Hear a preview of Johnny Cash's 'Ain't No Grave'.

As American Recordings prepares for the release of Johnny Cash's final album, 'Ain't No Grave' on February 26th, JohnnyCashRadio.com bring you a worldwide exclusive preview of the title track on this week's show.

If you're a fan of Johnny's music and have never listened in, I urge you to check it out as Bill Miller and his team put together the shows with a tremendous amount of expertise, love and respect. The show is also available to download via iTunes.

You can support the production of future episodes by pre-ordering the new album via JohnnyCashStore.com - and as a bonus you'll receive a number of free exclusive items.

Edit: You can now stream the full song on Johnny Cash's page at Lost Highway Records' website.

Here is an excerpt of Johnny's last interview, recently posted to YouTube:

k.d. lang to release first ever career retrospective, February 2nd

Four-time Grammy Award winner and eight-time Juno Award winner k.d. lang releases her first-ever career retrospective, Recollection, 25 years after the release of her debut recording. The two-disc set will be available February 2 on Nonesuch Records. Recollection features 22 of lang’s most beloved recordings including an all-new interpretation of the Leonard Cohen classic “Hallelujah,” which has become a moving highlight of her live performances; the Guardian calls her rendition “mesmerising: she reaches into the air, plucking the tiniest note from within her huge range, bends double, before throwing her head back and unleashing her pitch-perfect roar.” The deluxe Recollection package includes a third disc of previously unreleased recordings—many performed live—as well as a bonus DVD of music videos and rarely seen live performance footage.

Recollection comes on the heels of lang’s critically acclaimed 2008 Nonesuch release, Watershed, hailed by Rolling Stone as “first-rate singer-songwriter music” and Interview magazine as lang’s "biggest album yet.” The record debuted in Billboard’s Top Ten upon its release and marked lang’s first time assuming the role of producer in addition to writer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist.

Referred to as “the greatest female singer in the whole world” by fellow Canadian Michael Bublé, lang has had a distinguished 25-year career. In addition to a fruitful collaboration with Tony Bennett, she has performed alongside musical luminaries including Roy Orbison, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, and Loretta Lynn. She sang at the closing ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and has contributed music to the soundtracks of several films including Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and Happy Feet. In addition to her music career, lang has also appeared in a number of films including Salmonberries, The Black Dahlia, and Eye of the Beholder. In 1996, lang received Canada’s highest civilian honor, the Order of Canada.

Below is a track list for the forthcoming k.d. lang album, Recollection:

Disc 1: the best of k.d. lang, vol. 1
1. Trail of Broken Hearts (Originally released on Absolute Torch and Twang, 1989)
2. Constant Craving (Originally released on Ingénue, 1992)
3. Air That I Breathe (Originally released on Drag, 1997)
4. Helpless (Originally released on Hymns of the 49th Parallel, 2004)
5. You’re OK (Originally released on All You Can Eat, 1995)
6. Western Stars (Originally released on Shadowland, 1988)
7. The Valley (Originally released on Hymns of the 49th Parallel, 2004)
8. Summerfling (Originally released on Invincible Summer, 2000)
9. Miss Chatelaine (Originally released on Ingénue, 1992)
10. I Dream of Spring (Originally released on Watershed, 2008)
11. Hallelujah (Originally released on Hymns of the 49th Parallel, 2004)

Disc 2: the best of k.d. lang, vol. 2
1. Help Me (Originally released on A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, 2007)
2. Hush Sweet Lover (Originally released on Even Cowgirls Get the Blues: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1993)
3. Beautifully Combined
4. Crying (with Roy Orbison) (Originally released on Hiding Out: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1987)
5. Love for Sale (From the film The Black Dahlia, 2006)
6. Golden Slumbers / The End (Originally released on Happy Feet: Music from the Motion Picture, 2006)
7. Barefoot (From the film Salmonberries, 1991)
8. Moonglow (with Tony Bennett) (Originally released on Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged, 1994)
9. So in Love (Originally released on Red, Hot & Blue, 1990)
10. Calling All Angels (with Jane Siberry) (Originally released on Until the End of the World: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1991)
11. Hallelujah (Previously unreleased)

Disc 3 [Deluxe Edition]: k.d. lang rarities
1. I’m Sitting on Top of the World (Originally released on The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: Music from the Motion Picture, 2005)
2. Sexuality (Originally released on All You Can Eat, 1995)
3. Skylark (Originally released on Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture, 1997)
4. Helpless (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
5. Western Stars (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
6. Wash Me Clean (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
7. Thread (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
8. Once in a While (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
9. I Dream of Spring (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
10. Smoke Rings (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
11. The Right to Love (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)

Disc 4 [Deluxe Edition, DVD]: k.d. lang videos
1. Constant Craving (From Ingénue, 1992)
2. Just Keep Me Moving (From Even Cowgirls Get the Blues: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1993)
3. Hush Sweet Lover (From Even Cowgirls Get the Blues: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1993)
4. Miss Chatelaine (From Ingénue, 1992)
5. The Mind of Love (From Ingénue, 1992)
6. Crying (with Roy Orbison) (From Hiding Out: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1987)
7. You’re OK (From All You Can Eat, 1995)
8. Summerfling (From Invincible Summer, 2000)
9. Love Is Everything (From Hymns of the 49th Parallel, 2004)
10. Hallelujah (Live at the 2005 Juno Awards)
11. Helpless (Live at the 2005 Juno Awards)

Q&A: The Superions

The Superions, as our podcast listeners will know, are music programmer Dan Marshall, keyboardist Noah Brodie and singer/lyricist and B-52's legend Fred Schneider.

Their unique mix of disco beats and zany subject matter have so far yielded the once heard never forgotten 'Totally Nude Island', and it's followup 'Who Threw That Ham At Me' and their first EP will shortly be available in a variety of formats.

The group were kind enough to answer these questions via e-mail recently.



Who are the Superions, and how did you guys get together?

On planet Superion, Noah, Dan & Fred decided to create a new kind of music. They asked us to leave and somehow we landed on Earth.

You've released three singles; 2 versions of 'Totally Nude Island' and 'Who Threw That Ham At Me'. How has the reaction been so far?

This is our first endeavor and we're building on different ideas that we've had and luckily also working with great remixers who each have a different take on what we do. Our first EP with prove it.

The first couple of songs feature a unique narrative/disco style that's pretty hard to describe. What are your influences?

We're influenced by life in general and any crazy idea that comes into our minds.

Listening to 'Totally Nude Island' puts me in mind of some sort of twisted sexy island adventure movie. B-Movie imagery seems to play a part in a lot of your work. What is it about those kind of flicks that strikes a chord with you?

Hey, we want to go to Totally Nude Island too.

Dare I ask if personal experience played a part lyrically in either of those songs?

We cast aside our clothes whenever possible, especially in crowded places.

Your EP is out this month and includes the exclusive song 'Those Sexy Saucer Gals'. What can we expect?

A sex-sational time!

I understand you guys are recording at the moment. What should we listen out for from these sessions? Are these going towards a full length Superions album?

Yes a full-length Superions extravaganza, expect songs that have never been done before and you'll ask yourself, "What on Earth was that?!"

Will the Superions be going out on the road?

We are talking about that right now.

Fred, your own eclectic musical taste became well known through your XM show, 'Party Out Of Bounds'. What are you currently listening to, and do you have anything to recommend to our readers?

The Lolligags, Cars Can Be Blue and get a record player and just buy any album that looks like it has a nutty cover at the thrift store.

Speaking of 'Party Out Of Bounds', a lot of fans seem to miss the show since it went off the air in 2008. Do you think radio DJ-ing is something you'll return to?

Maybe eventually, but right now I am totally into my work with the B's and what I'm doing with The Superions.

I had the pleasure of seeing you with the B-52's in Amsterdam last year, and it was one of the warmest receptions I've ever seen. What's the secret to staying in people's affections for over 30 years?

Be different, be good to your fans, and give the love back that the fans give to you.

I've heard you're something of a vinyl junkie, and The Superions material is to be released on vinyl alongside CDs and digital downloads. Where do you stand on the whole physical media versus digital debate?

Well one reason lots of bands stop doing music is because you can't afford to put out new material if everyone downloads for free. I know several bands that aren't putting out records or touring because of this, and may never again.

The question on everyone's lips: are the rumors true? Is Fred Schneider entering the dog treat market?

Yes, go to dixiedogwear.com and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame

Any other upcoming plans you'd like to share?

Our new release dates for The Superions EP are January 19, 2010 on iTunes and February 16, 2010 on CD and 12"

And finally, though it pains me to reveal myself as such a square - how exactly does one 'do the disco garbage can'?

You'll see when the video comes out...

To pre-order The Superions EP, visit www.hhbtm.com

For more info on the group, and to listen for yourself, head to: www.myspace.com/thesuperions

For our archived review of The B-52's at Amsterdam's Paradiso, click here.

RECOMMENDED ALBUM: Shirley Bassey - The Performance

Available now in the UK, although sadly only via import elsewhere, Shirley Bassey's 'The Performance' was without a doubt one of 2009's most breathtaking albums (despite only dropping in November). If you have so much as a passing interest in the Dame, I can't recommend this release enough.

The 11-track album is Dame Shirley Bassey’s first full studio album in over 20 years. David Arnold, the Grammy Award-winning producer best known for scoring five James Bond films has produced the album.

‘The Performance’ features songs written specifically for Dame Shirley Bassey, by a stellar cast of contemporary artists, including, Take That’s, Gary Barlow, the Kaiser Chiefs, the Manic Street Preachers, Pet Shop Boys, KT Tunstall and Rufus Wainwright. The album also features a brand new composition from John Barry and Don Black; the first new song written by them for Dame Shirley since ‘Diamonds Are Forever.’

Speaking about producing the new album, The Performance, David Arnold said:

“All these songs were just songs, until Dame Shirley Bassey sang them. Now they’re Shirley Bassey songs – hopefully classic and contemporary, like that voice. There’s something about a Bassey performance that can knock the wind out of your sails, make you laugh, make you cry, let you in on the joke or be led to a more exotic place. I tried to make a record that made the most of that voice and one that could sit alongside her other classic recordings. There isn’t a ‘next Shirley Bassey’, there never really was and I doubt if there ever will be. She’s as unique and wonderful today as she has ever been and I hope this record will reach an audience who may never have heard her before, so they can say ’she’s got it’, and for her fans from the past who can say ‘she’s still got it’.”

During a career that has included 135 million record sales, Dame Shirley Bassey has had many incredible highlights, including being the only artist to record three James Bond movie theme songs. Dame Shirley has received numerous awards including a DBE [Dame of the British Empire] in 1999.

In 2007, Dame Shirley appeared at the Glastonbury festival, where at the same event Arctic Monkeys covered ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. Kanye West also sampled the same track on his 2005 Grammy-winning song ‘Diamonds From Sierra Leone’.

The full tracklisting for ‘The Performance’ is as follows:

1. Almost There [Tom Baxter]
2. Apartment [Rufus Wainwright]
3. This Time [Gary Barlow]
4. I Love You Now [Nick Hodgeson]
5. Our Time Is Now [John Barry/Don Black]
6. As God Is My Witness [David Arnold/David McAlmont]
7. No Good About Goodbye [David Arnold/Don Black]
8. The Girl From Tiger Bay [Manic Street Preachers]
9. Nice Men [KT Tunstall]
10. After The Rain [Richard Hawley]
11. The Performance Of My Life [Pet Shop Boys]

Barenaked Ladies Sign Worldwide Deal with EMI Music - New Album "All In Good Time" in Stores March 30th!

Los Angeles, CA (January 6, 2010) – Acclaimed multi-platinum pop-rock group the BARENAKED LADIES and their label Raisin’ Records have signed an exclusive worldwide deal with EMI Music’s Label Services unit and are gearing up for the March 30th release of their 11th studio album, ALL IN GOOD TIME. The band and longtime producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda began recording the album last spring at Canterbury Studios and Jimmy C’s in Toronto and recently finished mixing with Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones, David Bowie).

“This is a really important record for us and we’re really proud of it,” says guitarist/vocalist Ed Robertson. “We’re redefining who we are, and how we communicate as a band, and as friends. The album has an emotional rawness to it that we may have shied away from in the past. I think we pushed ourselves to heavier places, and also allowed for some really spacious moments. We can’t wait to play these songs live.”

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with The Barenaked Ladies on a global scale,” says said Dominic Pandiscia, Senior Vice President & General Manager EMI Label Services & Caroline Distribution. “We look forward to using our complete service platform in key markets to help connect their music with core fans and beyond.”

The first single from ALL IN GOOD TIME, “You Run Away,” impacts radio in January. The band (Robertson, bassist/vocalist Jim Creeggan, keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Kevin Hearn and drummer/vocalist Tyler Stewart) gave fans a sneak preview of the track during their recent string of live dates in the US.

On Saturday, February 6 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the Barenaked Ladies will perform at the 2010 “Taste of the NFL,” a Super Bowl culinary extravaganza that supports hunger relief organizations across the country. Tickets are available online at www.TasteoftheNFL.com or by calling 952-835-7621. On Tuesday, February 16th, the band will be among the headliners performing at the Olympic Winter Games as part of the Vancouver 2010 concert series. For ticket information, please visit www.vancouver2010.com.

ALL IN GOOD TIME is the follow-up to the Barenaked Ladies’ 2008 Juno-nominated children’s album, Snacktime.

Over the course of the past twenty-one years, the Barenaked Ladies have racked up a half-dozen Juno Awards and multiple Grammy nominations, sold more than 14 million albums worldwide, written a plethora of hit singles (including “One Week,” “Pinch Me” and “If I Had $1000000”) and amassed an international fanbase whose members number in the millions. The band also wrote and recorded the theme song to the hit CBS television series, “The Big Bang Theory.”

Tour dates for The Barenaked Ladies are as follows:

Date - City - Venue
Feb. 6 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Broward County Convention Ctr
Feb. 16th - Vancouver, BC - Olympic Victory Ceremony
Feb. 17th - Whistler, BC - Olympic Village Free show

Sade set to release their first album in 10 years.

The wait is now over. RCA Label Group are pleased to announce the release of Soldier of Love, the highly anticipated new body of work from Sade. Soldier of Love will be released worldwide on 8th February, 2010 and is Sade's first official studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000.

Known for their smooth sounds and rhythmic melodies, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career.

Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band have seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won a Brit Award for Best Album for Diamond Life, three Grammy Awards - first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for 'No Ordinary Love', and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

Visit Sade's official website here for more info.