Fantastic Listens and a Great Read highlight new titles

New music from Ringo Starr, a retrospective from Candice Night and Ritchie Blackmore, an unearthed treasure featuring singer-songwriter Neil Young and return of early punk rock proponents the Dead Boys all make for great listens, while an exhaustive read focused on jazz rockers Steely Dan serves as a tribute to the late Walter Becker.

Artist: Ringo Starr
Title: Give More Love (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Ringo Starr, The Beatles, Peter Frampton, Steve Lukather
Tell me more: Ringo Starr has released a number of outstanding albums since he embarked on his solo career including Beaucoups of Blues (1970), Ringo (1973), I Wanna Be Santa Claus (1999) and Ringo Rama (2003). Now, the 77-years-young Starr has released his 19th studio album, the rousing Give More Love. Bolstered by contributions from a number of famous musicians, the album bursts out of the gate with the celebrative "We're On the Road Again" (featuring some stellar guitar work from his co-writer on the song, Toto's Steve Lukather, as well as Paul McCartney on bass). Plenty of gems follow, with the wry politically-charged "Laughable" (with some dazzling fret work courtesy of Peter Frampton), sweetly romantic "Show Me The Way" (for his wife of 37 years, actress Barbara Bach), delightful Bakersfield country-styled love song "So Wrong For So Long" and the rockabilly-flavored "Shake It Up" among this writer's faves. The title track "Give More Love" is an intoxicating song that outdistances its simple message and recalls the magic of Starr's best contributions to the Fab Four. Those who pick up the audio CD version of Give More Love will be treated to four wonderful bonus tracks including a fully new read of "Back Off Boogaloo," a country-blues take of "Don't Pass Me By" and slide guitar-anchored "Photograph." Information: RingoStarr.com.

Artist: Blackmore's Night
Title: To the Moon and Back: 20 Years and Beyond..." (Minstrel Hall Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Ritchie Blackmore, Candice Night, Heart
Tell me more: Where do Renaissance and rock meet? Listen no further than Blackmore's Night whose To the Moon and Back: 20 Years and Beyond... retrospective truly transports the listener to another time adorned with mostly-acoustic folk textures and graceful ancient-styled melodies. With singer Candice Night's stirring soprano and Ritchie Blackmore's sterling guitar work working in tandem, the material consistently delivers. The breezy "Shadow Of the Moon," gentle "Spirit Of the Sea," aptly-titled "Renaissance Faire" and symphonic "Ghost Of A Rose" are among the early highlights on the two-disc set. Fans of Blackmore's groundbreaking rock roots with Deep Purple will love the version of "I Surrender" and  "The Circle," the latter featuring the legendary guitarist shredding masterfully while the track itself truly showcases that the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's love of Renaissance and rock can blend in wonderful ways. Information: blackmoresnight.com.

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Hitchhiker (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young
Tell me more: Neil Young continues to please his discerning followers with special releases that shed incredible insight into the tunesmith's wealth of brilliant songs. The latest example is the highly-anticipated release of Hitchhiker, a legendary 10-song disc of acoustic songs recorded in a single day on Aug. 11, 1976 at Indigo Studios in Malibu, California. Among the magnificent  songs first put to tape in a studio that day were "Pocahontas," "Powderfinger" and "Ride My Llama" — three memorable works that wound up on the Canadian singer-songwriter's 1979 masterwork Rust Never Sleeps. Armed with nothing more than his glorious voice, acoustic guitar and harmonica, Young tracked 10 timeless nuggets that were further enhanced by their otherworldly ties to each other. Information: NeilYoung.com.

Artist: The Dead Boys
Title: Still Snotty: Young, Loud and Snotty (Plowboy Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Dead Boys, U.S. Bombs, the Lords of the New Church
Tell me more: There was a time when punk rock was menacing and served as a much-needed attack against the increasingly-formulaic arena rock of the late 1970s. Bands such as England's Sex Pistols, New York's Ramones and Cleveland's hardcore outfit the Dead Boys brought unbridled energy and power to their rock attack. The Dead Boys recorded an influential debut titled Young, Loud and Snotty in 1977, and the 1978 sophomore effort We Have Come For Your Children before the group disbanded in 1979. Now, original members Cheetah Chrome (guitar) and Johnny Blitz (drummer) have joined forces with new members Ricky Rat (bass), Jake Hout (vocals) and Jason Kottwitz (guitar) to record Still Snotty: Young, Loud and Snotty, a powerful fully-realized version of the 40-year-old recording for a new generation prompted by a successful showcase at 2017's South by Southwest music festival in Austin that is already legendary. The new recording (tracked in a mere three-day span) is chock-full of punk energy and truly thrills. The hard-edged "Sonic Reducer," bluesy riff rocker "I Need Lunch," and fiery-fast "Down In Flames" rock. And hard. Information: Facebook.com/DeadBoysOfficial/.

Book title: Steely Dan FAQ (Backbeat Books)
Author: Anthony Robustelli
Pages: 432 pages
Tell me more: The sudden death of Steely Dan co-founder/guitarist Walter Becker on September 3 put an end to the groundbreaking jazz-rock duo (that also featured singer-keyboardist Donald Fagen). However, a recently-published book "Steely Dan FAQ" written by Anthony Robustelli sheds considerable light on the 50-year collaboration between Becker and Fagen as well as the myriad of ingredients that went into creating their enduring discography. The involving "Steely Dan FAQ" covers everything from the founders' meeting at Bard College in New York to the brilliant session players and singers who contributed to their sound (including singer-keyboardist Michael McDonald and guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter) and heartfelt tributes from musicians about the legacy of Steely Dan. Robustelli's style provides plenty of insight but keeps the reader glued to the page. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Robert Kinsler

Music Books Gift Guide

Those whose interest in music extends beyond merely listening have plenty of choice books to choose from this holiday season. From in-depth explorations of '60s favorites the Monkees and country-western hero Buck Owens to groundbreaking Americana outfit The Band, here is a list of some noteworthy 2016 titles available now.

Title: The Monkees, Head and the 60s (Jawbone Press)
Author: Peter Mills
Paperback: 336 pages
Tell me more: When four young actors were cast to portray an aspiring rock band on "The Monkees" TV series in 1965, it isn't likely anyone would have believed the enduring power of not only the group's hit NBC show, but the lasting appeal of the quartet's musical recordings and influence of their 1968 film "Head." Peter Mills' The Monkees, Head, and the 60s is a serious and thoughtful look at how Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones went from being an imaginary band to becoming a bona fide music outfit and ultimately establishing the blueprint for how the music industry uses marketing and the media to establish the career of a mainstream artist. This is an essential book for not only Monkees fans, but those who want to understand the myriad of forces that often determine why an artist is successful. Information: jawbonepress.com.

Title: Back to Black: Amy Winehouse's Only Masterpiece (Backbeat Books)
Author: Donald Brackett
Softcover: 272 pages
Tell me more: Amy Winehouse's life itself was tragic; she died of alcohol poisoning in July 2011 at the age of 27. And while much of the focus on Winehouse over the past five years has focused on her battles with drug and alcohol addiction, author Donald Brackett's Back to Black: Amy Winehouse's Only Masterpiece puts the focus on her second and most brilliant album, Back to Black. The 2006 release spawned a number of hits and has had a lasting impact with the subsequent success of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and Adele. The songs, producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi and musicians who contributed to that album are the focus of the important and fast-moving study. Information: backbeatbooks.com.



Title: Buck 'Em! The Autobiography of Buck Owens (Backbeat Books)
Authors: Buck Owens with Randy Poe
Paperback: 360 pages
Tell me more: During the late 1990s, singer-guitarist-songwriter Buck Owens recorded nearly 100 hours of his memories onto cassette tapes in what would ultimately provide the text for Buck 'Em! The Autobiography of Buck Owens. Now available in paperback, the autobiography covers his years as a hit maker (he was the biggest country music star of the 1960s), host of the country TV show "Hee Haw," influence on greats such as Dwight Yoakam (who wrote the books preface) and his legendary business acumen. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll! The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business (Backbeat Books)
Author: Kenny Aronoff
Hardcover: 320 pages
Tell me more: Kenny Aronoff is among the greatest and most influential drummers of his generation, having recorded and performed with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers John Mellencamp, John Fogerty, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, and many more. Now Aronoff's first-person account of his one-of-a-kind tale is documented in Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll! The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business. In colorful and conversational language, Aronoff details events throughout his rich life; the lesson here is ultimately about having a dream and working everyday to make it come true. The book's forward was penned by drummer-author Neil Peart of the band Rush. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: The Band FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Fathers of Americana (Backbeat Books)
Author: Peter Aaron 
Paperback: 400 pages
Tell me more: The musical landscape explored by The Band in the late 1960s and early '70s somehow fused folk, blues, gospel, country, soul and rock 'n' roll in ways never heard before. Often cited as creators of the roots rock genre and arguably the first Americana rock ensemble, The Band's profound influence and terrific legacy is highlighted throughout The Band FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Fathers of Americana. Author Peter Aaron digs deep into the individual and collective contributions of Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko and Garth Hudson, the names behind classic songs including "The Weight," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up On Cripple Creek." Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: The Clash FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Clash City Rockers (Backbeat Books)
Author: Gary J. Jucha
Paperback: 400 pages
Tell me more: One of punk rock's earliest and most important champions is celebrated throughout The Clash FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Clash City Rockers. The book provides all kinds of interesting and informative information on the English band that was founded by guitarist Mick Jones and fronted by the late Joe Strummer. The band's complex history is explored clearly, with the group's changing lineup, tours and legendary concert dates, bootlegs and official releases revisited during the 400-page run. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: A Perfect Union of Contrary Things (Backbeat Books)
Author: Sarah Jensen with Maynard James Keenan
Hardcover: 274 pages
Tell me more: Life is as much about the decisions we make as those we don't. The authorized biography of Tool lead singer-songwriter Maynard James Keenan (A Perfect Union of Contrary Things) is a story of hard work and good luck, passion and friendships, music and wine beautifully told by author Sarah Jensen. Even those with little knowledge of Tool or A Perfect Circle will want to read this volume cover to cover. The edition includes a number of photos from his childhood and his music career. Information: backbeatbooks.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Titles shed light on seminal studios, Taylor Guitars, King of Pop, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and more

Last year saw the release of a slew of noteworthy new books focused on much-loved corners of the music universe, including British recording studios, Southern California-based Taylor Guitars, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and more. Here is an overview of several of the essential titles now available.

 

Title: The Great British Recording Studios (Hal Leonard Books)
Author: Howard Massey

Tell me more: Fans of the Beatles and other bands who comprised the British Invasion won't be the only ones interested in grabbing "The Great British Recording Studios." With a foreword by Sir George Martin's providing a kick-off, Howard Massey's wonderful book provides an in-depth review of the growth of England's recording studio industry following World War II, and looks at specific facilities including Abbey Road (EMI Studios), Decca, IBC and others. There are specifics about equipment used at the various studios and key recordings that were made at each. There are also stories from some of the sessions and a myriad of other points about the British studios that are detailed enough to thrill audiophiles and musicologists, but readable enough for the music fan without the technical background of a studio engineer or record producer. There are a wealth of historical color and black & white photos captured inside the studios too. Information: greatbritishstudios.halleonardbooks.com.

Purchase 'The Great British Recording Studios' here

 

Title: The Taylor Guitar Book (Backbeat Books)
Author: Teja Gerken

Tell me more: Neil Young, Jason Mraz, Damon Albarn, Zac Brown and Dave Matthews are among the countless musicians who play Taylor guitars. Now the story of Taylor Guitars (based in San Diego, CA) is revealed via the wonderful Teja Gerken-penned "The Taylor Guitar Book." Founded in 1974 (long after companies such as Gibson, Fender, Guild, Martin and Rickenbacker had seemingly cornered the market), Taylor has grown to be among the leaders of the industry while attracting the loyalty of guitarists around the globe. This colorfully-illustrated 160-page book will appeal to both casual and hardcore fans of Taylor-made acoustic and electric instruments. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Get 'The Taylor Guitar Book: 40 Years of Great American Flattops' here

 

Title: Michael Jackson FAQ (Backbeat Books)
Author: Kit O'Toole

Tell me more: Writer Kit O'Toole has taken a straight-forward, but effective path in providing a bigger picture of Michael Jackson's long career, which included the King of Pop's work and influence in the worlds of music, film, dance and pop culture. Looking at a long career spanning his work with the Jackson 5, the Jacksons and groundbreaking solo career, Jackson's work with Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, and even his posthumous successes (notably the 2009 documentary film "This Is It") are also covered by O'Toole in an illustrated book stretching across 464 pages. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Buy 'Michael Jackson FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the King of Pop' here

 

Title: Billie Holiday: The Musician and the Myth (Viking)
Author: John Szwed

Tell me more: A former professor of music and director of the Center for Jazz Studies at Columbia University, John Szwed proved to be the perfect author to pen the well-researched and involving "Billie Holiday: The Musician and the Myth." Released in paperback in early 2015, the biography sheds light on Holiday's groundbreaking role as jazz singer and early champion in the fight against racism. What emerges is that despite the troubles and challenges Holiday faced in her all-too-brief life (the New York native died at the age of 44 in 1959) was she was an artist of tremendous talent who influenced countless contemporaries and musical descendants. Information: penguinrandomhouse.com.

Buy 'Billie Holiday: The Musician and the Myth' here




Title: Sinatra: The Chairman (Doubleday)
Author: James Kaplan
Tell me more: At 992 pages, the hardcover edition of James Kaplan's "Sinatra: The Chairman" picks up where the author left off with 2010's "Sinatra: The Voice" and fully paints a portrait of the 20th century icon beginning with the day after he picked up his Academy Award in 1954 (for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "From Here to Eternity"). This biography is a ripe with insights into Sinatra's last act ("Ol' Blue Eyes" died in 1998, but would have celebrated his 100th birthday on Dec. 12, 2015) that was filled with incredible highs and lows. It takes a lot to capture one of the last century's most dynamic and significant entertainers, and Kaplan has done that masterfully in "Sinatra: The Chairman." Information: penguinrandomhouse.com.

Purchase 'Sinatra: The Chairman by James Kaplan' here

 

Title: Don't All Thank Me At Once: The Lost Pop Genius of Scott Miller (125 Books)
Author: Brett Milano

Tell me more: In a world filled with under-the-radar musical heroes, few loom larger than Scott Miller. A groundbreaking indie rocker who fronted Game Theory in the '80s and The Loud Family in the '90s. Although Miller's insightful and intelligent style of literate songcraft has drawn comparisons with the celebrated likes of Elvis Costello and Big Star, his lost place is just now being fully realized thanks to several recent (and upcoming) reissues as well as Brett Milano's fantastic appreciation "Don't All Thank Me At Once: The Lost Pop Genius of Scott Miller" released in October 2015. Information: 125records.com.

Buy 'Don't All Thank Me At Once: The Lost Pop Genius of Scott Miller' here

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Bryan Adams, The Beatles, Bullet For My Valentine, MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode

Time for a serious roundup of music news, notes and reviews...

Bryan Adams to return with Jeff Lynne-produced new studio album 'Get Up' on Oct. 16, 2015

Multi-platinum, recording artist Bryan Adams is set to release his thirteenth studio album, Get Up (UMe), on October 16, 2015.   Produced by famed ELO frontman Jeff Lynne and co-written with his long-time collaborator Jim Vallance, the album features nine new songs and four acoustic versions, tracklisting below.  Get Up is available for pre-order now via all digital partners and includes instant-grat track “You Belong To Me,” followed by lead track “Brand New Day” available September 7, and the final early download, “Don’t Even Try” prior to street date.  Preorder link: http://smarturl.it/BryanAdamsGetUp. 

A performance clip will be released to accompany the first download “You Belong To Me,” and  fans can look forward to the official music video for “Brand New Day” directed by Adams featuring BAFTA Award-winning actress, Helena Bonham Carter, and musician Theo Hutchcraft from acclaimed synth-pop duo Hurts. 

                                                                                      

Get Up  is a solid collection of beautifully-crafted rock songs, from the fast and furious up-tempo tracks such as lead song “Brand New Day,” “You Belong To Me” and “Thunderbolt,” to the gentler songs such as “Don’t Even Try” and “We Did It All,” plus the alternative Adams-produced acoustic versions, highlighting Adams’ unique voice and depth.. 

Get Up is a body of work that Adams is truly proud off and with multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer Jeff Lynne - whose credits include The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Randy Newman and Tom Petty, as well as being the co-founder, producer and member of the Traveling Wilburys - at the helm shaping the record, Get Up will sit nicely alongside Adams’ earlier classics.

“It came together quite organically,” recalls Adams, “song by song, working with Jeff producing over the past couple of years whenever he had time. It was a great partnership as it gave me plenty of time to write the songs, most of which are a collaboration with Jim Vallance. We all worked primarily over the internet from Canada, Europe and LA, sending demos and parts of songs until we got it right.”

"I've always been a big fan of Bryan so getting to work with him was a great pleasure,” says Jeff  Lynne.  “Bryan would send me a demo across the internet, then I would play most of the instruments to make a finished backing track and send it back to him in England. There he would put the lead vocal on to the song and send it back to me in California.  5,400 miles apart! And it's turned out to be a rockin' album!"

”There is a carefree feeling about this album,” adds Adams “and in many ways it is the album I wish I'd been able to make 25 years ago.”

Adams continues to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of his critically-acclaimed album Reckless last year, with a sold-out global headlining tour – upcoming North American dates below.   This summer, Adams will co-headlining with Rod Stewart at BBC Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park Festival on September 13^th.

www.bryanadams.com

Get Up Tracklisting:

• You Belong To Me

• Go Down Rockin’

• We Did It All

• That’s Rock and Roll

• Don’t Even Try

• Do What Ya Gotta Do

• Thunderbolt

• Yesterday Was Just A Dream

• Brand New Day

• Don’t Even Try – Acoustic

• We Did It All – Acoustic 

• You Belong To Me – Acoustic

• Brand New Day – Acoustic

Upcoming tour dates:

Friday, September 18                                     Us Cellular Centre                            Bloomington, IL

Saturday, September 19                               Rogers Amphitheater                    Fayetteville, AR

Sunday, September 20                                Snowden Amphitheater               Memphis, TN

Monday, September 21                                Events Centre                                   Springfield, MO               

Wednesday, September 23                         Northrup Auditorium                     Minneapolis, MN

Thursday, September 24                              Sanford Centre                 Bemdji, MN

Friday, September 25                                     Tyson Events Centre                      Sioux City, IA

Ultimate Edition of  'Beatles Gear' coming courtesy of Backbeat Books

In 2001, Andy Babiuk wrote Beatles Gear, the first book to tell the full story of how the Beatles made their music, detailing exactly which guitars, drums, amplifiers, and keyboards the Beatles used at the key points of their relatively brief but entirely revolutionary career, from the formation of the Quarrymen skiffle group in the 1950s to the dissolution of the Beatles in 1970. 

The book was lauded by fans and critics alike: TheChicago Tribune said it “may be the ultimate specialized study of the Beatles’ equipment.” Library Journal proclaimed it “A fresh, highly readable perspective on the group’s well-documented history.” And, the San Jose Mercury-News called it “the ultimate Beatles fanatic book.”

Fifteen years later, Babiuk once again turns his keen eye to the Fab Four with Beatles Gear – The Ultimate Edition.  Double size of the original and featuring 625 additional photographs, all-new edition provides fresh insights into Beatles history, exploding myths and uncovering dozens of new stories along the way. John, Paul, George and Ringo’s moves from cheap early instruments to the pick of 1960s technology are carefully and entertainingly documented in an easy-to-read narrative, fully illustrated with many previously unseen photographs, a cache of rare memorabilia, and a unique collection of specially photographed actual Beatle instruments.

Among the new photographs in Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition are those of Lennon’s original 1962 J-160E Gibson Acoustic guitar.  Lost for more than 50 years, Babiuk was instrumental in authenticating the guitar, which will be sold at auction in Beverly Hills in early November. Also shown in luscious quality throughout the book are 43 of the group’s original instruments, many still owned by ex-members of The Beatles or their heirs, from George’s psychedelic Strat to John’s “Bed In” Gibson, and Ringo’s roof top Ludwig kit to Paul’s Hofner violin bass.

As we continue to find new ways to explore their sound, from vivid remasters of their original recordings to cutting-edge video games, the Beatles remain at the forefront of popular music. Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition is perfect for the fan absorbed by music rather than hairstyles, for the tribute-band member with an eye for detail, and for any reader with an abiding interest in the 1960s.

With a foreword by acclaimed Beatle author Mark Lewisohn, Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition tells it like it was.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE RELEASE NEW SONG "PLAYING GOD"

UK metal band Bullet For My Valentine is gearing up to release their new album VENOM on Friday, August 14th, and in anticipation, the band will roll out music with commentary all week long across their social media accounts. the band has just released a new bonus track called "Playing God" from the deluxe edition of VENOM.

Listen to "Playing God"  now: http://smarturl.it/BFMVpg

Fans can follow Bullet For My Valentine's social media accounts for additional music and information:

https://www.facebook.com/BulletForMyValentine

https://instagram.com/bfmvofficial

https://twitter.com/bfmvofficial

VENOM will be released on August 14, 2015 via RCA Records. Catch the band on tour with Slipknot and Lamb of God this summer.

Pre-Order VENOM:

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/venomBFMViT

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/venomBFMVAm

Google Play: http://smarturl.it/venomBFMVGP

Web Store: http://smarturl.it/BFMVvenomd2c

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: Rock Candy Funk Party, Jill Scott

Also, have you checked out the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING? We assess the latest albums from Rock Candy Funk Party and Jill Scott: