Sound Bytes
I think it is safe to say that Celine Dion currently rules the music world. Her melodic ballad "My Heart Will Go On" tops the Billboard charts this week, while the soundtrack to Titanic, which she has helped to sell millions, continues its dominance over the album charts. In addition, Dion's latest album, Let's Talk About Love, is number two just behind Titanic, selling over 200,000 copies this past week.
If you count yourself as a fan of Tori Amos, you will be delighted to know she is back in the studio finishing up her next album due out in May. Entitled Confessionings of a Choir Girl, the collection of tracks will be her first since 1996. Amos also plans to launch a full-scale tour soon after the album's release.
In "how-in-the-world-did these-two-hook-up?" news, rap star Coolio and country music star Kenny Rogers are collaborating as we speak on a new version of Rogers' hit song "The Gambler." Don't expect to hear it anytime soon, though - you won't be able to catch the new rap/country alliance for another six months.
Public Enemy is releasing two new albums in '98, including the entire soundtrack to the upcoming Spike Lee joint, He Got Game. The notoriously controversial hip-hop group, best known for the classic track "Fight The Power," is sure to stir up more conflict when its new album drops.
In stores next week are new releases from Scarface (Noo Trybe/Virgin), Richie Sambora (Mercury), and DJ Armand Van Helden (Columbia).
Madonna's first single off her next album Ray Of Light is receiving major critical acclaim and whetting the appetites of Madonna fans across the country. Entitled "Frozen," it is now on heavy rotation on local radio and MTV and is sure to do well on the charts in the future.
Popular bands Sugar Ray and Save Ferris are making their way to H-town next week with their highly anticipated concert at the Aerial Theater at Bayou Place on Friday, Feb. 27. "Fly," Sugar Ray's tremendously popular hit song off their latest album Floored, has done very well on the local charts and stirred up excitement for the upcoming concert.
Attention country music fans! The biggest acts in the industry are invading town starting tonight and continuing through March 8. Some of the star power includes names like Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Leann Rimes, Brooks and Dunn, Reba McEntire and Vince Gill. While most of the tickets have been sold (Jackson and Rimes are sold out), some excellent seats still remain for select nights.
Seasoned Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo fans should be in for a treat this year, with additions such as more pyrotechnics and reportedly improved sound. Country haters are advised to stay as far away from the Astrodome as possible.