Unplugging: Keep on rockin’ in the free world

Forget the 21st century, because bands that hit it big-time in the 20th century are still active today, working on projects that MXDWN hopes to hear soon!

On April 14th at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the original members of Guns N’ Roses will reunite for the first time in quite a few years for their induction ceremony. The band, formed in 1985, featured Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan and Steven Adler, although the original lineup of Guns N’ Roses only lasted until 1996.

Diehard fans are hoping, praying and wishing for a reunion performance in light of their induction, and it seems like quite a possibility, since commonly, bands inducted into the Hall of Fame play briefly in celebration and remembrance of their awesomeness. However, none of the members have dropped any hints that they will be playing at their induction. Later Guns N’ Roses contributors like guitarist Gilby Clarke and drummer Matt Sorum can be expected to make an appearance at the induction, as well.

Surviving members of the raved-about psychedelic 60’s rockers The Doors have united with dubstep producer and DJ Skrillex to produce an eclectic, electric and synthesized new hit, “Breaking a Sweat.” An unlikely team-up indeed, but their creation sounds like a fresh, energized blend of genres that will rock the world ten times over.

The synthesized dubstep that Skrillex contributes compliments The Doors members’ deep, scratchy guitar riffs and melodic keyboard in a way that makes you want to get up and dance, or at least bob your head in approval. The collaboration between members of The Doors and Skrillex materialized by way of the RE:GENERATION Music Project, sponsored by Hyundai.

Neil Young just won’t stop working on stuff, as it was recently announced that he and longtime cohorts Crazy Horse will put out a new album, their first collaborative effort in 9 years. The album, Americana, will feature a compilation of classic folk songs that date back to the 1800s. Young and Crazy Horse will put their own folksy spin on these classics, rendering them contemporary enough to enjoy in today’s America.

With Neil Young’s new effort alongside Crazy Horse now in the works, it looks as if Buffalo Springfield will be on an indefinite break. The group had planned a 30-date tour for this year, but because of Young’s new projects, BS member Richie Furay announced that the reunion tour is no longer. Buffalo Springfield got back together in 2010 for their first ever reunion show since their split in 1968. From there, the group played a bunch of shows such as the popular Bonnaroo Festival in 2011. With Young’s new collaborative album Americana at the forefront of his focus, only time will tell if Buffalo Springfield will go forward with a reunion tour.

Jack White sure knows how to pick ‘em. The brand new 2-track collaboration between White and popular 60’s Welsh musician Tom Jones is out now as part of the Third Man Records’ Blue Series.

The 7” vinyl, available via the Third Man Records store, features Tom Jones’ version of “Jezebel,” as well as a fiery cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Evil.” “Jezebel” was originally featured on Jones’ 2002 release Mr. Jones, whereas “Evil” was recorded at the Third Man Records home base in Nashville.

Lou Reed has announced a European tour titled, “From Vu To Lulu” in support of Lulu, his collaborative effort with Metallica. The tour will kick off in early June in Luxembourg. Metallica will not be joining Reed on the tour, unfortunately.

 
Unplugging in Brief:

Original Guns N’ Roses Members to Attend Rock Hall Induction – Original members from the 80’s phenomenon Guns N’ Roses will reunite briefly for their induction into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, but the question is, will the perform?

Watch: Skillrex and the Doors “Breaking a Sweat” – An odd collaboration, but surviving Doors members and Skrillex have worked together to create a pretty catchy new tune.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse Announce New Album Americana for June 2012 Release – Longtime buddies Neil Young and Crazy Horse are making their first collaborative album in 9 years.

Buffalo Springfield Reunion Appears To Be Indefinitely Postponed – Because of Neil Young’s projects, you can say goodbye to a Buffalo Springfield reunion tour in the near future.

Listen: Stream Tom Jones’ “Evil” Produced by Jack White and Featuring Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence – Jack White’s label has released a sleek new 2-track 7” featuring Tom Jones’ new cover, and scruffy voice.

Lou Reed Announce From Vu to Lulu Tour Dates – Lou Reed’s latest effort with Metallica is going on the road for a European tour, minus Metallica.