On the latest episode of Music Worth Buying we review the latest album from Deep Purple, the playfully-titled Now What?! as well as the ambitious Southern gothic rock musical Ghost Brothers of Darkland County.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Sights and Sounds: Freddie Mercury tribute coming to DVD & Blu-ray; The Beatles 'Help' comes to iTunes
Here are some exciting announcements for a Tuesday!
The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert coming to DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Video on September 3, 2013
Release features Queen, David Bowie, Roger Daltrey, Def Leppard, Elton John, George Michael, Robert Plant and more
On September 3 2013, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert on a triple DVD set, as an SD Blu-ray – with upscaled standard definition original material with uncompressed stereo and DTS-HD surround sound for the best possible quality - and digital formats. This release boasts newly remastered sound across both sections of the concert and represents the first time the opening acts' performances have been made available on DVD or Blu-Ray.
On April 20th 1992, Roger Taylor, Brian May and John Deacon, the surviving members of Queen, took to the stage at Wembley Stadium for the start of one of the biggest events in rock history, which the band had organized to pay tribute to their former colleague – the incomparable Freddie Mercury. Queen were joined by some of the greatest musical talent in the world to celebrate Freddie’s life and work and to increase public awareness of AIDS, the disease that had prematurely ended his life the previous year.
The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert features many Queen classics in unique performances including: “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Hammer To Fall”, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, “Radio Ga Ga”, “I Want To Break Free”, “Under Pressure”, “Somebody To Love”, “We Will Rock You”, “We Are The Champions” and many more. Special guests include David Bowie, Gary Cherone, Roger Daltrey, Def Leppard, Joe Elliott, Extreme, Bob Geldof, Guns ‘n’ Roses, James Hetfield, Ian Hunter, Tony Iommi, Elton John, Annie Lennox, Metallica, George Michael, Liza Minnelli, Robert Plant, Mick Ronson, Axl Rose, Seal, Slash, Lisa Stansfield, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Young & Zucchero.
As well as being great entertainment, the concert raised a huge and still growing sum of money for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity formed at the time by Roger Taylor, Brian May and Queen’s longtime manager Jim Beach whose charter is the relief of suffering from AIDS throughout the world. Profits from this release will be donated by the Mercury Phoenix Trust to AIDS charities around the globe.
OPENING ACTS*
1) Intro 2) Brian May / Roger Taylor / John Deacon Introduction 3) Metallica – Enter Sandman 4) Metallica – Sad But True 5) Metallica – Nothing Else Matters 6) Freddie Montage (Insert) 7) Extreme – Queen Medley including: Mustapha / Bohemian Rhapsody / Keep Yourself Alive / I Want To Break Free / Fat Bottomed Girls / Bicycle Race / Another One Bites The Dust / Stone Cold Crazy / Radio Ga Ga
8) Freddie Montage (Insert) 9) Def Leppard & Brian May – Now I’m Here 10) Queen – I’m Going Slightly Mad video (Insert) 11) Bob Geldof – Too Late God 12) Guns ‘n’ Roses – Paradise City 13) Guns ‘n’ Roses – Knocking On Heavens Door 14) Elizabeth Taylor Speech
MAIN QUEEN + SET
1) Joe Elliott, Slash & Queen – Tie Your Mother Down 2) Roger Daltrey, Tony Iommi & Queen – I Want It All 3) Zucchero & Queen – Las Palabras De Amor 4) Gary Cherone, Tony Iommi & Queen – Hammer To Fall 5) James Hetfield, Tony Iommi & Queen – Stone Cold Crazy 6) Robert Plant & Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love 7) Brian May – Too Much Love Will Kill You 8) Paul Young & Queen – Radio Ga Ga 9) Seal & Queen – Who Wants To Live Forever 10) Lisa Stansfield & Queen – I Want To Break Free 11) David Bowie, Annie Lennox & Queen – Under Pressure 12) Ian Hunter, David Bowie, Mick Ronson & Queen – All The Young Dudes 13) David Bowie, Mick Ronson & Queen – Heroes 14) George Michael & Queen –’39 15) George Michael, Lisa Stansfield & Queen – These Are The Days Of Our Lives 16) George Michael, London Gospel Choir & Queen – Somebody To Love 17) Elton John, Axl Rose & Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody 18) Elton John, Tony Iommi & Queen – The Show Must Go On 19) Axl Rose & Queen – We Will Rock You 20) Liza Minnelli & Ensemble – We Are The Champions
BONUS MATERIAL
1) Rehearsal performances of Queen +:
David Bowie and Annie Lennox ‘Under Pressure’
George Michael and Lisa Stansfield ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives
George Michael ‘Somebody To Love’
2) 10th Anniversary Documentary
3) Photo Galleries
4) Mercury Phoenix Trust Facts
* Each section features on one DVD disc, all sections feature on the single Blu-ray discs
For more information on the Mercury Phoenix Trust, go to www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com
Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv
THE BEATLES' HELP! IS ON iTUNES!
THE BEATLES’ RESTORED 1965 FEATURE FILM RELEASED DIGITALLY WORLDWIDE, EXCLUSIVELY ON THE ITUNES STORE
“Absurd, delightful and exuberantly messy, Help! is a pure pleasure to watch.” – The New York Times
London – June 25, 2013 – The Beatles’ second feature film, 1965’s Help!, makes its worldwide digital release debut today, exclusively on the iTunes Store (www.iTunes.com/TheBeatles). The digitally restored film and 5.1 soundtrack features iTunes Extras including a 30-minute documentary about the making of the film, memories of the cast and crew, an in-depth look at the restoration process, an outtake scene, original theatrical trailers and radio spots, and detailed art, including a companion piece with an introduction by the film’s director, Richard Lester, and an appreciation by Martin Scorsese.
Help!’s debut on the iTunes Store and Blu-ray follows the 2012 release of The Beatles’ digitally restored Yellow Submarine and Magical Mystery Tour feature films on iTunes, Blu-ray and DVD with extensive extras. Help!’s restoration for its 2007 DVD debut wowed viewers, earning five-times platinum sales in the U.S. and praise from a broad range of top media outlets around the world, including USA Today heralding the DVD as “a grand re-release,” The Guardian’s appreciation of the film’s director, Richard Lester, saying “Lester matches The Beatles’ ‘star’ power with smart, colourful visuals and casual surrealism,” The Los Angeles Times’ restoration rave: “With dynamic compression that was standard in the 1960s lifted for the digital age, the full range of the group’s musicality comes through – it’s like several coats of dust have been cleaned off an old master’s painting,” and four-star reviews from Rolling Stone and MOJO with the latter saying, “They really don't make them like this anymore.”
Directed by Richard Lester, who also directed the band’s debut feature film, 1964’s A Hard Day’s Night, Help! follows The Beatles as they become passive recipients of an outside plot that revolves around Ringo's possession of a sacrificial ring, which he cannot remove from his finger. As a result, he and his bandmates John, Paul and George are chased from London to the Austrian Alps and the Bahamas by religious cult members, a mad scientist and the London police.
In addition to starring The Beatles, Help! boasts a witty script, a great cast of British character actors, and classic Beatles songs “Help!,” “You're Going To Lose That Girl,” “You've Got To Hide Your Love Away,” “Ticket To Ride,” “I Need You,” “The Night Before,” and “Another Girl.”
Help!’s iTunes digital download pairs the digitally restored original film with these iTunes Extras:
• “The Beatles in Help!” – a 30-minute documentary about the making of the film with Richard Lester, the cast and crew, including exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of The Beatles on-set.
• “A Missing Scene” – a film outtake, featuring Wendy Richard
• “The Restoration of Help!” – an in-depth look at the restoration process
• “Memories of Help!” – the cast and crew reminisce
• 1965 Theatrical Trailers – two original U.S. trailers and one original Spanish trailer
• 1965 U.S. Radio Spots (hidden in menus)
www.thebeatles.com
CAST
The Beatles:
John………..………………………………………………………...John Lennon
Paul………………………………………………………………Paul McCartney
George……….…………………………………………………George Harrison
Ringo……….…………………………………………………………...Ringo Starr
Clang………………………………………………………………….Leo McKern
Ahme…………………………………………………………………Eleanor Bron
Foot…………….........................................................................Victor Spinetti
Algernon…………........................................................................Roy Kinnear
Superintendent........................................................................Patrick Cargill
Bhuta………………......................................................................John Bluthal
Jeweller……………………………………………………………...Peter Copley
Doorman…………………………………………………………………Alfie Bass
Abdul…………………………………………………………..…Warren Mitchell
Lawnmower………………………………………………………...Bruce Lacey
Cross channel swimmer……………………………………………...Mal Evans
Women in street……………………Dandy Nichols and Gretchen Franklin
PRODUCTION
Director ……………………………………………………………Richard Lester
Producer ………………………………………………………...Walter Shenson
Screenplay…………………………………..Marc Behm and Charles Wood
Story by………………………………………………………………..Marc Behm
Director of Photography…………………………………………David Watkin
Production Manager……………………………………………….John Pellatt
Art Director………………………………………………………Raymond Simm
Colour Consultant and Titles………………………………...Robert Freeman
Costume Designer…………………………………………………….Julie Harris
Musical Director………………………………………………………Ken Thorne
Songs composed by…John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and George Harrison
Songs performed by………………………………………………...The Beatles
Songs produced by……………………………………………..George Martin
The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert coming to DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Video on September 3, 2013
Release features Queen, David Bowie, Roger Daltrey, Def Leppard, Elton John, George Michael, Robert Plant and more
On April 20th 1992, Roger Taylor, Brian May and John Deacon, the surviving members of Queen, took to the stage at Wembley Stadium for the start of one of the biggest events in rock history, which the band had organized to pay tribute to their former colleague – the incomparable Freddie Mercury. Queen were joined by some of the greatest musical talent in the world to celebrate Freddie’s life and work and to increase public awareness of AIDS, the disease that had prematurely ended his life the previous year.
The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert features many Queen classics in unique performances including: “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Hammer To Fall”, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, “Radio Ga Ga”, “I Want To Break Free”, “Under Pressure”, “Somebody To Love”, “We Will Rock You”, “We Are The Champions” and many more. Special guests include David Bowie, Gary Cherone, Roger Daltrey, Def Leppard, Joe Elliott, Extreme, Bob Geldof, Guns ‘n’ Roses, James Hetfield, Ian Hunter, Tony Iommi, Elton John, Annie Lennox, Metallica, George Michael, Liza Minnelli, Robert Plant, Mick Ronson, Axl Rose, Seal, Slash, Lisa Stansfield, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Young & Zucchero.
As well as being great entertainment, the concert raised a huge and still growing sum of money for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity formed at the time by Roger Taylor, Brian May and Queen’s longtime manager Jim Beach whose charter is the relief of suffering from AIDS throughout the world. Profits from this release will be donated by the Mercury Phoenix Trust to AIDS charities around the globe.
OPENING ACTS*
1) Intro 2) Brian May / Roger Taylor / John Deacon Introduction 3) Metallica – Enter Sandman 4) Metallica – Sad But True 5) Metallica – Nothing Else Matters 6) Freddie Montage (Insert) 7) Extreme – Queen Medley including: Mustapha / Bohemian Rhapsody / Keep Yourself Alive / I Want To Break Free / Fat Bottomed Girls / Bicycle Race / Another One Bites The Dust / Stone Cold Crazy / Radio Ga Ga
8) Freddie Montage (Insert) 9) Def Leppard & Brian May – Now I’m Here 10) Queen – I’m Going Slightly Mad video (Insert) 11) Bob Geldof – Too Late God 12) Guns ‘n’ Roses – Paradise City 13) Guns ‘n’ Roses – Knocking On Heavens Door 14) Elizabeth Taylor Speech
MAIN QUEEN + SET
1) Joe Elliott, Slash & Queen – Tie Your Mother Down 2) Roger Daltrey, Tony Iommi & Queen – I Want It All 3) Zucchero & Queen – Las Palabras De Amor 4) Gary Cherone, Tony Iommi & Queen – Hammer To Fall 5) James Hetfield, Tony Iommi & Queen – Stone Cold Crazy 6) Robert Plant & Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love 7) Brian May – Too Much Love Will Kill You 8) Paul Young & Queen – Radio Ga Ga 9) Seal & Queen – Who Wants To Live Forever 10) Lisa Stansfield & Queen – I Want To Break Free 11) David Bowie, Annie Lennox & Queen – Under Pressure 12) Ian Hunter, David Bowie, Mick Ronson & Queen – All The Young Dudes 13) David Bowie, Mick Ronson & Queen – Heroes 14) George Michael & Queen –’39 15) George Michael, Lisa Stansfield & Queen – These Are The Days Of Our Lives 16) George Michael, London Gospel Choir & Queen – Somebody To Love 17) Elton John, Axl Rose & Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody 18) Elton John, Tony Iommi & Queen – The Show Must Go On 19) Axl Rose & Queen – We Will Rock You 20) Liza Minnelli & Ensemble – We Are The Champions
BONUS MATERIAL
1) Rehearsal performances of Queen +:
David Bowie and Annie Lennox ‘Under Pressure’
George Michael and Lisa Stansfield ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives
George Michael ‘Somebody To Love’
2) 10th Anniversary Documentary
3) Photo Galleries
4) Mercury Phoenix Trust Facts
* Each section features on one DVD disc, all sections feature on the single Blu-ray discs
For more information on the Mercury Phoenix Trust, go to www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com
Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv
 |
| Photo credit © Subafilms Ltd / Bruce A Karsh
|
THE BEATLES’ RESTORED 1965 FEATURE FILM RELEASED DIGITALLY WORLDWIDE, EXCLUSIVELY ON THE ITUNES STORE
“Absurd, delightful and exuberantly messy, Help! is a pure pleasure to watch.” – The New York Times
London – June 25, 2013 – The Beatles’ second feature film, 1965’s Help!, makes its worldwide digital release debut today, exclusively on the iTunes Store (www.iTunes.com/TheBeatles). The digitally restored film and 5.1 soundtrack features iTunes Extras including a 30-minute documentary about the making of the film, memories of the cast and crew, an in-depth look at the restoration process, an outtake scene, original theatrical trailers and radio spots, and detailed art, including a companion piece with an introduction by the film’s director, Richard Lester, and an appreciation by Martin Scorsese.
Help!’s debut on the iTunes Store and Blu-ray follows the 2012 release of The Beatles’ digitally restored Yellow Submarine and Magical Mystery Tour feature films on iTunes, Blu-ray and DVD with extensive extras. Help!’s restoration for its 2007 DVD debut wowed viewers, earning five-times platinum sales in the U.S. and praise from a broad range of top media outlets around the world, including USA Today heralding the DVD as “a grand re-release,” The Guardian’s appreciation of the film’s director, Richard Lester, saying “Lester matches The Beatles’ ‘star’ power with smart, colourful visuals and casual surrealism,” The Los Angeles Times’ restoration rave: “With dynamic compression that was standard in the 1960s lifted for the digital age, the full range of the group’s musicality comes through – it’s like several coats of dust have been cleaned off an old master’s painting,” and four-star reviews from Rolling Stone and MOJO with the latter saying, “They really don't make them like this anymore.”
Directed by Richard Lester, who also directed the band’s debut feature film, 1964’s A Hard Day’s Night, Help! follows The Beatles as they become passive recipients of an outside plot that revolves around Ringo's possession of a sacrificial ring, which he cannot remove from his finger. As a result, he and his bandmates John, Paul and George are chased from London to the Austrian Alps and the Bahamas by religious cult members, a mad scientist and the London police.
In addition to starring The Beatles, Help! boasts a witty script, a great cast of British character actors, and classic Beatles songs “Help!,” “You're Going To Lose That Girl,” “You've Got To Hide Your Love Away,” “Ticket To Ride,” “I Need You,” “The Night Before,” and “Another Girl.”
Help!’s iTunes digital download pairs the digitally restored original film with these iTunes Extras:
• “The Beatles in Help!” – a 30-minute documentary about the making of the film with Richard Lester, the cast and crew, including exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of The Beatles on-set.
• “A Missing Scene” – a film outtake, featuring Wendy Richard
• “The Restoration of Help!” – an in-depth look at the restoration process
• “Memories of Help!” – the cast and crew reminisce
• 1965 Theatrical Trailers – two original U.S. trailers and one original Spanish trailer
• 1965 U.S. Radio Spots (hidden in menus)
www.thebeatles.com
 |
| Photo credit © Subafilms Ltd / Bruce A Karsh
|
The Beatles:
John………..………………………………………………………...John Lennon
Paul………………………………………………………………Paul McCartney
George……….…………………………………………………George Harrison
Ringo……….…………………………………………………………...Ringo Starr
Clang………………………………………………………………….Leo McKern
Ahme…………………………………………………………………Eleanor Bron
Foot…………….........................................................................Victor Spinetti
Algernon…………........................................................................Roy Kinnear
Superintendent........................................................................Patrick Cargill
Bhuta………………......................................................................John Bluthal
Jeweller……………………………………………………………...Peter Copley
Doorman…………………………………………………………………Alfie Bass
Abdul…………………………………………………………..…Warren Mitchell
Lawnmower………………………………………………………...Bruce Lacey
Cross channel swimmer……………………………………………...Mal Evans
Women in street……………………Dandy Nichols and Gretchen Franklin
PRODUCTION
Director ……………………………………………………………Richard Lester
Producer ………………………………………………………...Walter Shenson
Screenplay…………………………………..Marc Behm and Charles Wood
Story by………………………………………………………………..Marc Behm
Director of Photography…………………………………………David Watkin
Production Manager……………………………………………….John Pellatt
Art Director………………………………………………………Raymond Simm
Colour Consultant and Titles………………………………...Robert Freeman
Costume Designer…………………………………………………….Julie Harris
Musical Director………………………………………………………Ken Thorne
Songs composed by…John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and George Harrison
Songs performed by………………………………………………...The Beatles
Songs produced by……………………………………………..George Martin
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Inbox Update: 'The Lone Ranger: Wanted' soundtrack set to land on July 2
Here is the official release about the artists set for the forthcoming 'Lone Ranger' movie soundtrack set for release on Tuesday, July 2, 2013...
The Lone Ranger: Wanted From Walt Disney Records Set For Release On July 2
MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE FILM FEATURES SONGS BY GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS, IRON & WINE, LUCINDA WILLIAMS, IGGY POP AND MANY MORE
Inspired by one of the summer's most anticipated movies, Disney/JerryBruckheimer Films' The Lone Ranger, The Lone Ranger: Wanted features 14 new songs performed by an eclectic group of artists. Walt Disney Records will release the album on July 2, 2013.
"These are the artists we listened to on the way to set each morning and in the evenings with the dust, like bitter chalk, upon our teeth. Echoes of their passionate performances in our minds, for 150 days and nights, we took to the work of storytelling. May the musicians and songwriters who inspired us on our epic journey be an inspiration to you on yours," said Gore Verbinski, the film's Academy Award®–winning director.
The Lone Ranger: Wanted track list follows:
- "Holy Water" Ben Kweller
- "Devil's Train"Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
- "Poor Paddy on the Railway" Shane MacGowan
- "So Long Gone" Pete Molinari
- "Central and Union" Sara Watkins
- "The American Dream" The White Buffalo
- "Lonesome Whistle" Dave Alvin
- "Sweet Betsy from Pike" Iggy Pop
- "Rattling Bone" Iron & Wine
- "Cowboy" The Rubens
- "Everything but the Truth" Lucinda Williams
- "The Truth Lives On" The Aggrolites
- "Butch's Ballad" Gomez
- "Saddle the Wind" John Grant
Album produced by Gore Verbinski and Bruce Witkin
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films' "The Lone Ranger," a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.
"The Lone Ranger" also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.
A Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films presentation, "The Lone Ranger" is directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, with screen story by Ted Elliott& Terry Rossio and Justin Haythe and screenplay by Justin Haythe and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. "The Lone Ranger" releases in U.S. theaters on July 3, 2013.
The Lone Ranger: Wanted will be available wherever music is sold on July 2. For more information on Walt Disney Records' releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Big Country thrills in full-length return
 |
| Big Country at The Coach House on June 21, 2013. |
After sitting through two lackluster opening acts at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California on Friday night (June 21, 2013), I was more than ready for a rousing set from headliner Big Country.
Thankfully, I need not have worried. The Scottish band delivered a powerful and memorable 1 hour, 45-minute concert focused on favorites from 1983's The Crossing as well as the recent release The Journey. Big Country's story might well have ended with the tragic suicide of founding member/lead singer Stuart Adamson in December 2001 but lead guitarist Bruce Watson, drummer Mark Brzezicki and bassist Tony Butler thankfully reunited the group for a short tour in 2007.
 |
| Mike Peters at The Coach House |
Peter's outgoing personality and well-known tenor were effective in not only delivering Big Country's grand songs, but in getting the near-capacity crowd singing and clapping along throughout, even on the new songs. The instantly-infectious "Another Country" provided plenty of those kinds of moments, as did the band's best-known early '80s hits. There were several small groups of excited concertgoers who stood most of the show, a very rare happening at the Coach House. Peters pointed out one fan who had traveled from Australia to see the show that night.
Peters was gracious, hugging fans, shaking hands and leading the band all night. But make no mistake, the collective cast of musicians is what makes Big Country so unique. Original guitarist Bruce Watson and his son Jamie Watson created cascading bagpipes- and fiddle-mining melodies and textures with their tandem lead and rhythm work supported by one-time Simple Minds bassist Derek Forbes (who replaced the retiring Butler last year) and Brzezicki.
 |
| Jamie and Bruce Watson |
After performing the rousing "Another Country" (a standout on The Journey), "Fields of Fire (400 Miles)" closed the regular set, with the crowd fully engulfed in the emotional ride and ready for an exciting encore.
Big Country launched its encore with four-fifths of the group performing on stage, when suddenly Peters came through the crowd greeting fans and making his way slowly to the stage. The song "Hail & Farewell" could well have been a greeting to the late Adamson, a tender song that slowly built with its mix of vocal harmonies and lush textures.
 |
| Drummer Mark Brzezicki |
Make sure to check out writer George A. Paul's outstanding in-depth review of the concert that originally ran in The Orange County Register. Click here to read his review.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Sights and Sounds: Travis to return with 'Where You Stand' on August 20th
Very, very happy to hear that Travis is returning with a new album on August 20. Here is the official media release...
TRAVIS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM
WHERE YOU STAND
ON AUGUST 20th
BAND ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 19th
OFFICAL VIDEO FOR TITLE TRACK NOW ONLINE
Travis, one of the UK's best known bands, return after a five year hiatus with an impressive new album Where You Stand, out August 20th on their own re-launched label Red Telephone Box via Kobalt Label Services.
Sounding more invigorated than ever, the multi-million-selling Scottish quartet have delivered a stunning new album full of the cinematic pop and instantly anthemic songs that first caught the attention of critics and music fans on their breakthrough album "The Man Who."
Check out the new video for the charmingly emotive title track here:
Travis will head out on tour this July that will include performances at T In The Park and the V Festival (UK), plus shows across Europe, Russia and a US headlining tour that begins September 19th in Philadelphia. Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 21stat www.ticketmaster.com
After an incredible sixteen-year run that includes two number one albums, three Brit awards, five Top 10 singles, 12 Top 20 singles, and countless sold-out shows around the world, it was time for the band to take a well-deserved break.
"It's a lovely life," reflects bassist Dougie Payne, "but when you do it relentlessly, there's a point when it snaps you. We decided to take a break to spend time with our families. You stay away as long as it takes" he says of the well-judged fallow period "so you feel that hunger and desire to get back to it same as you did at the start."
Where You Stand is the sound of a rejuvenated band fearlessly delivering an album that embodies the spirit of their early years. From the album's opener "Mother," a bracing rush of harmonic pop with chiming piano, to the nu-wave of "Moving," the soulful "Warning Sign," and the cinematic piano ballad "The Big Screen," Where You Stand captures the urgency and fresh songwriting of four talented musicians.
Written and recorded across London, Norway, New York and Berlin's legendary Hansa Studios, Where You Stand was produced by Michael Ilbert on the same sound desk used on both "The Man Who" and Radiohead's "Ok Computer."
For a group as close-knit as Travis, none of the sales, awards and adulation earned would be worth it if they weren't still together, let alone in an infinitely stronger, happier place.
"When you're in a band, you're in a band forever - its a life thing," reasons lead singer Fran Healy. "For me it's family."
Stay tuned for more music, news and more!
Tour Dates (more to be announced):
July 13 T In The Park Balado, UK
July 19 Hammershaus Fairtrade Concert Bornholm, Denmark
July 24 Sandown Park Esher, UK
August 16 Sonorama Festival Aranda de Duero, Spain
August 17-18 V Festival Chelmsford, UK
August 24 Winterthurer Musikfestwochen Winterthur, Switzerland
September 19 Keswick Theater Philadelphia, PA
September 20 Lincoln Theater Washington, DC
September 22 House of Blues Boston, MA
September 23 Webster Hall New York, NY
September 25 Sound Academy Toronto, ON
September 26 Royal Oak Detroit, MI
September 27 The Vic Chicago, IL
September 29 Harrah's Kansas City, MO
October 1 Gothic Theater Denver, CO
October 4 The Wiltern Los Angeles
October 5 Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA
October 6 House Of Blues San Diego, CA
October 10 Teatro Studio Guadalajara, Mexico
October 12 Corona Fest Mexico City, Mexico
November 27 Crocus City Hall Moscow, Russia
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers' 'Twisted Tales' album available now
Big news today that keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Roy Rogers had completed work on a new album before Manzarek's passing on May 20. Here is the official release that landed in my inbox today...
Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers 'Twisted Tales' CD Now Available!
“In our last meeting together before his passing, Ray and I were both very excited about the upcoming release of ‘Twisted Tales’. We signed off on the artwork and agreed that it should be released sooner than later. So, honoring that decision, I have proceeded with the release. We both were proud of this recording and hope that people enjoy it. This recording is dedicated to Ray’s memory” - Roy Rogers
Nevada City, CA - Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers have received no shortage of kudos since they first recorded together five years ago. Ray Manzarek’s signature keyboard sound was a cornerstone of The Doors - one of the most iconic rock bands of the 60’s. An inductee into the R&R Hall of Fame - he certainly needs no introduction. In the pantheon of music, The Doors’ music continues to be one of the most revered rock song catalogs of any band. Slide guitarist Roy Rogers has been lauded not only for his own recordings but for his long-time collaboration with harmonica master Norton Buffalo as well as his producing of 4 CD projects for blues icon John Lee Hooker and folk legend Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He is well known worldwide for his mastery of slide guitar and has received 8 Grammy nominations for his work as artist and producer.
www.manzarekrogersband.com
http://www.roy-rogers.com
In 2011 Manzarek-Rogers released Translucent Blues- a blues-rock collection of songs tinged with poetry and literary references. The project reached #1 on the Americana Roots chart and debuted at #6 on the Billboard blues chart. The lyrical contributions came from such diverse co-writers as Jim Carroll, Warren Zevon and poet Michael McClure, among others. Twisted Tales draws from some of those same writers to tell very different stories. Featured musicians are Kevin Hayes on drums, formerly with the Robert Cray Band; Steve Evans on bass who has performed with the Elvin Bishop Band; and George Brooks on saxophones, who has performed with John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain.
The new release is a collaboration of keyboard and guitar sounds that merge with stories, images and art. These two amazing musicians create an intoxicating; plush sound that is - more than unique. Manzarek and Rogers are seemingly an odd pairing - but their new recording unleashes a stunning musical landscape for the listener - this music will ‘take you for a ride’… There is a full-length documentary film to be released examining their unique collaboration and friendship in depth this fall.
Twisted Tales is destined to become a classic, not only as Ray Manzarek’s last recording, but also as a definitive work of two great artists. Available at www.manzarekrogersband.com/ Amazon and iTunes and retailers nationwide.
“In our last meeting together before his passing, Ray and I were both very excited about the upcoming release of ‘Twisted Tales’. We signed off on the artwork and agreed that it should be released sooner than later. So, honoring that decision, I have proceeded with the release. We both were proud of this recording and hope that people enjoy it. This recording is dedicated to Ray’s memory” - Roy Rogers
Nevada City, CA - Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers have received no shortage of kudos since they first recorded together five years ago. Ray Manzarek’s signature keyboard sound was a cornerstone of The Doors - one of the most iconic rock bands of the 60’s. An inductee into the R&R Hall of Fame - he certainly needs no introduction. In the pantheon of music, The Doors’ music continues to be one of the most revered rock song catalogs of any band. Slide guitarist Roy Rogers has been lauded not only for his own recordings but for his long-time collaboration with harmonica master Norton Buffalo as well as his producing of 4 CD projects for blues icon John Lee Hooker and folk legend Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He is well known worldwide for his mastery of slide guitar and has received 8 Grammy nominations for his work as artist and producer.
www.manzarekrogersband.com
http://www.roy-rogers.com
In 2011 Manzarek-Rogers released Translucent Blues- a blues-rock collection of songs tinged with poetry and literary references. The project reached #1 on the Americana Roots chart and debuted at #6 on the Billboard blues chart. The lyrical contributions came from such diverse co-writers as Jim Carroll, Warren Zevon and poet Michael McClure, among others. Twisted Tales draws from some of those same writers to tell very different stories. Featured musicians are Kevin Hayes on drums, formerly with the Robert Cray Band; Steve Evans on bass who has performed with the Elvin Bishop Band; and George Brooks on saxophones, who has performed with John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain.
The new release is a collaboration of keyboard and guitar sounds that merge with stories, images and art. These two amazing musicians create an intoxicating; plush sound that is - more than unique. Manzarek and Rogers are seemingly an odd pairing - but their new recording unleashes a stunning musical landscape for the listener - this music will ‘take you for a ride’… There is a full-length documentary film to be released examining their unique collaboration and friendship in depth this fall.
Twisted Tales is destined to become a classic, not only as Ray Manzarek’s last recording, but also as a definitive work of two great artists. Available at www.manzarekrogersband.com/ Amazon and iTunes and retailers nationwide.
Jars of Clay to release 'Inland' on August 27
Nice to get this in my inbox. I've always been a big fan of Jars of Clay and it's great to hear the band has a new album set to land later this summer. Here is the official news release...
GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING JARS OF CLAY READY ELEVENTH STUDIO ALBUM 'INLAND' AVAILABLE AUGUST 27th
Title Track Offered Exclusively as RollingStone.com’s Free “Daily Download”
First single “After The Fight” Featuring Adrian Belew Out June 18th
NASHVILLE, TENN. – Grammy Award winners Jars of Clay are readying their eleventh studio album Inland, produced by Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, Beth Orton, The Decemberists) and mixed by Beau Sorenson and Jacquire King. The album is due August 27th on their own Gray Matters label with distribution through Tone Tree.
It’s been nearly twenty years since Dan Haseltine, Steve Mason, Charlie Lowell and Matthew Odmark released their debut Frail. Students at the time, Jars of Clay once again harness the youthful ambition and uninhibited creativity of their beginnings while cultivating a maturity in sound with embellishments of violin, horns and ambient melodies that attests two decades of experience.
It’s the sound of a band that is comfortable in its skin, having wrestled their demons and won.
“These are songs for the ordinary days- when life is weighty and uncertain,” reflects Matthew Odmark. “It is this middle space that we have inhabited over the years. It’s where you and I do the gritty work of actually living.”
The music on Inland has a rich cinematic quality, marked by Lowell’s lush keyboard melodies, Odmark’s strong acoustic rhythm guitar, and Mason’s serpentine bass lines. The album’s first single “After The Fight” (available June 18th on iTunes), featuring the atmospheric guitar textures of Adrian Belew, has a low-key swagger that brings to mind the intergalactic art rock of Bowie and Peter Murphy. “We asked Adrian Belew if he’d come in and work his magic,” explains Dan Haseltine. “He produced two songs on our first record, but we were too intimidated to let him play guitar. This time he added his big, wild, twanging guitar sound, the reverse solos and all the other effects he’s famous for.”
Following years on labels, Inland marks Jars of Clay’s first independent release, “We’ve had enough experience with record labels working a project because they have to,” says Haseltine. “Everyone we work with loves the record and wants to help us build something as a band with a big creative vision.”
Part of that creative vision is to shatter some of the preconceived notions built over the years by label marketing strategies. "It took a long time to strip away every voice that wasn't ours to make Inland," explains Haseltine. "For me, it's always been about a great song. We want to connect with people who love music for music. That's why created our own label."
Jars of Clay begin their U.S. tour in support of Inland in July with Brooke Waggoner supporting in July/September and The Last Bison in August.
Visit Jars of Clay's official Web site for more information on the new album and upcoming tour.
GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING JARS OF CLAY READY ELEVENTH STUDIO ALBUM 'INLAND' AVAILABLE AUGUST 27th
First single “After The Fight” Featuring Adrian Belew Out June 18th
NASHVILLE, TENN. – Grammy Award winners Jars of Clay are readying their eleventh studio album Inland, produced by Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, Beth Orton, The Decemberists) and mixed by Beau Sorenson and Jacquire King. The album is due August 27th on their own Gray Matters label with distribution through Tone Tree.
It’s been nearly twenty years since Dan Haseltine, Steve Mason, Charlie Lowell and Matthew Odmark released their debut Frail. Students at the time, Jars of Clay once again harness the youthful ambition and uninhibited creativity of their beginnings while cultivating a maturity in sound with embellishments of violin, horns and ambient melodies that attests two decades of experience.
It’s the sound of a band that is comfortable in its skin, having wrestled their demons and won.
“These are songs for the ordinary days- when life is weighty and uncertain,” reflects Matthew Odmark. “It is this middle space that we have inhabited over the years. It’s where you and I do the gritty work of actually living.”
The music on Inland has a rich cinematic quality, marked by Lowell’s lush keyboard melodies, Odmark’s strong acoustic rhythm guitar, and Mason’s serpentine bass lines. The album’s first single “After The Fight” (available June 18th on iTunes), featuring the atmospheric guitar textures of Adrian Belew, has a low-key swagger that brings to mind the intergalactic art rock of Bowie and Peter Murphy. “We asked Adrian Belew if he’d come in and work his magic,” explains Dan Haseltine. “He produced two songs on our first record, but we were too intimidated to let him play guitar. This time he added his big, wild, twanging guitar sound, the reverse solos and all the other effects he’s famous for.”
Following years on labels, Inland marks Jars of Clay’s first independent release, “We’ve had enough experience with record labels working a project because they have to,” says Haseltine. “Everyone we work with loves the record and wants to help us build something as a band with a big creative vision.”
Part of that creative vision is to shatter some of the preconceived notions built over the years by label marketing strategies. "It took a long time to strip away every voice that wasn't ours to make Inland," explains Haseltine. "For me, it's always been about a great song. We want to connect with people who love music for music. That's why created our own label."
Jars of Clay begin their U.S. tour in support of Inland in July with Brooke Waggoner supporting in July/September and The Last Bison in August.
Visit Jars of Clay's official Web site for more information on the new album and upcoming tour.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Sights and Sounds: Ringo Starr, Sigur Rós, Garbage, James McCartney, Big Country and more
I was out of town much of this week so I was unable to post music stuff at my usual clip. How about a game of "catch up"?
Read George A. Paul's great article on the new Ringo Starr exhibit titled Ringo: Peace & Love opening that played out at The Grammy Museum on Tuesday, June 11.
After reading the post on George's Music Minded blog, I am hoping to get up to L.A. Live soon to check out this exhibition soon.
Make sure to check out my latest reviews on the MusicWorthBuying.com site. In addition to Sigur Rós' forthcoming Kveikur (which will be released this Tuesday, June 18), I praise the DVD/Blu-ray release of Garbage's One Mile High...Live and James McCartney's excellent Me. Look for upcoming reviews of the latest albums from Julian Lennon (Everything Changes), Bell X1 (Chop Chop), Robert Randolph and the Family Band (Lickety Split) in the near future; I've received a number of strong releases and I'm working on getting reviews of them up as I have a good chance to give all repeated listenings. On the DVD front, I'll have a review of the exciting Frank Zappa A Token of His Extreme.
I'm also going to be checking out Big Country's forthcoming concert stop at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on June 21 and will post a review of that show the next day.
I've read glowing reviews of some of the recent tour stops by Big Country (now featuring singer Mike Peters of The Alarm) and look forward to seeing the group play its classics as well as new material from 2013's The Journey.
Read George A. Paul's great article on the new Ringo Starr exhibit titled Ringo: Peace & Love opening that played out at The Grammy Museum on Tuesday, June 11.
After reading the post on George's Music Minded blog, I am hoping to get up to L.A. Live soon to check out this exhibition soon.
Make sure to check out my latest reviews on the MusicWorthBuying.com site. In addition to Sigur Rós' forthcoming Kveikur (which will be released this Tuesday, June 18), I praise the DVD/Blu-ray release of Garbage's One Mile High...Live and James McCartney's excellent Me. Look for upcoming reviews of the latest albums from Julian Lennon (Everything Changes), Bell X1 (Chop Chop), Robert Randolph and the Family Band (Lickety Split) in the near future; I've received a number of strong releases and I'm working on getting reviews of them up as I have a good chance to give all repeated listenings. On the DVD front, I'll have a review of the exciting Frank Zappa A Token of His Extreme.
 |
| Big Country will be at The Coach House on June 21. |
I've read glowing reviews of some of the recent tour stops by Big Country (now featuring singer Mike Peters of The Alarm) and look forward to seeing the group play its classics as well as new material from 2013's The Journey.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Music Worth Buying episode: Paul McCartney & Wings, Beatallica
Check out the latest episode of Music Worth Buying for our in-depth review of Paul McCartney’s remastered reissue of Wings Over America and companion Blu-ray/DVD release of Rockshow, as well as Beatallica’s Abbey Load and Sgt. Hetfield’s Motorbreath:
Monday, June 10, 2013
Inbox Update: Montreux Jazz Festival; Vince Gill and Paul Franklin 'Bakersfield Sound' set; Kings of Leon
Here is a roundup featuring several new high-profile releases set to land soon...
EXPERIENCE MONTREUX
FEATURING A PLETHORA OF FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS, AND FULL PERFORMANCES FROM QUINCY JONES AND HERBIE HANCOCK!
~ON 3D BLU-RAY JUNE 18~
Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the release on June 18, 2013 of Experience Montreux 3D on 3D Blu-ray and digital formats.
Experience Montreux features live performances of full tracks by Mumford & Sons, Elvis Costello, Massive Attack, Joe Bonamassa, Angelique Kidjo, Sophie Hunger, Martina Topley Bird and many more. Filmed in high definition 3D, this disc will play in 3D on 3D set-ups and in 2D on regular Blu-ray players.
Experience Montreux, filmed at the 44th Festival in 2010, contains full live tracks by a range of artists that reflects the breadth and eclecticism of the Montreux Jazz Festival. The performances are interspersed with interviews with festival founder, the late Claude Nobs, and many of the artists involved, and are accompanied by stunning footage of the festival setting, the town of Montreux, Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps.
This set brings together the Experience Montreux film plus concert performances from the Montreux Jazz Festival by Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones and the Global Gumbo All-Stars. Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock have both been frequent visitors to Montreux over the years and it’s fitting that their performances form a part of this 3D celebration of the magic of the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, Audio and Digital Media in the world. Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition and 3D programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, U2, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 30 multi-platinum, over 50 platinum and over 90 gold discs, worldwide. Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Toronto, Paris and Hamburg.
Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv
Disc One
Experience Montreux
1) Massive Attack – Risingson
2) Sophie Hunger – Invisible
3) Mumford & Sons – Roll Away Your Stone
4) Angelique Kidjo – Saduva
5) Martina Topley Bird – Sandpaper Kisses
6) Yacht – The Afterlife
7) Quincy Jones And The Global Gumbo All-Stars – Watermelon Man
8) Broken Bells – The Ghost Inside
9) Leszek Mozdzer – Fijo
10) Nas & Damian Marley – As We Enter
11) Elvis Costello – Slow Drag With Josephine
12) The Maccabees – Bag Of Bones
13) Joe Bonamassa – Last Kiss
14) Herbie Hancock – Chameleon
15) Macadam Jazz Band – Bei Mir Bist Du Schön (End Credits)
Disc Two
Part One – Quincy Jones And The Global Gumbo All-Stars
1) Bonatology
2) Eyala
3) Crossing The Border
4) Nonvignon
5) Paulinho Da Costa Solo
6) Happy Birthday / Brokeback Concerto
7) Lullabye Of Birdland / Somewhere Over The Rainbow
8) Airmail Special
9) Watermelon Man
Part Two – Herbie Hancock: The Imagine Project
1) Actual Proof
2) Imagine
3) Seven Teens
4) Watermelon Man
5) Tamatant Tilay / Exodus
6) Court And Spark
7) Chameleon
8) Chameleon (End Credits)
VINCE GILL AND PAUL FRANKLIN PAY TRIBUTE TO THE “BAKERSFIELD SOUND” BY RELEASING BAKERSFIELD ON JULY 30
GILL AND FRANKLIN PAY HOMAGE TO BUCK OWENS AND MERLE HAGGARD
WITH TEN SONG SET
Nashville, TN – MCA Recording and 20 Grammy Award-winning artist Vince Gill and famed steel guitarist, Paul Franklin, are proud to announce the release of Bakersfield on July 30 via MCA Nashville. Gill and Franklin pay tribute to the “Bakersfield” sound by performing songs from two of Bakersfield’s sons; Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
Gill and Franklin share the producing duties on the ten song set that makes up Bakersfield. Bakersfield was tracked in two days at Gill’s home studio, backed by a stellar band made up of John Hobbs, piano; Greg Morrow, drums; Willie Weeks and Brad Albin, bass; J. T. Corenflos, electric rhythm guitar; and Time Jumpers Kenny Sears, Larry Franklin, Joe Spivey, fiddles and Dawn Sears on harmony vocals. Gill played all the acoustic and electric guitar fills and solos.
“This is just as much a guitar record for me as it is a singing record,” Gill says, “But it was fun for me to sing a whole record of the greatest songs ever. I guess what I’m real proud of is that when it’s one of Buck’s songs, I sing it very much in that vein. And the Haggard songs are very much in the vein he sang. With Buck’s songs, you won’t find much vibrato in my vocals, and with Merle’s, it will come down to a low note and that quiver.”
“This may be Vince’s greatest project,” Franklin declares. “What a showcase! I’ve heard him sing for 30 years, but he sings licks on this record I never heard before.”
Merle Haggard who writes the albums liner notes says “Vince and Paul offer a great new touch on a great old sound. It was great, certainly to hear my music done with the great touch of Vince and Paul. I feel highly complimented. But it was especially great to hear what they did with Bucks stuff. Some may not notice, but I for one knew how great Buck really was, first as a musician, then as an artist.”
The iconic singer/songwriter adds, “I can only give the entire project a big ole double, thumbs up! Well done guys, the West Coast takes a bow.”
Full track listing:
Title Made Famous By
1. Foolin’ Around Buck Owens (Written by Harlan Howard and Buck Owens)
2. Branded Man Merle Haggard (Written by Merle Haggard)
3. Together Again Buck Owens (Written by Buck Owens)
4. The Bottle Let Me Down Merle Haggard (Written by Merle Haggard)
5. He Don’t Deserve You Anymore Buck Owens (Written by Arty Lange and Buck Owens)
6. I Can’t Be Myself Merle Haggard (Written by Merle Haggard)
7. Nobody’s Fool But Yours Buck Owens (Written by Buck Owens)
8. Holding Things Together Merle Haggard (Written by Bob Trotten and Merle Haggard)
9. But I Do Buck Owens (Written by Tommy Collins)
10. The Fightin’ Side Of Me Merle Haggard (Written by Merle Haggard)
Starting today, fans can preorder Bakersfield at the Country Music Hall of Fame www.VinceGill.com andwww.Amazon.com
KINGS OF LEON CONFIRM NEW ALBUM,
MECHANICAL BULL, OUT SEPTEMBER 24
photo credit: Taylor Hill
RCA Records announces the September 24 release of the new Kings of Leon record, Mechanical Bull. Angelo Petraglia produced the album, which was recorded at the band's studio in Nashville, TN. Jimmy Fallon made a video to announce the new record and it can be viewed HERE.
Kings of Leon are fresh off three acclaimed headlining performances at American festivals, Bottle Rock in Napa, CA, Hangout in Gulf Shores, AL, and, most recently, this past weekend's Governor's Ball in New York City, during which the festival cancelled the band's Friday night performance due to Tropical Storm Andrea. The band, upset over the cancellation, worked through the night with festival organizers and management to figure out a way to come back on Saturday. The festival found a place for them on the main stage right before the Saturday headliner, during which the fans were treated to the live premiere of Mechanical Bull's first single, "Supersoaker."
The Kings left for England early Sunday morning. They start their European tour at London's O2 on Wednesday, June 12.
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