The Flaming Lips News

Ten finalists have been named by Oklahoma's Official Rock Song Advisory Panel in a contest to elect the Official Rock 'N' Roll Song of Oklahoma. Among the contenders are bluesman J.J. Cale, new wavers the Call, surf heroes the Ventures, '50s rockabilly goddess Wanda Jackson, pop-rockers the All-American Rejects, and psychedelic eccentrics the Flaming Lips.

The Oklahoma History Center will celebrate the state's rock 'n' roll history with an exhibit entitled "Another Hot Oklahoma Night," slated to open May 2, 2009. Voting for the Official Oklahoma Rock Song will take place on www.oklahomarocksong.org through November 15, 2008.

Here is a breakdown of all 10 entries, according to the Official Rock Song Advisory Panel press release:

"After Midnight" - J.J. Cale
In 1965, J. J. Cale recorded "After Midnight," which Eric Clapton re-released in 1970. In 1971, J. J. Cale released another version on his album, Naturally. Clapton recorded many of Cale's songs, including "Cocaine." Other artists have also tapped into Cale's writing ability. These include Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Band, Deep Purple, and Tom Petty.

"Heartbreak Hotel" - Mae Boren Axton
In 1956, Oklahoma schoolteacher Mae Boren Axton co-wrote Elvis Presley's hit song "Heartbreak Hotel." An iconic song in Rock and Roll's history, "Heartbreak Hotel" sat atop the pop charts for eight weeks. Axton, sister of U. S. Congressman Lyle Boren, continued to write songs until her death on April 9, 1997.

"Oklahoma" - The Call
In 1986, The Call, which included two Oklahomans, Michael Been and Scott Musick, released the critically acclaimed album, Reconciled. The album's graphics featured historical photographs from Oklahoma and the song "Oklahoma" conjured images of their home state's tent revivals and turbulent weather. Later, presidential hopeful Al Gore used The Call's "Let the Day Begin" as his campaign anthem.

"Never Been To Spain" - Hoyt Axton
In 1971, Three Dog Night released "Never Been to Spain," written by Oklahoman Hoyt Axton. Upon release, the song skyrocketed to number five on the charts. Axton, son of songwriter Mae Boren Axton, collaborated several times with this band. Hoyt Axton died on October 26, 1999.

"Move Along" - All-American Rejects
Formed in 2001, the All-American Rejects released "Move Along" in 2006, from their 2005 album of the same name. The song hit number one on the Digital Download Chart. The band is composed of Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler from Stillwater and Mike Kennerty and Chris Gaylor from Edmond.

"Home Sweet Oklahoma" - Leon Russell
In 1971, Leon Russell reigned as one of Rock and Roll's biggest stars. That year he released "Home Sweet Oklahoma," paying homage to his native state. The song shows Russell's devotion to Oklahoma, as he made the Tulsa area his base of operations. Leon brought in stars such as George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Tom Petty to record at his Church Studios.

"Endless Oklahoma Sky" - John Moreland & The Black Gold Band
John Moreland and the Black Gold Band represent a popular, Oklahoma indie band that has produced a song that reflects the melodic scenes of the Sooner State. "Endless Oklahoma Sky" captures a positive feeling of Oklahoma's present beauty, culture, and music.

"Walk Don't Run" - The Ventures
In 1960, the Ventures' version of "Walk Don't Run" climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Oklahoman Bob Bogle suggested the band cover the song. The Ventures also included Oklahoman Nokie Edwards and promoted Oklahoma guitar-maker Semie Mosely's Mosrite guitars.

"Do You Realize?" - The Flaming Lips
In 2002, the Flaming Lips released "Do You Realize?" on their album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, to overwhelming critical success. The avant-garde band has had more than three decades of musical achievement, providing one of Oklahoma's most successful bands having won three Grammys. The Lips continue to add to their diverse and diehard fanbase.

"Let's Have A Party" - Wanda Jackson
In 1958, Wanda Jackson recorded "Let's Have A Party," which Capitol Records rereleased in 1960 to chart success. Backed by one of Rock and Roll's first integrated bands, the Poe Cats with fellow Oklahoman Big Al Downing on piano, Jackson became the "Queen of Rockabilly."