Video for “Shake Your Groove Thing” featuring Drew Steely

No one ever thought they’d see Led Zeppelin play again… but there they were, onstage in London last November. Now the Chipmunks—who cover Led Zep’s “Rock and Roll” on their new album Undeniable—follow suit with a surprise reunion of their own. After a difficult weeklong estrangement, America’s favorite musical squeakers welcome longtime frontman Alvin back into the fold. The Chipmunks can once again be known as Alvin and the Chipmunks.

“I’m back!” says Alvin. “Did you miss me?”

Rumored to be fielding movie and television show offers in the wake of 2007′s box office smash Alvin and the Chipmunks (and its accompanying Top 5 soundtrack), Alvin took his hula hoop and vanished without warning just after the band completed UNDENIABLE. Simon, Theodore and longtime producer David Seville subsequently held open auditions for the job, including fan submissions via YouTube.

“We want to thank all the little munks and munkettes who sent us videos,” says Simon. Adds Dave Seville, “I’ll be keeping them on file in the studio. Next time Alvin disappears, you just might hear from me. You got that Alvin?… Alvin?… AAAAAAALVIN! Oh well,” Seville continues. “You may hear from me shortly.”

Even as the first video from UNDENIABLE came out—a version of the disco classic “Shake Your Groove Thing” featuring guest vocals by Drew Seeley (High School Musical soundtracks, Another Cinderella Story)—the three Chipmunks had been spotted doing lunch at The Ivy. “Just family catching up,” Simon told Rodent Defamer at the time. But it seems the gossip was all true.

“When they started having those auditions, I was a little shaken” Alvin admits. My brothers and I met at The Ivy without managers or agents and remembered what’s important: family and music. I’ve been in this band for five decades, and I intend to be in this band another five decades. Simon can probably tell you what that is in chipmunk years.”

“Beats me,” says Simon. “You think I know that just because I wear glasses?” “Rock’n'roll keeps us young!” says Theodore.

Indeed—since beginning their career with the chart-topping, Grammy-winning hit “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late),” the trio has successfully reinvented itself on more than 40 albums, including forays into country, disco, metal, punk and hip-hop. Like its predecessors, UNDENIABLE showcases a band that’s mastered every style, from the funky title track and remix of “We’re The Chipmunks” (the theme song from the popular cartoon series) to a moving version of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.” There’s also an epic take on Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On a Prayer,” a new holiday hit in “Ho Ho Ho” and what just might be the definitive version of “Don’t Stop Believin’”.

At least until Steve Perry rejoins Journey,” Alvin boasts.

Streaming Link for “Shake Your Groove Thing” featuring Drew Steely

It happens to the best of them: Journey. Judas Priest. Van Halen. And now, The Chipmunks need their Sammy Hagar. After 50 years with the same line-up, Alvin has left the band. One of America’s most beloved and biggest-selling artists will be holding tryouts for a new lead vocalist—and the job’s available to anyone who visits www.chipmunkaudition.com.

The band parted ways with longtime frontman Alvin following the smash success of the 2007 movie Alvin and The Chipmunks and its accompanying Top 10 soundtrack, which is nearing platinum sales. It seems Alvin is leaving the band high and dry right before the November release of The Chipmunks latest album, UNDENIABLE.

“The last time I yelled ALVIN!, he was nowhere to be found,” says longtime Chipmunks songwriter/producer David Seville. “I mean, he usually makes me do it three times. After that we work it out. But no. Then I saw that item on Perez Hilton about him and Miley Cyrus dining out at Geisha House with Timbaland and Justin Timberlake,” Seville continues. “I’ve been in this business since 1958. I know a guy who’s looking to make a solo record when I see one.” Alvin could not be reached for comment. “Theodore and I have seen this sort of thing before,” says brother and band mate Simon. “Success is going to his little furry head.” “Dude thinks he’s a movie star,” adds Theodore.

But with a new album, UNDENIABLE, hitting the stores November 4th, The Chipmunks can’t wait for their egocentric former leader to regain his senses. And while the band considered filling Alvin’s paws with Steve Perry—“Don’t Stop Believin’” is one of the new record’s highlights—they ultimately felt an unknown would bring new energy.

Visitors to www.chipmunkaudition.com will be able to upload a video to the band’s YouTube channel. Any song will be accepted and costumes, props and other creative ideas are also welcome. The site will also feature all the latest Chipmunks news.

“I’ve said it before – I’ve been lucky to work with just one interpretive vocalist as great as Alvin,” says Seville. “It’s gonna be a thrill to search the whole world for another. Now I know how Max Martin felt, getting to work with Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson.”

Working with a brand new singer will be one last huge change for a band that has already reinvented itself over the course of more than 40 albums, whether it’s Christmas, country-western, punk or hip-hop. Like its predecessors, UNDENIABLE showcases a band that’s mastered every style, from the funky title track and remix of “We’re The Chipmunks” (the theme song from the popular cartoon series) to a moving version of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.” There’s also a new holiday hit in “Ho Ho Ho,” an epic take on Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On a Prayer” and an inspired version of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” Rising pop star Drew Seeley (High School Musical soundtracks, Another Cinderella Story) is also featured on a duet of the classic disco hit “Shake Your Groove Thing.”

“With all the hubbub of the movie, it has been a long time since we rocked n’ rolled,” says Simon. “The Chipmunks have always been about the music, man. We want somebody who feels the same way. I’m excited to see all the YouTube videos.” “Me too,” adds Theodore. “But don’t you think “Theodore and The Chipmunks” has a nice ring to it?”

Track List:

1. We’re The Chipmunks – DeeTown Remix
2. Shake Your Groove Thing – featuring Drew Seeley
3. Livin’ on a Prayer
4. Three Little Birds
5. Thank You
6. All The Small Things
7. Acceptance
8. Don’t Stop Believin’
9. Ho Ho Ho
10. Rock and Roll
11. Home
12. Undeniable
13. We’re The Chipmunks – Classic Versions
14. Time Warp– Classic Versions