Q*Ball – “Almost Paradise” available now – free download

Q*Ball covers “Almost Paradise” from the ‘Footloose’ soundtrack, available for free download via the link below at Soundcloud.  The original version was sung by Mike Reno & Ann Wilson, aka the guy with the headband in Loverboy and the fat chick from Heart.  It was written by the guy who brought you one of the gayest songs ever – “Hungry Eyes,” Mr. Eric Carmen.

Almost Paradise by baldfreak

Q - “My cousin performed in a church community performance of ‘Footloose’ this past summer and the only redeeming thing I got out of that besides some free Twizzlers was a reminder that ‘Almost Paradise’ was a pretty dramatic, catchy tune.  It’s a quintessential 80s power ballad and after watching it 450 times on YouTube so I could learn the chord progressions, I must admit, it’s powerful.  Considering my fondness for 80s cheeze and Kevin Bacon, and my desire to learn to play songs by ear on the piano, I thought it’d be cool to record my own spin on the song.  My version probably sucks, but hey, you get what you pay for.  It was cool to learn how to play it.”

Q*Ball memorably covered 80s hits “Whip It” (Devo), “Maniac” (Michael Sembello) and “Take On Me” (A-Ha) back when he played shows and people cared.  This is Q*Ball’s first foray into self-producing in his home studio and he apologizes for that.  This is now the second song Q*Ball can play by ear on the piano in its entirety, after “Frosty The Snowman.”  Q*Ball is currently working on Kermit The Frog’s “The Rainbow Connection.”

Performers:  Q*Ball – Upright piano, keytar, MicroKorg, loops, vocals, slightly dodgy backing vocals.  Recorded using ProTools LE 8.  Inspired by SK and CB.  “Almost Paradise” is written by Eric Carmen & Dean Pitchford.  Copyright Sony/ATV Melody Publishing LLC (BMI).  All rights reserved.

Return To Earth’s Chris Pennie exits Coheed + Cambria

Accomplished & influential drummer Chris Pennie, founding member of Dillinger Escape Plan and current member of progressive rock acts Coheed and Cambria, and Return To Earth, announced today that he is exiting Coheed and Cambria.  Pennie and the band cited “creative differences” as the primary reasons for the split after the drummer’s 4-year tenure with the band.

Pennie officially joined Coheed in 2007, replacing drummer Josh Eppard and touring extensively with the band internationally.  He is featured on Coheed’s most recent studio album, Year of the Black Rainbow.

Pennie will shift his full attention to his most recent projects, acclaimed progressive metal band Return to Earth (Metal Blade/Bald Freak) and Fight Mannequins.  Return To Earth is currently working on their third album after releasing their Metal Blade debut, Automata, in 2010. Fight Mannequins, Pennie’s music production company with Return To Earth guitarist Brett Aveni, recently completed their first documentary score and have produced two exciting artists whose albums will be released in 2012.

 ”I am very thankful for the times I shared the stage with the guys in Coheed and especially want to thank the amazing, supportive fans that I’ve met while on tour,” said Pennie.  “There are a lot of exciting projects on the horizon in addition to Return To Earth and Fight Mannequins that I feel require 100 percent of my commitment and attention. I feel that this is the right time to make that happen.”

Hooper – “Mr. Hooper” available now

The new single from Hooper is available for free download at Soundcloud.  Apologies to the Children’s Television Workshop + the late Will Lee.  Hooper is Ron Scalzo & Mike Bandolik.  Click below for a full preview of the song.  Follow Hooper on Facebook.

The Head Set – “Girls With a Past” Video

Follow The Head Set on Facebook.

Q*Ball – A*Pathetic Song (feat. Chris Pennie) Available Now!

“A*Pathetic Song” is about abandonment, about giving up. We all give up. We’ve all given up on something and we’ll all give up on something again – it could be for better or for worse. Some people give up ice cream because they’re too fat or Satanism because they’re too evil. For me, the “giving up” in “A*Pathetic Song” involve common themes – work, women, and music.” Click here for the full story and lyrics behind Q*Ball’s latest single.