Friday, October 29, 2021

Blues-rocker Tinsley Ellis to release 'Devil May Care' on January 21, 2022

So great to hear that acclaimed artist Tinsley Ellis is returning with a new album in early 2022. 'Devil May Care' is due Jan. 21, 2022. Get all the details below (and check out my March 2019 review of Ellis when he performed at The Coach House in Southern California)...Robert Kinsler



SOUTHERN BLUES-ROCKER TINSLEY ELLIS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM, DEVIL MAY CARE, ON JANUARY 21, 2022 

Coast-To-Coast Tour To Kick Off In Atlanta On Same Day


On Friday, January 21, 2022, world-renowned guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tinsley Ellis will release his new Alligator album, the propulsive, soul-searching, raw and cathartic Devil May Care. The album, Ellis' 20th, will be available on CD and on red vinyl LP, as well as on all major streaming and download services. 

That same day, Ellis will kick off his coast-to-coast North American tour from his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.
Devil May Care features ten of Ellis’ most dynamic original compositions, mixing muscular rock ‘n’ roll and hard blues into his own instantly recognizable sound.  The emotionally-charged guitar solos soar in full service to the songs, as if Ellis is living and breathing the sound rather than simply playing the notes. “The goal,” says Ellis, “was to make the guitar sing.”

Relix says Ellis' music contains "powerful spine-tingling guitar and gritty, soulful vocals …an inspired and passionate fusion of blues and Southern rock." Guitar World declares, "Ellis’ playing sparkles with depth and subtlety. Whether playing deep, slow blues or uptempo rockers, Ellis rides a gorgeously fat, pure tone."

Tinsley Ellis in March 2019.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz


While the worldwide pandemic and subsequent shutdown profoundly affected every musician (and every person), Ellis used his time off the road to write over 200 new songs. In March 2020, Ellis was forced to cancel the tour promoting his previous release, Ice Cream In Hell, only six weeks into the 60-date run. He almost immediately began composing on amps and guitars that he hadn’t used for decades. He explored obscure studio and live recordings from some of his greatest musical heroes, such as the Allman Brothers, Freddie King, Michael Bloomfield, B.B. King and beyond, and was inspired by his favorite artists all over again. 

Somehow, in the most unlikely of times, Tinsley Ellis committed to growing his already formidable talent.


As early as April 2020, he began regularly releasing his new material online, keeping his fans engaged and soaking up their comments and responses. He knew, thanks to the reactions of his fans to his new songs, that he needed to make a record and get back on the road as soon as possible. Ellis whittled the 200-song list down to ten, enlisted his friend and co-producer, keyboard master Kevin McKendree, and headed for Franklin, Tennessee’s famous Rock House recording studio. The result is Devil May Care, a record Ellis says, "is for the fans as much as for me.”


Tinsley Ellis has been immersed in music his whole life. Born in Atlanta 1957 and raised in southern Florida, he acquired his first guitar at age seven, inspired by seeing The Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show. He took to guitar instantly, developing and sharpening his skills as he grew up. Like many kids his age, Ellis discovered the blues through the back door of British Invasion bands like The Yardbirds, The Animals, Cream and The Rolling Stones as well as Southern rockers like the Allman Brothers. One night in 1972, he and a friend were listening to Al Kooper and Michael Bloomfield’s Super Session record when his friend’s older brother told them that, if they liked Super Session, they should go see B.B. King, who was in town that week. Tinsley saw that show from the very front row. As fate would have it, King broke a guitar string while playing, and after changing it without missing a beat, he handed the broken string to young Tinsley. And yes, he still has that string.


Today, Ellis is among the world’s most celebrated blues-rock performers, and one of the genre’s most original and prolific songwriters. Blues Music Magazine says he plays “perfect, and perfectly Southern, blues-rock.” Vintage Guitar says, “He delivers blistering blues-rock, soul romps, minor-key blues and shuffles—and it all sounds great.” Ellis has toured the world non-stop for 35 years. He has captivated and amazed fans in all 50 United States, as well as in Canada, all across Europe, Australia and South America. He’s earned a massive, fervent fan base that can never seem to get enough of Ellis and his music. Fueled by his blazing, every-note-matters guitar work and his gruff, spirited vocals, Ellis delivers one imaginative and memorable song after another. Now, with Devil May Care and a new tour booked, Ellis is more than ready to make up for lost time.


According to Allmusic.com, “Ellis’ playing underscores the emotional depth in the lyrics. His meaty solos dig deep.” With Devil May Care, Ellis proves that true again, with ten jaw-dropping, career-topping performances. As he continues adding more dates to his already packed tour schedule, Ellis will bring his high-energy Southern blues-rock to fans all across the country. "It’s been a long 18 months,” he says, “and now folks are ready to have some fun.”

Get more information on Ellis via his official website HERE.

Billy Idol to release remastered Christmas album 'Happy Holidays' on November 5 via Dark Horse Records

 Big news for fans of Billy Idol and rock and roll-minded holiday music...Robert Kinsler


BILLY IDOL TO RELEASE REMASTERED CHRISTMAS ALBUM HAPPY HOLIDAYS VIA DARK HORSE RECORDS

"Happy Holidays" available on vinyl and streaming platforms for the first time ever on Friday, November 5, 2021


Billy Idol performing at House of Blues Anaheim on
Monday, March 13, 2017.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

October 29, 2021—On November 5Billy Idol is releasing a remixed and remastered version of his Christmas album, Happy Holidays, for the first time on vinyl and streaming platforms via Dark Horse Records. Originally released in 2006, the album features Idol performing a wide variety of Christmas classics as well as the new original bonus track, “On Christmas Day,” which features Steve Stevens on guitar. 


Produced by Idol and Brian Tichy, the new release of Happy Holidays has been remixed and remastered by Paul Hicks, known for his work remixing classic records from The Beatles, George Harrison, John Lennon and The Rolling Stones. Happy Holidays has also been packaged with new artwork and is available for purchase on black vinyl, CD, digital and on limited edition white vinyl. Fans can pre-order Happy Holidays HERE


“Before our 2006 European tour, I recorded a number of seasonal songs,” recalls Idol. “A tree-trimming, fireside, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day intimate album was the result. Most probably essential at Christmas, is that the music is in the spirit. Knowing that family, friends and children might be listening, I wanted a selection that would please all, while still exploring the awe and mystery that is Christmas.”


Most recently, Idol released The Roadside EP to widespread commercial success, debuting at #12 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart while the hit single “Bitter Taste” appeared within the Top 15 at Triple A Radio. In addition, the new music received critical praise; USA Today proclaimed, “The songs are familiar, yet instilled with renewed vigor” and American Songwriter furtherd, “He’s making music that boasts the same rumble and grumble he yielded before…the Bad Boy is indeed back.” Earlier this month, Idol performed “Bitter Taste” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!.” Produced by Butch Walker (Green Day, Weezer) and featuring Idol’s longtime lead guitarist and co-writer Stevens, The Roadside was conceived, recorded and mixed almost entirely under the shadow of the pandemic.


For forty-five years, Billy Idol has been one of the faces and voices of rock’n’roll, with an artistic resume to match the brilliant light of the image. First as the camera-ready front man for Generation X, between 1977 and 1981 Idol emerged with three albums that made positivity, emotional depth, and high pop synonymous with punk rock. In 1982, Idol embarked on a remarkable transatlantic/trans-genre solo career that integrated clubland throb, wide-screen depth and drama, rockabilly desperation, the bold and simple lines of punk, and rock’n’roll decadence.


Happy Holidays is the latest release on the newly relaunched Dark Horse Records, a label initially created in 1974 by George Harrison and now led by Dhani Harrison and David Zonshine. Other artists currently on Dark Horse include George Harrison himself, Joe Strummer and Ravi Shankar. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Billy Idol to the Dark Horse Records family. Billy is a legend, and his music couldn’t fit the Dark Horse persona any better. I’ve loved his music throughout my whole life, so to be able to give this new music a home on our historic label is a massive honour,” says Dhani Harrison.



BILLY IDOL—HAPPY HOLIDAYS
1. Frosty The Snowman
2. Silver Bells
3. Happy Holiday
4. White Christmas
5. Here Comes Santa Claus
6. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
7. Santa Claus Is Back In Town
8. Let It Snow
9. Winter Wonderland
10. Run Rudolph Run
11. Jingle Bell Rock
12. O Christmas Tree
13. Silent Night
14. Auld Lang Syne
15. On Christmas Day

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Spoon announce new album 'Lucifer on the Sofa' + release first single "The Hardest Cut"

Spoon has just announced the release of the band's new album 'Lucifer on the Sofa' in February 2022...Robert Kinsler


SPOON ANNOUNCE LUCIFER ON THE SOFA
NEW ALBUM OUT FEBRUARY 11, 2022 ON MATADOR RECORDS
 
LISTEN TO FIRST SINGLE “THE HARDEST CUT
Cover art designed by Edel Rodriguez, download here
Spoon’s tenth album, Lucifer on the Sofa, is the band’s purest rock ’n roll record to date. Texas-made, it is the first set of songs that the quintet has put to tape in its hometown of Austin in more than a decade.
 
Lucifer on the Sofa bottles the physical thrill of a band tearing up a packed room. It’s an album of intensity and intimacy, where the music’s harshest edges feel as vivid as the directions quietly murmured into the mic on the first take. According to frontman Britt Daniel, “It’s the sound of classic rock as written by a guy who never did get Eric Clapton.”
Photo by Oliver Halfin
Today the band released the first single “The Hardest Cut”. Heavy on scorch and bite and anchored by detuned guitars, “The Hardest Cut” was the first song written by Daniel, who co-wrote the tune with Alex Fischel, for the new album. “I spent a lot of 2018 and 2019 listening to ZZ Top,” Daniel explains.
 
The track is accompanied by the video, featuring Spoon rocking a bizarre house party. Listen/share “The Hardest Cut” HERE and watch the video here:
Spoon - The Hardest Cut
Lucifer on the Sofa will be released on February 11, 2022 via Matador Records. The album was co-produced by Spoon and Mark Rankin (Adele, Queens of the Stone Age) and features contributions from Dave Fridmann and Justin Raisen.

The album’s artwork was created by renowned artist Edel Rodriguez, beautifully laid out in a vinyl format that will be featured in multiple color variants, including an exclusive opaque orange and black pattern available at www.spoontheband.comand www.matadorrecords.com
Pre-order Lucifer On the Sofa HERE
 

Lucifer on the Sofa Tracklist
Held
The Hardest Cut
The Devil & Mister Jones
Wild
My Babe
Feels Alright
On The Radio
Astral Jacket
Satellite
Lucifer On The Sofa

Tonight & tomorrow, fans around the world will be able to experience “The Hardest Cut” and additional songs from the new album alongside Spoon’s full catalog of hits, by tuning into BACK TO THE LIFE //LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES. Directed by Andreas Neumann from the Teragram in Los Angeles, this show expertly captures the frenetic energy one will always find at a Spoon gig. Available for global viewing via Moment House HERE. Watch the trailer HERE.
Credit: Andreas Neumann
Spoon tour dates 
12/31/21 - NYE at ACL Live at the Moody Theater – Austin TX  tickets
Find Spoon here:

Monday, October 25, 2021

'The Doors: Live At The Bowl ’68 Special Edition' in movie theaters on Nov. 4 - Bonus features include conversation with John Densmore & Robby Krieger

Thursday, November 4th promises to be a big day for fans of The Doors...Robert Kinsler



THE DOORS: LIVE AT THE BOWL ’68 SPECIAL EDITION
  
IN MOVIE THEATERS WORLDWIDE ON NOVEMBER 4 
 
BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE A CONVERSATION WITH  
JOHN DENSMORE AND ROBBY KRIEGER PLUS PERFORMANCE  
FOOTAGE RECORDED EXCLUSIVELY FOR CINEMA AUDIENCES 

Surviving Doors members drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger performing at "Celebration for Ray Manzarek" event in Los Angeles in 2016. 
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

O
n Thursday, November 4music fans worldwide will head to local cinemas for the one night only screening of 
“The Doors: Live At The Bowl ’68 Special Edition.” For the event, which celebrates 50 years of The Doors’ legendary album L.A. WOMAN, movie theaters worldwide will transform into concert venues giving fans the closest experience to being there live alongside Jim MorrisonJohn DensmoreRobby Krieger, and Ray Manzarek. In addition to viewing the full concert film, this special event includes extras filmed exclusively for the big screen: a brand-new musical performance of Densmore and Krieger with special guests, plus a conversation with Densmore, Krieger, and the band’s manager, Jeff Jampol. 
 
Tickets are on sale now at www.TheDoorsFilm.com. 
 
Click HERE to view the event trailer. 
 
On July 5, 1968, The Doors lit up the storied stage of the Hollywood Bowl with a legendary performance that is widely considered to be the band’s finest captured on film. Performing on the back of their third album release, Waiting For The Sun, and the U.S. No. 1 single, "Hello, I Love You," the quartet had been honing their live performances over the previous two years and were in absolute peak form. 
 
This theatrical “Special Edition” release creates an in-cinema experience for fans like no other. The film has been remastered in stunning Dolby ATMOS® (where available) and 5.1 surround sound by Bruce Botnick, the original engineer and mixer for The Doors, who recorded the live performance at the Hollywood Bowl in 1968 and co-produced L.A. WOMAN. “The Doors: Live At The Bowl ’68 Special Edition” features the concert in its entirety, including Hello, I Love You,” “The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat)," “Light My Fire,” “The End, and more. Krieger stated, “The magic that has been done to enhance the picture and sound quality of this show will make everyone feel as though they have a front-row seat at the Hollywood Bowl.” 
 
Rhino will also be celebrating The Doors this fall with the release of L.A. WOMAN (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) on December 3. The 3-CD/1-LP set expands the band’s legendary sixth and last studio album with more than two hours of newly remixed audio, taken from the original multitrack session tapes, by L.A. WOMAN album producer & engineer Bruce Botnick. Fans can get a sneak preview of the unheard content with the recently discovered original demo of “Riders On The Storm,” recorded at the famed Sunset Sound Recording Studios, which can be heard HERE. 
 
Drummer John Densmore at "Celebration for Ray Manzarek"
event at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 2016. 
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

# # #
 
 

ABOUT TRAFALGAR RELEASING 
Trafalgar Releasing is the global leader in event cinema distribution. A subsidiary of Trafalgar Entertainment, Trafalgar Releasing’s global operations include production, acquisition, marketing, and distribution of specialised content to over 8,000 cinemas in more than 120 countries worldwide. 
 
A full spectrum of releases includes high arts (The Metropolitan Opera, Bolshoi Ballet, Royal Opera House), award winning theatre (The King and I: from the London PalladiumAn American In ParisLes Misérables: The Staged Concert), iconic moments (Monty Python’s Life of Brian 40th AnniversaryDavid Bowie is happening nowThey Shall Not Grow Old), heritage music acts (Roger Waters The WallDavid Gilmour Live in PompeiiMetallica & San Francisco Symphony: S&M2, Depeche Mode: SPIRITS in the Forest) and contemporary music sensations (BTS’ BRING THE SOUL: THE MOVIEGorillaz: REJECT FALSE ICONS, Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams). 
 
Headquartered in London, the company also has offices in New York, Los Angeles and Denver. More information about Trafalgar Releasing can be found at www.Trafalgar-Releasing.com. 
 
ABOUT THE DOORS  
With an intoxicating, genre-blending sound, provocative and uncompromising songs, and the mesmerizing power of singer Jim Morrison’s poetry and presence, The Doors had a transformative impact not only on popular music but also on popular culture. 
 
The Doors’ arrival on the rock scene in 1967 marked not only the start of a string of hit singles and albums that would become stone classics, but also of something much bigger – a new and deeper relationship between creators and audience. Refusing to be mere entertainers, the Los Angeles quartet relentlessly challenged, confronted, and inspired their fans, leaping headfirst into the heart of darkness while other bands warbled about peace and love. Though they’ve had scores of imitators, there’s never been another band quite like them. And 50 years after their debut album, The Doors’ music and legacy are more influential than ever before. 
 
The Doors were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1993. 
 
ABOUT MERCURY STUDIOS  
Mercury Studios is a multi-faceted content studio established to develop, produce, globally distribute, and invest in innovative, music-rooted storytelling across a range of media including film, television, podcasting, publishing and live-streamed performance. Taking its name from the iconic Mercury Records label, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and creates an open space for experimentation to unleash and amplify both emerging and established artists. With offices in London and Los Angeles, Mercury Studios harnesses its established relationships with best-in-class talent from music and film, seamlessly bridging the two worlds to create a completely distinctive community of trailblazers driven by original IP, innovation, and collaboration. 

New Music: The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Duran Duran, The Bootheels, Bruce Sudano

Now is the perfect time to celebrate titles featuring a parade of talents including The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Duran Duran, The Bootheels and Bruce Sudano.

 

Artist: 
The Rolling Stones
Title: Tattoo You: 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Polydor/Interscope/UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, classic rock
Tell me more: The Rolling Stones' beloved 1981 album Tattoo You has been reissued via a slew of 40th Anniversary editions. The 2CD edition of the album includes the newly-remastered 11-track album on disc one, and a brand new collection of nine previously-unreleased songs offered on disc two; these so-called "Lost & Found" tracks are newly completed with additional vocals and guitar work by the band. There are some really great tracks here; my favorites include the full-hearted rocker "Living in the Heart of Love," a rousing take on the Chi-lites' "Troubles a' Comin'," fiery original rocker "Come to the Ball" and freewheeling cover of bluesman Jimmy Reed's "Shame Shame Shame." The remastered original album  which features favorites such as "Start Me Up," "Hang Fire," "Neighbours" and "Waiting On A Friend"  sounds glorious. In addition to the two-disc version reviewed in this column (which also has an excellent 20-page booklet including an essay from Kevin Howlett and Jeff Slade), there are several expanded configurations of the album that include "Still Life: Wembley Stadium 1982," The Rolling Stones' London Show of the "Tattoo You" tour. That 26-track set includes hits such as "Under My Thumb," "Let's Spend The Night Together," "Honky Tonk Women" and Brown Sugar." Information: RollingStones.com.



Artist:
 Neil Young
Title: Carnegie Hall 1970 (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young
Tell me more: Amidst all the recent high profile deluxe reissues of classic rock-minded titles issued by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Doors this year, don't let Neil Young's two-disc Carnegie Hall 1970 escape your attention. On Dec. 4, 1970 Young performed two solo acoustic shows at Carnegie Hall in New York. The 23 tracks featured on Young's essential Carnegie Hall 1970 have been mixed from the original 1/4 inch tapes by Young and Niko Bolas. The historical recording is magnificent;  the power of Young's  performance, stellar set list and energy of the event is palpable. The audience is fully attentive cheering when Young starts and stops but wonderfully quiet during his delivery of a parade of masterworks ranging from "Down By The River," "Cinnamon Girl" and "I Am A Child" early on disc one to "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," "Old Man," "Ohio" and "Birds" on disc two. Young performs many of his most beloved early classics to the lone accompaniment of his acoustic guitar, harmonica and piano. Carnegie Hall 1970 is the first release of the "Neil Young Archives" series; keep 'em coming! Information: NeilYoungArchives.com


Artist: 
Duran Duran
Title: Future Past (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Duran Duran, Graham Coxon, Tove Lo
Tell me more: Duran Duran is back with the aptly-titled Future Past. Available as a standard 12-track set or via a deluxe edition with three additional tracks (the latter is reviewed here), the album finds the groundbreaking British band in top form. Singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and drummer Roger Taylor have enlisted the esteemed likes of guitarist Graham Coxon (Blur), pianist Mike Garson (David Bowie) and vocalist Lykke Li to bolster their own talents on this ambitious return  the quartet's first new studio effort since 2015's Paper Gods. Additionally, acclaimed producers Erol AlkanGiorgio Moroder, Joshua Blair and Mark Ronson bring their collective talents to the material. Duran Duran blends its synth-pop, rock and dance signature sound in the service of songs that are melodic and expertly presented. The soaring opener "Invisible," funk-tinged anthem "All Of You" and cascading "Anniversary" are early highlights. The cinematic "Velvet Newton," dance floor sortie "Tonight United," opulent "Wing" and sophisticated "Laughing Boy" all elevate Future Past. To be certain this is an album where the addition of guests enriches the reach of the album. The bewitching mid tempo "Give It All Up" has Le Bon's distinctive vocals blending perfectly with Swedish songstress Tove Lo; rapper Ivorian Doll brings an artful edge to "Hammerhead." The Japanese DIY-pop band CHAI add a delightful vocal energy to the buoyant "More Joy!"; Mike Garson's masterful piano work escalates "Falling," an tempestuous track that builds in power across most of its run until a jazzy finale that defies any obvious genre with gusto. The deluxe edition comes housed in a hardback book format with artful images (including band portraits by Rhodes) and full lyrics for the songs. Information: DuranDuran.com



Artist: 
The Bootheels
Title: 1988: The Original Demos (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Hüsker Dü, Radio California, Dinosaur Jr.
Tell me more: Before Luther Russell formed Those Pretty Wrongs with Big Star's Jody Stephens and Jakob Dylan and Tobi Miller rose to fame with The Wallflowers, those musicians and drummer Aaron A. Brooks were members of the short-lived late '80s outfit The Bootheels. The quartet's 1988: The Original Demos reveals The Bootheels were something special despite their abbreviated tenure. Carving out a sound blending alternative rock, post-punk and noise rock, the group's strengths are obvious. Inspired performances abound, all heightened with the smart songwriting and particularly sharp interplay between the guitar work of Dylan and Miller. The mix of hard-edged material (the racing "See It In Your Eyes," "Wasted Dime," "Queen of Hearts"), edgy melodic rock ("Empty Wallet, Empty Bottle, Empty Heart," "Halfway There") and more rueful sonic territory ("The Deal," "Interstate 68 Blues," "B-Line for You") makes for a fun listen. Produced for release by Russell and Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski, it's wonderful to see these 33-year-old recordings arrive for rock fans to celebrate. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com



Artist: 
Bruce Sudano
Title: Ode To A Nightingale (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Sudano, Andrew Gold, Boz Scaggs, classic rock
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Bruce Sudano is back with another winning album, the eight-track "Ode To A Nightingale." There is a life-affirming spirit displayed by Sudano in the performance of his songs; the arrangements on the new release showcase his emotive lead vocals and smart song craft. The shimmering melody-rich "A Cosmic Ride" has a joyful and positive vibe. The darting folk rocker "Ode To A Nightingale" features lead and harmony vocals, dancing musical textures and an infectious rhythm that play in perfect symmetry. "Not Your Hero" is a confessional and affecting acoustic ballad. The highlights on the album are "In Shadowland" and even more sparse "All Hands," songs that are reflective and stirring  both capture the uncertainty of these times with power and sway. Information: BruceSudano.com


Robert Kinsler