Rockin' Gift Guide: AC/DC, Jesse Colin Young, John Lennon, Peggy Lee, Gypsy Soul, Chris Hillman

Here is a crop of terrific releases including spectacular classic rock returns, an essential autobiography from a rock and roll great, as well as several fantastic new holiday music titles in tune with the season.

Artist: AC/DC

Title: Power Up (Columbia Records Group)

You might like if you enjoy: AC/DC, Deep Purple's 2020 "Whoosh!" 

Tell me more: Few bands have faced their demons and battled back with the kind of aplomb displayed by AC/DC. This is band that was seemingly doomed from the time founding lead singer Bon Scott died in February 1980. Major hearing issues for long-time vocalist Brian Johnson that led him to being temporarily replaced by Axl Rose in 2016, the death of founding rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young in 2017 and legal issues aplenty for drummer Phil Rudd were somehow overcome as evidenced on the hard rockers' brilliant return Power Up. Those worrying the Australia-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have lost a step fear not; this album rocks as hard as anything in their storied discography. My favorite tracks are the head-banging "Shot In The Dark" and "Systems Down," catchy instant-classic "Witch's Spell," bluesy "Kick You When You're Down" and "No Man's Land," and probing "Through The Mists Of Time." Truth be told, every cut on the album rocks. No wonder within a week of its official release, Power Up had reached the #1 spot on charts across the globe. 

Power Up is available in multiple configurations that will excite collectors and die-hard fans alike, including digital, CD, and deluxe versions. The limited edition, one-of-a-kind deluxe Power Up box is the ultimate fan package. Hit the button on the side of the box and watch the flashing neon AC/DC logo light up while the opening bars of “Shot In The Dark” blast out of the built-in speaker. Inside the box is the full CD package in a soft-pack with a 20-page booklet that features exclusive photos and USB charging cable allowing the box to remain powered up and on display. The vinyl LP is pressed on 180 gram vinyl and housed in a gatefold jacket.  Information: acdc.com.

Artist: Jesse Colin Young

Title: Highway Troubadour (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: The Youngbloods, Jesse Colin Young, Bruce Cockburn 

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitarist Jesse Colin Young has just returned with Highway Troubadour, his 22nd solo album (but first truly solo acoustic record since his 1964 debut The Soul of a City Boy). Beloved for his work as lead singer for The Youngbloods in the late 1960s and early '70s, Young went on to establish an equally successful career thanks to strong albums such as Song for Juli (1972), Songbird (1975) and On the Road (1976). Now 79, Young's signature vocals and virtuoso finger style guitar work shine across Highway Troubadour. A true survivor, Young put his recording career on hiatus in 2012 when he was diagnosed with Lyme disease. He returned to the ring with his highly-acclaimed February 2019 release Dreamers and is now back with a disc full of compositions pulled from across his catalog; the sessions were recorded with two two AEA A440 ribbon microphones — one for his voice and one for his Taylor 910 CE guitar. Highlights abound; an intoxicating "Cast a Stone" from last year's Dreamers, intimate "Song for Juli" and potent "Darkness, Darkness." He also revisits several Youngbloods classics, including offering up a reworked bluesy take on the Americana rocker "Sugar Babe" and George Remaily's "Euphoria." Information: JesseColinYoung.com.

Artist: John Lennon

Title: Gimme Some Truth (Capitol Records)

You might like if you enjoy: John Lennon, The Beatles

Tell me more: In celebration of what would have been John Lennon's 80th birthday, Capitol/UMe released Gimme Some Truth on Oct. 9, 2020. Released via several configurations (including a Deluxe 2CD/Blu-ray edition that includes a 124-page book and much more), the 2CD version I have revisits three dozen of the artist's most beloved solo songs, all upgraded via the work of engineer Paul Hicks, engineer Sam Gannon and mastering pro Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios. Listening to these glorious new mixes is to be swept up again by Lennon's monumental talent as a singer-songwriter able to address love, loss, social justice, marriage, world peace, racism, feminism and a myriad of other topics with a brutal honesty that rings true long after his tragic death in December 1980. The range of songs astound even today; the timeless rocker "Instant Karma!," sparse "Working Class Hero," intimate "Love," adored "Imagine," stirring "Oh My Love" and timely "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" are among this writer's favorites. Gimme Some Truth is available as a 19-track CD or 2LP, a 36-track 2CD, or 4 LP, the aforementioned Deluxe edition, and several digital versions for download and streaming including in 24 bit/96 KHz audio and hi-res Dolby Atmos. Information: JohnLennon.com.

CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS

Artist: Peggy Lee

Title: Ultimate Christmas (Capitol Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Peggy Lee, traditional holiday music 

Tell me more: With 2020 marking the 100th birthday of the late jazz and popular music singer Peggy Lee, the yuletide set Ultimate Christmas features 22 holiday favorites including "Winter Wonderland," "The Christmas Song," "Happy Holiday," "The Christmas Waltz," Winter Wonderland" and the rare "Peace on Earth." Several of the selections were written by Lee, including the cheerful "Christmas Carousel" (the title track from her 1960 holiday album), sparkling "Don't Forget to Feed the Reindeer," radiant "The Tree" and poignant "My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year)." Lee's signature top-tier vocals and the wonderful orchestral arrangements captured between 1949 and 1968 on audio CD are bolstered by a colorful booklet filled with historical Christmastime photos of Lee and detailed liner notes and information on each of the memorable tracks. Information: umgcatalog.com.

Artist: Gypsy Soul

Title: Comfort and Joy (Off The Beaten Track Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Gypsy Soul, Clannad

Tell me more: Talented Oregon-based duo Gypsy Soul is back with a new holiday-minded album, Comfort and Joy. Released Nov. 27, the album features six new recordings; all other tracks on the 14-track disc have been remastered. Cilette Swann's expressive vocals (which spans four octaves) and Roman Morykit's skills on a multiple of instruments are able to musically deliver the warmth and jubilation of the season to be sure, including their jazz-meets-world music versions of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "We Three Kings of Orient Are," "The First Noel" and other traditional favorites. Other standouts include "Little Drummer Boy" and "Away In A Manger." Their own "The Snow, The Sea" is a welcome addition on the set. Many modern-day Christmas music collections are stuffed with an excess of bombast and artificial sweetening; Gypsy Soul's Comfort and Joy is a genuinely beautiful and touching tribute to the holiday season. Information: GypsySoul.com.

ROCK 'N' ROLL READ

Title: Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother and Beyond

Author: Chris Hillman

Publisher: BMG Books

Hardcover: 315 pages

Tell me more: In his moving "Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother and Beyond," Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chris Hillman provides a compelling and fascinating look at his life and singular career. A founding member of the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band and the Desert Rose Band, Hillman reflects on the ups and downs of a life spent in the music world but mines equal depth with his reflections on love, family, faith and the loss of so many of his musical mates. He writes in a straightforward way, completely immersing the reader in a wide-ranging life spanning legendary gigs, recording sessions, band breakups, overcoming seemingly-fatal health scares and — his biggest joys — his wife Connie and their children. His relationships with greats ranging from Gram Parsons and David Crosby to Roger McGuinn, Richie Furay and Tom Petty come alive in the wonderful autobiography. Country great Dwight Yoakam pens the foreword. Information: bmg.com.

Robert Kinsler

George Harrison's seminal 1970 album 'All Things Must Pass' celebrated with new stereo mix of legendary title track on 50th anniversary

 Has it really been 50 years since George Harrison's 'All Things Must Pass' was released? Wow, it has. Check out the official media release below...Robert Kinsler

GEORGE HARRISON’S SEMINAL 1970 SOLO ALBUM ALL THINGS MUST PASS CELEBRATED WITH NEW STEREO MIX OF LEGENDARY TITLE TRACK ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

RECORD STORE DAY LIMITED EDITION, INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED 7” VINYL REISSUE OF “MY SWEET LORD” AVAILABLE NOW

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of George Harrison's classic solo album, All Things Must Pass, the George Harrison Estate is pleased to announce a new 2020 stereo mix of the LP’s title song as a prelude of what’s to come. The new stereo mix of the seminal album’s title track was overseen by multi- GRAMMY® Award winner, Paul Hicks, known for his work with the Harrison Estate, The Beatles and this year’s chart-topping albums by The Rolling Stones (Goat’s Head Soup) and John Lennon (Gimme Some Truth).   “The new stereo mix of the album's title track is just a taste of more things to come in 2021 as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of my father's legendary All Things Must Pass album,” says Dhani Harrison. “We've been digging through mountains of tapes, and they just kept coming – boxes and boxes of them. Making this album sound clearer was always one of my dad’s greatest wishes and it was something we were working on together right up until he passed. But with the help of new technology and the work of Paul Hicks on this project, we are now able to make that happen. We can't wait for you all to hear everything we've been working on and your patience will be rewarded next year.” Originally released fifty years ago today on November 27, 1970, All Things Must Pass, the triple LP produced by Phil Spector, includes “My Sweet Lord,” the first number one single by a solo Beatle. It was critically acclaimed and topped both the UK and US album charts, with Rolling Stone calling it “the War and Peace of rock and roll” and “an intensely personal statement and a grandiose gesture.” Over time the influence of the album has only grown as subsequent generations have discovered it. The album has been inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall Of Fame, included in Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 500 albums of all time, as well as The Times of London’s 100 best albums. The release of “All Things Must Pass (2020 Mix)” marks the beginning of celebrations for this historic album. Stay tuned for more All Things Must Pass 50th anniversary release details beginning in 2021. Stream the new “All Things Must Pass (2020 Mix)”: https://GeorgeHarrison.lnk.to/AllThingsMustPass2020PR   Continuing the All Things Must Pass celebrations, in partnership with Record Store Day's Black Friday event, the Harrisons are also releasing George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” on a 7” Milky Clear Single, individually numbered, exclusive to Record Store Day. This is a recreation of the Angola pressing of the 45 from 1970 with unique artwork. "My Sweet Lord" was originally released in November 1970 as a single, Harrison's first as a solo artist, and topped charts worldwide; it was the biggest-selling single of 1971 in the UK. In America and Britain, the song was the first number one single by an ex-Beatle. Follow all things George Harrison here: Instagram: @GeorgeHarrisonOfficial Twitter: @GeorgeHarrison Facebook: www.facebook.com/GeorgeHarrison

Uncle Walt's Band's 'Live at Waterloo Ice House' captures Texas legends in their element

 Just because it's Thanksgiving tomorrow doesn't mean there isn't exciting music news to share today...Robert Kinsler

'Live At Waterloo Ice House' captures Texas legends Uncle Walt's Band in their element

1982 live recording from trio of Walter Hyatt, Champ Hood and David Ball receives re-mastered, expanded reissue from Omnivore Recordings; due out Feb. 5, 2021

Uncle Walt's Band (Photo by Kathy Hill)

AUSTIN, Texas — “The best band in town was Uncle Walt’s Band.” That’s what Jimmie Dale Gilmore remembers about the trio of Walter Hyatt, Champ Hood, and David Ball circa 1980.

 

Originally released as a private pressing in 1982 on the band’s own Lespedeza label, Recorded Live was a document of their legendary shows at Waterloo Ice House in Austin, Texas. While those shows began around 9:30 p.m. and often continued past 2 a.m., only 14 tracks recorded over four nights were made available to share the magic of the three virtuoso singers and players.

 

Now, after releasing the anthology and expanded versions of their self-titled debut and its follow-up, An American in Texas, Omnivore Recordings will present a re-imagined version of Recorded Live — now titled Recorded Live at Waterloo Ice House. Street date for CD and Digital is February 5, 2021.

 

The collection has been expanded to 21 tracks, with seven songs from the original release, four previously unissued alternate takes, and a whopping ten previously unissued performances. The new package features photos, ephemera, new liner notes from Peter Blackstock (music writer for the Austin American-Statesman), and restoration and mastering from Grammy^®-winning engineer Michael Graves.

 

Recorded Live at Waterloo Ice House helps paint a bigger, wider picture of Uncle Walt’s Band in their prime, and certainly in their element.  Tracks from this collection have been performed/recorded by Shelby Lynne, Twang Twang Shockaboom, Kelly Willis / Bruce Robison, Shawn Colvin, Christine Albert, Gary P. Nunn, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Junior Brown, and Jimmy LaFave.

 

The late Texas singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker once recollected, “I would go see Uncle Walt’s Band at the Waterloo Ice House, drink scotch and soda, listen to Walter sing ‘Ruby,’ and everything was all right.” Rush Evans, DJ with Austin’s KOOP-FM, says of the band, “Sitting front row center for these shows changed my life.” Longtime fan Terry Tammadge remarks, “I think of the electricity in the air at those gigs at the original Waterloo Ice House ... I imagine it to be what one would have experienced at the Cavern Club seeing the Beatles.” Producer Fletcher Clark, who recorded the four weekend shows which form the foundation of this release notes of the Ice House years, “Most people sensed that they were in a very historical moment. A lot of times, you look back and go, ‘Gosh, that was the best time.’ But people realized it then.”

 

With Recorded Live at Waterloo Ice House, you can be there with Uncle Walt’s Band now.

 

Track Listing:

If I Don’t Stop Crying
2. Mock, Mock, Mockingbird
3. Love Has Laid Me Down
4. Stagger Lee
5. Since I Fell For You
6. Honest Papas Love Their Mamas Better
7. Bye, Bye Baby
8. Motor City Man
9. The More I See You
10. Desiree
11. I Gotta Know

12. What Have You Done With My Love
13. I’m Going To Break My Heart In Two
14. Snowing Me Under
15. Country Boy
16. Lose Me Baby
17. Eddie’s Girl
18. Georgia Rose
19. Diggaroo
20. Just A Little Understanding
21. Early Morning Love

Pre-sale link: www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/recorded-live-at…terloo-ice-house 

Recording Academy Announces Nominees For The 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards

 Here is the media release of the day...

RECORDING ACADEMY® ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR THE 63RD ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS® BEYONCÉ LEADS GRAMMY® NOMINATIONS WITH NINE; DUA LIPA, RODDY RICCH, AND TAYLOR SWIFT EACH GARNER SIX; BRITTANY HOWARD EARNS FIVE THE LATE JOHN PRINE NOMINATED FOR TWO AWARDS...

John Prine / Photo credit: Danny Clinch SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (NOV. 24, 2020) — The Recording Academy® has revealed nominees for the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards®. Leading the pack this year are recordings representing a wide-range of musical genres, including pop, classical, jazz, rap, R&B, and rock. Top nominees include Beyoncé (9), Dua Lipa (6), Roddy Ricch (6), Taylor Swift (6), Brittany Howard (5), John Beasley (4), Justin Bieber (4), Phoebe Bridgers (4), DaBaby (4), Billie Eilish (4), David Frost (4), and Megan Thee Stallion (4). As the only peer-selected music accolade, the GRAMMY Awards are voted on by the Recording Academy's voting membership body of music makers, who represent all genres and creative disciplines, including recording artists, songwriters, producers, mixers, and engineers. This year, the Academy received a total of 23,207 entries for GRAMMY® consideration, setting the record for the most entries in a single year.   Nominations in all categories* were announced this morning via a global livestream featuring Recording Academy Chair and Interim President/CEO Harvey Mason jr., alongside Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Pepe Aguilar; Nigerian Afropop singer Yemi Alade; GRAMMY Award-winning classical violinist Nicola Benedetti; two-time GRAMMY Award-winning Christian singer Lauren Daigle; current nominee Mickey Guyton; two-time GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist and past GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony® host Imogen Heap; "CBS This Morning" anchor Gayle King; current nominee and two-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter Dua Lipa; current nominee Megan Thee Stallion; and "The Talk" host Sharon Osbourne.   "This has been a tough year for our industry but I have witnessed, day after day, the incredible resiliency of the music community," said Mason. "This year's nominated recordings are proof that the creative spirit continues to be alive and well, and our nominees are a testament to the passion and perseverance that our community embodies. I'm endlessly amazed that so many music creators continue to use their craft to tell important stories, providing a dynamic soundtrack that both directly impacts and reflects our culture. I truly believe in the power of music, and the 63rd GRAMMYs® will be an opportunity to help us unite, uplift and inspire."   This year's nominees were voted on by Recording Academy voting members from more than 23,000 submissions and reflect the wide range of artistic innovation that defined the year in music (Sept. 1, 2019–Aug. 31, 2020). The final round of GRAMMY voting is Dec. 7, 2020–Jan. 4, 2021. The Recording Academy will present the GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, on the CBS Television Network from 8:00–11:30 p.m. ET/5:00–8:30 p.m. PT with Emmy Award-winning "The Daily Show" host and comedian Trevor Noah serving as host. The Premiere Ceremony will stream live on GRAMMY.com beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT. The 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy. Ben Winston is executive producer, Jesse Collins and Raj Kapoor are co-executive producers, Fatima Robinson, Josie Cliff and David Wild are producers, Patrick Menton is talent producer, and Hamish Hamilton is director. The following is a sampling of nominations from the GRAMMY Awards' 30 Fields and 83* Categories. For a complete nominations list, visit www.grammy.com. Later today media assets from today's livestream will be available here. Click here to download the social media toolkit.   Record Of The Year: "Black Parade" — Beyoncé "Colors" — Black Pumas "Rockstar" — DaBaby Featuring Roddy Ricch "Say So" — Doja Cat "Everything I Wanted" — Billie Eilish "Don't Start Now" — Dua Lipa "Circles" — Post Malone "Savage" — Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé   Song Of The Year: "Black Parade" — Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim "Kaydence" Krysiuk & Rickie "Caso" Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé) "The Box" — Samuel Gloade & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Roddy Ricch) "Cardigan" — Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift) "Circles" — Louis Bell, Adam Feeney, Kaan Gunesberk, Austin Post & Billy Walsh, songwriters (Post Malone) "Don't Start Now" — Caroline Ailin, Ian Kirkpatrick, Dua Lipa & Emily Warren, songwriters (Dua Lipa) "Everything I Wanted" — Billie Eilish O'Connell & Finneas O'Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish) "I Can't Breathe" — Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.) "If The World Was Ending" — Julia Michaels & JP Saxe, songwriters (JP Saxe Featuring Julia Michaels)   Album Of The Year: Chilombo — Jhené Aiko Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition) — Black Pumas Everyday Life — Coldplay Djesse Vol. 3 — Jacob Collier Women In Music Pt. III — Haim Future Nostalgia — Dua Lipa Hollywood's Bleeding — Post Malone Folklore — Taylor Swift   Best New Artist: Ingrid Andress Phoebe Bridgers Chika Noah Cyrus D Smoke Doja Cat Kaytranada Megan Thee Stallion   Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: "Un Dia (One Day)" — J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & Tainy "Intentions" — Justin Bieber Featuring Quavo "Dynamite" — BTS "Rain On Me" — Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande "Exile" — Taylor Swift Featuring Bon Iver   Best Pop Vocal Album: Changes — Justin Bieber Chromatica — Lady Gaga Future Nostalgia — Dua Lipa Fine Line — Harry Styles Folklore  — Taylor Swift   Best Dance/Electronic Album: Kick I — Arca Planet's Mad — Baauer Energy — Disclosure Bubba — Kaytranada Good Faith — Madeon   Best Rock Performance: "Shameika" — Fiona Apple "Not" — Big Thief "Kyoto" — Phoebe Bridgers "The Steps" — HAIM "Stay High" — Brittany Howard "Daylight" — Grace Potter    Best Progressive R&B Album: Chilombo — Jhené Aiko Ungodly Hour — Chloe X Halle Free Nationals — Free Nationals F*** Yo Feelings  — Robert Glasper It Is What It Is — Thundercat   Best Rap Performance: "Deep Reverence" — Big Sean Featuring Nipsey Hussle "Bop" — DaBaby "What's Poppin" — Jack Harlow "The Bigger Picture" — Lil Baby "Savage" — Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé "Dior" — Pop Smoke   Best Country Album: Lady Like — Ingrid Andress Your Life Is A Record — Brandy Clark Wildcard — Miranda Lambert Nightfall — Little Big Town Never Will — Ashley McBryde   Best Jazz Vocal Album: Ona — Thana Alexa Secrets Are The Best Stories — Kurt Elling Featuring Danilo Pérez Modern Ancestors — Carmen Lundy Holy Room: Live At Alte Oper — Somi With Frankfurt Radio Big Band What's The Hurry — Kenny Washington   Best Latin Pop Or Urban Album: YHLQMDLG — Bad Bunny Por Primera Vez — Camilo Mesa Para Dos — Kany García Pausa — Ricky Martin 3:33 — Debi Nova   Best Americana Album: Old Flowers — Courtney Marie Andrews Terms Of Surrender — Hiss Golden Messenger World On The Ground — Sarah Jarosz El Dorado — Marcus King Good Souls Better Angels — Lucinda Williams   Best Contemporary Blues Album: Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? — Fantastic Negrito Live At The Paramount — Ruthie Foster Big Band The Juice — G. Love Blackbirds — Bettye LaVette Up And Rolling — North Mississippi Allstars   Best Global Music Album: FU Chronicles — Antibalas Twice As Tall — Burna Boy Agora — Bebel Gilberto Love Letters — Anoushka Shankar Amadjar — Tinariwen   Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling): Acid For The Children: A Memoir — Flea Alex Trebek – The Answer Is… — Ken Jennings Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, And The Richest, Most Destructive Industry On Earth — Rachel Maddow Catch And Kill — Ronan Farrow Charlotte's Web (E.B. White) — Meryl Streep (& Full Cast)   Best Music Film: Beastie Boys Story — Beastie Boys Black Is King — Beyoncé We Are Freestyle Love Supreme — Freestyle Love Supreme Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice — Linda Ronstadt That Little Ol' Band From Texas — ZZ Top   *Due to complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the nominations for the 63rd GRAMMYs for Best Immersive Audio Album will be announced next year in addition to (and separately from) the 64th GRAMMY nominations in the category.     Bluesman Bobby Rush's album 'Rawer Than Raw' is nominated for Best Traditional Blues. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards—music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.   For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Sights and Sounds: Goo Goo Dolls, Steven Wilson, The National, Staci Griesbach

 A roundup of what's going on in the music world today...

GOO GOO DOLLS & FANTRACKS PRESENT

THE FIRST-EVER AUGMENTED-REALITY MOVIE MUSICAL “IT’S CHRISTMAS ALL OVER” 

TUNE IN DECEMBER 12TH AT 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET FOR THE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE AND EXCLUSIVE VIP MEET-AND-GREET OPPORTUNITIES

GENERAL ONSALE TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW HERE

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE 

November 24, 2020 (Los Angeles, CA) - Today, multi-platinum, four-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls, debuts the trailer for It’s Christmas All Over, the first-ever augmented-reality movie musical, created and presented by the livestreaming platform FanTracks. It’s Christmas All Over will feature Goo Goo Dolls performing music from their brand-new holiday album of the same name (Warner Records), but goes beyond the realm of a live concert to transport viewers through an unparalleled music journey, all taking place within a surreal virtual world. This movie also marks the second time that the band has worked with FanTracks, the first being a livestream concert in October, which is currently available on-demand to subscribers on the FanTracks website.   Directed and produced by FanTracks President Barry Summers, the full hour-long program will first air as an exclusive sneak-peak for FanTracks subscribers only on December 11 at 4pm PT/7pm ET. The official global release, which will be free to all viewers, will happen at 4pm PT/7pm ET on December 12 along with additional VIP private video Meet-and-Greets and a Q&A with the band. The program will remain available on-demand for free for 48 hours after the conclusion of the premiere. "It was such an amazing experience getting to play songs from our new record live for the first time," says John Rzeznik. "We can’t wait for everyone to see and hear these Christmas tunes in this unique way, and we hope they bring some cheer to this peculiar holiday season. Happy holidays from all of us to every single one of you!!” Inner Machine (the official Goo Goo Dolls fan-club) began exclusive pre-sale access on November 23, while general on-sale tickets are available now HERE. The “Ultimate Goo Goo Dolls Christmas VIP Package” not only includes a private Meet & Greet with band founders John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, but also a fantastic array of Goo Goo Dolls gear including a limited edition Crosley Record Player, a Christmas sweater, holiday ornaments, stockings, and much more. Exclusive VIP Packages are available HERE and other Meet & Greet and Q&A session opportunities will be offered, which will take place live on December 12. FanTracks subscribers also gain early access and on-demand access to It’s Christmas All Over as well as FanTracks’ full catalog of classic concerts. In this AR movie musical adventure, Goo Goo Dolls travel through past, present, and future searching for the lost “Spirit of Christmas”; from wintery city street scenes, subways, and taxis; to a 1940s speakeasy and the classic set of The Ed Sullivan Show; and beyond. As the band travels between settings, fans will follow along for an intimate and festive musical experience, unlike anything they’ve ever seen. Throughout, they treat fans to classic holiday standards as well as their new holiday music, and discover that although people are separated by current events, we remain unified by the true nature of the holiday.   On the journey, the band takes a moment to remind us all to "Give A Little Bit" - with two autographed guitars to be auctioned to benefit Music Gives to St Jude Kids - St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.    Writer, director, and producer Barry Summers, Co-Founder & President of FanTracks Digital LLC, says, “We built all these scenes from the live footage we captured of the Goo Goo Dolls along with special guest performers in October, and then using augmented reality, layered in the environments, animation, and more to create something really special that the world has not seen before. The band’s performance is outstanding, and It’s Christmas All Over is sure to become an instant holiday classic.”    To create the It’s Christmas All Over, FanTracks created a new digital format, Music Adventures using their proprietary Augmented Reality Film Capturing system utilizing 12 Unreal game engine servers, three GreenHippo servers, immersive Hi Lum LED Screens in FanTracks new custom build LED Mixed Reality Studio, built specifically for live music with virtual environments designed for Mixed Reality imaginative storytelling. Goo Goo Dolls’ album It’s Christmas All Over was created during lockdown earlier this year, and was produced by Goo Goo Dolls’ frontman John Rzeznik alongside the band’s frequent collaborators Brad Fernquist and Jimmy McGorman. Released October 30th via Warner Records, it boasts a diverse collection of songs that capture the warmth and spirit of classic Christmas music. The record is packed with iconic tracks such as “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Let It Snow” and the brand new original “This Is Christmas,” all three of which currently rank in the top 40 at AC radio. It’s Christmas All Over is available now via all digital streaming platforms here, and exclusive merch offers including a red vinyl LP, a Goo Goo Dolls Crosley record player and additional limited edition holiday items are available via the band’s website HERE.

ABOUT GOO GOO DOLLS: Formed in Buffalo, NY during 1986 by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, Goo Goo Dolls quietly broke records, contributed a string of staples to the American songbook, connected to millions of fans, and indelibly impacted popular music for three-plus decades. Beyond selling 12 million records worldwide, the group garnered four GRAMMY® Award nominations and seized a page in the history books by achieving 14 number one and Top 10 hits at Hot AC—"the most of any artist.” As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for “Most Top 10 Singles.” Among a string of hits, “Iris” clutched #1 on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and would be named “#1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years.” Thus far, A Boy Named Goo [1995] went double-platinum, Dizzy Up The Girl went quadruple-platinum, and Gutterflower [2002] and Let Love In [2006] both went gold as Something for the Rest of Us [2010] and Magnetic [2013] bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. 2016’s Boxes attracted the praise of People and Huffington Post as Noisey, Consequence of Sound, and more featured them. Their music has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Leona Lewis. Among many accolades, John received the prestigious “Hal David Starlight Award” in 2008 as well. Following a sold-out 2018 twentieth anniversary tour in celebration of Dizzy Up The Girl, Goo Goo Dolls wrote and recorded their twelfth full-length album, Miracle Pill [Warner Records]—igniting a bold and bright new era in the process. On October 30th, the band began a new chapter with the release of their first-ever holiday record, It’s Christmas All Over. ABOUT FANTRACKS FanTracks is a live streaming and fan engagement platform. The company was founded by Barry Summers and Ty Roberts in May of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to allow consumers to continue enjoying the live music experience and gain access to their favorite artists in a personal and safe way. FanTracks is a departure from services that digitally mimic traditional ticketing approaches. The platform offers music lovers access to high-quality, carefully curated, and professionally produced live shows. Its proprietary technology creates a new world of virtual music and fan experiences, from a range of group chat modes to hosted “hang out” spaces and parties, to interactive features that bring musicians and music lovers together. FanTracks' President/Executive Producer Barry Summers is an award-winning veteran live concert/music film/TV producer, President of World Live Shows LLC, and Rock Fuel Media. In the '90s, he worked personally with Dick Clark as Executive Producer of many successful live shows and has produced award-winning concert films/live TV Specials and numerous Billboard #1 chart-topping DVDs, CDs, and vinyl consumer product releases featuring some of the world's biggest artists. Ty Roberts, FanTracks' CEO and CTO is a proven serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. As a technologist, he developed technologies and data that power products like iTunes, Comcast Xfinity, and Ford Sync that are used by hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide. He holds dozens of patents for his inventions and has created multiple technical standards across the industry.

STEVEN WILSON UNVEILS EPIC ONE-OF-A-KIND SPECIAL EDITION OF EAGERLY AWAITED NEW ALBUM GROUNDBREAKING ARTIST/PRODUCER HERALDS THE FUTURE BITES WITH BESPOKE BOX SET LIMITED TO 1 OF 1 ULTRA DELUXE MUSIC PRODUCT ON OBSOLETE MEDIA RETAILS FOR £10,000 WITH ALL PROCEEDS DIRECTLY BENEFITTING THE UK’S MUSIC VENUE TRUST SOARING NEW TRACK, “12 THINGS I FORGOT,” PREMIERES TODAY THE FUTURE BITES ARRIVES JANUARY 29, 2021 VIA TFB.COM/ARTS & CRAFTS Photo credit: Miles Skarin Groundbreaking musician/songwriter/producer Steven Wilson has announced a truly unique special edition of his eagerly awaited sixth album, THE FUTURE BITES. Limited to 1 of 1, ULTRA DELUXE MUSIC PRODUCT ON OBSOLETE MEDIA will retail for £10,000, with all proceeds directly benefitting the Music Venue Trust to help save grassroots music venues in the UK adversely affected by COVID-19. Simultaneously the apotheosis of modern consumerism and the ultimate Steven Wilson collectible, the bespoke package will collect the previously announced THE FUTURE BITES LIMITED EDITION DELUXE BOX SET alongside previously unheard music (including a one-sided 7-inch single with the exclusive track, “The Tastemaker,” limited to an edition of one and never to be released anywhere else), conceptual artwork, handwritten lyrics, and such rare items of personal ephemera from Wilson’s personal archive as six laminated AAA passes for various tours between 2011-18 and his GRAMMY® Award nomination certificate and medal honoring 2011’s GRACE BEFORE DROWNING for “Best Surround Sound Mix.” ULTRA DELUXE MUSIC PRODUCT ON OBSOLETE MEDIA will be available for a very limited time on Friday, November 27. THE FUTURE BITES arrives via TFB.com/Arts & Crafts on January 29, 2021. WATCH THE ULTRA DELUXE MUSIC PRODUCT ON OBSOLETE MEDIA BOXSET TRAILER “This edition of THE FUTURE BITES takes the whole notion of deluxe limited editions to its logical and fairly extreme conclusion as the ultimate limited edition will obviously end up being just one copy,” Wilson says. “In many ways, this edition is more analogous with the world of art than with those of music or luxury branding. Only one person can own an actual painting with the artist’s brush strokes on it. There is no variance, only the one original. “With regards to the contents of the 1 of 1 edition, it’s the purchaser’s choice as to whether they decide to share what they’ve bought or keep it to themselves. Do they want to exhibit ‘the painting’, or put it on display at home? If it was me, I’d probably keep it private but I’ll leave it entirely up to them as what they do with the contents of their purchase.” THE FUTURE BITES is further heralded by today’s premiere of the soaring new track, “12 Things I Forgot.” An official visualizer is streaming now at YouTube. Furthermore, “12 Things I Forgot” will be available on limited edition vinyl on Friday, November 27. LISTEN TO "12 THINGS I FORGOT" “12 Things I Forgot” marks the latest track premiere from THE FUTURE BITES, following the previous release of “King Ghost,” “Eminent Sleaze,” and “Personal Shopper,” the latter of which will be joined by an equally ambitious official video premiering this Friday, November 27. Both “King Ghost” and “Eminent Sleaze” are already accompanied by official videos, streaming now at Wilson’s official YouTube channel; a striking trailer previewing the album’s provocative themes of high-concept consumerism and post-internet evolution is also streaming now via YouTube. LISTEN TO “PERSONAL SHOPPER” WATCH “KING GHOST” WATCH “EMINENT SLEAZE” WATCH THE FUTURE BITES TRAILER THE FUTURE BITES will be available on all digital platforms, along with vinyl, CD, and a limited edition deluxe box set that contains CDs of the album, an instrumental version of the album, bonus material (including six additional songs and several reworked versions of album tracks, among them a 19-minute extended mix of “Personal Shopper”), a cassette of demos, and a Blu-ray featuring videos and Wilson’s own 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos versions of the album (marking THE FUTURE BITES as the first contemporary album to be mixed and released in Dolby Atmos). Pre-orders are available now. PRE-ORDER THE FUTURE BITES Co-produced in London by Wilson with David Kosten (Bat For Lashes, Everything Everything), THE FUTURE BITES sees Wilson exploring contemporary addiction and the lasting effect of ever-increasing technology on our daily lives. The album marks his most inventive and far-reaching musical construction to date, spanning soaring acoustics, lush electronica, relentless bass-driven grooves, murky funk, and so much more, all linked through powerfully focused songcraft and this one-of-a-kind artist’s always unique creative vision. Hailed by Rolling Stone’s David Fricke for his “fighting spirit and truly progressive ideals in rock composition, group improvisation and emotionally authentic storytelling,” Wilson recently launched an official THE FUTURE BITES webstore, featuring a fully imagined consumer universe. The website will crack a door open onto a wonderful world of purchase power, a place where everything is marketable and nothing is too random or too moronic to be considered valuable. Inspired by notable 21st century artifacts like the Virgil Abloh ceramic block or Vitality Air’s canned Canadian oxygen, THE FUTURE BITES website is a fully imagined consumer universe (built in collaboration with Baby and Crystal Spotlight) designed to be accessible and addictive to anyone from the casual fan to the hardcore collector. The site will feature regular drops of limited edition merchandise over the coming months, showcasing anything from a slogan shirt to a branded hole punch. VISIT THE FUTURE BITES WEBSITE # # # STEVEN WILSON THE FUTURE BITES (Arts & Crafts) Release Date: January 29, 2021 TRACKLIST: Unself Self King Ghost 12 Things I Forgot Eminent Sleaze Personal Shopper Man of the People Follower Count of Unease # # # CONNECT WITH STEVEN WILSON: STEVENWILSONHQ.COM FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER THE NATIONAL The National To Reissue Remastered Early Catalogue: The National | Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers | Cherry Tree EP  Out February 26th 2021 Via 4AD   Twenty years on from the release of their self-titled debut album, The National are reissuing it along with 2003’s follow-up Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers and 2004’s Cherry Tree EP for release on February 26th, 2021 via 4AD. With all three records having been remastered at Abbey Road Studios, the 2021 represses stay faithful to their original artwork while their stunning new masters help make these much-loved records sound as vital as ever, further emphasising the early signs of the sound that would go on to make them one of the finest and most beloved alternative bands of their generation. Cherry Tree members can pre-order exclusive, limited split color versions here: https://cherrytreeshop.americanmary.com/. Pre-order on black vinyl and CD here: https://4ad.ffm.to/thenationalreissues. Visit americanmary.com for more information.   The National Originally Released July 2, 2001   Originally Released July 19 2004 Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021, The National’s self-titled debut album of sozzled Americana is a thing of beauty, laden with heavy hints that this was a special band in the making. Their first release, The National arrived two years after The National formed, a time when they were juggling bandlife with needing to hold down full-time jobs. And while nods to the alt.rock artists that inspired them (Pavement, Silver Jews) can be heard, so too are the beginnings of something all their own – Matt Berninger’s stunning and unexpected lyrics being pinned to melodies that stop you in your tracks.   The National marks the start point for one of the best bands of their generation with its new master helping elevate it to new levels. A great primer to a great band.   CD / LP (Black Vinyl) / Digital 4AD0312CD / 4AD0312LP / 4AD0312 1. / A1. Beautiful Head 2. / A2. Cold Girl Fever 3. / A3. The Perfect Song 4. / A4. American Mary 5. / A5. Son 6. / A6. Pay For Me 7. / B1. Bitters & Absolut 8. / B2. John’s Star 9. / B3. Watching You Well 10. / B4. Theory Of The Crows 11. / B5. 29 Years 12. / B6. Anna Freud   Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers Originally Released September 1, 2003   The National’s second album, Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers (2003) proved a leap forward from 2001’s eponymous debut, showing a band adept at delivering warm embraces and gut punches in equal measure. With word of mouth now spreading on the band, critics proved equally enthusiastic. Pitchfork in their glowing review called it a “Gorgeous train wreck” that “Lives up to its blunt title (with) Matt Berninger’s self-effacing barbs matched by the band’s equally potent hooks,” while Uncut also became early champions saying the album was “A genuine treasure... Livid as a bruise, this is brave, desperate, beautiful music.” No longer a secret among those that know, Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers is an important record in The National’s discography with this new remaster showing that it’s more than standing the test of time.   CD / LP (Black Vinyl) / Digital 4AD0313CD / 4AD0313LP / 4AD0313 1. / A1. Cardinal Song 2. / A2. Slipping Husband 3. / A3. 90-Mile Water Wall 4. / A4. It Never Happened 5. / A5. Murder Me Rachael 6. / B1. Thirsty 7. / B2. Available 8. / B3. Sugar Wife 9. / B4. Trophy Wife 10. / B5. Fashion Coat 11. / B6. Patterns Of Fairytales 12. / B7. Lucky You   Cherry Tree EP Originally Released July 19, 2004   Released a year before The National broke through with their third album Alligator, 2004’s Cherry Tree EP is a thrilling record which - thanks to its collection of delicate ballads and anthemic crowd-pleasers - sums up what they do best in under 30 minutes. Now a firm fan-favourite, among Cherry Tree’s seven tracks are now National classics “About Today” and “All The Wine”, plus a thrilling live version of “Murder Me Rachael” that reminds of the band’s fearsome early live performances. Cherry Tree can be seen as the record that marks the moment when The National had truly found themselves, a bridge from what went before to a band ready to conquer the World. And with this new master, it’s never sounded better too.   CD / 12” (Black Vinyl) / Digital 4AD0314CD / 4AD0314T / 4AD0314 1. / A1. Wasp Nest 2. / A2. All The Wine 3. / A3. All Dolled-Up In Straps 4. / A4. Cherry Tree 5. / B1. About Today 6. / B2. Murder Me Rachael (Live) 7. / B3. Reasonable Man (I Don’t Mind)    4ad.com | americanmary.com My Shania Twain Songbook Jazz Album Celebrates 25th Anniversary Of The Woman In Me  Staci Griesbach Celebrates Country Music Icon Shania Twain with New Jazz Tribute Coming December 18th, 2020 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 23, 2020) – Known the world over for crossing genres between country music and pop, Shania Twain’s catalog is now being introduced to a jazz audience as Los Angeles-based singer Staci Griesbach interprets songs from Twain’s breakout album The Woman In Me. Celebrating the album’s 25th anniversary, Griesbach’s My Shania Twain Songbook album reimagines a selection of songs from Twain’s iconic album including the #1 hit and fan-favorite "Any Man of Mine." “When Shania released The Woman in Me in 1995, I was a junior in high school in rural Wisconsin, and that album very much represented a coming of age for me.  Shania demonstrated confidence in being a woman and really owning who she was as an artist,” Griesbach said. “Most importantly, she didn't shy away from her desire of pursuing her dream, and that was inspiring to me then and perhaps even moreso now.” My Shania Twain Songbook features collaborations with top jazz composers and arrangers as well as top musicians including Tamir Hendelman (Barbra Streisand, Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra), Michael O. Mitchell (Leslie Odom Jr.), Grammy winner Otmaro Ruiz (Diane Reeves), Rahsaan Barber (Kelly Clarkson) and Stuart Duncan (Diana Krall, Goat Rodeo). “It was refreshing to collaborate with Staci and reimagine Shania Twain’s repertoire. Staci taps into Shania’s heartfelt songwriting and carefree spirit, trusting her instincts in performances that invite the listener to hear Shania Twain’s music in a new light,” said Tamir Hendelman (Barbra Streisand, Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra), who arranged four of the songs on the album. This marks the second album for Griesbach after her 2019 release of My Patsy Cline Songbook.   Garnering attention from both the country music and jazz audiences, Griesbach hopes to reinforce potential in the intersection of the two genres.  “Shania crossed genres arguably better than any other female in country music at that time, and it's part of my exploration to bring her music into the jazz world,” Griesbach added.  “For me, looking at this music twenty-five years later is like going home and reconnecting to a little part of myself all over again.” My Shania Twain Songbook Track Listing: 1. No One Needs To Know  2. The Woman in Me (Needs the Man in You) 3. Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under 4. Leavin’ Is The Only Way Out 5. Is There Life After Love 6. God Bless The Child 7. Any Man of Mine My Shania Twain Songbook features the following: -Tamir Hendelman on piano and arranging (Barbra Streisand, Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra -Chuck Berghoffer on upright bass (Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Mel Torme) -Jake Reed on drums (Seth MacFarlane, Bill Cunliffe, Johnny Mandel) -Otmaro Ruiz on piano and arranging (Dianne Reeves, Dori Caymmi, Arturo Sandoval) -Michael O. Mitchell on piano and arranging (Leslie Odom Jr., Musical Director for “Amateur Night at the Apollo,” Tony Bennett, Motown the Musical (assoc. conductor) -Rahsaan Barber on tenor saxophone and arranging (Kelly Clarkson, Lauren Daigle) -Willie Murrillo on trumpet and horn arranging (Michael Buble, Steve Wonder, Josh Groban) -Andrew Synowiec on guitar (Michael Buble, Bette Midler, Brett Eldridge) -Stuart Duncan on fiddle (“The Goat Rodeo Sessions” with Yo Yo Ma, Chris Thile, and Edgar Meyer, as well as Alan Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Diana Krall, Bela Fleck) -Kevin Axt on bass (Natalie Cole, Shelby Lynn) -Kirsten Edkins on clarinet (John Beasley’s Monkestra, Johnny Mandel, Seth MacFarlane) -Erik Hughes on trombone (Michael Buble, Bob Mintzer) -Justin Claveria on baritone, tenor saxophone (Kenny Loggins, David Foster) My Shania Twain Songbook is produced by Staci Griesbach. Recorded and engineered by Talley Sherwood (Tritone Recording) in Los Angeles, additional engineering and vocals recorded by Harriet Tam. Mixed by Steve Genewick. Mixed at the Stewart House. Mastered by Eric Boulanger at The Bakery in Los Angeles, CA.  For more, visit www.StaciGriesbach.com or follow Staci on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacigriesbachmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacigriesbach/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sagriesb