Must-hear releases include a mix of new music, reissues and live discs

An EP that wraps up a tribute to the Firefly science fiction western TV series, one of the strongest debuts in memory, a brilliant return for Boz Scaggs, an expanded two-disc reissue of the debut from Lords of the New Church and a new live set from Erasure are all available now.

Artist: The Fallen Stars
Title: Leaves on the Wind — Vol. 3: Can't Take The Sky From Me (Kiss My Squirrel Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Joss Whedon's "Firefly," the Jayhawks, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris
Tell me more: When Firefly first aired on the Fox network in September 2002, it immediately captured the attention of discerning fans (now known as "Browncoats") of science fiction with its unique cast of authentic characters, blend of outer space and Western landscapes, and sharp storytelling. Although the Joss Whedon-created series was cancelled after a mere 14 episodes, the influence of the series was profound (indeed the film "Serenity" was released in 2005 to critical acclaim). Look no further than the Fallen Stars' compelling trilogy titled Leaves on the Wind, with Vol. 3: Can't Take The Sky From Me having just been released. On volume 3 of Leaves on the Wind, musical duo Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes have crafted songs inspired by the final four episodes of "Firefly," as well as offering up their emotive take on Whedon's theme song for the series ("The Ballad of Serenity"). Fans of the first two "Leaves on the Wind" titles will pleased that "Can't Take The Sky From Me" is the equal with its Americana-styled songs capturing the magic of the series in song. The countrified rocker "Naked" serves as a duet for Tracy and Bobbo, whose voices shine alone or together in the spirited choruses. "Carry Me" is especially poignant, with an acoustic flavor and sweet melody that plays out in the verses and choruses. The rollicking "Home" and yearning "Here I Am" also capture the creative power of the groundbreaking sci-fi series. A portion of the proceeds from all three Leaves on the Wind titles go to support Equality Now, an organization working to end violence and discrimination against girls and women around the world. Information: thefallenstars.com.

Artist: Danny Wilkerson
Title: Wilkerson (SpyderPop Records)
You might like if you enjoy: ELO, Jellyfish, Paul McCartney, XTC
Tell me more: Listeners hungry for new music that is melodic, intelligent and ambitious almost beyond measure will be floored by Wilkerson, the brilliant debut from singer-songwriter Danny Wilkerson. The sonic ghosts of the Beatles, the Zombies, Jeff Lynne and XTC can be heard but to be sure the songs here are original and performances uniformly inspired. With songs this exceptional it doesn't hurt that Wilkerson is joined by an all-star cast of supporting players including Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (of Jellyfish, Imperial Drag and Beck fame) on keyboards and backing vocals, guitarist Pat Buchanan (Hall & Oates, Cyndi Lauper, Don Henley), multi-instrumentalist Joe Siders (The New Pornographers) and many others. If Jellyfish had teamed with Burt Bacharach it might sound something like the infectious opener "Everybody Loves to Love." The propulsive "Enough For Somebody" is buoyant and exuberant, perfectly capturing the joy of youthful love. Backed only by a string section, Wilkerson's inviting vocals shine on the probing "Endless Haze"; the Beatlesque "When Your Number's Up" puts his masterful talents as songwriter on display. The shimmering "How She Lost My Heart," lofty "Carry The One" and baroque pop "Let It Go Tonight" are late disc standouts. Produced and engineered by bleu, and mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios in London, "Wilkerson" is an amazing debut. Information: spyderpop.com.

Artist: Lords of the New Church
Title: Lords of the New Church: Special Edition (Blixa Sounds Records)
You might like if you enjoy: X, The Dead Boys
Tell me more: More than 35 years after its original release in 1982, the reissued and expanded deluxe edition of the self-titled debut from Lords of the New Church connects with surprising sway. The band was a supergroup of sorts, teaming punk rock pioneers Stiv Bator (The Dead Boys), Brian James (The Damned), Dave Tregunna (Sham 69) and Nick Turner (The Barracudas). The band's collective pedigree wouldn't have meant much if the Lords of the New Church didn't rock with the authority and musical might so clearly showcased across the two-disc set. The songs here highlight the band's skills to blend ferocious early punk sensibilities with classic melodic songcraft; the anti-war "Russian Roulette," goth rocker "New Church" mesmerizing rocker "Open Your Eyes" and cowpunk-flavored "Li'l Boys Play With Dolls" showcase the range of the quartet. A second disc chronicles the band's blistering full-length live performance at My Father's Place in 1982. An illustrated 12-page booklet with revealing liner notes penned by Craig Rosen adds additional depth to the title. Information: Blixa.com.

Artist: Boz Scaggs
Title: Out of the Blues (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tinsley Ellis, Bon Scaggs
Tell me more: With his signature vocals at the helm, Box Scaggs delivers a great set of performances on the aptly-titled Out of the Blues. The self-produced collection features a mix of outstanding remakes as well as original compositions by songwriter and long-time friend Jack Walroth (including the great Chicago blues-styled "Radiator 110" and playful New Orleans rocker "Little Miss Night and Day," the latter co-penned with Scaggs). Perhaps the most affecting track on the top-tier set is a version of Neil Young's "On The Beach," the title track from Young's fifth solo album. When Scaggs sings "The world is turning / I hope it don't turn away" the listener can hear the pain and power in Scaggs' voice; the selection of this track may well have been influenced by the terrible fire that burned down the artist's home and all its contents in a massive wildfire that struck Napa, California in 2017. Scaggs has also assembled a number of famed studio pros to help bring heft to all blues-minded nine tracks — indeed drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, keyboardist Jim Cox, and guitar greats Doyle Bramhall II, Ray Parker Jr. and Charlie Sexton shine at every turn. Information: BozScaggs.com.

Artist: Erasure
Title: World Be Live (Mute Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Depeche Mode, Yaz
Tell me more: There was a time when live albums were seemingly a part of most established artists' discography. Listening to the terrific two-disc World Be Live from Erasure is to wish more popular artists would release concert recordings. The seminal synth pop duo Erasure (singer-songwriter Andy Bell and keyboardist Vince Clarke) is featured performing 24 tracks on the fast-moving release. World Be Live was recorded across two shows at the Event Apollo in London at the close of the group's sold-out UK World Be Gone tour. All the hits are too, and sound great. "Opening with "Oh L'Amour" and "Ship of Fools," fans are treated to favorites "Chains of Love," "Who Needs Love (Like That)," "Always," "Sometimes" and "A Little Respect" along the way. Erasure also digs deep into their catalog, performing tracks such as the lovely ballad "Mad As We Are," the catchy "Just a Little Love" from their 2017 "World Be Gone" album and even a rousing cover of Blondie's "Atomic." "World Be Live" is available in 2CD, triple vinyl and digital formats. Erasure is currently on tour and is scheduled to perform at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on Aug. 21, 24, 25, 26, and at Symphony Hall in San Diego on Aug. 22. Information: ErasureInfo.com.



Robert Kinsler

Concerts Aplenty: Psychedelic Furs, Thomas Dolby, Earth, Wind & Fire

Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs greets fans at Pacific
Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
(Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos, OC Fair & Event Center)

My schedule has been decidedly hectic for the past several weeks, so I haven't had time to check in and share news on a trio of noteworthy shows I've caught dating back to July 19.

Catching the Psychedelic Furs live has always been on my "bucket list" so I can report catching the band at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on July 19 was worth the wait. Lead singer Richard Butler proved to be an interesting and energetic frontman and some of his mannerisms reminded me of David Bowie. The six-member band delivered a mix of enduring hits ("Love My Way," "The Ghost in You," "Pretty in Pink," "Heartbreak Beat," "Heaven") and lesser-known gems. 

Cy Curnin of the Fixx performs at
Pacific Amphitheatre on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
(Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos, OC Fair & Event Center)

Two of my favorite other bands of the era also performed on the bill, including Los Angeles-spawned quartet X and alternative rockers the Fixx. I've seen X and the Fixx a number of times on previous occasions dating back to the 1980s and both bands continue to deliver powerful shows built around songs that stand the test of time. In particular Fixx classics such as "Saved by Zero," "Red Skies" and "Stand or Fall" rank among the best rockers of the 1980s.

All three bands were fantastic and this was truly a memorable night.


Make sure to check out writer George A. Paul's full-length review of that show here.

Thomas Dolby in concert and conversation at Largo at the Coronet.
Photo courtesy of Roland

Fast forward to July 25, 2018 and only my second-ever chance to catch groundbreaking English composer/singer-songwriter/keyboardist Thomas Dolby at Largo at the Coronet. 

This was an incredible two-part show where Dolby would have audience members reach into a hat and pull out small ping pong balls with the names of some of his most beloved material. Dolby would then tackle each of those songs, discussing the song and its creation and then performing the song solo. A very special night that included arresting versions of classic originals including "Hyperactive," "Europa and the Pirate Twins," "One Of Our Submarines" and "She Blinded Me With Science."

To read a full-length report on this special performance, see writer Donna Balancia's review on the California Rocker site here.

Earth, Wind & Fire performing at the Pacific Amphitheatre on
Friday, July 27, 2018.
Photo courtesy of the Orange County Fair.

Finally, last night (July 27, 2018I got to catch Earth, Wind & Fire at the Pacific Amphitheatre. While the audience seated around us was mostly awful (and generally far more interested in taking selfies, going on beer runs and chatting than listening to the group), the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers performed more than 90 minutes in a flawless performance. I am always astounded how original the group is, having masterfully forged a long list of hits with a blend of R&B, funk, soul, disco, rock, pop and Afro pop sounds. 

Opening with the infectious 1975 hit "Sing a Song," it was clear the dynamics of the popular track were enhanced by virtuoso skills of the 12 musicians on stage, including a great three-man horn section. Many other hits and deep cuts followed, including the aptly-titled "Shining Star," a stellar cover of the Beatles' "Got to Get You into my Life," the shimmering "Fantasy" (this writer's favorite track of the night), "September," "Boogie Wonderland" and many more.

The band still features three of its key members from its classic period including singer-percussionist Philip Bailey, percussionist Ralph Johnson and bassist Verdine White (sadly group founder Maurice White passed away in February 2016). Bailey's signature falsetto vocals continue to be a wonder, as evidenced by soaring performances of the ballads "Reasons" and "After the Love Has Gone." And there is simply no way to slow down Verdine White, who is one of the most fun musicians to watch as he bounds around the stage and works his bass guitar with an infectious passion.

Now, if only the magic of the band's performance could have cast a spell on the capacity crowd to connect with EW&F like our group did!

Robert Kinsler

21st Annual International Pop Overthrow (IPO) coming to Los Angeles, July 27 through August 5

International Pop Overthrow - better known as IPO - is back! The annual celebration of melodic rock, power pop and all round good music returns to the Southland this Friday, July 27, and continues through Aug. 5, 2018.

I've been out of town the better part of July, so I caught up with IPO founder and CEO David Bash via email and had him reflect on this year's highly-anticipated event, as well as the history of IPO...

Robert: Talk a little bit about what makes the 21st Annual IPO special? I saw, for instance, you have Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (a founding member of Jellyfish and the long-time keyboardist and backing vocalist for Beck) performing at a date in early August.

Chris Price / Photo: Kyle Safieh

David: Well yes, that's certainly one thing which makes it special, having Roger back for the first time since 2006!  He rarely plays, so I'm especially honored to have him.  Actually, the whole bill on August 3 is pretty amazing (that event at Molly Malone's also features Chris Price, Rob Bonfiglio, David Myhr and others)!  Of course, I think all the shows are great, and no, I'm not biased...It's also special because, at 21 years, we're finally legal.

Robert: How has the Power Pop/melodic rock scene changed over the years since your first IPO event?

David: It's certainly grown quite a bit since 1998, when we started IPO, as with the proliferation of ways to record at home, virtually anyone who wants to record an album has the ability to do so.  Of course, that means more music that's underpar, but also more music that's good...and I certainly accept that trade-off because my wife Rina and I are very diligent about separating the wheat from the chaff, doing copius research online to find the best pop artists we can, and invite them to play the festival.

Diamond Hands

Robert: Are there any certain artists that you have performing that are unique; maybe talk about the range of artists performing across the 10-day event this summer.

David: I don't know about unique, but I will say that the parameters of the festival have widened quite a bit since we began doing IPO.  While early on it was primarily a "power pop" festival, we now feature much more than that.  We have a nice cross-section of indie-rock, modern rock, psychedelic pop, folk-pop, singer/songwriters, etc...there's definitely something for everyone at IPO Los Angeles!  On the schedule page of our website, we have links to all the artists playing the festival, so feel free to check them out at https://internationalpopoverthrow.com/schedules/ipo-2018-schedules/los-angeles-2018/X

Robert: Thank you David!

Roger Joseph Manning Jr.

You can check out the IPO schedule at: https://internationalpopoverthrow.com/schedules/ipo-2018-schedules/los-angeles-2018/ 


Robert Kinsler

Legendary Artists Celebrated on New Collections

Some of music's most beloved and groundbreaking artists are celebrated on a number of new releases.

Artist: Thomas Dolby
Title: Hyperactive (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Thomas Dolby, Beck, David Bowie
Tell me more: As Thomas Dolby prepares to go on a rare tour this summer, fans of the groundbreaking English musician, producer, author and university professor are being rewarded with a two-disc audio CD collection Hyperactive. Casual fans may know Dolby best for his timeless hits "She Blinded Me With Science" and "Hyperactive" but this collection is sure to focus renewed light on Dolby's master strengths as a recording artist. The range of material on the essential set includes the buoyant "Hyperactive!", New Wave-flavored "Europa and the Pirate Twins," the lovely synthesizer foray "Valley of the Mind's Eye" and funky "Airhead — and that's just on the first disc. Moving on to disc two includes the bewitching "One of Our Submarines," the genre-defying "The Flat Earth," the soulful ballad "Beauty of a Dream," and melodic "Close But No Cigar." Dolby is going on a short summer tour (titled "An Evening of Music and Storytelling with Thomas Dolby") including a date at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles on July 25, an opening spot for Blondie at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on July 27, and a string of dates on the East Coast in late July and early August. The tour is sponsored in part by Roland Corp., manufacturer of the world's most iconic synthesizers, guitar pedals and drum machines. Information: ThomasDolby.com.

Artist: The Jayhawks
Title: Back Roads and Abandoned Motels (Legacy Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Jayhawks, Dawes
Tell me more: Fresh off their role backing legendary Ray Davies on his Our Country: Americana Act II, the Jayhawks have released their own brilliant masterwork titled Back Roads and Abandoned Motels. Anyone who has admired any of the Twin Cities-spawned troupe's previous albums issued across the past three decades will want to get a listen of this outstanding LP. The album opens with the Memphis-styled soul of "Come Cryin' to Me," featuring the shining vocals of band keyboardist Karen Grotberg (whose voice draws strong comparisons with Roseanne Cash). That song was co-penned by Jayhawks frontman Gary Louris and members of the Dixie Chicks and was first featured on Natalie Maines' 2013 release Mother — this version outdistances that recording in spades. The rest of the album is just strong, with band drummer Tim O'Reagan singing several tracks (including the acoustic-flavored "Long Time Ago") and Louris offering up his signature vocals across most of the disc. Outstanding song craft, lush vocal harmonies and creative arrangements are everywhere. The instantly-infectious alt-country rocker "Everybody Knows," melodic "Backwards Women," romantic "Need You Tonight" and acoustic nugget "Bird Never Flies" are among this writer's favorite songs on Back Roads and Abandoned Motels. As if the album wasn't impressive enough, all 11 tracks were recorded in just two sessions. Amazing. Information: jayhawksofficial.com.

Artist: Buddy Guy
Title: The Blues is Alive and Well (RCA)
You might like if you enjoy: Buddy Guy, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters
Tell me more: Buddy Guy has little left to prove. The celebrated bluesman — who will turn 82 in late July — has inspired and influenced everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck to the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton while in recent years thrilling large crowds while performing at high-profile festivals and sold-out venues around the globe. On Guy's terrific new album The Blues is Alive and Well, Guy is joined by a parade of legendary guests as he tears through a 15-track disc of inspired Chicago blues. What is especially impressive about the new disc is how even when joined by bona fide greats, Guy's infectious personality and stellar skills as vocalist and guitarist elevate everyone around him. Take the slow blues burner "Cognac" where guitar greats Keith Richards and Jeff Beck join Guy, the interplay of three fret masters serves the song and is allowed to play out even while Kevin McKendree's work on the piano also shines. On the acoustic "Blue No More," Guy and guest James Bay (adding guitar and vocals) offer up one of the most tender and traditional tracks on the disc. On "You Did the Crime," Mick Jagger adds to the proceedings with some masterful blues harmonica work. Other standouts include the speedy "Guilty As Charged," soulful "The Blues is Alive and Well" (featuring the artful work of the Muscle Shoals Horns section) and the infectious "Bad Day." Guy will headline at several venues in Southern California later this summer, including at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. Information: BuddyGuy.net.

Artist: Gene Clark
Title: Gene Clark Sings for You (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Byrds, Gram Parsons
Tell me more: Omnivore Recordings has recently released previously unheard post-Byrds recordings from Gene Clark. The good news for fans of the Byrds' early material as well as of Clark's solo work is this is an exciting new collection (Gene Clark Sings for You) that celebrates and expands the legacy of an important artist whose groundbreaking solo work was often overlooked in his lifetime (he died at the age of 46 in May 1991). Clark was the principal songwriter in the Byrds from 1964 to early 1966, writing classics such as "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better," "Set You Free This Time" and "She Don't Care About Time." Comprised of tracks recorded in 1967, Gene Clark Sings for You explore folk rock with beauty and insight. The opener "On Her Own" features Clark's signature vocal styling and taps into a wistful '60s sound. The follow-up "Past Tense" is even stronger, an upbeat folk rocker that captures the magic of his work with the Byrds but also foreshadows the alt-country movement of that latter part of the '60s and early '70s. Other nuggets on the album include the wistful "That's Alright by Me" and baroque-flavored "Down on the Pier." In addition to the eight actual tracks pulled from the "Gene Clark Sings for You" acetate in the aftermath of his departure from the Byrds, there are an additional five songs from another 1967 acetate given to the Rose Garden for that band's consideration (Omnivore have simultaneously released their 1968 album; it is reviewed later in this column). A final track, a lovely acoustic demo of "Till Today," features Clark running through the song for the Rose Garden. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: The Rose Garden
Title: A Trip Through the Garden: The Rose Garden Collection (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Gene Clark, the Hollies, Sonny & Cher
Tell me more: Just listening to the expanded reissue of the Rose Garden's eponymous album is to hear why the best music from the 1960s continues to resonant so strongly a half century later. A Trip Through the Garden: The Rose Garden Collection shines a bright light on the Rose Garden, a troupe best known for their hit single "Next Plane to London." The group's full talents are on display on the expansive 26-track collection issued earlier this summer. John Noreen's nuanced 12-track guitar adorns the pretty "I'm Only Second," while everywhere the lead vocals of Diana DeRose and James Groshong entice the listener. Beyond the sterling original material there are memorable covers of material by the celebrated likes of Gene Clark ("Long Time"), Neil Young ("Down to the Wire"), Bob Dylan ("She Belongs to Me") and the Byrds ("So You Want to be a Rock 'n' Roll Star"). There is also an outstanding 20-page, full illustrated booklet that further completes a complete re-introduction to the Los Angeles-spawned Rose Garden. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Styx
Title: The Mission — CD + Blu-ray (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Boston
Tell me more: When Styx released The Mission on June 16, 2017, few saw the album coming. The band's first new studio album in 14 years, The Mission was a creative and commercial triumph. Among the notable songs featured on "The Mission" are the rocking "Gone Gone Gone," expansive "Radio Silence" the Neo-classical "Khedive" and anthemic "The Outpost." Now, Styx has further rewarded rock fans with a deluxe two-disc edition that includes the album on audio CD and a second Blu-ray Disc loaded with essential content. Not only is listening to the immersive 5.1 Surround Sound mix a great experience, but there are stellar visualizations for each of the album's 14 songs based on the original album artwork. Among the bonus content on the Blu-ray Disc are music videos that add insight into the concept album and its creation. "Gone Gone Gone" is featured as both a concert-minded video and a secondary video created by NASA using the space agency's considerable resources, and a terrific live version of "Radio Silence" performed in Syracuse, NY.  Also included is "Making The Mission" where Tommy Shaw discusses the making of The Mission as a 5.1 mix (he even showcases some of the specific guitars he used on the album). Information: StyxWorld.com.



Robert Kinsler

Greta Van Fleet to perform new single on the 'Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'

Good news for fans of rockers Greta Van Fleet. The band is set to perform their new single "When the Curtain Falls" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday night, July 26. The episode airs on NBC-TV at 11:35 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time, and 10:35 p.m. Central Time.

This will mark the troupe's debut performance performing the track.

Go to GretaVanFleet.com for more details...

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds release the video for 'If Love is the Law’

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS 

RELEASE THE VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘IF LOVE IS THE LAW’ 

TRACK FEATURES GUEST PERFORMANCE FROM JOHNNY MARR

PART OF THEIR UPCOMING FILM 'STRANDED ON THE EARTH'

TAKEN FROM THE NUMBER 1 UK ALBUM ‘WHO BUILT THE MOON?’ 

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – ‘If Love Is The Law’

Track: https://NGHFB.lnk.to/ILITLstrm

Vinyl pre-order: https://NGHFB.lnk.to/ILITL12v

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uTVYefyPG0

Label: Sour Mash Records Ltd

 

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds release the video today for ‘If Love Is The Law’ – taken from the Number 1 UK album Who Built the Moon?.

 

The track features a guest performance from the legendary Johnny Marr on guitar and harmonica. The single is to be released digitally on August 17, 2018, and will be available on 12” vinyl on September 14.

The video for "If Love Is The Law" was directed by Mike Bruce, who shared, “‘If Love Is The Law’ is the fifth video of a sequence of seven music videos all of which comprise a chronological story line about two outlaws who meet and fall in love. As a whole the videos will eventually be released as a film entitled ‘Stranded On The Earth’ complete with dialog sequences and live performances. The concept came from a series of discussions I had with Noel over the course of a couple months leading up to the release of 'Who Built The Moon?'. When Noel sent me his new album I knew I wanted to do something out of the ordinary, something we’re not used to seeing in a music video format. ‘If Love Is The Law’ serves as both a video for the latest single from 'Who Built The Moon?' and as a trailer for the film and what’s to come.”

 

The vinyl features the album version of the single and an instrumental rendition, plus rare track ‘Alone On The Rope’ on the B side. Track listing is as follows:

 

A1. ‘If Love Is The Law’

A2. ‘If Love Is The Law’ (Instrumental)

B1. ‘Alone On The Rope’

 

Who Built the Moon?, the third album from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds released last year on Sour Mash Records, is gold certified and debuted at Number 1 in the UK – making it a hat trick of Number 1 solo records following 2011’s eponymous album and 2015’s Chasing Yesterday. This is also a record-breaking 10th consecutive chart-topping studio album for Noel – no other artist has a perfect streak of Number 1 studio albums in the UK as long as Noel.

 

Further details about Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds can be found at noelgallagher.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoelGallagher 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noelgallaghermusic 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themightyi/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NoelGallagherTV 

Tom Petty box set 'An American Treasure' to be released Sept. 28 on Reprise Records

Wow, can't wait for this! Make sure to revisit Also, while waiting for 'An American Treasure' to be released this fall, revisit Tom Petty's legacy via my review of one of his final concert performances. Click here to read my review of his September 21, 2017 Hollywood Bowl concert.

TOM PETTY BOX SET
AN AMERICAN TREASURE TO BE RELEASED SEPTEMBER 28
ON REPRISE RECORDS

60-TRACK SET INCLUDES DOZENS OF NEWLY
DISCOVERED RECORDINGS FROM TOM PETTY’S VAULTS

VIDEO FOR PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED 1982 SONG
 “KEEP A LITTLE SOUL” PREMIERES

Album artwork by Shepard Fairey

On September 28, Reprise Records will release An American Treasure—a career-spanning Tom Petty box set. The 60-track set unveils dozens of previously unreleased recordings, alternate versions of classic songs, rarities, historic live performances and deep tracks that spotlight Tom’s remarkable depth and evolution as a revered and tremendously influential songwriter, recording artist and performer. An American Treasure marks the first release of Tom Petty music since the artist’s tragic passing in October 2017.

The first single from An American Treasure is “Keep A Little Soul”—a previously unreleased recording from 1982 sessions that resulted in Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ classic album, Long After Dark. Watch the video featuring rare never-before-seen footage of the band here. The song is also available today with box set pre-order here. To add to the celebration of this announcement, a newly redesigned website at www.TomPetty.com has been launched.

Tom’s daughter, Adria Petty, and his wife, Dana Petty, were the primary catalysts for the commission, creation and release of An American Treasure­—a tribute and love letter pointing to the music in between the hits, and a strong musical portrait of the person they know in their hearts. Adria and Dana both serve as the project’s Executive Producers, and, together with Tom’s bandmates of 45 years, Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench, and his studio collaborator, Ryan Ulyate, curated the box set’s track list from Petty’s rich song catalog. Campbell, Tench and Ulyate also produced An American Treasure.

The creation of An American Treasure was a true labor of love, as Adria Petty and Dana Petty explain, “Everyone involved in this project chose each track with tremendous care and deep respect for the body of work Tom Petty created over the course of 40 years.  He also accumulated a wealth of unreleased music in his vaults, and we have collectively uncovered one gem after another that will keep us all listening and discovering new facets of Tom’s talent for many years to come.  We can’t wait to share with Tom’s fans this musical portrait of an artist who deeply affected our culture and indelibly touched the lives of fans the world over.”

The custom cover artwork for An American Treasure was created by prominent American artist
Shepard Fairey from an image of Petty by renowned photographer Mark Seliger.

An American Treasure will be released in multiple formats: 

An American Treasure: Deluxe Edition—A 4-CD set that features all 60 tracks, plus a 52-page booklet with rare and previously unseen photographs of Tom, his bandmates, family and friends. The booklet also features detailed track-by-track liner notes by noted journalist and Tom Petty aficionado Bud Scoppa, who drew upon his previous interviews with Tom and new conversations with Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench and Ryan Ulyate, as well as Adria and Dana Petty. 

An American Treasure: Super Deluxe Limited Edition—A 4-CD set that features all 60 tracks and an 84-page hardbound book expanded from the Deluxe Edition to include many additional photographs and an essay by renowned author Nicholas Dawidoff – written especially for An American Treasure – that speaks to Tom Petty’s presence in our lives and influence on our culture for more than 40 years.  This special package also includes a newly-created lithograph of Shepard Fairey’s cover artwork, as well as custom reproductions of Tom Petty’s handwritten lyrics to four songs featured in this collection and a numbered certificate of authenticity.

An American Treasure: Vinyl Edition—A 6-LP set that features all 60 tracks and a 48-page booklet containing all of the photographic and editorial elements found in the CD Deluxe Edition.  This set also includes the Nicholas Dawidoff essay.  This special Vinyl Edition will be released on Friday, November 23, but is available for pre-order now.

An American Treasure: Standard Edition—A 2-CD set that features 26 career spanning tracks chosen from the Deluxe editions, as well as Bud Scoppa’s detailed track-by-track.

All newly released recordings on An American Treasure have been mixed by Ryan Ulyate from pristine transfers of the original studio multitrack masters. All 60 recordings have been re-mastered for this collection by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering.

AN AMERICAN TREASURE TRACK LISTING (4-CD Editions):

CD 1

1	Surrender	Previously unreleased track from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers sessions—1976
2	Listen To Her Heart	Live at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA—November 11, 1977
3	Anything That’s Rock ‘N’ Roll	Live at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA—November 11, 1977
4	When The Time Comes	Album track from You’re Gonna Get It!—May 2, 1978
5	You’re Gonna Get It	Alternate version featuring strings from You’re Gonna Get It! sessions—1978
6	Radio Promotion Spot	1977
7	Rockin’ Around (With You)	Album track from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers —November 9, 1976
8	Fooled Again (I Don’t Like It)	Alternate version from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers—1976
9	Breakdown	Live at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA—November 11, 1977
10	The Wild One, Forever	Album track from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers—November 9, 1976
11	No Second Thoughts	Album track from You’re Gonna Get It!—May 2, 1978
12	Here Comes My Girl	Alternate version from Damn The Torpedoes sessions—1979
13	What Are You Doing In My Life	Alternate version from Damn The Torpedoes sessions—1979
14	Louisiana Rain	Alternate version from Damn The Torpedoes sessions—1979
15	Lost In Your Eyes	Previously unreleased single from Mudcrutch sessions—1974

CD 2

1	Keep A Little Soul	Previously unreleased track from Long After Dark sessions—1982
2	Even The Losers	Live at Rochester Community War Memorial, Rochester, NY—1989
3	Keeping Me Alive	Previously unreleased track from Long After Dark sessions—1982
4	Don’t Treat Me Like A Stranger	B-side to UK single of “I Won’t Back Down”—April, 1989
5	The Apartment Song	Demo recording (with Stevie Nicks)—1984
6	Concert Intro	Live introduction by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, The Forum, Inglewood, CA—June 28, 1981
7	King’s Road	Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA—June 28, 1981
8	Clear The Aisles	Live concert announcement by Tom Petty, The Forum, Inglewood, CA—June 28, 1981
9	A Woman In Love (It’s Not Me)	Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA—June 28, 1981
10	Straight Into Darkness	Alternate version from The Record Plant, Hollywood, CA—May 5, 1982
11	You Can Still Change Your Mind	Album track from Hard Promises—May 5, 1981
12	Rebels	Alternate version from Southern Accents sessions—1985
13	Deliver Me	Alternate version from Long After Dark sessions—1982
14	Alright For Now	Album track from Full Moon Fever—April 24, 1989
15	The Damage You’ve Done	Alternate version from Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough) sessions—1987
16	The Best Of Everything	Alternate version from Southern Accents sessions—March 26, 1985
17	Walkin’ From The Fire	Previously unreleased track from Southern Accents sessions—March 1, 1984
18	King Of The Hill	Early take (with Roger McGuinn)—November 23, 1987

CD 3

1	I Won’t Back Down	Live at The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA—February 4, 1997
2	Gainesville	Previously unreleased track from Echo sessions—February 12, 1998
3	You And I Will Meet Again	Album track from Into The Great Wide Open—July 2, 1991
4	Into The Great Wide Open	Live at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena—November 24, 1991
5	Two Gunslingers	Live at The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY—May 25, 2013
6	Lonesome Dave	Previously unreleased track from Wildflowers sessions—July 23, 1993
7	To Find A Friend	Album track from Wildflowers—November 1, 1994
8	Crawling Back To You	Album track from Wildflowers—November 1, 1994
9	Wake Up Time	Previously unreleased track from early Wildflowers sessions—August 12, 1992
10	Grew Up Fast	Album track from Songs and Music from “She’s the One”—August 6, 1996
11	I Don’t Belong	Previously unreleased track from Echo sessions—December 3, 1998
12	Accused Of Love	Album track from Echo—April 13, 1999
13	Lonesome Sundown	Album track from Echo—April 13, 1999
14	Don’t Fade On Me	Previously unreleased track from Wildflowers—sessions—April 20, 1994

CD 4

1	You And Me	Clubhouse version—November 9, 2007
2	Have Love Will Travel	Album track from The Last DJ—October 8, 2002
3	Money Becomes King	Album track from The Last DJ—October 8, 2002
4	Bus To Tampa Bay	Previously unreleased track from Hypnotic Eye sessions—August 11, 2011
5	Saving Grace	Live at Malibu Performing Arts Center, Malibu, CA—June 16, 2006
6	Down South	Album track from Highway Companion—July 25, 2006
7	Southern Accents	Live at Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL—September 21, 2006
8	Insider	Live (with Stevie Nicks) at O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL—September 21, 2006
9	Two Men Talking	Previously unreleased track from Hypnotic Eye sessions—November 16, 2012
10	Fault Lines	Album track from Hypnotic Eye—July 29, 2014
11	Sins Of My Youth	Early take from Hypnotic Eye sessions—November 12, 2012
12	Good Enough	Alternate version from Mojo sessions—2012
13	Something Good Coming	Album track from Mojo—July 15, 2010
14	Save Your Water	Album track from Mudcrutch 2—May 20, 2016
15	Like A Diamond	Alternate version from The Last DJ sessions—2002
16	Hungry No More	Live at House of Blues, Boston, MA—June 15, 2016