R.E.M.'s long out-of-print albums 'Around the Sun' and 'Collapse Into Now' available on vinyl

The recent release of R.E.M.'s long out-of-print titles Around the Sun (2004) and Collapse Into Now (2011) on vinyl by Craft Recordings is the perfect opportunity to rediscover two outstanding full-length classics from the beloved Athens, Georgia-spawned band's second half of their incredible career.

Both casual and hardcore fans of R.E.M. will appreciate how amazing the albums sound (both albums were cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio and were pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Memphis Records Pressing). Additionally, vinyl aficionados can find limited editions exclusively at REMHQ.com; the 2-LP Around the Sun is available on an Opaque White color variant, while the 1-LP Collapse Into Now can be found in Milky Clear vinyl. Other exclusive official merchandise is also available on the website.

Following the release of their acclaimed albums Up (1998) and Reveal (2001), R.E.M.'s 13th LP Around the Sun was released in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and the Iraq War; the 13-track album finds R.E.M. (singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Rieflin) tackling a troubled world with musical and literate depth. The album shines via the glorious opener "Leaving New York" (the single is bolstered by a sumptuous chorus), ambitious electronica-tinged "Electron Blue," wistful piano-anchored "Make It All Okay," luxurious "I Wanted To Be Wrong," soaring "Wanderlust" and longing "Around the Sun." Around the Sun topped the album charts in the UK, Sweden and Germany, among other territories, and landed at No. 13 on the Billboard 200.

Following the release of their 14th album Accelerate in 2008, the members of R.E.M. collectively decided to record their final album, Collapse Into Now. Produced by Jacknife Lee (The Cars, U2, Snow Patrol), the album was recorded between November 2009 and September 2010 in Berlin, New Orleans and Nashville. At the time of its release, Mills noted: "It's more of a personal record than a political one. Current events do come into our mind when we write, but the themes here are more universal." The purposeful track listing opens with the confessional rocker "Discoverer," one of Stipe's only autobiographical songs (the track includes guest vocals from Patti Smith). Early highlights abound on the 12-track masterwork; my favorites include the propulsive rocker "All The Best" (whose lyrics foreshadow R.E.M. disbanding in September 2011), the undeniably ravishing “Überlin,” and driving melody-showered gem "It Happened Today" featuring guest vocals by Eddie Vedder and The Hidden Cameras' Joel Gibb. Standouts on the last half of the album include the speedy "Mine Smell Like Honey," freewheeling rocker "Alligator_Aviator_Autopilot_Antimatter," and alluring "Me, Marlon Brando, Marlon Brando and I." 

Robert Kinsler

Reckless Kelly's 'Under the Table & Above the Sun' to be released on vinyl by Craft Recordings

RECKLESS KELLY’S UNDER THE TABLE & ABOVE THE SUN DEBUTS ON VINYL,  AS CRAFT RECORDINGS CELEBRATES THE ACCLAIMED ALBUM’S 20^TH ANNIVERSARY

 

The GRAMMY®-winning country rockers’ third studio album

features the fan-favorites “Nobody’s Girl” and “Vancouver”

 

 

 

Los Angeles, CA (July 26, 2023) – Craft Recordings celebrates the 20^th anniversary of Reckless Kelly’s acclaimed LP Under the Table & Above the Sun with its first-ever vinyl pressing. The GRAMMY-winning country rockers’ third studio album and first release under Sugar Hill Records, Under the Table & Above the Sun features the fan-favorites “Nobody’s Girl” and “Vancouver.” Out September 8^th and available for pre-order today, the LP edition features lacquers cut by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl. Additionally, Under the Table & Above the Sun will make its debut on hi-res audio (192/24) and fans can visit the band’s official website for an exclusive pressing on tan-colored vinyl.

 

Formed by brothers Willy and Cody Braun in 1996, Reckless Kelly was born out of family tradition. Raised in central Idaho, Willy, Cody, and their younger brothers came from a long line of musical talent. Their grandfather, Eustaceus “Mustie” Braun was a keyboardist who built a name for himself playing the ’50s casino circuit in Nevada and Idaho. A generation later, his sons Muzzie, Gary, and Billy formed the Braun Brothers. Muzzie, in turn, passed his love of music to his sons, Willy, Cody, Gary, and Micky. As children, the Brauns performed with their dad in a Western swing band, gaining national attention as Muzzie Braun & the Little Braun Brothers (later Muzzie Braun & the Boys). During those formative years, they performed twice on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and shared the stage with such legends as Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard.

 

By the mid-’90s, however, elder brothers Willy (vocals/guitar) and Cody (vocals, fiddle, mandolin/harmonica) were eager to forge their own path and relocated to Austin, TX. Borrowing their name from Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, the Brauns, along with drummer Jay Nazz, bassist Chris Schelske, and guitarist Casey Pollock (later replaced by David Abeyta), assembled the band. Before long, Reckless Kelly’s modern blend of country, pop, roots, and rock helped them gain a foothold in the city’s Sixth Street scene. They also earned the respect of their musical heroes, including Texas icons Joe Ely and Robert Earl Keen (the latter of whom became their first manager).

 

After two studio LPs (1998’s Millican and 2000’s The Day) and a live album, Reckless Kelly caught the attention of celebrated Americana label Sugar Hill Records. In December 2002, they settled into a Tennessee studio to record their third album with producer and hit singer-songwriter, Ray Kennedy(Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams). Showcasing the breadth of the group’s talents through 12 original songs, the album spanned a variety of moods – from reflective, mid-tempo balladry (“Vancouver,” “Everybody,” “Desolation Angels”) and foot-stomping rockers (“Nobody’s Girl,” “Mersey Beat”) to hook-filled, pop-forward tracks like “Let’s Just Fall” and “I Saw It Coming.” 

 

Released in May 2003, Under the Table & Above the Sun received a warm welcome. AllMusic praised, “The whole thing pulls you along happily, with a feeling very much like that of riding through rugged, beautiful countryside in a nice car. Highly recommended.” The Austin Chronicle hailed the band’s “mature and serious” songwriting, while No Depression declared, “It’s just good country rock without schlock and gloss.” Fans agreed, as Under the Table & Above the Sun marked the band’s first entry into Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart, hitting number 67.  This led the way for a slew of best-selling titles to follow.

 

Under the Table & Above the Sun marked a new chapter for the band. Lead vocalist Willy Braun shares, “It was our first album with David Abeyta on lead guitar, first record for the Sugar Hill, and first collaboration with producer Ray Kennedy, who encouraged me to write at least twice as many songs as we needed. The songs were better; the band was tighter. It was our first ‘grown-up’ record. This album felt like we had learned who we were as a band. Looking back, after twenty years, there’s not much I would change about this album, and I hope it holds up in the eyes and ears of the fans as much as it does for the band and myself. I hope we all still feel the same in another twenty years."

 

In the two decades following Under the Table & Above the Sun, Reckless Kelly has released seven studio albums – including Wicked Twisted Road(2005), Bulletproof (2008), and the GRAMMY-winning Long Night Moon (2013) – plus the popular 2006 live CD/DVD, Reckless Kelly Was Here. In 2020, the band released their latest album, American Jackpot/American Girls. In addition to regular tours across the country, fans can catch Reckless Kelly at their annual Braun Brothers Reunion festival in Challis, Idaho.

 

Click here to pre-order Under the Table & Above the Sun

 

Under the Table & Above the Sun Tracklist (Vinyl)

 

Side A:

1. Let’s Just Fall
2. Nobody’s Girl
3. Desolation Angels
4. Everybody
5. I Saw It Coming
6. Vancouver

 

Side B:

1. Willamina
2. Mersey Beat
3. Set Me Free
4. Snowfall
5. You Don’t Want Me Around
6. May Peace Find You Tonight

 

 

About Craft Recordings:

Craft Recordings is home to one of the largest and most essential collections of master recordings and compositions in the world. Its storied repertoire includes landmark releases from icons such as Joan Baez, John Coltrane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Celia Cruz, Miles Davis, Isaac Hayes, John Lee Hooker, Little Richard, R.E.M., Joan Sebastian, and Traveling Wilburys. Plus, the catalog recordings of celebrated contemporary acts including A Day to Remember, Evanescence, Alison Krauss, Nine Inch Nails, Taking Back Sunday and Violent Femmes, to name just a few. Renowned imprints with catalogs issued under the Craft banner include Fania, Fantasy, Fearless, Musart, Nitro, Panart, Prestige, Riverside, Rounder, Specialty, Stax, Vanguard, Varèse Sarabande, Vee-Jay and Victory, among many others. Craft creates thoughtfully curated packages, with a meticulous devotion to quality and a commitment to preservation—ensuring that these recordings endure for new generations to discover. Craft is also home to the Billie Holiday and Tammy Wynette estates which preserve and protect their respective names, likeness and music through day-to-day legacy management of these cultural trailblazers. 

 

Craft Recordings is the catalog label team for Concord. For more info, visit CraftRecordings.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

  

Wild Honey Foundation presents world premiere of 'Unforgettable Sunrise,' symphonic collaborated oration of Jacob Rock and Rob Laufer – a benefit for autism research

The Wild Honey Foundation is set to present the world premiere of "Unforgettable Sunrise," a new symphonic work. The details on this exciting charity benefit-related premiere are below...Robert Kinsler

WILD HONEY FOUNDATION PRESENTS  THE WORLD PREMIERE OF UNFORGETTABLE SUNRISE, A SYMPHONIC COLLABORATION BY JACOB ROCK & ROB LAUFER

Conducted by Daniel Newman-Lessler and Performed by 54 Students from the USC Thornton School of Music A Benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative,  Saturday, September 30th, 8 p.m. at Alex Theatre, Glendale, Calif. Wild Honey Foundation known for acclaimed all-star tributes to Beatles, Beach Boys, Big Star, Buffalo Springfield, The Band, Kinks, Lovin’ Spoonful, and Nuggets.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Unforgettable Sunrise chronicles the remarkable journey of Jacob Rock, a non-verbal autistic teenager, from being unable to convey his autism-related physical pain, ability to read and write, or the amazing whirlwind of creativity in his “camera-like” brain to ultimately gaining a hard-earned ability to vividly type out his thoughts and feelings with his index finger on an iPad, thus allowing him unleash his emotions, intelligence, and creativity on an unsuspecting world. In the great tradition of Wild Honey’s creative north star, Beach Boy Brian Wilson, “Unforgettable Sunrise” is an eclectic, playful, adventurous, and intensely emotional work.   Conducted by the acclaimed Daniel Newman-Lesslerhttps://www.danielnewmanlessler.com/, Unforgettable Sunrise is a kaleidoscopic 70-minute musical journey that often recalls symphonic Frank Zappa, Gershwin, Copland, Bach, and more, but vividly expresses the unique musical vision of its creators: Jacob Rock (age 19), and Wild Honey musical director Rob Laufer, an acclaimed singer/songwriter, producer, and band leader.  https://www.roblaufermusic.com/ Here is a link to an audio sample of Unforgettable Sunrise: https://soundcloud.com/gorky15/unforgettable-sunrise-sampler BACK STORY: For most his 19 years, Jacob Rock, diagnosed with severe autism at age three, has only been able to roughly verbalize the words “yes” and “eat.” His crippling inability to communicate spawned bouts of violent, often bloody, and increasingly compulsive self-injury.   In 2020, a breakthrough with an iPad typing app enabled Jacob to begin communicating with his index finger, to his family – and to the world. He immediately declared that he wanted to be called Jacob, not Jake. Soon, he began writing smart, compassionate poems, literate movie reviews, and expressing fierce political idealism. Through his dad-held iPad, Jacob has revealed an intellectual enthusiasm beyond anyone’s wildest hopes or expectations. Then, six months after communicating via iPad, a bombshell: the Brian Wilson/Bob Dylan-loving Jacob casually revealed that he had just finished composing a 71-minute symphony in his head, but he would need help extracting it. In the following weeks, Jacob typed out a detailed description of his musical vision. It was a roadmap, consisting of six movements showing, moment by moment, tempo, mood, main instruments, sense of story, and the intended emotional impact. An example: “The violins are demanding sleep and the horns are demanding pain. They battle for three minutes of call and response until the horns realize that they are defeated.” Jacob’s vision has found its perfect collaborator in family friend and Wild Honey Foundation Musical Director Rob Laufer. Following Jacob’s notes, Rob created the score to Jacob’s spec. In Rob’s words: “I compose music that Jacob feels is close enough to what he is hearing, that fulfills his vision. He will let me know immediately if I play him a new section that doesn’t work for him. He gives me instructions on how to expand or improve certain sections.  He has nixed entire sections. I have never disagreed with his judgment. It’s always completely grounded and guided by the clarity of his artistic vision. When I get it right, Jacob’s face practically explodes with joy.  It is something to behold.” Upon hearing the third movement brought to life, Jacob typed ‘I want to cry because it is so perfect. I love that Rob can read my mind.’”   Tickets to the orchestral premiere performance of Unforgettable Sunriseavailable at http://www.alextheatre.org     About the Wild Honey Foundation: Since 1994, Wild Honey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, has produced concerts, film screenings, online fundraisers, and live stream events to benefit autism treatment/research and a variety of important progressive causes. Led by Paul Rock, David Jenkins, and Andrew Sandoval, Wild Honey is a grass roots, volunteer organization dedicated to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, rhythm & blues, folk, classical, and pop music to future generations through cultural events of all types. Wild Honey has produced a string of sold-out all-star autism benefit shows since 2013, featuring the music of the Beatles, Beach Boys, Kinks, Buffalo Springfield, The Band, Big Star, and the Lovin’ Spoonful. Its most recent tribute show was in May 2023 devoted to Lenny Kaye’s legendary Nuggets garage-rock compilation, the event declared by Varietyas one of the “top 10 concerts of the year (so far).” Featuring its non-verbal autistic visionary as co-creator, Unforgettable Sunrise is Wild Honey’s initial foray into classical music.  For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/WIldhoneyfoundation/ Photos below:  Jacob Rock;  Jacob Rock working with Rob Laufer

New Music: Joni Mitchell, Blur, Greta Van Fleet, Arthur Alexander

Discerning music fans are in luck! Legendary songstress Joni Mitchell, Britpop pioneers Blur, rising hard rock greats Greta Van Fleet and celebrated singer-songwriter Arthur Alexander have returned with highly-anticipated new albums.

Artist: Joni Mitchell
Title: Joni Mitchell At Newport — Featuring the Joni Jam (Rhino Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Dawes
Tell me more: On July 24, 2022, Joni Mitchell surprised the Newport Folk Festival audience when she gave a surprise performance, her first in 20 years; that appearance also marked the singer-songwriter's return to the Newport stage for the first time since 1969! Now that already-legendary appearance will be released by Rhino Records as a live album on Friday, July 28, 2023 (Joni Mitchell At Newport — Featuring the Joni Jam). Supported by an illustrious group of guest musicians, Mitchell — who had suffered a brain aneurysm rupture in March 2015 and had been undergoing physical therapy and rehabilitation leading up to her 2022 performance — participated in a set of her own material and covers. The audio recording captured as part of a set billed as "Brandi Carlile and Friends" a year ago is poignant and historic. From Brandi Carlile's heartfelt introduction and the rousing opener "Big Yellow Taxi" to the joyful close (the inviting sing-along "The Circle Game"), the magic on the recording is genuinely palpable. A melancholic take on "Both Sides Now," stunning piano-anchored "A Case of You," the electric guitar-anchored instrumental "Just Like This Train" featuring Mitchell's distinctive fret work and literate "Amelia" (the latter featuring vocal interplay with Dawes singer Taylor Goldsmith) are early highlights on the title. Other standouts including the buoyant "Carey," luxurious "Come In From The Cold" and moving "Shine."  Among the guests who appear on the live recording with Mitchell include guitarist Tim Hanseroth (guitar, dulcimer), Celisse (guitar, vocals), Ben Lusher (piano), Marcus Mumford (percussion, vocals) and Rick Whitfield (guitar). Co-produced by Carlile and Mitchell, Joni Mitchell At Newport will be released on audio CD, 2-LP black vinyl, on digital and streaming services as well as Dolby Atmos on July 28. Information: JoniMitchell.com.

Artist: Blur
Title: The Ballad of Darren (Warner Records/Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Beck, David Bowie
Tell me more: The Ballad of Darren is the ninth studio album from Blur, and marks the Britpop favorite's first new studio album since 2015's The Magic Whip. The new album finds the English outfit (singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree) using stellar songcraft as they explore midlife with incredible depth and confessional candor. The diverse track listing is filled with originals that entice with a single listen; the inclusion of experimental touches layered atop melodic rock works its wonders magically on the disc. The reflective opener "The Ballad," infectious "The Narcissist" with its explosive finale, edgy "St. Charles Square," wistful "Russian Strings," Baroque pop sortie "The Everglades (For Leonard)" and melancholy-draped "The Heights" are among the amazing songs on this eagerly-awaited return. The Ballad of Darren is available on streaming services, as well as via audio CD and vinyl. Blur will also perform The Ballad of Darren in its entirety via a global livestream event on Tuesday, July 25. Information: blur.co.uk.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet
Title: Starcatcher (Lave Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Heart
Tell me more: Listening to Greta Van Fleet's third album Starcatcher is to hear how a talented young quartet from Frankenmuth, Michigan have rekindled and captured the magic of '70s rock with an otherworldly and masterful touch. The new 10-track album Starcatcher provides a joyful listen while the outfit explores the duality of fantasy versus reality and the dramatic divide between light and darkness. "We wanted to introduce characters and motifs and these ideas that would come about here and there throughout our careers through this world," notes band drummer Danny Wagner in press notes related to the album's release on July 21. Singer Josh Kiszka has a distinctive tenor able to reach incredible heights while also bringing an ardent vocal artistry only enhanced by the collective virtuoso chops of guitarist Jake Kiszka, bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka and Wagner. The acoustic power ballad "Farewell For Now," the fiery rocker "The Falling Sky," soaring "Sacred The Thread," riff rocker "Frozen Light" and ambitious "Meeting The Master" are among the great cuts on the album. Recorded at RCA Studios in Nashville, Greta Van Fleet utilized a large recording room to capture the pure energy of their concert performances. Information: gretavanfleet.com.

Artist: Arthur Alexander
Title: One Life (Is All You Got) (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Knack, Cheap Trick, Sorrows
Tell me more: Steppin' Out! marks the glorious return of singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Arthur Alexander, a true musical great who got his start as a "rebel rocker in Soviet-era Poland" before helping elevate power pop in New York City as a member of Sorrows and the Poppees. Steppin' Out! is a joyful listen across its 13 tracks, somehow capturing elements of pop and rock greats from the '60s, '70s and '80s and using those elements to forge Alexander's own signature sound. The album opens with the hard charging single "Woman," a 2 and a half minute blast that blends the best of '60s garage rock and Cheap Trick-styled power pop. The album's strengths continue via a decidedly far-flung mix of great songs; the lovely "It's Not Love Anymore #2" mines '60s rock while showcasing Alexander's original voice as a singer and songwriter — that track is bolstered by Brian Connie's sharp harmonica work and how that plays out amidst the dazzling guitar work of Kevin Keller and Alexander. The modern rocker "(She's A) Red Hot Lover," bewitching "Ashes," crunchy "Why Can't You Come," synth pop gem "A Little Too Much," shimmering "Silver Cloud" and melodic folk rocker "Fly Away" are among the many other fantastic songs on the 13-track album. The album is available on vinyl (in separate black and red versions), as well as via audio CD and on all streaming services. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: George Benson, The Parlophonics, Dan Kibler

In this column, I feature reviews of three wonderful new releases.

Artist: George Benson

Title: Live at Montreux 1986 (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: George Benson, Jeffrey Osbourne

Tell me more: A frequent performer at the Montreux Jazz Festival (held every July in Switzerland), George Benson performed a particularly special set in the summer of 1986; indeed the celebrated artist selected this concert as the first of his Montreux performances to be released as a commercial live set. While the performance was released on DVD in 2005, Mercury Studios' newly-issued Live at Montreux 1986 marks the first time the audio-only portion has been available; the DVD+2CD title is an exciting celebration of Benson's astounding talents as singer, guitar virtuoso and band leader.  Blending jazz, pop, soul and R&B during the fast-moving performance, Benson's incredible vocals and lead guitar work impress across the concert recording. While songs such as "Feel Like Making Love," "The Greatest Love of All" and "Turn Your Love Around" focus on his amazing talents as an R&B singer, an equal number of other selections — including the instrumental "Off Broadway," "Love X Love," "Weekend in L.A." and "Affirmation" — demonstrate Benson's incredible artistry as a guitar master. Other highlights include "Love Ballad" showcasing his scat vocals, "My Latin Brother" featuring some notable flamenco-meets-jazz fret work, the dance-fueled "20/20" and an extended version of his timeless hit "On Broadway."  Live at Montreux 1986 is a marvelous performance to be sure, with the Pittsburgh native performing a mix of hits and deep cuts before an enthusiastic audience. Information: amazon.com.

Artist: The Parlophonics

Title: Dying of the Light (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, The Beatles, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Tears For Fears, Blur

Tell me more: It's hard to believe, but The Parlophonics' wonderful new album Dying of the Light was recorded without the benefit of Dresden, Germany-based Robert Horvath (guitars, bass), North Hollywood-based Fernando Perdomo (guitars, drums) and London resident Hugh Macdonald (lead vocals) ever working together in the same studio! The three artists came together virtually during the global pandemic to release their 2021 debut A Day In The Life, an effort that set the stage for their new Kool Kat label debut; the new title features the contributions of singer Marcella Detroit as well as original Wings drummer Denny Seiwell, Rudy Fantin (Hammond organ) and Max Tovstyi (bass). The brilliant Dying of the Light recalls melody-minded greats from the 1960s and early '70s to be sure, with fans of The Beatles, The Hollies and Raspberries sure to dig the marvelous 11-track disc. The hypnotic opener "Fill My Sky," buoyant "Reading Kerouac" (the latter my favorite song on the album), introspective folk rock-flavored "Believe in Something" and Beatlesque harmonies-adorned title track are early gems on the masterwork. The magic continues via standouts like the mood-swept "Underneath the Blue Sky," the sumptuous "Only A Lie," beautiful "Paper Smile" and breezy "These Days." In addition to the wealth of potent original songs showcased on the album, the band offers up their affecting take on Badfinger's "Song for a Lost Friend." What's more, the Parlophonics even commissioned the legendary Klaus Voormann (best known for his iconic Beatles' Revolver LP cover) to create the compelling album cover. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Artist: Dan Kibler

Title: Idiomatic (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: BoDeans, Tom Petty, Psychic Rain

Tell me more: Dan Kibler took a decidedly unique approach when he began working on Idiomatic in early 2019 — just prior to the arrival of the pandemic. He recruited Michael Giblin (The Split Squad, Parallax Project) as engineer, mixer and bassist; he also enlisted Tom Kristich of The Jellybricks to play drums. The approach in recording the album involved the band arriving at the studio without having heard the songs they would work on that day. Kibler would introduce the song to the musicians by playing the original on his acoustic guitar for them, and from there they would begin to play and collaborate on the finished arrangement before the track was recorded. This process was repeated for all 10 songs on Idiomatic. The winning approach taken by Kibler and company resounds strongly across the disc. The rollicking "This World," melodic folk rocker "Rail Me Down," rousing "Don't Go For The Money," infectious "Mystery Girl," driving power pop gem "Fear What You Know" and luxurious "Words" are among the infectious and stellar songs on Idiomatic. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: The Alarm, Love and Rockets, The Baseball Project, Parallax Project

A marvelous return from the Alarm, a collection of rare recordings from Love and Rockets, and a new album from The Baseball Project are available now.

Artist: The Alarm

Title: Forwards (Twenty First Century Recording Company)

You might like if you enjoy: The Alarm, U2, Big Country, The Poppy Fields

Tell me more: Listening to Mike Peters' genuinely inspired and hopeful songs that soar across the Alarm's wonderful new album Forwards is to be filled with faith that each of us has worth and an inner strength to overcome any challenges that come our way. The anthemic rocker "Another Way" rings true as Peters sings: "Have you heard the news that it's all over/Have you heard them say, there's no way out of here? I don't believe it, there's always another way." Although Peters' first battled lymph cancer in the mid-1990s and more recently beginning in late 2022, the 64-year-old Wales-based artist sounds as amazing as ever. The majority of songs on Forwards were written by Peters in the hospital while he was undergoing chemo and battling cancer. On the gorgeous "Love and Forgiveness" he poignantly sings "I'm a man who's lost control of all that he owns/are you going to give me love and forgiveness?" The propulsive post-punk rocker "Next" reinforces Peters' survival mindset and his palpable joy at embracing life; "All the clocks are set to zero, now's the time to run/I hear the crack of the starting gun and I'm ready for what's next." Other great tracks on the album include the driving title track, the confessional "The Returning," survival-themed "Transition" and fiery "Love Disappearing." Peters (guitar, lead vocals, harmonica), James Stevenson (guitar, backing vocals), Jules Jones Peters (piano, organ, strings, backing vocals) and Smiley (drums, percussion, backing vocals) have created a masterful album that is a welcome and marvelous addition to the Alarm's terrific discography. Information: TheAlarm.com.

Artist: Love and Rockets

Title: My Dark Twin (Beggars Banquet)

You might like if you enjoy: Love and Rockets, Bauhaus, The Cure, Tones on Tail

Tell me more: Since Love and Rockets announced their reunion to perform at the Cruel World Festival in Pasadena on May 20, 2023, there has been renewed interest in the English rock band formed in 1985 by former Bauhaus members Daniel Ash (vocals, guitar, organ), David J (vocals, bass, keyboards) and Kevin Haskins (drums, programming, backing vocals, sound effects). Now lovers of the group's groundbreaking alternative rock can get take a deep dive into the band's rich history via the 2CD set My Dark Twin; the 22-track collection revisits the sessions that gave birth to 1996's Sweet F.A. The title features eight previously unreleased versions and six unreleased songs from the Sweet F.A. sessions. Disc 1's marathon-length run includes the bewitching "The Fever," driving and melodic "That's Progress," dark "Words of a Fool," expansive "Pearl," pedal steel-swept "Shelf Life" and edgy 15-minute closer "U.O. Me." Disc 2 reveals more treasures as evidenced by the ambitious genre-bending "The Glittering Darkness," art rocker "California (Have a Nice Apocalypse)," fiery "Butterfly," lovely rough mix of "Sweet F.A." and heavy electronica sortie "Sweet Lover Hangover." The colorful 16-page booklet has new comments from the band about the recordings and notes from historian Andrew J Brooksbank. Information: www.facebook.com/LoveandRocketspage/. 

Artist: The Baseball Project

Title: Grand Salami Time! (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: R.E.M., The Dream Syndicate, The Minus 5, Major League Baseball history

Tell me more: The Baseball Project is back with Grand Salami Time!, the aptly-titled supergroup's fourth album. Guitarist Peter Buck (R.E.M.), singer-guitarist-keyboardist Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5), bassist-vocalist Mike Mills (R.E.M.), drummer Linda Pitmon (the Filthy Friends) and guitarist-vocalist Steve Wynn (The Dream Syndicate) have delivered a fun-filled batch of great songs focused on baseball-related heroes and historical moments from America's pastime. My favorite early tracks on the wonderful disc include the wistful "Journeyman," the dreamy indie rocker "New Oh in Town" celebrating the already-legendary talents of Shohei Ohtani, and the dark "Disco Demolition" chronicling the notorious night at Comiskey Park where a riot broke out on the field resulting in the arrest of 37 in July 1979. The momentum continues via the driving "The All or Nothings," acoustic tale of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez's untimely death at age 24 in 2016 ("That's Living"), and power pop-flavored "Having Fun." The last song on the album, "The Voice of Baseball," fully celebrates broadcaster great Vin Scully. The informative 12-page booklet includes lyrics for the album's 16 songs along with short intros penned by the band shedding insight into each track. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Church announce second North American Leg of "The Hypnogogue" Tour

Very exciting news that The Church is coming back to North America this fall and will be performing in a number of venues across the country. Here is the media release that was issued earlier today...Robert Kinsler

The Church / Photo credit: Hugh Stewart

"There’s a warm intimacy to this trippy, low-key affair that invites you to trance out into contemplative bliss. Elements of the goth, new wave, and space rock worlds that intermingled when they started still coalesce here ('Antarctica' is a standout). Given the throwback vibes of so many modern tunes, The Hypnogogue works equally well as retro and timeless music." - A.V Club "On The Hypnogogue, the quintet creates fluid moods, moving in idiosyncratic directions while maintaining the shadowy gaze that has defined The Church’s style." - American Songwriter "The Church’s usual melodic, psychedelic sound takes a stark turn into a concept album about a sci-fi dystopia, perfectly suited for singer Steve Kilbey’s plaintive voice." - Post-Punk.com

ANNOUNCES SECOND LEG TO THE HYPNOGOGUE TOUR  26th STUDIO ALBUM CONTINUES TO GENERATE GLOWING REVIEWS DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION TO BE RELEASED THIS FALL! JULY 10, 2023 (Melbourne, AU) – “Not in my wildest dreams did I expect all the love that has been thrown at this record by the audiences and the critics,” says STEVE KILBEY, the bassist, vocalist and founder of seminal psych-guitar masters THE CHURCH. Beaming over the overwhelmingly positive reaction to their 26th album The Hypnogogue, Kilbey and the band have announced a second leg to their North American tour in support of that album. “I’m excited to play a whole bunch of new places and take this incredible version of The Church to wherever folks want to hear us.” Kicking off on September 28th at Seattle, WA’s Neptune Theater, this live journey finds the band circling the continent, including shows in SoCal, New Mexico, Georgia, Florida, and Illinois. The Church will also be offering a limited number of VIP packages on this tour, which will include a show ticket, early venue access, an invitation to the band’s soundcheck, a special meet & greet with the band, exclusive merch items, and watching a portion of the show itself from the side of the stage (where available). “I feel like a heavyweight fighter getting into the ring, pretty confident that he is going to land a knockout punch,” he laughs. “The new songs are just going down so well, not to mention the other 40 odd years’ worth of music that all seems to fit so well blended in and rendered anew by my lovely talented cohorts!” (see full dates below.) In addition to the tour, The Church will be releasing a digital deluxe edition of The Hypnogogue which will include additional songs not included on the original 13-track album. to be released this fall to coincide with the tour.  More info soon!  The first thematic and narrative album in their career, The Hypnogogue (released February 24, 2023 via Communicating Vessels), found the band with arguably some of the best reviews in their 40-year history. A.V. Club lauded, “There’s a warm intimacy to this trippy, low-key affair that invites you to trance out into contemplative bliss. Elements of the goth, new wave, and space rock worlds that intermingled when they started still coalesce here… The Hypnogogue works equally well as retro and timeless music.” BrooklynVegan adds, “Forty some years into their existence, these Aussie psych legends are making some of the most vital music of their careers.” Under the Radar assures, “The Hypnogogue reaffirms why this band have been held in high esteem for so long.” The Church "No Other You" Link: https://youtu.be/vPzaJfykn70 While music fans and critics revere their studio catalog, their live shows are something to behold. Rolling Stone raves, “In full flight, Kilbey plays the bass with a power and intent once reserved for ascending Lancaster bomber pilots in WWII.” KCRW hosted a live session of the band, chiming, “The band’s unmistakable blend of lush atmospherics and diamond-edged rock ’n’ roll remains as intoxicating as ever.” The Big Takeover applauds the seamless flow of their sets as "a selection of captivating new songs honoring the band’s beloved sound while carrying it forward.” “The Hypnogogue has come to life on stage during our U.S. and Australian tours this year,” says Kilbey. “Every night we play, I understand more about what it is. I am so buoyed by the audience’s enthusiasm for the songs and stories behind the songs that I’m constantly reinventing and recalibrating the whole shebang!” Starting in 1980, The Church continued expanding their highly cinematic and atmospheric blend of indie rock, shimmering post-punk, icy dreampop and psychedelic post-rock without retreading their steps. Their expansive music career yielded a string of hit songs, including “Under the Milky Way,” “Reptile,” “The Unguarded Moment” and “Almost With You” amongst others,and their equally stellar live shows have been deemed “spectacular” by MAGNET Magazine, citing their “dreamy psychedelia that will daub your evening with shades of paisley.” Their recent U.S. performance at 2022’s Cruel World Festival alongside Blondie, Bauhaus and Morrissey was heralded as “a subtle delight… that captivated the late afternoon audience” (Orange County Register), “providing the perfect soundtrack” (Rock Cellar Magazine). Founded by bassist and vocalist Steve Kilbey, the line-up is rounded out with long-time collaborator Tim Powles, drummer and producer across 17 albums since '94; guitarist Ian Haugformerly of Australian rock icons Powderfinger, who joined the band in 2013 and Jeffrey Cain(Remy Zero), touring multi-instrumentalist who is now a full-time member of The Church since the departure of Peter Koppes in early 2020. The band has also recruited Ashley Naylor, a long-time member of Paul Kelly’s touring band and one of Australia’s finest and most respected guitarists (Even, The Grapes, The Stems). “I’m most excited for anyone who hasn’t heard this record and also those who have as they feel all the love and work that goes into these songs coming  to life every night,” Kilbey concludes, reflecting on The Hypnogogue and its dystopian narrative within. “We constantly streamline and improve the music and as I go on explaining (to them and myself) the crazy and haphazard world of Eros Zeta and Sun Kim Jong [the album’s central characters] and the strange beast that is the Hypnogogue!” TOUR DATES   Sep 28 Seattle, WA Neptune Theater Oct 2 Ventura, CA Ventura Music Hall Oct 4 Pomona, CA The Glass House Oct 5 Las Vegas, NV Brooklyn Bowl Oct 6 Chandler, AZ The Showroom at Wild Horse Pass Oct 7 Santa Fe, NM The Lesnic Oct 9 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room Oct 11 Ferndale, MI The Magic Bag Oct 12 State College, PA State Theater Oct 13 Covington, KY Madison Theatre Oct 14 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse Oct 15 Birmingham, AL Saturn Oct 17 Ponte Vedra, FL Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Oct 18 Orlando, FL The Abbey Oct 19 Clearwater, FL Capitol Theatre Oct 20 Fort Lauderdale, FL Culture Room Oct 21 Fort Lauderdale, FL Culture Room Oct 23 Pensacola, FL Vinyl Music Room Oct 24 New Orleans, LA House of Blues Oct 26 Austin, TX Levitation Festival Oct 27 Houston, TX Heights Theater Oct 28 Dallas, TX Kessler Theater Oct 29 Oklahoma City, OK Tower Theater Oct 31 Evanston, IL SPACE Nov 1 Evanston, IL SPACE THE HYPNOGOGUE album art  Ascendence C'est La Vie I Think I Knew Flickering Lights The Hypnogogue Albert Ross Thorn Aerodrome The Coming Days No Other You Succulent Antarctica Second Bridge