Here’s a story that’s creepy in so many ways. An auction house is going to sell to the highest bidder the autopsy tools used on Elvis Presley’s body after his death. (Click here for the full story).

This includes forceps, rubber gloves, lip brushes (?), eye liner and a toe tag marked John Doe (the original toe tag was stolen.)

I love this quote, from auction house spokesperson Mary Williams: “It’s really about owning a piece of the celebrity themselves … and how much closer can you get than the actual embalming instruments.”

I’m pretty sure I don’t want to get any closer than that.

Here are some other things to add to my DON’T WANT LIST:

Cathy Rigby's maxi-pads

Mamasox's old crooked teeth

Greg Allman's old liver

Saturday night John Hiatt came back to the Barrymore Theater. He always puts on a great show, whether he’s solo like last time, or with a 3 piece combo like the one he had on Saturday. If you’ve ever seen Hiatt in person, you how much fun it is.

This week you would have had even MORE fun if you were lucky enough to pay attention to the opening act, John Sieger from Milwaukee.

I got a chance to meet this songwriter before his set and was totally charmed by his dry wit and self deprecating humor. When he strummed a few chords backstage, I was taken by the pure sound of the guitar and was stoked to hear his short set.  But from my seat at the rear of the theater, I couldn’t hardly hear him due to all the talking around me. Well, I thought, this IS the next to last row and at least there are tons of people pushed up against the stage that were listening to John Sieger and HAD to be enjoying themselves.

Much to my dismay, I spoke with him after his set and he said people up against the stage were chattering away with their friends and not listening to him at all. This really bugs me. I wish people would show respect to the opening acts. Many times they have been personally invited by the headliner. Sometimes, it’s a band’s first appearance in Madison and we should welcome them warmly.I have been to many shows where the opening act was so good, I didn’t care if the headliners even came out!  Remember, at one time John Hiatt was someone’s opening act.

So, for those of you who were there and missed him, this is John Sieger, a very good friend of Public radio’s Michael Feldman, with whom he’s written an album of songs together.

Enjoy:

Scientists ask how is Ozzy Osboune still living

Scientists at the US company Knome will begin a project to learn more about the difference in effects of substance abuse on individuals.  The question of how some people are affected more negativly than others over years of excessive abuse is the question.  What better specimen to analyze than former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne.  The scientists will fully analyze Ozzy’s genome to hopefully get a better look at the issue.  Ozzy himself has described himself as a “medical miracle” after a 40 year bender.  more info

New Macy Gray Album, Stream Now Before June 22 Release

Singer Macy Gray known for her 1999 hit “I Try” is returning to music with a new album titled The Sellout which will be released June 22.  If you are a Macy Gray fan or are just curious to hear what Macy has been up to, Billboard is streaming the entire album through their site before the official release date.  Gray has released 3 albums since 1999, but all failed to bring Macy back to the charts. If Interested, give Macy’s new album a try, it won’t cost you a thing.

Hit Show Glee to Pay Tribute to Coldplay

Coldplay was way too cool for a FOX show called Glee… until recently.  For some time Coldplay denied allowing Glee creator Ryan Murphy to use their music in the show, but have recently backed down from that stance and a Coldplay themed show may be in the works.  The fact that Glee has risen in popularity and their tunes are highly profitable has turned the minds of Chris Martin and gang.  If you are a Glee fan and a Coldplay fan you could just be in link.  more info

Green Day Wins Two Tony Awards

Green Day recently won two Tony Awards at the ceremony in New York.  Green Day has created a musical structured around their album American Idiot which was nominated for 3 Tony Awards, but walked away with two including Best Lighting Design and Best Scenic Design.  Oh how far these punks have come.  more info

Beach House Stream and Download

Anyone looking for a young indie pop band to follow, here is one to check out.  The Baltimore based Beach House has a couple releases this year.  Here is a track to stream or download and try out.

Beach House – Zebra (UK Radio Edit) by subpop

More Photos From Bonnaroo!

If you just can’t get enough from Bonnaroo, here are some of the best pictures from SPIN Magazine.

Morissette announced to the world via twitter yesterday she has married freestyle rapper Souleye. They have apparently been seeing each other since October ‘09.  Souleye has collaborated with many artists in the past including Michael Franti.

His collaboration with Morissette has some talking baby talk.  Morissette split from Ryan Reynolds in 2007 after a five year relationship and engagement.

This is one of her best.. and strangely appropriate.

The Beatles as Vampires Movie in Development?

• Double Feature film producers Michael Shamberg and Stacy Sher are working on a film based on the Alan Goldsher novel titled Paul is Undead.  Paul is Undead tells the story of Liverpool based zombie guitarist John Lennon as he kills McCartney, Harrison and Starr and reanimates them as they create hits and mayhem across the UK as they are persued by England’s greatest zombie hunter Mick Jagger.  Could this really hit the big screen in the future?  more info

Phish, Phish, and more Phish

• Phish fans are in luck today.  There are three Phish related stories to get you talking, watching and listening.  First of all, a ten disc collection of live Phish performances from various shows during 2009 titled Light 2009 has been released.  A track list and download of the collection can be found here.

• Second, Phish’s concert film”Phish 3D” has been extended in showing in select theaters including IPIC Bayshore Town Center in Glendale, WI and Ridge 20 in New Berlin, WI.  more info

• And finally in Phish news, Phish recently performed “Loving Cup” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  Here is the video.

Steve Martin at the Overture Center

• Banjo-picking comedian Steve Martin has announced a Madison show at the  Overture Center scheduled for July 27.  The performance will not be a comedy routine, rather, Martin will be playing bluegrass with the Steep Canyon Rangers.  Martin won a Grammy in 2009 for his album “The Crow.”  more info

Stream the New Band of Horses Album

• Band of Horses will be releasing a new album titled Infinite Arms next Tuesday.  If you cannot manage to wait a couple more days for the releases, or you just want a sneak peek, the band is allowing fans to stream Infinite Arms in entirety through their website.  more info

Stream the New Black Keys Album

• As the Black Keys prepare to release their new album Brothers on May 18, they are allowing fans to stream the entire album through NPR prior to the next Tuesday release date.  The album has received positive reviews commenting on the fresh R&B sound following the single “Tighten Up.” more info

Americana Music Award Nominees Released

• The Americana Music Awards have announced the nominees for the 9th annual awards ceremony.  The 2010 Americana nominees reflect the genre’s affection for innovative and inspiring artistry.  Some nominees include Patty Griffin, Levon Helm, Rosanne Cash, and the Avett Brothers.  more info

Check out Tom Petty’s new single – it’s harder than you’d expect! Gabby Parsons says “It kicks BUTT!” See for yourself below.

Saturday night was the Madison Area Music Awards at the beautiful Capitol Theater. This event helps to raise money to put instruments into the hands of children. This is especially important since too many school systems are cutting music programs. IN addition to ticket sales, Yamaha donated a guitar signed by Bon Jovi and a keyboard signed by Elton John! These items will be auctioned off sometime in the future.

Everyone was all dressed up and it was a festive evening.

The show started by Jimmy Voegli at the giant pipe organ playing, of all things, In-A-Gadda-da-Vida, which was a hoot and  a half. There were lots of performances by young people, including an amazing violinist and a group called Stereocolor ( I think) with a 14 year old lead singer. Other performances were by Whitney Mann, multi-award winner Beth Kille, Hip Hop group Dumante and some wonderful dancers, whose name I have forgotten. ( sorry guys). I totally LOVED VO5, a disco tribute band complete with big hair and even higher platform shoes.

Two of my favorite bands, Harmonious Wail and Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo scored BIG, with the Hoodoo winning Artist of the Year. I think this is the first time a blues band has won this award. And of course, John Urban was awesome as host.

Please try to go to this show next year. You will not be disappointed, I promise.

Oh yeah, and one more thing: SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!!!

Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo and Mark Croft were the big winners. Each took home five awards, including an Artist of the Year nod for the Hoodoo. Beth Kille and Primitive Culture also fared well with four MAMAs each. Jimmy Voegeli won Keyboardist of the Year.

Former Project M contestants also carried home awards of their own – Scott Lamps + Mike Droho both won Song of the Year in the Classical and Urban/R&B categories respectively, while Whitney Mann won Best New Artist!

For more insider info on what went down this year, check out Gabby Parsons’ blog post – she was in the front row!

Congratulations to all the winners + nominees, thanks to the MAMAs for all that they do – also a big thanks to our overnight guy Ed Johnson for taking the pictures. It’s great to live in a city that celebrates music as much as Madison does.

Artist Of The Year
Aaron Williams and The Hoodoo

Album Of The Year
Alternative – El Valiente, Daceton
Blues – Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo, It Ain’t Easy
Classical – Scott Lamps, Evensong
Compilation – Union Cab of Madison Presents: Rearview Visionaries Vol. 2
Country – Madison County, Enjoy The Ride
Electronic – The Cemetery Improvement Society, Lonely Dog Island
Folk/Americana – Beth Kille, This Beautiful Beast
Hard Rock/Punk – Helliphant, Powdered Tusk
Jazz – Mama Digdown’s Brass Band, We Make ‘Em Say Ooh
Pop – Mark Croft, The Possibility of Disaster
Rock – Sunspot, Singularity
Unique – Zombeatles, Meat the Zombeatles
Urban/R&B – Dumate, We Have The Technology
World – Primitive Culture, Fantasy

Song Of The Year
Alternative – Letter 8, “Habit”
Blues – Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo, “Drinking Blues”
Classical – Scott Lamps, “Evensong”
Country/Bluegrass – Ryan Casey, “Please Don’t Go”
Electronic – The Cemetery Improvement Society, “Sixth Severance”
Folk/Americana – Beth Kille, “I Can’t Love You Anymore”
Hard Rock/Punk – Cactus Joe and the Guppy Effect, “Porn Star Hot”
Jazz – Harmonious Wail, “Vegan Zombie’s Lament”
Pop – Mark Croft, “Momma Don’t Come Around”
Rock – Sunspot, “No Place Like Home”
Unique – The Gomers, “Alien vs. Predator”
Urban/R&B – Mike Droho & The Compass Rose, “Shame On You”
World – Primitive Culture, “Hook Up”

Performer Of The Year
Blues – Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo
Country/Bluegrass – The Rowdy Prairie Dogs
Cover Band – The Blue Olives
DJ – Fusion
Electronic – The Cemetery Improvement Society
Folk/Americana – Beth Kille
Hard Rock/Punk – The Motor Primitives
Jazz – Harmonious Wail
Pop – Mark Croft
Rock – The Lucas Cates Band
Unique – Art Paul Schlosser
Urban/R&B – The L.O.S.T. S.O.U.L.S
World – Natty Nation
Youth Ensemble – Stoughton Concert Choir

New Artist
Whitney Mann

Male Vocalist
Mark Croft

Female Vocalist
Beth Kille

Ensemble Vocalists
The Blue Olives

Video Of The Year
Mark Croft, “Don’t Speak”

Instrumentalists
Bass – Gordon Ramney (The Gomers)
Brass – Phil Lyons (Primitive Culture)
Drummer/Percussionist – Eric Shackleford (Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo)
Guitarist – John Masino
Keyboardist – Jimmy Vogeli (The Jimmys)
Specialty Instrument – Sims Delaney-Pothoff (Harmonious Wail) (mandolin)
Strings – Biff Blumfumgagnge (The Gomers)
Woodwinds – Bob Corbit (Primitive Culture)

People’s Choice Awards
Live Music Venue of the Year – High Noon Saloon
Live Sound Engineer -
Recording Studio of the Year – Smart Studios
Recording Sound Engineer -
Local Music Record Store of the Year – B-Side
Local Music Radio Station of the Year – WORT, 89.9 FM
Local Music Radio Personality of the Year – Rockin’ John McDonald

Teachers Of The Year
Tom Mielke and Brad Schneider, Middleton High School

Student Of The Year
Greg Riss

Youth Performer Of The Year
Alice Hueng

Meritorious Service Awards
Donny Neufuss, Madison County

Lifetime Achievement Award
Jim Fleming

Yes, Green Day has a musical! The idea of a punk rock musical may strike some people as absurd.  Some fans are simply never going to warm to the idea of a Green Day musical, no matter how good it is.

American Idiot, which opened April 20 at Broadway’s St. James Theatre after a run at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, is about as rock’n'roll as musicals get. It honors the 2004 Green Day record of the same name without losing its angsty charm.

You can now buy the original Broadway Cast recording + a brand new Green Day song “When It’s Time.”

From spin.com: …it helps to have a Tony Award-winning director on board who knows how to bring rock to Broadway. Michael Mayer, the man behind the rock musical Spring Awakening, directed and co-wrote American Idiot along with Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong.

The album’s characters — St. Jimmy (Tony Vincent), Whatsername (Rebecca Naomi Jones), and Johnny “Jesus of Suburbia” (Spring Awakening’s John Gallagher, Jr.) — are given a few new friends, Tunny (Stark Sands) and Will (Michael Esper), and set on a stage plastered with posters and embedded with dozens of video screens, with half a car body hanging overhead. Idiot loosely chronicles the characters’ various destinies during the early-’90s: love, pregnancy, drug addiction, and the Gulf War.

Fortunately, Mayer’s decision to focus on the music instead of the story (there couldn’t be more than 50 lines of dialogue in the whole show) largely pays off.

Despite Steven Hoggett’s sometimes overzealous choreography — what’s up with that spastic half-head-bang, half-mosh move everyone keeps doing? — much of American Idiot feels like a real rock show that just happened to take place in a Broadway theater: There’s a live five-piece band on stage and the songs are performed in the same order as they appear on record (with a couple tracks from 2009’s 21st Century Breakdown thrown in). And thankfully, no one relies on musical theater’s ubiquitous vibrato. Gallagher and his buddies act like rock stars, not Clay Aiken.

For the most part, Tom Kitt’s arrangements stay true to the Green Day originals. Despite the string section and added vocal harmonies, “American Idiot” and “Are We the Waiting” hit just as hard as they do on the album. Kitt’s most notable contributions are the occasional medleys, including a turbulent back-and-forth between “Last of the American Girls” and “She’s a Rebel,” and his reimagining of show-closer “Whatshername” as a bittersweet ballad. Getting every cast member to strum along to “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” is also a winning, if predictable, encore.

Despite many critics calling American Idiot “revolutionary” for the easy balance it achieves between theater and punk — between Broadway and the alleyway — the musical is also a celebration of a dying format: the album. The show’s success has almost entirely to do with the power of the original American Idiot, and the uncanny way those nine songs expressed a nationwide malaise.

Mayer and his cast certainly deserve credit for performing that music with such honesty and vitality. But it’s Green Day who deserve our loudest applause.

There is a fascinating program on NBC this season called ‘ Who Do You Think You Are”. Originally seen in Britain, the show follows famous people seeking to trace their ancestry by traveling to the places their ancestors lived.

The first episode was Sarah Jessica Parker who was able to trace her mother’s side of the family all the way back to Salem Mass. at the time of the witch trials. Football star Emmitt Smith went to the very spot where his African ancestors were taken and put on slave ships to America.

Last week the show’s producer Lisa Kudrow found the actual records the German’s compiled which indicated the fate of her great-grandmother. I won’t tell you any details because I hope you’ll go to NBC’s website and watch them for yourself.

This show made me so curious about my own family. Like Lisa Kudrow, my family can from Eastern Europe. My father’s family is from Beltz, Romania and all I know from my mother’s side is that my grandmother came from Russia. I can’t trace my family tree back any further than grandparents and was heartened to see that Lisa Kudrow was able to get documentation.

The show is on Friday nights. I HIGHLY recommend you set your DVR for this one.