sonic slang

Robert Plant Ends Zeppelin Reunion Speculation

So it looks like the Led Zeppelin reunion bubble has finally burst, and the guy holding the pin was none other than Robert Plant.  In a statement on his official site, the lead singer announced that he has no plans to tour with anyone over the next two years, vented about the lingering debate:

“It’s both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward,” Plant said. “I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects.”

Somebody please break the news to STP, Whitesnake, Foo Fighters, Velvet Revolver and The Cult.

New Zeppelin Disc in the Works?

Just went we started to forget all about that whole Led Zeppelin reunion thing, Jason Bonham starts spouting off about jam sessions (Sans Robert Plant, so far) and a new album being "on the cards."  While I am not familiar with this particular expression, it sounds like a good thing.

[via NME]

The Verve Reunion an "Ongoing Concern"

Based on comments to Billboard.com, it looks like The Verve's reunion effort, Forth, will not be a one-off affair:

"This definitely is an ongoing concern; it's not something that we're all just gonna chuck away again," bassist Simon Jones tells Billboard.com. "Looking back I don't think we had to be so blunt and, 'Alright, we're splitting up!' really. We should've just chilled out for a bit and taken some time out, to be honest."

Forth, The Verve's first album of new material since 1997, is due in stores next Tuesday.

Extreme - "Comfortably Dumb"

I certainly would never call myself an Extreme fan, but let's give credit where credit is due.  This is a great song title.

"Comfortably Dumb" comes off Extreme's forthcoming comeback disc, Saudades de Rock, which translates roughly to: Take That, Eddie Van Halen.

The Verve Returns with "Love is Noise"

After the brooding and almost-brilliant, Alone with Everybody, Richard Ashcroft sorta went off the rails.  It didn't help that he publicly regarded his overlooked second solo LP, Human Conditions, the artistic equal of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, but whatever bad blogger blood Ashcroft might have built up since the "Bittersweet Symphony" heyday, could easily be erased by a solid comeback disc with The Verve.  Judging by first single "Love is Noise," a dark but dancey little track, he's at least got a bit more spring in his step this time around.  It's a start.

Check out "Love is Noise" at The Verve's MySpace page.  Forth is due in stores later this year, to be supported by a European tour this summer. 

Phish to Team with Lillywhite for Reunion Disc?

Billboard is reporting that Steve Lillywhite may be joining Phish in the studio for the long-awaited (but never in doubt) reunion album. 

Lillywhite produced the 1996 LP Billy Breathes, one of the band's more concise, rock-focused discs - Good news for those that might have dozed off after a couple spins of Round Room. 

Add Whitesnake to the Zeppelin Reunion Mix

Add another act to the Led Zeppelin rumor tour rumor mill.  David Coverdale, Whitesnake frontman and former Jimmy Page collaborator, is apparently expecting a call any day now. 

If you're counting, that's the fifth band so far vying "least important opening act" of all time.  Though to be fair, between his band, Stone Temple Pilots, The Cult, Velvet Revolver and Foo Fighters, Whitesnake should bring out the most 40+ groupies. 

Candlebox Reforms to Go Into the Sun

And today's award for the most unnecessary reunion goes to: Candlebox. Into the Sun, the band's first new album in ten years, is set for release this July, while lead single "Stand" can currently be heard at the band MySpace page.  Yes, it sounds exactly like you think it does.

PS: Today's reminder that the music industry is f'd - Four million people bought Candlebox's debut back in 1993. In 2007, that would have made it the year's top selling disc by nearly 800,000 units.

Stone Temple Pilots to Hit Studio This Fall

It's looking more and more likely that this summer's STP reunion tour will turn into a full-fledged revival.  Following Scott Weiland's much-discussed exit from Velvet Revolver, plans for a summer tour with his old mates quickly came to fruition.  Now the band has confirmed, via Billboard, plans for record.  But don't expect any new tunes until the fall:

"I think new material will come probably after this tour," bassist Robert DeLeo tells Billboard.com. "I think the whole thing now is kind of getting back and re-acclimating ourselves to the songs that we know. I think that's gonna make for a better atmosphere and better performances ... instead of doing a new record."

"Then, after this tour finishes, I think we're gonna be in a position where we've gotten to know each other again, and I think it's gonna be time to hit the studio."

Replacements Opt for Reissues Over Touring

We're obviously stoked about the Replacements reissues, but who knew we were this close to a 'Mats reunion?   I mean it was right "within your reach" kids!

Tommy Stinson had this to say about dashing our hopes yet again:

"At the last minute, it just didn't seem like the right thing to do, so we didn't do it. But I think Paul and I have something to offer each other still. I think that's pretty obvious when we get together."

So you're saying there's a chance?  Fingers crossed...