Concert Review: Mohegan Sun Receives The Royal Treatment From Sting

Sting is not one to follow the normal procedure for success. He dismantled his band The Police at the height of their success and then reunited with them 20 years later. He then left the mainstream of pop music to make an album of 18th century classical music and now he is touring with a 35-piece orchestra. "The largest band I've ever had" as Sting remarked during his appearance at the Mohegan Sun arena Tuesday Night.

As members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra took their seats and began tuning-up, conductor Steven Mercurio took center stage to begin an evening of classics written by Sting. Many of Sting's songs played perfectly to the large ensemble, especially the ballads, "When We Dance," "Shape Of My Heart," and "Fields Of Gold." Sting was very talkative, explaining the meanings of songs like how "Russians" was about the children of the Cold War and "Tomorrow We'll See" about a transvestite. The different orchestra arrangements for The Police songs meshed well with "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," but "Roxanne" seemed to lose its edge and power and become lifeless. He finished the first set with an energetic version of the early Police classic "Next To You."

After a twenty minute break, Sting returned to the stage performing the opening song "A Thousand Years" from his "Mercury Falling" album. The second set was filled with more obscure songs released on soundtracks and as B-sides. "The End Of The Game" and "All Would Envy" both contained a bit of Spanish flair, while "You Will Be My Ain True Love" brought a Civil War atmosphere to its sound. But Sting brought the audience to life with The Police hits "King Of Pain" and "Every Breath You Take" leaving the masses on their feet wanting more.

The encore began with the Moroccan flavored "Desert Rose" and continuing with the jazz-fueled "She's Too Good For Me." Sting finished the evening with the gentle ballad "Fragile," dedicating to the victims of the Gulf Coast. As his band exited the stage, Sting sang the first verse of "I Was Brought To My Senses" acapella to an audience that surrendered their senses to Sting.

Setlist:
If I Ever Lose My Faith In You
Englishman In New York
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Roxanne
Straight To My Heart
When We Dance
Russians
I Hung My Head
Shape Of My Heart
Why Should I Cry For You
Whenever I Say Your Name
Fields Of Gold
Next To You
- intermission -
A Thousand Years
Tomorrow We'll See
Moon Over Bourdon Street
The End Of The Game
You Will Be My Ain True Love
All Would Envy
Mad About You
King Of Pain
Every Breath You Take
- encore -
Desert Rose
She's Too Good For Me
Fragile
I Was Brought To My Senses (1st verse acapella)

CD Review: Meat Loaf Hangs Cool On New Release

Meat Loaf is back! His latest release "Hang Cool Teddy Bear" is a concept album based on the short story with the same title by Kilian Kerwin. It was released back in May on Roadrunner Records and was produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day).

The albums plays like a rock opera with a who's who of guest musicians. Starting with the steady rocker "Peace On Earth", Meat Loaf is one of the only musicians that can pull off an all-out rock assault with a full-string orchestra. The album's first single "Los Angeloser" is a bit of a stretch for Meat Loaf, who's singles are usually big production pieces instead of country-pop. "Love Is Not Real" not only plays to Meat Loaf's strength of passionate lyrics, but includes the guitars of Queen's Brian May and virtuoso Steve Vai. The addition of Jack Black on the song "Like A Rose" gives the song a bit of edge, but its the chorus that could make this a hit single. The highlight of "Song of Madness" is the guitar of Steve Vai which compliments Meat Loaf's vocals. Although his voice is noticeable lower, the classic Meat Loaf returns in "Let's Be In Love" featuring vocals by Patti Russo and Bon Jovi influences are all over the album closer "Elvis In Vegas," co-written by Jon Bon Jovi.

The album debuted at #27 on the Billboard albums chart, his highest non-Bat Out of Hell release since 1995. Meat Loaf just began his US tour and will be making a stop and the Mohegan Sun Arena on July 12th. For tour dates and album information, please visit www.meatloaf.net.

A Little Light Summer Reading

Neil Young has been in the spotlight quite a bit this past year with the release of his long-awaited box set, the mystery behind his entirely rebuilt electric car, his acoustic/electric solo tour and his recently recorded new studio album. But, one of the greatest things to have come out this past year was a book entitled Neil Young - Long May You Run: The Illustrated History. A 224-page hardcover gateway to the life of Neil Young. The book is filled to the brim with pictures as far back as his childhood all the way to present day.

It covers his time in The Squires, Buffalo Springfield, CSNY and more. It talks about his favorite guitar, how he came to write the classic song "Ohio" as well as comments from other artists like Joe Perry of Aerosmith.

One of my favorite things is that this book shows is his concert posters throughout the years, as well as the covers of the different albums and singles he released in different countries. This book contains Neil Young's entire discography, including any guest appearances he made on other albums.

This exceptional book was written by Daniel Durchholz & Gary Graff and released through Voyageur Press. For more information on this book, please visit www.voyageurpress.com. Also check your local online bookstore to purchase the history of one of the most outstanding and innovative artists to have ever performed.

CD Review: The Steve Miller Band Is Back With "Bingo!"

It has been 17 years since The Steve Miller Band's last album "Wide River" and it will be even longer since his last album of original material. The Steve Miller Band's latest release "Bingo!" is a small taste of the type of music that attracted Steve Miller to pick up a guitar over 40 years ago. Steve Miller said that this is a "party record" to get up and dance to. It contains covers of songs from B.B. King, Jimmie Vaughan, Earl King, Otis Rush and more.

The album was released as a standard 10-song format and a special edition featuring 14-songs. The standard edition is a very short, concise collection of some great covers performed by the current Steve Miller Band line-up. Songs like "Don't Cha Know" and the album's first single "Hey Yeah" find Steve's voice in fine form. It makes you wish he made more albums in the past 17 years. Also noticeable on this new album is the addition of Sonny Charles (Checkmates) on vocals. His blues-style singing is a welcoming compliment to Steve Miller's guitar style. The guest appearance of Joe Satriani on the songs "Rock Me Baby" and "Sweet Soul Vibe" steals the guitar thunder from Steve Miller, but also gives these songs a blues-rock edge. "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)" has that classic Steve Miller Band sound we've been waiting years to hear again and Sonny Charles shines on the album closer "Ooh Poo Pah Doo."

Many of the songs on "Bingo!" seem destined to be expanded on in a live setting. The Steve Miller Band is currently on tour, crisscrossing across the country. Check out The Steve Miller Band's website (stevemillerband.com) for more information.

CD Review: Automatic Loveletter Start Off With "Truth Or Dare"

Alternative/Punk group Automatic Loveletter have just released their debut album last month entitled "Truth Or Dare" on the Sony Music Independent Network. They are also one of the premier bands on this year's Vans Warped Tour.

The album's lead-off single "Heart Song" displays the passion and revenge felt in singer Juliet Simms' voice. Juliet's singing becomes the main focus in the songs "Fade Away" and "To Die For." The songs "Story Of My Life" and "The Day That Saved Us" should find their way to the mainstream of modern rock with its guitar hooks and powerful chorus. The power ballads "Hush" and "Eyes On You" are a nice addition to the album that shows us another side to the band. Automatic Loveletter comes roaring back with the rocker "Butterflies" before closing with the pleading vocals of "Back To Life."

Look for Automatic Loveletter to make an impact on the Vans Warped Tour when they make a stop at the Comcast Music Theatre on July 11th. Also be on the look-out for the premier of their video for the single "Heart Song." For song samples and tour information visit the band's myspace page at www.myspace.com/automaticloveletter.