Thursday, November 02, 2023

New music: Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Dolph Chaney, Dokken

New returns from favorites Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Dolph Chaney and Dokken are available now.



Artist:
Simple Minds
Title: New Gold Dream  Live From Paisley Abbey (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Simple Minds, U2
Tell me more: New Gold Dream  Live From Paisley Abbey captures the groundbreaking Scottish rock ensemble Simple Minds revisiting their beloved 1982 masterwork New Gold Dream on the occasion of its 40th birthday (the new live album was recorded in October 2022). The anthemic opener "Someone Somewhere In Summertime," soaring "Promised You A Miracle" and infectious "Glittering Prize" are instantly luring, while other tracks offer an additional invitation to hear Simple Minds' singular magic. The rhythmic "Color's Fly and Catherine Wheel," urgent "Big Sleep," enticing "New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)," sumptuous "Hunter and the Hunted" and intense "King Is White And In The Crowd" are also key to the compelling full-length performance. Singer Jim Kerr's signature vocals remain a wonder, while guitar great Charlie Burchill offers up a myriad of glorious textures that bolster the live recording (just listen to the wonderful "Promised You A Miracle"). The band's other members — drummer Charisse Osei, bassist Ged Grimes, keyboardist Berenice Scott and acoustic guitarist Gordy Goudie — collectively add artful firepower to the track listing. Forty-five into their glorious run Simple Minds remains an important force in modern rock. Recorded late last year, the programme is part of Sky Arts’ ‘Greatest Albums live’ series, which captures iconic artists playing classic albums from their illustrious careers. 
New Gold Dream – Live from Paisley Abbey offers music lovers the chance to buy the audio of this special one-off performance, either as a digital download, audio CD or a limited edition red transparent marble vinyl LP housed in a gatefold sleeve
Information: SimpleMinds.com





Artist: 
Duran Duran
Title: Danse Macabre (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Roxy Music, Duran Duran, Danny Elfman
Tell me more: Duran Duran's Halloween-themed album Danse Macabre may immerse itself in the dark and spooky trappings of the holiday but is thankfully not bound but them. Indeed, Danse Macabre is a decidedly fun listen that finds the pioneering British quartet 
— singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, drummer Roger Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes  offering up a winning mix of brand new originals, creatively reworked covers of songs by Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones, Billie Eilish and The Specials and even new versions of past Duran Duran classics. What's more, the concept album includes a celebrated parade of musical guests including producer/guitarist/composer Nile Rodgers, Måneskin singer Victoria De Angelis and former Duran Duran members Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo. Among the terrific cuts on Danse Macabre are the unsettling opener "Nightboat," a shimmering bass-heavy grooving version of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" featuring guest vocals from De Angelis, the gothic dance title track, instantly-accessible funk foray "Black Moonlight," playful "Ghost Town," a fiery run through Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Spellbound" and a propulsive take on The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black." The 13-track album closes with the luxuriously beautiful "Confession In The Afterlife." Danse Macabre is out now via Tape Modern for BMG with artwork featuring images adapted from a collection of authentic vintage séance photos sourced by Nick Rhodes at auction.  It is available on Black 2LP and CD, with a limited-edition Translucent Galaxy 2LP. The album is also available on high res Blu-ray audioInformation: duranduran.com


Artist: 
Dolph Chaney
Title: Mug (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Cheap Trick, Psychic Rain, Guided By Voices
Tell me more: Chicago-based great Dolph Chaney follows up his wonderful 2021 breakout album This Is Dolph Chaney with the equally stellar 2023 studio title Mug. Chaney's sharp songwriting, affecting lead vocals and an inspired sound that spans the 13-track disc are genuinely palpable. The rollicking opener "Nice" is the first of a slew of marvelous songs that will thrill fans of classic rock and power pop. The lovely Baroque pop gem "Cool in the Sunshine," rollicking single "Mr. Eli," rootsy "Love Around You," heartfelt "Good Luck With All That," ambitious "Undone," introspective rocker "Critic (The Mirror)" and irresistible closer "The First Time Back" display Chaney's expert touch across the musical universe. With hooks and melodies aplenty that are the equal of his literate and thoughtful song craft, Mug is a fantastic album worthy of discovery. Information: bigstirrecords.com


Artist: 
Dokken
Title: Heaven Comes Down (Silver Lining Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Dokken, Rainbow, Queensryche
Tell me more: Dokken's long-awaited return Heaven Comes Down fully delivers on the melodic hard rock stylings that elevated the band to fame in the mid 1980s. Led by singer-songwriter Don Dokken, the band's formidable lineup also includes guitarist Jon Levin, bassist Chris McCarvill and drummer BJ Zampa. Heaven Comes Down is Dokken's 13th album and was produced by Bill Palmer and Dokken; it is also the band's first new studio album since 2012's Broken Bones. The album includes a slew of straight-forward rockers including the strong opener "Fugitive," which is particularly strong with its wistful sonic atmospherics and virtuoso lead work from Levin. Other winning cuts on the disc include the heavy "Is It Me Or You?," sweeping "Just Like A Rose" (the latter enhanced by shining vocal harmonies), affecting rock ballad "I'll Never Give Up," evocative "I Remember" and autobiographical acoustic-flavored disc closer "Santa Fe." Heaven Comes Down is available via CD digital, 12-inch vinyl (black and color variants), digital formats and special direct-to-consumer (D2C) products and bundles. Dokken is currently on tour in support of the new album. Information: dokken.net


Robert Kinsler


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