How does one properly prepare for the weekend?

Well, around here, we like to tune up with a healthy helping of Rockford’s own Cheap Trick from Mama’s kitchen, with all of the fixin’s.  Mama always told me that there was nothing in life that couldn’t be cured with a lick or three from one of Rick Nielsen’s 5 million guitars.

As luck would have it for all of you ATV citizens, there’s a lot going on in the world of Cheap Trick these days – notably, longtime drummer Bun E. Carlos is missing in action from the current tour with Nielsen’s son Daxx is taking his place as the touring drummer for the moment.  There aren’t many details beyond that – just a brief statement released in mid-March by the band:

Bun E. Carlos is not currently the touring drummer for Cheap Trick. Bun E. remains a band member. Everyone is healthy and Cheap Trick will continue to tour as planned.

The news surfaced in the midst of the band’s promotional activities for South by Southwest, with Daxx manning the drum kit for for the band’s SXSW performance and taping of Austin City Limits. For those curious to grab a glimpse of Cheap Trick with Daxx, you’re in luck – the band just put up two complete pro-shot shows on their Youtube channel, recorded during March in Enoch, AB and Tacoma, WA.

The Tacoma gig features a guest appearance from Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready on “Surrender,” and this also might be the first time that I’ve seen Robin Zander without a cowboy hat (something that I thought was standard issue for Zander since he’s been wearing it at both of the shows I’ve seen from Cheap Trick in the past few years).

Fans that have been disappointed by the short setlists from Cheap Trick in recent years, dig this- both shows feature 19 glorious tracks of Cheap Trick, covering nearly every classic (and new material too) that you might want to hear – although I would have loved it if “Tonight It’s You” had been in the setlist.

Oh well, at least I got “The Flame” (cue dirty looks in my direction….now!).

There’s lots more Cheap Trick video to be had, including additional pro-shot video from 1980, and a pair of shows from Daytona, recorded in 1988 and 1989, among many others.  Head on over, and dig in!

Cheap Trick will be on the road this summer, playing co-headlining shows featuring either Blondie or Squeeze, depending on the market.  The bands will alternate opening/closing duties, and both bands will play a 75 minute set each night.  Tour dates are coming together as we speak, and you can find them here.

On the reissue front, CT fans can nab the newly released special twofer reissue of One on One and Next Position Please from Friday Music, remastered “for the first time from the original Epic Records tapes,” with the original artwork and new liner notes.  Score!

Finally – those rumors of a country album from Robin Zander?  True, with a slight twist.  Check it out:

What do a handful of Nashville’s premiere session players, the singer from Cheap Trick, the drummer from Neil Young & The Bluenotes, the Warren Brothers, Producer Chris Lindsey, Tim McGraw’s recording team, Nashville’s newest star, Sarah Buxton, Executive Producer Bill Edwards and Big 3 records have in common?

COUNTRYSIDE BLVD.
That’s the title of the record.

COUNTRYSIDE
That’s the name of the band.

This unique group of musicians, songwriters, and singers gathered in Nashville last year and recorded 12 songs. In that place and time they have captured a fresh country sound with a combination of musical styles.

The songs were written and sung by Robin Zander along with a few classics.  The album features Sarah Buxton, Tom Bukovac, Pat Buchanan, Chad Cromwell, J.T. Corenflos, Dan Dugmore, Tim Lauer, Glen Worf, Larry Franklin, Perry Coleman, Robin T. Zander and the Countryside Singers.

“I’m hopeful that when people discover this album that it’s as fun to listen to as it was to record” states Sara Buxton.

“I’ve always wanted to do a record in Nashville and this is it.” says Robin Zander, “To have these musicians of this caliber record my songs for COUNTRYSIDE BLVD was one experience I won’t soon forget. Thanks to all for doing one hell of a record.”

Available in May 2010 on Big3 Records & Tapes.

Suddenly, Zander’s cowboy hat makes a lot more sense –  can’t wait to hear it!