New titles: The Rolling Stones, Jónsi, The War on Drugs, Ian Jones

Here is a roundup of some wonderful new titles available now.

Title: The Rolling Stones: Unzipped

Authors: Anthony DeCurtis (introduction); Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 288

Artwork: 370 color illustrations

Tell me more: With The Rolling Stones currently in the final month of their "No Filter Tour" — which wraps up at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida on Nov. 23 — now is the perfect time to celebrate the legendary band's six-decade career by delving into "The Rolling Stones: Unzipped." This just-published hardcover edition is loaded with historical photos, artwork, rock and roll memorabilia and recent interviews with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and the late Charlie Watts (who passed away on Aug. 24, 2021 at the age of 80) along with luminaries such as bluesman Buddy Guy, producer Don Was and film director Martin Scorsese whose insights collectively add depth to every page of this book. Author-music critic Anthony DeCurtis presents an informative and compelling introduction that illuminates the reader about why The Rolling Stones were so crucial in the early history of rock music and why the British band's importance extends far beyond their influential music to culture, fashion, film and beyond. It's no secret that The Rolling Stones are widely recognized as the "greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world." "The Rolling Stones: Unzipped" makes a pretty compelling case why that's true. Information: ThamesAndHudsonUSA.com.

Artist: Jónsi

Title: Obsidian (Jónsi)

You might like if you enjoy: Jónsi, Sigur Rós, Dead Can Dance

Tell me more: Leave it to Sigur Rós singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jónsi to surprise the world with the gift of new music on Oct. 29. Without advance fanfare or notice, the artist's third solo album Obsidian dropped to coincide with his art installation of the same name (which is running through Dec. 17, 2021 at the Tanya Bonakdar Gallery in New York). The exhibition was inspired by the recent eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano in his native Iceland. Obsidian, according to a media release, "centers on the Icelandic natural wonder. Recorded and produced in tandem with the works on view, the parallel formats inform one another and interweave through their embodiment of volcanic energies. Over the course of 10 tracks, each with evocative titles referencing sights, textures, and aromas of the ashen terrain, Jónsi takes his listeners through narrative arcs between erupting flares.” Indeed, "Obsidian" is both mesmerizing and immersive, with Jónsi's otherworldly vocals cascading over and amidst a Neo-symphonic sonic sphere that extends just over an hour in length. The truly haunting opener "Vikur" is followed by a parade of incredible cinematic compositions; "Ambrox" is at once gorgeous and experimental while "Kvika" is bolstered by choral and sci-fi sonic elements. Other standouts on this wonderful album include the enrapturing title track, classical-centered "Öskufall" and sweeping marathon-length closer "Hedione." Information: Jonsi.com. 

Artist: The War on Drugs

Title: I Don't Live Here Anymore (Atlantic Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Band of Horses, The War on Drugs

Tell me more: The War on Drugs are one of the most original and talented American rock bands to emerge in the 21st century. On the Adam Granduciel-led Philadelphia-spawned troupe's new album I Don't Live Here Anymore the soaring guitar sonics that elevate the group's introspective songcraft and expansive soundscapes are thankfully intact. Co-produced by Granduciel and Shawn Everett, the War on Drugs' fifth full-length album and first since 2017's brilliant A Deeper Understanding — which won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards — provides an even more nuanced approach for listeners to celebrate. On the anthemic "I Don't Live Here Anymore" (bolstered by indie pop Lucius' luxurious vocals), quiet "Living Proof," buoyant "Harmonia's Dream," daring "I Don't Wanna Wait," melodic "Wasted" and shimmering "Change" and "Occasional Rain" collectively display the astonishing range of Granduciel (lead vocals, lead guitar), David Hartley (bass guitar), Robbie Bennett (keyboards), Charlie Hall (drums), Jon Natchez (saxophone, keyboards) and Anthony LaMarca (guitar). Information: TheWarOnDrugs.net.

Artist: Ian Jones

Title: Evergreens (Thin Silver Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Peter Case, Michael Ubaldini, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: The release of singer-songwriter Ian Jones' new The Evergreens EP confirms the arrival of a terrific talent. The six songs on The Evergreens showcase an artist blessed with top-flight abilities as a lead vocalist, compelling songwriter and a musician with a genuine knack for blending the best of Americana, roots and heartland stylings into his signature sound. Following up on his 2019 release Results Not Typical, Jones understands that important themes and lyrical tales work best when embedded in memorable songcraft; that is clear across a track listing that never falters. My favorites include the lovely countrified opener "Evergreens" that explores the courage of those who leave for home in pursuit of their dreams, the Dylan-worthy "Liars, Criminals, Beggars and Thieves" (a well-aimed view of politicians), the poignant "Hallelujah" and infectious "Promised Land." The outstanding EP was produced by Jessie Siebenberg (Supertramp, Lucas Nelson and Promise of the Real). Information: ianjonesmusic.com.

 

Robert Kinsler

Sigur Rós soars in Phoenix

Bassist Georg Hólm and singer-guitarist Jónsi. Photo: Kim Kinsler

Who: Sigur Rós
Where: Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, AZ
When: Friday, April 12, 2013


I don't think that in this age of fragmented music - where styles range from Americana to Zydeco and everything in between - it's truly possible to single out any artist as the best in the world in 2013. But I can certainly proclaim that no single act is better than Sigur Rós.

On the eve of the Icelandic band's performance at the first weekend of the highly anticipated Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Sigur Rós performed a stunning concert at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. And what a concert it was.

Jónsi  led Sigur Rós during a magical night on April 12.

The trio of original members has been joined on the 2013 tour by a group of eight other musicians who are able to fully bring the Reykjavik-spawned troupe's lush and symphonic sound to its full glory in the live setting. Such was the case for close to two hours in Phoenix, where Jónsi used his glorious and far-reaching falsetto tenor vocals and distinctive style of playing his bowed guitar against a sonic backdrop of swirling sea of strings and horns, thundering drums, keyboards, driving bass and other instruments to create a sound that masterfully blended neo classical and experimental rock together in something otherworldly and spiritual in its power and pure beauty.

While there were some dimwits in the audience (you know the rude types, where they scream for no reason during quiet or particularly potent moments in a show), the concert itself was mesmerizing. I'll have more to say about the show in Phoenix as well as the forthcoming appearance by the band after they perform in Indio on Saturday night, April 20 at the second weekend of Coachella 2013. I'm still amazed that at a show where only a handful of words were ever spoken and little (or no) lyrics were sung in English, the audience was consistently moved by the emotive sounds of the 11-member ensemble for its entire length.

Sigur Rós (whose lineup also includes long-time core members Orri Páll Dýrason on drums and Georg Hólm on bass guitar) performed a mix of classic and new material. Several songs set to be included on the group's forthcoming album Kveikur (due on June 18, 2013) were also performed. You can see a photograph of the set list taken at the concert on the left.

Despite the fact that original member Kjartan Sveinsson has left the band, there is no doubt that Sigur Rós' future remains strong.

I can't wait to see the band perform again at Coachella in Indio late next Saturday night (April 20th). I won't be at all surprised to see if magic strikes again.




Sigur Rós celebrates at the end of a memorable concert.

 

Inbox Update: Sigur Rós, Silversun Pickups, The Wood Brothers

You have to love a post when it kicks off with a media release detailing news about a forthcoming studio album from Sigur Rós. Valtari (XL Recordings) is the Icelandic band's sixth studio album, and is set for release here in the U.S. on May 29. The first track, “Ekki Múkk,” is now streaming on the Icelandic band’s official website, sigurros.com.

Valtari will be released on double LP, CD and digital download. It is the first studio album since 2008 and marks the end of their indefinite hiatus.

The songs on this 54-minute album feel like an alternative musical path the band didn’t take after 2002’s untitled ( ) album. Frequently bereft of formal structures, and for large stretches of time more atmospheres than songs, the work – which the band has described as sounding “like an avalanche in slow motion” – offers a counterpoint to Sigur Rós’s steady yet unconscious migration towards public acceptance.

In English, "Valtari" translates as “steamroller,” and there is something right about the title in terms of the process of its creation. More of a “studio based” album than any of its predecessors, the long hours of experimentation and unsentimental editing have yielded incredible results.

Some songs have roots in earlier times. “Dauðalogn” and “Varðeldur” emerged out of sessions on the back of "Takk," but the choral ideas behind them stem from as far back as 2002 and an orchestral collaboration with the 16 Choir; 2009 sessions in the wake of the last album, resulted in some individually beautiful moments - three of which - “Rembihnútur,” “Fjögur piano,” and “Valtari” live here. But it was hard to draw a line between them, and the band found focusing on such elusive music hard to do for any sustained period.

They essentially put the record on hold. In 2010, singer Jónsi went off to make and tour for his expansive, critically-acclaimed solo album "Go." Keyboardist Kjartan spent time on his classically-inclined, unreleased work, "Credo."

A film scoring opportunity led to the creation of the towering and majestic "Varúð," arguably the record’s centerpiece. Scouting around for a closing credit song for last year’s live film, Inni, the band unearthed "Lúppulagið," which, in its reworked choral form is here titled “Varðeldur,” one of the album’s most understated and elegant songs.

The process of making Valtari, and the end results, are described by bassist Georg Holm:

“I really can’t remember why we started this record, I no longer know what we were trying to do back then. I do know session after session went pear-shaped, we lost focus and almost gave up...did give up for a while. But then something happened and form started to emerge, and now I can honestly say that it’s the only Sigur Rós record I have listened to for pleasure in my own house after we’ve finished it.”

Sigur Rós are: Jón Þór Birgisson (vocals, guitar), Georg Holm (bass), Kjartan Sveinsson (keyboards/piano), Orri Páll Dýrason (drums). Valtari was recorded by the band in Iceland.

Valtari track listing:
1. Ég anda.
2. Ekki múkk.
3. Varúð.
4. Rembihnútur.
5. Dauðalogn.
6. Varðeldur.
7. Valtari.
8. Fjögur píanó.


Silversun Pickups Announce New Record

'Neck of the Woods' set for release on May 8, 2012

Dangerbird Records is excited to announce the release of the new record by the Grammy-nominated Silversun Pickups, Neck of the Woods, on May 8. The record was produced by the Grammy Award-winning Jacknife Lee (U2, Weezer, REM, Snow Patrol), and the song "Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)" will be the first single. It can be heard HERE. The album is now available for pre-order at http://www.silversunpickups.com/ . The band is confirmed to perform from the Jimmy Kimmel Live! outdoor stage on release day, May 8.

Lead singer/guitarist Brian Aubert told Spin magazine that the songs sound "like a horror movie." He continued, "[2009's] Swoon was more about what I was feeling at that particular time, whereas with this one, I wanted to see what built me. It was learning why I am the way I am." When discussing the sound of Neck of the Woods, Aubert told Spin that drummer Christopher Guanlao steals the show. "We really wanted to play with drums as textures. We played around with drums coming in here and there and building atmosphere, which guitars usually do." But he went on to joke, "I'm not going to let the others have all the fun. It's still a rock record. We wanted to have moments of explosions like we've done in the past, but we didn't want them to carry the whole song. There's something a little bit psychotic sounding that we really like and we didn't want to fill it entirely with big guitars."

Silversun Pickups (Aubert, Guanlao, bassist/vocals Nikki Monninger and keyboardist Joe Lester) have sold over 1 million records worldwide. Their first EP, Pikul, was released in 2005. While it hinted at great things to come, no one was quite prepared for the explosion of the band's debut LP, Carnavas. Released in 2006, the record peaked at #81 on the Billboard Top 200 and was the #1 Alternative and Independent record for four consecutive weeks. The fantastic single, "Lazy Eye," peaked at #4 at Modern Rock. In 2009, SSPU followed up with the equally powerful Swoon. That record debuted at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 and was in that chart for over 22 weeks on the strength of the #1 Modern Rock smash, "Panic Switch." On November 25, 2011, they released the limited edition Seasick 10" to support independent retail.

The band will be touring throughout 2012 and 2013.

http://www.silversunpickups.com/



The Wood Brothers' First Live Album, Coast-to-Coast Sellouts, 100-Date Tour

The Wood Brothers, "masters of soulful folk" (Paste), answer the booming demand for their "gripping" (New York Times) live show with their first live album, The Wood Brothers Live, Vol. 1: Sky High, out May 8 on Southern Ground Artists. The seven-song release, accompanied by the duo's biggest-ever year of touring with nearly 100 dates, includes live versions of songs from the duo's first and third studio albums, including 2011's acclaimed Smoke Ring Halo on Southern Ground Artists.

Watch the brothers' impromptu version of "Luckiest Man" via Mason Jar Music: http://youtu.be/TYY1T7BYd9U

Last week's packed NYC crowd at the Bowery Ballroom demanded two encores from the Georgia/New York duo of Chris and Oliver Wood. Known for their "taut musicianship" (LA Times) and "impactful songwriting" (Relix), the brothers have already sold out shows this year in Chicago, Nashville, San Francisco, and Portland, among others.

A second live album will be released later this summer. See full 2012 tour dates here: www.thewoodbros.com/tour/

http://www.thewoodbros.com/