Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Post-Punk and Pop Icon Ric Ocasek Signs with SESAC

Nice to see Ric Ocasek back in the spotlight. Let's hope we hear more music from Ocasek soon...

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Ric Ocasek / Photo: Getty Images


Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member and recording artist Ric Ocasek, best known as lead vocalist, songwriter and rhythm guitarist of the pioneering post-punk and power-pop band The Cars, has signed with SESAC Performing Rights, it was announced on July 30, 2019. 
Ocasek has been a gifted songwriter and musician throughout his career as both a solo artist, and as a member of various groups—most prominently The Cars. During his time as a member and primary songwriter of The Cars, Ocasek penned enduring hits such as “Drive,” “Shake It Up,” “Good Times Roll,” “My Best Friend’s Girl” and “Just What I Needed.” The Cars’ 1978 eponymous debut certified 6x Platinum, and from there, the band racked up 13 Billboard Top 40 singles (four of them Top Ten hits), across a string of six studio albums that sold more than 17 million records in the U.S. alone. 
“As a multi-faceted artist, Ric continues to inspire with his creative influence and subtle bravado,” says John Josephson, Chairman and CEO, SESAC. “His remarkable career as songwriter and musician has made a significant impact on American music, and SESAC is proud to welcome Ric to our affiliate family.”
Ric Ocasek’s music still captures audiences today as his iconic songs are continuously used in popular films and television shows such as “Dead to Me,” “Stranger Things,” “Arrested Development” and many more. The use of The Cars’ “Moving In Stereo” (co-written by Ocasek and Greg Hawkes) in the classic film Fast Times At Ridgemont High has become a popular culture reference in its own right. Ocasek has influenced bands over the decades from Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins, who covered “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight” as a b-side to their hit “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” to The Killers. Longtime fan Brandon Flowers of The Killers inducted The Cars into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, saying, “They achieved greatness and left a comet trail behind them, writing and recording songs that have transcended into classics…Forty years later they still sound like a new band to me.”
Ocasek continued to harness his unending talent for compelling and poetic songwriting with several successful solo albums, including Beatitude (1982), Fireball Zone (1990),  Troublizing (1997) and Nexterday(2005). In addition, Ocasek has developed his career as an influential producer, working with a number of prominent acts, and producing seminal releases by such pioneering bands as Suicide and Bad Brains, as well as pop sensations like Weezer and No Doubt.
In 2010, Ocasek reunited with the surviving original members of The Cars, and in 2011 the band issued Move Like This, a studio album that proved to be a success for the epic group’s multi-generational fan base.
Most recently, the rock star has taken his visual art exhibition titled Ric Ocasek: Abstract Reality on the road with Wentworth Galleries, who have a network of art galleries in the United States.

About SESAC 
SESAC is a leader and innovator in music licensing.  It is the only U.S.-based music rights organization that administers public performance, mechanical, and other rights through its subsidiary businesses. SESAC Performing Rights Organization, the second oldest PRO in the U.S., drives efficiency in licensing for music users, and enhances value for its affiliated writers, publishers and composers by providing timely, efficient royalty distribution powered by a sophisticated cloud-based data services platform. The Harry Fox Agency is the leading provider of mechanical licenses, and issues the largest number of licenses for physical and digital formats of music in the U.S., and handles royalty payments to music publishers for over 100,000 catalogs. Rumblefish provides rights administration services and licensing support for a broad range of music users and media companies. Mint Digital Services, a joint venture with SUISA, administers copyrights for multi-territorial online usage on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers. SESAC Holdings has offices in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, London and Munich. 

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

The Kinks announce special release of 'Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire' deluxe box set out Oct. 25

Great to see The Kinks' brilliant album 'Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire' being reissued via several deluxe editions this fall...



The Kinks
Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire
50th Anniversary Edition Out October 25th on BMG
Formats: Deluxe Box Set, 2LP, 2CD & Digital

Features Brand New Doo Wop Choir Recordings, The Great Lost Dave Davies Solo Album, New Ray Davies Remixes

And A Host Of Previously Unreleased Tracks
Including "The Future" 
Listen HERE


To mark its 50th anniversary, The Kinks today announce a special release of Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire - out October 25 on BMG, which includes previously unreleased track "The Future" - https://youtu.be/dTWrThdOcEU.

Without doubt, the Kinks 7th studio album is one of the greatest rock albums ever made, a near perfect example of Ray Davies' incredible storytelling ability in what was an innovation in 1969: a concept album. It's also poignant that a record based on the story of emigrating from the UK around its potential to enter the Common Market should hit its 50th anniversary right now. With Brexit on the horizon, the themes of 'Arthur' ring alarmingly familiar.

Arthur received unanimous acclaim on its release. Each of its 12 original album tracks is an absolute gem and all perfect examples of Ray Davies' intrinsic ability to weave a story around a song. In what was a golden period for the Kinks, Arthur followed another classic, The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society when it was released on October 10, 1969.

Rolling Stone wrote: "Arthur is a masterpiece on every level. The Kinks supreme achievement and the best British album of 1969." Melody Maker was equally enthusiastic: "Ray Davies' finest hour......beautifully British to the core."

"I started Arthur before the end of Village Green." says Ray. "The albums piggyback one another because they are joined. I'd already written the song 'Arthur'. I think I wrote 'Australia' when I was still living at 87 Fortis Green so it was quite early on. I remember taking it over to Dave, he lived in Cockfosters at the time, and playing it to him. We were laughing at the irony in the line, 'nobody's got a chip on their shoulder'."

In the midst of the Arthur sessions, studio time was devoted to completing tracks for Dave Davies' proposed solo album. The idea had progressed in staggered intervals since the initial success of Dave's 1967 single, "Death Of A Clown" but, ultimately, never reached completion.

"One of the reasons the album wasn't finished was because I felt The Kinks' management and record company were forcing me too much," Dave reflects. "I felt very comfortable being in The Kinks and it seemed fulfilling to be part of a band. I didn't really want for more. I couldn't see the point."
Ray says; "Hearing Dave's songs again after all this time, I found them quite moving because they were like the back story of what The Kinks were going through at the time."
 
Reprise eventually scrapped the release by September 1969 and over the years, Kinks fans continued to obsess as to what Dave's album - which some referred to as "A Hole In The Sock Of," a working title Ray had jokingly thrown to a music journalist - might have contained.
 
Included in this anniversary edition are 4 CDs comprising of 81 tracks in total, 5 of them unreleased and 28 previously unreleased versions. These include 2019 newly remastered versions of the original album from HD sources (in its original track listing), mono and stereo single versions, B-sides, alternate mono and stereo mixes, rehearsal tracks, BBC mixes and the lost Dave Davies' solo album, with bonus tracks.
 
It also includes Ray Davies' compiled medley of unreleased demo tracks, 2 new recordings of Ray Davies with The Doo Wop Choir, "Arthur & The Emigrants" including one previously unreleased track, 3 previously unreleased "The Come Dancing Workshop Ensemble" tracks, and new Ray Davies remixes of "Australia" and "Shangri-La."
 
A 68-page softback book has also been included, featuring extensive essays by world-renowned Kinks experts, original cancelled Arthur play co-scriptwriter Julian Mitchell, and original album sleeve designer Bob Lawrie. There are also new interviews with Ray Davies, Dave Davies and Mick Avory, as well as band photos, original release international cover artwork and printed memorabilia.
 
Four 7" singles from the album can also be found - "Drivin," "Victoria," "Shangri-La" & "Hold My Hand" (Dave Davies solo) - all reproduced with original international artwork. Finally, a bespoke, exclusive, metal & enamel Kinks logo pin badge is included for fans to wear.


THE KINKS ARTHUR OR THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
LIMITED EDITION, 50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE BOX SET

- 88 TRACKS, INCLUDING 5 UNRELEASED TRACKS &
26 UNRELEASED VERSIONS

- 4 x CDs: REMASTERED MONO & STEREO ALBUM,
SINGLES, B-SIDES, ALTERNATE TRACK VERSIONS,
NEW DOO WOP CHOIR RECORDINGS, RAY DAVIES
REMIXES & DEMOS MEDLEY, THEATRICAL & BBC
TRACKS, 'LOST' DAVE DAVIES ALBUM

- 4 x REPRODUCED 7" SINGLES

- 68 PAGE DELUXE BOOK WITH ESSAYS, NEW BAND
INTERVIEWS, RARE IMAGES

- REPRODUCED POSTERS & PHOTOS

- KINKS METAL PIN BADGE

THE KINKS - ARTHUR BOX SET - TRACK LISTING
 
DISC ONE
ORIGINAL STEREO ALBUM, 2019 REMASTER
1.        Victoria (Stereo)
2.        Yes Sir, No Sir (Stereo)
3.        Some Mother's Son (Stereo)
4.        Drivin' (Stereo)
5.        Brainwashed (Stereo)
6.        Australia (Stereo)
7.        Shangri-La (Stereo)
8.        Mr. Churchill Says (Stereo)
9.        She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina (Stereo)
10.       Young And Innocent Days (Stereo)
11.       Nothing To Say (Stereo)
12.       Arthur (Stereo)

Bonus Tracks
13.      Plastic Man (Stereo)
14.      Victoria (Alternate Stereo Mix)
15.      Yes Sir, No Sir (Alternate Stereo Mix)
16.      Drivin' (Alternate Stereo Mix)
17.      Brainwashed (Alternate Stereo Mix)
18.      Australia (Alternate Stereo Mix)
19.      Shangri-La (Alternate Stereo Mix)

DISC TWO
ORIGINAL MONO ALBUM, 2019 REMASTER 
1.         Victoria (Mono)
2.        Yes Sir, No Sir (Mono)
3.         Some Mother's Son (Mono)
4.         Drivin' (Mono)
5.         Brainwashed (Mono)
6.         Australia (Mono)
7.         Shangri-La (Mono)
8.         Mr. Churchill Says (Mono)
9.         She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina (Mono)
10.      Young And Innocent Days (Mono)
11.      Nothing To Say (Mono)
12.      Arthur (Mono)

Bonus Tracks
13.      Plastic Man (Mono)
14.      King Kong (Mono)
15.      Victoria (Alternate Mono Mix)
16.      Australia (Alternate Mono Acetate Mix)
17.      Shangri-La (Alternate Mono Mix)
18.      She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina (Alternate Mono Mix)
19.      Australia (Australian Mono Single Mix/Edit)

DISC THREE
THE GREAT LOST DAVE DAVIES ALBUM PLUS
1.         This Man He Weeps Tonight (Stereo)
2.         Mindless Child Of Motherhood (Stereo)
3.         Hold My Hand (Stereo)
4.         Do You Wish To Be A Man? (Stereo)
5.         Are You Ready? (Stereo)
6.         Creeping Jean (Stereo)
7.         I'm Crying (Stereo)
8.         Lincoln County (Stereo)
9.         Mr. Shoemaker's Daughter (Stereo)
10.      Mr. Reporter (Stereo)
11.      Groovy Movies (Stereo)
12.      There Is No Life Without Love (Stereo)
 
Bonus Tracks
13.      Lincoln County (Mono Single Mix/Edit)
14.      There Is No Life Without Love (Mono)
15.      Hold My Hand (Mono)
16.      Creeping Jean (Mono Single Mix/Edit)
17.      Mindless Child Of Motherhood (Mono)
18.      This Man He Weeps Tonight (Mono)
19.      Mr. Shoemaker's Daughter (Alternate Stereo Mix)
20.      Mr. Reporter (Alternate Stereo Mix)
21.      Groovy Movies (Alternate Stereo Mix)
22.      Lincoln County (Acoustic Mix)
23.      Hold My Hand (Alternate Take)

DISC FOUR
DEMOS, REHEARSALS, BBC & REMIXES
Part 1
1.         Arthur's Journey (Introduction)
2.         Australia (2019 Mix)
3.         Home Demos Medley, 1969: Arthur / Victoria / Some Mother's Son / Drivin' /
Brainwashed / Mr. Churchill Says (TV Premix)
 
Part 2
4.         Shangri-La (2019 Mix)
5.         My Big Sister (Theatrical Version)
6.         Stevenage (Theatrical Version)
7.         Space (Theatrical Version) (Full Version)
8.         The Future (Doo-Wop Version)
9.         Arthur (Doo-Wop Version)
 
Part 3
10.      The Virgin Soldiers March
11.      Soldiers Coming Home (Instrumental)
12.      King Kong (BBC Mix)
13.      Victoria (Ray Davies & Band With The DR Symphony & Vocal Ensemble) (Stereo)
14.      Arthur (BBC Mix)

'John Lennon & Yoko Ono: Above Us Only Sky' set for release on September 13, 2019

Very exciting news on a new documentary film set for release later this summer...

John Lennon & Yoko Ono: Above Us Only Sky

RELEASED ON DVD, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2019
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
PRE-ORDER NOW FROM HERE
“How has this superb footage remained unseen for almost 50 years?... Mesmerising”
-The Guardian
“Absorbing… takes viewers on an intimate trip inside the making of Imagine”
–LA Times
“Lennon’s message of peace, love and people power remain potent today”
–The Telegraph
New York, NY (July 30, 2019) – John & Yoko: ABOVE US ONLY SKY shares the untold story of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s unique relationship, and the artistic journey that culminated in the iconic Imagine album. This feature-length documentary film, directed by Emmy Award Winner and Oscar nominee Michael Epstein, explores how the art, activism, politics and music of the pair lead to the creative and personal collaboration that defined an era.
A compelling new commentary follows the creative journeys John and Yoko took to arrive at Imagine, as well as their paths to the innovative music film Imagine and Yoko’s lesser-known but extraordinary album Fly. Through a deep dive into previously unreleased recordings, including the first demo of "Imagine", and unseen film, as well as both archive and brand-new interviews, ABOVE US ONLY SKY lays bare childhoods scarred by inequality, racism, exploitation and the horrors of war—and later redeemed by love and art.
Yoko said, “Rock/pop songs appeal. They talk to people. And there's nothing like that. Imagine was a result of that. Both of us knew that we were talking in a way that people understand. The fact that 'Imagine' as a song was written and put out in the world was magical. And I hope you will smell the magic of it. I feel in the big picture the fact that John and I met - was to do this song.”
As well as a new and exclusive interview with Yoko, the film features new interviews with those closest to the couple at that time, including John Lennon’s son Julian, photographer David Bailey who famously captured the couple in a 1971 photograph that graced the cover of Vogue, gallerist John Dunbar who set up Yoko’s first London art show and introduced the couple, Dan Richter, a neighbor of Yoko’s who became their personal assistant, pioneering studio designer Eddie Veale who built Ascot Sound Studios at their home in Tittenhurst Park, as well as Klaus VoormannAlan White and Jim Keltner - musicians who all played on the Imagine album. These influential figures provide open and unprecedented insight to the Imaginenarrative, alongside previously-unseen footage, photographs and audio recordings.
In John’s words can be found the central mission of ABOVE US ONLY SKY: to dig past the sweet exterior of Imagine, and in the process reclaim both the song’s radical vision and its fierce relevancy for a new generation.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
PRE-ORDER NOW FROM HERE
imaginejohnyoko.com
johnlennon.com
facebook.com/johnlennon
twitter.com/johnlennon
instagram.com/johnlennonofficial
youtube.com/johnlennon
About Eagle Vision
Eagle Vision is an imprint of Eagle Rock Entertainment, the world-leading producer and distributor of music documentary and concert films. Founded in 1997, the multi-award-winning company releases over 50 productions a year and controls the distribution of over 2,000 hours of music programming. The catalogue includes work by award-winning filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, Brett Morgan, Stanley Nelson, Mike Figgis, Paul Dugdale, Jeremy Marre, Leslie Woodhead and Michael Epstein. Eagle Rock works with a wide spectrum of artists including the Rolling Stones, Eminem, Madonna, Eric Clapton, Muse, Katy Perry, Steven Wilson, Slash, Iggy Pop, Paul McCartney and Shania Twain. Eagle Rock is a Universal Music Group company, and is headquartered in London.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Four far-flung titles worth celebrating

Those looking for musical diversity need not look further than the four far-flung titles celebrated in my latest roundup of new releases.



Artist: John Wesley Harding
Title: Greatest Other People's Hits (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Fastball, the Minus Five
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter John Wesley Harding delivers in full on his delightful new LP Greatest Other People's Hits, a 17-track disc where he covers a diverse field of cuts while joined by a talented field of players who bring these lively reworkings to life. The Minus Five joins Harding for a shimmering take on Pete Seeger's "Words Words Words"; Fastball helps hit Joseph Egan's "Star" out of the park via bona fide power pop perfection; the wistful "Je Suis Venu Te Dire Que Je M'en Vais" poignant soundscape is further enlightened by Harding's vocal reading in French. Other artfully reworked standouts include a sparse take of Bruce Springsteen's "Jackson Cage," a teaming with the Universal Thump for a joyful run through George Harrison's "Wah Wah," and Americana-styled "Wreck on the Highway," the latter a live performance where the song's writer (the aforementioned Springsteen) contributes vocals and acoustic guitar. Other guests heard across the album include Lou Reed, Kelly Hogan and Rick Moody. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.



Artist: Lasers Lasers Birmingham
Title: Warning (Lasers Lasers Birmingham)
You might like if you enjoy: Phosphorescent, George Jones, Gram Parsons
Tell me more: Many of this writer's favorite artists have issued top-tier releases independently sans the support or bigger recording budgets afforded by working with a successful record label. Add to that list Los Angeles-based Lasers Lasers Birmingham whose Warning is an 11-track album that shines with the cosmic country sound of Gram Parsons even while infused with enough 21st century aplomb to make this the artist's own. Lasers Lasers Birmingham  the moniker for singer-songwriter Alex Owen  wrote the songs in a persona, an experience pushed even further after a near-death experience when he was in a car crash in the mountains of Ojai, CA. The real-world focused lyrics often find the lead character losing control in their life; to be sure the music finds singer-guitarist Owen and a collection of contributing musicians (along with noted producer Jason Soda) firmly in control as they unleash a bold brew blending authentic Americana, folk and rock. The lovely pedal steel-adorned title track, country rocker "After Party After Life," confessional acoustic nugget "Lead Me On", breezy "Numbers and Figures" and probing tale "What a Shame" are among the outstanding songs on WarningInformation: https://www.facebook.com/LasersLasersBirmingham/.



Title: New Songs for the 20th Century
Written by: Chris Stamey (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter
Tell me more: Written, arranged and produced by dB's co-founder Chris Stamey, New Songs for the 20th Century is an amazing album. The songs astound, as if lifted out of a time machine; to highlight some songs and note others is almost criminal. Those familiar with the Great American Songbook will likely be enthralled by this rich collection. Backed by the ModRec Orchestra, many great musicians bring Stamey's new songs to life. The beautiful and luxurious "I Don't Believe in Romance" features singer Caitlin Cary and has the magic of a Burt Bacharach classic; the wistful "What is This Music that I Hear?" and "On an Evening Such as This" are both bolstered by singer Kirsten Lambert's affecting vocals. The jazzy "There's Not a Cloud in the Sky" and more contemporary "I Am Yours" are among the memorable tracks on disc one. The jazzy "Beneath the Underdog" (featuring Marshall Crenshaw, Don Dixon and Django Haskins), the beautiful "In Spanish Harlem," and nuanced "Lover, Can You Hear Me?" bring equal power to the second disc. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.



Artist: Highest Intention
Title: Universal Light (Highest Intention Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley, 311, Andrew Tosh
Tell me more: Lovers of reggae music steeped in undeniable rhythms, strong lead vocals and good vibes will want to get a listen of the debut from San Francisco Bay Area band Highest Intention. Universal Light provides a welcome introduction for the Ben "Down" Lowe-led troupe, adept at offering up a range of songs. The romance-minded "Ocean," aptly-titled "Vibes" (complete with an extended instrumental section), tuneful "Riverside," jubilant "Escape" and horn section-bolstered "Hold Your Own Love" are among the excellent tracks on the disc.  Information: highestintentionband.com.





Robert Kinsler




Friday, July 26, 2019

Violent Femmes, Snow Patrol, Zac Brown Band, 'Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood' soundtrack

Your daily dose of cool music news...



VIOLENT FEMMES' NEW ALBUM, HOTEL LAST RESORT, OUT TODAY
GROUNDBREAKING AMERICAN BAND FINALLY UNVEIL 10TH STUDIO ALBUM
OFFICIAL "I'M NOTHING" VIDEO FEATURING PRO SKATEBOARDER STEFAN JANOSKI
STREAMING NOW FOLLOWING EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE VIA PSYCHOLOGY TODAY
LIVE SCHEDULE INCLUDES HEADLINE DATES, FESTIVAL APPEARANCES,
AND CO-HEADLINE TOUR WITH BEN FOLDS BEGINNING JULY 28 IN UNCASVILLE, CT
HOTEL LAST RESORT AVAILABLE NOW VIA [PIAS]

photo credit: Zack Whitford
"The twisted, quirky folk that's both innocent and defiant remains distinctive, as does singer Gordon Gano's perpetually strained, some might say fidgety, vocals...Strange, inexplicable and uncomfortable are descriptions the Femmes are likely proud of."
American Songwriter


Violent Femmes have announced today's release of their much-anticipated new album. HOTEL LAST RESORT is available now via [PIAS] at all music retailers and streaming services. Today's release is marked by the premiere of a playful but potent companion video accompanying the album's rambunctious new rendition of "I'm Nothing," streaming now following its exclusive premiere via Psychology Today.

WATCH "I'M NOTHING"
Originally recorded for 1994's NEW TIMES, this latest version of "I'm Nothing" sees a featured appearance from pro skateboarder Stefan Janoski. A lifelong Femmes fan, Janoski has also teamed with the band to create the Nike SB Zoom Janoski "Violent Femmes"- a one-of-a-kind exclusive shoe inspired by "I'm Nothing." Designed by Janoski, the Nike SB Zoom Janoski "Violent Femmes" will see the words "I'M NOTHING" screen-printed in the skateboarder's handwriting on the tongue of the shoe, while his exclusive artwork will be included on the custom sock liner. Chain stitched on the left shoe will be the word "VIOLENT" and on the right shoe, the word "FEMMES," with a vulc tape mirror appliqué in Tour Yellow. The Nike SB Zoom Janoski "Violent Femmes" releases in fall 2019 - complete details and exclusive images can be found HERE.

The band's 10th studio albumHOTEL LAST RESORT was first heralded earlier this spring with the release of the LP's plaintive title track, featuring the iconic guitar sound of Television co-founder Tom Verlaine. Rolling Stone hailed "Hotel Last Resort" as a "surreal new song" in its exclusive premiere, writing, ""Throughout the winding cut, Gano unfurls a series of intriguing lyrical vignettes (I don't change the chords anymore/The chords change themselvesI've become invisible because one is not divisible) over droning acoustic strums and Verlaine's textural lead lines."
Recorded at Denver, CO's Mighty Fine Productions with GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Ted Hutt (The Gaslight Anthem, Old Crow Medicine Show) and GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer Ryan MallHOTEL LAST RESORT resides among Violent Femmes' finest hours, simultaneously refining and redefining their one-of-a-kind take on American music, mingling front porch folk, post punk, spiritual jazz, country blues, avant garde improvisation, and golden age rock 'n' roll. Founded and fronted of course by singer/guitarist Gordon Gano and acoustic bass guitarist Brian Ritchie, the Milwaukee-based combo remain as warm, wise, and weird as ever before, with such new favorites as "Another Chorus" and "Everlasting You" continuing to mine the vast range of ideas, melodic complexity, and organic sonic craftsmanship that has characterized the band's body of work since their landmark 1983 debut.
Always eager to push their music forward, Violent Femmes have spent the past three years joined by percussionist John Sparrow and multi-instrumentalist Blaise Garza, both longtime members of The Horns of Dilemma, the band's ever-evolving cabal of multi-instrumentalist backing musicians. Sparrow's novel use of a Weber Grill as a rhythm instrument along with the extreme tones of Garza's central instrument, the massive contrabass saxophone, bring a stunning depth to the Femmes' famous sound, imbuing songs like "Paris To Sleep" and "Adam Was A Man" with a striking richness and imaginative edge.
Indeed, HOTEL LAST RESORT has already begun accruing critical acclaim, with Louder Than War hailing it as "Violent Femmes' finest work since 1984's HALLOWED GROUND. It has the tropes of a classic Femmes' albums; the Americana of post punk, folk, blues, jazz, spiritual, gospel, classic rock 'n' roll with left field lyrics and avant-garde structures that never detract from a bloody good tune... Gordon Gano remains as literate and quirky as ever and Brian Ritchie still has his classic bass sound, that's like metal producing a raw beauty that twangs and grinds as though every note is wrought with heart and power (he's one of the greatest bass players ever in my book)." Soundblab agreed, declaring the LP to be "one of the most rewarding Femmes albums in years. Speaking of years, it's been nearly 40 since their folk punk debut but with HOTEL LAST RESORT, they've never sounded more vital. Viva la Violent Femmes."
Violent Femmes will celebrate HOTEL LAST RESORT with a typically wide-ranging live schedule that includes headline dates, festival sets (including Port Townsend, WA's THING on August 25 and Chicago, IL's Riot Fest on September 13-15), and a co-headline tour with Ben Folds set to get underway this Sunday, July 28, at Uncasville, CT's Mohegan Sun Arena. Special VIP tickets are also available for the latter tour, including Reserve Seating, early venue access, a signed tour poster, tote bag, and more. Additional dates - including a North American headline tour - will be announced soon. For complete details and ticket availability, please see  www.vfemmes.com/tour.
Violent Femmes are: Gordon Gano: lead vocal, guitar * Brian Ritchie: acoustic bass guitar, baritone guitar, vocal, percussion * John Sparrow: BBQ, snare, tom, percussion, vocal * Blaise Garza: baritone, contrabass and sopranino saxophones, vocal, piano, harmonium, theremin, percussion.
VIOLENT FEMMES ON TOUR 2019
JULY
28 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena #
29 - Selbyville, DE - The Freeman Stage #
30 - Washington, DC - The Anthem #
AUGUST
1 - New York, NY - Pier 17 #
2 - Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony Summer Stage #
3 - Boston, MA - Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion #
4 - East Providence, RI - Bold Point Park #
6 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE #
8 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre #
9 - Nashville, TN - Ascend Amphitheater #
10 - Indianapolis, IN - Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park #
11 - Rochester Hills, MI - Meadow Brook Amphitheatre #
14 - Minneapolis, MN - Surly Brewing #
15 - Des Moines, IA - Water Works Park #
16 - Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre #
17 - Lyons, CO - Rocky Mountain Folks Festival *
23 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
25 - Port Townsend, WA - THING *
SEPTEMBER
6 - Omaha, NE - Shadow Ridge Music Festival *
7 - Moorhead, MN - Bluestern Amphitheater **
13-15 - Chicago, IL - Riot Fest *
14 - Green Bay, WI - Meyer Theatre
* Festival Performance
# w/Ben Folds
** w/Matthew Sweet
CONNECT WITH VIOLENT FEMMES



Snow Patrol To Release first of two Reworked EPs on August 9, 2019 via Republic Records

Debut “Crack The Shutters (Reworked)”




Today, Snow Patrol announce the first of 2 Reworked EPs, released on August 9, including a stunning new version of "Crack The Shutters" available to hear now.
The band announced on their social media channels last month they have been in the studio over the last few months and are releasing a new track ahead of more music later this year, celebrating the 25th anniversary since Snow Patrol formed.
Reworked EP1 includes the previously released track "Time Won’t Go Slowly" alongside reworked versions of "Open Your Eyes" & "Chocolate."

Earlier this month "Chasing Cars" was announced as the most played song at UK radio in the 21st century. Following this announcement "Chasing Cars" rocketed to Number 2 in the UK iTunes chart, heading into the Spotify and Apple Music charts too.

Snow Patrol’s album Wildness, their first studio album in seven years, was released last year reaching #2 in the UK album charts and going gold in the process. The band recently performed to 35,000 fans in Bangor, Northern Ireland at their own festival Ward Park 3, which celebrated the music of Northern Ireland with all 11 artists on the bill from NI, and featured a career-defining performance by the band, including a special guest appearance from Bono.

Over a twenty-five year career, Snow Patrol has carved out a unique place for themselves. Since their 1998 debut, Songs for Polarbears, the band have racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades, including over 17 million global album sales, 1+ billion global track streams, 5 UK Platinum Albums, an Ivor Novello award and have been nominated for a Grammy and Mercury Music Prize.

Snow Patrol Tour Dates
04 August /// Perth, Australia // Perth Concert Hall (Acoustic Performance) (Sold Out)
06 August /// Brisbane, Australia /// QPAC Concert Hall (Acoustic Performance) (Sold Out)
08 August /// Auckland, New Zealand /// ASB Theatre (Acoustic Performance) (Sold Out)
10 August /// Melbourne, Australia /// Palais Theatre (Acoustic Performance)
11 August /// Sydney, Australia /// Sydney Opera House (Acoustic Performance) (Sold Out)
13 August /// Sydney, Australia /// Enmore Theatre (Acoustic Performance) (Sold Out)
16 August /// Tokyo, Japan /// Summer Sonic Festival (Acoustic Performance)
18 August /// Osaka, Japan /// Summer Sonic Festival (Acoustic Performance)
19 August /// Tokyo, Japan /// Club Quattro (Acoustic Performance)
21 August /// Beijing, China /// Tango Live 3F (Acoustic Performance)
23 August /// Shanghai, China /// Bandai Namco Hall Shanghai Base Dream Hall (Acoustic Performance) (Sold Out)
24 August /// Shanghai, China /// Bandai Namco Hall Shanghai Base Dream Hall (Acoustic Performance)  (Sold Out)
27 August /// Bangkok, Thailand /// Moonstar Studio 8 (Acoustic Performance)
29 August /// Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia /// Kl Live (Acoustic Performance)
31 August /// Jakarta, Indonesia /// Hodgepodge Superfest (Acoustic Performance)
01 September /// Jakarta, Indonesia /// Hodgepodge Superfest (Acoustic Performance)
01 September /// Singapore /// University Cultural Centre (Acoustic Performance) (Sold Out)

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ZAC BROWN BAND ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, THE OWL, TO BE RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 20 

New Digital Single, “Leaving Love Behind,” out today 
'The Owl' marks Zac Brown Band’s first studio album release since 2017’s 'Welcome Home'

Zac Brown Band, the multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning band, today announced their highly anticipated sixth studio album, The Owl, to be released via BMG on Sept. 20, 2019. The Owl will be available on vinyl, CD and download across digital streaming platforms and available for pre-order now. Additionally, Zac Brown Band announced the new digital single off the forthcoming album, entitled “Leaving Love Behind,” is out now and available across all digital streaming platforms. Today’s new digital single marks Zac Brown Band’s first new release since “Someone I Used To Know” debuted on Billboard’s Hot Country Song Chart in November 2018, eventually going on to win the band a 2019 CMT Award for Group Video of the Year.

Zac Brown Band is currently touring its summer 2019 “The Owl Tour,” in support of the upcoming new album release. Both the tour and upcoming album title are inspired by the lore surrounding the great horned owl, which can see perfectly at night, making it a reliable guide, even during dark times. The Owlwill explore a deeper side of Zac Brown Band as they pull from this inspiration to create their most personal album to date.
 
The Owl will not only feature the intricate melodies and dynamic vocal arrangements that Zac Brown Band has long been known for, but also explore new sounds through unexpected collaborations with producers and writers across different facets of the music world including Skrillex, Andrew Watt, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, Max Martin, Benny Blanco and Ryan Tedder among others. Zac Brown Band’s experimentation with sound can be heard throughout the band’s career discography and helped them develop a reputation as one of the most dynamic musical acts, marked by strong musicianship and a creative range that defies genre boundaries.
 
“We’ve been working tirelessly on this album over the past couple years, ensuring every detail is perfect,” said Zac Brown. “We are always pushing ourselves as musicians by blurring genre boundaries and incorporating all kinds of music we are personally inspired by, elevating what we are capable as a group. This album will have something for everyone, The Owl is exciting, raw, and unexpected. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished on this record and can’t wait to finally share it with the fans.”
 
The Owl follows Zac Brown Band’s 2017 studio album, Welcome Home, which won the British Country Music Association Award for International Album of the Year. Prior to the release of Welcome Home, Zac Brown Band released four studio albums beginning with their debut major label studio album, certified 5x platinum, The Foundation, in 2008 featuring their hit debut single, “Chicken Fried.” Since then, the band’s studio album releases included You Get What You Give, in 2010; Uncaged, in 2012; and JEKYLL + HYDE, in 2015. Additionally, Zac Brown Band have released two live albums (Live From Bonnaroo, 2009;Pass The Jar, 2010), a greatest hits compilation (Greatest Hits So Far, 2014), and an extended play produced by Dave Grohl (The Grohl Sessions, Vol. 1., 2013).
 
A three-time Grammy Award-winning band, Zac Brown Band have sold more than 30 million singles, 9 million albums, have achieved 15 No. 1 radio singles and are the second act in history to have topped both Country Airplay and Mainstream Rock Songs charts. They took the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs chart during their 2015 collaboration with the late Chris Cornell on “Heavy is the Head.”
 
To pre-order The Owl, please visit:



QUENTIN TARANTINO’S 'ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD' SOUNDTRACK AVAILABLE NOW


SOUNDTRACK FEATURES 20+ SELECT WORKS FROM 1960S ERA HOLLYWOOD

Sony Pictures' motion picture 'Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood' in theatres now
The soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino’s heavily anticipated music-laden film Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood is available now. The soundtrack released  globally through Columbia Records in line with the nationwide film release. Personally curated by Tarantino himself, the soundtrack is a love letter to the music of 1960s-era Hollywood. The Once Upon a Time… in Hollywoodsoundtrack features over 20 standout tracks from artists such as Paul Revere & The Raiders, Deep Purple, and Neil Diamond, as well as vintage radio advertisements, creating a true time capsule of a golden era of filmmaking.

Stream and purchase the soundtrack here.

Keeping with Tarantino’s status as a true collector and lover of vinyl, there will be several special editions of the vinyl, each packed with bonuses. Available now is a small-batch limited-edition vinyl sold exclusively at Amoeba Records in Hollywood and Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema. There is a wider vinyl release this fall, with the Deluxe Vinyl (220 gram heavyweight “tequila sunrise” colored vinyl, gatefold package with four 11x17 numbered posters, a Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood 24x36 poster and one Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood 11x17 Map); an Indie Retail exclusive (180 gram heavyweight orange vinyl, gatefold package with a Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood 24x36 poster and one Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood 11x17 Map) and the Standard Vinyl which includes a Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood 11x17 Map.


ONCE UPON A TIME IN… HOLLYWOOD SOUNDTRACK TRACKLISTING: 

1.   Treat Her Right - Roy Head & The Traits
2.   Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man - The Bob Seger System
Boss Radio feat. Humble Harve:
3.   Hush - Deep Purple
4.   Mug Root Beer Advertisement
5.   Hector - The Village Callers
6.   Son of a Lovin’ Man - Buchanan Brothers
7.   Paxton Quigley’s Had the Course (from the MGM film Three in the Attic) - Chad & Jeremy
8.   Tanya Tanning Butter Advertisement
9.   Good Thing - Paul Revere & The Raiders
10. Hungry - Paul Revere & the Raiders
11. Choo Choo Train - The Box Tops
12. Jenny Take a Ride - Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels
13. Kentucky Woman - Deep Purple
14. The Circle Game - Buffy Sainte-Marie
Boss Radio feat. The Real Don Steele:
15. Mrs. Robinson - Simon & Garfunkel
16. Numero Uno Advertisement
17. Bring a Little Lovin’ - Los Bravos
18. Suddenly / Heaven Sent Advertisement
19. Vagabond High School Reunion
20. KHJ Los Angeles Weather Report
21. The Illustrated Man Advertisement / Ready For Action
22. Hey Little Girl - Dee Clark
23. Summer Blonde Advertisement
24. Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show - Neil Diamond
25. Don’t Chase Me Around (from the MGM film GAS-S-S-S) - Robert Corff
26. Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon - Paul Revere & the Raiders (feat. Mark Lindsay)
27. California Dreamin’ - Jose Feliciano
28. Dinamite Jim (English Version) - I Cantori Moderni di Alessandroni
29. You Keep Me Hangin’ On (Quentin Tarantino Edit) - Vanilla Fudge
30. Miss Lily Langtry (cue from The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean) - Maurice Jarre
31. KHJ Batman Promotion


Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood visits 1969 Los Angeles, where everything is changing, as TV star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) make their way around an industry they hardly recognize anymore. The ninth film from the writer-director features a large ensemble cast and multiple storylines in a tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age. Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino. Produced by David Heyman, Shannon McIntosh and Quentin Tarantino. Georgia Kacandes, YU Dong and Jeffrey Chan serve as executive producers. The film also stars Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate plus Al Pacino, Emile Hirsch, Timothy Olyphant, Dakota Fanning, Bruce Dern, Lena Dunham, and more. Watch the trailer here.

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood opened nationwide in theatres on June 26, 2019. For more information on the film, please visit @OnceinHollywood across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Purchase/Stream “ONCE UPON A TIME IN… HOLLYWOOD SOUNDTRACK” Below
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