Dear Friends,

As we announced last week, The Rooks have a new song, "Folk Hero" on the CD compilation which accompanies John Borack's SHAKE SOME ACTION book. You can now hear the song on the band's MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/httpwwwmyspacecomtherooks.

As the season is upon us, you will also find "Christmas" by The Rooks up there too. Enjoy.

Happy Holidays!

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Dear Friends,

John Borack, one of the preeminent writers/reviewers covering the power pop/pure pop musical style for more than 20 years (for publications such as Goldmine, Amplifier, and The Trouser Press Record Guide) has put together the definitive overview of the melodic, rocking musical genre known as power pop.

In addition to John`s reviews of the 200 most essential power pop recordings of the last 35+ years, his new book titled SHAKE SOME ACTION: THE ULTIMATE POWER POP GUIDE, has just been released this week! Michael Mazzarella has contributed an essay and a new song (Folk Hero) by The Rooks is on the CD that accompanies the book.

The 200-page book is built around the author's choices of the top 200 power pop releases of all-time (including quotes from many of the artists covered), and also includes a comprehensive essay on the history of power pop by esteemed pop journalist Carl Cafarelli.

In addition, there are tons of previously unpublished/rare photographs by Anastasia Pantsios and Peter Kuehl, as well as a companion CD packed with 24 power poppin' rarities from the likes of The Rubinoos, Tommy Keene, 20/20, The Rooks, Chris von Sneidern and many others. Most all of these tunes are exclusive to Shake Some Action!

Alongside coverage of power pop's history and its 200 greatest albums, SHAKE SOME ACTION also looks at:

* Great power pop singles, individual songs, compilations and tributes

* Labels specializing in power pop

* Magazines, fanzines and websites covering the genre

* Top 10 lists, commentary, quotes and other goodies from artists and journalists such as:

Joey Molland (Badfinger)

Dave Smalley (Raspberries)

Doug Fieger (The Knack)

Dennis Diken (Smithereens)

John Wicks and Will Birch (The Records)

Tommy Dunbar and Al Chan (The Rubinoos)

John Murphy, Jeff Murphy and Gary Klebe (Shoes)

Jeffrey Foskett (Brian Wilson)

Michael Mazzarella (The Rooks)

Robbie Rist

Bobby Sutliff (Windbreakers)

Robin Wills (The Barracudas)

Scott McCarl (Raspberries)

Jordan Oakes (Yellow Pills)

David Bash (International Pop Overthrow)

Alan Haber (Buhdge.com)

Ken Sharp (Goldmine)

Beverly Paterson (Twist & Shake)

Bill Holdship (Creem)

Anna Borg (TallBoy Records)

Terry Hermon (Bucketfull of Brains)

Ira Robbins (Trouser Press)

and more!

"Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide" is available thanks to the good folks at the Not Lame Recording Company. For more info, or to place your order (what an awesome holiday gift idea!), please visit:

http://www.notlame.com/Page_1/PBPOWERPOPBOOK.html

Happy Holidays!

Read Mike Hammil's interview with Michael Mazzarrella, here

Two new reviews of Michael Mazzarella's Grey Over An Autumn Winter have been added to the Reviews page, here

Michael Mazzarella's Grey Over An Autumn Winter is now available for easy online ordering from CD Baby

Will Harris' review of Michael Mazzarella's Grey Over An Autumn Winter, from Bullz-Eye.com has been added to the Internet Reviews Press Page.

Michael Mazzarella now has his own page at MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/michaelmazzarella

Don't forget to also visit The Rooks' MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/httpwwwmyspacecomtherooks

Dear Fans,
Michael Mazzarella's name and reputation have risen to cult status through his singing and song writing for over a decade now. The Rooks established themselves in 1994 following their debut CD. With a press-kit of rave reviews behind the them, Mazzarella subsequently continued to supply his fan base with solid material without retracing his steps, always with an eye and ear to developing The Rooks sound and scope in excellence and maturity.

Michael's first solo effort, Grey Over An Autumn Winter is neither a departure from, nor a recreation of his old Rooks catalog. His new songs retain the melodious characteristics he's become known for, while reflecting the work of a writer whom continues to grow and expand his craft without sacrificing quality in his compositions. From the lovely opening track "Fairground Is Gone," to the album's chilling ode to his mother finale "Dear Mariann," we anticipate that you will find beauty in Mazzarella's recent efforts.

Thank you in advance and please enjoy Grey Over An Autumn Winter.

Another brand new interview with Michael Mazzarella, conducted by John M. Borack, has been added to the interviews page.

A brand new and extensive interview with Michael Mazzarella, conducted by Richard Milne, has been added to the interviews page.

The Birthday Series!!!

Fans, want a chance to receive a one-of-a-kind, unreleased Rooks or Michael Mazzarella related recording on your Birthday? Just give us your Birthdate (month and day) and send us your mailing address. You just might get a gift in the mail. Don't forget to let us know what your fave Rooks/Mazzarella song is. Every "Birthday Series" CD will have an exclusive recording. No two Cds will ever be the same. This offer will be for a limited time only. Please respond to the following address: therooks27@aol.com.

Updated November 29, 2004

***NOW AVAILABLE***
Michael Mazzarella With The Fellows Of Mortimer's new DVD, Only Hope For Winter is now available through CD Baby. Look for details at the DVD page.

The numbered and limited edition Michael Mazzarella- Home Demos CD and band's newly reissued CD, A Wishing Well...Revisited, featuring seven previously unreleased bonus tracks are now available through CD Baby. Look for details at the ONLINE STORE page.

Paisley Pop has released the long out-of-print 1985 Want One? album by The Broken Hearts featuring Michael Mazzarella and Patrick Yourell. Includes bonus tracks. Look for details at the ONLINE STORE page.