Tues Rock Roundup for March 9th

AC/DC singer Brian Johnson is one of a number of artists who’ve lent their talents to Love and Peace – Greatest Hits for Kids, which is out next Monday. Johnson sings on “If I Had a Hammer.” Other artists include Willie Nelson, Donovan, Taj Mahal, Faith Hill and Los Lobos.

New Jimi Hendrix music is in stores today. Valleys of Neptune is a compilation of 12 songs that were never officially released. These are the final studio recordings of the original Jimi Hendrix Experience, done over four months in 1969. Janie Hendrix, C-E-O of Experience Hendrix, says, “Valleys of Neptune offers deep insight into his mastery of the recording process and demonstrates the fact that he was as unparalleled a recording innovator as he was a guitarist.” Among the 12 songs is a cover of Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love.”  In addition to Valleys of Neptune, Legacy is also releasing today deluxe versions of Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love, Electric Ladyland and First Rays of the New Rising Sun.

The Alabama House of Representatives’ Tourism and Travel Committee is recommending that Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” be the new state song, replacing “Stars Fell on Alabama.” More than 100 artists have covered the 1934 anthem, including Jimmy Buffett, but according to Florence, Alabama’s Times Daily, the feeling is that most residents don’t know the song. The committee will make its final vote today, at which point the bill will go to the full house. The state senate would then have to vote on it before Governor Bob Riley signs it into law.

NEW RELEASES:

Other than the Jimi Hendrix CDs we’ve already mentioned, the only other new release from the world of Classic Rock is also this week’s Cool New BluRay Of The Week.  It’s The Who’s The Kids Are Alright.

Precious is new to DVD and Blu-Ray today. Mo-Nique got an Oscar and newcomer Gabourey Sidibe got an Oscar nomination for the dark drama that now comes with commentary, making-of featurettes, a deleted scene, interviews and Gabourey Sidibe’s audition tape.

Up in the Air is also available. The tale of a corporate frequent flier nabbed Oscar nominations for George Clooney, Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga. It comes with deleted scenes, storyboards and the Sad Brad music video “Help Yourself.”

Old Dogs stars John Travolta and Robin Williams as pals who suddenly find themselves caring for seven-year-old twins. Extras include bloopers, deleted scenes, outtakes and a music video featuring Travolta and his daughter Ella Bleu.

In the animated adventure Planet 51, an astronaut lands on a far-off planet where life is like cheerful 1950s America. It features the voices of Gary Oldman, John Cleese, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jessica Biel and Justin Long. It comes with extended scenes, an interactive game and the special “The World of Planet 51.”

Michael Moore looks at who crashed the economy in the documentary Capitalism: A Love Story. It comes with more than 80 minutes of featurettes and deleted scenes.

TV that’s gone digital includes the seconds seasons of Breaking Bad and In Plain Sight.