Music Worth Buying Classic Episode #1: Band of Skulls, Bright Blue Gorilla

Back in 2009 TJR and Robert Kinsler taped their first episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING, an album review series still going strong. We have just reposted that original episode where TJR celebrated the release album from English rock band Band of Skulls while Robert championed the genre-defying indie duo Bright Blue Gorilla.

Watch the episode HERE.

Sights and Sounds: 'The Soul of Midnight Special,' Fleet Foxes, GoGo Penguin

 Exciting news about upcoming and suddenly-available music titles as well as an upcoming virtual concert event...

'70s Soul comes alive with legendary artists performing their biggest hits on late night's original live music show in one very special DVD  collection available for the first time at retail

 

THE SOUL OF THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

 This 5-DVD Set ($45.99srp) Available on October 6, Features More Than 70 Historic Live Performances - Many of Which Have Never Been Available Before - from the Greatest Soul Singers of the Decade Including James Brown, Barry White, Earth, Wind & Fire, Al Green, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Curtis Mayfield, Sly & the Family Stone and More!

Fairfax, VA (September 18, 2020) - Like never before THE SOUL OF THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL brings home audiences and music lovers everywhere an unforgettable collection of legendary soul artists performing their hits in the prime of their careers -- uncut performances, just straight-from-the-heart soul singing with live musicians in front of a live audience. Now available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon for the first time on October 6, 2020.

 

James Brown performing on The Midnight Special

In the period between American Bandstand and MTV, there were sev­eral shows that tried to bring new music to television, but it wasn't until The Midnight Special, premiered on August 19, 1972, that live music found a home on the air. Burt Sugarman, producer of Grammy Awards telecasts, was frustrated by television's lack of programming after The Tonight Show ended -- the screen reverting to test patterns at 1:00 a.m.. Recognizing this valuable airtime could cater to a brand-new audience that craved its latest musical heroes, he created The Midnight Special, which ran every Friday night on NBC from 1972 to 1981.

 

The'70s was a special time for soul music and The Midnight Special truly had an affinity for the genre. Week after week, home audiences would have virtual front row seats for performances by the greatest soul performers of the time including Al Green, Earth Wind & Fire, Patti LaBelle, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Spinners, The O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, The Stylistics, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight and The Pips and so many more. The Midnight Special was the only show where you could see real live performances week after week.

 

This October, for the first time ever, Time Life's THE SOUL OF THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL brings together the greatest soul performances handpicked from thousands in one very special 5-disc set. Included is an incredible collection of true soul classics - many of which haven't been seen since their original broadcast: from Let's Stay Together to Midnight Train to Georgia to love songs like the Stylistics' Betcha by Golly, Wow to dance grooves like Sly & the Family Stone's Dance to the Music and Ohio Players' Fire. All-time classic performances include Back Stabbers by the O'Jays, Tired of Being Alone by Al Green, Could It Be I'm Falling in Love by Spinners, Lean on Me by Bill Withers, The Love I Lost by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and I Want to Take You Higher by Sly & the Family Stone. Also included are exclusive interviews with James Brown, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire The O'Jays, Russell Thompkins Jr. of The Stylistics, Bobby Womack, Ted Mills of Blue Magic, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, Gerald Alston, The Manhattans and George Benson.

 

THE SOUL OF THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL includes (in alphabetical order): 

• Al Green -- Tired of Being Alone (8/3/73), How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (8/3/73), I'm Still in Love with You (11/29/74), Let's Stay Together (11/29/74)
• Al Wilson -- Show and Tell (3/1/74)
• Barry White -- You're the First, the Last, My Everything (11/15/74), Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe (12/13/74), Never, Never Gonna Give You Up (12/13/74)
• Bill Withers -- Ain't No Sunshine (3/22/74), Lean on Me (3/22/74)
• Billy Preston -- Will It Go Round in Circles (1/4/74)
• Blue Magic -- Sideshow (12/13/74)
• Bobby Womack -- Lookin' for a Love (12/13/74)
• Chuck Berry -- Johnny B. Goode (11/2/73)
• Curtis Mayfield -- Back to the World (6/8/73), Freddie's Dead (Theme from Superfly) (9/21/73), Superfly (1/4/74)
• Earth, Wind & Fire -- Devotion (4/18/75)
• George Benson -- This Masquerade (7/30/76)
• Gladys Knight & the Pips -- Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) (4/6/73), I Heard It through the Grapevine (4/6/73), Midnight Train to Georgia (10/5/73), Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me (12/20/74)
• Gladys Knight/B. B. King --The Thrill Is Gone (10/5/73)
• Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes -- Bad Luck (5/23/75), The Love I Lost (5/23/75), Let's Get Together Soon (Hope That We Can Be Together Soon) (5/23/75)
• James Brown -- Sex Machine (8/6/76), Get Up Offa That Thing (8/6/76), Cold Sweat/Papa's Got a Brand New Bag (10/8/76),
• Johnnie Taylor -- Who's Making Love (11/2/73)
• Kool & the Gang -- Hollywood Swinging (12/20/74), Jungle Boogie (12/20/74)
• LaBelle -- Lady Marmalade (4/18/75)
• Love Unlimited Orchestra -- Love's Theme (11/15/74)
• Minne Riperton -- Lovin' You (7/18/75), Inside My Love (7/18/75)
• Ohio Players -- Fire (4/4/75), Skin Tight (4/4/75)
• Ohio Players -- Love Rollercoaster (12/19/75), Honey (12/19/75)
• Ray Charles -- Georgia on My Mind (3/30/73), What'd I Say (3/30/73)
• Ray Charles/Aretha Franklin -- Takes Two to Tango (3/30/73)
• Rufus featuring Chaka Khan -- Sweet Thing (12/12/75), Once You Get Started (12/12/75)
• Sly & the Family Stone -- Stand! (10/26/73), I Want to Take You Higher (10/26/73), Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), (10/26/73), Dance to the Music (10/26/73)
• Spinners -- Could It Be I'm Falling in Love (2/9/73), I'll Be Around (2/9/73), One of a Kind (Love Affair) (6/8/73), Sadie (2/14/75), Then Came You (2/14/75)
• The Brothers Johnson-- I'll Be Good to You (10/8/76)
• The Chi-Lites -- Oh Girl (9/21/73)
• The Main Ingredient -- Just Don't Want to Be Lonely (10/11/74), Everybody Plays The Fool (10/11/74)
• The Manhattans -- Kiss and Say Goodbye (12/3/76)
• The Miracles -- Love Machine (12/3/76)
• The O'Jays -- Back Stabbers (3/23/73), Love Train (3/23/73), Put Your Hands Together (913/74), Sunshine (9/13/74)
• The Staple Singers -- Let's Do It Again (1/16/76), Respect Yourself (1/16/76)
• The Stylistics -- Betcha by Golly, Wow (6/1/73), Break Up to Make Up (6/1/73), I'm Stone in Love with You (6/1/73), You Make Me Feel Brand New (3/1/74)
• The Sylvers -- Boogie Fever (7/30/76)
• Wilson Pickett -- In the Midnight Hour (9/21/73) 

About Time Life

 

Time Life is one of the world's pre-eminent creators and direct marketers of unique music and video/DVD products, specializing in distinctive multi-media collections that evoke memories of yesterday, capture the spirit of today, and can be enjoyed for a lifetime. TIME LIFE and the TIME LIFE logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc.

Fleet Foxes release surprise fourth album 'Shore' 

Album out digitally on Anti- today, Sept. 22, 2020 

AVAILABLE AT 6:31am PT / 9:31am ET 

MARKING THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX 

Photo credit: Emily Johnston

Today, on the Autumnal Equinox, Fleet Foxes released their fourth studio album Shore at 6:31 am PT/9:31 am ET. The bright and hopeful album, released via Anti-, is available to stream and for physical pre-order HERE for a February 5, 2021 street date. In addition to the album, a 16 mm road movie of the same name by Kersti Jan Werdal that showcases the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest set to the score of the album is available to view at https://fleetfoxes.co. 

Shore was recorded before and during quarantine in Hudson (NY), Paris, Los Angeles, Long Island City and New York City from September 2018 until September 2020 with the help of recording and production engineer Beatriz Artola.The fifteen song, fifty-five minute Shore was initially inspired by frontman Robin Pecknold’s musical heroes such as Arthur Russell, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guebrou and more who, in his experience, celebrated life in the face of death. “I see “shore” as a place of safety on the edge of something uncertain, staring at Whitman’s waves reciting ‘death,’” commented Pecknold. “Tempted by the adventure of the unknown at the same time you are relishing the comfort of the stable ground beneath you. This was the mindset I found, the fuel I found, for making this album.” 

Pecknold continues: 

Since the unexpected success of the first Fleet Foxes album over a decade ago, I have spent more time than I’m happy to admit in a state of constant worry and anxiety. Worried about what I should make, how it will be received, worried about the moves of other artists, my place amongst them, worried about my singing voice and mental health on long tours. I’ve never let myself enjoy this process as much as I could, or as much as I should. I’ve been so lucky in so many ways in my life, so lucky to be born with the seeds of the talents I have cultivated and lucky to have had so many unreal experiences. Maybe with luck can come guilt sometimes. I know I’ve welcomed hardship wherever I could find it, real or imagined, as a way of subconsciously tempering all this unreal luck I’ve had. By February 2020, I was again consumed with worry and anxiety over this album and how I would finish it. But since March, with a pandemic spiraling out of control, living in a failed state, watching and participating in a rash of protests and marches against systemic injustice, most of my anxiety around the album disappeared. It just came to seem so small in comparison to what we were all experiencing together. In its place came a gratitude, a joy at having the time and resources to devote to making sound, and a different perspective on how important or not this music was in the grand scheme of things. Music is both the most inessential and the most essential thing. We don’t need music to live, but I couldn’t imagine life without it. It became a great gift to no longer carry any worry or anxiety around the album, in light of everything that is going on. A tour may not happen for a year, music careers may not be what they once were. So it may be, but music remains essential. This reframing was another stroke of unexpected luck I have been the undeserving recipient of. I was able to take the wheel completely and see the album through much better than I had imagined it, with help from so many incredible collaborators, safe and lucky in a new frame of mind.

Read the full artist statement HERE. 

About Shore The Film 

Shore is an art piece filmed over the course of a month in Washington, Oregon, and Western Idaho on 16mm film. 

“I listened to the album while driving, and observationally shot landscapes that I felt resonated with the music, yet also stood on their own,” explained Director Kersti Jan Werdal. “The film is intended to co-exist and engage with the album, rather than be in a direct and symbiotic relationship with it. The urban and narrative scenes interact with the more surreal landscapes, rather than sit in opposition of one another. My hope is that the film, much like the album does, reflects optimism and strength.”

Kersti Jan Werdal is an artist working in film, photography, installation, and collage. 

Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut made a profound impact on the international musical landscape, topping numerous “Best Of” lists, including Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the 2000’s and Pitchfork’s 50 Best Albums of 2008. Fleet Foxes is certified Gold in North America and Platinum in both the UK and Australia. The follow-up album Helplessness Blues was met with the same critical praise as its predecessor (MOJO five stars, Rolling Stone four stars, Pitchfork Best New Music); that album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200, went Gold in the UK, and earned the band a GRAMMY nomination. Six years later, the highly anticipated album Crack-Up was released, with AP saying “Rewarding, involving and meticulous, Crack-Up has been well worth the wait” and Uncut calling the album “Astonishing. Crack-Up may be the most anticipated release of the year, a welcome return. Ambitious, mature, meticulous.” The band embarked on a world tour that saw them headlining major festivals and their own sold-out shows throughout 2017-2018.

Shore Track Listing  Wading In Waist-High Water: lyric video HERE Sunblind: lyric video HERE   Can I Believe You: lyric video HERE Jara: lyric video HERE Featherweight: lyric video HERE A Long Way Past The Past: lyric video HERE For A Week Or Two: lyrics video HERE Maestranza: lyric video HERE Young Man's Game: lyric video HERE I'm Not My Season: lyric video HERE Quiet Air / Gioia: lyric video HERE Going-to-the-Sun Road: lyric video HERE Thymia: lyric video HERE Cradling Mother, Cradling Woman: lyric video HERE Shore: lyric video HERE

Follow Fleet Foxes: Website - Instagram - Robin’s Instagram - Facebook GoGo Penguin  Announces “Live from Studio Two”   A Virtual Concert Broadcast Live, Filmed at Abbey Road Studios   October 29, 2020 at 6 p.m. (PST) / 9 p.m. (EST) GoGo Penguin have been hailed as the “Radiohead of British Jazz,” but they draw equally on rock, jazz and minimalist influences, alongside the intricacy of Aphex Twin or Four Tet to create their punchy, experimental, but always beautiful music. This very special live event “GoGo Penguin Live from Studio Two,” was filmed at one of the band’s favorite studios, the legendary Studio Two at Abbey Road Studios, London. World-famous as the studio of choice for The Beatles, Studio Two is a unique space, part myth, part sacred space and blessed with a brilliant acoustic. For the band it was the perfect venue for a live concert film. Watch the trailer HERE.   As bassist Nick Blacka explains: "We didn’t want to perform in an empty venue, somehow it just felt weird trying to create the energy of a concert in an empty room, but we had recorded an EP in Studio Two back in 2015 and loved the space and somehow it just made sense to film a show here”   Pianist Chris Illingworth agrees: ‘It’s a really special space and we wanted somewhere intimate that we would be excited to work in and where we could tap into that sense of excitement that you get from a live concert.”   While for drummer Rob Turner it is all about the sound of the room: “When we perform we’re always reacting to each other but also the crowd. The people and the energy in the space is as much a part of the performance as we are. Studio Two is imbued with the ghosts of all the incredible music and musicians that have performed there. It has an atmosphere all of its own.  You really feel the expanse of time, how much has happened before you and how much will continue to happen after you”.     Beautifully lit by Lewis Howell, the band’s regular lighting collaborator and recorded by the band’s producer Joe Reiser, the concert features music from the band’s most recent Blue Note Records album, simply titled GoGo Penguin, alongside favorites from Man Made Object (2016) and A Humdrum Star (2018).   For GoGo Penguin it’s a typically bold move, revealing a band at the very top of their game. Expect junglist rhythms, beautiful melodies and thunderous sub-bass from one of the finest live bands in the world, filmed in one of the world’s most iconic studios.   The album GoGo Penguin is out now on Blue Note Records.   Tickets are available at: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/gogopenguin   Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

New music: Little Richard, Ace Frehley, Rick Hromadka, Aimee Mann

If you like variety when it comes to music, check out my latest roundup of essential new releases...

Artist: Little Richard

Titles: The Rill Thing; King of Rock and Roll (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Little Richard, Prince, Vintage Trouble, Billy Preston

Tell me more: When Little Richard passed away at the age of 87 on May 9, 2020, it rekindled interest in the life and music of the pioneering rock and roll great. Now Omnivore Recordings has reissued expanded versions of two of his most important albums, 1970's The Rill Thing and 1971's King of Rock and Roll. Best known for his string of seminal '50s hits ("Tutti Fruiti," "Long Tall Sally," "Rip It Up" and many more), the Macon, Georgia native enjoyed a well-deserved comeback with these ambitious early '70s LPs where his signature vocals were at their peak. The Rill Thing was recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and finds Little Richard — who also produced the album — delivering an album that fuses blues, soul, funk and R&B together flawlessly. There are a plethora of fantastic moments on the album including the potent rock 'n' soul leadoff track "Freedom Blues," Creedence Clearwater Revival-mining "Greenwood, Mississippi," the ambitious title track (which runs more than 10 minutes!), the New Orleans swoop "Lovesick Blues," a joyful horns-draped version of The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" and bonus track "Shake A Hand (If You Can)." 

Fourteen months after the release of The Rill Thing, Little Richard rebounded with the equally convincing King of Rock and Roll, produced by H.B. Barnum. The expanded LP features a fine mix of original songs, along with reworked covers of Motown and rock classics. Listening to the spirited '50s title track, gospel-meets-soul version of "Joy To The World," rocking take on The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" and joyful "The Way You Do The Things You Do" all find the rocker tapping into all of his strengths. The funky "Green Power," soulful ballad "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and retooled "Born On The Bayou" shine an especially bright light on his elevated vocal excellence during this period. Both of these Cheryl Pawelski-produced reissues come with essential bonus tracks, new liner notes penned by Bill Dahl, photos and ephemera. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Ace Frehley

Title: Origins Vol. 2 (Entertainment One)

You might like if you enjoy: Ace Frehley, Lita Ford, Robin Zander, Bruce Kulick

Tell me more: Revisiting classic tracks from the top-tier likes of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and The Kinks can be challenging because the originals endure in their timeless perfection. But on his new dozen-strong set Origins Vol. 2 KISS founding member Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals) is able to meet that challenge by covering beloved classics with virtuoso guitar work, a hard rock edge, an unbridled sense of joy and a little help from some good friends. Among the smoking cuts on the disc is a high-octane tear through the Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash" (featuring Lita Ford on lead vocals), a rousing cover of Humble Pie's 1972 blues-rocker favorite "30 Days In The Hole" (with Cheap Trick frontman Robin Zander able to deliver on the lead vocals delivered by the late Steve Marriott in the original) and the mind-bending Hendrix cut "Manic Depression" (with Frehley and Grand Funk Railroad's Bruce Kulick both soloing). KISS lost more than a step with the departure of Frehley in 1982 (he did rejoin the band from 1996 to the end of 2001); just listen to the blistering take on Mountain's "Never In My Life" and Cream's "Politician" to hear Frehley's killer guitar work in spades. Other treasures on the LP include a cool take on Paul Revere & the Raiders' "Kicks" and a cover of his former band's "She" (featured on the 1975 album "Dressed to Kill"). Get Origins Vol. 2 and crank it up! Then go back and discover the Spaceman's 2016 album Origins Vol. 1. Information: AceFrehley.com.

Artist: Rick Hromadka

Title: Better Days (SodaStar Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Jason Falkner, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Maple Mars, the Lickerish Quartet

Tell me more: Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Rick Hromadka's Better Days is the perfect find for those in search of music that is melodic, memorable and expertly crafted. Hromadka (Maple Mars, Ruby Free, Double Naught Spies) and a batch of musical pals have created an album that is one of the best power pop releases in memory, a surging and artful effort that is bolstered by excellent song craft, experimental flourishes aplenty and nuanced musicianship. The atmospheric opener "Better Days," exhilarating melodic rocker "Searchlight," psychedelic-aimed "Drive On" and breezy "The Ever After" are early highlights on the album. The driving "Full Blown Freakout," genre bending "Robot Lover" and lavish "The Last Volcano" make the second half of the disc equally strong. Better Days, set for release on Sept. 22, will be available on vinyl and digital. Information: SodaStarMusic.com.

Artist: Aimee Mann

Title: Avalanche (HBO's "I'll Be Gone In The Dark")

You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann, Leonard Cohen

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Aimee Mann has released a evocative version of Leonard Cohen's ballad "Avalanche," which is now featured as the title track for HBO's true-crime docuseries "I'll Be Gone In The Dark." Covering Cohen can be tricky and few artists have done it with the power and artful grandeur to do the original material justice; Mann's haunting and faithful cover of "Avalanche" is sheer joy and well worth discovering. The song can be streamed or downloaded now. Information: https://orcd.co/amavalanche.

Robert Kinsler

Travis share video for new song "The Only Thing" featuring Susanna Hoffs

Travis is set to return with the band's first new album in almost four years, the highly-anticipated 10 Songs, due on Oct. 9, 2020 via BMG. The band's last studio album was 2016's winning Everything At Once. The latest advance track is "The Only Thing," which has been unveiled via a great new Fran Healy-directed video. The song was written by Healy as a could-be duet, and fortunately fate brought the Bangles' Susanna Hoffs into the project and her vocals align perfectly with Healy on the track.

Watch the newly-released music video for Travis' "The Only Thing" featuring Hoffs. What a great song! Robert Kinsler

Watch the video HERE on YouTube.

TJR's latest videos: U2, Elton John, The Jayhawks, The Rolling Stones and more!

Check out TJR's latest videos focused on reviews and news from the music world.

Simply click on any of the featured titles below and you'll be taken to the official video posted on TJR's YouTube channel!

Elton John Jewel Box Details Announced (September 18, 2020)

'XOXO' by The Jayhawks - album of the week (September 16, 2020)

The Rolling Stones - 'The Brussels Affair' first listen (September 13, 2020)

U2 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' reissue details (September 13, 2020)

The Rolling Stones 'Goats Head Soup' bonus tracks (September 9, 2020)

U2 to relaunch official YOUTUBE channel

 Big news from U2's camp...

U2 set to relaunch official YouTube channel with unprecedented remastering of more than 100 music videos and never before seen content

U2 TO PREMIERE “STUCK IN A MOMENT YOU CAN’T GET OUT OF” IN 4K

 TOMORROW AT 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET ON THEIR OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

(September 17 - New York, NY) YouTube, Island Records, Interscope, UMe, and UMC today announce the relaunch of U2’s Official YouTube Channel with weekly releases of the band’s most iconic music videos and never before seen content on YouTube, all remastered at the highest possible standard. Over the course of the next year and beyond, the band’s music video catalog will be remastered in HD and launched exclusively on YouTube in that format. 

The first phase of the relaunch will celebrate the upcoming 20th anniversary of the band’s tenth studio album, the GRAMMY Award-winning global smash hit, All That You Can't Leave Behind; leading with the re-release of one of the album’s most seminal tracks, “Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” remastered in 4K as a premium music video (PMV) and Premiering tomorrow at 12 PM ET HERE. 

Throughout their career, U2 has been known for their unparalleled creative vision and artistry when bringing their music to life on screen. As new and remastered content is added over the next year, their YouTube channel will evolve as a hub to celebrate the band’s 40-year legacy and the evolution of their approach to video. Highlights will include previously unreleased live, behind the scenes, and remixed content, and some of their best-known music videos upgraded to HD for the first time ever, up to 4K quality whenever possible. The project will result in hundreds of new and upgraded videos being added to the channel, and a curated experience for fans to be able to explore the depth of the catalog.

The Edge said, “U2 has worked with some incredible filmmakers and directors over the years and it’s always been a lot of fun. Like a lot of people, I’m partial to a tumble down a YouTube rabbit hole…I hope you enjoy.”

David Joseph, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music UK, said, “From the stunning realization of their live shows to their timeless photography and album art, U2’s visual output has always been outstanding. Their passion for film shines through in all their videos and it’s been a huge pleasure to work with them to bring them together in the highest possible quality. This channel is going to serve as a brilliant showcase of the band’s ever-evolving creative vision."

Lyor Cohen, Global Head of Music at YouTube said, “U2 has created some of the most legendary video content of all time throughout their career. We are stoked to be working with them on enhancing their video catalog so that U2 fans around the world can experience their art in the best possible quality, for generations to come.” 

Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO, UMe added, “Throughout their career, U2 has continually set the bar for the highest possible standards, so it’s fitting the band’s iconic videos are receiving the same treatment. We’re thrilled to work with the band to celebrate the anniversary of one of their most popular albums and we can’t wait to share all of the amazing content that we have planned with fans on the band’s YouTube channel.”

In 2019, YouTube Music and Universal Music Group announced a joint initiative to remaster some of the most iconic music videos of all time with the goal of ensuring that current and future generations get to enjoy timeless classics as they’ve never before been experienced. Today, U2 joins this initiative with their vast catalog of music videos and creative content relaunching on a weekly basis at the highest available video and audio quality.

• What: Premiere of “Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” in 4K PMV 
• When: Friday, September 18 at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET 
• Where: U2 Official YouTube Channel 

About U2

From the beginning, U2 were marked out by their drive and ambition, forming as a band “… before they could play”. Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen, and Adam Clayton met at Mount Temple School and formed U2 in 1978 before signing to Island Records. Acknowledged as one of the best live acts in the world, U2 have released 14 studio albums and have sales in excess of 157 million. They have won numerous awards, including 22 GRAMMYs, an Oscar nomination, and the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience. In 2003 they won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, ‘The Hands That Built America’,featured in Gangs of New York. 2014 saw U2 nominated for an Oscar for ‘Ordinary Love’ from the feature film Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, as well as take home the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

U2’s fourteenth studio album Songs Of Experience – the companion release to 2014’s Songs Of Innocence - was released in December 2017 and includes tracks ‘Get Out Of Your Own Way’ and ‘You’re The Best Thing About Me’. The new album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, setting U2 apart as the only band in history to have topped the chart in four successive decades. In 2018, the band hit the road with the eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour, an arena production which saw U2 continue to push the creative boundaries of technology and engineering. And following 2017’s acclaimed stadium run with The Joshua Tree Tour - the record-breaking smash hit tour celebrating the band’s seminal 1987 album The Joshua Tree – 2019 saw The Joshua Tree Tour visit New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, as well as bring “the biggest band in the world” (The Guardian) to Singapore, Seoul, Manila, and Mumbai for the very first time.

And in June 2020, SiriusXM and U2 announced the launch of U2 X-Radio, a complete immersion into the work and influences of the band from the Northside of Dublin, all curated by U2.

 

www.U2.com

Holiday Music Preview: Buck Owens, Goo Goo Dolls, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, 'The Holiday' soundtrack

It's not even October but a slew of holiday music-centered releases loom. Here is a roundup of a number of highly-anticipated Christmastime titles set to arrive this fall...Robert Kinsler

Just in time for the holidays, Omnivore Recordings will release Buck Owens’ A Merry ‘Hee Haw’ Christmas (out on November 13, 2020). The original title, released in 1970, combined Owens’ two Christmas albums for Capitol (Christmas With Buck Owens and His Buckaroosand Christmas Shopping) as one package. Now, in its CD and digital debut, A Merry ‘Hee Haw’ Christmas is augmented by four bonus tracks: “All I Want for Christmas Is My Daddy,” “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy (Daddy Looked a Lot Like Him),” and two Toys for Tots public service announcements originally issued on a 1972 Capitol promotional single. 

 

Alvis Edgar Owens Jr. (August 12, 1929 – March 25, 2006), better known as Buck Owens, was one of the pioneers of the Bakersfield country sound, along with Merle Haggard, Susan Raye and Jean Shepard, and arguably its most consistent hit-maker. Owens co-hosted the prime-time comedy variety show Hee Haw with Roy Clark. The inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame operated Bakersfield’s Crystal Palace music venue, which continues to present live country music long after his passing.

 

Buck Owens and His Buckaroos were untouchable in the 1960s. Their classic Bakersfield brand of country sent hit after hit up the charts, even Christmas tunes weren’t safe from the Buckaroos magic. Buck and his band recorded two classic Christmas albums for Capitol: First Christmas With Buck Owens and His Buckaroos in 1965, and Christmas Shopping in 1968. Not only did both albums make the Billboard Christmas Album Chart (Christmas With charted multiple times — #12 in 1965, and #23 in both 1966 and 1967, and #31 for Christmas Shopping), but they both threw off charting singles as well. “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy (Daddy Looked a Lot Like Him),” drawn from Christmas With, proved to be so popular a holiday favorite it charted twice, hitting #2 in 1965 and two years later, in December ’67, revisiting the charts and making it to #18. In 1968, it was the title track of the second classic Christmas offering, Christmas Shopping, which made it to #5. 

 

Going back to the holiday well in 1970, Capitol cashed in again with a double LP distillation of the two albums called A Merry ‘Hee Haw’ Christmas, which would chart at #34. For that compilation, two songs were omitted, one from each original album, and they’ve been reinstated for Omnivore’s reissue. “All I Want For Christmas Is My Daddy” was left off the Christmas Shopping disc, while “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy (Daddy Looked a Lot Like Him)” was lost from the Christmas With album — a curious omission since it was the most successful Christmas single ever offered by Buck. 

 

Grammy^®-Nominated- and Award-winning producers Patrick Milligan and Cheryl Pawelski produced the CD with Estate approval. Newly remastered from the original analog master tapes by Grammy^®Award-winning engineer Michael Graves, these holiday favorites sparkle and shine like never before. Omnivore is proud to contribute to your happy holidays!

 

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For the gift-giving season, Omnivore has replenished its stock of Buck Owens vintage vinyl. While supplies last, original vintage LP pressings of select albums are direct from the vaults at Bakersfield’s Crystal Palace, and are sealed LPs from Buck’s original stock. Each record includes a certificate of authenticity. They can be found here: http://omnivorerecordings.com/bucklps/

 

A Merry ‘Hee Haw’ Christmas track listing

1. Christmas Shopping 

2. Christmas Time Is Near 

3. The Jolly Christmas Polka 

4. All I Want For Christmas Is My Daddy 

5. Merry Christmas From Our House To Yours 

6. Good Old Fashioned Country Christmas 

7. One Of Everything You Got 

8. Home On Christmas Day 

9. Christmas Schottische 

10. A Very Merry Christmas 

11. It’s Not What You Give

12. Tomorrow Is Christmas Day 

13. Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy (Daddy Looked A Lot Like Him) 

14. Blue Christmas Lights 

15. Christmas Ain’t Christmas 

16. Jingle Bells 

17. All I Want For Christmas Dear Is You 

18. Santa’s Gonna Come In A Stagecoach 

19. Christmas Time’s A Comin’ 

20. Blue Christmas Tree 

21. Here Comes Santa Claus Again 

22. Christmas Morning 

23. It’s Christmas Time For Everyone But Me 

24. Because It’s Christmas Time 

25. Toys For Tots (Version 1) [Bonus Track] 

26. Toys For (Version 2) [Bonus Track] 

Multi-platinum, four-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls are celebrating Christmas early this year with the release of their first-ever holiday record It's Christmas All Over. Arriving October 30, 2020 via Warner Records, the album is filled with cover renditions of iconic holiday songs such as "Let It Snow" and "Hark The Herald Angels Sing", as well as two new originals that capture the warmth and nostalgia of classic Christmas favorites. 

Produced by frontman John Rzeznik in addition to the band's longtime collaborators Brad Fernquist and Jimmy McGorman, the record was recorded during lockdown this year. On October 2, the band will debut "This Is Christmas", the first official single from It's Christmas All Over. Pre-orders for the album will also be available beginning that day via Goo Goo Dolls' website HERE and complete track-listing information can be found below.

IT'S CHRISTMAS ALL OVER TRACK-LISTING
1. Christmas All Over Again
2. Shake Hands With Santa Claus
3. This Is Christmas
4. Christmas Don't Be Late
5. Better Days
6. You Ain't Getting Nothin'
7. Let It Snow
8. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
9. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
10. The Christmas Party (Feat. The Union Square 5)

It's Christmas All Over will arrive on the heels of the deluxe edition release of the band's acclaimed 12th studio record Miracle Pill. The special iteration features the trio of brand new tracks "Just A Man", "The Right Track" and "Tonight, Together", as well as the smash title hit "Miracle Pill", the haunting slow-burn "Autumn Leaves" and the band's latest single "Fearless." Available now on digital streaming platforms everywhere, Miracle Pill is an engaging body of work that remains as timely as ever with themes that explore our need for human connection and the constant change we go through as people. Upon its release in September 2019, the record was described as "potentially the biggest Dolls album released to date [Planet Rock]", as well as one that "easily stands alongside the best of their career [PopMatters]." With over 30 years together as a group, over 12 million albums sold, and 14 number one and Top 10 hits at Hot AC, Miracle Pill finds Goo Goo Dolls at the top of their game and in a league of their own among rock bands.

Goo Goo Dolls are currently in the studio crafting a new album and are also slated to hit the road for an expansive North American tour in summer of 2021. Kicking off on July 22, 2021 in Boise, ID at Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, the nation-wide tour will visit numerous amphitheaters throughout the US and Canada such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado and The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Ticket information can be found at the band's  website HERE.

Seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner and five-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Carrie Underwood, released the track list and special guests for her first-ever Christmas album, My Gift, available globally on digital and CD on September 25 and on red vinyl on October 30.  In anticipation of the Fall album, Underwood has also released the new original song, “Let There Be Peace,” which is available now and as an instant grat track when you pre-order the digital album here.

 

My Gift features a combination of beloved traditional favorites celebrating the spiritual nature of the holiday, as well as several originals. Two of the new original songs are written by Underwood, frequent collaborator Brett James (“Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Something In The Water”), and her Cry Pretty co-producer, David Garcia.  In addition to a very special appearance by Underwood’s 5-year-old son, Isaiah Fisher, on the holiday classic that inspired the album title, “Little Drummer Boy,” My Gift also features her first collaboration with GRAMMY®, Emmy, Oscar, and Tony Award-winner John Legend, on the original track, “Hallelujah,” written by Legend and Toby Gad (“All of Me”). 

 

Carrie Underwood / Photo: Joseph Llanes

Carrie Underwood

My Gift Track List 

1. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (Traditional)

2. O Come All Ye Faithful (Traditional)

3. Let There Be Peace (Carrie Underwood, Brett James, David Garcia)

4. Little Drummer Boy (featuring Isaiah Fisher) (Harry Simeone, Henry Onorati, Katherine Davis)

5. Sweet Baby Jesus (Carrie Underwood, Brett James, David Garcia)

6. Hallelujah (with John Legend) (John Stephens, Toby Gad) 

7. O Holy Night (Traditional)

8. Mary, Did You Know? (Buddy Greene, Mark Lowry)

9. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin)

10. Away In A Manger (Traditional)

11. Silent Night (Traditional)

GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, mixer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Greg Wells produced and arranged the album.  He has written and produced some of the best-selling and highest charting tracks of the past 15 years for such artists as Adele, Celine Dion, Keith Urban, and P!nk, as well as the worldwide smash The Greatest Showman soundtrack.  My Gift features a world-class orchestra, led by the pre-eminent arranger, composer, and conductor David Campbell, whose many credits include iconic recordings by artists including Linda Ronstadt, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Josh Groban, and his son Beck.My Gift is mixed by 14-time GRAMMY® Award winning mixer, Serban Ghenea.  Acclaimed gospel quartet The McCrary Sisters, who have performed backing vocals on previous Underwood songs including “Choctaw County Affair” and “The Champion,” will also be heard on the album.

 

My Gift can be pre-ordered in various formats here starting August 28.  Additionally, an exclusive version of the My Gift CD and special white vinyl, with a bonus Christmas card from Underwood, will be available only at Target. New merchandise bundles are also available in the official My Gift Pre-order store. Watch the My Gift album trailer here: https://umgn.us/MyGiftTrailer.

Underwood released her sixth studio album, Cry Pretty, in 2018, which she co-produced with David Garcia.  The Platinum-certified Cry Pretty features five RIAA certified singles, including the Platinum-certified “The Champion,” and the Gold-certified “Cry Pretty,” “Love Wins,” “Southbound,” and “Drinking Alone.”  She packed arenas in 2019 with her critically-acclaimed Cry Pretty Tour 360 and The Cry Pretty Tour UK.  Earlier this year, Underwood’s first fitness/lifestyle book, FIND YOUR PATH: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life, became an instant national bestseller, not only on the prestigious New York Times list, but also hitting #1 on Amazon, Publisher’s Weekly and other prestigious Bestseller lists.  She also launched her new fitness app, fit52, a wellness platform designed to encourage and support users on their personal wellness journey, and celebrated her 5^th anniversary as founder and lead designer for her fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood.  Apple Music recently announced XO Radio, a monthly radio show hosted and produced by Underwood, which premiered on the newly-launched Apple Music Country on August 18.  This Fall, she returns for her eighth season as the voice of primetime television’s #1 program, NBC’s Sunday Night Football. 

Dolly Parton is shepherding in the holiday season as she releases the second track from her upcoming A Holly Dolly Christmas album, available everywhere on October 2. For her latest release, Dolly is taking on one of her childhood favorites, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," as only she can. 

LISTEN:   I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

"I have always loved 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus' because it’s a song I heard growing up," says Dolly. "I wanted to do something for the kids and I think it's a real cute little song. I have a child-like spirit and I love everything about Christmas!"

Shop brand new merch bundles including “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” thermal top and PJs here:

http://smarturl.it/dolly-parton-shop

The song follows Dolly's first release from her holiday album, "Mary Did You Know?," which joins an impressive series of faith-based music Parton has released throughout her career, including her recent Christian chart-topper with Zach Williams, "There Was Jesus."

For A Holly Dolly Christmas, Dolly collaborated with some of her dearest friends on the 12 track collection including Miley Cyrus, Jimmy Fallon, Billy Ray Cyrus, Michael Buble, Willie Nelson, and a special duet with her brother, Randy Parton.  

A Holly Dolly Christmas is available now worldwide for digital pre-add/pre-save/pre-order, exclusive pre-order bundles, and physical pre-order here. 

Recently, Dolly also announced her partnership with Chronicle Books to release Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics. The visual memoir and annotated songbook will give an intimate look at Dolly's enduring career as a songwriter, musician, and Country legend. Fans will have access to the stories behind the lyrics in Dolly's own words with never-before-seen photographs and memorabilia, bringing them closer to her work than ever before. The Recorded Books audiobook form and CD of Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics will be available on November 17, 2020 and is currently available for preorder on Amazon. 

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics will be available November 17th, 2020. 

To pre-order, please visit: Dolly.ChronicleBooks.com.  

For additional information on all things Dolly Parton, please visit: 

Website 
Facebook 
Instagram 
Twitter 
YouTube 

Varèse Sarabande Records is thrilled to announce the upcoming first-ever LP release of The Holiday Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Academy Award®-winning composer Hans Zimmer. The Holiday was released by Sony Pictures on December 8, 2006, and has since become a modern-day annual holiday classic for movie enthusiasts around the world.

 

Of Zimmer’s timeless soundtrack, Screen Rant says, “Utilizing strings and pianos to perfection, the music really does blend together nicely.” The LP will be pressed on snow white vinyl discs, perfect for any record lover’s holiday collection. Varèse Sarabande will release the first-ever LP edition of The Holiday on November 6, 2020, with pre-order available today, September 15, 2020.

 

Hans Zimmer has scored more than 200 projects across all mediums, which, combined, have grossed more than 28 billion dollars at the worldwide box office.  Zimmer has been honored with an ACADEMY AWARD®, two GOLDEN GLOBES®, three GRAMMYs®, an American Music Award, and a Tony® Award. His work highlights include Gladiator, The Thin Red Line, As Good as It Gets, Rain Man, The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Thelma and Louise, The Last Samurai, 12 Years A Slave, Blade Runner 2049 (co-scored with Benjamin Wallfisch) and Dunkirk. In 2019, Zimmer scored the live-action remake of The Lion King, for which he received a GRAMMY^® nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. Zimmer’s films for 2020/2021 include Wonder Woman 1984, the James Bond film No Time to Die, Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, Top Gun: Maverick and The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run. Zimmer has completed highly successful tour stops for his Hans Zimmer Live concert all around the world.

 

Pre-order: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HG7TWMX?tag=concordreco0c-20

 

Vinyl Art: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wr2sj7tnho7vum3/AAAmp_aEM73_X_keaDrGaAfoa?dl=0

 

Music: 

https://cmg.concordrep.com/play/15741/499b8f1ed90a8c5f70f1f9ee88eefc3608b47302/ 

   

TRACK LISTING

 

Side One:

1. Maestro (3:54)

2. Iris and Jasper (3:24)

3. Kayak for One (1:30)

4. Zero (2:44) 

5. Dream Kitchen (1:36)

6. Separate Vacations (1:48)

7. Anything Can Happen (0:48)

8. Light My Fire (1:14)

9. Definitely Unexpected (3:35) 

10. If I Wanted to Call You (1:51)

11. Roadside Rhapsody (1 :40)

 

Side Two:

1. Busy Guy (1:28)

2. For Nancy (1:27)

3. It’s Complicated (1:00)

4. Kiss Goodbye (2:33) 

5. Verso E Prosa (1:59) 

6. Meu Passado (1:25)

7. The 'Cowch' (2:42)

8. Three Musketeers (2:45)

9. Christmas Surprise (2:32) 

10. Gumption (3:45) 

11. Cry (2:40)

 

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ABOUT VARÈSE SARABANDE RECORDS 

Founded in 1978, Varèse Sarabande is the most prolific producer of film music in the world, releasing the highest quality soundtracks from the world’s greatest composers. From current box office hits and top television series to the classics of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Varèse Sarabande’s catalog includes albums from practically every composer in every era, covering all of film history; from Bernard Herrmann, Alex North and Jerry Goldsmith to Alexandre Desplat, Michael Giacchino and Brian Tyler. Varèse Sarabande Records, LLC, is a Concord company. 

 

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