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ALBUM REVIEW: Michael Jackson - 'Michael'

2010-12-16T17:20:00.001-08:00

The idea of polarized attitudes towards a posthumous Michael Jackson release is no more surprising than the circumstances of the release itself. Though new albums from deceased artists is not a new concept, it's arguable that Tupac Shakur's estate set the modern precedent, with numerous full albums of songs constructed around ever-decreasing samples and demoes of the man himself.

The appetite for Michael Jackson material is huge, and it's undeniable that Sony will be hoping for MJ to keep their music division in the black for many years to come. Whether or not Jackson will suffer similarly declining quality as the vaults are plundered remains to be seen - but make no bones about it, 'Michael' the first of many albums to come, is uniformly excellent and can stand amongst his most solid and consistent work.

As has already been addressed here, as in life, scurrilous rumours abound questioning the authenticity of the vocals and songs presented here - but facts are facts, and a fairly comprehensive press release from Michael Jackson's estate provides a rebuttal to such claims that only the hardiest of conspiracy theorists could ignore.

Michael Jackson's comeback had been a long time in the planning, with the gloved one hiring a slew of top-notch producers and collaborators for a series of studio sessions with a goal to releasing a modern, pop record befitting of the legacy of the greatest pop performer of all time. The album was to be his first since 2001's 'Invincible' - a record, much like it's predeccesor 'HIStory' who's release was marred by allegations and innuendo.

Unfortunately unlike the darkly-brilliant 'HIStory', much of 'Invincible' was slight, R&B influenced fair that found Jackson playing catch-up rather than innovating and pushing forward. Though it has it's defenders, the album was generally regarded to be a disappointment.
Many critics had given up on the idea of a MJ resurgence. Although he was found innocent in court, the press onslaught on his private life was unceasing and his reputation was too far gone, still tarnished in the minds of the general public. Added to that, his health seemed to be in a severe decline and by 2008 he had not performed a full concert in well over a decade. Few would bet on him being able to ever to mount a serious attempt at a comeback.

And yet in that same year, it seemed his fans returned in full force - perhaps it was just the right time - and when a surprisingly well looking Michael announced his proposed 'This Is It' shows for 2009, a record-breaking 50 concerts were quickly sold out at the enormous venue. Jackson was reportedly surprised and touched, and one can only imagine how this outpouring of affection was inspiring him to hasten work on his long awaited, similarly bombastic studio comeback. It's realistic to think, had the tragic events of June 2009 not occured, that we would be seeing that album right about now, completed fully in his vision. As it is, it is trusted Jackson friends and collaborators such as Teddy Riley and Akon who have been tasked with completing the work, following his signposts, notes and tracks. They have done the man proud.

Yes, he was a perfectionist, and yes it is unquestionable that the album we now have is markedly different than MJ's finished product would have been. But listening to the sheer quality of these songs - the hooks, the rhythms, the variations - it is difficult to believe that this is an album he would not have been proud of. At just over 40 minutes it is far more cohesive a listen than his previous 2 studio efforts (which while both having some inspired moments, both clocked in at over 70), and it's 10 track, all singles material format harkens back to his chart-obliterating 'Thriller'/'Bad' heyday.

Which is not to say that the album is retro or overtly nostalgic. Of course, the irresistable and much imitated vocal tics and yelps are present in full force, as is Jackson's unparalleled sense of melody, but this is very clearly a 21st century 'Michael'.

Track-by-track

1. Hold My Hand (featuring Akon)

First leaked in demo form back in 2008, this song instantly evokes classic unity ballads such as 'You Are Not Alone', albeit in a more upbeat, uptempo form. Akon's voice sounds terrific alongside Michael's, and its clear that they had a deep understanding of each others musical sensibilities. Since it's initial, premature release, a choir has been added (tastefully mind you) along with other bells and whistles. Curiously, a different vocal take of Michael appears to have been used ('things will get better' has strangely become 'things will be better' in each instance). This is a classic MJ anthem with modern R&B flair.

2. Hollywood Tonight

Latin influence can be detected in this allegorical tale of the pitfalls of fame. While this is, unsurprisingly, a recurring theme on the album (after all, it would be difficult to name anyone who had lived their life in the media's steely glare more than Jackson) it is tackled in a less isolated, angry way than on previous occasions. Funky and danceable with a great chorus, and probably one that the remix artists will be looking forward to tackling.

3. Keep Your Head Up

Maintaining the overall theme of optimism through adversity, this Tricky produced slice of pop is Michael at his sweetest both vocally and lyrically and one of the most old-school MJ songs on the album. Probably the best track from the Cascio sessions.

4. I Like The Way You Love Me

This slice of heavily Motown influenced smooth R&B also saw a demo release, though this time at least an official one on 2004's box set 'The Ultimate Collection'. The album's most direct love song, it's finger-snapping rhythm and Temptations-style backing vocals make for a very enjoyable trip back to Jackson's roots. The song opens with a smile-inducing home-recording demonstrating Michael's not unremarkable beatboxing skills.

5. Monster (Featuring 50 Cent)

Likely to be many fans' favorite, 'Monster' is a stomping urbane powerhouse in the 'Thriller'/'Ghosts' vein, and boasts one of the albums most memorable choruses; "Monster / He's a monster / He's an animal". Tackling public perceptions head on was a cathartic experience in Michael's later music, but this is perhaps the most rewarding track in that oeuvre, marrying its sense of bitterness and injustice with relentlessly hard breakbeats and a memorable (and mercifully, not out of place) 50 Cent rap interlude. Apparently MJ had approached 50 Cent with a view to having him appear on the song prior to his death, although the erstwhile Curtis Jackson's contribution wasn't completed until after the fact. It is pleasing to know that songs like this one have been completed to Michael's specifications wherever possible, and the result is not just one of the very best songs on this album, but one of the greatest songs of his later career.

6. Best Of Joy

If any song on 'Michael' could be accused of being a little slight, it's 'Best Of Joy'. While it features some nice, intimate vocals it is dwarfed in it's mid-tempo, cheerful balladry by sharing disc (or download) space with the superior 'Hold My Hand' and 'Keep Your Head Up'. That being said, it was reputedly one of Jackson's favorite songs earmarked for his next album and is certainly justified in it's inclusion here if that was the case. Also it's 'I am forever, we are forever' hook will likely strike a chord with devoted fans. Here it serves as more of a bridge, tying the album together. Its backing is also more complex than initially appears, and so repeated listens can be quite rewarding.

7. Breaking News

This riff-laden press baiter was controversially unveiled as the album's first streaming track on Michael's official website and seems to have taken on a life of its own. For all the talk, it is a quintessential Jackson single - instantly memorable, catchy as hell and remarkably self-aware. It is also the first adult Michael song to mention Michael by name in it's lyrics, and this too seems to have been delivered in a slightly tongue-in-cheek fashion (listen to the backing vocals breathless 'Michael JACK-SON!') It's also one of the sets most dancefloor-oriented outings. This is the resigned yet resilient brother of HIStory's angry 'Scream' and 'Tabloid Junkie', but is better than either. Where 'Scream' puts a boot through the surveillance cameras, 'Breaking News' stares them back in their glassy eye and says "I'm watching you watching me". Crunchy, fresh and urgent, remember - it's not paranoia if they're really after you.

8. (I Can't Make It) Another Day (Featuring Lenny Kravitz)

Michael's rock output (other than the iconic 'Beat It' with it's revered Van Halen guitar solo) is often unfairly overlooked. Songs like 'Give In To Me' and 'They Don't Care About Us' are amongst his most searingly powerful. This time Lenny Kravitz is brought on board for both guitar and vocal duties for what amounts to a fine slab of hungry, yearning and hot-blooded rock with (you guessed it) a killer chorus. A very welcome detour.

9. Behind The Mask

For my money, the 'Michael' album's single greatest song, 'Behind The Mask' is unlike anything that has gone before in his catalog. Lyrically intriguing, vocally magnificent and musically sublime, few songs show off the man's incredible ear for melody and composition quite like this one. With Daft Punk-esque backing vocals, beats, hooks and melodies to spare, 'Behind The Mask' is so modern as to perhaps be a few years ahead of its time, and an instant rebuttal against any claims that this album should not be released. For a song this brilliantly unique to go unheard would be a tragic waste.

10. Much Too Soon

Every musician seems to have great songs that lie in wait for years at a time, simply because they don't 'fit' with whatever project they are currently working on. For Michael, 'Much Too Soon' was one of those songs, and consequently is the oldest song featured on this album. Dating back to the 'Thriller' sessions, which saw literally dozens of songs (including the gorgeous 'For All Time') excised from the final record, 'Much Too Soon' is as simple and sweet a song as he ever recorded. Almost folksy, with its lightly strummed guitars and harmonica (the first MJ song ever to employ the instrument) it is a plaintive, lost-love ditty that serves perfectly here as a quiet reflective album closer.

While other Michael Jackson albums will follow, this is likely the last album that can claim to have had any personal input from him. Likewise these chronologically represent the majority of his final recording sessions. Ominously, it has been suggested that Sony's next posthumous MJ project will comprise newly recorded 'duets' with current artists which if the uneven offerings on 'Thriller 25' are anything to go by will be at best, forgettable and at worst...well....

It's fitting then to see this as the final album. As a swansong, a comeback and a tribute, 'Michael' delivers the goods and serves as a reminder of just why Michael Jackson is so widely regarded as the greatest entertainer who ever lived, and the incredible legacy of music he has left behind for future generations to enjoy.

-Michael E.

ALICE COOPER group FINALLY to be inducted into Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame

2010-12-16T10:04:00.001-08:00

They pioneered theatrical rock and roll, inspired a slew of imitators, were rock's first true villains and gave us hits like 'No More Mr Nice Guy', 'Elected', 'I'm Eighteen' and 'Billion Dollar Babies' to name just a few. The Sex Pistols John Lydon calls their 1971 record 'Killer' 'the greatest album of all time'. And yet while the Hall Of Fame has already inducted such noted Rock 'N' Roll artists as Grandmaster Flash, Run D.M.C., Abba and Madonna, it has taken them until now to finally recognize the act that put the show in the rock business.

ALICE COOPER BAND MEMBERS COMMENT ON ROCK HALL INDUCTION NEWS

With their upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Alice Cooper, is acknowledged as one of the most influential bands in rock history. At inception forty years ago, the group shocked the world so fundamentally that it seems to have taken a preternaturally long time for their incredible talent to be recognized.

In 1970, Alice Cooper flipped hippie ideals on their head and astonished the world, “driving a stake through the heart of the Love Generation,” as the group’s namesake put it.

It’s arguable that without Alice Cooper, there might never have been KISS, Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Motley Crue, Slipknot or Rob Zombie... maybe not even David Bowie, or at least not Ziggy Stardust. Heavy Metal took the imagery, punk took the tunes, rock and pop took the showmanship and fans the world over fell in love with the macabre sense of humor. Amazingly, those fans have included legends as diverse as Peter Sellers, Groucho Marx, Salvador Dali and Bob Dylan who proclaimed Alice as an “overlooked songwriter.”

These days, artists as diverse as Metallica and Lady GaGa proclaim Alice Cooper's enduring influence on them.

True originals, Alice Cooper invented the concept of the rock concert as theatre with truly trailblazing stagecraft and showmanship in the early 1970's, with Alice himself continuing as a solo artist since 1975, remaining one of rock’s global megastars with well over 50 million record sales to prove it.

The surviving band members (guitarist Glen Buxton died in 1997) upon hearing the induction news provided the following comments:

"This proves that Glen, Neal, Alice, Michael and I (and all of our fans) weren't so crazy after all. I'm absolutely thrilled because, let's face it, this great honor is about as good as it gets." Dennis Dunaway

"Sometimes, aswe were blazing a new theatrical trail in rock, there were moments in the career ofour band that overwhelmingly exceeded even our monstrous expectations. Being inducted into "The Rockn' Roll Hall Of Fame, Class Of 2011,"with my four best friends Michael, the late Glen Buxton, Alice and Dennis, is one of those incredible moments for our one of a kind rock band." Neal Smith

“Take one part Yardbirds, one part West Side Story, starring Bela Lugosi and Bette Davis, and you have Hellzapoppin! and then POOF !! -- and you have Alice Cooper. Now if you can digest that, and the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame can digest that, we will happily be the Hall's arch villains. We are grateful from the bottom of our black little hearts." Alice Cooper

“The band that couldn't shoot straight strikes again, from having all our hits to being in so many Top 100 all-time polls -- be careful what you wish for because with hard work and perseverance and a good group of people like Neal, Dennis, Alice and Glen, you just might get it. It's just a shame that Glen couldn't be here with us to share in it, but we do also share this with (producer) Bob Ezrin and (manager) Shep Gordon, without whom..." Michael Bruce

PJ Harvey - 'Let England Shake', coming February 2011

2010-12-14T04:52:00.001-08:00

PJ Harvey’s new album was recorded in a 19th Century church in Dorset, on a cliff-top overlooking the sea. It was created with a cast of musicians including such long-standing allies as Flood, John Parish, and Mick Harvey. It is the eighth PJ Harvey album, following 2007’s acclaimed ‘White Chalk’, and the Harvey/Parish collaboration ‘A Woman A Man Walked By’.

Such are the bare facts. But what is remarkable about ‘Let England Shake’ is bound up with its music, its abiding atmosphere – and in particular, its words. If Harvey’s past work might seem to draw on direct emotional experience, this new album is rather different. Its songs centre on both her home country, and events further afield in which it has embroiled itself. The lyrics return, time and again, to the matter of war, the fate of the people who must do the fighting, and events separated by whole ages, from Afghanistan to Gallipoli. The album they make up is not a work of protest, nor of strait-laced social or political comment. It brims with the mystery and magnetism in which she excels. But her lyric-writing in particular has arrived at a new, breathtaking place, in which the human aspects of history are pushed to the foreground. Put simply, not many people make records like this.

“I was looking outwards a lot more,” she told the BBC’s Andrew Marr on his programme back in May. “I think a lot of my work has often been about the interior, the emotional, what happens inside oneself. And this time I’ve been just looking out, so it’s not only to do with taking a look at England but taking a look at the world and what happening in current world affairs. But always trying to come from the human point of view, because I don’t feel qualified to sing from a political standpoint… I sing as a human being affected by the politics, and that for me is a more successful way … because I so often feel that with a lot of protest music, I’m being preached to, and I don’t want that.”.

By way of an introduction, there is the title song: “The West’s asleep. Let England shake/weighted down with silent dead.” As with so much of the record, the arrangement and melody have echoes of vernacular music going back centuries, but also push somewhere new: certainly, identifying any prevailing influence on this music is almost impossible. The lyrics hint at England’s post-imperial delusions, and yet another hapless soldier marching off to the front – themes that recur in ‘The Words That Maketh Murder’, ‘All And Everyone’, and ‘Hanging In The Wire’. But there is something else here: a brilliantly poetic picture of England itself – an old country, now creaking with age and experience, whose history is etched into the hearts and minds of the people who live here. One of the songs here is simply called ‘England’, and makes the point explicit: “I live and die/through England./It leaves/sadness./It leaves a taste,/a bitter one.”

‘Let England Shake’ evokes the troubled spirit of 2010, but it also casts its mind back to times and places from our long collective memory. In keeping with such imaginative intentions, its music has a rare breadth and emotional power. Nearly two decades after she made her first records, it proves not just that its author refuses to stand still, but that her creative confidence may well be at an all-time high. It is safe to say that you will not have heard anything like it before.

From the outset, PJ Harvey has commanded attention. She formed the bass / drums / guitar trio in 1991 in Dorset, England and by autumn had released the debut single, 'Dress', on independent label Too Pure. Harvey began an impressive critical climb, which set the stage for a highly anticipated album release the following month. 'Dry' was hailed as an astonishing debut, not just in the UK but worldwide and especially in the United States, where Rolling Stone named Harvey Best Songwriter and Best New Female Singer. 

 In 1993, PJ Harvey signed to Island Records and began work on a follow-up album, 'Rid Of Me' which was released in early '93. The album was supported by a lengthy world tour, drawing increasingly wide audiences and Harvey's first Mercury Prize nomination. The original trio dissolved and Harvey’s solo work '4-Track Demos' was released in the autumn of 1993. 'To Bring You My Love' followed in 1995, an eclectic and starkly original album. The tour which followed saw Harvey explore a theatrical edge to her live performance. She received her second nomination for the Mercury Music Prize and was nominated for two Grammies, received '1995 Artist Of The Year' awards from Rolling Stone and Spin and gained album of the year acknowledgements across the board. 

 Her fourth album,' Is This Desire?' was released in September '98 and attracted plaudits on both sides of the Atlantic gaining nominations for The Brits and The Grammy Awards. 'Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea', the much anticipated follow-up to 'Is This Desire?' was released in October 2000. This album won the Mercury Music Prize in 2001, 'Stories...' was supported by a lengthy world-wide sellout tour. After a summer of live dates - including the first rock concert at The Tate Modern Gallery, London. Harvey finished work on the album 'Uh Huh Her' in the autumn of 2003 which was supported by a world-wide tour and saw Harvey perform in South America for the first time. ‘White Chalk’ was PJ Harvey's critically acclaimed seventh album, it marked a new departure for Harvey and was composed almost entirely on piano. It was supported by a string of notable solo performances including Manchester International Festival, The Royal Festival Hall, the Hay-On-Wye Festival of Literature, the New Yorker Festival and a performance at Copenhagen opera house for the Crown Prince couple. 

 Recording followed the 2006 release of 'PJ Harvey: The Peel Sessions', a collection of Harvey's recordings for the veteran British broadcaster spanning her whole career. That year also saw the release of 'PJ Harvey On Tour: Please Leave Quietly', Harvey's first DVD which was filmed during the Uh Huh Her tour. Other projects have included soundtrack work on the films 'Basquiat' by Julian Schnabel, 'Stella Does Tricks' by Coky Giedroyc, 'The Cradle Will Rock' by Tim Robbins & 'Six Feet Under'. In 2009 Harvey composed the soundtrack for renowned director, Ian Rickson’s, New York production of Hedda Gabler. Also she appeared as Mary Magdalene in Hal Hartley’s movie 'The Book Of Life' in 1999.

In 1996 she worked on the album 'Dance Hall At Louse Point' with John Parish for both the album and a live accompaniment to the Mark Bruce Dance Company production of the same name. The follow up collaboration with Parish was released in Spring of 2009 – ‘A Woman A Man Walked By’. An extensive tour of Europe and America followed. The video for the first single from this album, ‘Black Hearted Love’, was directed by the acclaimed British artists, Jake & Dino Chapman. She has collaborated with an extraordinary range of musicians, including Thom Yorke, Nick Cave, Tricky, Bjork, Hal Wilner, Howe Gelb of Giant Sand, Pascal Comelade, Gordon Gano of Violent Femmes and Sparklehorse. 

 She joined Queen's of the Stoneage's Josh Homme on his critically acclaimed 'Desert Sessions' project [2003] and worked with Mark Lanegan on his solo album, ‘Bubblegum’. Harvey produced the debut album by American artist Tiffany Anders and also wrote, recorded & produced material for Marianne Faithfull's 'Before The Poison' [2004]. In addition to her musical career Harvey paints, draws, sculpts, and writes poetry & prose. Last summer saw Harvey guest design Francis Ford Coppola’s art & literary magazine; Zoetrope: All-Story. The issue featured previously unseen artwork, sculpture and drawings by PJ Harvey. Harvey made a guest appearance on BBC1’s Andrew Marr Show in May 2010, the week before the UK general election. She was interviewed by Marr and performed ‘Let England Shake’ in front of Marr’s other guest, the then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

Harvey is currently collaborating on various visual projects with the respected photo-journalist Seamus Murphy. Murphy, an award winning photographer, has spent over two decades uniquely documenting conflict through his lens. His work has brought him to Rwanda, Eritrea, Kosovo, Iran and Iraq. He has also spent extensive periods of time photographing Afghanistan, and his most recent book ‘A Darkness Visible: Afghanistan’ is a classic illustration of life in Afghanistan, the rise of the Taliban and the impact of U.S. invasion.

Let England Shake - Album Tracklisting

1. Let England Shake
2. The Last Living Rose
3. The Glorious Land
4. The Words That Maketh Murder
5. All And Everyone
6. On Battleship Hill
7. England
8. In The Dark Places
9. Bitter Branches
10. Hanging In The Wire
11. Written On The Forehead
12. The Colour of The Earth

For tour & pre-order information click here.

Gorillaz to release free album this Christmas

2010-12-14T04:41:00.000-08:00

Gorillaz, who's 2010 album 'Plastic Beach' is currently making many year-end best-of lists, will be treating fans to a further new album on Christmas day according to a new interview with frontman Damon Albarn.

Very little is currently known about the release, other than that it was recorded on an iPad during the band's critically-acclaimed US tour, and that the music will be made available free of charge via Gorillaz.com

"On Christmas Eve a video for one of the new songs from the iPad album will be released. Then, on Christmas Day fans get the whole album downloaded to their computer for free as a gift." - Damon Albarn

Click here for more information.

Cowboy Junkies new album 'Demons'

2010-12-14T04:33:00.000-08:00

Canada's Cowboy Junkies have just released Volume 2 of their 'Nomad Series', 'Demons', exclusively to their site's Clubhouse subscribers. The album follows this year's excellent 'Renmin Park' set and will be succeeded by a further 2 volumes before the end of next year.

The following comes from the Junkies' latest mail-out:

"We just want to let you know that we have finished Demons, Volume 2 of the Nomad Series. It’s an album made up of songs written by the late, great Vic Chesnutt. We are pretty proud of it and we have a sneaking feeling that you are going to dig it too.

The album will be available in wide release on February 15th, and it will be available through our site on January 18th. But in the meantime, if you have bought a Clubhouse Subscription, you can go, now, to the Clubhouse and download it and a seven song bonus EP."

Clubhouse subscribers are entitled to a number of special features, including downloads of over 300 rare and archival tracks from the band, and a forthcoming limited edition hardcover book.

For further details visit the band at www.latentrecordings.com

Official Statement from Michael Jackson's estate

2010-11-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

Breaking News: Michael Jackson’s Estate Official Statement

There is nothing more important to the Estate than Michael’s music, his legacy and his fans.

As the Michael album was being put together, it was decided to bring Teddy Riley on board to work on several songs, including “Breaking News,” a song Michael recorded with Eddie Cascio and James Porte in late 2007 while living at the Cascio family home with his children. Riley produced and submitted “Breaking News” to Sony for inclusion on the album. At that time, no one ever mentioned that the vocals we heard on the Cascio songs, which were basically in demo format, might not be Michael. It was known, however, that the background vocals were a combination of Michael and James Porte.

After the tracks were submitted to Sony, three of these Cascio songs were selected to be on the album, and “Breaking News” was one of the three. The day after the submission and selection of the album tracks, for the very first time, the authenticity of Michael’s vocals on the Cascio tracks was questioned.

Because of these questions, I was immediately asked by co-Executors John Branca and John McClain to conduct an investigation regarding the authenticity of the lead vocals on the Cascio tracks.

Six of Michael’s former producers and engineers who had worked with Michael over the past 30 years – Bruce Swedien, Matt Forger, Stewart Brawley, Michael Prince, Dr. Freeze and Teddy Riley – were all invited to a listening session to hear the raw vocals of the Cascio tracks in question. All of these persons listened to the a cappella versions of the vocals on the Cascio tracks being considered for inclusion on the album, so they could give an opinion as to whether or not the lead vocals were sung by Michael. They all confirmed that the vocal was definitely Michael.

Michael’s musical director and piano player on many of his records over a 20-year period, Greg Phillinganes, played on a Cascio track being produced for the album, and said the voice was definitely Michael’s. Dorian Holley, who was Michael’s vocal director for his solo tours for 20 plus years (including the O2 Concert Tour) and is seen in the This Is It film, listened to the Cascio tracks and told me the lead vocal was Michael Jackson.

These are all engineers, producers and musicians who worked on tours and/or in the studio with Michael when he was recording Bad, Thriller, Off The Wall, Dangerous, Invincible, HIStory and Blood On The Dance Floor, and they all reconfirmed their belief that the lead vocals were Michael’s voice on the Cascio tracks.

The Estate then retained one of the best-known forensic musicologists in the nation to listen to the vocals without any instrumental accompaniment (“a cappella”), and to compare them with a cappella vocals from previous Michael songs. This expert performed waveform analysis, an objective scientific test used to determine audio authenticity, on the Cascio tracks, as well as previously released tracks with Michael’s voice, and reported that ALL of the lead vocals analyzed (which included Cascio tracks) were the voice of Michael Jackson.

Sony Music conducted their own investigation by hiring yet a second well-respected forensic musicologist who also compared the a cappella lead vocals from Cascio tracks against previously released vocals of Michael’s, and found that it was Michael’s voice on all sets of the raw vocals. The Cascio tracks were also played for two very prominent persons in the music industry who played crucial roles in Michael’s career. Both of these individuals believed that the lead vocals were Michael’s.

Just to be absolutely certain, I also contacted Jason Malachi, a young singer who some persons had wrongfully alleged was a “soundalike” singer that was hired to sing on the Cascio tracks, and I confirmed that he had no involvement with this project whatsoever.

Sony decided that, given the overwhelming objective evidence resulting from the exhaustive investigations outlined above, they wanted to release a record that included three of the Cascio-Porte tracks – because they believed, without reservation, that the lead vocal on all of those tracks were sung by Michael Jackson.

Although there still seem to be concerns being expressed in some quarters about the authenticity of the lead vocals, notwithstanding the opinion of those who worked with Michael, and two independent forensic analysts, ultimately, Michael’s fans will be the judges of these songs, as they always are. We take all fan comments very seriously, and as I’d stated above, there is nothing more important to the Estate than Michael’s music, his legacy and his fans.

Michael’s fans are extraordinary in their quest for accuracy and their passions to raise their voices in a search for truth! We join with them in our care and concern for Michael. We are continuing to follow up with those who have worked in the studio or on tours with Michael, and if any new information comes to light, we will keep you and the fans advised.

Howard Weitzman, Esq.
Attorney for the Estate Of Michael Jackson
Santa Monica, CA

AVAILABLE NOW: Ronnie Spector's 'Best Chritsmas Ever'

2010-11-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

Rolling Stone calls her "the original bad girl of rock," but this year Ronnie Spector has been very nice. The iconic singer who has influenced generations of musicians from the Beatles and Brian Wilson, to Patti Smith and the Ramones, through to Amy Winehouse and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, - and recorded some of the most indelible holiday music of all time along the way - is set to release a new collection 'Ronnie Spector's Best Christmas Ever,' on November 9, via Bad Girl Sounds/The Orchard.

'Best Christmas Ever' features five rare holiday gems destined to become contemporary classics. Ronnie recorded four tracks under the guidance of Bobby Eli - the famed Philadelphia producer, songwriter and founding member of MFSB - and the fifth song with producer Johnny Gale (Ryan Shaw/Robert Randolph), with contributions from her long-time touring musicians, bassist Jeremy Chatzky (Bruce Springsteen's Seeger Sessions Band, Steve Earle) and keyboardist Joe McGinty (Psychedelic Furs, Ryan Adams), among others. 'Best Christmas Ever' is imbued with Ronnie's deeply felt and vividly recounted holiday memories from her childhood in New York City.

"These songs recapture the original feelings of Christmas I had growing up," Spector says. "The minute I got into that studio I knew these were going to be my new Christmas hits." And she should know. Spector's group The Ronnettes released the definitive versions of "Frosty the Snowman," "Sleigh Ride," and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" in 1963, and they've dominated the holiday airwaves ever since ("Sleigh Ride" and "Frosty" are among ASCAP's Top 20 most played Christmas songs of the past five years). As the New York Times has observed "It's hard to think of a more appealing angel to welcome the season than Ms. Spector." Ronnie will announce 'Best Christmas Ever' tour dates soon.

'RONNIE SPECTOR'S BEST CHRISTMAS EVER'

TRACKLIST:
1. My Christmas Wish
2. The Time Of Year (Happy Holidays)
3. Light One Candle
4. Best Christmas Ever
5. 5. It's Christmas Once Again

Ronnie Spector on the web:
RonnieSpector.com

Erasure to re-record 'A Little Respect' for charity release

2010-11-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

FROM OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE 9/11/2010

At tonight's Emery Awards in NYC, Hetrick-Martin Institute Ambassador Andy Bell will announce that Erasure - the band for which he is lead singer alongside electronic music legend Vince Clarke - will record a new version of their chart-topping classic 'A Little Respect'. Proceeds from the download of the single will benefit The Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School, and Cyndi Lauper's charity the True Colors Fund.

Originally released as a single in 1988 from the Erasure album 'The Innocents', 'A Little Respect' reached #2 on the Billboard Dance Charts and became a signature tune for the synthpop duo Erasure, as well as becoming an anthem for the gay rights movement.

The new recording of 'A Little Respect' will now include a youth chorus from The Hetrick-Martin Institute and it will be released as a download by Mute Records. A new documentary-style video, conceived by filmmaker Jason Stein of Laundry Service Media, will accompany the new recording. Both the single and video - which is intended to include cameos from high-profile supportive friends in the gay-straight community - are scheduled for release in mid-December with proceeds from the download of the music single earmarked to benefit The Hetrick-Martin Institute and the True Colors Fund.

In the wake of the tragic gay bullying incidents and related suicides across the country, Andy Bell was motivated to take action. As one of popular music's first openly-gay celebrities Bell felt compelled to get involved. "I am honored and moved beyond words to serve as an Ambassador to the The Hetrick-Martin Institute. Every opportunity we have to spread tolerance and compassion must be seized and I will take special pride in doing so on HMI's behalf."

Thomas Krever, the Executive Director of The Hetrick-Martin Institute expresses his gratitude to Andy and Vince for their generosity. "The music of Erasure was a formative part of my youth and a touchstone to feeling proud and confident as a gay man. Today's youth need to be reminded as often as possible that they are worthy of respect."

The Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School, believes all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential. Founded in 1979, The Hetrick-Martin Institute creates this environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth between the ages of 12 and 24 and their families. Through a comprehensive package of direct services and referrals, Hetrick-Martin seeks to foster healthy youth development. Hetrick-Martin’s staff promotes excellence in the delivery of youth services and uses its expertise to create innovative programs that other organizations may use as models. For more information about HMI visit their website or follow their work on Twitter or on Facebook.

For more information about the True Colors Fund visit their website.

New Michael Jackson album announced - 'Michael'

2010-11-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

MUCH ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM FROM THE KING OF POP
MICHAEL
TO BE RELEASED DECEMBER 14

Exclusive Teaser and Song to be Unveiled on MichaelJackson.com

New York, NY – The much anticipated album of newly completed recordings from Michael Jackson entitled MICHAEL will be released on December 14 by Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson. Tomorrow, an exclusive teaser for the project will appear on www.michaeljackson.com; on Monday, November 8th the world premiere of “Breaking News,” a full track from the album, will stream on the site for one week only.

The creative process never stopped for the King of Pop who was always planning for his next album; unbeknownst to many fans around the world Michael Jackson was writing and recording songs continuously everywhere from a friend’s home in New Jersey to studios in Las Vegas and Los Angeles with a small group of handpicked collaborators. Now, through the unique stories that will be told about the songs that comprise MICHAEL, fans will get mind-blowing insight into how this artist worked and a chance to hear the songs he most recently created along with tracks that Michael had a desire to bring to fruition.

“Breaking News,” a never heard before song by Michael that appears on the new album was recorded in New Jersey in 2007 and recently brought to completion. Fans can begin pre-ordering the album on www.michaeljackson.com in the next 24 hours.

The attached image of the album cover of MICHAEL was created by painter Kadir Nelson in 2009. In the oil painting, Kadir – who is known for story telling through his art – takes us on a journey through some key moments and important people in Michael Jackson’s life.

Stay tuned for the worldwide launch of the official first single from MICHAEL later this month.
www.michaeljackson.com

Bob Dylan wants you to embrace Mono

2010-10-19T09:11:00.001-07:00

Ray Davies to release collaborations album, 'See My Friends'

2010-10-18T01:46:00.000-07:00

Ray Davies, one of the UK's finest songwriters, releases 'See My Friends', an album of classic Kinks songs turned into unique collaborations on Universal on November 1st.

On this one of a kind album, Ray collaborates with a formidable selection of artists on tracks from his incredible songwriting career, revisiting his back catalogue and crafting new versions of his classic songs. Everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Metallica features on this diverse collection of material.

Highlights include 'Days'/'This Time Tomorrow' with Mumford amp; Sons, 'Better Things' with Bruce Springsteen, 'You Really Got Me' with Metallica and 'Tired of Waiting For You' with Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody.

"This project came about almost by accident," says Davies of the project, which was kick-started when he recorded a version of 'Till The End Of The Day' in the summer of 2009, with the late, great Big Star singer Alex Chilton.

"With some tracks I had to appreciate the style of the other artists, otherwise it would have sounded unbalanced. And I wanted the album to work as an entire listening experience but each track had a life of its own," explains Ray.

Ray was happy to go where the music took him, in every sense: Oslo via Denmark, Germany and Belgium to record with Metallica, New York to record with Jon Bon Jovi, New Jersey for Bruce Springsteen, Chicago for Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins and his own north London base, the legendary KONK studios, for much of the rest. "This record is well-travelled already," explains Ray.

Paloma Faith, Jackson Browne, Black Francis of the Pixies, Lucinda Williams, Amy Macdonald and Spoon also feature on the record, which follows Ray's acclaimed tour of North America and the UK plus a stand out set on Glastonbury's Pyramid stage this summer.

The tracklisting for 'See My Friends' is:

1. Better Things - Ray Davies & Bruce Springsteen
2. Celluloid Heroes - Ray Davies, Jon Bon Jovi & Richie Sambora
3. Days/This Time Tomorrow - Ray Davies & Mumford amp; Sons
4. Long Way From Home - Ray Davies, Lucinda Williams & The 88
5. You Really Got Me - Ray Davies & Metallica
6. Lola - Ray Davies & Paloma Faith
7. Waterloo Sunset - Ray Davies & Jackson Browne
8. 'Til The End of The Day - Ray Davies, Alex Chilton & The 88
9. Dead End Street - Ray Davies & Amy Macdonald
10. See My Friends Ray Davies & Spoon
11. This Is Where I Belong - Ray Davies & Black Francis
12. David Watts - Ray Davies & The 88
13. Tired Of Waiting - Ray Davies & Gary Lightbody
14. All Day And All Of The Night/Destroyer - Ray Davies & Billy Corgan

Blues Icon Buddy Guy Set to Release New Album 'Living Proof' on October 26th

2010-10-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Five time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Buddy Guy, will release his new album, Living Proof on October 26th. His 11th Silvertone/Jive studio release marks an historic first as it brings together the incomparable B.B. King and Guy on the introspective and moving lead single, "Stay Around A Little Longer." The landmark single represents the first time that these two blues titans have ever joined together on a studio release.

Asked what he considers himself Living Proof of, Buddy Guy answers modestly. "Do you know how many guys I started out with who just threw up both hands and quit?" he says. "My first wife said to me, 'It's me or the guitar,' and I picked up my guitar and left. We still laugh about that. But I'm still picking away at it, I don't know nothing else." In addition to the collaboration with B.B. King, Guy recruits fellow guitar legend Carlos Santana, who joins him on the slinky tune "Where the Blues Begins."

At 74-"years young," he's been a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago's fabled West Side sound and a living link to that city's halcyon days of electric blues. In a career than spans nearly 50 years he has received 23 W.C. Handy Blues Awards (the most any artist has received), the first annual Great Performer of Illinois Award, the Billboard magazine Century Award for distinguished artistic achievement, and the Presidential National Medal of Arts. Rolling Stone ranked him in the top 30 of its "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time."

Recently, Buddy Guy wrapped shooting the "Stay Around A Little Longer" video with B.B. King in Las Vegas and just held "An Evening With Buddy Guy" at the Gammy Museum's theater in Los Angeles where he discussed his storied career and performed a selection of songs. Right now the indefatigable musician is on tour throughout North America.

www.buddyguy.com

Hip-O Select releases 'Tammi Terrell - The Complete Solo Collection'

2010-10-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Available now, limited edition of 5000.

Tammi Terrell, the lovely ingénue who became best known as Marvin Gaye’s duet partner, the female voice in the Motown classics “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” "Your Precious Love” and more, also had a budding solo career – one cut tragically cut short by her premature death at age 24.

In 2010, as we mark the 40^th anniversary of Tammi’s death and celebrate what would have been her 65^th birthday, the singular person behind those immortal duets is being rediscovered. Come On And See Me: The Complete Solo Collection brings together for the first time all of Tammi’s solo recordings, from her earliest releases for Scepter/Wand, when she was still in high school, to her brief time with James Brown, her stint with Checker/Chess and, finally, her blossoming at Motown. That’s a total of 50 tracks on 2 CDs: every single, B-side, album track and stray cut from posthumous releases – plus an amazing treasure trove of newly discovered tracks: 10 unreleased recordings direct from the Chess and Motown vaults, including Tammi’s only known live recordings. And 11 songs previously available in mono are presented in brand new stereo mixes; most of those are extended as well.

Two of the unreleased tracks aren’t strictly solo: we found a duet version of Tammi’s otherwise solo Chess single, “If I Would Marry You,” in which she is paired with triple-threat Jimmy Radcliffe, more than three years before she worked with Marvin Gaye; and “Kissing In The Shadows,” a never-before-heard Motown track in which she is supported vocally by producer Johnny Bristol.

Additional unreleased tracks include two Chess recordings co-written by Radcliffe – “I Can’t Hold It In Any More,” a bluesy cover of an Etta James B-side, and “I’ve Got Nothing To Say But Goodbye.” On the Motown side, there are two previously unheard Ashford & Simpson compositions and productions, “Beware Of A Stranger” and “It’s Been A Long Time Happenin’.” Then there is the live set.

Tammi Terrell was, in September 1966, a 21-year-old rising star at Motown with two minor hit singles; her duets with Marvin Gaye were not yet a notion. She was tapped to open for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles at one of the company’s “Motown Mondays” performances at Detroit’s swanky Roostertail nightclub, the same venue where the Four Tops’ and the Temptations’ live albums were recorded. In a stirring 13-minute set, Tammi showcased her versatility, performing spirited versions of her two solo singles and a smartly arranged medley in which she sang snippets of songs associated with her favorite singers: Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson and the Supremes. It’s the only live recording of Tammi anywhere.

This unprecedented collection also features a beautiful booklet with rare photos, detailed annotations and an essay by Princeton professor Daphne Brooks.

Come On And See Me: The Complete Solo Collection celebrates the life and music of Tammi Terrell. Here is another way to celebrate: Tammi is the subject of a new one-hour documentary airing this fall on TV One, part of the second season of the channel’s acclaimed signature series, Unsung.

For more information visit this page.

NICOLE ATKINS signs to Razor & Tie

2010-09-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Nicole Atkins is a name that will be very familiar to long term blog readers and podcast listeners. Besides twice featuring her music on the show, we gave her first ever Dutch gig a glowing review, and named her debut album (the sublime 'Neptune City') our favourite album of 2007. Recently Razor + Tie records made the following announcement:

Razor & Tie is excited to announce the signing of Nicole Atkins, a Brooklyn, New York based songstress. Nicole is bringing her unique voice and crooner core sound to Razor & Tie, who will release Atkins’ second album in early 2011.

Formerly signed to Columbia Records, Nicole Atkins and her edgy personality have found an exciting new home with New York City based independent label Razor & Tie. Nicole’s powerful, one of a kind voice transcends genres and allows her to feel at home touring with indie musicians to classic rockers.

“I’m so excited to be working with Nicole; I’ve followed her career for years. This is one of those moments when the fan inside of me gets to work with one of my favorite artists,” stated Beka Tischker, Razor & Tie’s Vice President of A&R and Music Publishing. Nicole echoed the sentiment, “I’m really happy to be working with a group of people that share my musical vision and who are so supportive.”

On the new album, Nicole reveals her growth as a singer and songwriter with a sophisticated batch of new songs. Be prepared for a darker, grittier album with a bluesy, psychedelic sound that still showcases the stunning range and richness of tone that Nicole’s voice is known for.

Nicole Atkins grew up in Neptune, New Jersey where she began playing the guitar and writing songs at age 13. She spent her younger years listening to classic artists such as Traffic and Pink Floyd instead of the bubblegum pop that was popular amongst her peers. Eclectic music taste helped shape the sounds on her previous releases, the full length album Neptune City, and two EP’s Bleeding Diamonds and Nicole Atkins Digs Other People’s Songs.

Nicole is currently recording in Brooklyn, New York with producer Phil Palazzolo. Once the album has been mixed, Nicole will be joining Regina Spektor for several UK shows, followed by a west coast US tour supporting The Black Keys. Nicole has previously toured with The Avett Brothers, AC Newman, Ray Davies, Aimee Mann, and Chris Isaak.

The signing of Nicole Atkins reflects Razor & Tie’s commitment to a growing and diverse artist roster which includes Dave Barnes, All That Remains, Dead Confederate, Norma Jean, and The Summer Set. The New York-based label is one of the fastest growing independent record companies in the United States, and has garnered both Platinum sales and Grammy awards in its 20 year history.

It has now been revealed that the new album's title will be 'Mondo Amore'.

Visit www.nicoleatkins.com

DAR WILLIAMS to release 'Many Great Companions', October 12th

2010-09-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

Dar Williams is set to release her eighth studio album, Many Great Companions, via Razor & Tie on October 12th. Many Great Companions is a new album of Dar Williams classics recorded acoustically with special guests, with an additional disc of Williams' most significant songs. Songs span Dar's impressive career from 1993's The Honesty Room through 2008's Promised Land.

On Songs Revisited With Guitar and a Few Friends, Dar re-records 12 classic songs from her extensive catalogue, all performed acoustically. She's joined by several fellow musicians and friends on the new versions, including Sean and Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Patty Larkin, Motherlode, and Gary Louris of the Jayhawks who also produced the album. The second disc, Best of Dar Williams, is not just a compilation, but rather a journey through Dar's career. Listeners are able to follow Dar as she transforms from a folk singer just starting out to the seasoned musician she is today.

Many Great Companions showcases classic Dar Williams in a remarkably unique way, different than anything the songstress has ever put out before. Dar's personal and artistic growth can be seen throughout her career, and this album is the perfect summation of her natural evolution. Songs Revisited With Guitar and a Few Friends and Best of Dar Williams complement each other flawlessly, creating the memorable Many Great Companions. The new album will not only engage and interest Dar's current fan base, but will surely intrigue those who may not be as familiar with her prior music.

Dar Williams is one of the most respected singer-songwriters of her generation, and continues to engage her loyal fans and growing audience throughout the country. Dar's personal and artistic growth have happened concurrently. After attending Wesleyan University, Dar spent 10 years performing at coffee houses in the artistic town of Northampton, Massachusetts before self-releasing her first album, The Honesty Room. She now spends her off time with husband Michael and their two children, Stephen and Taya. Dar will be touring from September through November, with residencies in a few select cities.

For more information, visit www.darwilliams.com.

New Holiday music offerings on the way from Shelby Lynne, Annie Lennox

2010-09-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Two iconic female singer songwriters will be releasing their first full-length Christmas albums later this year. Shelby Lynne (who's most recent studio album 'Tears, Lies and Alibis' also sees a belated UK release this week) and Annie Lennox will both be vying to be the soundtrack to your Yuletide. Hopefully we'll be able to play you a track from each of these on our annual holiday podcast this December. More info below!

SHELBY LYNNE’S MERRY CHRISTMAS

GRAMMY® winner Shelby Lynne will release Merry Christmas, her first-ever holiday collection, on October 12th. The album will mark her second release on her own independent label, EVERSO RECORDS, which is distributed through Fontana, the award-winning independent distribution division of Universal Music Group. Tears, Lies, And Alibis, EVERSO’s first release, debuted at No. 16 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums chart earlier this year. It became a Top 10 hit at Americana radio and was hailed by Newsday as “her strongest album in a decade,” a sentiment echoed by numerous critics.

From its cover – a photograph of Shelby at age four, playing in the snow in her Mobile, Alabama front yard – to the music, Merry Christmas is a warm and heartfelt collection. Rootsy and off-the-cuff, it has an immediacy that makes you feel like you’ve joined Lynne and her musician pals around the hearth.

“I’ve always wanted to do a Christmas record and now that I have my own label, the time seemed right,” says Lynne, who produced the album and penned two original songs for it.

She’s been called “one of the greatest voices of her generation” (The Aquarian Weekly) and when she kicks off the festivities with a stanza of richly layered acapella vocals on the medley “Sleigh Ride/Winter Wonderland,” it’s clear why. Childhood favorites like “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” are playful and vibrant while Lynne brings a subtle majesty to the traditional Christmas carols “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night.” Her two new compositionscapture both sides of the season. ”Ain’t Nothin’ Like Christmas” is a rollicking celebration of all its joys:

“Ain’t nothin’ like Christmas, baby

Don’t come but once a year

Ain’t nothin’ like Christmas, baby

With carols and good cheer

Ain’t nothin’ like Christmas, baby

Let’s meet around the tree

I’ll bring the nog, you put on a log

It’s a Christmas party.”

On the flipside, “Xmas” acknowledges that not all of our holiday memories are happy ones. The song builds from a slow burn to a blistering finale as Lynne engages in a mesmerizing call-and-response with special guest Dave Koz, whose soulful saxophone lines accentuate her bluesy vocals.

Other highlights include a dreamy version of “Christmas Time Is Here” from one of Shelby’s favorite Christmas albums, the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, and an exuberant version of “Christmastime’s a Comin’,” a song she heard bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe perform years ago. “I liked its back porch, family vibe,” Lynne recalls.

A stellar group of backing musicians help give Merry Christmas its down-home vibe, including: John Jackson (acoustic, electric and slide guitars, percussion); Mike Ward (acoustic and electric guitars); Gregg Field (drums); Marc Doten (upright bass); Dave Palmer (Wurlitzer, piano); Ben Peeler (mandolin, steel guitar); Val McCallum (harmonica, acoustic guitar) and Jim Honeyman (clarinet, flute). Brian Harrison engineered the album.

At 18, Lynne’s demos landed her an appearance on TNN s Nashville Now series, which led to a Top 50 duet ("If I Could Bottle This Up") with George Jones and a record deal. On the strength of 2000’s I Am Shelby Lynne, she won the GRAMMY for Best New Artist. Love, Shelby was released in 2001, followed by a pair of intimate, self-produced albums – Identity Crisis (2003) and Suit Yourself (2005). She made her acting debut in 2005, playing Johnny Cash’s mother in the Fox Searchlight motion picture Walk the Line. Just a Little Lovin’, her critically acclaimed tribute to Dusty Springfield, was released in 2008. Lynne has been on the road since Tears, Lies, And Alibis was released in April. For upcoming dates, please visit http://www.shelbylynne.com/.

Merry Christmas – Track Listing

1. Sleigh Ride/Winter Wonderland

2. Ain’t Nothin’ Like Christmas
3. Christmas Time Is Here
4. Silver Bells
5. Christmastime’s a Comin’
6. O Holy Night
7. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
8. Xmas
9. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
10. Silent Night
11. White Christmas

Visit www.shelbylynne.com for pre-order info and tour dates.

ANNIE LENNOX'S 'A CHRISTMAS CORNUCOPIA'

Internationally renowned recording artist, songwriter and musician Annie Lennox has signed with Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music company, for a long-term worldwide recording agreement.

As one of the world’s most successful and critically-acclaimed British female artists in pop music history, Ms. Lennox will release her brand new album, “A Christmas Cornucopia,” on November 22nd through Island Records UK and Decca Records in the US and the rest of the world.
The album features Ms. Lennox’s unique and personal interpretations of some of her favorite Christmas carols as well as a completely new, and wonderful, original composition entitled, “Universal Child.”

“I’m absolutely delighted to be working with Island Records on my upcoming recording,” stated Ms. Lennox. “This album is something I’ve wanted to do for many years. It’s a true labour of love, and I feel very fortunate to be in partnership with such a cutting edge team, especially when I’m at a stage in my creativity when I want to diversify, and pursue my passion in my own individual way. I’ve never been part of a “mold,” and Island are really supportive and appreciative of where I’m coming from. I want to make timeless music that people will love in many years to come…and I’d like to think that “A Christmas Cornucopia” is going to be of those recordings.”

“There are precious few artists who redefine the boundaries of popular music like Annie,” said Lucian Grainge, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group. “And we are delighted to be part of the next exciting chapter in her already storied career.”

“Annie Lennox is one of world’s greatest singers,” commented Ms. Lennox’s manager Simon Fuller. “She has sold tens of millions of albums, celebrated countless hit singles and won every major award and honour there is to receive. However there is one thing she has always wanted to do and now it’s about to happen. Annie has always wanted to record an album of Christmas songs and to see this finally come to fruition is very special. Annie and I are thrilled to now be working with Island Records and all my friends at Universal around the world. We are looking forward very much to a long, happy and successful partnership for many years to come.”

“The album Annie has recorded is timeless and inspiring, a very special showcase for her extraordinary voice,” added Universal Music UK chairman David Joseph. “This record is just the start of what feels like a natural, and very exciting, new partnership between Annie and Island Records.”

Throughout her remarkable career, Annie Lennox has been celebrated as an innovator, and a symbol of enduring excellence. Both as a member of the groundbreaking Eurythmics and as a solo artist without peer, Annie has amassed sales of more than 80 million albums worldwide and claimed 34 hit singles, four Grammy Awards, 11 Brit Awards, five Ivor Novellos, an Academy Award and two Golden Globes.

Visit www.AnnieLennox.com for more information.

R.E.M. announce Live At Austin City Limits DVD release

2010-09-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Veteran alt-rock favorites R.E.M. recently reported that work on their forthcoming album is complete. A Spring 2011 release date is being targeted for what will be their 15th full length studio release.

In the meantime, the band have announced that New West Records will release R.E.M. Live From Austin, TX, the latest DVD from the acclaimed PBS Austin City Limits (ACL) television series, on October 26, 2010. Taken from the band's March 13, 2008 ACL concert, which has been edited into an hour TV show, the DVD contains an extended performance including three songs never aired on the original broadcast. The 17 songs have been re-mixed and re-mastered in LPCM stereo and DTS-HD 5.1 surround sound to provide the highest-quality concert DVD available.

R.E.M. Live From Austin, TX, captures the band "at a pivotal moment in their career," says ACL producer Terry Lickona. The DVD, Lickona adds, presents a band "still breaking new ground and still doing it their way." R.E.M. Live From Austin, TX clocks in at just over an hour and features songs spanning the band's career up to their most recent album Accelerate.

Austin City Limits, the longest-running music show in American television, will re-air the original broadcast of the performance on November 27th, 2010. Check local PBS listings for broadcast information.

Tracklisting:
1. Living Well Is The Best Revenge
2. Man-Sized Wreath
3. Drive
4. So. Central Rain (previously not broadcast)
5. Accelerate
6. Fall On Me (previously not broadcast)
7. Hollow Man
8. Electrolite
9. Houston
10. Supernatural Superserious
11. Bad Day
12. Losing My Religion
13. I'm Gonna DJ
14. Horse To Water
15. Imitation Of Life (previously not broadcast)
16. Until The Day Is Done
17. Man On The Moon

Visit REMHQ.com for more info/pre-order details.

Paul McCartney & Wings' legendary 'Band On The Run' album to be rereleased

2010-09-16T11:05:00.001-07:00

Paul's Epic #1 Album From 1973 Will Be Available In Multiple Configurations Featuring Remastered Rare Bonus Audio & Video Content With Special Exclusive Packaging

Available November 1st in the UK November 2nd in the US

MPL and the Concord Music Group are pleased to announce the re-release of Paul McCartney & Wings’ iconic Band on the Run. Heralded as one of the greatest albums of all time, the GRAMMY winning, smash # 1 album - originally released December of 1973 - yielded the immortal title track and world-wide hit “Jet” becoming Wings’ most successful and celebrated album ever.

Paul personally supervised all aspects of the Band on the Run reissue. The remastering work was done at Abbey Road using the same team who recently remastered the complete Beatles’ catalog.

Band on the Run will be available in a variety of formats originating with the single disc digitally remastered, essential 9-track standard edition. The 3 disc (2CD, 1 DVD) special edition features nine bonus audio tracks (including the top 10 smash “Helen Wheels”), rare footage of the McCartneys in Lagos and behind-the-scenes at the famous album cover shoot, original Band on the Run promotional video clips, the One Hand Clapping television special (highlighted by studio performances filmed at Abbey Road in 1974) all with beautifully enhanced packaging. Collectors will be especially thrilled by the 4 disc (3CD, 1 DVD) deluxe edition which adds an extraordinary 120-page hard bound book containing many unseen and unpublished photos by Linda McCartney and Clive Arrowsmith, album and single artwork, downloadable hi-res audio versions of the remastered album and bonus audio tracks, a full history of the album complete with a new interview with Paul and expanded track by track information for all four discs. The deluxe edition also includes a special Band on the Run audio documentary (originally produced for the 25th Anniversary edition.) The original remastered album and bonus audio content will also be issued in a 2 disc 180gm audiophile vinyl edition that comes with an MP3 download of all 18 tracks. Lastly, the standard and deluxe versions of Band on the Run will be available digitally worldwide.

The musical achievement of Band on the Run is nearly matched by the amazing story behind its creation. Intrigued with recording abroad in the summer of 1973, McCartney searched for a list of studios around the world. Spotting one in the remote location of Lagos, Nigeria, he became enthralled with the idea of recording in Africa. Days before departure, lead guitarist Henry McCullough and drummer Denny Seiwell quit the band leaving the entire project to the three core members, Paul, his wife Linda McCartney and band-member Denny Laine (along with recording engineer Geoff Emerick). Recorded in August and September of 1973 (with further work done at AIR Studios in London in October 1973), they persevered through a tumultuous, yet creatively invigorating 2 month recording process battling difficult studio conditions, oppressive heat and a dangerous mugging at knife point. The thieves made off with the demo tapes (among other valuables), forcing the band to record the entire album from memory.

Band on the Run triumphed both critically and commercially. The album topped the US album chart 3 separate times, won a Grammy and went on to sell more than 7 million copies. Upon the release of Band on the Run, then Rolling Stone reviewer Jon Landau famously gushed, “The finest record yet released by any of the four musicians who were once called The Beatles.”

Paul is currently playing five songs from the album on his ‘Up and Coming Tour’. Live favorites over the last 8 years of touring have included “Jet”, “Band on the Run” and “Let Me Roll It”. In 2008 when Paul played a free outdoor show to over 500,000 people in Kiev, a Ukrainian poll listed “Mrs Vandebilt” as their all time favorite Paul McCartney song. It’s been included in the set ever since. At the start of this tour Paul added “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five” to the set.

Band on the Run marks the first release from the Paul McCartney Archive Collection, an ambitious reissue program that encompasses 40 years of cherished, classic material from the most successful songwriter and recording artist in music history. It’s also the initial physical release of the recently announced agreement between McCartney’s MPL and Concord Music Group to globally market and distribute Paul’s venerated solo and Wings catalogue.

Robert Plant to release 'Band Of Joy' this month

2010-09-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

Robert Plant - Band Of Joy
Available everywhere September 13th 2010

When Robert Plant collected the 2009 Grammy for Album of the Year
for Raising Sand, and a further five more for his work with bluegrass singer
Alison Krauss, it confirmed what has been apparent all along - that Plant is
one of the few musicians of his generation whose appetite
for musical innovation remains keen.

His critically-acclaimed new album Band Of Joy was recorded at Gillian Welch and David Rawlings' Woodland studio in Nashville, an important hub from the Seventies which the duo rescued from oblivion. Despite Plant's name being above the title, it's clearly a collective endeavour by him and the musicians, built on mutual sensitivity.

"I found it incredibly refreshing, the lightness of it all was wonderful," he recalls. "And I didn't want to lose the essence of that. After all the things I've done, the idea of just stepping forward with other people and letting them take the lead, is an exciting prospect. And with Buddy, Patty and Darrell on this record, it promises to be exciting... Nothing is daunting for me - but forever challenging. I have to be able to just get out there into the great drift of music and possibility, and hang onto great themes and ideas."

Visit www.robertplant.com to hear samples and order now.

BILL HICKS - The Essential Collection in stores September 14th

2010-08-27T00:31:00.000-07:00

N.B.: You may remember that on season 2 of the Insomnia Cafe podcast we had an exclusive early play of Bill's song 'Moon Is Smiling'. That song, and 10 others (making up the album 'Lo-Fi Troubadour') will be available in this set via a special download card.

Ryko is proud to announce the release of The Essential Collection, a four disc set (2 CD/2 DVD) - out September 14th, 2010 on Ryko - that encompasses Bill Hicks’ short but influential career as a satirist, social critic and stand-up comedian.

The package contains double DVD discs with over five hours of footage from Bill Hicks’ personal archives including rare, never-before-seen performances from the early 80’s, the cult short film Ninja Bachelor Party (starring Bill Hicks, Kevin Booth and David Johndrow), in-depth interviews with Hicks and a photo gallery from his family’s keepsakes.

The 2 CD discs offer over two hours of his best stand-up material with never-before-released performance pieces from a San Ramon , CA show recorded by Bill Hicks that was found in his archives. The box set also features new liner notes written by family members as well as renowned figures (including Henry Rollins, Eric Bogosian, noted UK author Paul Outhwaite, and UK journalist/tv personality, Clive Anderson), and a download card containing original song recordings by Hicks (that were mastered at Abbey Road Studios - London, England) entitled, Lo-Fi Troubadour.

Tracklisting (selections marked with an asterisk are previously unreleased):

Disc One (CD):

1. Fevered Egos
2. I’m Talking To The Women Here
3. My Favorite New Kid
4. Marketing & Advertising
5. Artistic Roll Call
6. Orange Drink
7. Save Willie
8. Menu?
9. A Killer Idea
10. Goodbye You Lizard Scum
11. Summertime
12. Elvis*
13. The News
14. Confession Time (Cops)
15. Please Do Not Disturb*
16. Spectravision & Housekeeping
17. Girl Of Your Dreams
18. Clam Lappers & Sonic The Hedgehog TM
19. What Is Pornography?
20. Renting Pornos & Girlfriends*
21. Name & Address Not Withheld*
22. Beelzebozo*
23. Pussywhipped Satan
24. I Love My Job
25. Audience Member / Old Folks Home Manager*
26. Worst Audience Ever
27. The F Word
28. My Parents

Disc Two (CD):

1. Drugs Have Done Good Things
2. Rockers Against Drugs Suck
3. We Live In A World
4. Drugs Have Done Good Things Part 2*
5. Ding Dong
6. Gays In The Military
7. Speaking Of Homosexuality
8. Children On Airplanes
9. Your Children Aren’t Special
10. Pro Life
11. Non-Smokers
12. Audience Member / Dental Assistant*
13. Smoking
14. Smoking Tastes Great*
15. Yul Brynner
16. Smoking In Heaven
17. Flying Saucer Tour
18. Burning Issues
19. Odd Beliefs
20. Kennedy & The Warren Commission
21. Handguns – UK vs. USA*
22. The Vision

Disc Three (DVD):

The Early Years – Stand Up
Houston, TX – 1981*
Houston, TX – 1984*
Indianapolis, IN – 1985*
Houston, TX (Part 1) – 1986*
Houston, TX (Part 2) – 1986*

The Early Years – TV Interview

The Outlaw Comics
Outlaw Comics Performance
Origins Of The Outlaw Comics*

Extras – Photo Gallery

Disc Four (DVD):

Ninja Bachelor Party

About Ninja Bachelor Party

Austin Bootleg Series
November, 1991*
December, 1992*
June, 1993*
October, 1993*

About The Austin Bootleg Series

Download Card:

Lo-Fi Troubadour
Original Songs* – Written & Performed by Bill Hicks

1. Introduction
2. She’s A Woman
3. Hey Mama
4. The Road Can Be Hard
5. Jazz Instrumental
6. The Moon Is Smiling
7. Turn Your Mind Over To Your Heart
8. No Music In My Soul
9. Waiting To Meet You
10. I Never Really Cried For You
11. Outro Instrumental

In stores September 14th.

LEONARD COHEN to release 'Songs From The Road',

2010-08-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

FILMED IN 2008/2009 IN HIGH DEFINITION AND 5.1. SURROUND SOUND, AT VENUES IN CANADA, GERMANY, ISRAEL, SCANDINAVIA, SWEDEN, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND U.S.A.

"Lover, Lover, Lover," "Bird On the Wire," "Chelsea Hotel," "Waiting for the Miracle," "Suzanne," "The Partisan," "Hallelujah," "Closing Time," and more - plus 20-minute "behind the scenes" interview feature

Separate DVD+CD and Blu-ray packages available at retail starting September 14, 2010, through Columbia/Legacy; Gatefold, 180 gram vinyl LP of the 12 audio tracks also available
In 1999, after an extended break from the spotlight, 64-year old Leonard Cohen returned to the recording studio and world stage with a passion. From then until now, his albums, concerts and DVD releases have informed a new generation. At the same time, Cohen has heroically fulfilled the dreams of his first generation of fans that have been following his career at Columbia Records since his debut LP in 1967.

Following the celebration of his 40th year as a Columbia artist in 2007 and coinciding with his induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in March 2008, Cohen thrilled his fans by announcing his first tour dates in 15 years. He's gone on to play the most prestigious and beautiful venues in virtually every corner of the globe, mesmerizing and charming audiences with performances that were hailed as some of the best of his career. "When legend Cohen takes to the stage," raved Ireland's The Independent (June 2008), "it's no less than a cultural event of Biblical dimensions."

One dozen of Leonard Cohen's most famous songs from those recent world tour performances – at auditorium halls, festivals, arenas, and stadiums from Tel Aviv to London, from across Europe to the California desert and his native Canada – are now collected on SONGS FROM THE ROAD. The 12-song program filmed in high def and recorded in 5.1 surround sound will be issued in two separate packages: The DVD+CD package will be an oversized 2-disc softpak, identical to last year's Leonard Cohen Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970. The Blu-ray will be in a standard amray case. Both will be available at all retail outlets starting September 14th through Columbia/Legacy, a division of SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. A gatefold, 180 gram vinyl LP of the 12 audio tracks will also be released the same date.

As a bonus, the DVD and Blu-ray configurations will include a 20-minute "behind the scenes" backstage interview with the individual band members. The interviews were conducted by Leonard's daughter, Lorca Cohen.

The sets also feature two different sets of annotations. One is a rare album liner notes essay written by Leon Wieseltier, literary editor of The New Republic. The other is a detailed track-by-track insider's commentary written by Ed Sanders, who served as producer of the sound recording and editing, and producer and director of the video recording and editing. "I was there for every rehearsal," he begins. "I was at every sound check. I was present at every show."
Sanders' notes provides precious insight into the selection process for the twelve outstanding performances captured on SONGS FROM THE ROAD. For "Chelsea Hotel" (Royal Albert Hall, London, 11/17/2008), Sanders writes "Between sound check and show time Leonard would often play his guitar in the dressing room. In the early stages of this leg I would find him practicing 'Chelsea Hotel.' It came as a surprise to everyone (especially those on stage!) when at Rotterdam he launched into it solo after 'Tower of Song.' He continued to rehearse it with the band until the arrangement was ready. The version presented here is the second full-band performance. At the time I thought it was exceptionally compelling and I told Leonard so during intermission. He replied that he thought it went well; that he could feel the presence of a certain 'someone' as he sang it."

SONGS FROM THE ROAD is not only a tribute to Cohen's consummate artistry as a concert performer, it is also a tribute to his enduring worldwide popularity at this time in his career. The program complements his 2-disc DVD release of last year, Live In London, recorded on July 17, 2008, at London's 02 Arena, one of Europe's largest indoor venues. Live In London marked his first concert collection to be released since the 2001 CD, Field Commander Cohen: Tour of 1979. (Note: The O2 Arena selections on SONGS FROM THE ROAD are from November 2008.)
It is ultimately Cohen's ageless songs that draw faithful audiences – new fans and old – to his advance sold-out concerts. (The 2008 tour dates sold over 700,000 tickets alone, across 84 shows worldwide.)

SONGS FROM THE ROAD represents every decade of his life as a recording artist, from the 1960s ("Suzanne" from his 1967 debut, Songs Of Leonard Cohen; "Bird on the Wire" and his interpretation of "The Partisan" both from his second album, 1969's Songs From a Room) – to the '00s ("That Don't Make it Junk" from 2001's Ten New Songs).
Along the way, SONGS FROM THE ROAD revisits Cohen's 'greatest hits' from the 1970s ("Famous Blue Raincoat" and "Avalanche" both from 1971's Songs Of Love and Hate; "Chelsea Hotel" from 1974's New Skin For the Old Ceremony, and "Lover, Lover, Lover" from the 1979 Field Commander Cohen recordings) – the 1980s ("Hallelujah" and "Heart With No Companion" from 1984's Various Positions) – and the 1990s ("Waiting for the Miracle" and "Closing Time" from 1992's The Future).

"Throughout the show," Wieseltier concludes in his essay, "it was never clear whose gratitude was greater, Cohen's or the audience's. He seemed to find at every stop the sisters of mercy whom he immortalized in one of his oldest and most tender songs…. And now, wherever this precious man wanders, the famous blue raincoat notwithstanding, people sing 'hallelujah!' The Psalmist himself could not have asked for more."

Darius Rucker to release second country album on October 12th

2010-07-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

(Associated Press)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Darius Rucker wrote 77 songs for his new album. That's not a misprint.

Most of them ended up not making the cut for "Charleston, SC 1966," Rucker's follow up to his country breakthrough, "Learn to Live." The new album will be out Oct. 12, and will include 12 new songs. Rucker said it was no problem coming up with a final track list.

"We just listened to them and saw what was rising to the top," Rucker said. "When I say that, people say to me, 'Man, that must be a hard decision.' No, not really. The best songs really rise to the top."

"Learn to Live" has sold 1.4 million albums, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and earned Rucker the Country Music Association's best new artist award. The 44-year-old former Hootie and the Blowfish singer was the first black performer to win a major individual CMA award since Charley Pride in 1971-72.

Rucker says the many fans of "Learn to Live" can expect something very similar to "Charleston, SC 1966."

"I don't think it's going to be light-years different," Rucker said. "I don't think we set out to reinvent the wheel or do a new sound. I think this record is more of an expansion of the last record than anything else. It's like picking up where the last record left off."

The album's title is a reference to his hometown, the year of his birth and a tribute to Radney Foster's first solo album, "Del Rio, TX 1959." He said it was listening to Foster that first made him realize the possibilities of country music.

"It was his voice," Rucker said. "It was really the first time where I had heard country music where I thought, 'Man, I could sing that.' I always liked it, but it was always, I never really knew I could play it. But then I heard Radney and it was like, 'Wow, that guy's amazing.'"

Rucker teamed with producer Frank Rogers again and says it's a comfortable partnership. Rogers was one of several songwriters who teamed with Rucker to write material for the album. The singer says it's not out of the ordinary for him to write dozens of songs for an album. He wrote 52 for "Learn to Live." He and a co-writer can turn out six to nine new songs over three days, he said, and he teamed with several writers while on tour, in Nashville and at his home.

Rucker says some really good songs didn't make the cut because they didn't fit what he was looking for on the album. He has begun offering them to others, something he didn't do with the first album.

"I think it was one of those things where I think the last record it would've been hard to have somebody cut a song that we wrote," Rucker said. "I was just so new. It was like, 'Who wants a Darius Rucker castoff?' They might want one now."

Mavis Staples - You Are Not Alone - new album due this September

2010-07-20T11:59:00.001-07:00

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and soul/gospel legend Mavis Staples delivers more wall-to-wall joy on her triumphant new Anti- album, You Are Not Alone (September 14), than any other release you’re likely to hear this year.

Produced by fellow Chicagoan Jeff Tweedy at Wilco’s studio The Loft, the intimate and textured production showcases the iconic singer at her most powerful and fervent. You Are Not Alone mixes traditional gospel numbers with two new songs written for Mavis by Tweedy, plus her unique interpretations of songs by Pops Staples, Randy Newman, Allen Toussaint, John Fogerty, Rev. Gary Davis and Little Milton.

The album features Mavis’s touring band of the last three years: Rick Holmstrom, guitar, vocals; Jeff Turmes, bass, vocals; Stephen Hodges, drums; Donny Gerrard, background vocals; plus special guests Jeff Tweedy on guitars, bass, and vocals; Wilco’s Patrick Sansone, keys, vibes; Mark Greenberg, vibes, keys; with additional background vocals by frequent Neko Case collaborators Kelly Hogan and Nora O’Connor, and Richard Parenti.

You Are Not Alone is Mavis’s second studio release for Anti. It follows her 2007 critical triumph, We’ll Never Turn Back, produced by Ry Cooder, which revisited the great songs of the civil rights era and prompted her hometown paper The Chicago Sun-Times to hail her as “an American treasure.” In 2008, Anti- issued a rapturously received live album, Live: Hope at the Hideout, which was named one of the Best Live CDs of All Time by Amazon.com’s editors and earned Mavis her first Grammy-nomination as a solo artist.

Mavis Staples is enjoying a major career resurgence, having become a festival favorite in recent years. This summer she will play Lollapalooza on August 6, and the Wilco-curated Solid Sound Festival at Mass MoCa on August 14 with additional US and European tour dates to be announced soon.

Track listing for Mavis Staples, You Are Not Alone

1. You Don’t Knock (Pops Staples/Wesley Westbrook)
2. You Are Not Alone (Jeff Tweedy)
3. Downward Road (Pops Staples)
4. In Christ There is No East and West (traditional; arranged by Jeff Tweedy)
5. Creep Along, Moses (traditional)
6. Losing You (Randy Newman)
7. I Belong to the Band (Rev. Gary Davis)
8. Last Train (Allen Toussaint)
9. Only the Lord Knows (Jeff Tweedy)
10. Wrote A Song for Everyone (John Fogerty)
11. We’re Gonna Make It (Little Milton)
12. Wonderful Savior (traditional)
13. Too Close To Heaven / I'm On My Way to Heaven Anyhow (Prof. Alex E. BradfordJr./Brad Pathway)

www.mavisstaples.com

Jimmy Scott to celebrate 85th birthday at Blue Note New York

2010-07-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

Jazz legend, 'Little' Jimmy Scott is to celebrate his 85th birthday with a series of performances. Jimmy will appear with his band, The Jazz Expressions for 4 shows between August 31st and September 1st 2010.

The life of Jimmy Scott is not one of meteoric stardom but a journey that has taken nearly seventy years to find its much deserved success.

One of ten children, James Victor Scott was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 17, 1925 .

He was only 12 years old when he became known as a singer around Cleveland . While in his teens a Comedian saw the potential in Jimmy, he was Tim McCoy from Akron. Whenever Tim got a “gig” around Northeast Ohio, he would take Jimmy along with him on the bill. Jimmy would sing at different clubs, they would sneak him out before the cops arrived, because he was not only under age, but looked even younger than his actual years. Later Jimmy produced the Summer Festivals, a group of talented youngsters, like his friend jazz baritone singer Jimmy Reed and dancer Barbara Taylor,that would put on shows all around the area.

They also worked and put on shows at the Metropolitan Theater where the big bands would come in to play, Jimmy set up a concession to supply the Artists with soap, clean towels, and toiletries. He was hired by the dance troupe, “The Two Flashes”, Jimmy took the job to be close to show business, its players, and the stage. While in Meadville, PA. they were working with some of the greatest jazz musicians of the day, Lester Young, Slam Stewart, Ben Webster, Papa Jo Jones, and Sir Charles, to name a few. Every time the band ran into Jimmy, they'd ask him to come up on stage a do a couple numbers.

Jimmy joined Lionel Hampton's Band in 1948, where he discovered the vibraphone and the strings, of which Jimmy said “helped him to learn the beauty of the song" and encouraged him to sing. Lionel was a mentor to Jimmy and the one who tagged him with the stage name, “Little Jimmy Scott”, at the time he was 23, only 4'11,” thin, and very young looking. Jimmy said it was a gimmick for Lionel's show, but it wasn't too many years later that you started hearing more singers take their cue from Jimmy's stage name and call themselves Little So & So.

Jimmy met Estelle “Caldonia” Young in the early 1940's; she took Jimmy on her road show as the featured singer. Caldonia became almost a surrogate mother to Jimmy, having lost his own mother at age 13. “Caldonia's Revue” traveled the southern circuit to the east, they put up their own stages in the rural areas. There were featured male and female vocalists, tap dancers, comedians, an M.C. and Caldonia herself, who she was an exotic shake dancer and contortionist. It was essentially like a touring vaudevillian tent show. Some of the others who worked with Caldonia at one time or another were Ruth Brown, Big Maybelle, Elie Adams, and Jack McDuff. Caldonia took Jimmy along with her to do a special performance at Gamby's in Baltimore in 1945, where he met up with his friend Redd Foxx who was also appearing at Gamby's. They went over to the Royal Theater to see Joe Louis. Redd and Joe told Jimmy he should be in New York performing instead of traveling around to those small towns.

They convinced him he could make it on his own, the way he sang. So they talked to Ralph Cooper who called up Nipsy Russell, the M.C. at the Baby Grand in Harlem and arranged for Jimmy to get a one week booking. Jimmy sang that one week and they kept him on for 3 more months! Billie Holiday would show up nightly while in town to listen to Jimmy. Doc Pomus was in the audience during that first week and wanted to meet this amazing singer, Jimmy said “sure” and they became fast friends. Doc took Jimmy home to have dinner to meet his parents and little brother Raoul Felder. He also showed Jimmy how to get around on the N.Y. subway system. Their friendship lasted over 45 years. Jimmy sang at Doc's funeral in 1991. It was there that record label owner Seymour Stein heard Jimmy sing and practically signed him on the spot, thus the beginning of Jimmy's re-emergence as a singer with his Grammy nominated comeback album “All The Way.” At age 67 he began to tour the world, where he was introduced to new appreciative audiences and legions of new young fans. Now, the press refers to him with reverence as the Golden Voice of Jazz, the Legendary Jimmy Scott.
After a long climb, things are really looking up for Jimmy Scott. He's established a dedicated international audience through triumphant tours of Europe and Japan; he's been the featured subject of a Bravo Profiles television special, and of an in-depth biography by award-winning author David Ritz (Faith in Time: The Jazz Life of Jimmy Scott, due out in the fall of 2002 from Da Capo Press). Now, with But Beautiful, Jimmy Scott fleshes out a persuasive portrait of his jazz mastery and storytelling. "It represents a logical evolution of our Milestone sessions," concludes Barkan, "and everything Jimmy has worked so hard for." Mr. Scott adds a final coda: "The record is quite simply exquisite, and I really am as proud of it as anything I've ever done in my life."

Scott himself has always focused his creative energy on the challenges with which this life has presented him. "Ya gotta go on," he says, and not resignedly, "fortunately, I had the music to comfort me." He has said that there isn't any disappointment in heaven, and when asked what this means, he replies, "Heaven is what you make it. You can make it hell here on earth, or you can make it heaven."

Of the success he's achieved relatively late in life, Scott says, "I'm pleased now that (my voice) is pleasing to people. In a way, I feel like now maybe people will hear what I have to offer, whereas before the music never got to a level where all people had access to it. "All I can do is give what I really feel."

For ticket bookings, visit: http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/
Jimmy Scott's official site: www.jimmyscottofficialwebsite.org/

2010-07-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

DRG RECORDS is proud to announce the solo album debut of Jane Krakowski, the Tony Award winning Broadway star of Nine and Damn Yankees and the Emmy Award nominated star of "30 Rock" and "Ally McBeal." The Laziest Gal In Town is the delightfully sexy CD captured last fall during her nightclub debut at the Park Avenue hotspot Feinstein's at Loews Regency. The disc will be in stores and online July 13, 2010.

The Laziest Gal In Town - named for the droll Cole Porter title cut - lets Jane shine in a charming variety of standards, show songs and rarities. She recreates her acclaimed theatrical triumph as the evil temptress "Lola" in Damn Yankees with "A Little Brains, A Little Talent." A medley of two zippy Jazz Age ditties, "Wacky Dust" and "When I Get Low, I Get High" - first popularized by the young Ella Fitzgerald - playfully sends up drug culture. Her modernized version of "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is furnished with clever new lyrics from The Wedding Singer co-writer Chad Beguelin. The bouncy mod-60s classic "Thirteen Men" pays homage to the sensual screen siren Ann-Margret. The highlight of the evening - the number that brings down the house every night - is "Tweet," a reworking of Rodgers and Hart's "Zip" from Pal Joey with new lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can). She ends the disc with an adult take on the "Sesame Street" favorite "Rubber Duckie," in a way that only Jane could do.

All arrangements are by music director Michael Kosarin, who is joined by Jay Leonhart on bass; John Redsecker on drums; Kevin Kuhn on guitar and ukulele; and Lawrence Feldman on flute, clarinet and saxophone. The album, produced by Hugh Fordin, also features liner notes by author and Wall Street Journal music critic Will Friedwald.

Jane Krakowski stars as "Jenna Maroney" in NBC's Emmy Award-winning "30 Rock," a workplace comedy where the workplace exists behind-the-scenes of a live variety show. Krakowski, along with the "30 Rock" cast, won the 2008 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. In 2009, she received an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her portrayal of Jenna.

The New Jersey-born beauty is an accomplished actress, dancer and singer with numerous awards and credits to her name from film, theatre and television. She won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics awards for her stunning and sultry portrayal of "Carla" in Broadway's Nine opposite Antonio Banderas, and won an Olivier Award while starring in Guys and Dolls with Ewan McGregor in London's West End. She earned her first Tony nomination for her work in the production of Grand Hotel, and has also starred in Company, Once Upon A Mattress, Tartuffe and Starlight Express. Most recently, Krakowski starred in the Encores! revival of Damn Yankees opposite Sean Hayes.

During her five-year stint on the Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG award-winning series "Ally McBeal," she received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of "Elaine Vassal." Other television credits include appearances on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Everwood."

Making her film debut as "Cousin Vickie" in National Lampoon's Vacation with Chevy Chase, Krakowski has also starred alongside Jude Law in Alfie, and in Pretty Persuasion with Evan Rachel Wood and James Woods. In addition to lending her voice to the animated film Open Season from Sony Pictures, she co-starred opposite Abigail Breslin in the family film Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, and in the NBC Christmas Special "Muppets: Letters to Santa." She next appeared in the Universal feature, Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, from director Paul Weitz.

In addition to singing on several original Broadway cast recordings and the "Ally McBeal" Christmas episode compilation CDs, Krakowski recorded the hit single track "You" with Jim Brickman on his album Lovesongs and Lullabies.

For over 35 years, DRG Records has been a leader in Broadway cast recordings, film soundtracks, jazz and legendary cabaret performers. Recently, DRG has taken on a large scale venture in releasing long-out-of-print & first-time-on-CD releases. The label has received numerous Grammy Awards and nominations for its cast recordings and vocalists. DRG is a division of E1 Music and E1 Entertainment, the fastest-growing music company and the market leader among independents in North America. For more information on the labels and roster of artists, please visit www.drgrecords.com.

Brian Wilson reimagines Gershwin - Official Press Release

2010-06-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

Music Legend Brian Wilson Completes Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin a New Disney Pearl CD of George and Ira Gershwin Classics Set for Release August 17

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE TWO NEW SONGS WILSON CRAFTED FROM PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED GEORGE GERSHWIN MUSIC

BURBANK, Calif., June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- It's an unprecedented meeting of two legendary musical minds, separated by 70 years. Pioneering musical genius Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys, has teamed up with George Gershwin, in Wilson's Disney Pearl debut CD, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin. Featuring timeless classics like "Rhapsody in Blue," "I've Got Rhythm" and "Summertime," the album makes history with "The Like in I Love You" and "Nothing But Love," two new songs Wilson crafted from never-before-published music by Gershwin. Wilson Reimagines Gershwin arrives at stores and online retailers on August 17, with a special vinyl edition set for release August 24.

Said Wilson, "Along with Irving Berlin, Gershwin basically invented the popular song, but he did something more. He had a gift for melody that nobody has ever equaled, yet his music is timeless and always accessible. This is the most spiritual project I've ever worked on."

Produced by Brian Wilson, mixed by multi-Grammy® winner Al Schmitt and joined by his longtime acclaimed band, the new album features the trademark stacked vocal harmonies and orchestrations that made Wilson a towering and revered figure in popular music. Songs include his Gershwin favorites, such as "Summertime," "I Loves You Porgy," "I Got Plenty of Nothin'" and "It Ain't Necessarily So" (all from the opera "Porgy and Bess"), "S'Wonderful," "I've Got a Crush on You," and "They Can't Take That Away From Me." An a capella version of the groundbreaking 1924 orchestral piece "Rhapsody in Blue," showcasing Wilson's stunning vocal harmonies, opens and closes the album.

Sure to draw passionate interest from music scholars and fans alike are the songs with "The Like in I Love You" and "Nothing But Love." The former is drawn from "Will You Remember Me," a song Gershwin composed in 1924 for the musical "Lady, Be Good!," which never made it into the show. The latter is based on "Say My Say," a 1929 song fragment the Gershwin brothers never completed.

Last year, Warner/Chappell Music and the Gershwin estates made available to Wilson more than 100 piano demos of unfinished or obscure Gershwin songs and melodies untouched since George Gershwin's death in 1937. Wilson narrowed these fragments down to two favorites, then created new music blending both the Wilson and Gershwin styles.

The following is a complete track listing from Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin:
1. "Rhapsody in Blue"/Intro
2. "The Like in I Love You"
3. "Summertime" (from Porgy and Bess)
4. "I Loves You Porgy" (from Porgy and Bess)
5. "I Got Plenty of Nothin" (from Porgy and Bess)
6. "It Ain't Necessarily So" (from Porgy and Bess)
7. "'S Wonderful" (from the Broadway musical "Funny Face," also used in MGM film "An American in Paris")
8. "They Can't Take That Away from Me" (used in the film "Shall We Dance" and nominated for Academy Award)
9. "Our Love is Here to Stay" (from the film "The Goldwyn Follies" and MGM film "An American in Paris")
10. "I've Got a Crush on You" (used in Broadway shows "Treasure Girl" and "Strike Up the Band")
11. "I've Got Rhythm" (from Broadway show "Girl Crazy")
12. "Someone To Watch Over Me" (from Broadway show "Oh Kay!")
13. "Nothing But Love"
14. "Rhapsody in Blue"/Reprise

Like Gershwin, Brian Wilson is one of the great American composers of the last 100 years. The Southern California native, along with his brothers, a cousin and a friend, formed the Beach Boys while still in his teens. With Wilson as chief songwriter and arranger, the band not only enjoyed dozens of hits, but changed music forever thanks to Brian's innovative melodies and harmonies. Songs like "I Get Around," "Help Me, Rhonda," "California Girls," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," and the #1 smash "Good Vibrations" remain indispensable staples in the rock 'n' roll canon. The band's "Pet Sounds" (1966) is regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Wilson continued to make great music after the Beach Boys, with 10 solo albums including his breathtaking "Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE," which he began recording in the 1960s and finally completed in 2004 to thunderous critical acclaim and Top 20 chart success (as well as earning a Grammy). A member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, a Kennedy Center honoree and recipient of multiple Gold and Platinum records, Brian Wilson has earned his well-deserved pop music immortality.

Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin will be available nationwide on August 17, 2010 wherever music is sold. For more information on Walt Disney Records' releases, please visit Disney Records.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic. For more information on Brian Wilson, please visit www.brianwilson.com.

SOURCE Walt Disney Records

Head to brianwilson.com now to hear a track - 'The Like In I Love You'

Bjork & Dirty Projectors to release 7 track collaboration this week

2010-06-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

On June 30th, 'Mount Wittenberg Orca' - a collaboration between Bjork and the Brooklyn-based experimental group Dirty Projectors will be released exclusively online at this location. Proceeds will go to creating international marine protected areas.

From David Longstreth of Dirty Projectors:

"In April 2009, Brandon Stosuy from Stereogum.com asked me if we wanted to play a benefit concert at a bookstore in New York. I said yes. He asked Björk the same thing, and she said yes. Then he asked us if we wanted to collaborate, and we said yes. Björk asked me what we should do, and I said, "I don't know, I guess I'd really love to write a bunch of new songs for us to sing together?" And she said Yes.

That same month, Amber from Dirty Projectors was walking along a ridge on Mount Wittenberg, north of San Francisco. She was looking out at the ocean and saw a little family of whales, as you sometimes do in April on the Northern California coast. I wrote some songs about it and sent them to Björk, who agreed to sing the part of the mom whale. The songs became Mount Wittenberg Orca. Amber and Angel and Haley sang the part of the kid whales, and I sang the part of Amber. We sang all week long and learned the music just in time to perform it at the bookstore on May 8th.

Then our album Bitte Orca came out and we went on tour forever. We finally got a chance to record Wittenberg last month, almost exactly a year after we first sang it. We went into the Rare Book Room in Brooklyn and rehearsed it for three days, then we recorded it as quickly and as live as possible. We only overdubbed lead vocals and a guitar solo.

Now we're making a website for it, which will be the only place you can buy it. It's going be up June 30th (we are playing in Utrecht that day!) The music is going to be $7, because there are seven songs.

We've decided to give away all the money that Wittenberg generates to the project of creating international marine protected areas. Only 1% of the oceans are protected in any way and this is a huge problem. We're working with the National Geographic Society to create areas of sustainability, so the oceans don't end up like a giant poisonous corpse hugging the continents.

We're so psyched about how this recording came out and hope you are too. Don't listen on those tinny computer speakers -- put in on the stereo and blast dat shiiiiiiiiii!!

Enjoy.

--David"

Click here to preorder the set now.

HANK WILLIAMS III's 'Rebel Within' unleashed.

2010-05-27T01:13:00.000-07:00

All you have to do is take one glance at a few of the song titles on Rebel Within - “Getting’ Drunk And Fallin’ Down,” “Rebel Within,” “Tore Up And Loud” and “Drinkin’ Over Mama”-- and you have a good idea who wrote them: HANK WILLIAMS III.

Nashville native Hank Williams III has built his musical brand around hard-hitting songs, an ornery Hellbilly attitude and a do-it-yourself ethos, as he wrote 10 of the album’s 11 original tracks, did the vocals, played drums and the acoustic rhythm guitar parts. And he recorded and produced the album at his home studio. “I don’t like being told what to do, and I don’t need to be told what my record should sound like,” says Hank. “I got that covered.”

A progenitor of the Hellbilly movement, Hank III has released six albums since his 1999 debut, including 2008’s country/rock/metal Damn Right, Rebel Proud (of which Randy Lewis of the Los Angeles Times said, “…he careens from the stone country remorse of ‘I Wish I Knew’ to the psychobilly ode to the truck driving man of ‘H8 Line to the 10-minute, three-movement nose-thumbing epic “P.F.F.” offered in tribute to G.G. Allin”) and 2009’s punk/metal-infused Assjack. His refusal to confine himself to one musical genre is evident in his live performances, where he often does three-hour shows: he starts off with a country set, followed by a louder hillbilly set, which culminates with a set with his band Assjack. “I give everybody some of what they came for,” says Hank. “You can’t say I don’t work hard and give all I got.”

The 12-city Crazed Canada Tour launches Friday, June 4 at The Opera House in Toronto, ON and continues through the end of the month. This event will be “an evening with”--no opener, just pure Hellbilly rage all night. The venture will take III's tour bus out to the West Coast for a Saturday, June 19th engagement in Vancouver, BC.

'Rebel Within' is available now online and in stores.

For tour dates and further info visit www.hank3.com

RECOMMENDED ALBUM: Meat Loaf - Hang Cool Teddy Bear

2010-05-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

Meat Loaf
Hang Cool Teddy Bear
Mercury Records/Roadrunner Records
Available worldwide, in stores and digitally.

Common wisdom has it that Meat Loaf is only worth listening to when Wagnerian piano-pounder Jim Steinman is behind the music and lyrics. It is true, the majority of the Texan rock giant's well known songs were penned by Steinman, and even other hits like 1995's Diane Warren ballad 'I'd Lie For You (And That's The Truth)' noticeably ape his style.

As it's title indicates, with his new album 'Hang Cool Teddy Bear', Meat aims to throw the rulebook out of the window. Produced by Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls and Switchfoot collaborator Rob Cavallo, the album simultaneously disposes of the cliches that have riddled Meat Loaf's career, all the while playing to his strengths as an unparalleled interpreter of hard rock.

'Hang Cool Teddy Bear' is based around Killian Kirwin's short story of the same name (excerpts of which can be read here) and concerns the plight of a young soldier dying on the battlefield. The jaw-droppingly energetic opener 'Peace On Earth' sets the mood, and the songs that follow are visions and dreams of the young man's life as it could be if he survives. Meat Loaf's voice, which hit a low ebb on tour 3 years ago is back in full force displaying a gutsy confidence missing since at least 1993's 'Bat Out Of Hell 2'.

The album is pleasingly eclectic, taking in the southern-rock shuffle of 'Los Angeloser', the Sabbath-like 'Song Of Madness' and the heartfelt 'Did You Ever Love Somebody'. In any one else's hands a song like this would be at best forgettable fluff. Fortunately Meat's method approach to singing loads the song with enough emotion to be genuinely affecting.

There is a raucous, fun-loving vibe to the album despite it's heavy subject matter. Meat brings in his on-screen son, 'Tenacious D: Pick Of Destiny' co-star Jack Black to jam on the funky and foul-mouthed 'Like A Rose'. Meanwhile the chorus of the tongue-in-cheek Sunset Strip romp 'California Isn't Big Enough' simply has to be heard to be believed.

Numerous guests appear throughout including Justin Hawkins, Steve Vai, Brian May and Hugh Laurie (yes, that Hugh Laurie) but thankfully they're contributing to the overall sound rather than being blatantly showcased.

The album ends with the terrific 'Elvis In Vegas' - a nostalgic anthem that will be loved by anyone who remembers the excitement of sneaking out of the house as a teenager to catch their first gig. Like all of 'Hang Cool Teddy Bear', it's sung with thrilling conviction and enthusiasm that would take a conserted effort to not be swept up in.
It's difficult not to gush about 'Hang Cool Teddy Bear'. Simply put, it's fantastic. At 62 years old, Meat Loaf has produced an album equal to, yet so different from his earliest and most recognized work. Don't let this one pass you by.

Meat Loaf's tour begins in the US in July. Visit www.meatloaf.net for dates.
Visit www.hangcoolteddybear.com to learn more and download the free bonus track 'Prize Fight Lover'.

Ronnie James Dio, July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010

2010-05-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

As our readers will likely have heard, hard rock legend Ronnie James Dio passed away yesterday. Hugely respected and admired amongst both fans and peers, Ronnie sealed his place in music history as singer with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and their later iteration, Heaven & Hell. His wife Wendy made the following announcement on Dio's official website:

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

Crash Test Dummies release 'Oooh La La'

2010-05-12T03:35:00.001-07:00

Canada's own Crash Test Dummies are back from a 6 year hiatus with 'Oooh La La', an eclectic new album who's genesis lies in frontman and songwriter Brad Roberts' exploration of vintage toy instruments.

Produced by Stewart Lerman (Antony & The Johnsons, The Roches), and featuring vocals from long-term member Ellen Reid, the albums twists and turns take in everything from the dark, meditative opener 'Songbird' to the burly-q tease of 'Now You See Her'.

Check out the video above, and head to the recently revamped crashtestdummies.com to hear the album, order your copy and check out the band's upcoming tour dates.

Otis Redding - Live On The Sunset Strip

2010-05-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

OTIS REDDING’S 2-CD LIVE ON THE SUNSET STRIP DOCUMENTS HISTORIC 1966 CLUB DATE AT THE ARTIST’S PEAK OF POWER

Three full sets available in their entirety for the first time,
with digital remastering and extensive liner notes

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - In 1966, Otis Redding had emerged not only as the star of Stax Records but as one of nation's most influential soul singers. With his version of "Satisfaction" climbing the charts in April 1966, Redding arrived in Los Angeles to play both the Hollywood Bowl (as part of a KHJ-AM listener appreciation concert that also featured Donovan, Sonny & Cher and the Mamas & the Papas) and a four-nighter at the legendary Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip. According to Taj Mahal, whose '60s band the Rising Sons opened the Whisky shows, "At that time, Otis was it."

Live on the Sunset Strip, slated for May 18, 2010 release on Stax Records through Concord Music Group, captures Redding in the white heat of transition, when his star power was undeniable and it was still possible to catch him backed by his own road band in the tight quarters of a smoky nightclub. The 2-CD set features three full live sets that have never been previously available in their entirety. A definitive live statement from Redding, the songs are sequenced exactly as they went down, complete with an emcee and spoken introductions by Redding. The booklet features rare photographs as well as extensive liner notes by Ashley Kahn, author of music biographies and a contributor to NPR's Morning Edition.

Live on the Sunset Strip highlights versions of Redding's best-known songs: "I've Been Loving You Too Long," "Security," "I Can't Turn You Loose," "Satisfaction," "Respect," "These Arms of Mine" and "Just One More Day," to name a few.

As Kahn points out in his notes, "In 1966, Redding was 24 and defined not only the sound but the style and look of a true soul man. Tall and lanky, he was ready to drop to his knees and tear off the thin-lapelled jacket of his sharply pressed suit when it was time to deliver the goods. His ten-piece band was his personal, traveling amen-corner, urging him to testify night after night . . . His out-of-breath stage patter was warm and downhome. ‘Ladies and gentlemens,' he addressed his fans, ‘holler as loud as you wanna - you ain't home!'"

The Whisky A Go Go was known for its integrated booking policy and for helping bring awareness of R&B and blues to rock audiences, who attended shows by the Doors, Love, and the Standells at the venue. On April 7-10, the club booked the Otis Redding Revue for the Easter weekend that followed the Hollywood Bowl appearance. Redding's entourage included an emcee and a full 10-piece band (led by saxophonist Bob Holloway) along with three up-and-coming singers performing one tune apiece before the headliner hit the stage. Engineer Wally Heider, the West Coast's leading recorder of live performances, was hired to tape the three nights.

The shows did not go unnoticed by the Los Angeles Times, which noted: "Drawn by his growing popularity, a fervid audience shoe-horned into the club . . . Redding was assured of an In Group [sic] following Thursday night when from among his spectators emerged Bob Dylan, trailed by an entourage of camp followers." (Legend holds that Dylan offered him "Just Like a Woman" as a possible cover that night, though Redding thought the song was a little wordy.)

Redding achieved even greater heights in the months after the Whisky performances, chalking up two new hits ("Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa [Sad Song]" and "Try a Little Tenderness"). He played San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium, took part in the Stax/Volt Revue through Europe in March '67 and stole the show at the historic Monterey International Pop Festival in June of that year. The ultimate tragedy happened on December 10, 1967, when, as eloquently stated by Kahn, "his death in an airplane crash . . . dramatically froze his star forever in its perfect, meteoric apogee."

In 1968, Stax posthumously issued the LP In Person at the Whisky A Go Go, with liner notes by Los Angeles Times critic Pete Johnson, who'd also reviewed the live show. In 1993, the CD Good to Me: Recorded Live at the Whisky, Vol. 2 expanded on a largely forgotten 1982 LP, Recorded Live. While those releases juggled selections from different shows, Live on the Sunset Strip stands out as a historically true document, offering the last three consecutive sets capturing Redding and his band in top form.

"I'm still real clear about those shows," recalls Taj Mahal, whose Rising Sons opened them. "It was raw and unscripted. It was just the joy of music, you know. The joy of rhythm, the joy of energy. . ."

HEAR IT NOW: Cowboy Junkies new album, Renmin Park

2010-05-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

'Renmin Park', the first of four albums in what Cowboy Junkies have termed the 'Nomad Series' is now available for purchase via their independent label, Latent Recordings.

An eclectic, low-fi release in the vain of the Junkies early work, their website describes the song cycle as 'inspired by a three month stay that Mike’s family had in China, an other-worldly experience. The album [is] comprised of all new original material except for two cover songs written by a couple of legends on the Chinese music scene.'

Hear Renmin Park in full, below.

Free Sharon Robinson mp3 now available

2010-05-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

One of our most popular guests from the last season of podcasts, Sharon Robinson has made a free mp3 available via her website.

The versatile singer/songwriter has posted a live performance of 'Boogie Street' - a haunting song she co-wrote with Leonard Cohen for 2001's 'Ten New Songs' album. This version, featuring Sharon on lead vocals was recorded last year during Cohen's ongoing, highly-acclaimed world tour.

To download the song for free, click here .

Sharon's solo album, 'Everybody Knows' is currently available in stores and online.

For the latest round of Leonard Cohen tour dates, click here.

RECOMMENDED ALBUM: Natalie Merchant - Leave Your Sleep

2010-04-29T11:47:00.001-07:00

Natalie Merchant - Leave Your Sleep
Nonesuch
Available now in stores and online

In the mp3/iTunes age, it's rare for an artist to focus effort into creating a cohesive vision in the form of a full-length album. Natalie Merchant's 'Leave Your Sleep' (her first album in 7 years) is clearly a heartfelt, painstakingly researched endeavor, in which the talented singer songwriter sets music to 19th and 20th century poetry on the theme of children and childhood.

The music, as fans of the former 10,000 Maniacs frontwoman will expect, is delicate, nuanced and varied both in mood and instrumentation; carefully complimenting the words of her spiritual collaborators. Natalie's voice is as powerful and engaging as ever. Though it is some 32 songs in length (in it's full, deluxe form), 'Leave Your Sleep' rarely fails to delight, inspire or affect as it runs the emotional gamut from the whimsical menace of 'The Sleepy Giant' to Gerard Hopkins' heartrending 'Spring and Fall: To A Young Child'.

Insightful and thought-provoking biographies, penned by Merchant, of the poets are included in the extensive 70+ page booklet (also included in the iTunes deluxe version), and while the album is appreciable for it's own sonic merits, they make for fascinating and worthwhile reading.

A project of depth, innocence, wisdom and beauty, 'Leave Your Sleep' is the crowning achievement of Natalie Merchant's career so far, and an absolutely unmissable journey.

- Michael

Visit www.nataliemerchant.com for videos, tour dates and further info.

SINATRA/JOBIM: The Complete Reprise Recordings on the way

2010-04-04T03:18:00.000-07:00

SINATRA/JOBIM: THE COMPLETE REPRISE RECORDINGS COMING MAY 4 ON CONCORD RECORDS

Twenty-song set contains the complete 1967
Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim album
plus all 10 songs from its intended 1969 follow-up, Sinatra/Jobim

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In 1967, Frank Sinatra teamed up with Brazilian singer, pianist, guitarist, composer and songwriter Antonio Carlos Jobim to record an album that married the Chairman’s signature vocals with rhythms from the master of bossa nova. The resulting album, Francis Albert Sinatra/Antonio Carlos Jobim, reached #19, remaining on Billboard’s rock-dominated album chart for 28 weeks.

Forty-four years later, on May 4, 2010, Concord Music Group, on license from Frank Sinatra Enterprises (FSE), will release a deluxe reissue of the Sinatra/Jobim classic including all ten songs from the original album plus seven songs from a subsequent collaboration between the two, and three songs from that session that were not released until decades later, when they were included in a box set. Sinatra/Jobim: The Complete Reprise Recordings features digital remastering and expanded liner notes by Stan Cornyn, longtime head of creative services at Warner/Reprise and author of the book about the Warner Music Group, Exploding.

Sinatra and Jobim gathered at Hollywood’s Western Recorders for three nights, January 30 through February 1, 1967. Jobim brought the beat in the form of bossa nova percussionists and arrangers. Sinatra supplied the producer (Sonny Burke), the string arranger/conductor (Claus Ogerman) and the rest of the orchestra. The resulting session produced ten songs including the classic “The Girl From Impanema” plus “Dindi,” “How Insensitive [Insensatez],” “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” and six others. (After bidding até a vista to Jobim, Sinatra, on the high of making one of his finest albums ever, stayed at the studio to record a duet with daughter Nancy that would reach #1 on the charts, “Something Stupid.”)

Two years later, Sinatra and Jobim returned to Western Recorders to record ten more bossa novas for a shorter-titled follow-up: Sinatra-Jobim. Replacing Ogerman was a 26-year-old long-haired arranger named Eumir Deodato (later to be known for his 1973 jazz version of Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra [2001]”). The songs were all written or co-written by Jobim, many with unusual melodic twists. Producer Burke enlisted conductor Morris Stoloff to ensure a pop feel to the session.

After three nights, the album was wrapped, and was readied for release in the fall of 1969. The eight-track version of the album had shipped when the call was placed to Warner/Reprise’s Burbank, Calif. offices. It was Sinatra, demanding that the label “kill the album,” so Warner recalled most of the recordings. A 2005 Goldmine story reported that the rare eight-track would command $5000.

Sinatra later agreed to permit Reprise to release seven of the Sinatra-Jobim vocal tracks on the album Sinatra & Company. It reached #73 and remained on the album chart for 15 weeks in 1971.

More than 40 years later, the airport in Rio has been named Antonio Carlos Jobim International. And an American postage stamp honored Frank Sinatra. And the Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim and Sinatra-Jobim albums have been combined to form Concord’s Sinatra/Jobim: The Complete Reprise Recordings set.

www.sinatra.com

HEAR IT NOW: Melissa Auf Der Maur - Out Of Our Minds

2010-04-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

Loss, redemption and journeys taken appear to be the themes of Melissa Auf Der Maur's long-awaited sophomore release, 'Out Of Our Minds'. The album will soon be accompanied by a movie and comic book (unavailable for review at this time), so it remains to be seen how one will inform the other.
What is for sure is that the Hole & Smashing Pumpkins veteran's love for jagged, syncopated riffs remains intact, as do her bewitching siren's call vocals. A denser, darker affair than 2004's criminally underrated 'Auf Der Maur', 'Out Of Our Minds' is a heady experience indeed. Check out Glenn Danzig's guest appearance on the moving 'Father's Grave'.

Hear the whole album below.
Head to xmadmx.com to buy, and to see Melissa's upcoming tour dates.

Crash Test Dummies tour announced

2010-03-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Brad Roberts has announced that Crash Test Dummies will be hitting the road for their first tour in 6 years, in support of forthcoming album 'Ooh La La', produced by Stewart Lehman. Original member Ellen Reid and long-term collaborator Stuart Cameron will be amongst the lineup. Don't miss this rare chance to catch the Dummies on the road.

May 11 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live

May 13 – Foxboro, MA – Showcase Live
May 14 – Northhamption, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall
May 15 – New York, NY – City Winery
May 16 – Vienna, VA – Jammin Java

May 18 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
May 19 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark

May 21 – Madison, WI – The Majestic
May 22 – Chicago, IL – Martyr’s
May 23 – Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall

REVIEW: Goldfrapp - Head First

2010-03-25T13:09:00.001-07:00

Goldfrapp - Head First

2008's 'Seventh Tree' was something of a departure for Goldfrapp, eschewing electronic pop glitz in favour of an organic, largely acoustic sound that spotlighted Alison and Will's accomplished songwriting and penchant for dreamy lyricism.

Two years on, 'Head First' sees the group returning to more familiar territory with a short, tight set of hooky, endearingly retro (see 'Believer') electro-pop reminiscent of Mute labelmates Erasure. It's all accomplished with a great deal of flair, and as on lead single 'Rocket' is every bit as toe-tappingly enjoyable as one would expect.

However it's hard not to feel that this is a step backwards. After all, Goldfrapp have already taken this genre to it's zenith with 2005's 'Supernature' (which spawned the global hits 'Ooh La La', 'Number One' and 'Ride A White Horse'). Solid, but somewhat unambitious.

Michael Jackson: landmark record deal announced

2010-03-16T07:27:00.001-07:00

ESTATE OF MICHAEL JACKSON AND SONY MUSIC RENEW 30-YEAR RELATIONSHIP WITH LANDMARK RECORDING DEAL

New York, NY - Special Administrators for the Estate of Michael Jackson, John Branca and John McClain, and Sony Music will continue the label’s 30-year relationship with Michael Jackson and his music with a landmark recording deal, it was announced today.

With this new agreement, Sony Music’s Columbia Epic Label Group and Legacy Recordings will continue their term of rights to his catalog and also create new projects for Michael Jackson featuring the never-before-released Jackson recordings. The first project featuring unreleased music is expected for release in November 2010.

Rob Stringer, Chairman of the Columbia Epic Label Group comments, “Michael has always been a treasured member of the Sony Music family. We’re dedicated to protecting this icon’s legacy and we’re thrilled that we can continue to bring his music to the world for the foreseeable future.”

John Branca comments, “During his life, Michael’s contracts set the standard for the industry, reflecting his unique vision and talents that inspired and excited people in every corner of the world. By all objective criteria, this agreement with Sony Music demonstrates the lasting power of Michael’s music by exceeding all previous industry benchmarks. Each new generation produces countless new fans who appreciate Michael’s artistry, requiring a partner that has Sony’s wherewithal, business acumen and foresight to properly and respectfully showcase his genius well into the future.”

As a solo artist with Epic Records spanning three decades, Michael has sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide and released thirteen #1 singles. Jackson became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award. Sony’s Legacy Recordings has also created a number of successful projects such as the “Thriller” 25th anniversary album. The best selling album of all time worldwide by wide margin, “Thriller” showed the lasting power of Michael’s music by returning to #1 on the weekly sales charts in 2008.

John McClain comments, “Nowhere did Michael set the bar higher than he did with ‘Thriller,’ which nearly three decades after its release by Epic remains by far the best-selling album in history worldwide with music that transcends generations. We believe we have a partner in Sony that knows and appreciates Michael’s artistry as well as the passion of his fans. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sony to preserve and enhance his remarkable musical legacy.”

This past fall, Sony Music released the #1 two-disc album companion to the motion picture Michael Jackson’s This is It ” which has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Released by Sony Pictures, the film made history as the highest grossing concert film of all time and the recently released DVD took the #1 spot in DVD sales, breaking the record for first-week’s sales of a music film.

Source: Sony Music

Barenaked Ladies - You Run Away

2010-03-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

From the album 'All In Good Time', released March 23rd (Canada), 29th (UK/EU), 30th (US).

Meat Loaf - Hang Cool, Teddy Bear

2010-03-09T14:06:00.001-08:00

Meat Loaf
Hang Cool Teddy Bear

Coming April 2010

Some people think big. Some people think huge. And then there's Meat Loaf.

For the past 35 years, the man born Marvin Lee Aday has been a towering monument on the musical landscape. His legendary 1977 album Bat Out Of Hell transformed this former high school football player, nightclub bouncer and stage actor into one of the great American rock 'n' roll icons. That record, with its staggering operatic sound and impassioned vocals, has sold more than 43 million albums worldwide - still one of the biggest-selling records ever.

Meat Loaf's reputation as one of music's greatest artists was underlined by such masterpieces as Dead Ringer (1981), Bad Attitude (1984) and the Bat Out Of Hell sequels Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell (1993) and Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose (2006). Other artists might have tried to match his scale and copy his sound, but no one has come close.

Now, more than 30 years after he exploded onto the world stage, Meat Loaf is back with a new record, Hang Cool Teddy Bear (a title taken from a line in the classic Russ Meyer trash movie Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls). From opener Peace On Earth to closer Elvis In Vegas, its 13 tracks drag the classic Meat Loaf sound kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

"I wanted it big, I wanted it dramatic, I wanted a rock record," says Meat Loaf. "Yes, it sounds like a Meat Loaf record. But it sounds different too - it sounds new, it sounds fresh. It speaks to you in a different way."

Much of this newfound energy can be put down to Meat Loaf's working relationship with his new collaborator, producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance Paramore, Fleetwood Mac). For the singer, it was a chance to work with one of the hottest producers around. For Cavallo, it was an opportunity to work with a childhood hero and a proper rock 'n' roll legend.

"Rob is the Number 1 rock producer in the world because he leaves his ego out of the equation and gives an artist his voice, making it sound better than the artist could even imagine," says Meat. "I was like a fisherman looking for a big mouthed bass. I put on the right worm. The first song I played to him, I hooked him. The second song, I nailed him."

The pair hit it off immediately, and this electrifying creative partnership immediately raised the bar several feet. Meat Loaf brought more than 40 songs to the table, which the duo whittled down to the 13 that appear on the final record, including the furious ‘Living On The Outside’ and hilarious first single LosAngeloser.

But there was one other piece to the jigsaw: Los Angeles-based screenwriter and director Kilian Kerwin, a long-time friend of the singer. As with every classic Meat Loaf album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear has a bigger concept. It was one of Kerwin's short stories that inspired the singer to come up with the album's striking narrative.

"It's the story of a soldier," reveals Meat Loaf. "He's been in battle and he's lying face down on the ground. He can't move, but he turns his head and starts to see blood run across the ground, and so he thinks he's going to die. They always say you see your life flash backwards you when you're about to die. But his life flashes forward - into what possibly could happen. He sees what his life could be - the good and the bad. The songs are the different scenarios he finds himself in. It's not always the same time or the same place - but it's always the same woman. But I don't want to give too much away - I want people to work it out for themselves."

To flesh out his vision, Meat Loaf enlisted a set of elite musicians to play on the album, including guitarists Tim Pierce, Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins (who co-wrote two songs for the album), Paul Crook and Randy Flowers, legendary bass players Chris Chaney and Kasim Sulton, genius keyboardist Jamie Mulhoberac and the world’s greatest rock drummer (just ask Rob Cavallo) John Micelli. Hang Cool Teddy Bear also features a stellar array of big-name guests, including Steve Vai (who appears on Love is Not Real), former Queen guitarist Brian May (who appears on Song Of Madness and Love Is Not Real), American Idol presenter Kara DioGuardi (who co-wrote and sings on If I Can't Have You) and Hollywood star Jack Black, who duets with Meat Loaf on Like A Rose.

But the most surprising guest is Hugh Laurie - the English actor famous for starring in Blackadder and hit US TV show House. It was while making a guest appearance on the latter that Meat Loaf met Laurie and discovered that he was a classically-trained pianist. What else could he do but ask the actor to play piano on the song If I Can't Have You?

"He was really nervous at first," recalls Meat Loaf. "It was strange seeing someone so confident on a TV set walk into the studio like he's a quivering mess. But he nailed it. He's talking about playing it with us if we ever go on American Idol."

"What I love about Hugh, Jack and Kara," says Meat Loaf. "Is that sometimes you get people coming to the studio, and they have their manager and a bodyguard and an entourage - it's this endless stream of people. The 3 of them, they just drove up to the studio in their own cars, no bullshit no fronts, just real people. And I love real people."

But for all the star guests, Hang Cool Teddy Bear is Meat Loaf's album – his own dirty little secret. More than four decades into his career, the man - and his voice - is as big, bold and important as ever.

"How do I keep the fire burning?" he asks. "I don't know. I just do. I'd bet in advance that if I sat with somebody in a room and said to them, 'I'll give you five pounds if you don't go 'Whoah!' after the first song', they'd forget about the five pounds and they'd go 'Whoah!'. You can't help it. And it's like that across all the songs. This record is spectacular!"

Hole announce UK dates.

2010-03-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

Following successful shows in Milan and Amsterdam, Hole have announced a forthcoming UK tour in support of 'Nobody's Daughter', the band's first album in over 10 years. The new lineup (of which Courtney Love is the sole original member) features Micko Larkin on guitar, Shawn Dailey on bass and Stuart Fisher on drums.

'Nobody's Daughter' is slated for an April release.

Hole will play:

05/03 - Glasgow O2 Academy
05/05 - London Brixton O2 Academy
05/09 - Birmingham O2 Academy

Tickets are on sale now.

Visit www.nobodysdaughter.com for further info.

Natalie Merchant announces UK tour

2010-02-24T19:47:00.001-08:00

Natalie Merchant has announced her first European tour in 8 years. Beginning in the UK with other dates to confirm, she will appear at the following venues in support of new album 'Leave Your Sleep' (released April 9th):

Saturday May 22 London HMV Hammersmith Apollo
Monday May 24 Manchester Lowry
Tuesday May 25 Gateshead Sage
Wednesday May 26 Edinburgh Usher Hall
Friday May 28 Birmingham Symphony Hall
Saturday May 29 Bristol Colston Hall

Tickets are on sale now, please check the calendar at www.nataliemerchant.com/calendar for more information.

REVIEW: Justin Levinson - Predetermined Fate

2010-02-15T09:00:00.001-08:00

Justin Levinson
Predetermined Fate
Independent
Out Now

1. Everything Is About You
2. Bandaid On A Bullet Wound
3. Losing You To Tennessee
4. Hopelessness
5. Myra's Song
6. Every Time You Learn Something
7. Groundhog Day
8. Soles Of Your Feet
9. Waiting For Someone To Love Me
10. Keep Your Heart Fulfilled
11. Sleep Child

'Predetermined Fate' is the third release from Vermont based singer/songwriter Justin Levinson. Winner of 'Best New Artist' at the 2008 International Acoustic Music Awards, Levinson's pop sensibilities and melodic songwriting shine through on this set of taut and radio friendly country-leaning songs. The warm, acoustic led arrangements would likely find favor with fans of Nickel Creek and The Avett Brothers.

From the kiss-off candor of opening track 'Everything's About You' to the lovelorn 'Losing You To Tennessee', the album moves along at a sprightly pace, stopping occasionally to dwell on life's broken hearts and disappointments but always looking forward down the highway. A feeling of restlessness and wanderlust permeates the lyrics; searching for meaning in life, with time all the while fleeting. It is a theme that comes to a head on the album's finale, the moving lullaby 'Sleep Child'.

The musicianship is stellar, bolstered by Sneaky Pete Kleinow style country-rock slide guitar on strong tunes like 'Keep Your Heart Fulfilled' and the album's biggest ear-worm, 'Bandaid On A Bullet Wound'. Female harmonies are also used to great effect on both the latter, and the sweetly affecting 'Soles Of Your Feet'. Justin's earnest and sincere vocals (comparable to The Crimea's Mr Croln, albeit less erratic) add charm and vulnerability throughout.

It's a gentle, - perhaps too gentle for some tastes - unassuming album, but given the chance, it's charms reveal themselves further with repeated listening.

- Michael

For more information visit www.justinlevinson.com

REVIEW: Massive Attack - Heligoland

2010-02-12T09:24:00.001-08:00

Massive Attack
Heligoland
Virgin Records
Out Now

1. "Pray for Rain" (vocals by Tunde Adebimpe) – 6:43
2. "Babel" (vocals by Martina Topley-Bird) – 5:18
3. "Splitting the Atom" (vocals by Grant Marshall, Horace Andy and Robert Del Naja) – 5:15
4. "Girl I Love You" (vocals by Horace Andy) – 5:26
5. "Psyche" (vocals by Martina Topley-Bird) – 3:23
6. "Flat of the Blade" (vocals by Guy Garvey) – 5:29
7. "Paradise Circus" (vocals by Hope Sandoval) – 4:58
8. "Rush Minute" (vocals by Robert Del Naja) – 4:48
9. "Saturday Come Slow" (vocals by Damon Albarn) – 3:42
10. "Atlas Air" (vocals by Robert Del Naja) – 7:47

Massive Attack have always imbued their music with a sense of dread. Through numerous stylistic shifts and varying approaches, their albums are unified in that they all feel like the product of a world about to collapse under the weight of it's own problems. Heligoland (their first full length release since 2003's '100th Window') is steely-eyed even by their standards.

What is most immediately notable is the sparseness of it all. Gone are the lush arrangements of their mid 90s work, and instead the spotlight shifts to rhythm and vocal.

Fortunately the group have always chosen their collaborators wisely, and TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimpe, Horace Andy and Martina Topley-Bird all turn in suitably focussed, understated performances on the earlier tracks.

However, taken in combination, these minimalist choices (along with the bleak, dystopian subject matter) result in a rather alienating listening experience with little to return to.

It is only in the later tracks, beginning with 'Paradise Circus', and a beautiful and hypnotic performance from Hope Sandoval that the darkness is finally tempered with warmth and an emotional core.

Likewise, Damon Albarn turns in a surprisingly affecting vocal on 'Saturday Come Slow'. It is no coincidence that these are the album's stand-out tracks, or that this balance between unsettling grit and resilient hope has provided the group's most enduring songs throughout their career.

It is a balance that is rarely struck on Heligoland, and consequently fans of Massive Attack's early work may find the first 25 minutes or so unrewarding.

Nonetheless, this is a worthy and challenging addition to the discography of one of England's most experimental and pioneering groups.

-Michael

Leonard Cohen's upcoming European tour dates rescheduled due to injury

2010-02-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

(Press Release – February, 05, 2010) – AEG Worldwide today announced that a run of performances by Leonard Cohen have been rescheduled to allow proper time for a sports-related injury sustained by the artist to heal.

While exercising recently, Mr. Cohen suffered a compression injury in his lower back. He has been advised by physicians to follow the typical four to six month regime of physical therapy prescribed for athletes with similar injuries.

“Doctors have confirmed that Mr. Cohen is otherwise in terrific shape, thanks to years of exercise and careful diet, and simply needs appropriate time to recover from the lower back injury,” stated Cohen’s manager, Robert Kory.

The rescheduled dates below will be amended shortly to reflect all thirteen rescheduled dates:

Sept. 15 CAEN ZENITH
Sept. 17 GRENOBLE PALAIS DES SPORTS
Sept. 19 STRASBOURG ZENITH
Sept. 21 MARSEILLE LE DOME
Sept. 23 TOURS PARC DES EXPOSITIONS
Sept. 25 LILLE ZENITH GRAND PALAIS
Oct. 04 KATOWICE SPODEK
Oct. 07 MOSCOW KREMLIN PALACE
Oct. 13 BRATISLAVA SIBAMAC ARENA

Since his return to the stage in May 2008, Mr. Cohen has played 191 sold out shows around the world, headlined the 2009 Coachella Music Festival and was hailed by Spin Magazine as the “Comeback of the Year” for 2009.

On January 30th, Mr Cohen received the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Special Merit Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) and was honored the following night on the Grammy Awards broadcast.

New Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings album on the way

2010-02-02T05:51:00.000-08:00

Exciting news for fans of soul, funk and R&B - according to Daptone records, the follow up to Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings smash hit 2007 album '100 Days, 100 Nights' is right around the corner.

'I Learned The Hard Way' is slated for an April 6th release date, but you can check out the title track right now by clicking this link. Sign up for the Daptone mailing list (or type in your existing address if you're already a member) and you'll receive an mp3 of the new track, free of charge.

According to the mail-out, the album '...produced by Bosco Mann and recorded on an Ampex eight-track tape machine by Gabriel Roth in Daptone Records’ House of Soul studios, this record drips with a warmth and spontaneity rarely found since the golden days of Muscle Shoals and Stax.'

As podcast listeners will know, Daptone has a strong history of stellar releases, and we're expecting this one to be no exception.

www.daptonerecords.com

February's releases in brief

2010-02-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

The new year is usually slow to start in the music world, and January '10 was no exception. Fortunately for music lovers everywhere, February promises a spate of exciting new releases. Our 6 most highly anticipated selections follow, along with the relevant links:

February 9th:

Massive Attack - Heligoland
Sade - Soldier Of Love
k.d. lang - Recollection (Best Of-)
The Pretenders - Live In London (CD/DVD)

February 23rd:

David Byrne/Fatboy Slim - Here Lies Love
Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave

Hear a preview of Johnny Cash's 'Ain't No Grave'.

2010-01-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

As American Recordings prepares for the release of Johnny Cash's final album, 'Ain't No Grave' on February 26th, JohnnyCashRadio.com bring you a worldwide exclusive preview of the title track on this week's show.

If you're a fan of Johnny's music and have never listened in, I urge you to check it out as Bill Miller and his team put together the shows with a tremendous amount of expertise, love and respect. The show is also available to download via iTunes.

You can support the production of future episodes by pre-ordering the new album via JohnnyCashStore.com - and as a bonus you'll receive a number of free exclusive items.

Edit: You can now stream the full song on Johnny Cash's page at Lost Highway Records' website.

Here is an excerpt of Johnny's last interview, recently posted to YouTube:

k.d. lang to release first ever career retrospective, February 2nd

2010-01-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

Four-time Grammy Award winner and eight-time Juno Award winner k.d. lang releases her first-ever career retrospective, Recollection, 25 years after the release of her debut recording. The two-disc set will be available February 2 on Nonesuch Records. Recollection features 22 of lang’s most beloved recordings including an all-new interpretation of the Leonard Cohen classic “Hallelujah,” which has become a moving highlight of her live performances; the Guardian calls her rendition “mesmerising: she reaches into the air, plucking the tiniest note from within her huge range, bends double, before throwing her head back and unleashing her pitch-perfect roar.” The deluxe Recollection package includes a third disc of previously unreleased recordings—many performed live—as well as a bonus DVD of music videos and rarely seen live performance footage.

Recollection comes on the heels of lang’s critically acclaimed 2008 Nonesuch release, Watershed, hailed by Rolling Stone as “first-rate singer-songwriter music” and Interview magazine as lang’s "biggest album yet.” The record debuted in Billboard’s Top Ten upon its release and marked lang’s first time assuming the role of producer in addition to writer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist.

Referred to as “the greatest female singer in the whole world” by fellow Canadian Michael Bublé, lang has had a distinguished 25-year career. In addition to a fruitful collaboration with Tony Bennett, she has performed alongside musical luminaries including Roy Orbison, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, and Loretta Lynn. She sang at the closing ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and has contributed music to the soundtracks of several films including Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and Happy Feet. In addition to her music career, lang has also appeared in a number of films including Salmonberries, The Black Dahlia, and Eye of the Beholder. In 1996, lang received Canada’s highest civilian honor, the Order of Canada.

Below is a track list for the forthcoming k.d. lang album, Recollection:

Disc 1: the best of k.d. lang, vol. 1
1. Trail of Broken Hearts (Originally released on Absolute Torch and Twang, 1989)
2. Constant Craving (Originally released on Ingénue, 1992)
3. Air That I Breathe (Originally released on Drag, 1997)
4. Helpless (Originally released on Hymns of the 49th Parallel, 2004)
5. You’re OK (Originally released on All You Can Eat, 1995)
6. Western Stars (Originally released on Shadowland, 1988)
7. The Valley (Originally released on Hymns of the 49th Parallel, 2004)
8. Summerfling (Originally released on Invincible Summer, 2000)
9. Miss Chatelaine (Originally released on Ingénue, 1992)
10. I Dream of Spring (Originally released on Watershed, 2008)
11. Hallelujah (Originally released on Hymns of the 49th Parallel, 2004)

Disc 2: the best of k.d. lang, vol. 2
1. Help Me (Originally released on A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, 2007)
2. Hush Sweet Lover (Originally released on Even Cowgirls Get the Blues: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1993)
3. Beautifully Combined
4. Crying (with Roy Orbison) (Originally released on Hiding Out: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1987)
5. Love for Sale (From the film The Black Dahlia, 2006)
6. Golden Slumbers / The End (Originally released on Happy Feet: Music from the Motion Picture, 2006)
7. Barefoot (From the film Salmonberries, 1991)
8. Moonglow (with Tony Bennett) (Originally released on Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged, 1994)
9. So in Love (Originally released on Red, Hot & Blue, 1990)
10. Calling All Angels (with Jane Siberry) (Originally released on Until the End of the World: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1991)
11. Hallelujah (Previously unreleased)

Disc 3 [Deluxe Edition]: k.d. lang rarities
1. I’m Sitting on Top of the World (Originally released on The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: Music from the Motion Picture, 2005)
2. Sexuality (Originally released on All You Can Eat, 1995)
3. Skylark (Originally released on Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture, 1997)
4. Helpless (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
5. Western Stars (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
6. Wash Me Clean (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
7. Thread (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
8. Once in a While (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
9. I Dream of Spring (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
10. Smoke Rings (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)
11. The Right to Love (Live from KCRW, October 12, 2008)

Disc 4 [Deluxe Edition, DVD]: k.d. lang videos
1. Constant Craving (From Ingénue, 1992)
2. Just Keep Me Moving (From Even Cowgirls Get the Blues: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1993)
3. Hush Sweet Lover (From Even Cowgirls Get the Blues: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1993)
4. Miss Chatelaine (From Ingénue, 1992)
5. The Mind of Love (From Ingénue, 1992)
6. Crying (with Roy Orbison) (From Hiding Out: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1987)
7. You’re OK (From All You Can Eat, 1995)
8. Summerfling (From Invincible Summer, 2000)
9. Love Is Everything (From Hymns of the 49th Parallel, 2004)
10. Hallelujah (Live at the 2005 Juno Awards)
11. Helpless (Live at the 2005 Juno Awards)

Q&A: The Superions

2010-01-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

The Superions, as our podcast listeners will know, are music programmer Dan Marshall, keyboardist Noah Brodie and singer/lyricist and B-52's legend Fred Schneider.

Their unique mix of disco beats and zany subject matter have so far yielded the once heard never forgotten 'Totally Nude Island', and it's followup 'Who Threw That Ham At Me' and their first EP will shortly be available in a variety of formats.

The group were kind enough to answer these questions via e-mail recently.

Who are the Superions, and how did you guys get together?

On planet Superion, Noah, Dan & Fred decided to create a new kind of music. They asked us to leave and somehow we landed on Earth.

You've released three singles; 2 versions of 'Totally Nude Island' and 'Who Threw That Ham At Me'. How has the reaction been so far?

This is our first endeavor and we're building on different ideas that we've had and luckily also working with great remixers who each have a different take on what we do. Our first EP with prove it.

The first couple of songs feature a unique narrative/disco style that's pretty hard to describe. What are your influences?

We're influenced by life in general and any crazy idea that comes into our minds.

Listening to 'Totally Nude Island' puts me in mind of some sort of twisted sexy island adventure movie. B-Movie imagery seems to play a part in a lot of your work. What is it about those kind of flicks that strikes a chord with you?

Hey, we want to go to Totally Nude Island too.

Dare I ask if personal experience played a part lyrically in either of those songs?

We cast aside our clothes whenever possible, especially in crowded places.

Your EP is out this month and includes the exclusive song 'Those Sexy Saucer Gals'. What can we expect?

A sex-sational time!

I understand you guys are recording at the moment. What should we listen out for from these sessions? Are these going towards a full length Superions album?

Yes a full-length Superions extravaganza, expect songs that have never been done before and you'll ask yourself, "What on Earth was that?!"

Will the Superions be going out on the road?

We are talking about that right now.

Fred, your own eclectic musical taste became well known through your XM show, 'Party Out Of Bounds'. What are you currently listening to, and do you have anything to recommend to our readers?

The Lolligags, Cars Can Be Blue and get a record player and just buy any album that looks like it has a nutty cover at the thrift store.

Speaking of 'Party Out Of Bounds', a lot of fans seem to miss the show since it went off the air in 2008. Do you think radio DJ-ing is something you'll return to?

Maybe eventually, but right now I am totally into my work with the B's and what I'm doing with The Superions.

I had the pleasure of seeing you with the B-52's in Amsterdam last year, and it was one of the warmest receptions I've ever seen. What's the secret to staying in people's affections for over 30 years?

Be different, be good to your fans, and give the love back that the fans give to you.

I've heard you're something of a vinyl junkie, and The Superions material is to be released on vinyl alongside CDs and digital downloads. Where do you stand on the whole physical media versus digital debate?

Well one reason lots of bands stop doing music is because you can't afford to put out new material if everyone downloads for free. I know several bands that aren't putting out records or touring because of this, and may never again.

The question on everyone's lips: are the rumors true? Is Fred Schneider entering the dog treat market?

Yes, go to dixiedogwear.com and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame

Any other upcoming plans you'd like to share?

Our new release dates for The Superions EP are January 19, 2010 on iTunes and February 16, 2010 on CD and 12"

And finally, though it pains me to reveal myself as such a square - how exactly does one 'do the disco garbage can'?

You'll see when the video comes out...

To pre-order The Superions EP, visit www.hhbtm.com

For more info on the group, and to listen for yourself, head to: www.myspace.com/thesuperions

For our archived review of The B-52's at Amsterdam's Paradiso, click here.

RECOMMENDED ALBUM: Shirley Bassey - The Performance

2010-01-07T10:55:00.001-08:00

Available now in the UK, although sadly only via import elsewhere, Shirley Bassey's 'The Performance' was without a doubt one of 2009's most breathtaking albums (despite only dropping in November). If you have so much as a passing interest in the Dame, I can't recommend this release enough.

The 11-track album is Dame Shirley Bassey’s first full studio album in over 20 years. David Arnold, the Grammy Award-winning producer best known for scoring five James Bond films has produced the album.

‘The Performance’ features songs written specifically for Dame Shirley Bassey, by a stellar cast of contemporary artists, including, Take That’s, Gary Barlow, the Kaiser Chiefs, the Manic Street Preachers, Pet Shop Boys, KT Tunstall and Rufus Wainwright. The album also features a brand new composition from John Barry and Don Black; the first new song written by them for Dame Shirley since ‘Diamonds Are Forever.’

Speaking about producing the new album, The Performance, David Arnold said:

“All these songs were just songs, until Dame Shirley Bassey sang them. Now they’re Shirley Bassey songs – hopefully classic and contemporary, like that voice. There’s something about a Bassey performance that can knock the wind out of your sails, make you laugh, make you cry, let you in on the joke or be led to a more exotic place. I tried to make a record that made the most of that voice and one that could sit alongside her other classic recordings. There isn’t a ‘next Shirley Bassey’, there never really was and I doubt if there ever will be. She’s as unique and wonderful today as she has ever been and I hope this record will reach an audience who may never have heard her before, so they can say ’she’s got it’, and for her fans from the past who can say ‘she’s still got it’.”

During a career that has included 135 million record sales, Dame Shirley Bassey has had many incredible highlights, including being the only artist to record three James Bond movie theme songs. Dame Shirley has received numerous awards including a DBE [Dame of the British Empire] in 1999.

In 2007, Dame Shirley appeared at the Glastonbury festival, where at the same event Arctic Monkeys covered ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. Kanye West also sampled the same track on his 2005 Grammy-winning song ‘Diamonds From Sierra Leone’.

The full tracklisting for ‘The Performance’ is as follows:

Almost There [Tom Baxter]
Apartment [Rufus Wainwright]
This Time [Gary Barlow]
I Love You Now [Nick Hodgeson]
Our Time Is Now [John Barry/Don Black]
As God Is My Witness [David Arnold/David McAlmont]
No Good About Goodbye [David Arnold/Don Black]
The Girl From Tiger Bay [Manic Street Preachers]
Nice Men [KT Tunstall]
After The Rain [Richard Hawley]
The Performance Of My Life [Pet Shop Boys]

Barenaked Ladies Sign Worldwide Deal with EMI Music - New Album "All In Good Time" in Stores March 30th!

2010-01-07T02:08:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles, CA (January 6, 2010) – Acclaimed multi-platinum pop-rock group the BARENAKED LADIES and their label Raisin’ Records have signed an exclusive worldwide deal with EMI Music’s Label Services unit and are gearing up for the March 30th release of their 11th studio album, ALL IN GOOD TIME. The band and longtime producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda began recording the album last spring at Canterbury Studios and Jimmy C’s in Toronto and recently finished mixing with Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones, David Bowie).

“This is a really important record for us and we’re really proud of it,” says guitarist/vocalist Ed Robertson. “We’re redefining who we are, and how we communicate as a band, and as friends. The album has an emotional rawness to it that we may have shied away from in the past. I think we pushed ourselves to heavier places, and also allowed for some really spacious moments. We can’t wait to play these songs live.”

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with The Barenaked Ladies on a global scale,” says said Dominic Pandiscia, Senior Vice President & General Manager EMI Label Services & Caroline Distribution. “We look forward to using our complete service platform in key markets to help connect their music with core fans and beyond.”

The first single from ALL IN GOOD TIME, “You Run Away,” impacts radio in January. The band (Robertson, bassist/vocalist Jim Creeggan, keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Kevin Hearn and drummer/vocalist Tyler Stewart) gave fans a sneak preview of the track during their recent string of live dates in the US.

On Saturday, February 6 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the Barenaked Ladies will perform at the 2010 “Taste of the NFL,” a Super Bowl culinary extravaganza that supports hunger relief organizations across the country. Tickets are available online at www.TasteoftheNFL.com or by calling 952-835-7621. On Tuesday, February 16th, the band will be among the headliners performing at the Olympic Winter Games as part of the Vancouver 2010 concert series. For ticket information, please visit www.vancouver2010.com.

ALL IN GOOD TIME is the follow-up to the Barenaked Ladies’ 2008 Juno-nominated children’s album, Snacktime.

Over the course of the past twenty-one years, the Barenaked Ladies have racked up a half-dozen Juno Awards and multiple Grammy nominations, sold more than 14 million albums worldwide, written a plethora of hit singles (including “One Week,” “Pinch Me” and “If I Had $1000000”) and amassed an international fanbase whose members number in the millions. The band also wrote and recorded the theme song to the hit CBS television series, “The Big Bang Theory.”

Tour dates for The Barenaked Ladies are as follows:

Date - City - Venue
Feb. 6 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Broward County Convention Ctr
Feb. 16th - Vancouver, BC - Olympic Victory Ceremony
Feb. 17th - Whistler, BC - Olympic Village Free show

Sade set to release their first album in 10 years.

2010-01-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

The wait is now over. RCA Label Group are pleased to announce the release of Soldier of Love, the highly anticipated new body of work from Sade. Soldier of Love will be released worldwide on 8th February, 2010 and is Sade's first official studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000.

Known for their smooth sounds and rhythmic melodies, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career.

Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band have seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won a Brit Award for Best Album for Diamond Life, three Grammy Awards - first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for 'No Ordinary Love', and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

Visit Sade's official website here for more info.

Vic Chesnutt, 1964 - 2009

2009-12-28T08:12:00.001-08:00

photo by Jem Cohen (2007)

"He was a man who made a decision. This decision broke hearts but set him free." - Patti Smith

It is with sadness and respect that we report on the death of singer/songwriter Vic Chesnutt, who passed away on December 25th 2009 at the age of 45.

Disabled in a car accident at the age of 18, Vic went on to craft 15 albums of haunting, beautiful music showcasing his vulnerable, cracked voice and unique view of the world. His work attracted the admiration of fellow musicians including Smashing Pumpkins, Patti Smith, Victoria Williams, and R.E.M. - who's frontman Michael Stipe would go on to produce Vic's first 2 albums.

Burdened with ill-health and the resulting debts of his treatment, the L.A. Times pointed out his case as 'a clear example of the institutionalized cruelty of the American healthcare system'.

Vic Chesnutt passed away on December 25th, "surrounded by devastated friends and family" (according to friend and producer Jem Cohen), following a coma induced by taking an overdose of muscle relaxants. He is reported to have owed more than $70,000 in medical debts.

Friend Kristin Hersh has set up a donations page in order that Vic's fans, friends and supporters can aid Vic's family in paying off these debts. If you have been touched by Vic's music or his life, please consider making a donation at the link below.

Donations.

Patti Smith has posted a moving tribute to Vic here.

Stream or download a 2009 interview with Vic from NPR, for free here.

Download six free songs from Vic's own website here.

Holiday Podcast news, archives, and music

2009-12-24T05:56:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays to all our readers and listeners, and very best wishes for a prosperous new year.

Due to other commitments I've been unable to put together a holiday special in time for this year's festivities, but I'm pleased to tell you that the Insomnia Cafe podcast will be back for a full season beginning in January. We have some great episodes and exciting guests lined up (stay tuned for further info), so I hope you'll join me in 2010.

As always, if you are an independent musician or poet interested in having your work included in our show, you're welcome to send a sample along to insomniacafepodcast@gmail.com

Our iTunes page is always available here.

Don't forget, our 2007 and 2008 holiday special episodes are both still available for free download (Season 1, Episode 7 and Season 2, Episode 6), so if you're in the mood for Holiday favorites from the likes of Darlene Love, Adrienne Pierce, Serena Matthews, Crash Test Dummies and even Twisted Sister, be sure to check them out!

Shortly, I'll be naming my favorite album of 2009, so stay tuned to the blog to find out my pick.

In the meantime, here are two videos in support of a couple of this year's best festive offerings. They are, from the always enchanting Tori Amos' 'Midwinter Graces' album; 'Star Of Wonder' and from Bob Dylan's eclectic (and somewhat unfairly maligned) 'Christmas In The Heart', the insane frenetic polka of 'Must Be Santa'. Hopefully these will put a smile of your face and get you into the spirit of things, if you weren't already!

Thanks as always for your continued support.

- Michael

Tori Amos - Star Of Wonder (Live)
From the album Midwinter Graces

Bob Dylan - Must Be Santa
From the album Christmas In The Heart

Johnny Cash's 'American VI' to finally be released?

2009-12-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

The Guardian reports that the long-awaited sixth and final installment in Johnny Cash's critically acclaimed 'American Recordings' series may finally see the light of day in early 2010.

As of this posting, Amazon is listing the title 'American VI: Ain't No Grave' with a release date of 23 February.

Click here for the Guardian's coverage.

James Gurley - Big Brother & The Holding Company's guitarist has passed away.

2009-12-21T14:04:00.001-08:00

James Gurley, the guitarist of reknowned 60s psychadelic rock act Big Brother And The Holding Company has passed away of a heart attack, 2 days shy of his 70th birthday.

The influential group was a central part of the 1960s counter culture forged in San Francisco that would go on to define the decade musically. Particularly noted for their first two albums (1967's self titled effort, and the following year's 'Cheap Thrills'), the band's legacy would often, somewhat understandably be overshadowed by that of their dynamic vocalist, the irresistible Janis Joplin, who cut her teeth as a member of the band.

However Big Brother's creative, vivid arrangements were far from pedestrian, and their often avant garde playing held a marked (though often unacknowledged) influence over both their peers and their followers. As of 2009, BBHC continues to tour to widespread acclaim.

James Gurley's musicianship, both through recordings and through influence will of course continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Tributes from the surviving original members of the band, Sam Andrew, Peter Albin, and David Getz can be found here:

http://bbhc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=769

DOWNLOAD: Smashing Pumpkins - Song For A Son

2009-12-11T01:32:00.001-08:00

Listen to and download the Smashing Pumpkins excellent new track, 'Song For A Son' - the first of 44 songs that will comprise the free album 'Teargarden By Kaleidyscope'.

RECOMMENDED ALBUM: Issa (Jane Siberry) - With What Shall I Keep Warm?

2009-11-24T07:21:00.001-08:00

Issa (Jane Siberry) - With What Shall I Keep Warm?
Released November 2009, Sheeba records (independent)

Issa (the artist formerly known as Jane Siberry) has released the second in her trilogy of albums, following on from 2008's joyous 'Dragon Dreams'. The new set, titled 'With What Shall I Keep Warm?' is available now both via CDBaby and on iTunes worldwide.

Album notes: this is the second of a story told in three parts. the first story is 'dragon dreams' which was released november 2008. musicans include marlon saunders, catherine russell, leslie alexander, 'betty' (amy, elizabeth and alyson), maggie moore, john macarthur ellis, pauline kim, christine kim, james roe, ilttle people: jacob switzer, paige escoffery-stewart, ruby salvatore palmer).

Be sure to visit www.issalight.com for further information, including Issa's forthcoming international tour dates and salon details.

New Natalie Merchant album coming in 2010

2009-11-19T23:28:00.000-08:00

Nonesuch records have announced a March 2010 release date for Natalie Merchant's "Leave Your Sleep" - her first album in 7 years, and her first for the label. To celebrate the event, a special career-retrospective video piece has been made available at nonesuch.com/media.

Over her 28-year career Natalie Merchant has earned a place among America’s most respected recording artists with a reputation for being a songwriter of quality and a captivating performer.

Merchant began her musical career as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the pop music band 10,000 Maniacs and released two platinum and four gold records with the group between 1981 and 1993 (The Wishing Chair, In My Tribe, Blind Man's Zoo, Hope Chest, Our Time in Eden, and MTV Unplugged).

In 1994, Merchant began her solo career with a self-produced debut album, Tigerlily (1995), which astounded the music industry by selling four million copies. In the years following, she released Ophelia (1998), Natalie Merchant Live (1999), and Motherland (2001). In 2003, she left Elektra Records, after 18 years with the label, and independently released an album of traditional and contemporary folk music, The House Carpenter’s Daughter, on her own label, Myth America Records. In 2005, she was persuaded to curate a collection of her own work for a double album she titled Retrospective.

She has collaborated both on stage and in the studio with a wide range of artists, including REM, Wynton Marsalis, The Chieftains, Mavis Staples, Daniel Lanois, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, David Byrne, Philip Glass, Billy Bragg, Wilco, Tracy Chapman, Cowboy Junkies, Ryan Adams, Lokua Kanza, Yungchen Lhamo, The Fairfield Four, Gavin Bryars, Jakob Dylan, Susan McKeown, Chris Botti, Lúnasa, The Klezmatics, Katell Keineg, Dan Zanes, and Medeski, Martin & Wood.

Throughout her entire career, Merchant has also been dedicated to supporting a wide array of non-profit organizations lending both financial support and raising public awareness. Scenic Hudson, The Center for Constitutional Rights, Riverkeeper, Doctors Without Borders, Greenpeace, The Association to Benefit Children, Planned Parenthood, and The Southern Center for Human Rights are among the social justice groups to which she has been devoted. She was recently appointed by the governor of New York to serve a five-year term as a member of the prestigious New York State Council on the Arts.

After the birth of her daughter in 2003, Merchant took an extended break from recording and touring. For the past five years, Merchant has been researching, writing and recording a collection of songs adapted from the works of various classic and contemporary poets. She is currently in the studio preparing this project, her first studio album in seven years, due for release in the spring of 2010.

RECOMMENDED RELEASE: In The Beginning: Townes Van Zandt

2009-11-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

Townes Van Zandt - In The Beginning
Available Nov. 23rd, Fat Possum records

1. Black Widow Blues
2. Maryetta's Song
3. Hunger Child Blues
4. Gypsy Friday
5. Waitin' for the Day
6. Black Jack Mama
7. When Your Dream Lovers Die
8. Colorado Bound
9. Big Country Blues
10. Black Crow Blues

Widely considered one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, Townes Van Zandt has been hailed by such singers as Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson. Fat Possum is proud to reissue In The Beginning, a collection of ten recordings produced by Jack Clement (Johnny Cash, U2, Waylon Jennings) in 1966. Recorded almost two years before the original release of For Sake Of The Song, this is Townes in his original element and already writing about drifters, losers and gamblers.

HOLIDAY SPECIAL - Now looking for artists

2009-11-18T03:17:00.001-08:00

Toward the end of next month we'll be publishing our 3rd annual Holiday Special podcast on iTunes.

If you're an independent artist or bandmember who has recorded a great seasonal tune, this is your chance to have it heard alongside established acts on a show that has previously included music from Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Marianne Faithfull, Alice Cooper, The Concretes and many, many more. We'd love to share your music with our audience.

If you're interested in being considered for inclusion, please send an mp3 (in no lower quality than 192kbps) to insomniacafepodcast@gmail.com with the subject line 'Holiday Podcast Submission' no later than December 13th.

Please understand that spaces within the show are limited.

Thanks!
Michael

DAPTONE GOLD compilation on the way

2009-11-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

From our friends at Daptone Records:

Daptone Gold Compilation CD/LP

This November, we are releasing a 23 track compilation featuring rarities, classics and previously unreleased tracks from Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, The Budos Band, Binky Griptite, Lee Fields, Antibalas and more. Vinyl release is a double LP packaged in a deluxe gold foil gatefold jacket with extensive liner notes, and will include a poster, sticker and .mp3 download card. CD release is a deluxe gold foil digipak with 6 page booklet including extensive liner notes and photos. Coming November 24th

TRACKS:
Introduction by Binky Griptite ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “I’m Not Gonna Cry” ● The Budos Band “Up From The South” ● Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens “What Have You Done” ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - “How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?” ● Lee Fields “Could Have Been” ● Antibalas featuring Mayra Vega "Che Che Cole Makossa" ● The Budos Band “Budos Rising” ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “Got A Thing On My Mind” ● Charles Bradley & the Menahan Street Band “The World” ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “Make It Good To Me” ● Lee Fields and Sugarman & Co. “Stand Up” ● Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens “What Is This” ● Binky Griptite with the Sugarman Three “A Lover Like Me” ● Menahan Street Band “Make the Road by Walking” ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “Tell Me” ● Sugarman & Co. “Down To It” ● The Dap-Kings “Nervous Like Me” ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “Giving Up” ● The Budos Band “Ghostwalk” ● The Gospel Queens feat. Cynthia Langston “I Need You To Hold My Hand” ● Binky Griptite & the Mellomatics “The Stroll Pt. 2” ● Sharon Jones & Lee Fields “Stranded In Your Love”

Download a free preview of Paul McCartney's new CD/DVD set

2009-11-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

RECOMMENDED ALBUM: The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

2009-11-03T07:50:00.001-08:00

The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You
Available now, American Recordings

"I and Love and You"
"January Wedding"
"Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise"
"And It Spread"
"The Perfect Space"
"Ten Thousand Words"
"Kick Drum Heart"
"Laundry Room"
"Ill with Want"
"Tin Man"
"Slight Figure of Speech"
"It Goes On and On"
"Incomplete and Insecure"

There is no harmony like brotherly harmony. Something indelible in the weave of voices and play of sensibilities is stamped into the fraternal DNA and also stems from a lifetime of shared experiences. You can hear it in classic brother acts across the musical spectrum, from the Louvin Brothers to the Everly Brothers and on down the decades through the Wilson brothers (Beach Boys), the Davies brothers (Kinks), the Allman Brothers and even the Brothers Gibb (a.k.a., the Bee Gees). You can clearly hear fraternal magic at work in the songs of Scott and Seth Avett, better known as the Avett Brothers, as well.

That magic is abundantly evident on I and Love and You, the Avett Brothers’ big-label debut. Its 13 songs are delivered in a style that defies pigeonholing but might be described as a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock and pop – even a jab of punk-style dynamics here and there. Drawn by the naked honesty of their songs and the rousing intensity of their live shows, legendary producer and talent scout Rick Rubin signed the Avett Brothers – consisting of siblings Scott and Seth, plus bassist Bob Crawford - to his American Recordings label in 2008.

“As soon as I heard the depth in their singing and songwriting, I was in for the ride,” says Rubin, who has worked with some of the most talented mavericks in the business, including Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and The Dixie Chicks. “The Avetts’ songs have such a sincere emotional resonance. The purity of the messages stops you in your tracks. It’s unusual to hear such open-hearted personal sentiment from young artists today.”

For their own part, the Avett Brothers instantly felt at home in the studio with Rubin. “While growing up, his work influenced us in some weird way to do what we do, and it influenced our sound quite a bit, too. I mean, from the Beastie Boys to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Johnny Cash, we explored all those records he did in depth. We felt comfortable working with someone we had faith in based on his credentials and track record. We wouldn’t be that way for anybody, we really wouldn’t.”

By the time Rubin found them, the Avett Brothers had compiled their own impressive track record. They’d already issued five full length albums and two EPs, on their manager’s Ramseur Records label. They debuted in 2001 with a self-titled six-song EP and then issued a full-fledged album, Country Was, a year later. The heart of their catalog is the albums that followed: Mignonette (2004), Four Thieves Gone (2006) and Emotionalism (2007), which offered a generous 49 songs among them. The Avett Brothers’ latest release, an EP called The Gleam II, reached #82 on Billboard’s Top Albums chart in 2008 – quite a showing for an independent CD with minimal marketing and publicity.

Over the years, the Avett Brothers built up a sizable following based on their rowdy, infectious stage shows. In concert, the high-flying ensemble tears through tunes with unbridled energy, popping banjo and guitar strings right and left while inciting stomping singalongs among audiences that appear to know every word. At times they would seemingly create their own subgenre onstage - “punkgrass,” for lack of a better word. This much is for certain: the Avett Brothers are a grassroots phenomenon, built from the ground up. I and Love and You marks the point at which they’re poised, with perfect timing, to break through to a broader audience.

I and Love and You was rehearsed and recorded at the Document Room, located high on a hillside in Malibu, California. After cutting discs at various spots around their native North Carolina for eight years, the Avett Brothers were ready to take on the challenge of making an album at a top-of-the-line studio on the far side of the continent. The brothers were hardly unfamiliar with the Golden State, as they’d been visiting family in the Sacramento area since childhood and had gigged around California in recent years. But working with Rick Rubin in Malibu represented a giant step forward.

“A benefit of making the record in California is that it switched everything up,” says Seth. “It helped put us in the mind set that we’re starting a new chapter. We’re looking to make a record in a different way than we have in the past, and we want to be open to these new methods. There’s no better way to try something new than to work in a place you’ve never been.”

The results speak for themselves. From the 17 songs they cut with Rubin, 13 made the final cut. Rubin sequenced I and Love and You – the only time the Avetts have delegated that task to someone else. “This is the first time we have not been critical of the song sequence,” Scott noted approvingly.

In fact, the Avett Brothers are rightfully proud of I and Love and You in every aspect. It is, they feel, an album they’ve been building toward. “Years ago, Seth had told me that he someday wanted to make a record where everything was as crisp and clear and well-produced as it could possibly be,” recalls bassist Crawford. “And with the help of Rick Rubin and [engineer] Ryan Hewitt, we’ve done that.”

“It’s how I’ve always wanted our band to sound,” affirms Seth. “What I like is an absolute presentation of clarity. It’s not that I want to be glossy, and I don’t know that we ever could be glossy in the way that some pop artists are. But I love music you can grasp hold of because there’s no mistaking what the person is saying and presenting, and I feel like we’ve come the closest to that on I and Love and You.”

Themes that recur on the album have to do with commitment, maturity, and moving forward through life with a positive outlook. I and Love and You has little to do with the ephemeral world of latter-day pop, even if several songs (notably “Kick Drum Heart” and “Slight Figure of Speech”) are tuneful and catchy enough to merit radio play. The Avett Brothers mean to create music of substance for the long haul. Seth Avett is just under thirty years of age while Scott is slightly over. A lot of what they’ve been writing about lately has to do with transitioning from youth to adulthood. You can hear this clearly on such songs as “The Perfect Space” and “Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise,” thoughtful disquisitions that serve as the album’s thematic centerpieces.

“It’s hard to tell where some of these songs are coming from and they can have many meanings,” Seth allows, “but I think on the whole the album makes some comment on the fact that we are young men, but that youth is fleeting and it goes by very quickly. When you’re moving out of your twenties and into this time when you’re hoping to build something, it’s a beautiful thing and a scary thing. It still feels like things are up in the air like they were in your twenties when everything was up in the air and you didn’t know what the hell was going to happen and who you were going to be. But during that time you start gaining the tools you’re going to use in the rest of your life.”

The Avett Brothers have spent much of the past decade nurturing their skill as songwriters, along with their proficiency as vocalists and musicians. Although Seth and Scott are principally identified with acoustic guitar and banjo, respectively, from their live shows, both brothers also play piano, drums and most anything else with strings. (The brothers possess formidable artistic skills, too, and their sketches and paintings adorn their albums.) Clearly, however, songs are the center of the Avett Brothers’ universe. The brothers turn out songs in profusion. They write them individually, and they write them together. Each might write an entire song, or credit might be split down the middle or any conceivably fractional way. There is no set method to their songwriting. The point is, Seth and Scott generate songs constantly, because that’s what they feel that they were born to do.

“There’s not an option,” explains Seth. “It feels like a living thing, and if we want to keep it alive, we have to nourish it. There are so many things we have to consider now - the stage show, business issues, our relationship to different people and our fans - but at the heart of it is the songwriting and the connection we have with ourselves and others through that writing. It’s an essential and imperative element to our existence.”

“On top of all that, it’s just exciting,” Seth continues. “Scott and I and Bob get these new songs going, and that is our lifeblood. It’s obvious we’ve got to keep rolling with it. Whether the records come out or don’t come out, and whether there’s a market or not a market, the important thing is that we’re writing songs. They’re not just for a release date; they’re for posterity.”

The Avett Brothers formed in 2001 in Charlotte, North Carolina when banjoist Scott Avett and guitarist Seth Avett joined forces with standup bass player Bob Crawford. At the time, the brothers fronted a neo-punk band called Nemo. They enjoyed blowing it out on electric instruments but eventually began feeling the tug of the acoustic music they’d heard growing up. They were raised in the textile town of Concord, about a half-hour north of Charlotte. Their dad, Jim Avett, had a box of eight-track tapes that Scott and Seth picked through, listened to and digested. It included albums by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Jim’s own folksy duo, Common Decency. Other roots musicians from the folk and country realms filtered into their subconscious, too. Thus, in 2001, the brothers launched an acoustic side band, called Nemo Back Porch Project, for which they added upright bassist Crawford. He recalls the initial meeting with Scott and Seth:

“They were wanting to do some of the music they were raised on via their dad, which was old songs by Rambling Jack Elliott, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Williams and Tom T. Hall. I met up with them on a Sunday night in an empty parking lot. I got out my bass, and these two guys showed up in a gold Ford Taurus station wagon wearing flannel shirts and cutoff pants. They were total grunge kids. We sat in the parking lot, just the three of us, and played ‘Going Down the Road Feelin’ Bad’ and ‘More Pretty Girls Than One.’ Then they showed me an original song called ‘Kind of in Love,’ and it was very interesting. It wasn’t like any of those traditional songs. Different chord structure, with all these minor substitution chords. I was like, ‘This is really unique.’”

From there, Nemo’s acoustic sideshow blossomed into the main attraction, and the Avett Brothers were born out of it. Still and all, while they built up a loyal following around their home state in places like Charlotte, Greenville and Chapel Hill, they weren’t exactly setting the woods on fire beyond those pockets of regional fandom, and Scott and Bob forged ahead with plans to attend graduate school in the fall of 2002. However, there was one unfinished piece of business in Crawford’s mind.

“I said, Listen guys, I’ve always wanted to go on the road with a band,’” Crawford recalls. “’If I book a tour, will you guys go? Can we just go on the road for a couple weeks this summer?’ And they were like, ‘People have said things like this to us before, but if you do it, we’ll do it.’” And so Crawford got on the Internet and booked a month-long 21-city tour. They camped out or slept in the truck when they couldn’t find a floor to sleep on, subsisted on peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and returned home with $4,000 and a flock of new fans in 21 cities. The Avett Brothers were off and running, and grad school got shelved.

Live shows remain the Avett Brothers’ calling card. In the spring of this year, they opened selected dates for the Dave Matthews Band. On their own, they’ve filled a 7,000-seat venue in Cary, North Carolina, and sold out two nights at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon – one of their strongholds. In June 2009, they performed back-to-back sellouts at New York’s Fillmore East.

With I and Love and You, they’ve also taken a giant step forward on the recording front. Whereas they’d previously opted for a first-take freshness, now they wanted to proceed at a more deliberate pace, taking advantage of the options that Rubin’s wisdom, a bigger budget, a better studio and more time allowed them. In short, while they’d always tried to bottle their live magic in the studio, this time they set about making a more nuanced and well-crafted record.

“We were totally up for spending more time on it,” says Scott. “As time goes on, you become more critical about your work. And the more critical you become, the more willing you are to explore the options. We did a lot of revising and reworking in the studio. For instance, it was like ‘Let’s try drums in this part.’ ‘No, that won’t sound good.’ ‘Well, how do you know, we haven’t tried it?’ ‘Okay, you’re right, let’s try it.’ There was a lot more of that going on.’”

In harnessing the tools available to them in the service of the strongest set of songs they’ve written so far, the Avett Brothers have surpassed themselves on I and Love and You. There’s really no great secret or magic formula for what they’ve achieved here. It comes down to honoring inspiration with an awful lot of hard work. “The brothers have an incredibly strong work ethic,” affirms Rick Rubin, “and they continually worked at honing their craft. Hearing brothers who have sung their whole lives together – singing the truth – was a revelation each new day.”

“We know what we’re worth, and we’ve been campaigning for a long time to be heard,” notes Scott without false modesty. “Rick is helping that by sitting up and saying, ‘Let me work with you.’ We can tip our hats and pat ourselves on the back momentarily and say, ‘Good job guys, we have been heard by somebody who’s been heard by a lot of people, and he’s let us in his camp.’ I really look at it as a positive thing and a good milestone. And when it comes time for the next step, we’ll do our best again and keep moving.”

“We’ll just keep writing our songs and making our records, and how it goes is how it goes,” concludes Seth. “We’re trying our hardest and having some fun doing it, and that’s all it needs to be.”

Independent Online Music Store Celebrates the Festive Season with Christmas Music Listing

2009-11-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

Online Music store announces new music category listing for independent and unsigned Christmas Music.

New York, NY, October 31, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Independent and unsigned music website Boost Independent Music (www.boostindependentmusic.com) went live today with a new music category specifically listing Christmas songs.

“Our research shows a huge spike in the number of people searching for Christmas music in the lead up to the holidays”, said MD Graeme Longworth. “Buying mainstream music can be expensive and searches show only a limited, boring range such as traditional Christmas carols. We thought this was a great opportunity to give our huge database of independent unsigned artists and bands the opportunity to upload their Christmas music recordings – and give consumers the chance to search for something a bit different to add to their festive celebrations.”

Boost invites all artists to visit the site at www.boostindependentmusic.com and register for free to create a profile and start uploading mp3 music today. Artists wanting to add their Christmas music to the site can follow the simple prompts when uploading their songs to add them to the Christmas tracks page. Existing artists can re-categorize their music if they want to take advantage of this new listing opportunity.

For listeners wanting to find Christmas music just go to the Boost Independent Music homepage and use the easy drop down navigation menu to browse by music style.

Boost Independent Music is one of the world’s largest online music stores selling songs from independent and unsigned artists from around the world. All proceeds from track sales are split 50/50 with the artist, allowing an invaluable opportunity for bands to promote themselves and make some money in the process.

Classic Album Review: Cowboy Junkies - The Trinity Session

2009-10-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Junkies - The Trinity Session
Originally released 1988, Latent Recordings

1. Mining For Gold
2. Misguided Angel
3. Blue Moon Revisited (Song For Elvis)
4. I Don't Get It
5. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
6. To Love Is To Bury
7. 200 More Miles
8. Dreaming My Dreams With You
9. Working On A Building
10. Sweet Jane
11. Postcard Blues
12. Walkin' After Midnight

Cowboy Junkies sophomore effort provided them with both their artistic and commercial breakthrough, and took the low-fi, whispered midnight blues of their early years to it's zenith.

The album's unique recording circumstances have been well documented. On November 27th 1987, the band gathered around a single microphone at Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity to perform a combination of original songs and covers from (amongst others) the likes of Hank Williams and The Velvet Underground, who's classic 'Sweet Jane' would become one of the Junkies most enduring hits in its new bare-bones form. Michael Timmins' original compositions pack a powerful emotional punch, and are far from dwarfed by such lofty company. Indeed the beautifully sad 'To Love Is To Bury' and concert-favorite 'Misguided Angel' are amongst the album's greatest moments, as is their interpolation of the well-worn 'Blue Moon'.

Cowboy Junkies emerged from Trinity with a unique, haunting, gossamer masterpiece of a record, and the finest roots release of the 1980s.

Both the band's sparse, methodical approach to the material, the awe-inspiring Margo Timmins languid, dreamsome delivery and the brief recording time ensure that there's nothing out of place on 'The Trinity Session'. The project has a raw immediacy and cohesion rarely heard outside of early 1930s and 40s blues recordings and is an essential listen for all roots music fans.

In 2007 the band returned to the Trinity church to revisit the album with guest musicians including Vic Chesnutt and Natalie Merchant. The beautifully shot DVD of this performance also comes highly recommended.

Classic Album Review: Dusty Springfield - From Dusty, With Love

2009-10-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

Dusty Springfield - From Dusty With Love
Originally released April 1970 on Philips records

1. Lost
2. Bad Case Of The Blues
3. Never Love Again
4. Let Me Get In Your Way
5. Let's Get Together Soon

6. Brand New Me
7. Joe
8. Silly, Silly Fool
9. The Star Of My Show
10. Let's Talk It Over

Dusty is often referred to as the greatest soul singer that England ever produced, and she's absolutely deserving of such high praise. From early hits like 'I Only Want To Be With You', 'The Look Of Love', 'Son Of Preacher Man' and 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', to the sophisticated, soulful adult pop of the 'Dusty In Memphis' album, and fan favourites such as See All Her Faces and Cameo, Dusty's commanding, versatile voice is unparalleled. Like other genre-defining artists, she is the subject of frequent comparisons - most recently to 'new soul' acts like Adele and Duffy but the truth is her skill and range set a high benchmark in music that has yet to be matched or bettered.

Though her star diminished somewhat in the mid to late 1970s, Dusty's voice remained as disarmingly powerful as ever, with a combination of personal tribulations, record company politics, and weak material playing the most part in her lack of success throughout the decade. As is well documented, it took the Pet Shop Boys to bring Dusty back in to the limelight, featuring her on their huge 1987 hit 'What Have I Done To Deserve This'. They would go on to produce and write much of her successful electronica leaning album Reputation in 1990.

Today's album was released just as Dusty was first beginning to slip from the public consciousness in 1970. A combination of lack of public interest and lack of promotion sealed From Dusty With Love's' fate, but as the Memphis album's spiritual twin, it's ripe for reassessment.

Misleadingly titled 'A Brand New Me' outside of the UK, I personally I find it to be one of her most solid albums, and an extremely enjoyable listen. Like many of our 'classic albums', it's runtime is brief to say the least - just over 25 minutes - but the 10 hook-filled songs are beautiful vehicles for Dusty's voice. The album is produced by the team of Gamble and Huff, who would later work on two of The Jacksons late 70s releases, and they bring with them an authentic Philadelphia soul sound that is a perfect match for Dusty's sultry, defiant and pleading performances. The musicianship on the album is superb, with backing vocals from The Sweethearts of Sigma, a Sam Reed led horn section, and Don Renaldo providing strings. The result is every bit as lush and transformative as you'd expect.

The short run time packs in everything from gospel, blues, pop and soul, but Dusty is always front and centre. Though rarely heard and underappreciated, songs like 'Bad Case Of The Blues', 'Never Love Again' and the heartwrenching ballad 'Joe' can stand shoulder to shoulder with her most well known tunes as A+ examples of Dusty Springfield's mastery of her her craft.

Classic Album Review: Karen Dalton - It's So Hard To Tell Who's Going To Love You The Best

2009-10-22T11:50:00.001-07:00

Karen Dalton It's So Hard To Tell Who's Going To Love you The Best
Originally released 1969 on Capitol Records

1. Little Bit Of Rain
2. Sweet Substitute
3. Ribbon Bow
4. I Love You More Than Words Can Say
5. In The Evening (It's So Hard To Tell Who's Going To Love You The Best)
6. Blues On The Ceiling
7. It Hurts Me Too
8. How Did The Feeling Feel To You
9. Right, Wrong or Ready
10. Down On The Street (Don't Follow Me Down)

Yesterday I talked about The Beach Boy's Today, an album often overlooked in favor of it's critically acclaimed successor. The same could be said of today's selection, It's So Hard To Tell Who's Going To Love You The Best by Karen Dalton.

It's followup, In My Own Time, is most often considered to be the pinnacle of Karen's woefully brief recording career - a career that has only recently come to be appreciated on a wider scale. Vinyl copies of Karen's two studio albums had changed hands, been copied and passed around for decades, eventually forming the kind of cult appreciation afforded to those dubbed 'musician's musicians'.

Finally, over the last few years her albums have seen the kind of deluxe reissue treatment they deserve thanks to small labels Light In The Attic Records in the US and Megaphone in Europe, and both a live album and a disc of home recordings have been added to her discography. All are worth checking out.

However, neither of Karen's original albums were particularly successful upon their first release, and the woman who Bob Dylan described as his favorite singer from the Greenwich village folk scene of the 1960's passed into obscurity. She would never release a further album during her lifetime, which was cut short in 1993 when she passed away, reportedly following an 8 year battle with AIDS.

Of her 2 studio offerings, 1971's In My Own Time is lushly produced, jazz oriented, and provides a warm, accessible environment for Karen's unusual voice, which is frequently compared to that of Billie Holiday. It is indeed an underground classic, but to find the woman Bob Dylan spoke so highly of, you have to look to her debut. It's So Hard To Tell Who's Going To Love You The Best takes an altogether sparser, more stark approach. It's uncompromising, raw and challenging while also beautiful and vulnerable. Karen plays the banjo like no one else I've ever heard, and much like Lady Day, her material has those unflinching, not-to-be-messed-with, yet sensitive and sympathetic characteristics at its core.

Her versions of traditional folk songs 'Ribbon Bow' and 'In The Evening' are particularly affecting, and her take on 'It Hurts Me Too' rivals Elmore James' as a personal favorite. If you're in the mood for it, the stark intimacy and hushed tones of the album are absolutely arresting, and the delivery of the material has an authenticity that personally I've never found from her contemporaries like Joan Baez and Judy Collins. Uncloaked and uncompromising, Sweet Mother K.D. is the pure heart and the dark soul of folk blues.

Paul McCartney announces end of year European Tour

2009-10-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

New European Tour Announced Including Paul's Only UK Date In 2009

Following a massive tour of the US this summer, Paul McCartney today announces his first European Tour since 2004. This December will see Macca play seven special arena shows across Europe, culminating with his first ever public performance at London's O2 Arena, which will be his only UK date of this year. Other firsts on this tour will include shows at Berlin’s O2 World venue and Dublin’s The O2. Paul's legendary live performances are a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience. The audience gets to re-live some of the greatest moments in music from the last 50 years, many of which have become the soundtrack to living.

Paul commences his tour in Hamburg – a city he is very familiar with. Incredibly, it's now 49 years since The Beatles historic visit, which created rock folklore and put Hamburg on the map as a musical Mecca for hundreds and thousands of music pilgrims over the years. This will be Paul’s first time back in Hamburg (as well as Arnhem, Cologne and Dublin) since his 2003 "Back In The World" tour. Meanwhile, the people of Berlin will get their first Paul McCartney concert in 16 years, since 1993's "New World Tour"! December will take Paul back to Paris for the first time since he played an intimate club show at the Olympia in 2007.

London's O2 Arena will host Paul's final show of 2009 where he will bring the year to an end on a high. This will be his ONLY live show in the UK this year! Paul’s last UK show was a massive sellout concert at Anfield Stadium in 2008. At the time the Liverpool Echo wrote, "If Anfield had a roof, Macca would have blown it off." The O2 Arena does have a roof so it’s set to be a massive night of excitement and rock n' roll Macca style! Although this is Paul's first public performance at the O2 Arena he is very familiar with the venue. In 2004, before the O2 Arena was up and running as the world’s greatest music venue, Paul used the Millennium Dome (as it was known then) for rehearsals for his massive stadium "04 Summer Tour" which ended with Paul headlining the Glastonbury Festival which has gone down in rock history as the greatest festival moment ever. Although his rehearsals at the Millennium Dome were meant to be top secret, he was soon rumbled when a near by resident complained about the rock n’ roll noise upsetting his cat!

Speaking about the tour, Paul said: "This is my chance to bring our current show home to where it all began. Starting in Hamburg, ending in London and rocking everywhere in between. I'm very much looking forward to ending the year on a high."

What a year 2009 has been for Paul. He kicked it off by teaming up with Dave Grohl to perform "I Saw Her Standing There" at the Grammys, where he was also nominated for two awards. In April, Paul performed in New York at the David Lynch Foundation's benefit concert, "Change Begins Within". He was joined on stage with Ringo Starr for a special finale. Paul also headlined the Coachella Festival (his first US festival appearance) and performed a show to mark the opening of The New Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, a gig which sold out in seven seconds, setting a new sales record with tickets selling at a rate of 600 a second. July 11th took Paul to Halifax, Nova Scotia for his first ever concert there, which took place on the Halifax Commons. The mayor of Halifax described the show as the largest and most exciting concert in its 260-year history.

Following Halifax, Paul embarked on a five-week tour of the US; 'Summer Live '09'. The tour commenced with the inaugural run of shows at New York's Citi Field Stadium, which was the site of the former Shea Stadium where The Beatles made history in 1965 when they played a concert that set the precedent for the modern day stadium rock show. Critics hailed the Citi Field performances, seen by over 120,000 people, as the concert experience of a lifetime. The tour concluded in Dallas on the 19th of August.

For those of you who won't be able to make it to one of the European shows this Christmas you can re-live the Macca magic with 'Good Evening New York City', a multi-disc CD/DVD featuring performances recorded at New York’s Citi Field from Paul's 'Summer Live '09' tour.

THE DATES IN FULL:
2nd December - Hamburg, Color Line Arena
3rd December - Berlin, O2 World
9th December - Arnhem, Gelredome
10th December - Paris, Bercy
16th December - Cologne, Koln Arena
20th December - Dublin, The O2
22nd December - London,The O2 Arena

London ticket details.
Tickets available from Monday 26th October:
Box Office: 0844 856 0202
24hr Credit Card Hotline: 0871 230 1103
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Classic Album Review: The Beach Boys - Today!

2009-10-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Beach Boys Today!
originally released March 1965
Capitol Records

When it comes to The Beach Boys, most fans and critics agree, Pet Sounds was unquestionably their masterpiece. It's landmark sound saw the 23 year old musical prodigy Brian Wilson take the Phil Spector produced pop production that he loved and turn it into something entirely his own. It's timeless, unique, endlessly moving and for some people has never been matched.

But Pet Sounds' direct predeccessor, The Beach Boys Today! is often unfairly overlooked, and rarely discussed. Reissues have been few and far between, and all but the diehard fans seem to have forgotten it's existence.

It's impossible to overestimate how key this album was to the band's development. Today! is the junction where the innocent, fun-in-the-sun Beach Boys of the early days meets the sophisticated and poignant genius of Pet Sounds, and consequently is one of the band's most satisfying albums.

Fittingly, the album is divided into one side of upbeat pop tunes, and a second of the kind of longing, lovelorn ballads that would make the Boys' next album a classic.

But first side one, which opens with a storming version of Bobby Freeman's frequently covered 'Do You Wanna Dance', which gives Dennis Wilson his first ever lead vocal slot. While he may technically not be a great singer, he brings a nervous energy to the song that really brings it to life. Undoubtedly its a great party song, and a killer jolt of energy to kickstart the album.

Brian and Mike feature significantly for the rest of the half. It's almost like the end of an era - it was their songwriting partnership that gave the band it's first taste of success with songs like 'Catch A Wave', 'Fun, Fun, Fun' and 'I Get Around', but as Brian's creativity flourished, he would increasingly look to outside collaborators like Tony Asher and Van Dyke Parks to fulfil his vision.

The always pitch-perfect voice of Al Jardine takes lead on Help Me, Ronda. Unfortunately the titular character's 'h' isn't all that's missing in this version - so is much of the musical sparkle and polish that would make this song's later single release a huge hit. While this early cut has potential, it's hard to argue that the single version isn't vastly superior.

The second half, not surprisingly is where Today! really comes into its own, offering a side of The Beach Boys that had only been hinted at before on songs like 'In My Room', 'The Warmth Of The Sun' and 'Don't Worry Baby'.

Songs like Please Let Me Wonder, She Knows Me Too Well and I'm So Young are simply beautiful, incredibly moving and perhaps represent Brian's peak as a lead vocalist. The harmonies are lush, plaintive and amongst the group's best - and The Beach Boys early 60's lineup always had the best harmonies in all of music available on tap.

Lyrically side 2 of Today! is much more introspective, emotionally invested, and meaningful than much of what had gone before. Musically, it's nothing short of stunning. Brian's arrangements feature session musicians like Steve Douglas, legendary bassist Carol Kaye and even a young Glen Campbell to fill out the sound, which incorporates vibraphones, saxophones, timpani drums and other instruments that had rarely been used in pop music until that point. Listening now leaves you in no doubt of where the group were headed, and that it was this experimental approach that would come to full fruition on Pet Sounds.

Clocking in at under half an hour, as a standalone album or simply listened to as a companion to it's followup, The Beach Boys Today! is a true classic.

- Michael

GUNS N' ROSES announce Asian and Canadian dates

2009-10-19T09:09:00.001-07:00

Guns N' Roses will bring their Chinese Democracy World Tour to Canada in January 2010. The Winnipeg, Manitoba concert at the MTS Centre on January 13th is the first of thirteen Canadian concerts on the GN’R world tour, which begins in Asia on December 11th, with tour updates and announcements planned throughout 2010.

Guns N' Roses Chinese Democracy Tour:

December 11 - Taipei
December 13 - Seoul
December 16 - Osaka
December 19 - Tokyo

January 13 - Winnipeg
January 16 - Calagary
January 17 - Edmonton
January 19 - Saskatoon
January 20 - Regina
January 24 - Hamilton
January 25 - London
January 27 - Montreal
January 28 - Toronto
January 31 - Ottawa

February 1 - Quebec City
February 3 - Moncton
February 4 - Halifax

Michael Jackson - This Is It - Listen Now

2009-10-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Brian Wilson signs with Disney Records

2009-10-08T05:26:00.001-07:00

BEACH BOYS CO-FOUNDER TO RECORD TWO ALBUMS, INCLUDING COVERS OF GEORGE AND IRA GERSHWIN CLASSICS

WILSON TO CRAFT COLLABORATIVE COMPOSITIONS FROM PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED MUSIC FROM GEORGE GERSHWIN

Burbank, CA – October 8, 2009 - Two giants of popular entertainment have come together as Brian Wilson, the pioneering musical genius who co-founded the Beach Boys and wrote many of the band's greatest hits, has signed with Walt Disney Records.

In the months ahead, Wilson will record two new solo albums for the label's Disney Pearl imprint, including one featuring covers of classic songs by great American songwriters, George and Ira Gershwin. For that recording, the Gershwin estate has given Wilson access to rare, unfinished pieces of music by George Gershwin, with which he will craft collaborative compositions unlike anything the world has seen.

He will follow that with an album of classic Disney songs, which the artist promises to “Brian-ize” with his trademark vocal stacks and unique arrangements. Release dates for each album have yet to be determined.

Said David Agnew, Walt Disney Records president and general manager of the Disney Music Group, “We are honored to be in business with one of the greatest musical artists of all time. It is impossible to overstate the impact Brian has had on contemporary music and culture -- it has been nothing less than profound. We look forward to partnering with Brian on this exciting new voyage in his musical journey.”

“I've always tried to make music that entertained people,” Wilson said. “I also wanted my music to last, to be able to speak to any generation. Thankfully, nearly 50 years since the Beach Boys were born, that seems to have come true. Now, a new musical chapter begins for me, and teaming up with Disney means it's going to be a chapter to remember. I promise.”

Wilson chose to record George and Ira Gershwin songs because he considers the late composers of classics like “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Summertime” as a critical influence on him. “I've always loved George Gershwin. The earliest music I remember hearing is 'Rhapsody in Blue,'” says Wilson, referring to Gershwin's groundbreaking 1924 orchestral piece. “Along with Irving Berlin, Gershwin basically invented the popular song, but he did something more. He had a gift for melody that nobody has ever equaled yet his music is timeless and always accessible. This is the most spiritual project I've ever worked on.”

Said Todd Gershwin (George Gershwin estate) and Michael Owen (Ira Gershwin estate): “The Gershwin families are delighted that the legendary musician Brian Wilson has chosen to record a collection of George and Ira Gershwin songs for his next project. In every generation, American music has been pushed forward by visionaries, from the Gershwin brothers to Brian Wilson. This latest interpretation will be a new opportunity to discover the magic of Gershwin music."

Like Gershwin, Brian Wilson is one of the great composers of the last 100 years. The Southern California native, along with his brothers, a cousin and a friend, formed the Beach Boys while still in his teens. With Wilson as chief songwriter and arranger, the band not only enjoyed dozens of hits, but changed music forever thanks to Brian's innovative melodies and harmonies. Songs like “I Get Around,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” “California Girls,” “Wouldn't It Be Nice,” and the #1 smash “Good Vibrations” remain indispensable staples in the rock 'n' roll canon. The band's “Pet Sounds” (1966) is regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Wilson continued to make great music after the Beach Boys, with 10 solo albums including his breathtaking “Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE,” which he began recording in the 1960s and finally completed in 2004 to thunderous critical acclaim and Top 20 chart success (as well as earning a Grammy). A member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, a Kennedy Center honoree and recipient of multiple Gold and Platinum records, Brian Wilson has earned his well-deserved pop music immortality.

ALICE COOPER to release exclusive digital single this Tuesday

2009-09-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHOUT! FACTORY AND ALICE COOPER

ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT DEAL TO RELEASE

ALICE COOPER’S NEW SINGLE “KEEPIN’ HALLOWEEN ALIVE”

FOR DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION

Theatre of Death World Tour This Fall

Los Angeles, CA – Shout! Factory and Alice Cooper announced an exclusive alliance to bring Alice Cooper’s brand-new Halloween single, “Keepin’ Halloween Alive,” to the digital music entertainment marketplace. The announcement was made today by Shout! Factory founding partner and COO Bob Emmer.

Under its agreement with Cooper, Shout! Factory will be the exclusive digital media distributor for Alice Cooper’s new single, “Keepin’ Halloween Alive,” as well as the track’s bonus Karaoke (aka “Cooperoke”) version for digital music downloads

Alice delivers the song with the garage-punk snarl he is best known for, ensuring that it will soon be a Halloween classic. “At home my family all gathers around an old spooky tree decorated with skulls and bones in the living room, and we exchange gifts,” says Cooper. “It’s our holiday. We even all have matching black-and-orange Halloween sweaters! I wanted a theme song for people like me, and for us Halloween never ends. In the chorus I say, ‘I’m keepin’ Halloween alive, baby, 3–6–5’... and I mean it!”

“Keepin’ Halloween Alive,” was co-written and co-produced by Cooper with Piggy D. (a member of Rob Zombie’s band), who played rhythm guitar/backup vocals. Dave Pino (Powerman 5000) is featured on lead guitar, and David Spreng (Bob Dylan, The Bravery) on drums. Of the recording, Cooper says, “We played it live as a band to capture the vibe. It was the easiest work I think any of us have ever done, not to mention a blast!”

“We are thrilled to be working closely again with the legendary Alice Cooper on his new Halloween-themed single and adding to Shout! Factory’s expansive digital audio library,” said Bob Emmer, Shout! Factory founding partner and COO. “Throughout his long and storied career, Cooper has always been a master entertainer and a consummate showman. His connection to the dark and spooky holiday is definitive. It’s great to be working with him as he is crowned the King of Halloween.”

In addition to releasing the new single, Cooper is busy hosting his “Nights with Alice Cooper” radio program, now syndicated on more than 100 stations worldwide and staying on the road with his Theatre of Death world tour—tour dates below. For more information on “Nights with Alice Cooper” please visit www.nightswithalicecooper.com

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com.

LIGHT IN THE ATTIC TO RELEASE LOST BETTY DAVIS ALBUM, REISSUE CLASSIC THIRD RECORD

2009-09-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

img: New Betty Davis poster available at lightintheattic.net

We have previously reported the upcoming release of Betty Davis' unreleased album 'Is It Love Or Desire'. That album will now be joined by a deluxe re-release of her 1975 album 'Nasty Gal'. See below for all the details:

On October 6th Light In The Attic Records will release the never before
heard (and never bootlegged) lost album Is It Love Or Desire, as well as
reissue the classic third release Nasty Gal, by unparalleled funkstress
Betty Davis.

Betty Davis was a musical maverick with a vision. Imagine substance, sex,
and grit combined with a badass band that could deliver the funk bed
backbone to the sultry music between the sheets.

Ahead of it's time in 1975, Davis' unapologetically uncompromising,
self-referential album Nasty Gal showed her digging deeper into her
musical and cultural expression that ever before. Riding high with a new
record label, a series of high profile relationships, and an intensely
sexualized live performance, Davis was poised to take the world by storm.
From the title tracks mutant groove to the ballad co-written by one-time
husband Miles Davis, Nasty Gal is Hendrix and Sly Stone inspired funk-rock
at it's finest.

Is It Love Or Desire (1976), on the other hand, is a little known gem in
the Davis catalog. After cutting Nasty Gal for Island Records, Davis
recorded her most personal and expressive record to date at Louisiana's
remote Studio In The Country. Unfortunately a creative difference with the
label caused the record to be unexpectedly shelved and was never released
to the public. Now, thirty-plus years later, Light In The Attic is proud
to announce that Betty Davis' time has arrived!

Both mastered from the original tapes, Is It Love Or Desire features
detailed liner notes by Oliver Wang (Soul Sides), the originally intended
risqué artwork housed in a lavishly packaged digipak, rare photos,
archival material, and recent interviews with Davis and her skin-tight
band Funk House; while the Nasty Gal re-release features new liner notes
by John Ballon (Wax Poetics 2007 Davis cover story), original album art,
complete lyrics, rare photos, and interviews, all housed in a beautiful
foil-stamped digipak.

These releases cement this bold soul sister's undeniable contributions to
music and popular culture. Long live Betty Davis!

Upcoming releases - October 2009

2009-09-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick overview of some of our pick of next month's new releases.

Joe Perry - Have Guitar, Will Travel
Roman Records
Released: October 6th

2009 release, the fifth solo album from the co-founding member, principal co-songwriter, electrifying lead guitarist and co-producer of Aerosmith. Have Guitar, Will Travel is a 10 song collection that contains the legendary guitarist's trademark Rock and Blues ferocity. From the opening bars of the blazing first track and single 'We've Got A Long Way To Go', which showcases the voice of a young German singer known as Hagen, to classic cuts including 'Freedom', 'Head Kicked In Tonight' and 'Do You Wonder', Have Guitar, Will Travel grabs a hold of you, shakes you and doesn't let go. Perry is planning a 'short, fast, hard tour' with the Joe Perry Project after Have Guitar, Will Travel is released.

Vic Chesnutt - Skitter On Take-Off
Vapor Records
Released: October 6th

Vic Chesnutt has recorded with many different people for all kinds of labels, but he’s never made an album like his debut on Vapor Records.
‘Skitter On Take-Off’ allows Vic Chesnutt to create his most dramatic album yet, recording devastating songs like “Rips in the Fabric” and “Dick Cheney” live with no overdubs.

Bob Dylan - Christmas In The Heart
Columbia Records
Released: October 13th

Christmas In The Heart is Bob Dylan’s 47th album. All of his U.S. royalties from sales of these recordings will be donated to Feeding America, guaranteeing that more than four million meals will be provided to more than 1.4 million people in need in this country during the 2009 holiday season. Bob Dylan is also donating all of his future U.S. royalties from this album to Feeding America in perpetuity. Songs performed by Dylan on this new album include, “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Must Be Santa.”

Leonard Cohen - Live From The Isle Of Wight, 1970 (CD/DVD)
Sony Legacy
Released: October 20th

This CD/DVD package contains the new, beautiful film documentary by Lerner featuring interviews with fellow festival performers, as well as Cohen's full performance on CD. All tracks are previously unreleased (sans bits of "Suzanne" which were featured in the documentary Message to Love, also by Lerner). Included are live versions of classic songs from the first two Leonard Cohen LPs: "So Long, Marianne," "The Stranger Song," "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye," "Suzanne," "Bird On The Wire," "You Know Who I Am," and "The Partisan" as well as spoken word and poetry.

Also available on 180-gram Vinyl and Blu-ray.

Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions new album - available worldwide this Tuesday

2009-09-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

You can also download the new song 'Blanchard' as part of the most recent episode of Insomnia Cafe (Insomnia Friday #6)

The delicious dichotomy between darkness and light, the space between inspiration and the manifestation of thought, is where Hope Sandoval’s music and lyrics catch fire. Through The Devil Softly, her second album with Warm Inventions partner Colm Ó Cíosóig (My Bloody Valentine), is a rich brocade of pastoral meditations that resonate with the kind of restrained yet provocative intimacy that only these two artists can provide. Well known for their reticence in the media, they’ve once again chosen to pour out their hearts and minds on record.

It’s been eight years since the release of the critically acclaimed Bavarian Fruit Bread, but Colm and Hope aren’t ones to adhere to traditional timetables and conventions. “Time is vibrations for us,” he says. “We didn’t feel like [this album] was ready until it was ready.” In the meantime, however, neither artist has been creatively idle. Hope has collaborated with Devendra Banhart, Air, Bert Jansch, Death In Vegas, and is due to appear on Massive Attack’s forthcoming album. And yes, a new Mazzy Star record is on the horizon. (“It’s almost finished,” says Hope, “but when it will be coming out, I don’t know.”) Meanwhile, 2009 saw the reunion of My Bloody Valentine for a select group of live shows, kicking off with an incendiary performance at this year’s Coachella Festival.

“It’s like the opposite ends of the spectrum,” says Cíosóig of the difference between MBV and his work with Sandoval. “I play very held back, but there’s a tension to it.”

Written and recorded over the past two years in both Northern California and the Wicklow Mountains of southeast Ireland, Through The Devil Softly sees Sandoval and Ó Cíosóig sharing production and engineering credits, with Dave Trumfio (Wilco, The Rentals) and Jim Putnam of the Radar Brothers assisting in the mix. Other guests of note include Mazzy Star keyboardist Suki Ewers and cellist Ji Young Moon, who provides the solo on the sublime “Thinking Like That.” But the album’s most broad brush addition comes courtesy of Ireland’s Dirt Blue Gene, the group who tracked the recordings with Sandoval and Ó Cíosóig, and will accompany them on their upcoming tour. While the simplicity of “Lady Jessica and Sam” and the bucolic beauty of “Fall Aside” represent one facet of the record, Dirt Blue Gene help inject an undulating, sultry swagger into songs like “Trouble” and “For The Rest Of Your Life” that compliments the album’s more delicate passages. Elsewhere, autoharps, vibraphones, slide guitars, and crystalline bell chimes flicker across the tape heads like shadows, used so sparingly at times that their sound is barely audible above Hope’s hushed inflection. On “There’s A Willow,” her verses are carried on the back of a simple, singular cymbal, cresting and falling like ocean waves. Meandering guitar and harmonica parts waltz together like old lovers, while the distant knocking of a solitary woodblock and the tapping of a tom provide the only cadence. “I merely standing on holes in the ground. If I fall, well they’ll never know I’m found,” she coos on “Banchard.” Later she muses, “I play death in the space of my life. That’s how I feel, and I never think it twice,” and you’re left to wonder if she’s ruminating on her own taciturn nature. As with the album’s title, the words are not there to be explained. They’re to be felt and interpreted. The mystery is magnetic.

“We just make music for ourselves,” says Colm. “We don’t really pay attention to what’s going on in the big world when it comes to pop music or anything.”

Anyone whose seen Sandoval perform live, either with Mazzy Star or the Warm Inventions, can attest to that intimacy. Often shrouded in low light, she rarely communicates with the crowd outside the boundaries of a song. “I go into myself, close myself off,” says Hope of her relationship with audiences. “But I do know that they’re there.”

Rife with lush sonics and textures, Through The Devil Softly is a deliberate body of work that gently solicits your patience, and like the cover photograph, it’s creators reveal very little so that the art can reveal so much.

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' single/album

2009-09-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

On October 12th, a new Michael song will be released entitled ‘This Is It’. There is also a two disc album available from October 27th which includes a spoken poem from Michael entited ‘Planet Earth’. Below is the official information relating to the releases.

On October 12th, the first new Michael Jackson song to emerge since the world mourned the loss of this musical icon will be released - a brand new single entitled “This Is It.” Soon after, Sony Music Entertainment’s Columbia/Epic Label Group will release the two-disc album This Is It featuring the music that inspired Sony Pictures’ forthcoming film MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT. This two-disc album will be available internationally on October 26th and North America on October 27th to coincide with the worldwide release of the motion picture which arrives in theaters on October 28th and runs for a limited two-week engagement.

“This song only defines, once again, what the world already knows - that Michael is one of God’s greatest gifts, “comments John McClain,
co-producer of the album.

Disc one will feature the original album masters of some of Michael’s
biggest hits arranged in the same sequence as they appear in the film. The disc ends with two versions of the never-released “This Is It.” This song is featured in the film’s closing sequence and includes backing vocals by Michael’s brothers, the Jacksons.

Disc two offers previously unreleased versions of some of the artist’s classic tracks. This disc also features a touching spoken word poem from Michael Jackson entitled “Planet Earth” that has never been heard before.

The two-disc This is It is a stand-alone companion to the motion picture and includes a 36-page, commemorative booklet featuring exclusive photos of Michael from his last rehearsal.

The motion picture MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a chance to discover the man they never knew through this privileged and private look at Jackson. In raw and candid detail, MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show.

Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson’s creative partner and the director of the stage show is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing.

Tickets for the limited two-week engagement of the film go on sale
beginning September 27. For more information about the motion picture, please visit the website www.thisisit-movie.com

Source: michaeljackson.com

Tori Amos announces 'Midwinter Graces'

2009-09-18T02:13:00.000-07:00

After nearly two decades writing and recording some of her generation’s most emotionally powerful music, Tori Amos will release her first seasonal album, Midwinter Graces, on November 10 via Universal Republic. A follow up to Tori’s critically acclaimed studio album, Abnormally Attracted to Sin, Midwinter Graces will find Tori reworking and expanding on classic carols as well as developing some of her very own seasonal tracks.

Midwinter Graces is an album that has been in the making for the past 40 years. Raised in the Baltimore area under the watchful eye of her Methodist minister father, Tori grew up playing holiday carols at Sunday services and Christmas Day celebrations in her father’s church. These were the songs that gave a young Tori her first taste of music, and now almost 40 years later Tori gets her own chance to reimagine the classics.

Midwinter Graces Tracklist:
What Child, Nowell
Star of Wonder
A Silent Night with You
Candle: Coventry Carol
Holly, Ivy, and Rose
Harps of Gold
Snow Angel
Jeanette, Isabella
Pink and Glitter
Emmanuel
Winter’s Carol
Our New Year

Billy Corgan announces new, free 44-song Smashing Pumpkins album

2009-09-16T14:41:00.001-07:00

As per Billy Corgan @ SmashingPumpkins.com:

I'm happy to finally announce the plans for the new Smashing Pumpkins album.

Recording began yesterday, September 15th, 2009 on the new record which will be entitled 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope'. The album will feature 44 songs, 4 of which are now being recorded. My desire is to release a song at a time beginning around Halloween of this year, with each new release coming shortly after until all 44 are out. Each song will be made available absolutely for free, to anyone anywhere. There will be no strings attached. Free will mean free, which means you won't have to sign up for anything, give an email address, or jump through a hoop. You will be able to go and take the song or songs as you wish, as many times as you wish.

We will however sell highly limited edition EP's (of 4 songs each times 11), and details of how those EP's will be made available are still being worked out. Because the songs themselves will be free, the EP's will be more like collectors items for the discerning fan who will want the art itself, along with the highest possible audio quality available. The EP's will be more like mini-box sets rather than your normal cd single. We may also offer other variations for sale, say for example a digital single with a demo version of a song. The commitment that is most important is the one I'm making to you: that the music of 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' will be available for free to everyone. All 44 songs: free for ALL.

When the entire album is finished, it will be compiled into a deluxe box set which will also be made available for sale. Those who have bought the EP's need not worry, as the box set will not be a recompilation of the limited edition pieces.

The story of the album is based on 'The Fool's Journey', as signified in the progress of the Tarot. It is my intention to approach this by breaking down the journey of our life here into four phases as made by these different characters; the Child, the Fool, the Skeptic, and the Mystic.

The music of 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' harkens back to the original psychedelic roots of The Smashing Pumpkins: atmospheric, melodic, heavy, and pretty.

I already have 53 songs written for the record, so I am quite confident that I already have much of the material that I would need to undertake such an extensive project. I am very committed to seeing this album through to its completion and very, very excited about the prospect of delivering new Smashing Pumpkins music to you in a unique and exciting way.

Joe Perry's 'Have Guitar, Will Travel' set for October release

2009-09-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

Co-founding member, principal co-songwriter, lead guitarist and co-producer of Aerosmith, JOE PERRY, will release his fifth solo CD Have Guitar, Will Travel on Tuesday, October 6th. The hard driving, ten-song, in your face, collection features Perry’s trademark rock and blues ferocity, as well as the CD’s first single, the blazing “We’ve Got A Long Way To Go,” set for release later this summer. Recorded this past spring at the BoneYard, Perry's state-of-the-art home studio, where Aerosmith’s Honkin’ On Bobo and Just Push Play were recorded, Have Guitar, Will Travel is entirely written and produced by Perry.

Still as scorching hot on guitar as he is preternaturally cool in his persona, Have Guitar, Will Travel is a departure for Perry in that the CD was conceived as a band recording. From start to finish it took only forty-seven days to complete. "Making this record in such a short period of time gave us a chance to capture an energy and flow that was very different from the last record,” said Perry. “The way the players came together at a time when I had the music and lyrics in my head ready to go was pure synchronicity. The last record rocked, but this one rocks and then some. I’m really proud of it.

“We’ve Got A Long Way To Go,” the CDs first single, showcases the voice of a young German singer known as Hagen, found completely by chance on YouTube by Joe’s wife Billie. “I first called him from Cleveland when I went to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Jam with Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Ron Wood, Flea and Metallica,” said Perry. “It took several minutes to convince him that it wasn’t a prank call, but a true invitation to audition to sing on the CD.” Hagen mans the microphone for five tracks, while Perry sings lead on four. The remaining tenth song is an instrumental entitled “Wooden Ships.”

In addition, Perry attracted an esteemed roster of some of the best players that the music world has to offer; bassist David Hull, who played with The Buddy Miles Band at 19 and was in the Joe Perry Project in the 80s, drummer Ben Tileston, a Boston University percussion graduate, who plays drums with two of Perry’s sons in TAB The Band, Paul Santo, whose played Hammond Organ/Pipe Organ with the likes of Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and Ozzy Osbourne, drummers Scott Meeder and Marty Richards and Willie “Loco” Alexander, Boston’s “Godfather of Punk,” who was part of the Bostown sound of the band “the Bagatelle.”

A six-week Twitter search was conducted to find the CDs title. The winner, out of nearly 2000 entries, was Joe Piscitelli, who used a play on the old CBS television program “Have Gun – Will Travel.”

The release of Have Guitar, Will Travel follows self-produced solo releases including Let The Music Do The Talking (1980), Once A Rocker, Always A Rocker (1983), I've Got The Rock 'N' Rolls Again (1981) and 2005’s Joe Perry, which received universal critical praise and earned Perry his first solo Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Song (“Mercy”).

Perry is planning a “short, fast, hard tour” with the Joe Perry Project.

COMING SOON: Never before heard Betty Davis album

2009-09-07T19:09:00.001-07:00

Betty Davis - Is It Love Or Desire
Coming October 6th to Vinyl & CD

Legendary '70s R&B diva Betty Davis is currently in the midst of a long-overdue resurgence, and with good reason. The charismatic funk/soul iconoclast's vintage work retains a timeless blend of sex and substance that establishes Davis as both a musical visionary and a world-class badass.

The current resurgence of interest in Davis' classic work makes Sundazed Music's vinyl release of Is It Love or Desire a timely one indeed. Recorded in 1976, following the artist's landmark albums Betty Davis, They Say I'm Different and Nasty Gal, Is It Love or Desire was unexpectedly shelved. The artist retreated from the spotlight soon after, and Is It Love or Desire remained unheard by the public for more than three decades. It has never been released--or even bootlegged--until now.

Finally available to Davis' still-growing fan base, Is It Love or Desire is a revelation. Recorded at Louisiana's remote Studio in the Country with Davis' skintight band Funk House, the ten-song album contains some of the most powerful and personal music of the artist's career, with such titles as "It's So Good," "Whorey Angel" and "Crashin' From Passion" ranking with Davis' most memorable work.

This first-ever vinyl edition of Is It Love or Desire maintains Sundazed's usual exacting quality standards. Mastered from the original analog tapes, the album is pressed on high-quality, high-definition 180 gram vinyl, and features new cover art and previously unseen photos.