Oh internet friends of mine, it’s been a looooong time since we’ve done one of these Quick Hits type of posts. I’m getting ready to point my car towards Michigan for night #2 of the J. Geils Band reunion shows in Detroit, happening Saturday night. The band are reuniting for a pair of shows in their adopted home away from home, to celebrate the birthday of longtime classic rocker WCSX.

I’ll be meeting up for the first time with fellow blogger Dan Kelley of Classic Rock FM and Okemos Brewing Company, to cross another longtime favorite off of my “never seen” concert list.

Also in the itinerary, a stop at Encore Recordings in Ann Arbor to drool over their majestically massive spread of compact discs and vinyl.

Sunday, I’ll be back in the Cleve for baseball fun at the Indians game with Pat, a bunch of my favorite blogger friends, and the entire Music Saves clan!

But yeah, so what have I been digging lately? Check out these links of note:

At the top of the list, it was my turn to share a choice boot on “Bootleg City @ Popdose. I dug out a killer Cleveland broadcast featuring Material Issue, recorded in 1991 at the Empire Concert Club. Click here and check it out. I believe it will only be available for one week, so act fast! Thanks very much, to Jeff and Robert at Popdose for the opportunity!

Blogness on the Edge of Town guest blogger Deb Filcman gave us full coverage of the recent Springsteen shows in Boston which had some great moments, including no Patti (I kid, kind of,) and covers of “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” by ZZ Top, and “I Wanna Be Sedated” by The Ramones. So jealous. Must…see…Bruce…shows…SOON!

Michael Gallucci at Scene Magazine caused a bit of a stink (possible pun intended) with his post titled “Not Grateful For The Dead.” I’m sure you can guess the subject, and the potential reaction to the post. But if all of it is over your head, you can read Gallucci’s post while wearing a suggested flameproof Devo suit.

The recent Jeff Beck shows in the Los Angeles area were something to remember, with a surprise appearance from onetime band mate Rod Stewart, performing on stage with Beck for the first time since 1983.

The Regeneration Tour returns for another year of 80s flashbacks featuring ABC, Heaven 17, Wang Chung, Cutting Crew, and Berlin. Stuck in the 80s has the deets for ya here.

My comrade Brian has the Lollapalooza lineup for those of you that haven’t seen it yet – and yes, we’re thinking about going. I know a ton of Clevelanders that are already planning to make the trip – anyone else? Let me know in the comments!

Ol’ Swap at The Frontloader shares some thoughts about “Spirit of 76” by The Alarm. Another group that I need to see live.

Kevin Estrada has some cool photographic memories of some of his early shots of Ozzy Osbourne, and the story behind them.

Darren at He’s A Whore has a convenient fix for the Jane’s Addiction squabbles.

While we’re on the subject of musical helping hands, Popdose have some advice for Michael Stipe.

And my pal Jason Hare deals with the horrifying news of a new Timothy B. Schmit solo album in the only way that he can – by dissecting classic 70s Neil Diamond television!

We’ll leave it there for now…

I don’t want to tease you all, or anything – but stay tuned for a site announcement from Addicted to Vinyl, coming early next week!

And maybe, I’ll finally stop slacking, and pick a winner for the Jane’s Addiction vinyl. Maybe.

P.S. – I’ve posted a working link for the second volume of Radio Friendly Unit Shifter. Check it.

P.S.S. – Check out some great live J. Geils Band stuff here, if you missed it when I posted it originally this past September.