New Music: Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe

A trio of eagerly-awaited releases are reviewed this week.

Artist: Elvis Costello

Title: Spanish Model (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello, Juanes, Nina Diaz

Tell me more: Elvis Costello and the Attractions' 1978 masterwork This Year's Model has been revisited via the newly-released Spanish Model, an ambitious project where 19 artists representing 10 different nations and territories were recruited to add their lead vocals to the original instrumental tracks recorded by Costello, keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas. Costello worked with longtime collaborator producer Sebastian Krys to assemble the cast of Latin rock and pop artists who complete the new album. Things kick off with the hard-charging power pop-styled "No Action" featuring singer Nina Diaz; the version includes an extended ending where Thomas is really working his drum kit. The reggae-flavored "(Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea)" featuring Raquel Sofia & Fuego, the soulful piano-anchored "Detonantes (Little Triggers)" and animated "Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me)" featuring Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi are other early standouts on the collection. American-born Chilean singer Francisca Valenzuela and Enjambre lead singer Luis Humberto Navejas joining forces for a duet on the tuneful "Hand In Hand," the playful "Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise)" featuring Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy and driving "Lipstick Vogue" with Columbian band Morat are welcome standouts on the last part of Spanish Model. My favorite cut on the disc is "Pump It Up," featuring celebrated Colombian hero Juanes; the remastering on the original instrumental tracks is incredible with the power of the song palpable with every measure of its hard-stomping groove. Information: ElvisCostello.com.

Artist: Kacey Musgraves

Title: Star-Crossed (MCA Nashville/Interscope)

You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe, Alison Krauss

Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves is back with Star-Crossed, her first studio album since 2018's "Golden Hour." The highly-anticipated 15-track return displays continued growth for the Texas songstress, who explores the world around her with literate precision and musical depth. The confessional "Good Wife," shimmering electronica-tinged uptempo forays "Cherry Blossom," "Star-Crossed" and "What Doesn't Kill Me," probing "Hookup Scene" and infectious "Justified" are among the poignant original tracks on the disc. Even when visiting oft-covered themes — the breezy "Simple Times" and inviting "Keep Lookin' Up" come to mind — Musgraves infuses enough authenticity, spirit and originality to make Star-Crossed a strong listen across its entire run. Although Musgraves' country roots are often hard to hear on Star-Crossed, her well-aimed musical instincts and messages of empowerment will likely appeal to listeners who have enjoyed all of her acclaimed past efforts. Information: KaceyMusgraves.com.

Artist: Ashley Monroe

Title: The Covers (Ashley Monroe)

You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Pistol Annies, Miranda Lambert

Tell me more: Earlier this summer country music songstress Ashley Monroe revealed she had been diagnosed with a rare cancer (Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia); the 34-year-old artist started chemotherapy on July 14. Now the celebrated singer-songwriter has released The Covers, a five-song EP where nuanced takes on five classic songs that are obvious favorites of the singer. The performances are uniformly tender and moving. Sparse readings of Extreme's "More Than Words" and The Police's "Every Breath I Take" are especially stirring, focusing on the lyrics of the songs. Even Bryan Adams' "[Everything I Do] I Do it For You" that was overwrought on the original 1991 version is deeply affecting via Monroe's reworking on The Covers. The beautiful take on Boudleaux Bryant's "Love Hurts" masterfully melds the vocals of Monroe with those of Ruston Kelly; it is a performance that echoes the romantic pathos of the 1973 recording featuring Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris (included on Parsons' 1974 posthumously-released classic Grievous Angel). Information: AshleyMonroe.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Colin Blunstone’s One Year Celebrated With 50th Anniversary Edition; The Zombies' livestream from Abbey Road Studios

Lots of Zombies-related updates to share. Before I provide the latest on the Zombies' much-anticipated livestream from Abbey Road Studios on Saturday, Sept. 18, here is the big announcement on the 50th Anniversary reissue of singer-songwriter Colin Blunstone's debut "One Year" coming Nov. 5, 2021...Robert Kinsler

Colin Blunstone’s One Year Celebrated With 50^th Anniversary Edition

Exclusive LA and NYC Shows Confirmed

Double LP of 1971 Solo Debut from The Zombies’ Vocalist Features 14 Previously Unreleased Recordings and Nine Unrecorded Compositions

Features Never-Before-Seen Photos and New Liner Notes Penned by Blunstone

 First-Ever Live Performances of Album in its Entirety Confirmed for November 2 (LA) and November 8 (NYC) with Joe Wong’s Nite Creatures

Available November 5 via Sundazed Music

Listen/Share: “I Won’t Let You Down”

Originally released in November 1971, One Year is the debut solo album from The Zombies’ frontman Colin Blunstone, recorded over the course of “one year” following the band’s break-up and the posthumous success of their single “Time of the Season.” 

 

To celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the landmark album, Sundazed Music will release a double LP edition on November 5. The second LP, That Same Year, features Colin singing his own compositions, many accompanied solely by his acoustic guitar, and gives a deeper introspective look into that time in his life. The double LP is now available for pre-order and the previously unreleased track, “I Won’t Let You Down” from That Same Year, which features fellow Zombie Rod Argent on piano, is available today at all DSPs; listen here.

Coinciding with the anniversary release, Colin will join forces with composer Joe Wong (Russian Doll, The Midnight Gospel, Master of None) to recreate One Year live on stage in its entirety for the first time, with exclusive shows at Los Angeles’ Regent Theater (November 2) and New York City’s Gramercy Theatre (November 8). Tickets are now on sale here.

Wong’s solo debut, Nite Creatures, was released by Decca last year. The collection of baroque psychedelia received praise on both sides of the Atlantic from outlets such as MOJO, NPR, and Rolling Stone. Wong, who will open the show and then accompany Colin for One Year, has recruited a 20-piece ensemble of top musicians, featuring drummer Joey Waronker (Atoms for Peace, Roger Waters, Beck, REM), Mary Timony (Helium, Ex Hex), Crisanta Baker (Lo Moon), and a chamber orchestra including members of the Orchid Quartet (leading up to the Anniversary, the LA-based string quartet will also be releasing a series of One Year tribute videos, the first with guest vocals from The Voice finalist India Carney, debuting September 17).

 

Included in The Guardian’s “1,000 Albums to Hear Before You Die” list, One Year was primarily recorded in Abbey Road Studios, and co-produced by Colin’s former Zombies bandmates Rod Argent and Chris White. The album chronicles tales of love and heartbreak, split between upbeat rockers, with Colin backed by Rod’s newly-formed outfit Argent (Rod alongside Russ Ballard, Jim Rodford & Bob Henrit), and haunting ballads, accompanied by Chris Gunning’s delicate string arrangements. Highlights include the incredibly gorgeous bossa nova cover of Tim Hardin’s “Misty Roses,” which erupts into a Bartók-inspired string break, Colin’s own lament “Caroline Goodbye” with the Argent personnel accompanied by string arrangements from Rod Argent & Tony Visconti, along with the full string-backed version of Denny Laine’s “Say You Don’t Mind,” which became a chart hit in the UK.  

One Year has gone on to touch a diverse array of artists, ranging from Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, who called it “a gorgeous example of classic British pop music…very personal, very sophisticated in its sentiment” (NME), to Neil Tenant of Pet Shop Boys, who cites Colin as “the missing link between Dusty Springfield and Nick Drake” and hails One Year as “an incredibly romantic album, which is why it's been with me such a long time” (The Guardian). According to Steve Berkowitz, the late Jeff Buckley’s Executive Producer at Columbia Records, “Part of the reason that Grace has those beautiful and interesting strings, by Jeff Buckley and Karl Berger, is because Jeff was affected by having heard Colin Blunstone and the way they wrote the strings on that record, particularly on the incredibly beautiful ‘Caroline Goodbye.’”

 

For the Anniversary edition, Colin penned the liner notes that fill the gatefold jacket along with unseen photos from that year. The notes go track by track through One Year along with background on That Same Year. This period marked the point where Colin came into his own as a songwriter, having previously only contributed two songs to The Zombies. This is evidenced by the tracks on That Same Year, fourteen beautifully sparse demo versions of Colin’s compositions that were being considered for One Year, recently unearthed from co-producer Chris White’s archives. Colin accompanies himself on acoustic guitar, with help on some tracks from Rod Argent on piano and the late English singer-songwriter Duncan Browne on classical guitar.

Only three of these songs graced One Year, “Caroline Goodbye,” “Though You Are Far Away” and “Let Me Come Closer To You”, while “Too Much Too Soon Last Night” found life as a B-side, and “I’ve Always Had You” made his second album, Ennismore. Beyond these early versions of familiar songs you will find Colin’s singular voice and wit come through on nine completely unheard compositions that remained lost until now; including “Sing Your Own Song,” a protest after reading about his own death in Rolling Stone.

 

From the album’s liner notes, Blunstone says of One Year:

 

“Fifty years on, there’s a dream-like quality to my memories of One Year. Almost seeming like another lifetime, a time of innocence and naivety and a time when anything seemed possible. Chance and circumstance had brought Rod Argent, Chris White and myself together again for the first time since we'd played in The Zombies. This time Rod and Chris would be producing me as a solo artist, a step into the unknown, a moment of truth, a turning point in our lives.

 

The first tracks were recorded at Sound Technique Studios in Chelsea but we quickly moved on to the more familiar setting of Studio 3 in Abbey Road where we had previously recorded Odessey And Oracle and where we were once again guided through the recording process by the brilliant engineer Peter Vince.

 

Shortly after we had relocated to Abbey Road we had a moment of epiphany when we were introduced to the stunningly beautiful string arrangements of Chris Gunning as they went on to be the musical backbone of this project taking it to places rarely approached in contemporary music and giving it its own unique appeal. And now all the principal performers are assembled and as the music plays I start to drift and so many of the ghosts who hide inside the secrets of this album suddenly come alive and yesterday becomes today, again!”

  

One Year Track Listing:

1. She Loves The Way They Love Her

2. Misty Roses

3. Smokey Day

4. Caroline Goodbye

5. Though You Are Far Away

6. Mary Won’t You Warm My Bed

7. Her Song

8. I Can’t Live Without You

9. Let Me Come Closer to You

10. Say You Don’t Mind

 

That Same Year Track Listing:

1. Are You Ready

2. I’ve Always Had You

3. Sing Your Own Song

4. Caroline Goodbye

5. I'd Like To Get To Know You Better

6. Though You Are Far Away

7. Too Much Too Soon Last Night 

8. I Wonder If You Know What You’ve Begun

9. I Won’t Let You Down

10. You Gave Me A Reason

11. I’m Coming Home

12. I Really Do Love You

13. Let Me Come Closer

14. You Really Were A Surprise 

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About Colin Blunstone

Predominantly known as the frontman for The Zombies, Colin’s solo career began in earnest in 1971 with One Year on Epic Records, from which the hit single “Say You Don’t’ Mind” was taken. Two more albums on Epic followed, Ennismore and Journey, which spawned the hits, “I Don’t Believe In Miracles” and “How Can We Dare To Be Wrong.” This was followed by a spell living in California where he signed for Elton John’s label, Rocket Records and released three critically acclaimed albums, Planes, Never Even Thought and Late Nights in Soho.

Returning to the UK, Colin supplied the vocals for Dave Stewart’s hit version of “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted” followed by further hits with Smokey Robinson’s “Tracks Of My Tears” and The Alan Parsons Project’s “Old And Wise”. These tracks were followed by three further albums, Greatest Hits, Echo Bridge and The Light Inside, before Colin decided the time was right to play live again where he was joined in 1999 by fellow Zombies founding member, Rod Argent. This led to two decades of touring and recording with the new incarnation of The Zombies, including their 2015 Billboard-charting album Still Got That Hunger and 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.  Colin still found the time to release and tour two solo albums, The Ghost of You and Me and On The Air Tonight, and is now back in the studio with The Zombies recording their planned 2022 release. 

About Sundazed Music 

Sundazed Music proudly presents original albums, expanded editions, unique compilations and more on vinyl and CD. The catalog is bulging with classic and overlooked blast from the 60s and 70s: a universe filled with the sounds of garage, pop, soul, surf, psych, country, and much more.

The Zombies' triumphant return to Abbey Road Studios on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021; Paul Weller among celebrity guests to join the band during the event!

The Zombies performing selection from 'Odessey & Oracle'
at the Saban Theatre in Southern California on Oct. 24, 2015.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Over the years, musical magic has been made in Abbey Road Studios.  Come Sept. 18, Zombie magic will take place within the hallowed walls of this music lover's shrine.  And here's the best part – you have the chance to be an ear and eyewitness to this highly anticipated musical event.
            
Abbey Road.  The very name conjures up a vision of the iconic photo on one of the Beatles' most famous album covers taken on a street outside the celebrated recording studio.  Ardent and devoted Zombie fans know all too well that about two years before that photo was taken, the Zombies recorded their masterpiece, Odessey and Oracle, in the same studio at Abbey Road where the Beatles had just completed their masterpiece, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.  The late Terry Quirk, our much beloved album cover designer and artist extraordinaire, immortalized the occasion in one of his whimsical and "quirky" drawings.

It seems fitting that, once again, our favourite band, the Zombies, will be replicating a similar world-encompassing experience, and you're invited to be a part of it.

There's certain to be some music fans who were lucky enough to be around to remember the global satellite broadcast 54 years ago when The Beatles were in this very studio introducing the world to their new song called, "All You Need Is Love."  It was beyond phenomenal!  For those not born yet or too young to recall, picture a world without cellphones, the internet, social media and all of the high-tech perks we take for granted.  The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) decided to produce the world's first global television program which would link five continents simultaneously by a satellite orbiting the earth.  This was the most ambitious and historic television program of its time, and the broadcast culminated with the Beatles performing a new song "live" written specifically for this event.  The result was epic!  Friends and family of the Beatles packed the Abbey Road Studios to join in this momentous occasion.  Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were there, along with Eric Clapton, Graham Nash and Keith Moon of The Who.  Jane Asher, Pattie Boyd and Marianne Faithful were among the famous bystanders amid a worldwide audience of a reportedly 400 million people. 
           
For those who have been patiently waiting for some good news on the pandemic front, we'd like to offer you the opportunity to get some life back into your life!  How long has it been since you were able to experience a concert?  Are you getting the urge to return to some form of normalcy in your mask-wearing, social distancing existence?  Your wish has been granted!  On September 18, the Zombies will be streaming a full concert from Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios in London for you and all of their fans on a global stage. This will be your opportunity to reconnect with the Zombies and be a part of musical history. 
            
While the cast may be slightly different from The Zombies who entered Abbey Road Studios in 1967, Colin, Rod, Steve, Tom and Søren will be there to perform a career spanning concert with many of our favourites intertwined with some exciting new material.  Yes, the "touring" Zombies have been putting these months of isolation to good use by writing and rehearsing new songs for a soon to be released new album.  
            
Joining the Zombies in the studio will be the Q Strings, an experienced and versatile string quartet based in London who have performed worldwide with such acclaimed artists as Brian Wilson, OneRepublic and Gilbert O'Sullivan.            
            
The concert will be followed by an online Q&A session with Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone, hosted by Rock Journalist David Fricke.  The band will also field questions from a virtual audience of surprise celebrities! This will be their first and only worldwide streaming event this year, and you're not going to want to miss it!
            
The smartest and most economical idea is to purchase a special package in advance which includes the concert, Q&A session, poster and T-shirt.  It makes sense to purchase in advance because the price will increase on the day of the event. Plus, if you happen to miss the live stream or will be travelling, you can watch the concert from anywhere in the world as many times as you'd like for two weeks after it broadcasts!
            
Sound like a plan?  We think so, and we look forward to you joining us on September 18 at 12pm PDT/3pm EDT/8pm BST!  Tickets can be purchased at here.

-Contributed by Nancy King

Watch the visualizer for a previously-unreleased version of 'Androgyny' from Garbage; reissue of 'beautifulgarbage' coming Oct. 1

Check out the previously-unreleased (rough mix) version of "Androgyny" via a new video released by Garbage and get details on the forthcoming 20th Anniversary reissue of the band's 'beautifulgarbage'...Robert Kinsler 

GARBAGE ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF 20TH ANNIVERSARY REISSUE RELEASE OF THE BAND'S THIRD STUDIO ALBUM
 

BEAUTIFULGARBAGE REISSUE RELEASED OCTOBER 1st ON UME 

WATCH A VISUALIZER FOR A PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED VERSION OF "ANDROGYNY," OUT NOW

Garbage have today announced details of their upcoming 20thanniversary reissue of the band's third studio album, beautifulgarbage. The reissue will be released via UMe on October 1st, exactly twenty years after the album was first available. The band have also revealed a previously unheard version of the album's lead single "Androgyny." The track features lyrical content and a message that was ahead of its time upon its initial release in 2001 and was also reflective of Garbage's new, pop-leaning sound.  
 
Speaking about the beautifulgarbage reissue, Shirley Manson says:
 

'We wanted to celebrate the release of our third album in the same manner as we have celebrated the 20th anniversaries of our previous two records, as we cherish this third child of ours just as much as its predecessors. Over time it has garnered more and more respect from our fans, with many of the songs remaining in rotation in our live sets to this day. We've always felt incredibly proud of this record and felt it was in many ways very much ahead of its time. 

Twenty years down the line, we are all exceedingly grateful to have such well-crafted songs in our discography and are very proud that against all the odds we are still standing and can give our beloved album the tribute it so very much deserves'. 

Garbage performing in Las Vegas on Oct. 5, 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Marking a departure from the sound that Garbage had established on their first two releases, beautifulgarbage was written and recorded over the course of a year. Shirley Manson chronicled the band's efforts weekly online, becoming one of the first high-profile musicians to keep an internet blog in the process. The album expanded on the band's acclaimed musical variety with more direct lyrics and sounds that mixed rock with electronic, new wave, hip hop and girl group influences. 

This brand-new edition has been remastered from the original recordings and will be released across Deluxe 3LP, 2LP, Deluxe 3CD and Digital Deluxe formats. The deluxe vinyl edition includes beautifulgarbage on 2x heavyweight black LPs, as well as a third LP of B-sides and memorabilia. The two 2LP formats have been pressed on heavyweight black and special white vinyl respectively. The reissue product suite also includes a 3CD deluxe edition featuring the original album, B-sides, demos and remixes housed in a clamshell case. The digital deluxe edition includes exclusive bonus remixes. The full track listing can be found below.

Garbage's 20th anniversary reissue of beautifulgarbage is released on October 1st. Listen to "Androgyny" from the album here. Pre-order the album here. 

 

beautifulgarbage reissue tracklist:

CD1

Shut Your Mouth (2021 Remaster)

Androgyny (2021 Remaster)

Can't Cry These Tears (2021 Remaster)

Til The Day I Die (2021 Remaster)

Cup Of Coffee (2021 Remaster)

Silence Is Golden (2021 Remaster)

Cherry Lips (2021 Remaster)

Breaking Up The Girl (2021 Remaster)

Drive You Home (2021 Remaster)

Parade (2021 Remaster)

Nobody Loves You (2021 Remaster)

Untouchable (2021 Remaster)

So Like A Rose (2021 Remaster)

 

CD2: B-sides & alt versions

Candy Says

Use Me

Sex Never Goes Out Of Fashion

Begging Bone

April 10th

Happiness Pt.2

Confidence

Enough Is Never Enough

Wild Horses (Live)

I'm Really Into Techno

Pride In The Name Of Love*

Androgyny (Rough Mix March 14, 2001)*

Til The Day I Die (Demo Sept 14, 1999)*

Nobody Loves You (Rough Mix March 14, 2001)*

Breaking Up The Girl (Acoustic)

Silence Is Golden (Demo Sept 14, 1999)*

Can't Cry These Tears (Rough Mix March 14, 2001)*

Shut Your Mouth (Live)

Begging Bone (Early Demo Mix)

 

CD3: Remixes

Shut Your Mouth (Jagz Kooner Radio Mix)*

Shut Your Mouth (Jolly Music Scary Full Vocal Mix)

Shut Your Mouth (Professor Reay Clubbed Dead Pig Mix)

Androgyny (Neptunes Remix)

Androgyny Felix Da Housecat (Thee Glitz Mix)

Androgyny (The Architechs Mix)

Breaking Up The Girl (Timo Maas Radio Mix)

Breaking Up The Girl (Brothers In Rhythm Radio Edit)

Breaking Up The Girl (The Scourge Of The Earth Rodeo Rave Remix by Jimmy Caulty)

Breaking Up The Girl (Black Dog Wounded By The Warbeast)

Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) (Le Royale Mix)

Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) (Mauve's Dark Remix With Acapella edit)

Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) (DJEJ's Go Go Jam by Eli Janney)

Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) (Roger Sanchez Tha S-Man's Release Mix (Radio) Edit) 

Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) (Howie B Remix)

Parade End Of Night Mix*

 

*denotes previously unreleased 

  

Digital Deluxe Exclusive Bonus Tracks (Only Available Digitally):

 

1. Shut Your Mouth (Jagz Kooner Full Vocal Mix)
2. Shut Your Mouth (Jadell Remix)
3. Shut Your Mouth (Professor Reay Dead Pig Dub Mix)
4. Shut Your Mouth (Cuban Boys Rascasse Edit Mix)
5. Shut Your Mouth (Cuban Boys Rocksteady Electro Mix)
6. Shut Your Mouth (Broadway Project Remix)
7. Androgyny (Felix Da Housecat Thee Drum Drum Mix)
8. Androgyny (The Architechs Dub)
9. Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) (MaUVe's Dark Remix With Acapella)
10. Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) (Roger Sanchez Tha S-Man's Release (Bomb) Mix)
11. Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) (Roger Sanchez Tha S-Man's Release Dub)
12. Breaking Up the Girl (Timo Maas Club Full Vox)
13. Breaking Up the Girl (Brothers In Rhythm Therapy Mix)
14. Breaking Up the Girl (Breaking Up The Girl (Brothers In Rhythm Therapy Dub)
15. Breaking Up the Girl (Black Dog Splitsville Mix)
16. Breaking Up the Girl (Black Dog Ripped Out Fireplace Mix)

Concert Review: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram elevates the blues at The Coach House

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
at The Coach House on Sept. 10.

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Harris Sweetwater

Where: The Coach House

When: Friday, Sept. 10, 2021

Upcoming: Ingram's upcoming performances include a high-profile performance at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday Sept. 15, and at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN on Sunday, Sept. 19

Information on Christone "Kingfish" Ingram: ChristoneKingfishIngram.com

Information on Harlis Sweetwater: https://www.harlissweetwaternow.com

Although he is only 22, rising bluesman Christone "Kingfish" Ingram is already a bona fide star. He proved all that and more throughout a thrilling performance at a packed Coach House on Friday night. For 100 wonderful minutes the Clarksdale, Mississippi native and his top-notch three-man band delivered a masterclass in the blues.

On the heels of the release of his outstanding sophomore album 662, Ingram focused on the powerful originals that fill that 2021 disc during his performance in Orange County. Indeed, only a couple of tracks from his 2019 Alligator Records debut Kingfish were featured on Friday, with the rest of the terrific material coming from his very personal follow-up.

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and his backing trio at The Coach House.

After the three members of his band (handling drums, bass and keyboards) took the stage and began playing, the distinctive lead guitar work of Ingram could be heard over the P.A. system; he soon came down the stairs leading to the stage and joined his mates for an extended blast through "She Calls Me Kingfish." 

The second song, "Fresh Out," spanned 10 minutes and provided ample opportunity for Ingram to display his amazing lead vocals along with his technically flawless and artistically aimed electric guitar work. His slower third cut, "Another Life Goes By," found Ingram singing: "Where does hate come from and how can we make it stop? / We got to make some changes before somebody else gets shot." His guitar work was the equal to his affecting verses; at one point stylish jazz chords were used amidst his signature lead guitar work to bolster the moment. 

Indeed, watching Ingram in a full-length headlining set allowed this writer to fully appreciate his command of blues, often bringing in elements of jazz and blues-rock into the mix. He could bring his fret work down to a whisper and suddenly unleash volcanic power to bolster an instrumental section. 

A highlight of the night had to be the marathon-length version of "Your Time Is Gonna Come," where Ingram walked out throughout every part of the crowd showing off his lead guitar magic. He even went upstairs and went into one of the private booths and appeared for all the hundreds below to see. 

The semi-acoustic "Something In The Dirt" and "Listen" were a savvy change of pace before he picked up the momentum via the reflective "Already Gone," fiery "Not Gonna Lie," soul gem "That's All It Takes" and hard-edged blues rocker "662."

The strong encore featured the undeniable blues groove "Long Distance Woman" and a scorching reworking of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Hey Joe" – the latter enhanced by an effective reggae break. 

Harlis Sweetwater at The Coach House.

Opening the bill was Huntington Beach-based singer-songwriter/guitar great Harlis Sweetwater. Accompanied by his own flashy work on guitar (electric and acoustic), the artist used his powerful Billy F Gibbons-styled vocals to deliver both originals and covers well received by the sold-out crowd. 

His powerful opener "Got Me A Woman," uptempo "Big Bad Bill" and rootsy "Cold Ground" were among the highlights of his 40-minute set. After performing a version of Muddy Waters' "Still A Fool" late in his outing he received high marks when he told the crowd "You are keeping the blues alive."

At the Coach House on Friday night, both Sweetwater and Ingram made a pretty darn good case that the blues are still alive and well in 2021.

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Elvis Costello's 'Spanish Model' is out today

A number of highly-anticipated albums are out today, but don't let Elvis Costello's 'Spanish Model' escape your notice...Robert Kinsler

ELVIS COSTELLO’S SPANISH MODEL OUT NOW VIA UMe

LATIN GLOBAL SUPERSTAR, SEBASTIÁN YATRA, TRANSFORMS ELVIS COSTELLO & THE ATTRACTIONS 1978 CLASSIC, “BIG TEARS,” INTO “LLORAR” WITH SUAVE AND SOARING SPANISH-LANGUAGE VOCALS

DOCUMENTARY SERIES LAUNCHES SEPTEMBER 13

“LLORAR” VIDEO DEBUTS TODAY – WATCH/SHARE

STREAM/BUY SPANISH MODEL

Los Angeles – September 10, 2021 – On Elvis Costello’s daring, first-of-its-kind record, Spanish Model, out today via UMe, the ever adventurous songwriter and his co-conspirator, the 18-time GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® award-winning producer,Sebastian Krys, have brought together a stunning international cast of some of the biggest Latin rock and pop artists from around the globe to interpret Elvis Costello and The Attractions’ classic 1978 debut album, This Year’s Model, entirely in Spanish. 

The exciting new incarnation of the album combines newly-recorded vocal performances with Costello and The Attractions’ original instrumental performances from the pristine master tapes. Spanish Model retains the spirit and energy of This Year’s Model, while revealing even greater instrumental power in the Attractions’ playing.

This is a brand new edition of these songs for the present day, for the Spanish-speaking audience or indeed anyone with the willingness to listen again and sense the imagination, integrity, and wit of these new vocal performances, which on several occasions turn the lyrical perspective, inside out and upside down. 

On “This Year’s Girl,” known on the record as “La Chica De Hoy,” Chilean Latin pop star Cami offers the modern female perspective of the song. Costello says, “It’s a totally different story when you hear a young woman singing about the negotiations proposed by a man’s gaze and his assumptions, in a lyric I wrote when I was just 23.”  

For “Radio Radio,” legendary Argentine songwriter and musician Fito Páez brings a new passion and humor to a complete lyrical re-write of the song. As Costello said, “Every device and circuit is speaking to us, if not yelling at us. It isn’t always easy to hold on to what you love and value but Fito knows how to do that.” 

Colombian superstar Juanes turns in an exhilarating performance of “Pump It Up” that re-fashions the rhythmic delivery of the song with the new Spanish adaptation. Costello’s original backing vocals provide the trademark chorus but the mix also runs on past the original fadeout to reveal a rhythm guitar duel between Costello and Mick Jones of The Clash, a 1978 contribution not heard since the original studio date. 

“Big Tears,” is sung by rising Colombian-born, Miami-bred star, Sebastián Yatra, one of the leading voices in Latin music with the current global hit and “song of the year contender,” “Pareja del Año” with Myke Towers. 

Yatra puts his singular spin on a Costello song that was originally released as the B-side to “Pump It Up,” or as Costello puts, “The place where you smuggled in the songs closest to your deepest feeling and intentions.”

He added, “‘Big Tears’ should have always been on the album, as it was at least equal if not superior to some of the other songs but we always wanted to make 7” inch singles very special by having such a great track on the flip side of a hit record. Yatra’s wonderful rendition of the song, only confirms my feeling that the tune is now where it has always belonged.” 

The song, translated to “Llorar,” debuts today with a rousing, retro-chic video directed by award-winning director, Pablo Croce,which features Yatra and his band as window display mannequins brought to life by a young woman (played by Joaquina) who is pulled into the world of Spanish Model while wandering the town. 

Whereas Costello brought a desperate edge to a song, inspired by director Peter Bogdanovich’s 1968 motion picture, “Targets,” Yatra transforms the melodic line, taking the tune from suave to soaring and ringing out with a more hopeful emotion.

“I listened to Elvis Costello’s music thanks to my parents,” Yatra said. “My voice sounds very different than in my other songs.  It’s more rock, it helped me to get more confident and not to be scared of screaming or to let out my rawer side. I felt it was very beautiful to sing this in Spanish. I want to thank Elvis for having written this song.”

Of Yatra’s interpretation, Costello said: “I sing like me. Yatra sings like him. But he in this case has taken on the story of this song in a very interesting direction. It’s beautiful, hopeful even joyful. He’s never sung anything like this before. It's tremendous what he does. I mean, he must have surprised himself.” 

Watch/Share "Llorar" Video Featuring Sebastián Yatra

Stream/Buy Spanish Model

Spanish Model will be explored in depth in an engrossing six-part mini-documentary series, beginning September 13^th, and releasing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, culminating with the final episode on Friday, September 24^th. Directed by three-time Latin GRAMMY® award winner, Jose Tillan, and produced by The POPGarage/Abrakadabra.tv, the engrossing documentary will delve deep into the story of the original record and its innovative new incarnation, the album’s popularity and influence in Latin America, the artist’s personal connections to This Year’s Model, their love for Costello’s music, and why they wanted to be a part of this unique project. In addition to nearly all of the artists who participated in the album and producer Sebastian Krys, it also includes interviews with everyone who made the original album – Costello, The Attractions’ Steve Nieve, Bruce Thomas and Pete Thomas, engineer Roger Béchirian, and producer Nick Lowe – bringing them together in a documentary about the legendary album for the first time ever. The trailer is available to view HERE and the episodes will be available HERE.

 

“We are thrilled to have worked with Elvis Costello in developing six visual content shorts that tell the story of how and why This Year‘s Model becomes Spanish Model,” Jose Tillan said. “This is such a unique and completely new concept, which made the process of storytelling both challenging and adventurous. It is amazing how the DNA of the original album – both the music and themes – totally resonate with Spanish speaking artists and audiences.”

“I love the humour and heart that Jose has caught in this film,” Elvis Costello said. “It’s been great to hear all these voices and see the faces of our new friends. The whole gang’s here. One last time with feeling.”

Spanish Model exudes the same kind of energy and spirit as the original but with a Latin twist. With 19 featured artists representing 10 countries and territories across the Spanish-speaking world including:  Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, plus several from the United States. The album is truly a global, collaborative affair. Costello’s spiky guitars collide with band mates Steve Nieve’s carnival-esque keys and the urgent, propulsive rhythms of bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas, as The Attractions virtually back a host of Latin music legends, contemporary stars and burgeoning artists for a set of thrilling Spanish-language performances imbued with each artist’s singular identity and style. 

 

Spanish Model features such artists as: Cami, Draco Rosa, Fito Páez, Francisca Valenzuela & Luis Humberto Navejas (lead singer of Enjambre), Gian Marco & Nicole Zignago, Jesse & Joy, Jorge Drexler, Juanes, La Marisoul, Luis Fonsi, Morat, Nina Diaz, Pablo López, Raquel Sofía & Fuego, Sebastián Yatra, and Vega.

 

In addition to Spanish Model, This Year’s Model has been newly remastered and is now available on CD and 180-gram black vinyl with the addition of “Big Tears” and “Radio Radio.” A limited edition version, that pairs both Spanish Model and the new pressing of This Year’s Model together as a 180-gram double LP, is available exclusively via ElvisCostello.com, uDiscover and Sound Of Vinyl webstores. 

 

Elvis Costello & The Attractions (with Various Artists) — SPANISH MODEL [CD + LP]

 

CD/DIGITAL

All Songs With Elvis Costello & The Attractions

 

1. No Action – Nina Diaz

2. (Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea) - Raquel Sofía y Fuego 

3. Yo Te Vi (The Beat) – Draco Rosa

4. Pump It Up – Juanes

5. Detonantes (Little Triggers) – La Marisoul

6. Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me) – Luis Fonsi 

7. Hand In Hand – Francisca Valenzuela y Luis Humberto Navejas 

8. La Chica de Hoy (This Year's Girl) – Cami

9. Mentira (Lip Service) – Pablo López

10. Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise) – Jesse & Joy

11. Lipstick Vogue – Morat

12. La Turba (Night Rally) – Jorge Drexler

13. Llorar (Big Tears) – Sebastián Yatra

14. Radio Radio – Fito Páez

15. Crawling To The U.S.A. - Gian Marco y Nicole Zignago

16. Se Esta Perdiendo La Inocencia (Running Out Of Angels) - Vega

 

LP

SIDE A

1. No Action – Nina Diaz

2. (Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea) - Raquel Sofía y Fuego 

3. Yo Te Vi (The Beat) – Draco Rosa

4. Pump It Up – Juanes

5. Detonantes (Little Triggers) – La Marisoul

6. Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me) – Luis Fonsi 

7. Hand In Hand – Francisca Valenzuela y Luis Humberto Navejas 

8. La Chica de Hoy (This Year's Girl) – Cami

 

SIDE B

1. Mentira (Lip Service) – Pablo López

2. Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise) – Jesse & Joy

3. Lipstick Vogue – Morat

4. La Turba (Night Rally) – Jorge Drexler

5. Llorar (Big Tears) – Sebastián Yatra

6. Radio Radio – Fito Páez

7. Crawling To The U.S.A. - Gian Marco y Nicole Zignago

8. Se Esta Perdiendo La Inocencia (Running Out Of Angels) – Vega

 

 

ELVIS COSTELLO

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