Metallica Announces Director For 3D Film Project

Rockers Metallica have announced a director for the upcoming Metallica 3D feature film project. They've tapped award-winning director Nimród Antal for the Charlotte Huggins produced project.

Um, Dear Metallica, I'm not really a fan of anything 3D though the thought of James Hetfield growling and looking menacing in 3D is frightening yet disturbingly thrilling to me. As long as I don't have to wear 3D glasses, we'll remain on good musician/fan terms. Moving on...

The film, a mix of narrative and concert, will star the members of Metallica and the fans. It will begin filming in August and is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2013.

"I've been a fan of Nimróds since his first Hungarian film, Kontroll, showed up at Cannes in 2004 and blew everybody away, said Metallica's Lars Ulrich. "I've watched with excitement his career in Hollywood blossom over the last few years. Within five minutes of meeting him I was addicted to his enthusiasm, his take on the creative process and his "thinking outside of the box" personality. Let's get on with it!!!"

"Metallica has always been a huge part of my life, and it's an incredible opportunity when we get to work with our heroes," said Antal. "We are going to harness the powerful and almighty energy of Metallica's live shows, inject a narrative into it, and shoot it in 3D to elevate the entire experience."

Converse Launches Rockin' Fall Collection

Converse the legendary sneaker has hooked up with AC/DC and Metallica to produce some rockin' kicks for their Fall 2009 collection. The Chuck Taylor All Star AC/DC editions will be available this month in stores and from Converse. The Metallica editions will be available in July. There are four AC/DC designs and two Metallica designs. Everyone has rocked a pair of Chuck Taylor's at one point or another ... okay, maybe not everybody, but everybody I know!

www.acdc.com
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mnr.onthescene.com/converse/fall2009-collaborations.html

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announced its Inductees for 2009

As we all know, artists are eligible for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twenty-five years after their first recording is released. Now, normally, I don't really feel like an old broad. Then there are times like these when I do. Both Metallica and Run-D.M.C. are being inducted. Say wha? Has it really been that long? I still remember getting my first Metallica record. Next thing you know, I'll be yelling, 'get off my lawn you young whipper snappers!' to all the unruly kids who happen upon my property.

I want to know why "Fujiyama Mama" Wanda Jackson is the only early influence inductee. Surely they could have tossed in a couple more.

The performer inductees are:

• Jeff Beck
• Little Anthony & the Imperials
• Metallica
• Run-D.M.C.
• Bobby Womack

Early Influence Category Inductee:

• Wanda Jackson

Sidemen Category Inductees:

• Bill Black
• DJ Fontana
• Spooner Oldham

The Induction Ceremony will air Live on Fuse TV, April 4, 2009

Metallica Gets Magnetic

I finally got around to buying Death Magnetic, the newest album from Metallica. I'm a long time Metallica fan. I heard many people hail this as the 'return of old school 'tallica.' It's been a spell since I've heard this kind of excitement for a Metallica record. After hearing so many people speak so highly of Death Magnetic, I began to get a bit excited myself.

Unlike some fans, I didn't cry foul when they released their monstrously huge Metallica (The Black album) ... people mature and grow. I was fine with Load and I was okay with Reload while others felt the mighty Metallica of old were just images on the back of milk cartons. St. Anger was the first Metallica record I couldn't hang with. I just couldn't get into it at all. While I wouldn't have called them sellouts, has beens or whatever other term that has been tossed at Metallica since The Black album, I found myself primarily listening to the first five records.

So, with whispers of excitement still floating around in my head, I sat down to have a listen. Death Magnetic does indeed have more of an old school vibe. It's the closest to pre-Black album Metallica sound and feel wise. Looking at the titles, my first thought was, 'let's just skip "The Unforgiven III" and spare myself. I wasn't all that fond of "The Unforgiven" and I was even less fond of "The Unforgiven II" so, I was leery of a third titled such. But, that's not fair to myself or the record so I didn't skip it. Should they come out with an 'Unforgiven IV' I'm just going to be unfair and pass right over that one.

Other than my lack of fondness for all things 'Unforgiven,' I like Death Magnetic. The standout tracks, "The End Of The Line" (which musically gives me glimpses of "The Four Horsemen" and "Sad But True"), "Broken, Beat & Scarred" and my personal favorite, "My Apocalypse." The latter reminds me of a mix of "Whiplash" and "Battery" music wise. The other notable tracks, "The Day That Never Comes" and "All Nightmare Long." I think this album has something to satisfy all Metallica fans. Death Magnetic is an excellent blend of old school and radio friendly Metallica.

Track Listing

• That Was Just Your Life
• The End Of The Line
• Broken, Beat & Scarred
• The Day That Never Comes
• All Nightmare Long
• Cyanide
• The Unforgiven III
• The Judas Kiss
• Suicide & Redemption
• My Apocalypse

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