, in a song or two. His raspy, breathy voice has a very identifiable sound, which commands attention from the listener. The songs are well crafted and the lyrical content is somewhat diverse, yet relevant. He tackles serious topics such as adultery (“Living In Sin”); the challenges of making a living (“Life Goes On”); war (“Damaged World”) and even domestic violence (“Finally Free”). Having said that, once in a while, Michael still lets his sense of humor come out in a song like “Wanna Be Bad”. After all, rock’n roll is about having a good time. And just for good measure, he includes the obligatory, radio-friendly, mid-tempo, Pop/Rock love song, “Lost In You”. Although the moods of the various songs on this CD do vary, there is still a common thread in all of these songs that unify them as a collective work.
Michael’s background is as diverse as can be. Born in Syria and raised in Europe (Switzerland and Austria), the Middle East and the United States, he has lived a multi-cultural life and absorbed the music of different parts of the world (although his current CD release is purely categorized as Pop/Rock). He started out on piano and guitar at age 10. Shortly thereafter, he began dabbling in songwriting and eventually made the natural progression towards recording. After earning his audio engineering degree from Full Sail (recording school), he moved to Los Angeles in 1990 and spent the past 18 years working on the local studio circuit both as a session guitarist and a recording engineer. In that time, he has worked with such artists as Brandy, Will Smith, Toto, Natalie Cole, The Temptations, Phil Collins, Patty LaBelle, The Pointer Sisters, Earth Wind & Fire, Ricky Lee Jones, Lou Rawls, Jesse McCartney, Hillary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Paige, Al Jarreau, K-Ci & Jojo, Deborah Cox, Monica, Taylor Dayne, Keiko Matsui, Steve Nieves, Luis Miguel and Tarkan. Michael’s fluency in French was definitely an added bonus when he also worked in the studio with French artists like Calogero (The Charts), Marc Lavoine and Veronique Sanson. Other projects also included work with producers Rodney Jerkins, Philippe Saisse and David Foster. (note: on most of these recording credits, Michael is credited as “Annas Allaf”, his real name, Michael Heart being the stage name). Although most of Michael’s work has been in the recording studio, he has also done some touring (notably back in the early 90’s, when he toured as a Flamenco guitarist in a guitar trio with Juan Manuel Canizares, opening for Dire Straits). He has also recorded and toured with the smooth jazz band Jango. These days, when he is not promoting his new CD or writing new material, Michael is lending his production skills to various local artists, primarily working in his home studio. In January of 2009, Michael also wrote and composed a song about the horrific situation of the Palestinian people in Gaza. The song is called "We will not go down".

READ MORE - Micheal Heart Biography

Posted by : itsawonderfullday.blogspot.com/2008/08/saint loco

Saint Loco was formed for the very first time on September 2002. In Indonesian music industry, the individual members of Saint Loco have accomplished different achievements. Barry (MC) for instance has once won an MC Battle in Jakarta. Nyonk and DJ Tius are also additional musicians for well-know artists in Indonesia.

After a lot of practicing together and playing covered songs with their own
touch such as "Jump" by House of Pain, they decided to make a demo and send it to
Sony BMG Music Entertainment Indonesia.

Since May 7th 2004 Saint Loco was announced officially under the label of
Sony BMG Music Entertainment Indonesia.
After working very hard, being critical about their own music,
finally the album is wrapped in such manner "
so that any audience will be able to accept it.
The first album "Rock Upon A Time" was sold more than 15.000 copies within 2 months in Indonesia.

The album consists of 12 tracks with 80% of the songs were delivered in
English, full of distortion nois and heavy drums in combination with turntable
art that brings a unique color of the band. The reason why most of the songs are delivered
in English is due to Saint Loco's aim,
to be the first Indonesian (or perhaps Asian) to reach the International Market.

Not to forget their own nation, they have created 2 songs in Indonesian.
In fact "Hip Rock"was a number one hit single for a couple of months in many Radio Sattions in Indonesia.

Saint Loco's vision is to arise the spirit of the generation of today with full confidence.
Heavy lyrics in the album represent the hard knock live in a hectic and chaotic metropolitan
urban lifestyle.
While the name Saint Loco was chosen as a translation of "SAINT" as "THE ONE" who comes to the world
to bring a brighter live, and "LOCO" as "CRAZY", representing the world in general.
Therefor, it is clear that the message their trying to deliver is to bring a brighter color
to the crazy world with their own concept of hiprock music.

* second album release: Vision For Transition 6 October 2006.

READ MORE - Saint Loco Biography

Alan - Oh..ya » Download Single Hits

Gadis Remaja berwajah cantik yang masih duduk di bangku SMA Don Bosco ini bernama Alana. Alana adalah Putri dari musikus senior Dian Pramana Poetra yang tahun ini genap berusia 16 tahun.
Sebuah lagu yang bertitle O Ya ia release sebagai single sebelum release album perdananya yang bertajuk Alana In Wonderland. Lagu O Ya adalah lagu hasil karya cipta ayahnya Dian Permana Poetra dan Deddy Dukun dan pernah dipopulerkan oleh K3S pada tahun 1985.

Download lagu mp3 Alana – O Ya klik disini (download 4shared)

July 2nd, 2009 by swara unib. FM | No Comments »

> Download mp3 2009">La Roux - La Roux >> Download mp3 2009

La Roux adalah Band Baru asal Inggris beraliran Electro Pop. album perdana yang diberi bandrol nama Band Mereka sendiri dirilis di UK tanggal 29 Juni 09. So … buat yang suka musik Electro Pop, Gak Bakal bosen dengerin satu Album ini

Download lagu mp3 La Roux - La Roux (full album) disini (download)

TrackLists:
1. In For The Kill
2. Tigerlily
3. Quicksand
4. Bulletproof
5. Colourless Colour
6. I’m Not Your Toy
7. Cover My Eyes
8. As If By Magic
9. Fascination
10. Refelections Are Protection
11. Armour Love
12. Growing Pains (Bonus Track)|

JJuly 2nd, 2009 by swara unib. FM | No Comments » > Download mp3 2009"

Monkey To Millionaire - Lantai Merah » Download Full Album

Monkey To Millionaire, Band yang berasal dari jakarta ini terdiri dari tiga orang cowok wisnu (vocal, guitar), emir (drum), dan agan (bass). Memilih jalur Indie band ini mengusung Alternative / Rock sebagai pilihan musik mereka.
Setelah tertunda cukup lama akhirnya Monkey To Millionaire merelease album mereka yang bertitle Lantai Merah pada tanggal 30 Mei 2009 bertempat di Score Citos.

Download lagu mp3 Monkey To Millionaire - Lantai Merah, silakan klik pada mirror di bawah:

Track List :
Monkey To Millionaire – 01. Fakta dan Citra [download]
Monkey To Millionaire – 02. Kiasan [download]
Monkey To Millionaire – 03. Let Go [download]
Monkey To Millionaire – 04. Merah [download]
Monkey To Millionaire – 05. Replika [download]
Monkey To Millionaire – 06. Satu Nama [download]
Monkey To Millionaire – 07. Clown [download]
Monkey To Millionaire – 08. The Vow [download]
Monkey To Millionaire – 09. 30 Nanti [download]
Monkey To Millionaire – 10. Strange Is The Song In Our Conversation [download]

Download Full Album Monkey To Millionaire – Album Lantai Merah disini (download)

July 2nd, 2009 by swara unib. FM | No Comments »

Michael Jackson - 25th Anniversary Of Thriller

Download lagu mp3 Michael Jackson - 25th Anniversary Of Thriller, click mirror di bawah:

Tracklists:
01 Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ - Download
02 Baby Be Mine - Download
03 The Girl Is Mine (With Paul McCartney) - Download
04 Thriller - Download
05 Beat It - Download
06 Billie Jean - Download
07 Human Nature - Download
08 P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing) - Download
09 The Lady In My Life - Download
10 Vincent Price - Download
11 The Girl Is Mine (With will.i.am) - Download
12 P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing) (With will.i.am) - Download
13 Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (With Akon & will.i.am)
14 Beat It (With Fergie)
15 Billie Jean (With Kanye West)
16 For All Time

July 2nd, 2009 by swara unib. FM | No Comments »s »

ST 12 – Isabella » Download mp3 Single Hits

Artist : ST 12
Album : Single
Release : Juni 2009
Label : Trinity Optima

Download mp3 lagu ST 12 – Isabella KLIK DISINI

Sebuah lagu Malaysia lawas yang pernah sangat populer di bumi Indonesia berjudul Isabella dinyanyikan ulang oleh ST 12. Lagu Isabella dipopulerkan pertama kali oleh band Malaysia bernama Search dengan vokalisnya Amy.
Lagu Isabela yang dinyanyikan oleh ST12 ini, saat ini menjadi Soundtrack sebuah Sinetron di RCTI yang berjudul Isabella.

July 2nd, 2009 by swara unib. FM | No Comments »

Beyonce - A Gift From A Virgo (download mp3 full album 2009)

• Download lagu mp3 Beyonce - A Gift From A Virgo disini (download part 1)
• Download lagu mp3 Beyonce - A Gift From A Virgo disini (download part 2)
  

TrackList:
1. Speechless
2. T-Shirt
3. That’s Why You’re Beautiful
4. Still In Love (Kissing You)
5. Gift From Virgo
6. Until The End Of Time
7. Dangerously In Love
8. Flaws & All
9. Smash Into You
10. Satellites
11. Signs
12. Wishing On A Star
13. Cater 2 U
14. Halo
15. Hello
16. ROC [Bonus Track]

July 2nd, 2009 by swara unib. FM | No Comments »

> Download mp3 2009">Eren - Takkan Pisah >> Download mp3 2009

Artist : Eren
Album : Perubahan
Release : Juni 2009
Label : Warner Music Indonesia
Eren, perempuan ini pada awalnya adalah vokalis utama Kangen Band yang harus mengalah karena pihak label yang menginginkan band ini tampil dengan vokalis cowok.
Kini Eren tampaknya mencoba untuk menggapai sukses dengan bersolo karir dengan meluncurkan sebuah album yang bertitle Perubahan. Sebuah single yang menjadi andalan adalah lagu yang berjudul Takkan Pisah. Album ini direlease dalam label yang sama menaungi Kangen Band yaitu Warner Music Indonesia. Akankah Eren akan sukses dalam karir solonya di dunia musik?

Download lagu mp3 Eren – Takkan Pisah disini (download)

July 2nd, 2009 by swara unib. FM | No Comments »

Aura kasih ft Aliya Sachi - Jangan Bilang Siapa-Siapa

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• Download lagu mp3 Aliya Sachi - pasrah disini (download)
  

July 2nd, 2009 by swara unib. FM | No Comments »

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Linkin Park

Chester Bennington, Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, Rob Bourdon, and Dave Farrell are the members of Linkin Park, one of the most well received new metal bands of the world. Shinoda and Delson belonged to the same high school, together with Bourbon. Hahn, on the other hand, met Shinoda in Pasadena’s Art Center College, while Farrell shared an apartment with Delson, eventually inviting Farrell as their bassist. It was in Shinoda’s bedroom in 1996, where the band’s very first song was recorded.

The band first used the name: “Xero” and when they did not get any contracts from record companies, decided to hire a vocalist, who turned out to be Bennington. The band name was then changed to “Hybrid Theory”, representing the influence of both rap and rock in their music. “Hybrid Theory”, however, had to be changed because an older band has the name “Hybrid”. After one idea from another, the members finally settled on the name: “Linkin Park”. The group first collaborated with an independent label when they recorded their album: “Hybrid Theory”, which had songs like: “Technique”, “Step Up”, “High Voltage”, etc.
Warner Brothers then gave Linkin Park a good deal in 1999; the year after, they released “Hybrid Theory”, which became a top-seller both in New Zealand and the US come 2001, comprised of the hits: “One Step Closer”, “Papercut”, “Points of Authority”, and “In the End”. What made the album admirable is that there was not a single profane word found in the songs---definitely rare when it comes to other hits from new metal bands.

Linkin Park also joined the 2001 Ozzfest where they played together with Papa Roach, Marilyn Manson, Crazy Town, and many others. The group also came up with their own tour: “Projekt: Revolution”, which also showcases other groups like Blindside, Cypress Hill, Xzibit, etc.
During the year 2002, Linkin Park made a remix of their very first album and named it: “Reanimation,” including a remixed “Points of Authority.” The year after, the band launched their studio album called: “Meteora”, which hit the #1 spot in both the UK and the US, and the second spot in Australia. Singles that belonged to “Meteora” include: “Numb”, “Breaking the Habit”, “Faint”, etc.

The group also worked with Metallica and Limp Bizkit in the 2003 Summer Sanitarium Tour, which resulted to the release of Linkin Park’s “Live in Texas”, a set of tracks that were filmed in the Summer Sanitarium. 2004 was a very busy year for Linkin Park as they came up with the “Meteora World Tour”, which included other artists like Hoobastank, P.O.D., and the Story of the Year. Linkin Park also had a tour with Snoop Dog, Korn, and many other bands. In the last quarter of 2004, the band also launched “Collision Course”, which was the result of their collaboration with Jay-Z, the rapper. “Collision Course” hit the number 1 spot in the US.

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Source: sing365.com

Limp Bizkit is a band from Jacksonville, Florida. They started out on around late 1994 giving free shows and concerts whenever they could get a gig. Yes i know its hard to believe but the Number 1 band in the nation once was nothing but your tipical Local Band trying to get a record deal. Fred and Sam met up and became good friends when Sam suggested his cousin, John Otto, to play the drums for the band. Later, Wes was brought into the picture along with House of Pains main man, DJ Lethal and Limp Bizkit was started. They got their name when Fred was talking to his friend (and now roadie) when said that "his brain was like a limp biscuit." So Fred liked it and the name of their band after it.

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This is an awesome band that already has a large fan base from touring with Family Values, and other tours that tend to attract large crowds.It also helps when you open for bands such as Korn and the Deftones. Limp Bizkit, after all the struggles and shit they had to put up with, has the biggest fan crowd in North America with their first hit "Faith from the album 3 Dollar Bill Ya'll, then they really hit it big with there big hit "Nookie" which was on there sophmore album, Significant Other.

After "Nookie" took the top spot on every chart in Canada and US, it was time for Limp Bizkit to give alittle something back to the fans. That summer, Limp Bizkit started the now famous "Back to Basics Tour". This tour was a free tour, first come first serve basis and was ment to give something back to the fans and to thank them for their support. Soon after that Fred and the gang got ready to release their Junior (3rd) record to the public. Struggling with titles such as "Limpendence Day" and "The Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water," Limp Bizkit finally decided on a name, "The Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water." Around November/October they released the album. It was a total hit right away selling thousands within the first week. With hits such as "rollin" and "my generation" Limp Bizkit was back on top of the world.

Wes Borland dropped the group to set off in his own way, and this left the band short a guitarist. After trying Fred, and having a nation wide contest, then hadn't found anyone. John Otto, at a bar, was having fun. He ran into Mike Smith, former S.N.O.T native. They found each other talking, eventually jamming, and eventually touring.

Their fourth album is dropped Septemeber 23rd, and the first single off of it is "Eat You Alive". Results May Vary is the title of the album, and now is housing "Behind Blue Eyes" as it's single.

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Raden Rara Nike Ratnadilla or her stage name Nike Ardila (bandung 27 desember 1975-bandung 19 marc 1995). is indonesian singers female who died at car acident in 19 march 1995 at the age of 19 in bandung , when she passed away her popularity still soared.in indonesia she become the teen legend music. every year her million fans who had joined in NIKE ARDILLA FANSCLUB commemorate his death by visiting to the grave and the museum nike ardilla EARLY LIFE In early of ’90s, Nike Ardilla was the most popular female singer and a Diva alone walked and rules Indonesia music industry without any revival until of the late-’90s. Even in that decade there’s Anggun, Nicky Astria, Mayang Sari, Conny Dio, Inka Christie, Titi DJ, Ruth Sahanaya, Krisdayanti, Poppy Mercury, etc. But Nike Ardilla album always ran sales into over a Million and that can’t handle her for being a Queen of Diva. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Aguilera was a technically skilled singer with a genuinely powerful voice, belting out her uptempo Rock numbers and ballads, Jazz with a diva’s panache. Born Raden Nike Ratnadilla on December 27, 1975, on Bandung, her parents were of Ciamis and Bandung stock and her father’s PJKA career meant the family moved quite a bit during her childhood. They eventually settled in Bandung, West Java, where Ardilla began performing in talent shows at age 5, with considerable success. She appeared on Lagu Pilihanku TVRI in 1980 (though she win became 1st Champion) and in 19986 joined the cast of the Film Kasmaran, which also included Ida Iasha, and Slamet Rahardjo, Ardilla became Ida Iasha daughter. After two years,in 1988 Ardilla joined in the bos office movie Kabayan Saba Kota, where she recorded the single song for that movie soundtrack and also appeared on that movie as a singer, Ardilla joined on that movie b’coz Harry Roesly ( famous art man ) asked her. Before Ardilla Joined on the Film she was recorded on the compilation album in 1987 titled Bandung Rock Power signed with Nicky Astria, Mel Shandy, etc.Ardilla won Best Model Catwalk in 1988 in LA model Contest Bandung and in that even Ardilla meet with Deny Sabry which is helped earn her a record deal with ARISTA Record. Her Seberkas Sinar titled debut album was released in the summer of 1989, and with teen-oriented pop-rock all the rage, the lead single “Seberkas Sinar” shot to the top of the charts for 10 weeks; the album also hit number one on its way to sales of over 500.000 copies in the Indonesia. alone. The follow-up, “Bintang Kehidupan,” was the first number one album of the year 1990 and Ardilla consolidated her near-instant stardom by performing at the Istana Merdeka performed with Vina Panduwinata in the Independent Day Party and the concert in Lapangan Merdeka Malaysia, and winning a BASF Award for Best New Artist. And Best Selling Abum in 1990 sales over 2 million alone in Indonesia beat Anggun, Nicky Astria, and Iwan Fals Further greater sales album followed in “Nyalakan Api “won BASF Award best selling album in 1991 sales over 2 million and another number one album, “Matahariku.” In 1992 sales 1,5 million, seeking a place in that year’s Film boom,Ardilla Grandfather was a first movie star in Indonesia in 1940 called loetung kasarung, co-star in Ricky Nakalnya Anak Muda 1990 duet with Ryan HIdayat made this movie booming around Indonesia and became box office. In the spring of 1991, Ardilla was featured — along with Dessy Ratnasari on ” Olga Sepatu Roda “, and with Ryan Hidayat : Lupus V “, and also on drama romantic movie ” cinta Anak Muda “.Ardilla was by now a fixture at music industry awards shows; as she enjoyed her celebrity,Ardila received Awards Gadis Sampul 1990 automaticly it’s made Ardilla as a Singer, Actrees,and also Model in the same time. When she famous goes like rocket her next studio album in fall 1993. Biarlah Aku Mengalah, which appeared in October on Music Plus, was quickly criticized for its adult yet confident approach.,and sales ran into 2.5 million copies alone in Indonesia and 5 million south east asia, it’s mean she accepted award for best selling album at BASF Award 1993. meanwhile she wait for next album Ardilla released best of the best Nike Ardilla with the smash-hits single Tinggal lah aku Sendiri, Ardilla Move from Billboar Record ( now EMI ) to Musica Studio’s. For the 1994 Biarkan Cintamu Berlalu, which debuted at number one on the top-chart. The album sales 3 million copies alone in Indonesia and made her accepted award best selling album HDX award 1994, the last album Sandiwara Cinta released in Januari 1995 and this album made a history sales over 5 million alone in Indonesia and 10 million copies in South Pasific and accepted HDX award best selling album of the years, best single Deru Debu, Best Video Klip MTV Indonesia. Nike Ardilla died in March 19th 1995 by car accident. Even she passed away but until now her name still famous in indonesia she become indonesian music legend, because her popularity was soared even she passed away. album - Seberkas Sinar 1990 - Bintang Kehidupan - 1990 - Nyalakan Api - 1991 - Matahariku/Izinkanlah - 1991 - Biarkan Aku Mengalah 1993 - Biarkan Cintamu Berlalu 1994 - Sandiwara Cinta - 1995 - Mama Aku Ingin Pulang - 1995 - Suara Hatiku - 1996

Edited by rismanvaris on 13 Jul 2008, 09:07

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In the beggining of last decade, actually 1982, Mike moved from Spain where he lived for three years (originally Danish, moved to Spain at the age of 18) ,to Santa Monica. There he met guitarist Vito Bratta, and decided that the time has come for them. They joined forces with bassist Felix Robinson and drummer Nicky Capozzi and started the story. The story's name was WHITE LION! They had the killer songs, all they needed yet was the contract with the record company. They managed to sign with Elektra Records, and overjoyed went to Frankfurt (Germany) to record their debut FIGHT TO SURVIVE. Everything went great, they had great stuff, the producer was contented, had the great team, the people from record company called every day to say how satisfied they were with their works and how they were ready to give them support of any kind...But that was to ideal to be true. Back then the boys were full of begginer's enthusiasm, and there was no time for any kind of pessimism. Few months before the record was supposed to see the light, they found that they were forgotten. Fired. Kicked out. They had no idea what's going on. Everyone at the company acted like there was no contract. They gave no attention to what will happen with the band or the album. There was the story that the singer of one hi-rated band, which was also under Elektra, was frightened that WL would make success, after which his band will lose (!?!) some because of that. He thought that there was no room for both bands, so he made same moves... WL managed to release the album in Japan, and very soon went gold. One small house brought it to Europe also. The album brought attraction to a lot of American record houses, and very soon the band was in Atlantic Records. Only this time they assured from any kind of breaking the contract, or any kind of bad work.

In the meantime the band had one line-up change. Bass guitarist James Lomenzo replaced Dave Spitz (brother of Anthrax's guitarist Dan Spitz) who was in the band some time, and Greg "Kickin' Ass" D'Angelo, former Anthrax drummer came to WL. Now this formation gave the band new injection to reach out for new horisonts. The result was PRIDE,... the story of the youth..., the album which presented some fresh, untamable, wide kind of sound, with great lines, power drumming and nervous guitar stuff (with the exeption of When The Children Cry, the song closing the album, which was in some softer feeling). The World Tour was on, while as soon as the album came out it was annouced as album of the month in numerous magazines.
The tour ended in november '88 when the band soon went back to studio to record brand new album, which came in the beginning of '89.The album was called BIG GAME, and very soon was on the top of the charts. There were great rocking numers like Living On The Edge, Goin' Home Tonight or a killer version of Golden Earring's Radar Love. But like WTCCry on PRIDE, they touched some touchy themes like Cry For Freedom, Broken Home or Little Fighter (In Memory Of The Rainbow Warrior).

They toured a lot, and when they finished they took a lot more time to create the material for another record. During 1991 they finally released MANE ATTRACTION, the album that brought them back on position #ONE. This time they had Richie Zito producing this album. Ten perfect songs, including Lights And Thunder, the opening tune, which has its specifical intensity, Love Don't Come Easy, which was actually the first single off the album in America (for Europe it was Lights And Thunder), rawer Leave Me Alone, very strong War Song (What Are We Fighting For) with some great tempo change in the middle of it, and two brilliant solos (which Vito's guitar part is bad, by the way? Never heard actually!), one outofcontrolfastandloose in the first part, and after the slowing down one deep blue sensitive solo with great support by the rest of the band.On CD release you can find two bonus songs, contagious She's Got Everything, and Blue Monday, instrumental, in memory of S.R.Vaughan. They re-released the song Broken Heart, which also appeared on their FIGHT TO SURVIVE works, here in different shape and that was their second single off the album.

So bad that this was actually their last tour together. The band broke apart in the middle of it. After that they continued in different line-up, with Tommy T-Bone Caradonna on bass, and Jimmy De Grasso on drums, but not for long.
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Velvet Revolver, began with a spring 2002 jam session that reunited ex-Guns N' Roses bandmates Slash (guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), and Matt Sorum (drums) on-stage. With the discovery that their chemistry was still going strong, the trio began pushing around some new music and auditioning singers for what became known as "the Project." Early entries included ex-Buckcherry shouter Josh Todd and Neurotica's Kelly Shaefer; both became acquainted with the cutting room floor. By early 2003, the existence of "the Project" -- and its quest for a singer -- was common knowledge, so much so that VH1 sent cameras to document the search. Dave Kushner (Wasted Youth, Dave Navarro) also joined up as second guitarist. Troubled STP-er Scott Weiland came on board next. He and the band clicked immediately and recorded a hyper piece of glitter metal for the Hulk soundtrack called "Set Me Free." By June, "the Project" had been renamed Velvet Revolver, and Weiland was officially made its lead singer, though possession charges stemming from a May bust were still outstanding. The band signed a deal with RCA and spent the rest of 2003 fitting in gigs and recording sessions around Weiland's court-ordered rehab. RCA next announced an April 2004 release for Contraband, Velvet Revolver's full-length debut; the date was then pushed to May, and finally to June. That spring, Weiland labored through court dates and recovery as Slash and Duff did advance press for Contraband, and fan anticipation for the album grew. VR also released the single "Slither," a rabid, ambitious rocker guided by Slash's signature guitar sound. The single sidled steadily up the active rock charts, and when Contraband finally dropped, it was to general appreciation for its mix of STP and GNR signatures and its surprising turn toward hedonistic maturity. Velvet Revolver's sophomore effort, Libertad, followed in 2007. Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide

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Singer, songwriter. Jacko "Mikaeel" was born August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to an African-American working-class family. His father, Joseph Jackson, had been a guitarist but had put aside his musical aspirations to provide for his family as a crane operator. Believing his sons had talent, he molded them into a musical group in the early 1960s. At first, the Jackson Family performers consisted of Michael's older brothers Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie. Michael joined his siblings when he was five, and emerged as the group's lead vocalist. He showed remarkable range and depth for such a young performer, impressing audiences with his ability to convey complex emotions. Older brother Marlon also became a member of the group, which evolved into the Jackson 5.

Behind the scenes, Joseph Jackson pushed his sons to succeed. He was also reportedly known to become violent with them. Michael and his brothers spent endless hours rehearsing and polishing up their act. At first, the Jackson 5 played local gigs and built a strong following. They recorded one single on their own, "Big Boy" with the b-side "You've Changed," but it failed to generate much interest.

The Jackson 5 moved on to working an opening act for such R&B artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown, and Sam and Dave. Many of these performers were signed to the legendary Motown record label, and it has been reported that Gladys Knight may have been the one to tell Motown founder Berry Gordy about the Jackson 5. Impressed by the group, Gordy signed them to his label in 1968.

Relocating to Los Angeles, Michael and his brothers started work on their music and dancing with their father as their manager. They lived with Gordy and also with Supremes singer Diana Ross when they first arrived there. In August 1969, the Jackson 5 was introduced to the music industry at a special event, and later served as the opening act for the Supremes. Their first album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, hit the charts in December of that year. It's first single, "I Want You Back," hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1970.

More chart-topping singles quickly followed, such as "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There." At the age of 13, Jackson launched a solo career in addition to his work with the Jackson 5. He made the charts in 1971 with "Got to Be There" from the album of the same name. His 1972 album, Ben, featured the eponymous ballad about a rat. The song became Jackson's first solo No. 1 single.

For several years, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 maintained a busy tour and recording schedule, under the supervision of Berry Gordy and his Motown staff. Gordy wrote many of the songs recorded by the group and by Michael Jackson as a solo artist. The group became so popular that they even had their own self-titled cartoon show, which ran from 1971 to 1973.

Despite Jackson's individual achievements and the group's great success, there was trouble between the Jacksons and their record company. Tensions mounted between Gordy and Joseph Jackson over the management of his children's careers, and their level of participation in making their music. The Jacksons wanted more control over their recordings, which led to most of the Jacksons breaking ties with Motown in 1975. Jermaine Jackson remained with the label and continued to pursue a solo career, having previously released several albumsnone of which had matched the success of his younger brother Michael

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