Release Date for Ozzy's Black Rain Revealed
Ozzy Osbourne's upcoming solo album, Black Rain, will arrive on May 22. "It's a well-put-together album," says the Metal Madman of the disc, which he recorded in his Los Angeles home studio. "I took my time on [it] and [guitarist] Zakk [Wylde] plays some amazing stuff as always."
Osbourne will give a premiere performance of one of Black Rain's tunes during the VH1 Rock Honors event next month.



from Mitch Schneider Organization--

OZZY OSBOURNE RETURNS MAY 22 WITH ‘BLACK RAIN,’ HIS FIRST ALBUM WITH NEW STUDIO MATERIAL IN SIX YEARS

APRIL 10, 2007


OZZY OSBOURNE RETURNS MAY 22 WITH
‘BLACK RAIN,’
HIS FIRST ALBUM WITH NEW STUDIO MATERIAL IN SIX YEARS

“I DON’T WANNA STOP” IS SET AS THE FIRST SINGLE

OZZY FANS CAN LOG ONTO OZZY.COM TO HEAR SAMPLES OF TRACKS FROM THE ALBUM



“I Don’t Wanna Stop.” “Not Going Away.” “Thank God For The Almighty Dollar.” “Civilize The Universe.” “Black Rain.” “Countdown’s Begun.” And “Trap Door.”

You can tell by looking at many of the song titles on BLACK RAIN—OZZY OSBOURNE’s first album with new studio material in six years—that the rock legend took a good look at his own life and the world around him. He also salutes his fans—among the most devoted in the world—with such songs as “Here For You” and “Lay Your World On Me.”

Due out May 22 on Epic Records, BLACK RAIN finds the two-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee as vital, creative and evocative as ever. You also get the clear sense that he’s operating at the peak of powers, as a singer and songwriter. OZZY fans can log onto http://www.ozzy.com to hear samples of tracks from the album.

OZZY co-produced the album with Kevin Churko and recorded it with his touring band: Zakk Wylde (guitar), Mike Bordin (drums) and Blasko (bass). OZZY says that he felt a new freedom while recording the album at his home studio in Los Angeles. The result: songs that are not only hard-hitting but adventurously arranged and sonically fresh. Explains OZZY, “It’s a well-put together album. I think it’s evident that it hasn’t been just slapped out and put down. I took my time on the album and Zakk [Wylde] plays some amazing stuff as always.” OZZY feels BLACK RAIN is the true follow-up to his classic No More Tears, the 1991 album that also challenged the expectations of what an OZZY OSBOURNE album should sound like.

Some of the songs on BLACK RAIN are ominous in their emotional tone--they examine a world teeming with greed, war, deception, bad drugs (“11 Silver,” about crystal meth) and environmental havoc. OZZY also zooms in on the overriding sense of fear and dread that define our times--perpetrated, he feels, by news programs that make “entertainment” out of terrible news events.

Says OZZY: “I just thought there’s so much fucking bad news, the only way I can release it is to put it in a song.” On the other hand, the new track “Civilize The Universe” offers a sense of hope, as OZZY sings: “I’m alive/Watching better turn to worse/One more time/Try to civilize the universe.”

OZZY will support BLACK RAIN with a world tour beginning in Moscow on May 27 which continues through July 6. Then starting July 12 in Seattle, he’ll headline the 12th annual OZZFEST tour throughout America (http://www.ozzfest.com).

The pioneer and trendsetter has pulled the plug on ticket prices in America and given the power back to the fans, calling this summer’s OZZFEST "FreeFest.” That’s right, this year’s OZZFEST is entirely free for fans, an unprecedented move for an artist and tour of this stature.

OZZY is being honored in May on VH-1’s “Rock Honors” telecast. He will perform three songs on the broadcast including a track from BLACK RAIN. Premiering on Thursday, May 24 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, “VH1 Rock Honors,” will be taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 12.

OZZY’s popularity, creativity and reach are immeasurable, with recent inductions into both the U.K. Music Hall of Fame (as a solo artist and as a member of Black Sabbath) in November 2005 and as a member of Black Sabbath in the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2006. He’s won two Grammy Awards and one Emmy Award, and has a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s “Walk of Fame.”

http://www.msopr.com/?q=node/3002

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http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000URDEA6/?tag=imwan-20

from Billboard.com--




Ozzy Back In 'Black' On First Album In Six Years


April 11, 2007, 12:15 PM ET

Christa L. Titus and Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.


Ozzy Osbourne's first new studio album since 2001, "Black Rain," will arrive May 22 via Epic. The set was tracked Osbourne's home studio in Los Angeles with his touring band of guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Blasko and drummer Mike Bordin. Fans can sample some of the new tunes on Osbourne's Web site. http://www.ozzy.com

The new record is milestone for Osbourne since it's the first in his entire career he recorded sober. "I thought I'd never write again without any stimulation," he admits to Billboard. "But you know what? Instead of picking of the bottle I just got honest and said, "I don't want life to go [to pieces]."

Beyond first single "I Don't Wanna Stop," "Black Rain" also includes the songs "Not Going Away," "Civilize the Universe," "Trap Door" and "Thank God for the Almighty Dollar," a number of which were co-written with Wylde.

Osbourne says, "People say, 'Why do you keep goin' to Zakk?' 'Cause you know what? There ain't no one else like 'em. He comes up with the stuff, plus the fact he's a family member. If he said to me, 'Ozzy, I need you to do this, will you do [it]?' I wouldn't think twice."


Before his headlining his stint on this year's free Ozzfest, Osbourne will play international dates beginning May 27 in Moscow. He is also one of the subjects of VH1's "Rock Honors," to be taped May 12 in Las Vegas for a May 24 premiere on the network.

If that doesn't just scream ROCK 'N ROLL!!!!!

Here's an update from Blabbermouth.net-looks like an iTunes exclusive track will appear. I'll never hear that track I guess. Also, another song has been added to the actual album as well. I look froward to this-hope it's better than "Down To Earth".

Apple's iTunes Store is offering a special "pre-order" version of OZZY OSBOURNE's new album, "Black Rain", featuring the bonus track "Love to Hate". Furthermore, the album now appears to have been expanded to include 11 tracks (not including the iTunes pre-order bonus cut), the latest addition being the song "Nightmare".

"Black Rain" iTunes Store pre-order version track listing:

01. Not Going Away
02. I Don't Wanna Stop
03. Black Rain
04. Lay Your World On Me
05. The Almighty Dollar
06. 11 Silver
07. Civilize the Universe
08. Here for You
09. Countdown's Begun
10. Trap Door
11. Nightmare
12. Love to Hate (iTunes pre-order only)

A full-length audio stream of Ozzy's new single, "I Don't Wanna Stop", is available at the following links: Windows Media, Quicktime, Shockwave Flash.

Ozzy co-produced the album with Kevin Churko and recorded it with his touring band: Zakk Wylde (guitar), Mike Bordin (drums) and Blasko (bass). Ozzy says that he felt a new freedom while recording the album at his home studio in Los Angeles. The result: songs that are not only hard-hitting but adventurously arranged and sonically fresh. Explains Ozzy, "It's a well-put together album. I think it's evident that it hasn't been just slapped out and put down. I took my time on the album and Zakk plays some amazing stuff as always". Ozzy feels "Black Rain" is the true follow-up to his classic "No More Tears", the 1991 album that also challenged the expectations of what an Ozzy Osbourne album should sound like.

Ozzy will support "Black Rain" with a world tour beginning in Moscow on May 27 which continues through July 6. Then starting July 12 in Seattle, he'll headline the 12th annual Ozzfest tour throughout America.

Ozzy will be the featured guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" airing Monday, May 28. The live show begins at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET, and fans are encouraged to call in with questions during the program at (800) 344-ROCK (7625). To find a station near you, check out http://www.rocklineradio.com. The program will be rebroadcast on May 30.

Ozzy is being honored in May on VH1's "Rock Honors" telecast. He will perform three songs on the broadcast including a track from "Black Rain". Premiering on Thursday, May 24 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, "VH1 Rock Honors" will be taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 12.

I believe I heard "I don't wanna stop" a couple weekends back (I know it was new Ozzy). It was a pretty damn good song. I just wonder how many takes it took for them to clip snippets of his vocal to make it sound coherent

Would be interested in hearing it. Hopefully it does not sound like he sings while reading a teleprompter or cue card

it's on his myspace.

Amazon is listing a "ticket offer edition" in addition to the regular pressing. First of all here's the standard edition:



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000URDEA6/?tag=imwan-20

_________________


Now, here's what Amazon lists as a "limited edition with bonus Ozzfest ticket offer":



In February, Ozzy Osbourne made the ground-breaking announcement that Ozzfest will be free for all this summer. In continuing to give back to his fans, a limited number of specially marked copies of Black Rain -- Osbourne's first studio album in six years -- will contain a unique code which can be redeemed for reserved seats to the Ozzfest show of your choice. If you pre-order Black Rain Limited Edition now, you will receive the specially marked copy of the album on or around the May 22nd release date (subject to Amazon.com order/shipping policies). The CD will contain a unique code that you can redeem for two reserved seats beginning June 8th at 9PM ET -- four days before tickets become available to the general public. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Once the reserved seats have been taken at a show, general admission seating will become available (based on venue availability). This version with limited offer has the same content as the regular edition CD.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PA9Q4G/?tag=imwan-20

Hey-at least I win this time. I did not buy "Black Rain" due to the hideous packaging and the lame single, but now it's coming out with 6 bonus tracks and I believe the actual packaging including cover and jewel case. Shame for those who already bought it, but then we know better these days...
From Blabbermouth.net:

OZZY OSBOURNE will have his new album, "Black Rain", reissued on November 20 as a "Special Limited-Edition Tour Package" featuring a bonus CD of live tracks and B-sides. The bonus CD includes the following cuts:

01. I Don't Wanna Stop (live)
02. Not Going Away (live)
03. Here For You (live)
04. Nightmare
05. Can't Save You
06. Love To Hate

Click here to pre-order.

"Black Rain" has sold 406,000 copies in the United States since its May 2007 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

In an interview with Australia's Herald Sun published earlier today, Ozzy Osbourne made it clear that he wasn't too happy about the effect of downloading on the music industry. He said, "I've been suffering terribly from people downloading ['Black Rain']. If they don't find something to stop it, people won't be able to make records. There won't be any new bands. How are they going to survive? I'm an old-timer, I've been doing it 40 years now, but new bands are going to suffer. It's ridiculous, you could be doing it for nothing. Sharon said I'd be astounded to find out how many bands are touring because you can download a record but you can't beat a rock show."

As previously reported, Ozzy Osbourne's official web site is currently hosting a poll for fans to vote on what song should be the next single from his "Black Rain" CD. There are three tracks to choose from: "Black Rain" (currently with 51% of the votes), "Civilize the Universe" (12%) and "Here for You" (36%).

"Black Rain" was reissued in August by Epic in a new jewel-case package containing the full booklet with lyrics and new color cover art and photos. It also contains CD extra bonus content featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the "Black Rain" photo shoot.

"Black Rain", which originally came out on May 22, was released in "eco-friendly" packaging, with the CD sleeve made out of recycled paper. In addition, the record came out without a booklet to further save paper, with the lyrics, credits and other inside material available to buyers of the CD at SonyMusic.com.

"Black Rain" features several songs based on current events and the state of the world in general. But Osbourne told The Pulse of Radio that he hasn't turned into an "issues-oriented" artist. "Believe me, I've not suddenly woken up and I'm sane," he said. "But I'm not one of these guys that can write about boy-meets-girl and, I mean, it's got to mean something to me. I don't write all the lyrics, but I have to say, 'Well, you know, isn't that strange that that happened when this happened,' you know, and I'll get going, you know."

"Black Rain" debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart, with first-week sales of 152,000 copies.

---

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XD0N5G/?tag=imwan-20

I don't know if this album's worth getting - based on "I Don't Wanna Stop," I didn't rush out to get it, but maybe with the bonuses - and if it's in normal jewel box packaging - perhaps I'll get it this go 'round.

Is this a US release, BTW??

Not so bad if it's $9.99 or even $11.99 at BB. I could sell my other copy for at least 4 or 5 bucks and this one would wind up costing about 5 bucks when all is said and done. I'd pay that for the bonus tracks, jewel case and booklet!

Is this a US release, BTW??

Yes-the US tour just got started.

My copy is still sealed. I bought it and never got around to playing it. I wonder if I could take it back somewhere...

Another artist, releasing the same CD (with a few extra songs), just a matter of months after it's original release. They should just give you the option to buy both in the first place, or like TSmithPage said, exchange the original for the new version. This is getting way outta hand!

Jeff

I haven't liked anything with Zack Wylde. I believe that Ozzy's always been dependent on his guitarists for song writing help, & Wylde's songs aren't as strong as Randy Rhodes & Jake E Lee.

I've taken many sealed CDs to Borders without a receipt -- they'll give you store credit as long as you're "returning" something they stock.

I agree.

No More Tears was a pretty good album, but since then, I've lost interest in Ozzy's new stuff. A friend at work told me how bad "I Don't Wanna Stop" was and then I heard it. He was right.

I'm going to see Ozzy's Melbourne gig. I haven't been a huge fan of his stuff with Zack, either...but it's Ozzy I'm going to hear.

The CD cover is wild, plus the bonus tracks.

I'll save my used copy for my Postman for Christmas, he loves Ozzy and I have been working him out this year!

Rick A.

This is 14.99 at Best Buy this week (11-20), and 17.99 at CC. Amazon.com has it for 19.99 and CD Universe 15.99.
I guess I'll spend more on a CD than I have in years and get it at BB, but I do have some Reward Zone money to cash in. Since I never got this when it came out I can justify the purchase.

This one seems to be in scarce supply already. I got to Best Buy at 10:02 and the 2 copies they had were already sold. I went to Circuit City and another Best Buy with no luck. Now Amazon lists it as "ships in 1 to 2 weeks".

This one seems to be in scarce supply already. I got to Best Buy at 10:02 and the 2 copies they had were already sold. I went to Circuit City and another Best Buy with no luck. Now Amazon lists it as "ships in 1 to 2 weeks".



I struck out too-no copies at Best Buy or CC, but then, CC is a joke and I wasn't even going to ask anyone at BB. I might order it from CD Universe.