In the late 1960s, Jon Anderson became one of the most recognized rock musicians in the world. Thanks to his striking voice, his flamboyant turn as lead singer of equally outrageous prog-rock band Yes led to millions of album sales for over 30 years.

Now, post-Yes, Anderson is busy creating more solo albums, collaborating with people all over the world. He’s healthy, happy, and still creating fantastic music. “Geeks of Doom? I love it!”

Geeks of Doom: So, Jon, how are you?

Jon Anderson: I’m doing very, very good. It’s a very exciting moment; I’ve got an album coming out, today!…last night there was a king snake, a three-foot king snake on my door step, which means rebirth. It’s very rare that you see them and there it was on my door step. It’s a native American totem for rebirth, which is where I’m going right now!

Geeks of Doom: A rebirth, a new Jon!

Jon Anderson: That’s-a me! [screams, laughs]

Geeks of Doom: [laughs] Tell me a bit about how the album came together. It’s called Survival & Other Stories“¦

To get everyone familiarized with their new Amazon Cloud Player, Amazon offering is up 23 ALBUMS FOR $3.99 OR LESS. There are some great selections, like Beastie Boys Solid Gold Hits and Whitesnake The Definitive Collection, both of which are $2.99 each. Also, the spotlight deal on Foo Fighters Greatest Hits is still valid, so grab the album now for only $3.99 (contains exclusive track, “Have A Cigar,” a cover of the Pink Floyd song).

There’s also a 100 Albums for $5 Each sale, with selections from all music genres available at the discounted price through the end of the month. See below for my favorite picks from this sale.

Queen A Night At The Opera
The Who Who’s Next
The Ramones Greatest Hits
Pat Benatar Best Shots
Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream
Soundgarden Badmotorfinger
Poison The Best Of- 20 Years Of Rock
Yes Highlights – The Very Best Of Yes
Soundtrack Tron
Soundtrack Tangled

William Shatner is working on another music project, and this time it’s all about metal. Following a “space” theme, and titled Seeking Major Tom, Shatner is joining forces with some major hard rock icons for the new project, which is set to be released later this year. Essentially, the release is a covers album, but with covers brought together to tell the story of a concept album.

So far, Shatner has collaborated with Brian May (Queen), Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society), Peter Frampton, Ian Paice (Deep Purple), and Steve Howe (Yes). Seeking Major Tom is said to be a collection of 18 “rock anthems” reinterpreted to tell the story that Shatner is putting forward on the album.

Most of you who’ve read me for a while already know that I’m a true metal warrior and have been since childhood. But every so often, I get nostalgic for music that was popular when I was young — stuff I really didn’t listen to at the time. That’s why I just purchased the MP3 version of the Bryan Adams album Reckless, which is available for a limited time for only $.99.

Besides the fact that it’s only a buck, this album, which blazed up the charts in 1985, contained hits like “Heaven,” “Summer of ’69,” “Run To You,” and “Somebody” and you know you know these songs. I mean, in 1985 I was in junior high school already going to see Iron Maiden and even I knew all these songs, even if I didn’t own the album (matter of fact, I didn’t even know the name of the album til just now) — but the songs were always on the radio. I actually got to see Bryan Adams when he played with Def Leppard a few summers ago at the ballpark near my house (a great place to see a show and cheap too!). And you know what, Bryan Adams totally rocked. Who wouldn’t thunk? Anyhow, for 99 cents, you can swing this purchase.

Here’s another steal: The Yes Album by Yes for only $5.94 — that’s less than a buck a song. Yes, it’s only 6 songs, but they go on forever, you’ll really get your money’s worth. This album is up there as one of the best classic rock albums of all time — seriously, there’s not one mediocre song on it. For those of you who know a little Yes, this is the album with “I’ve Seen All Good People” on it; for those of you who only know them from their hit “Owner Of A Lonely Heart,” the songs on The Yes Album are about 1,000 times better than that.

These are great deals, but guess what? Amazon actually has like 500 mp3 songs available for FREE download. Now, I know what you think Free = Shit. But not so! I downloaded like 15 free songs, and I’m really picky about my music. I’m sure the average person would probably like at least 50 of them.

In the history of rock music, band members have come and gone, but nothing is more controversial or dangerous then installing a new lead singer in an established rock outfit. Does it help or hinder to replace your frontman or is it just plain blasphemy to even consider this practice?

This November, prog-rock band Yes will be embarking on a 40th anniversary tour without their lead singer Jon Anderson, who was forced to bow out because of illness. In Anderson’s stead on Yes’s “In the Present” tour will be Benoit David, who sings in a few Yes tribute bands out of Montreal, Canada.

Depending on fan reaction, this former tribute singer is either headed for superstardom or is very doomed.

Here’s a look at 10 rock bands that have replaced their lead singer and the subsequent outcome of their decisions.