New Music: The Cult, Librarians With Hickeys, Billy Idol, Mountain City Four

The Cult, Librarians With Hickeys, Billy Idol and Mountain City Four are back with essential new releases.

Artist: The Cult

Title: Under The Midnight Sun (Black Hill Records)

You might like if you enjoy: AC/DC, The Cult, Interpol

Tell me more: Blending hard rock and soaring gothic melancholy has always marked The Cult's best work and that winning approach is displayed across the band's most recent album Under The Midnight Sun. Although this marks the English outfit's first new disc since 2016's Hidden City, the British quintet sounds as great as ever. Songs such as the shimmering "Mirror," edgy "A Cut Inside" (the latter showcasing Ian Astbury's vocal firepower), ambitious "Knife Through Butterfly Heart" with its acoustic-to-electric arc and dramatic closer "Under The Midnight Sun" deliver on the band's sonic imprint. The standout cut on the album is the rousing "Give Me Mercy," a track that is wonderfully nuanced and showcases Billy Duffy's stunning guitar work along with an explosive build. Information: TheCult.us.

Artist: Librarians With Hickeys

Title: Handclaps & Tambourines (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello & The Attractions, early R.E.M., Todd Rundgren

Tell me more: With a sound that evokes an array of melodic heroes from the '60s, '70s and '80s, the four members of Akron, Ohio's Librarians With Hickeys also put a decidedly original stamp on their melody-minded rock. The group's latest album Handclaps & Tambourines features a dozen magical tracks that shine via smart songwriting, sharp hooks, enticing vocal harmonies and the collective talents of Mike Crooker (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Ray Carmen (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Rob Crossley (drums, percussion) and Andrew Wilco (bass guitar). Highlights abound on the disc, including the lovely "Ghost Singer," dynamic "Fairground," wistful "Can't Wait 'Till Summer" (the latter bolstered by some sweet guitar harmonics), rollicking "Lady Overdrive," magical "I Can't Stop Thinking About You," gorgeous Celtic-tinged "Last Days Of Summer" and inspired power pop closer "Me and My Big Mouth." Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Billy Idol

Title: The Cage EP (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Billy Idol, The Cult, Muse

Tell me more: Billy Idol makes the most of his newly-issued The Cage EP, with the rocker delivering four fantastic tracks that recall his most beloved '80s material. Idol's signature baritone vocals are powerful and used in the service of songs where he is exploring his life with artful candor across the disc. "Cage" is a catchy rocker, its fierceness a welcome opener for the 66-year-old singer who was among the first to blend punk, new wave and hard rock styles. "Running From The Ghost" is a reflective original, whose musical run includes a relatively quiet intro before a choir of otherworldly voices and Steve Stevens' blazing guitar work elevate the track. "Rebel Like You" is a winning riff rocker enhanced by a heavy rhythm and AC/DC-worthy thunder. "Miss Nobody" is an interesting cut that blends Idol's spoken word, gospel backing vocals and a funky dance soundscape to perfection. Information: BillyIdol.net.

Artist: Mountain City Four

Title: Mountain City Four (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Linda Ronstadt, Maria Muldaur, American folk music

Tell me more: Canadian folk group Mountain City Four are celebrated on their self-titled album, which features 15 previously-unissued recordings completed between 1963 and 1970. The marvelous album simultaneously documents the early career of sisters Kate and Anna McGarrigle, who released their eponymous debut in 1976 and released a number of more albums together through 2008; Kate died in 2010, at the age of 63, from a rare form of cancer. Mountain City Four features the talents of the McGarrigle sisters along with Jack Nissenson and Peter Weldon. The group's stellar harmonies and enduring folk sound are used in the service of creating reworking a range of selections in their signature Americana style. Works by the far-flung likes of Willie Johnson, Bill Monroe, Rosetta Tharpe and Wade Hemsworth are covered. Produced by original member Weldon and Jane McGarrigle (the latter was a sister of Kate and Anna and served as their long-time business manager), the album packaging includes photos and liner notes from Weldon, Jane and Anna McGarrigle, and Joe Boyd. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: The Cure, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Cult

Here is a recap of some recent high-profile reissues / new titles fans can expect to see over the next few months...Robert Kinsler

The Cure will reissue 1992’s ‘Wish’ for 30th Anniversary on Friday, October 7, 2022

Originally released in April 1992, Wish was the most successful studio album from groundbreaking British rock heroes The Cure.

The ninth official studio LP from Robert Smith and company, Wish included the enduring cuts "High" and "Friday I'm In Love." The album was nominated for the Best Alternative Music Grammy Award too.

On Oct. 7, 2022, Wish will be reissued to commemorate its 30th anniversary; the reissue will include 24 unreleased tracks as part of the expanded release. To preview the highly anticipated package, listen to "Uyea Sound," one of four cuts from the Cure's mail-order-only cassette Lost Wishes first released in 1993 that is included in the forthcoming reissue. Listen to the track HERE.

Below is the track listing for the 3-CD edition:

CD1 Original Album Remastered by Robert Smith and Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios

01: Open (6:51)
02: High (3:37)
03: Apart (6:38)
04: From The Edge of The Green Sea (7:44)
05: Wendy Time (5:13)
06: Doing The Unstuck (4:24)
07: Friday I’m In Love (3:38)
08: Trust (5:32)
09: A Letter To Elise (5:14)
10: Cut (5:55)
11: To Wish Impossible Things (4:43)
12: End (6:45)

CD2 Demos – All previously unreleased versions. *Unreleased track.

01: The Big Hand [1990 Demo] (4:38) [final version on B-side to A Letter To Elise 7”]
02: Cut [1990 Demo] aka “Away” (3:31) [final version appears on WISH]
03: A Letter To Elise [1990 Demo] aka “Cut” (5:01) [final version appears on WISH]
04: Wendy Time [1990 Demo] (5:13) [final version appears on WISH]
05: This Twilight Garden [Instrumental Demo] (3:25) [final version on B-side to High 7″]
06: Scared As You [Instrumental Demo] (2:33) [final version on B-side to Friday I’m In Love 12″]
07: To Wish Impossible Things [Instrumental Demo] (3:33) [final version appears on WISH]
08: Apart [Instrumental Demo] (3:38) [final version appears on WISH]
09: T7 [Instrumental Demo] (2:40) *
10: Now Is The Time [Instrumental demo] (2:20) *
11: Miss van Gogh [Instrumental demo] (2:48) *
12: T6 [Instrumental Demo] (3:14) *
13: Play [Instrumental Demo] (2:28) [final version on B-side to High 12″]
14: A Foolish Arrangement [Instrumental Demo] (2:28) [final version on B-side to A Letter To Elise 12″]
15: Halo [Instrumental Demo] (3:06) [final version on B-side to Friday I’m In Love 7″]
16: Trust [Instrumental Demo] (4:02) [final version appears on WISH]
17: Abetabw [Instrumental Demo] (2:26) *
18: T8 [Instrumental Demo] (2:17) *
19: Heart Attack [Instrumental Demo] (2:41) *
20: Swing Change [Instrumental Demo] (2:10) *
21: Frogfish [Instrumental Demo] (2:35) *

CD3: ’Lost Wishes’ / Studio Out-Takes / 12” Remixes / Live / Rare / Previously Unreleased.
*Unreleased track **Unreleased version

01: Uyea Sound [Dim-D Mix] (5:28 [from Lost Wishes MC 1993]
02: Cloudberry [Dim-D Mix] (5:22) [from Lost Wishes MC 1993]
03: Off To Sleep… [Dim-D Mix] (3:47) [from Lost Wishes MC 1993]
04: The Three Sisters [Dim-D Mix] (4:12) [from Lost Wishes MC 1993]
05: A Wendy Band [Instrumental] (3:47) *
06: From The Edge Of The Deep Green Sea [Partscheckruf Mix] (7:36) **
07: Open [Fix Mix] (6:51) [B-side to High 12″]
08: High [Higher Mix] (7:15) [High 12″]
09: Doing The Unstuck [Extended 12” Mix] (5:54)
10: Friday I’m In Love [Strangelove Mix] (5:29 [Friday I’m In Love 12″]
11: A Letter To Elise [Blue Mix] (6:36) [A Letter To Elise 12″]
12: End [Paris Live 92] (8:38) **

Legendary 1970 Creedence Clearwater Revival performance coming Sept. 16, 2022

Previously presumed to be completely lost, a truly mythical live recording of a 1970 performance from Creedence Clearwater Revival will finally be released on Sept. 16.

Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall brings together the entirety of CCR’s fiery performance at the noted London concert venue, as previewed with a clip of “Bad Moon Rising.” Listen to the enthralling cut HERE. The title will be released on audio CD, 180-gram vinyl and even cassette!

More than 50 years after the legendary 1970 show, the original multitrack tapes have been meticulously restored and mixed by GRAMMY®-winning producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell. The hits-packed setlist includes such classics as “Fortunate Son,” “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Born on the Bayou” and more.

Here is a media release with more details on the late summer release: 

After spending roughly 50 years in storage, the original multitrack tapes were meticulously restored and mixed by the GRAMMY® Award-winning team of producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell, who have helmed countless acclaimed projects together, including the Beatles’ 50th-anniversary editions of Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, as well as audio for the Elton John biopic Rocketman and Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back Series. The LP was mastered by the celebrated engineer Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios using half-speed technology for the highest-quality listening experience.

Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall will also be released as a documentary film, Travelin’ Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall.

Directed by two-time GRAMMY® Award winner Bob Smeaton (The Beatles Anthology and Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsies) and narrated by Academy Award®-winning actor Jeff Bridges, the film takes viewers from the band’s earliest years together in El Cerrito, CA through their meteoric rise to fame. Featuring a wealth of unseen footage, Travelin’ Band culminates with the band’s show at the Royal Albert Hall—marking the only concert footage of the original CCR lineup to be released in its entirety. 

The track listing for the standard CD/LP/cassette editions:

Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall tracklist (CD, Digital)

1.    Born on the Bayou
2.    Green River
3.    Tombstone Shadow
4.    Travelin’ Band
5.    Fortunate Son
6.    Commotion
7.    Midnight Special
8.    Bad Moon Rising
9.    Proud Mary
10. The Night Time Is the Right Time
11. Good Golly Miss Molly
12. Keep on Chooglin’

Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall tracklist (Vinyl, Cassette)

A1. Born on the Bayou
A2. Green River
A3. Tombstone Shadow
A4. Travelin’ Band
A5. Fortunate Son
A6. Commotion
A7. Midnight Special
B1. Bad Moon Rising
B2. Proud Mary
B3. The Night Time Is the Right Time
B4. Good Golly Miss Molly
B5. Keep on Chooglin’

The Cult to release 'Under The Midnight Sun' on Friday, October 7, 2022

The Cult is set to return with a new full-length album, Under The Midnight Sun, on Oct. 7, 2022. 

Set for release by Round Hill Records, the album includes the killer advance track "Give Me Mercy." Watch the official music video for "Give Me Mercy" HERE. 

According to the official media release notes for the album:

The Cult has reveled in a storied career. From the pre-millennial iconic Love album bursting with idealism and the full on blast of 2001’s Beyond Good & Evil to the recent biting truth of Hidden City, the band has lived their art. How the future unfolds will be decided in part by current cultures response and the group’s response. One thing is for sure, The Cult will respond. It’s what they do. The Cult’s next endeavor Under The Midnight Sun is out October 7, 2022.

Album reviews: The Turtles, the Beach Boys, the Cult, KISS, 'Ben-Hur' soundtrack

A new crop of releases will allow listeners to rediscover classic '60s-spawned heroes the Turtles and Beach Boys, as well as enduring hard rock icons the Cult and KISS. The soundtrack for the new movie "Ben-Hur" scored by Marco Beltrami rounds out this writer's list of essential new releases.

Artist: The Turtles
Title: All the Singles (Manifesto Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Turtles, the Hollies, the Kinks
Tell me more: Spanning a shimmering cover of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe" released in June 1965 to the sweeping baroque pop nugget "Me About You" released in late 1970, the Turtles' lasting legacy is celebrated across the glorious All the Singles. The two-disc, 48-track collection allows plenty of time to explore the Los Angeles-spawned group's radio hits as well as more experimental material that draws comparisons with the Kinks and the Byrds. With Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman's artful and wonderful harmony vocals leading the way, the material ranges from folk-rock (the Warren Zevon-penned "Like the Seasons"), garage rock ("Almost There," "Outside Chance"), power-pop ("She'd Rather Be With Me," "Elenore"), sunshine pop ("So Goes Love," "On a Summer's Day"), psychedelic ("Sound Asleep") and even country ("Who Would Ever Think That I Would Marry Margaret"). The Turtles' 1967 number 1 hit "Happy Together" remains one of that decade's most enticing songs and has never sounded better thanks to the remastering from Bill Inglot and Dave Schultz showcased across this must-have collection. Information: manifesto.com.

Get 'All the Singles' here




Artist: The Beach Boys
Title: Becoming the Beach Boys: The Complete Hite & Dorinda Morgan Sessions (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean
Tell me more: Lovers of the Beach Boys will want to get Becoming the Beach Boys: the Complete Hite & Dorinda Morgan Sessions, which is being released by Omnivore Recordings on Aug. 26. The lovingly-remastered recordings on the collection date back to September 1961 when brothers Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson along with Mike Love and Al Jardine shared a microphone together at the home of Hite and Dorinda Morgan to demo recordings eight months before they signed a contract with Capitol Records There are nine songs the young group recorded between September 1961 and March 1962, with multiple demos and versions for each of the songs included here. Listening to the magic and craft of even the earliest takes of "Surfin' Safari," "Surfer Girl" and several obscure songs is to be dazzled that every member of the young group was 20 or younger (Carl Wilson was only 15 when they cut their first demo of "Surfin' "). Fifty-five years into their career, the Beach Boys remain one of modern music's most important architects and a glimpse at the origins of that ride can be found here. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Get 'Becoming The Beach Boys: The Complete Hite & Dorinda Morgan Sessions' on (2-CD Set)




Artist: The Cult
Title: Hidden City (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: AC/DC, Band of Skulls, the Church
Tell me more: If I hadn't caught the Cult in the band's winning performance opening for Guns N' Roses at Dodger Stadium earlier this month, I might have missed the fact the band issued a new album earlier this year. Hidden City is a superb effort, branded with the band's blend of hard and goth rock. On the band's first album since 2012's "Choice of Weapon," singer Ian Astbury and guitar hero Billy Duffy lead the ensemble through a dozen original songs that deliver on the outfit's past glories while forging ahead. "Dark Energy," "No Love Lost" and the infectious "Dance the Night" rock with unbridled power yet capture the shadowy sonics that have been a part of the group's sound since the 1980s. The Cult is no one-trick pony and explores an expansive and lush modern rock soundscape on the reflective "In Blood." The hypnotic "Birds of Paradise," rocking "Goat" (which recalls the Cult's Electric period) and progressive "Deeply Ordered Chaos" are other standouts on a stunning return. Information: thecult.us.

Purchase 'Hidden City' here

Artist: KISS
Title: Kiss Rocks Vegas (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Kiss, AC/DC
Tell me more: In November 2014, KISS performed a string of intimate shows at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Now, KISS Rocks Vegas captures highlights from those dates via a multi-format release (including DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD and DVD+2LP versions). The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers perform a mix of hard rocking hits and deeper material, including the iconic "Detroit Rock City" (with an impressive twin guitar attack from Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer), hard hitting "Psycho Circus," blazing "Parasite" and an extended version of "Lick It Up" (the latter which incorporates part of the instrumental bridge of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" into its run). For hardcore fans of KISS, the DVD track listing also delivers an acoustic set including a bluesy take on "Coming Home" and folk rock version of the band's ballad "Beth." Information: eagle-rock.com.

Buy 'KISS Rocks Vegas' (Amazon Exclusive) [Blu-ray]




Artist: Marco Beltrami
Title: Ben-Hur: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Sony Classical)
You might like if you enjoy: Rupert Gregson-Williams, Hans Zimmer
Tell me more: Marco Beltrami is not your average composer. The Academy Award-nominated Beltrami has scored a number of eclectic films ("Scream," "3:10 to Yuma," "The Hurt Locker") and provided each with a unique sonic world that fits perfectly with the film. On "Ben-Hur," his soundtrack includes ancient Greek and Roman instruments (aulos, citira, lyres, salpinx) that he has processed electronically so his score blends old and new in an exciting ways that lure the listener at every turn. There are tracks that are simply gorgeous ("Ben-Hur Theme," "Dear Messala, "Messala and Tirzah, "Horse Healer"), and others that are wonderfully tense or haunting ("Carrying Judah," "Brothers Divide"). "Jesus Arrested" recalls some of the otherworldly material released by modern-day group Dead Can Dance, with the mix of a mournful soprano and powerful drumming capturing the intensity of the moment. Information: BenHurMovie.com or SonyClassical.com.

Buy 'Ben-Hur (Original Motion Picture Score)' here

Robert Kinsler

Inbox Update: Sigur Rós, The Cult

Here are several media releases pulled from my inbox I wanted to share. Enjoy everybody!

Sigur Rós valtari listening party set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17

No matter where on the planet you live, plan on keeping 7 p.m. free on Thursday, May 17. Sigur Rós will be hosting a global listening party for their forthcoming album Valtari in each time zone around the world.

Here is part of the invite I received via email: "To match the global listening party, you can use the stream to organise your own events! invite friends over! listen together - if you tweet or use instagram, tag your updates with #valtarihour to share your listening experience with other fans around the world. we want to see where and how you listen to valtari for the first time!"

For more information, visit the band's official site at: http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/valtari/hour/


The Cult to guest on 'Rockline' on Wednesday, May 23

Choice of Weapon to be released on Tuesday, May 22

Founding Cult members Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy will be the featured guests on the nationally-syndicated radio show ROCKLINE with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, May 23 at 8:30 p.m.  PT/11:30PM ET. Astbury and Duffy will talk about their new album, Choice of Weapon, that will be out Tuesday, May 22, debut songs from the new release, and take listeners' calls. Fans are invited to speak with the duo by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). For a station near you and for information regarding how to access the ROCKLINE broadcast online, go to http://www.rocklineradio.com/.




The ROCKLINE appearance precedes the kick off of The Cult's 2012 world tour, set to launch in San Diego on Friday, May 25. The tour is in support of Choice of Weapon, already getting rave reviews. Both the UK's Mojo and Record Collector gave it Four-Stars with Record Collector proclaiming it to be "their best album in years - probably decades;" Q magazine called it "brilliant," and the U.S.'s Magnet said it was "as epic and compelling as nearly anything in The Cult's '80s back catalogue."



On the 21-date U.S. trek, The Cult will be supported by Against Me! and The Icarus Line. Dates are as follows:





MAY



25 San Diego, CA - Humphreys By the Bay



26 Las Vegas, NV - M Resort



27 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore



30 Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre





JUNE



1 Chicago, IL - Congress Theatre



2 Windsor, ON - Great Canadian Beaverfest, Riverfront Festival Plaza



3 Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE - Indoor Stage



5 Boston, MA - House of Blues



7 Buffalo, NY - Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf



8 New York, NY - Terminal 5



9 Hampton Beach, NH - Ballroom



10 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory





12 Washington, D.C. - The Fillmore




13 Norfolk, VA - The Norva



15 Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues



16 Orlando, FL - House of Blues



17 Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle



19 Houston, TX - House of Blues



20 Dallas, TX - House of Blues



22 Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre



23 Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood, CA






ABOUT THE CULT:


Born out of the ashes of the UK post-punk scene, The Cult evolved to become one of the most influential and controversial rock bands of the late 20th century, selling millions of albums, headlining arenas and stadiums around the world, infusing innovative possibilities into the worlds of music and art, and quickly ascending through the ranks of the indie music world to achieve global status. The Cult, whose music transformed from punk rock to post-punk, psychedelia, heavy dance music and transcendental hard rock, became one of the handful of important bands in the U.S. post-modern and hard rock communities, and was embraced by a generation that was waking up to the influence of 60s and 70s rock icons like Led Zeppelin, The New York Dolls and David Bowie.




The constant core of The Cult is the "head and heart" of the band, vocalist/lyricist Ian Astbury and guitarist/composer Billy Duffy. Attitude incarnate, the chemistry between these two vastly different artists - equal parts genuine affection and palpable tension - remains the source of their long-standing partnership. Duffy grounds Astbury's esoteric side with a hard rock perspective, and there is no doubt that at all times, these two have each other's back. The Cult's current line up, together for six years now, is Astbury, Duffy, bassist Chris Wyse and drummer John Tempesta.