Sights and Sounds: Blur, Erasure, Carbon Leaf's Ragtime Carnival

Cover art for Blur's 'The Magic Whip'

What a great day for fans of the groundbreaking British rock band Blur. Here are the highlights of what we know following today's announcement about the group's forthcoming album The Magic Whip, which is due to arrive on April 27, 2015 (and likely Tuesday, April 28th here in the U.S.). This will mark the quartet's first new full-length studio album since 2003's Think Tank. 

Blur (singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, drummer Dave Rowntree and bassist Alex James) will headline the aptly-named British Summer Time concert in Hyde Park in London on June 20, 2015; this will mark the fourth time Blur has performed at the event.

Read a full-length story on Blur and the band's upcoming album The Magic Whip in The Guardian here for much more.

ERASURE (Andy Bell and Vince Clarke) have unveiled a new remix from the forthcoming single, "Sacred," out on March 17, 2015 (St. Patrick's Day). Listen to Black Light Odyssey's take on Erasure's track here.

The original version of "Sacred" features the legendary duo's latest, Richard X-produced album, The Violet Flame. The single, the third to have been added to the BBC Radio 2 playlist, will feature the single mix and a live rehearsal version of "Sacred" alongside remixes from the likes of Grammy-nominated Chris Cox, Rich B & Phil Marriott, Vibora Park, 88Ninety and Black Light Odyssey.

The live rehearsal version of "Sacred" comes from rehearsals from the band's recent sell out tour. 

For more information: http://www.erasureinfo.com/

Finally, Carbon Leaf (in partnership with The Virginia Museum of Radio & Concert Entertainment) have announced the 2nd Annual Carbon Leaf's Ragtime Carnival at Pocahontas State Park.

This year the festival will be held May 15 and 16, 2015, and feature 13 bands on two stages. Carbon Leaf will perform three sets over the two-day weekend; an acoustic set Saturday morning, and full-band performances closing out each night. Additional artists performing at the event include actor/director Jeff Daniels with the Ben Daniels Band, Trigger Hippy featuring Joan Osborne and Jackie Greene, as well as Charlottesville-based band Sons of Bill.

for more information, visit www.pocahontaslive.com or email info@pocahontaslive.com.