Rarebird's Rock and Roll Nest

The release of the 3-CD deluxe edition of the Cure's 1989 album Disintegration is still forthcoming. It is now scheduled for release on June 8th -- although I must warn you that the date has been pushed back at least twice already. In any case, I've just been alerted to this official web page which features streaming audio of additional Disintegration -era rarities which will not be included on the set. The site is here: (link outdated) Many of these tracks are instrumental demos and rehearsals; some others are live tracks; and others are alternate studio mixes. It's good listening, especially for a rainy day. Those who are familiar with these types of Cure rarities know what to expect, and won't be disappointed. Here are the tracks that are streaming now: 1. Closedown -- (RS home instrumental demo, 05/88) 2. Last Dance -- (RS home instrumental demo, 05/88) 3. Lullaby -- (RS home instrumental demo, 05/88) 4. Tuned Out On RTV5 -- (band instrumental rehearsal, 06/88) 5....

An internet report which was initially dismissed as a hoax has been confirmed to be true: singer Ronnie James Dio died this past Sunday, May 16th, 2010. Dio succumbed to stomach cancer at the age of 67. Those who are well-versed in the world of heavy metal are well aware of the distinguished career of the diminutive man with the powerful voice. Besides fronting his namesake band Dio from 1983 onward, Mr. Dio was also the original lead singer of Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in the ‘70’s, and replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath in the early ‘80’s. Dio recently reunited with two of his former Sabbath bandmates to form Heaven and Hell, which was named after one of the studio albums that Sabbath recorded with Dio. Also, Dio fronted the blues-rock band Elf in the early ‘70’s. But Dio was an even more seasoned veteran of the music industry than those credentials reveal. When he was in his teens and twenties, Dio fronted a doo-wop group whose first single was released in 1958. That’s right ...