Photo: Dan Fogelberg’s album shot || James Jacoby Writes a Controversial Take on the Oscars Ceremony
James Jacoby on Fb, 3/02/25: Controversial take on the Oscars: I thought I’d be angrier about them nixing all the Best Song performances, but … it kind of worked? The more I watched the otherwise enjoyable show, the more I realized that the Oscars may not need a musical number for every nominated song.
For me, it improved the show by opening it up for other ways to celebrate filmmaking, from the stellar Oz-themed musical opening to the multiple moments in which celebrities personally recognized their film’s nominated craftspeople. I loved the Quincy performance and could’ve personally done without the Bond medley, but it all created an energy more palpable than a live performance of yet another end credits song you heard part of before leaving the theatre or moving on whatever’s next in your streaming queue.
It was extra special hearing from the songwriters themselves reflecting on their own songs when the song nominees were announced with their film clips. That felt more powerful, more in line with the filmmaking part of their craft.
It also made more sense to me in the past to have musical numbers for the noms when they’ve had a greater impact on our culture (songs from BARBIE for example), rather than just being a song millions of people heard only once in a movie and will likely never hear again.
Surely lack of performance is not a commentary on the quality of the song or an insult to its writer(s), any more than the lack of behind the scenes clips on how that nominated animated movie was made or a lack of a demonstration of the software used to create the best special effects is a commentary on or insult to the nominated folks in those categories.
Maybe including cinematic song performances where it makes the most sense is the best way forward, outside of having a 5-hr broadcast.
And/or maybe produce an annual Oscars concert the night or week before that includes all current nominated songs and several historic others?
Having said all this, I’m thrilled that “El Mal” won. If you haven’t watched EMILIA PÉREZ, I hope you do. It’s something special, even if you only hear the songs once.
Adryan Russ comment: As a songwriter, I do love when the nominated songs are performed, but I have to say, hearing from the nominated songwriters was really good, and not hearing the songs felt okay. The opening with Cynthia and Ariana was outstanding, and other performances were excellent. Loved Conan, even with him singing a bit behind the track — he’s just the perfect host — funny, brave and respectful. An excellent show.
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Statue of Motörhead legend Lemmy to be unveiled in his hometown this May
By Janelle Borg, Guitar World
Beyond his immeasurable musical legacy, Motörhead frontman Lemmy is set to be forever memorialized in bronze with a statue in his native Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent in the UK.
The $2.8 million sculpture of the rock icon, who passed away in 2015, will finally be unveiled on May 8. Although it was initially authorized last year, a Queen Victoria-era law required further approval due to its placement on council-owned highway land. Now, with all necessary permissions secured, the tribute to Lemmy is set to become a permanent fixture in his hometown.
According to comments made by a Stoke-on-Trent Council spokesperson to the BBC: “Stoke-on-Trent has produced many famous faces over the years and what better way to honor one of our own than by installing a statue in the town where they were born – and in our centenary year as well. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world for the unveiling.”
The statue, sculpted by Andy Edwards – the artist in charge of the world-famous Beatles statue in Liverpool – will depict Lemmy at the height of his fame in the ’80s, portraying him in his iconic pose: head slightly tilted upwards towards a microphone while playing his Rickenbacker 4001.
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Read more on this story here:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/statue-of-mot%C3%B6rhead-legend-lemmy-to-be-unveiled-in-his-hometown-this-may/
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Dan Fogelberg’s Landmark ‘Souvenirs’ Album to Receive 50th Anniversary Reissue: Exclusive
By Melinda Newman, BillboardSouvenirs, Dan Fogelberg’s second album and the revered singer/songwriter’s commercial breakthrough, will be introduced to a new generation with a special vinyl reissue and digital remastered version to celebrate the album’s 50th anniversary.
The Joe Walsh-produced album, originally released in October 1974, was Fogelberg’s first album to reach the top 20 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. The upbeat, philosophical single, “Part of the Plan,” reached No. 31 on the Hot 100 and was also an adult contemporary hit, peaking at No. 22.
The digital version will include four bonus tracks via Sony’s Legacy Recordings, including previously unreleased tune, “I Know a Thief,” a delicate, yet intense song that will be available on all streamers today. Also included on the digital release, which will be available for streaming in full on April 4, are three other bonus tracks: early versions of “As the Raven Flies” and “Illinois” and the original demo of “There’s a Place in the World for a Gambler.” Sony found the recordings in their vaults as work began on the reissues.
The 180-gram audiophile vinyl LP version, which can be pre-ordered here, will be limited to 3,000 numbered copies, and will ship on May 30. The Chris Bellman-remastered edition includes a 16-page booklet featuring previously unseen photographs by Henry Diltz, as well as liner notes from Charles L. Granata and exclusive interviews with many involved in the album’s creation, including Fogelberg’s friend and manager Irving Azoff, Full Moon Records executive Bryan Garofalo, Diltz, producer/engineer Bill Szymczyk and [Colorado resident] bassist Kenny Passarelli and Gerry Beckley of America.> > > > > > > > >
Read the full story here:https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/dan-fogelbergs-joe-walsh-produced-souvenirs-album-to-receive-50th-anniversary-reissue-exclusive-1235914365/
Track Listing:
1. Part of the Plan
2. Illinois
3. Changing Horses
4. Better Change
5. Souvenirs
6. The Long Way
7. As The Raven Flies
8. Song from Half Mountain
9. Morning Sky
10. Someone’s Been Telling You Stories
11. There’s a Place in the World for a Gambler
BONUS TRACKS (Digital Only):
1. I Know a Thief (Never Before Heard)
2. As the Raven Flies (Early Version)
3. There’s a Place in the World for a Gambler (Original Demo Version)
4. Illinois (Early Version)
Photo: Dan Fogelberg
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