It's a Beatles blowout on 9/9/09

If you're looking for something special to occupy your time on 9/9/09 -- other than the somewhat obvious choice of catching Tim Burton's new animated flick 9 -- there's always, say, arguably the most musically significant release of the century.

Yes, today is the day the Beatles box sets (stereo or mono) come out -- the day you can purchase the entire series of albums that changed the music world, in pristine remastered condition, with recreated original album artwork, lyric sheets and all manner of photos and liner notes. The folks at Apple/EMI have also made available this brief but fun streaming video clip of "I Saw Her Standing There." Enjoy...

Kansas co-founder Kerry Livgren suffers stroke

Legendary musician and composer Kerry Livgren suffered a stroke Tuesday morning. Livgren was a founding member of Kansas, and has been a tireless creative force since the early 70s. Currently he is a busy solo artist and producer, and manages his own label, Numavox Records.

Kerry is currently hospitalized near his home in Topeka, Kanasa, where surgery was performed to remove a blood clot in his brain. Kerry's nephew and Proto-Kaw bandmate Jake Livgren has stated the family continues to be encouraged by signs his uncle is giving following the stroke he suffered Tuesday morning.

Currently Livgren is working on a cantata based on the life of Lazarus, and will soon make his screen debut in the film The Impostor. He will also appear on the upcoming Kansas anniversary concert DVD Know Place Like Home due to be released in October.

We at the DV wish Kerry a full and speedy recovery.

Kerry Livgren suffers stroke