Sights and Sounds: Katy Perry's 'The Prismatic World Tour'; The Zombies coming to 'Stephen Colbert' tonight; 'Austin City Limits' episode with Gary Clark Jr. & Courtney Barnett

A wide range of musical performances will debut and/or play out this Halloween weekend. Here is a quick roundup...

Katy Perry’s The Prismatic World Tour DVD is out today via Eagle Rock Entertainment! Here’s a new video of her live performance of “Firework”, posted today on her Vevo page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQPntUPNDlQ

In this no-holds-barred full-length live spectacular filmed in Sydney, Australia last December, Perry performs the global smash hits “Roar,” “Firework,” “I Kissed A Girl,” “Dark Horse,” “California Gurls” and “Hot N Cold” along with other Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles and fan favorites.

The Zombies set to perform on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' tonight, Friday, Rocktober 30, 2015

I don't have much information, but I did confirm on the official site that The Zombies will be performing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert tonight, Friday, Oct. 30, 2015.

I am guessing that if you can't catch the legendary British rockers on the CBS-TV show, you can see a performance or learn more on the program's Web site: http://www.cbs.com/shows/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert/

Austin City Limits showcases two amazing young talents: Gary Clark Jr. and Courtney Barnett 

New Episode Premieres Oct. 31 on PBS

Austin, TX—October 30, 2015—Austin City Limits (ACL) showcases two of today’s most original and exciting live acts: Grammy-winning songwriter, vocalist and virtuoso guitarist Gary Clark Jr. in a triumphant return to the ACL stage, and singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett making her ACL debut.  Two talked-about artists worthy of the buzz, both rising stars are gaining recognition around the globe for their dynamic live shows.  They split the bill in a new episode premiering Saturday, October 31st at 8pm CT/9pm ET as part of ACL’s new Season 41 on PBS.  ACL airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings for times) and full episodes are made available online for a limited time at http://video.pbs.org/program/austin-city-limits/ immediately following the initial broadcast.  The show's official hashtag is #acltv.

Austin’s shining star Gary Clark Jr. arrives on ACL’s stage at the top of his game for his second headline performance, this time showcasing songs from the acclaimed new top-10 album The Story of Sonny Boy Slim.  The young Texan has had a whirlwind ascent from the Austin club scene to earning slots on festival stages, on the road with superstars Foo Fighters and his own sold-out headlining tour.  The LA Times recently hailed him “the most exciting blues-based experimentalist since Jack White.”  Clark writes another chapter to his story with this appearance, firmly establishing himself as a sonic force of nature in a confident, blazing five-song set filled with searing, soulful new songs.  The guitar phenom opens with a new album highlight “Grinder” and demonstrates his astonishing musical chops with scorching renditions of the deeply personal originals.  Closing the thrilling set with the uplifting, gospel-infused anthem “The Healing,” Clark sings with newfound passion, owning the ACL stage and receiving a heartfelt standing ovation.

Australian singer/songwriter and guitarist Courtney Barnett released one of the most arresting music debuts in years, 2015’s Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, and is receiving critical acclaim in spades: Rolling Stonehails Barnett “one of rock’s most beguiling young stars and deftest lyricists,” calling the album “2015’s sharpest debut”.  Paste says she’s “one of the most charming, whipsmart performers currently touring the world,” and NPR raves “the new album will thrill any fan of smart, biting guitar driven rock,” calling her “the best lyricist in rock music today.”  Spin calls it “one of the most thrilling albums you’ll hear this year,” and hails the garage rocker a “goddamn rock star.”  Riding the wave of media acclaim, Barnett proves she has the talent to match in her standout ACL debut.  The six-song set is a great introduction to her signature style: straightforward, four-chord crunch, mixing witty, often hilarious, occasionally even heartbreaking observations with unflinching self-assessment.  Aided by her tight band featuring bassist Bones Sloane and drummer Dave Mudie, she brings the ACL set to a crashing close with the crowd-favorite single “Pedestrian at Best,” proving she’s nothing of the sort, but one of the most distinctive and compelling new voices in modern rock.

"Gary Clark Jr. and Courtney Barnett are the rock stars of tomorrow, if not today, and they're doing it the old-fashioned way - with their guitars,” says ACL executive producer Terry Lickona.  “They are both blazing different trails, but they are totally original, and that's why this makes for such a great double bill!"

Gary Clark Jr. Setlist:
Grinder
Cold Blooded
Our Love
Church
The Healing

Courtney Barnett Setlist:
Elevator Operator
Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go To The Party
Dead Fox
Depreston
Heavy Heart (You Am I Cover)
Pedestrian At Best

Season 41 Fall Broadcast Schedule (additional episodes to be announced)
October 3          2015 Hall of Fame Special
October 10        Cassandra Wilson
October 1 7       Sturgill Simpson / Asleep at the Wheel
October 24        Don Henley
October 31        Gary Clark Jr. / Courtney Barnett
November 7      TV On The Radio / The War on Drugs
November 14     James Taylor
November 21    ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2015

The complete line-up for the full 14-week season, including seven new episodes to air beginning January 2016, will be announced at a later date.  Viewers can visit acltv.com for news regarding future tapings, episode schedules and live stream updates.


About Austin City Limits
ACL offers viewers unparalleled access to featured acts in an intimate setting that provides a platform for artists to deliver inspired, memorable, full-length performances. The program is taped live before a concert audience from The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. Since its inception in 1974, the groundbreaking music series has become an institution that's helped secure Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement in 2012.

ACL is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by Budweiser, the Austin Convention Center Department, Dell and HomeAway. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.

Music Worth Buying episode: Ratatat, The Zombies

Watch a new episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING where TJR and Robert review recent releases from Ratatat and The Zombies:

Album reviews: Supersuckers, Peter Case, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Danielle Nicole, Ted Hawkins tribute

American music is front and center on the latest albums from indie alt-country rockers Supersuckers, singer-songwriter Peter Case, Southern rock giants Lynyrd Skynyrd and songstress Danielle Nicole. There is also an outstanding tribute titled Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins that features a number of great Americana artists.


Artist: Supersuckers
Title: Holdin' The Bag (Acetate Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, Steve Earle, Johnny Cash
Tell me more: Irreverent and honest, Supersuckers are an American treasure. Having released more than 20 albums over the past 25 years, singer Eddie Spaghetti and company are on the top of their game on the newly-released "Holdin' The Bag." The band's characteristic freewheeling approach works wonder on a batch of songs that are as melodic as they are lyrically sharp. The delightful country-styled "High and Outside," cow punk "Man On A Mission" and a lovely reworked sing-along cover of Hank Williams Jr. cover "All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)"  are among the standouts here. Information: Acetate.com.

Buy 'Holdin' The Bag' today



Artist: Peter Case
Title: Hwy 62 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Dylan, Peter Case's previous albums
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Case has long been a leading voice on the music scene, dating back to the mid 1970s when he was a member of indie melodic rockers the Nerves before finding more acclaim as the leader of the Plimsouls and his subsequent solo career. His new album, Hwy 62, marks his first album release since 2010's "Wig!" and this disc finds Case seemingly building on a wide range of themes inspired by the highway that runs from Juarez, Mexico to Niagara Falls on the Canada-U.S. border. Having grown up one block away from U.S. Route 62 in Hamburg, New York, highlights include the tenderhearted "Water From A Stone," textured folk tale "If I Go Crazy," the sparse acoustic title track and a stellar acoustic cover of Bob Dylan's "Long Time Gone." Guitarist Ben Harper and drummer D.J. Bonebrake are among the notables who lend their talents to the tracking on "Hwy 62." Information: petercase.com.

Buy 'HWY 62' here



Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Title: Pronounced 'L h-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd and Second Helping - Live From Jacksonville at the Florida Theatre (Eagle Vision)
You might like if you enjoy: Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Outlaws
Tell me more: Few bands have persevered through challenge as strongly as Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd. From the 1977 plane crash that took the lives of three of its members to the death of original drummer Bob Burns earlier this year and original guitarist Gary Rossington's heart attack on Oct. 8, 2015, the Florida-spawned band brings that undercurrent of survival to the stage whenever they perform. The aptly-titled "'L h-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd and Second Helping" features the rockers covering their first two studio albums in their entirety; recorded at the Florida Theatre in the band's hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, the performance is powerful and ultimately as triumphant as Lynyrd Skynyrd itself. "'L h-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd and Second Helping" is available as a DVD + 2 CD physical set exclusively at Walmart. The collection is also available on standard DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Get 'Pronouced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd & Second Helping Live [Blu-ray]' here 


Artist: Danielle Nicole
Title: Wolf Den (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Trampled Under Foot, Marcia Ball, Shemekia Copeland
Tell me more: New Orleans R&B, gospel and Memphis soul inform the sound of singer-bassist Danielle Nicole (formerly of Trampled Under Foot) on her winning new solo debut "Wolf Den." A young singer of remarkable power and artistry, Nicole's vocals immerse the listener in the slow-burning Louisiana blues of "How You Gonna Do Me Like That," the solid kiss-off blues rocker "You Only Need Me When You're Down" and a smooth cover of the R&B favorite "Breaking Up Somebody's Home," the latter featuring guest guitarist Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars fame. Information: ConcordMusicGroup.com.

Get 'Wolf Den' here 

 
Artists: James McMurtry, Kasey Chambers & Bill Chambers, Tim Easton, more
Title: Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins (Eight 30 Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Ted Hawkins, James McMurtry, Kasey Chambers, Michael Ubaldini
Tell me more: Time has a way of celebrating the greats, even if it takes awhile. The Mississippi native who became a Venice Beach, California street performer, Ted Hawkins suffered a stroke and died Jan. 1, 1995 just as he was gaining widespread acclaim for his masterful songs and big voice. Hawkins was only 58. Now more than a dozen contemporary Americana and roots music champions have banded together to contribute versions of Hawkins' material on Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins. Hawkins' style was rooted in blues, but the material here clearly spans from that style to authentic country folk and rootsy storytelling. Highlights on "Cold and Bitter Tears" include the Appalachia-soaked ballad "Big Things" courtesy of James McMurtry, the beautiful traditional country "Cold and Bitter Tears" from Aussie songstress Kasey Chambers (with her father Bill Chambers), and the lovely "Happy Hour" from singer Sunny Sweeney. Information: eight30records.com.

Buy 'Cold & Bitter Tears: Songs of Ted Hawkins' here 

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: The Scorpions celebrate 50 years with range of forthcoming releases

As hard as it is to believe, German hard rockers The Scorpions are celebrating 50 years of music making.

Here are two media releases focusing on upcoming titles coming via DVD, Blu-ray, vinyl and digital platforms next month...

The Scorpions "Forever And A Day"

coming to DVD, Blu-ray and digital platforms on November 27, 2015

The new fully authorized Scorpions documentary Forever and a Day is wrapping up its theatrical run and will come to DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms on November 27th (in German with English subtitles). The movie takes a look at the German hard-rock legends' long career, while focusing on the band's Final Sting trek, which initially was intended to be a farewell tour.

As the film shows, during the 2011-2012 tour, the band members were so energized by the response from fans that they decided to scrap their retirement plans. Founding Scorpions guitarist Rudolf Schenker says that if you watch Forever and a Day, you can see the veteran rockers come to the realization that they weren't ready to call it quits.

Schenker explains, "Seeing all these old fans, the new fans coming, everything was sold out, and getting told by the fans what the music means for them, then we more and more" understood that the time wasn't right for the band to retire.

Among the interesting career highlights covered in the movie is The Scorpions' historic 1991 visit to the Kremlin in Moscow to meet Mikhail Gorbachev. The band presented the then-Soviet president with a gold record for its hit ballad "Wind of Change," which celebrated the end of the Cold War.

Describing "Wind of Change" as "the soundtrack of the most peaceful revolution on Earth,"Schenker says The Scorpions' visit with Gorbachev was "something very special" since they were the first, and possibly the only, Western band ever invited to the Kremlin. He adds that The Scorpions are still friendly with Gorbachev, who makes an appearance in Forever and a Day commenting about the group and the impact of "Wind of Change."

The Scorpions recently wrapped up the 2015 U.S. leg of its 50th anniversary tour, which also is in support of their latest studio album, Return to Forever. With regard to the band's future, longtime Scorpions guitarist Matthias Jabs says, "It doesn't look like the end is near. You know, we keep ourselves open now. We tried the farewell tour, and we [called] it afterwards the 'went well' tour."

The Scorpions will finish the year with a series of European dates in November and December, with more to come in February and March of 2016, including a run of shows in their homeland.Jabs says the band also plans to play more U.S. shows in May, and may visit South America and China as well. Check The-Scorpions.com for the group's confirmed itinerary.

Pre-Order:  http://bit.ly/1QxzzKB

 

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1k7P3L3

The Scorpions celebrate 50 years by rocking like a hurricane on three new vinyl reissues, all due Nov. 6, 2015

1982’s Blackout, 1984’s Love at First Sting and 1985’s double-LP World Wide Live to be re-released on remastered 180-gram vinyl to mark milestone occasion

Legendary German heavy metal band Scorpions were formed in 1965 by founding member Rudolf Schenker in Hanover, and along with longtime vocalist Klaus Meine and guitarist Matthias Jabs, have forged one of the most remarkable careers in rock ‘n’ roll history. Earlier this year the band released their brand-new album Return to Forever, and now Universal Music Enterprises is reissuing three of the group’s classic albums – 1982’s Blackout, 1984’s Love at First Sting and 1985’s double-LP World Wide Live – on remastered, high-grade, 180-gram vinyl on November 6, 2015.

The band Rolling Stone once dubbed “The Heroes of Heavy Metal” achieved their biggest commercial successes with these three albums, which is saying something in a career that has seen them sell millions of records worldwide, with six of their singles going No. 1 in different countries around the world. The band has achieved several major honors, including a star on the Hollywood Rock Walk and a World Music Rock Legend Award, among many accolades.

Blackout is the eighth Scorpions studio album, but first breakout success, released in 1982, with its famous cover featuring a bandaged self-portrait of artist Gottfried Helnwein, a character portrayed by Rudolf Schenker in the music video for “No One Like You” and an indelible T-shirt image for Scorpions fans around the world. Produced by frequent collaborator Dieter Dierks, the album was certified platinum in 1984, having peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, while going No. 1 in France, No. 11 in the U.K. and Top 10 in Germany. Vocalist Klaus Meinke underwent surgery on his vocal cords right before recording was to begin, and demos were recorded by Don Dokken, though none of those appeared on the final album. The first single, “No One Like You,” went to No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and No. 65 on The Billboard Hot 100.  AllMusic called it “the band’s best record ever… it has more energy than anything else they have ever released.”

Love at First Sting, the follow-up to Blackout, was released in 1984, making history as one of the first digitally recorded hard rock records.  The album was the group’s most successful ever in the U.S., peaking at No. 6 on The Billboard 200 and reaching triple-platinum status in 1995, thanks to the metal anthem, “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” which went to No. 25 on The Billboard Hot 100, with “Still Loving You” going to No. 64 in the States, No. 14 in Germany and No. 3 in France. The album went to No. 4 in France, No. 6 in Germany, No. 9 in Switzerland, No. 17 in the U.K. and Sweden and No 19 in Austria. Also included are the tracks “Coming Home,” “Big City Nights” and “Still Loving You.”

World Wide Live, reissued as a double-LP, first came out in 1985 and documented several stops on the band’s world tour, including shows at the Sports Arena in San Diego, the Forum in Los Angeles, Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA, Bercy in Paris and Sporthalle in Cologne, West Germany. And while the original release boasted 15 tracks, this two-record set features all 19 tracks, including “Another Piece of Meat,” “Six-String Sting” and “Can’t Get Enough” parts 1 and 2. The album peaked at No. 17 on The Billboard 200, and went to No. 4 in Germany and Austria and hit the Top 10 in Sweden, earning platinum in the States and Canada, and going gold in both Germany and France.  Allmusic called it the band’s best live album and a “must for their fans.” Rolling Stone praised World Wide Live as “four solid sides of adrenaline-injected metal.”

TRACK LISTINGS

Blackout (1982)

A1. Blackout
A2. Can't Live Without You
A3. No One Like You

A4. You Give Me All I Need

A5. Now!
B1. Dynamite
B2. Arizona
B3. China White
B4. When The Smoke Is Going Down

Love at First Sting (1984)
A1. Bad Boys Running Wild
A2. Rock You Like A Hurricane
A3. I'm Leaving You
A4. Coming Home
A5. The Same Thrill
B1. Big City Nights
B2. As Soon As the Good Times Roll
B3. Crossfire
B4. Still Loving You  

World Wide Live (1985)
A1. Countdown **

A2. Coming Home **

A3. Blackout *
A4. Bad Boys Running Wild **
A5. Loving You Sunday Morning **
A6. Make It Real **
B1. Big City Nights **

B2. Coast to Coast **
B3. Holiday **

B4. Still Loving You  *
C1. Rock You Like a Hurricane **
C2. Can't Live Without You **

C3. Another Piece of Meat **

C4. Dynamite *

D1. The Zoo *
D2. No One Like You  *

D3. Can't Get Enough (Part I) **
D4. Six String Sting **
D5. Can't Get Enough (Part II)

*   World Wide Live version

** Live at Love At First Sting Tour

Album reviews: Dave Gahan & Soulsavers, Rage Against the Machine, 'Goosebumps' soundtrack, Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas

Dave Gahan & Soulsavers' new album was released Oct. 23, 2015. / Photo courtesy of the artist

Artist: Dave Gahan & Soulsavers
Title: Angels & Ghosts (Columbia)
You might like if you enjoy: Depeche Mode, Dave Gahan
Tell me more: Although the Depeche Mode faithful have long recognized Dave Gahan as a singer of considerable force and artistic range, his name is often sadly overlooked by the rock world at large. Maybe the English singer's latest project Dave Gahan & Soulsavers, a collaboration that is a particularly effective showcase for his vocal powers, will bring more attention to one of modern rock's greatest frontmen. Rather than immerse his rich baritone amidst the electronica of Depeche Mode, Gahan & Soulsavers' Angels & Ghosts is more rooted in blues, gospel and Americana, with the the spirited mix of nine songs recalling recent recordings from the far-flung likes of Other Lives, Florence + the Machine, the Doors and Blur's recent gem The Magic Whip. The blues guitar-drenched "Shine"  and ambitious "You Owe Me" are as melodic as they are forceful. "One Thing" is a beautiful ballad adorned by keyboards and a symphonic soundscape; "My Sun" is a sparse foray in its opening section with the song gradually building to a sweeping symphonic finale. Information: davegahan.com.

Purchase 'Angels & Ghosts' here 



Artist: Rage Against The Machine
DVD Title: Live at Finsbury Park (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Rage Against the Machine, Tom Morello
Tell me more: Few bands have fused left-leaning politics and passion with as much firepower as Rage Against The Machine. Ironically, it was a creative effort by English DJ Jon Morter and his wife Tracy in early December 2009 to promote an alternative to the seemingly inevitable  "X-Factor" winner scoring the #1 Christmas hit on the UK singles chart that led to the ultimate release of Rage Against The Machine's "Live at Finsbury Park" (available on DVD, Blu-ray and digital video). Rage Against The Machine supported a campaign to have "Killing In The Name" promoted by the influential Morter with agreement that proceeds from the sales of the single would go to charity if the single reached number one by Christmas 2009. Further thrilling fans was when the band performed a free concert in England to celebrate reaching number 1; that concert (staged on June 6, 2010) is as powerful as fans would expect. Hard-hitting rockers such as "Bulls On Parade," "Sleep Now In The Fire" and the dramatic set-ending "Killing In The Name" are delivered with the band's groundbreaking rap-metal style. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Purchase 'Live at Finsbury Park' [Blu-ray] here



Artist: Danny Elfman
Title: Goosebumps (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Sony Masterworks)
You might like if you enjoy: Soundtracks scored by Danny Elfman
Tell me more: Coming 30 years after his first film score (the delightful music for "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" released in 1985), Danny Elfman's stellar soundtrack for the newly-released movie Goosebumps is yet another achievement for the former frontman for Oingo Boingo. A beautiful and expansive 29-track soundtrack that works even apart from the film, highlights include the lovely "Ferris Wheel," urgent "Ice Rink" and tender "Camcorder." Having scored 30 or so soundtracks and being the recipient of four Academy Award nominations, wouldn't it be nice if the talented GRAMMY and Emmy Award winner received an Oscar - perhaps for this deserving soundtrack. Information: SonyMusicMasterworks.com.

Purchase 'Goosebumps (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' here



Artist: Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas
Title: All-Time Greatest Hits (Varese Sarabande)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers
Tell me more: Even Beatles fans who possess every studio Beatles album ever released don't necessarily have every John Lennon, Paul McCartney composition. For evidence, look (and listen) no further than the new Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas retrospective All-Time Greatest Hits (Varese Sarabande Records issued the collection on Oct. 23, 2015). Managed by famed Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Kramer was the beneficiary of a number of Lennon/McCartney songs that comprised a good share of the hits he scored in the early and mid-1960s. The yearning "Bad To Me" and wistful "From A Window" are as strong as anything penned by Lennon and McCartney in the early 1960s (McCartney provided some harmonies on the latter), and the baroque pop gem "I'll Keep You Satisfied" has always struck this writer as evoking the song craft of George Harrison (even though it was penned by Lennon and McCartney). Fans of the early Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers will love the 14-track All-Time Greatest Hits, including a lovely take on the Burt Bacharach, Hal David standout "Trains and Boats and Planes." Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Get 'The Very Best Of Billy J. Kramer With The Dakotas' here


Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Mystery Science Theater 3000, Experience Hendrix Tour, Martha Davis and The Motels, 'Live Lounge' Performance Series

Whew! There is a slew of updates to share as it relates to upcoming releases, tour and industry news...

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXIV

Four DVD Box Set Features Previously Unreleased Episodes

The Saga of the Viking Women and Their Voyage to the Waters of

The Great Sea Serpent, War of The Colossal Beast, The Undead

and The She-Creature

While Mystery Science Theater 3000  isn’t set a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, it is an epic tale of heroes and villains, two robot sidekicks, alien races and snappy one-liners. Joel and Mike, the unlucky witnesses to the cheesiest movies in any galaxy, may not have the force with them, but they have an even more powerful weapon — the riff! In the not too distant future, December 1^st, 2015, join the rebel forces at Shout! Factory in the epic battle against four generally grievous movies from the galactic empire once known as American International Pictures.

Featuring four episodes never before on DVD: The Saga of the Viking Women and Their Voyage to the Waters of The Great Sea Serpent, War Of The Colossal Beast, The Undead and The She-Creature; Mystery Science Theater 3000:Vol. XXXIV also comes loaded with brand-new bonus features, including new introductions by Frank Conniff, the feature length documentary It Was A Colossal Teenage Movie Machine: The A.I.P. Story, theatrical trailers and four exclusive Mini Posters by artist Steve Vance. Fans can pre-order their copies now through ShoutFactory.com 

Mystery Science Theater 3000:Vol. XXXIV brings us The Saga of the Viking Women and Their Voyage to the Waters of The Great Sea Serpent, Roger Corman’s chronicle of Viking women on a journey of adventure, jealousy and redemption; War Of The Colossal Beast, the story of how the disfigured and unbalanced Lt. Col. Glenn Manning goes on a rampage, helmed by MST3K mainstay Bert I. Gordon; The Undead, a Corman film about reincarnation and witchcraft; and  The She-Creature, a touching tale about a mysterious hypnotist putting his beautiful assistant back in touch with her past life as a sea monster.    

Mystery Science Theater 3000:Vol. XXXIV also includes the shorts The Home Economics Story and Mr. B Natural.

Mystery Science Theater 3000:Vol. XXXIV Bonus Features:

·         New introductions by Frank Conniff

·         It Was A Colossal Teenage Movie Machine: The A.I.P. Story  documentary

·         Theatrical Trailers

·         Four exclusive Mini-Posters by artist Steve Vance

For more information on Mystery Science Theater 3000 and on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com            

2016 Experience Hendrix Tour set to roll with Buddy Guy, Billy Cox, Kenny kWayne Shepherd, Zakk Wylde, Dweezil Zappa, Jonny Lang, Eric Johnson and more!

Hailed by critics and fans alike as the ‘Guitar Event Of The Year,’ the multi-artist celebration known as the Experience Hendrix Tour is set to return in 2016.  These special concert performances present legendary artists who join together to pay homage to Jimi Hendrix.   This next edition of the Experience Hendrix Tour will encompass twenty seven performances this coming February and March, stopping in more than two dozen cities along the east coast, midwest and southern states.  Now in its second decade, the tour celebrates the musical genius of Jimi Hendrix by bringing together a diverse array of extraordinary musicians, ranging from blues legend Buddy Guy to Black Label Society and former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, as well as Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Dweezil Zappa and many others.  Billy Cox, bassist for both the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsys, anchors a rhythm section that provides the foundation for exciting renditions of such signature Hendrix favorites as “Purple Haze” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”. 

Jonny Lang performing at the Doheny Blues Festival
in Dana Point, CA in May 2008. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Jimi Hendrix was a pioneer in both rock and blues, and expanded the possibilities of what could be achieved with the electric guitar, forever altering the course of music history. Likewise, the Experience Hendrix Tour is developing a rich history of its own.   By 2004, the first Experience Hendrix Tour came to fruition with a three-date string of shows on the west coast, starting in Hendrix’s hometown of Seattle.   By 2008, the Experience Hendrix Tour had become a full-fledged, coast-to-coast expedition that continues to date, without showing any signs of slowing down Audiences are presented the opportunity to see great artists paying homage to Hendrix and collaborating with each other in ways they’d never do in their own live shows. 

“It is such an honor to be asked back for another run,” says blues/gospel/rock guitar prodigy Jonny Lang, who has played every tour since 2008. “The music of Jimi Hendrix speaks to each of us in indelible ways. It’s another chance to celebrate his legacy.”

You can read my coverage of the Experience Hendrix a year ago at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles here.

As in years past, Fender Music Instruments is the primary tour sponsor.   Fender and Experience Hendrix L.L.C. have long enjoyed a successful relationship—an association that traces back to Hendrix transforming the Fender Stratocaster into the dominant instrument of rock and roll music.

Marshall Amplifiers and Dunlop Manufacturing, whose gear is an integral part of the tour’s backline, also sponsor the Experience Hendrix Tour together with Axe Heaven IK Multimedia and Hal Leonard.

Profoundly popular with fans and critics alike, an earlier edition of the Experience Hendrix Tour inspired Doug Walters of the Charleston City Paper to rave, “It was an inspired night of great energy and incredible playing. Nothing but good vibes filled the Performing Arts Center. Jimi’s spirit and music could not have been honored more.” 

Robert Kinsler of the Orange County Register, called the Experience Hendrix Tour “a steller event,” as well as “a special night, and a fitting tribute to a music legend, to be sure.”

Jackie Braje of Creative Loafing Tampa wrote, “All epic performances aside, the one truly admirable thing about this show is that it never once let us forget who the real star performer is.”

Tour Dates:

Feb 24 - Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live

Feb 25 - Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall

Feb 26 - Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theater

Feb 27 - Atlanta, GA – Fox Theater

Feb 28 - Charleston, SC – Gaillard Center

Feb 29 - Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn

Mar 2 - Tulsa, OK – Brady Theater

Mar 3 - Grand Prairie, TX – Verizon Theatre

Mar 4 - San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theater

Mar 5 - Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

Mar 6 - New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theater

Mar 8 - St. Louis, MO – Fox Theater

Mar 9 - Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater

Mar 10 - Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater

Mar 11 - Detroit, MI – The Fox Theater

Mar 12 - Chicago, IL – Chicago Theater

Mar 13 - Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theater

Mar 15 - Northfield, OH – Hard Rock Casino

Mar 16 - Syracuse, NY – Landmark Theatre

Mar 17 - Wallingford, CT – Oakdale Theater

Mar 18 - Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theater

Mar 19 - Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Casino

Mar 20 - Poughkeepsie, NY – Mid Hudson Civic Center

Mar 22 - Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Theater

Mar 23 - Worcester, MA – Hanover Theatre

Mar 24 - New Bedford, MA – Zeiterion

Mar 25 - Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino

Vesuvio Entertainment sets new release date for Martha Davis and The Motels concert/documentary film: November 6, 2015 FILM COMMEMORATES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ICONIC WHISKEY A GO-GO ON SUNSET STRIP INTRODUCTION BY ROSANNA ARQUETTE AND LINDA PERRY

“More intriguing now than she was in 1980.” – Arts Fuse “Arguably the most charismatic female performer in rock.” – Robert Hilburn, Los Angeles Times “Martha Davis and the Motels gave their audience a Five-Star experience.” – Herald Sun

Los Angeles, CA, October 26--Following a banner year in which Martha Davis and The Motels have played their most shows since 1985, Vesuvio Entertainment is releasing--at last-- THE MOTELS LIVE AT THE WHISKY A GO-GO-50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, a lush and tuneful concert film of this iconic artist's landmark performance at the historic Whisky A Go-Go's 50th Anniversary Celebration on DVD and Blu-ray and digitally November 6. While The Bangles, Robbie Krieger and many others had shows marking this Sunset Strip institution’s 50th birthday, only Martha Davis and the Motels captured their show for posterity, marking their first ever hi def, 5.1 audio state of the art concert film. Double Emmy® winning cinematographer Roy H. Wagner (NBC's Elementary; Wes Craven's NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3) photographed the concert film, with choreographer/director Denise Faye (BURLESQUE) in her directorial debut. Ms. Faye is currently directing Cher's global "Dressed to Kill" Tour. Golden Globe® nomineeRosanna Arquette and Grammy® nominee Linda Perry both appear in the film introducing Martha and the band. THE MOTELS LIVE AT THE WHISKY A GO-GO-50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL will now be released by Vesuvio Entertainment on November 6, on DVD and Blu-ray and digitally to more than 200 digital stores and services, from iTunes to Amazon, Spotify to Google Play, Beats to Pandora, Rdio to Deezer, Beatport to Tidal and Shazam to Millward Brown. The Blu-Ray and DVD are distributed by AMPED, the nation's largest supplier of video and audio content. This legendary live concert performance features seventeen of The Motels’ greatest hits, coupled with memorable and unique DVD extras such as interviews, outtakes and other goodies. There's also an audio-only version of the concert for music fans. The concert film had its world premiere at the renowned Regent Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles September 21. Bruce Ravid, the original A&R exec at Capitol who signed Martha and the Motels, said, “Martha, the band, the camerawork, and the audio quality are all ace. The Motels magic remains and this absolutely shows why we were so stoked to sign them and to see their success.” Industry executive Russ Reganadds, "I was never involved professionally with The Motels, but always admired Martha Davis' amazing voice and equally great songwriting skills, and this film is really a testament to great music that solidifies The Motels' status as one of the bands that not only launched New Wave, but whose music stands the test of time." From winning an early American Music Award for Best Performance in “Only the Lonely,” to writing Top 10 hits like “Suddenly Last Summer,” Davis is one of the most prolific singer/songwriters to come out of the New Wave movement. In addition to returning to Australia, where “Total Control” became their biggest hit and helped pave the way for their American success, The Motels also did a US Summer 2015 tour with old friends “The Go–Go’s,” as well as doing a headline tour of the East Coast, to renewed critical acclaim.She’s currently touring and recording new material and occasionally performs jazz standards along with a few dazzling rearrangements of Motels classics, teaming up with original Motels’ sax and keys player Marty Jourard, and legendary keyboard player Greg Hawkes from The Cars. That trio is known asDavis, Hawkes & Jourard, LLP --is a bit of a tongue in cheek reference to a law firm, but instead serves up music and not legal advice. THE MOTELS LIVE AT THE WHISKY A GO-GO-50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL Genre: Feature Concert Film; unrated Distributor: Vesuvio Entertainment Format: NTSC DVD and Blu Ray; Year: 2015 Total Running Time: 87 minutes Audio: Dolby 5.1 surround HD DVD; MSRP $24.98 Item # VESU1001; UPC 00854021006004 BLU RAY DVD $29.98 Item # VESU1002; UPC 00854021006011 The Motels Live at The Whisky A Go Go - Digital Audio-Only Edition Item Number: VESU1004 UPC Number: 854021006035 Price: TBD Social Media Handles: https://www.facebook.com/MarthaDavisMotels Twitter/Instagram: @TheMotels YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MarthaDavisTheMotels Vesuvio Entertainment: Twitter @vesuvioent

VEVO AND THE BBC COLLABORATE ON DISTRIBUTION FOR LIVE LOUNGE PERFORMANCE SERIES

Vevo to become new International home for high-profile BBC Radio 1 original series   

NEW YORK October 27, 2015– Vevo and BBC Worldwide today announced a collaboration on the distribution for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge performance series.  The relationship will see BBC Radio 1 provide an extensive back catalog of over 200 Live Lounge performances on Vevo as well as provide an exclusive home for the majority of future Live Lounge performances internationally.  With this agreement BBC Radio 1 gains access to the world’s largest premium music video platform with over 12 billion monthly views and extensive exposure within the coveted millennial viewing audience.

“Vevo is one of my favourite apps, so to get Radio 1’s world-famous Live Lounge to its massive audience of new music fans across the globe is utterly fantastic.” said Ben Cooper, Controller, Radio 1 and 1Xtra, BBC. 

Radio 1’s Live Lounge features a combination of the music industry’s highest profile established and emerging artists performing a small selection of stripped-back songs both within and outside of their musical genre.  Live Lounge will be available on Vevo as of November 12^th.

“We’re excited to collaborate with BBC Worldwide and BBC Radio 1 to bring such an iconic and unique program as Live Lounge to Vevo’s growing audience,” said Alex Kisch, Executive Vice President, Business Development and Affairs, Vevo.  “We see this as a tremendous first step in our collaboration as we look to expose Live Lounge’s phenomenal music catalog and forthcoming performances to new audiences around the world.”

“I’m delighted that we have been able to broker this deal on behalf of the BBC which benefits the BBC, record labels and artists alike” said Dominic Walker, Director of Radio and Music BBC Worldwide.

About BBC Worldwide

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).  Its vision is to build the BBC’s brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world.  This is achieved through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values.  The business also champions British creativity globally.

In 2014/15, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £138.6m and headline sales of £1,001.8m and returned a record £226.5m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website:

http://www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

bbcworldwide.com
twitter.com/bbcwpress

About Vevo

Vevo is the world’s leading all-premium music video and entertainment platform with over 12 billion monthly views globally. Vevo brings a library of 150,000 HD music videos, exclusive original programming and live concert performances to everyone on the planet who loves music both on-demand through Vevo.com, the mobile web, apps for mobile/tablets and connected TVs, and on Vevo TV, an always-on broadcast-style linear music channel built by expert human programmers. Additionally, Vevo syndicates its catalogue to dozens of sites across the web giving music fans the option to view their favorite programming anywhere, anytime. It is Vevo’s massive scale and reach that has attracted more than 900 brand marketers around the globe since its launch in 2009.