‘80s New Wave Superstars Missing Persons blast into the past on 1982 live album!

Fans of New Wave and groundbreaking 1980s alt rock will want to get a copy of Missing Persons' forthcoming title "Live In Santa Clarita, CA - October 10, 1982"...Robert Kinsler

‘80s New Wave Superstars MISSING PERSONS Blast Into The Past On This Electrifying 1982 Live Album!

Los Angeles, CA – Experience the glory years of '80s new wave with the release of Missing Persons' captivating live performance from 1982! The iconic '80s new wave band, known for their blockbuster hits “Destination Unknown,” “Words,” “Walking In L.A.” and more, invites fans old and new to take a thrilling journey back in time with the official release of Live In Santa Clarita, CA - October 10, 1982. This brilliant vintage recording captures the band at the height of their powers, delivering an electrifying performance that is sure to reignite the passion and energy of the era.

Recorded just after the release of their blockbuster debut album, Spring Session M., this concert showcases Missing Persons in peak form. The band, featuring the dynamic vocalist Dale Bozzio, the massively acclaimed drummer Terry Bozzio, and future Duran Duran guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, captivates the audience with their innovative sound and magnetic stage presence. From the pulsating rhythms to the infectious melodies, every track is a testament to the band's groundbreaking influence on the new wave scene. For a taste of what’s in store, check out the album’s opening number, a vibrant and rousing rendition of “Mental Hopscotch,” which has been released to all streaming platforms today!

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/v4xzrvv

Dale Bozzio, the vibrant frontwoman of Missing Persons, continues to keep the band's flame burning brightly. Just last year, she released a new album, Hollywood Lie, that has been met with critical acclaim and has been performing at select shows across the United States, bringing the unforgettable sound of Missing Persons to a new generation of fans. Don't miss this opportunity to experience Missing Persons like never before. The 1982 live album will be available on all formats starting July 12!

Order the CD/Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/search?q=missing+persons+santa+clarita

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/missingpersons_live1982

TRACK LIST:
1. Mental Hopscotch
2. Noticeable One
3. Words
4. Tears
5. It Ain't None Of Your Business
6. Bad Streets
7. Windows
8. Here And Now
9. Walking In L.A.
10. No Way Out
11. I Like Boys
12. Destination Unknown

New Music: The dB'S, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ, Fastball

New albums featuring under-the-radar heroes The dB'S, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ, and Fastball are featured in my column this week.

Artist: The dB'S

Title: Stands for deciBels (Propeller Sound Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The dB's, Big Star, R.E.M., early Cheap Trick

Tell me more: Groundbreaking American rock outfit the dB's' 1981 debut album Stands for deciBels has just been reissued digitally as well as on audio CD and vinyl by Propeller Sound Recordings; the newly remastered album had never previously been released on vinyl in the U.S. 

The dB's / Photo by Stefan Wallgren

A true sonic bridge between power pop pioneers Big Star and college rock heroes R.E.M., the dB'S' glorious 12-track Stands for deciBels busts out of the gate with the driving "Black and White," a song that somehow blends jangly guitar rock, garage rock and new wave stylings in an artfully new way. Subsequent cuts on the disc include the hypnotic "Dynamite," psychedelic-minded "She's Not Worried," style-defying "Espionage" and "Cycles per Second," driving rocker "Bad Reputation" and exuberant "I'm In Love." The CD and digital editions of Stands for deciBels closes with the sumptuous "Judy," a single not included on the original release but available on a late '80s I.R.S. Records reissue. The dB'S (Peter Holsapple, Chris Stamey, Gene Holder and Will Rigby) are set to embark on their first national tour since 2012 on the heels of their studio album issued that year (Falling Off the Sky) when they perform at the Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sept. 7, 2024. Information: propellersoundrecordings.com and thedbs.com.

Artist: Skeeter Davis & NRBQ

Title: She Sings, They Play (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, Skeeter Davis, She & Him, Emmylou Harris, the Davis Sisters

Tell me more: One of the more interesting and bold collaborations of the 1980s, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ's 1985 album She Sings, They Play has been released as an expanded reissue by Omnivore Recordings. A true fusion between the talents of acclaimed singer Davis and genre mash up-minded American rock outfit NRBQ, the album (released via vinyl, on CD and digitally) thrills across its entire gloriously-expanded run. Delights abound on the outstanding title,  including the traditional country nugget "Everybody Wants A Cowboy," heartfelt ballad "I Can't Stop Loving You Now" featuring Buddy Emmons' wonderful pedal steel guitar work, the lively duet "Ain't Nice To Talk Like That," the previously-unissued retro rocker "I Want You Bad," a rootsy heartfelt cover of "Someday My Prince Will Come," the Baroque ballad "How Many Tears" and previously-unreleased rockabilly cut "I Gotta Know." Also included on the disc are tracks recorded live at The Bottom Line in New York City on Oct. 18, 1985 — the date of the album's initial release — that are included on the audio CD and digital versions of She Sings, They Play; "Gonna Get Along Without You Now," "Things To You" and a bewitching take on Davis' own 1962 hit "The End Of The World" are particularly strong. The packaging contains updated artwork, photos from the recording sessions and liner notes from John DeAngelis. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Fastball

Title: Sonic Ranch (Sunset Blvd Records)

You might like if you enjoy: dada, Fastball, Goo Goo Dolls, Oasis

Tell me more: One of the most talented American rock bands to emerge at the dawn of the 1990s, Austin, Texas-based Fastball is back with a new album that recalls the trio's best work. Produced by David Garza (Fiona Apple, Rhett Miller), the new album titled Sonic Ranch (released on June 21) features a slew of memorable and diverse originals. The explosive first single "Rather Be Me Than You" is an infectious and hard-charging cut that is equal parts testosterone and melody. The aptly-titled "Daydream" is a sweeping mid tempo track recalling early Oasis. Fastball's talent at crafting top-tier ear candy is highlighted by the luxurious "Hummingbird" and buoyant "Let Love Back In Your Heart." The fast-paced "Get You Off My Mind" blends the band's signature melodic rock sound with a New Wave flourish that really works, while the countrified folk nugget "Grey Sky Blue" and Spaghetti Western-tinged "America" collectively showcase the ambitious range of Fastball. Other standouts include the harmonies-draped "On And On" and enchanting "The Island Of Me." Sonic Ranch marks a wonderful return for Tony Scalzo, Miles Zuniga and Joey Shuffield. Information: fastballtheband.com. 

Robert Kinsler

X announces final album "Smoke & Fiction" & sets forthcoming tour dates

Check out the infectious new single from X titled "Big Black X" (make sure to watch the official music video too!) and get news on the legendary band's forthcoming final studio LP and nationwide tour...Robert Kinsler 

OUR FINAL ALBUM, SMOKE & FICTION IN STORES AUGUST 2ND Photo credit: Gilbert Trejo Released today, the poignant first single “Big Black X” reflects on the early history of X, their life in Hollywood, and the events unfolding in the world during those formative years. As Exene reflects on the band's unique choice of their moniker, “X is a great band name; also a bad idea sometimes when it gets lost in print or on the marquee. Gotta have a sense of humor. We all did in the early days. Los Angeles was a carnival of weirdness back then, with left over traces of silent movie stars, long haired hippies, bikers, and brand new self-defined punks doing anything we wanted. When we started touring the country we found like-minded people everywhere, and somehow they all found us. Even if the X was lost on the old marquee.” Listen Here   From the blistering title track grappling with the chaotic state of the world to the nostalgic ode of "Big Black X," reminiscing on punk's golden era, each song on Smoke & Fiction is a testament to X's enduring legacy. With haunting melodies, pounding rhythms, and the unmistakable vocal interplay of John and Exene, this album is a fitting finale to a storied career. This is one of those moments to not miss. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of X and bid farewell to an era. Smoke & Fiction is coming—prepare to be amazed, one last time. Directed by Gilbert Trejo and Shane McKenzie.  Watch Smoke & Fiction $50.00 Pre-Order 6/24 - Los Angeles, CA - The Troubadour - SOLD OUT 7/6 - Kansas City, MO - The Uptown 7/7 - Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room 7/9 - St. Louis, MO - Del Mar Hall 7/10 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall 7/12 - Minneapolis, MN - The Varsity 7/13 - Chicago, IL - Square Roots Festival 7/14 - Chicago, IL - Fitzgerald’s - SOLD OUT 7/16 - Detroit, MI - The Masonic 7/17 - Kent, OH - The Kent Stage 7/19 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue 7/25 - Los Angeles, CA - The Regent 7/26 - Los Angeles, CA - The Regent 7/28 - Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre 7/30 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up 8/19 - Menlo Park, CA - The Guild Theatre 8/20 - Menlo Park, CA - The Guild Theatre 8/22 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory 8/23 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory 8/25 - Portland, OR - The Aladdin 8/28 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot 8/30 - Denver, CO - The Summit 9/01 - Albuquerque, NM - The El Rey 9/22 - Derry, NH - Tupelo Music Hall 9/23 - Boston, MA - The Wilbur 9/25 - Albany, NY - Empire Live 9/26 - Rochester, NY - Water Street Music Hall 9/28 - Falls Church, CA - The State Theatre 10/1 - Patchogue, NY - Patchogue, Theatre 10/2 - Philadelphia, PA - Keswick Theater 10/3 - New York, NY - Town Hall 10/5 - Middletown, CT - Harbor Park 10/18 - Austin, TX - The Paramount 10/19 - San Antonio, TX - Empire Live 10/21 - Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall 10/22 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theater 10/24 - Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall 10/25 - Nashville, TN - Brooklyn Bowl 10/26 - Birmingham, AL - Iron City 10/27 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse 10/29 - Charlotte, NC - The Neighborhood Theatre 10/30 - Columbia, SC - The Senate Tickets ALPHABETLAND $23.00 Shop now Los Angeles $23.00 Shop now Wild Gift $23.00 Shop now Under The Big Black Sun $23.00 Shop now More Fun In The New World $27.00 Shop now