Saturday, September 30, 2023

'Jules' score by Academy Award winner Volker Bertelmann out from ABKCO

Fans of strong film scores will want to check out the new soundtrack from composer Volker Bertelmann...Robert Kinsler

U2 Launches “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere" in Las Vegas

U2 performing in Las Vegas / Photo credit: Rich Fury

 

U2 LAUNCHES “U2:UV ACHTUNG BABY LIVE AT SPHERE” IN LAS VEGAS

FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND SHOW USHERS IN NEW ERA OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

U2 RELEASES NEW SONG “ATOMIC CITY” LISTEN HERE


“U2:UV ACHTUNG BABY LIVE AT SPHERE” in Las Vegas- Sept. 29, 2023

  • On Friday night, Sept. 29, 2023, U2 (Bono, The Edge and Adam Clayton with Bram van den Berg) lit up the Sphere stage with a mind-blowing opening night of their highly-anticipated U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere shows, reinventing the live music experience with the launch of the world's most cutting-edge venue.

  • U2 provided fans a fully immersive experience featuring top of the line technology.

  • U2 utilized every part of Sphere’s LED screen - the world’s largest and highest-resolution - into an awe-inspiring gallery that showcased bespoke art from renowned artists including Es DevlinJohn GerrardMarco Brambilla, and Industrial Light & Magic; all while performing on a Brian Eno-inspired turntable stage.

  • The band celebrated this major live music milestone with fans from all over the world and VIP attendees including Adam Scott, Andre Agassi, Ava DuVernay, Bobby Shriver, Bryan Cranston, Chelsea Clinton, Chris Blackwell, Connie Britton, Dakota Fanning, Darren Aronofsky, Diplo, Dr. Dre, Elizabeth Banks, Flava Flav, Gayle King, Guy Oseary, Henrik Lundqvist, Jane Buffet, Jane Seymour, Jason Bateman, Jeff Bezos, Jimmy Iovine, Jimmy Kimmel, John Starks, Jon Hamm, Josh Duhamel, Katy Perry, Lars Ulrich, Lebron James, Luke Wilson, Oprah, Orlando Bloom, Oscar De La Hoya, Mario Lopez, Maria Sharapova, Martin Garrix, Matt Damon, Michael Rapino, Neil Patrick Harris, Paul McCartney, Paul McGuinness, Sheryl Sandberg, Skylar Astin, Snoop Dogg, Tom Schanley, Zane Lowe and more.

U2 performing on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Photo credit: Rich Fury


  • The 25-date run of shows celebrates the band’s acclaimed album Achtung Baby, as well as its accompanying industry-defining ZOO TV Tour which broke the mold in 1991.

  • The band also performed their new song “Atomic City,” which is an homage to the magnetic spirit of 70’s post-punk with a nod to Blondie, whose pioneering work with Giorgio Moroder inspired and influenced the band. Atomic City is itself a 1950s nickname for Las Vegas from a time when nuclear fascination swept the nation and the city promoted itself as a center of atomic tourism due to its proximity to the Nevada Test Site.

Friday, September 29, 2023

New Music: The Church, Paul Rodgers, Genya Ravan, The Doors

New releases from acclaimed Australia legends The Church, singer-songwriter great Paul Rodgers, pioneering songstress Genya Ravan and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Doors are worth adding to your music library.


Artist: 
The Church
Title: The Hypnogogue (Deluxe) edition (Communicating Vessel)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cure, Interpol, Tame Impala
Tell me more: While The Hypnogogue is the 26th album release from The Church, it marks the band's first-ever concept album 
(a lyrically and sonically detailed dystopian tale set in 2054). The newly-issued deluxe edition of the album expands the initial February 2023 standard version of the LP with six additional tracks. The Hypnogogue (Deluxe) is truly an ambitious and stellar disc that finds singer-songwriter/bassist Steve Kilbey and company using their unique blend of modern, alternative, Neo-psychedelic and progressive rock styles to immerse the listener in the sumptuous journey across 19 tracks. They hypnotic rocker "C'est La Vie," shimmering "I Think I Knew," reflective title track, melodic "Aerodome" and luxurious "Realm of Minor Angels" (the latter is among the previously-unissued cuts on the expanded release) are among the immediately captivating tracks on the deluxe edition. More experimental tracks (notably "Succulent," "Antartica," "Second Bridge" and "A Strange Past") reward discerning listeners on repeated listens. The band's fall U.S. tour begins on Sept 28 in Seattle and includes upcoming dates in Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico; concertgoers who come out to the shows can also pick up a The Hypnogogue companion audio CD called Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars which features 15 brand new songs and will only be available at the merch table on the band's U.S. fall tour. Information: thechurchband.net. 



Artist: 
Paul Rodgers
Title: Midnight Rose (Sun Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, The Firm, Paul Rodgers, Queen + Paul Rodgers
Tell me more: One of rock's all-time great talents, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company, The Firm, Queen + Paul Rodgers) is back with Midnight Rose. The British-Canadian singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist's first new solo album since 1999's Electric, the eight-track Midnight Rose showcases that Rodgers voice remains a top-flight wonder at age 73. Rodgers' signature lead vocals shine on the blues-rock opener "Coming Home," the breezy folk-swept title track, Bad Company-styled rockers "Living It Up" and "Take Love," dazzling Renaissance mining "Dance In The Sun," affecting "Highway Robber" and ambitious closer "Melting," the latter casting a strong light on Rodgers' nuanced and artful touch as the song burgeons from a bluesy ballad into a bona fide rocker. Available on both vinyl and audio CD, Midnight Rose was produced by Cynthia Rodgers and Bob Rock; the album was recorded at Roper Recording and The Warehouse in British Columbia. Information: sunrecords.com. 



Artist: 
Genya Ravan
Titles: "Urban Desire" and "...And I Mean It!" (BFD/The Orchard)
You might like if you enjoy: Joan Jett, Patti Smith, Lou Reed, Sass Jordan
Tell me more: Groundbreaking rock songstress Genya Ravan's incredible legacy is celebrated via two terrific reissues available now via Bob Frank Distribution (BFD). Armed with a powerful soprano, Ravan's self-produced solo albums Urban Desire (1978) and its follow-up ...And I Mean It (1979) showcase her mighty vocals and shining blues-harp playing. The reissues also serve as the perfect introduction to an artist who deserves more recognition. Born Genyusha Zelkowitz in Poland in 1940, Ravan survived the Holocaust. In America, she forged a path in the male-dominated music industry  including forming the first all-woman rock band (Goldie & The Gingerbreads) in 1963 and subsequently one of the first rock 'n' roll horn bands (Ten Wheel Drive) in 1969.  Urban Desire opens with the jubilant rocker "Jerry's Pigeons," with subsequent standouts on the album including the rollicking blues rock nugget "The Knight Ain't Long Enough," acoustic foray "Do It Just For Me," scorching take on The Supremes' "Back In My Arms Again" and rousing "Aye Co'lorado," the latter a wonderful duet with Lou Reed


...And I Mean It
 features an equally strong track listing, which includes gems like the heavy blues sortie "Pedal To The Metal," punkish "It's Me," infectious New Wave-tinged "Love Isn't Love," genre-smashing rocker "I'm Wired, Wired, Wired" and her poignant duet with Ian Hunter ("Junkman"). Both albums are available on audio CD and via vinyl. Information: genyaravan.com. 







Artist: 
The Doors
Title: Live at the Matrix, 1967 (Rhino)
You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, Robby Krieger, classic rock
Tell me more: Anytime fans get treated to a new release featuring The Doors there is reason for celebration. The release of the Live at the Matrix, 1967 is truly one of the great audio titles of 2023; the limited edition 3CD box set features the complete and original recordings captured during the band's five-night engagement in March 1967 at the small San Francisco nightclub known as The Matrix. The recordings featured on Live at the Matrix, 1967 were taken from the first-generation 7-inch reels that captured singer Jim Morrison, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and drummer John Densmore just prior to their explosive emergence as one of the most successful and important rock bands of the late 1960s. Standout performances abound across the sets recorded by Peter Abram between March 7-11, 1967 that are featured on the box set. The band's first set on March 7, 1967 features a freewheeling and dynamic version of "Back Door Man," a previously unreleased take on the psychedelic rocker "My Eyes Have Seen You," a mesmerizing run through the Miles Davis-penned instrumental "All Blues" and potent 12-minute take on the classic "When The Music's Over." There are so many incredible moments to be heard across the three discs; a blues-drenched take on Willie Dixon's "Close To You," fiery version of the John Lee Hooker classic "Crawling King Snake" enhanced by Krieger's signature guitar work, the wistful "I Can't See Your Face In My Mind," Baroque pop-meets-blues ballad "The Crystal Ship," several powerful versions of "Break On Through (To The Other Side)" and a otherworldly performance of "Light My Fire" are just a few of the stellar cuts to be heard. Detailed liner notes written by Joel Selvin provide a comprehensive look at the inspired performances and what led The Doors to journey to San Francisco to appear at The Matrix just prior to their impending stardom. Production of the audio CD version is limited to only 21,000 copies worldwide. Information: thedoors.com. 



Robert Kinsler



Thursday, September 28, 2023

TJR and Robert Kinsler review The Rolling Stones' new track "Sweet Sounds Of Heaven"


Watch a new video where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss The Rolling Stones' highly-anticipated new song "Sweet Sounds Of Heaven" released earlier today. The song - which features guest Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder - will be featured on the band's upcoming album Hackney Diamonds coming Oct. 20, 2023. 

Watch the video HERE.

Friday, September 22, 2023

New music: Duran Duran, Firefall, The Foreign Films

Duran Duran is the focus of an essential new concert film available on DVD while Firefall and The Foreign Films are back with essential new albums.



Artist: 
Duran Duran
Title: A Hollywood High (Cherry Red Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Duran Duran, Roxy Music, Arcadia
Tell me more: A Hollywood High is a true celebration of modern British rock group Duran Duran's special relationship with Los Angeles. In addition to interviews with singer Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor, drummer Roger Taylor as well as unseen archival footage dating back to the early 1980s, the docu-concert film features a 12-song show filmed at The Aster in Los Angeles on March 17, 2022. Visually stunning (the location features the iconic Capitol Records Tower as a backdrop), the high-rise rooftop performance features 4K video and is enhanced by 5.1 and Dolby Atmos surround sound that fully capture the band at the height of their powers. The setlist includes a mix of Duran Duran's hits and shining new material. Among the many outstanding songs performed are the powerful opener "A View To A Kill," lovely "Come Undone," explosive "Pressure Off," a crowd pleasing cover of "White Lines," moving "Ordinary World" (the latter dedicated to the people of Ukraine) and festive closer "Hungry Like The Wolf." A Hollywood High is available on both Blu-ray and DVD. Information: duranduran.com. 


Artist: 
Firefall
Title: Friends & Family (Sunset Blvd Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Firefall, Loggins & Messina, Poco
Tell me more: Because many of 1970s hitmaker Firefall's band members have also played with some of the most beloved artists of the 70s' and '80s  including The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Spirit, Heart, Dan Fogelberg and Gram Parsons  it's not surprising that the quintet's latest album Friends & Family is such a resounding success. The disc (due Sept. 22 via Sunset Blvd Records) showcases Firefall's solid ability to recapture the spirit and sound of the classic rock era that gave rise to their outfit and so many of their beloved contemporaries; Firefall offers up their own versions of 13 classic tracks originally recorded by others artists between the late 1960s and early '80s. Highlights include the mostly-faithful performance of the Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Running," harmonies-adorned take on Fogelberg's "Part of the Plan," inspired folk rock reading of the Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See," poignant version of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man" (the latter bolstered by John Magnie's sublime accordion work) and delightfully driving version of Spirit's rocker "I Got a Line On You." They also rework Heart's 1985 rocker "What About Love" into a winning countrified version, while bringing a magic to versions of the Flying Burrito Brothers' soaring "Colorado" and Parson's rowdy country rocker "Ooh Las Vegas." Information: firefallofficial.com.


Artist:
The Foreign Films
Title: Magic Shadows (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: The Three O'Clock, XTC, Jellyfish
Tell me more: In the official press notes for The Foreign Films' album Magic Shadows, band leader Bill Majoros notes "I love the idea of taking the listener on a musical adventure, creating a sonic and emotional experience...I think of music as a time machine  visiting the past, present and future." Indeed, Magic Shadows does transport the listener on a wide-ranging sonic journey. The songs here recall the past while also celebrating the here and now. The luxurious "Cinema Girl" draws favorable comparisons with top-flight Jellyfish while the propulsive "Perfect Future" exudes an urgency in tune with our troubled times. Other memorable tracks include the Baroque pop nugget "Sparks In The Dark (Merry-Go-Round)," dreamy "Midnight Movies" and "Lost In Time," and Beach Boys-minded "Daydream In The Sun." My favorite track is the shimmering "Rain Clouds," a swirling cut that blends '60s' psychedelic stylings with the sound of '80s Paisley Underground heroes The Three O'Clock in glorious fashion. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Robert Kinsler



The Church release Deluxe Edition of "The Hypnogogue" + Companion CD...band on tour this fall!

Today marks the release of the deluxe edition of The Hypnogogue; get all the details on the new collection from The Church, including where you can catch the groundbreaking group on tour...Robert Kinsler


"There’s a warm intimacy to this trippy, low-key affair that invites you to trance out into contemplative bliss. Elements of the goth, new wave, and space rock worlds that intermingled when they started still coalesce here ('Antarctica' is a standout). Given the throwback vibes of so many modern tunes, The Hypnogogue works equally well as retro and timeless music." - A.V Club

"On The Hypnogogue, the quintet creates fluid moods, moving in idiosyncratic directions while maintaining the shadowy gaze that has defined The Church’s style." - American Songwriter


"The Church’s usual melodic, psychedelic sound takes a stark turn into a concept album about a sci-fi dystopia, perfectly suited for singer Steve Kilbey’s plaintive voice." - Post-Punk.com

 




THE CHURCH
 Release The Hypnogogue – Deluxe Edition 
with Six New Tracks Added to the Original Album


 Also Announce Brand New Companion CD
Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars
 Available ONLY At the Merch Table on Tour


Kicks Off Fall North American Tour Sept. 28th


Photo credit: Hugh Stewart

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 (Melbourne, AUS) – 
Some stories don’t quite have endings… Such is the case with THE CHURCH’s latest album THE HYPNOGOGUE which was originally released on February 24, 2023. A visionary album with a narrative thread - a first for the band who is entering their fifth decade of making music, The Hypnogogue’s retro-futuristic, dystopian narrative reads like a short story from visionary science fiction author Philip K. Dick (“A Scanner Darkly,” “Electric Dreams”), revolving around a fictional machine (the "Hypnogogue") that extracts music directly from subconscious dreams.

Now, as the band kicks off their second U.S. leg of their worldwide tour (tour dates below), the story of “The Hypnogogue” extends with a newly-released, expanded deluxe digital edition. With six added tracks, the deluxe package includes the recently released single and video “Realm of Minor Angels” which Post-Punk.com described as “hypnotic and ever-catchy” and bassist/vocalist/founder Steve Kilbey cites as “without doubt one of my favorite singles The Church has ever released.”
The Church "Realm of Minor Angels (Official Music Video)"
Link: https://youtu.be/AAFCXpxZ8PY?si=h5NKemEJg2F3IeBO
Going beyond the initial storyline of The Hypnogogue, The Church will be releasing Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars, a companion CD that includes 15 brand new tracks, serving as a continuation of the storyline. The limited-edition CD will only be available at merch tables on the tour.

The original dream-pulling storyline,” as Kilbey explains, “follows Eros Zeta, the biggest rock star of 2054, who has traveled from his home in Antarctica (against his manager’s advice) to use the Hypnogogue to help him revive his flagging fortunes. In the midst of the toxic process, he also falls in love with Sun Kim and it all ends tragically (of course, as these things often do).”

In the progression of the 15 tracks, the story of Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars expands the mythos, as explained by Kilbey:
“Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars were formed in 2048 in Antarctic City in Antarctica. They had many hits including ‘Realm of Minor Angels’ and ‘Sublimated in Song’ and in all released six collections of music. They toured the postwar world incessantly during the early 2050s and were capable on a good night of selling out concerts in most countries that still had gigs. The band were troubled with personnel and substance problems culminating in Eros Zeta's addiction to Sky and his subsequent inability to write new songs.

In 2054, he journeyed to Korea where he used the Hypnogogue to create new music. After the disastrous effects these songs created, he died in a traffic accident whilst on his way to the airport to return home. The songs were thereafter prohibited in most places. In recognition of his services to Antarctican music, a statue was built to honor him in the Australian Quarter of Antarctic city. The band continued on without him but to little success which led to them disbanding in 2057.”
The Hypnogogue resulted in arguably some of the best reviews in the band’s 40-year history. A.V. Club lauded, “There’s a warm intimacy to this trippy, low-key affair that invites you to trance out into contemplative bliss. Elements of the goth, new wave, and space rock worlds that intermingled when they started still coalesce here… The Hypnogogue works equally well as retro and timeless music.” Brooklyn Vegan adds, “Forty some years into their existence, these Aussie psych legends are making some of the most vital music of their careers.” Under the Radar assures, “The Hypnogogue reaffirms why this band have been held in high esteem for so long.”

Starting out in 1980, The Church have continued to expand their highly cinematic and atmospheric blend of indie rock, shimmering post-punk, icy dreampop and psychedelic post-rock without retreading their steps. Their expansive music career yielded a string of hit songs including “Under the Milky Way,” “Reptile,” “The Unguarded Moment” and “Almost With You” amongst others and their equally stellar live shows have been deemed “spectacular” by MAGNET Magazine, citing their “dreamy psychedelia that will daub your evening with shades of paisley.”

The 2022 epic five-piece line-up is bassist, vocalist and founder Steve Kilbey; with long-time collaborator Tim Powles, drummer and producer across 17 albums since '94; guitarist Ian Haug,formerly of Australian rock icons Powderfinger, who joined the band in 2013 and Jeffrey Cain (Remy Zero), touring multi-instrumentalist who is now a full-time member of The Church since the departure of Peter Koppes in early 2020. The band have also recruited Ashley Naylor, long-time member of Paul Kelly’s touring band and one of Australia’s finest and most respected guitarists (Even, The Grapes, The Stems).

The Hypnogogue (Deluxe) is released now and available at https://orcd.co/qj0qmo9.

TOUR DATES
 
Sep 28Seattle, WANeptune Theater
Sep 30San Francisco, CAHardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023
Oct 1Mill Valley, CASweetwater Music Hall
Oct 2Ventura, CAVentura Music Hall
Oct 4Pomona, CAThe Glass House
Oct 5Las Vegas, NVBrooklyn Bowl
Oct 6Chandler, AZThe Showroom at Wild Horse Pass
Oct 7Santa Fe, NMThe Lesnic
Oct 9Omaha, NEThe Waiting Room
Oct 11Ferndale, MIThe Magic Bag
Oct 12State College, PAState Theater
Oct 13Covington, KYMadison Theatre
Oct 14Atlanta, GAVariety Playhouse
Oct 15Birmingham, ALSaturn
Oct 17Ponte Vedra, FLPonte Vedra Concert Hall
Oct 18Orlando, FLThe Abbey
Oct 19Clearwater, FLCapitol Theatre
Oct 20Fort Lauderdale, FLCulture Room
Oct 21Fort Lauderdale, FLCulture Room
Oct 23Pensacola, FLVinyl Music Room
Oct 24New Orleans, LAHouse of Blues
Oct 26Austin, TXLevitation Festival
Oct 27Houston, TXHeights Theater
Oct 28Dallas, TXKessler Theater
Oct 29Oklahoma City, OKTower Theater
Oct 31Evanston, ILSPACE
Nov 1Evanston, ILSPACE
The Hypnogogue - Deluxe Edition

  1. Ascendence
  2. C'est La Vie
  3. I Think I Knew
  4. Flickering Lights
  5. The Hypnogogue
  6. Albert Ross
  7. Thorn
  8. Aerodrome
  9. The Coming Days
  10. No Other You
  11. Succulent
  12. Antarctica
  13. Second Bridge
    - Added content -
  14. Realm of Minor Angels
  15. Amanita
  16. Song 18
  17. Sublimated In Song
  18. Pleasure
  19. A Strange Past
Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars

  1. Realm Of Minor Angels
  2. Pleasure
  3. Amanita
  4. 2054
  5. Manifesto
  6. The Immediate Future
  7. Sublimated In Song
  8. Song 18
  9. The Weather
  10. Korea
  11. Song From The Machine Age
  12. Sleeping For Miles
  13. Last Melody
  14. A Strange Past
  15. Music From The Ghost Hotel
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