New Music: The Rolling Stones, The Fixx, The Legion of Decency

Terrific releases from The Rolling Stones, The Fixx and The Legion of Decency make for a pretty stellar crop of music library essential titles to add to any music lover's collection. 

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Title: Licked Live In NYC (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards 

Tell me more: Originally released in 2003 as an HBO special and as part of the Four Flicks package, The Rolling Stones' outstanding Licked Live In NYC has been fully restored and remastered with bonus material that shines a light on the legendary band's 40th Anniversary Tour; the legendary tour included 117 shows and was noteworthy for including the group's first-ever concert in Hong Kong. This title captures the Stones' Madison Square Garden show staged in January 2003; standout versions performed by the band include a fiery "Start Me Up," the melodic Mick Jagger track "Don't Stop," lively "Happy" featuring Keith Richards on lead vocals, magic "Gimme Shelter" (with Lisa Fischer trading vocals with Jagger), rowdy "You Got Me Rocking" and "Honky Tonk Woman" (the latter with guest Sheryl Crow) and fiery "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" and "Brown Sugar." The DVD+2CD version (reviewed in this column) looks and sounds terrific; it includes previously-unreleased performances of "Start Me Up," "Tumbling Dice," "Gimme Shelter" and "Sympathy For The Devil," along with three bonus performances from Amsterdam and rehearsal footage. Licked Live In NYC is also available via SD Blu-ray+2CD (wit includes the additional 51-minute documentary "Tip Of The Tongue"), as a standalone 2CD and 3LP. Information: rollingstones.com.  

Artist: The Fixx

Title: Every Five Seconds (BFD)

You might like if you enjoy: Simple Minds, U2, David Bowie

Tell me more: Before the release of Every Five Seconds on June 3, it had been a full decade since The Fixx had issued a new studio album (2012's wonderful Beautiful Friction). The great news for fans of top-tier alternative rock is that the quintet's latest effort builds on a marvelous discography stretching back to their 1982 debut Shuttered Room. Lead singer Cy Curnin's voice is still a wonder, and it is amazing that the band's long-time lineup is fully intact (lead guitarist Jamie West-Oram, bassist Dan K. Brown, keyboardist Rupert Greenall, drummer Adam Woods). The top-tier material includes the topical rocker "A Life Survived," funk-tinged "Closer," thought-provoking sortie "Wake Up," luxurious "Suspended In Make Believe," dazzling "Spell" and the ambitious styles-defying "Lonely As A Lighthouse" — the latter showcasing West-Oram's amazing fret work. Information: TheFixx.com.

Artist: The Legion of Decency

Title: Deep Lines Among The Shallows (Legion Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, Old 97's, Rhett Miller

Tell me more: Deep Lines Among The Shallows is the wonderful full-length album from Inland Empire-based The Legion of Decency. An album of immense depth, warmth and undeniable beauty, singer-songwriter-guitarist Michael Tamony's rich Americana guided soundscape is bolstered by a talented cast of players and singers who bring the mix of literate and poetic originals fully to life. Compelling songs on Side A include the poignant opener "Sometimes," the genuinely affecting "Grandma's Sound," rollicking "We Are Giant" and immersive title track. The countrified "I Do," lovely "Julietta," and reflective closer "Shine a Light" are among the wonderful cuts on Side B of the album. Information: TheLegionOfDecency.com.  

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Tinsley Ellis, G. Love, Blue Öyster Cult,

Several of this writer's favorite blues and rock artists have returned with essential new listens. What's more, legendary rockers Blue Öyster Cult are back with a terrific new full-length concert release as well as a reissue featuring stellar versions of many of their best-known classics.

Artist: Tinsley Ellis
Title: Ice Cream In Hell (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Freddie King, Eric Clapton, Albert King
Tell me more: Blues rock great Tinsley Ellis is as true triple threat, able to play electric guitar, sing and write songs with a master's touch. Thus, his latest studio collection Ice Cream In Hell cements the Atlanta, Georgia native's well-earned role as a leading member of the contemporary blues scene and one of the genre's greatest living proponents. Opening with the blistering Albert King-styled "Last One To Know," his heavy baritone voice delivers vocal lines amidst his own persuasive guitar lines, that musical dance culminating with a mighty solo that closes out the track. He explores other reaches of his Southern blues-minded universe, including via the frisky "Don't Know Beans," the B.B. King-mining title track and "Foolin' Yourself," and affecting "Your Love's Like Heroin" are among the scorching cuts on the disc. Across the 11-track album Ellis is firmly in command and further defines his signature style for all to hear. If you are in Southern California, make sure to catch Ellis on tour this winter; he has dates at The Canyon in Agoura Hills on Feb. 27, The Rose in Pasadena on March 5, and at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on March 8. Information: TinsleyEllis.com.

Artist: G. Love
Title: The Juice (Philadelphonic/Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Tommy Castro, Marcus King, Keb' Mo'
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist G. Love (aka Garrett Dutton) has released The Juice, a Keb' Mo'-produced LP featuring several high-profile guests who add authentic magic to the glorious proceedings. The album finds G. Love singing, delivering spoken word and fusing gospel vocals, blues guitar, funk, hip hop and more into a musical stew that thrills at every turn. The talented Marcus King guests on the cool title track, a Delta blues-meets-gospel gem with a bouncy flow. "Soul-B-Que" is a funky romp adorned by blues harp, G. Love's signature rapid-fire vocal approach and stylish work of guest pedal steel guitar player Roosevelt Collier. Keb' Mo' takes advantage of his collaborations as well, notably on the playful blues funk turn "Go Crazy." Keb' Mo' and pedal steel guitar great Robert Randolph both show up for "Birmingham," a driving folk rocker enhanced by the star power. Hawaiian artist Ron Artis II joins G. Love on the breezy "Diggin' Roots," an acoustic nugget with a sing-along chorus and good vibes in sync with the sound across The Juice. Information: ThirtyTigers.com.

Artist: Blossoms
Title: Foolish Loving Spaces (Virgin Int'l)
You might like if you enjoy: Keane, Phoenix
Tell me more: England's celebrated indie pop quintet Blossoms has a knack for tapping into tuneful, dance floor-ready impulses across their third full-length release Foolish Loving Spaces. There is a buoyant and enlivening spirit across this album's 10 triumphant songs. The soulful gospel-injected "The Keeper" is a particularly joyful listen, while the catchy "Real Life" and "Your Girlfriend" lyrically delve into the realities of life getting in the ways of youth-driven romantic infatuation. The sleek sounds of the immersive "My Swimming Brain," synth pop shine of "Romance, Eh?" and disco-tinged "Sunday Was a Friend of Mine" are among my other faves on a fantastic return. Information: www.blossomsband.co.uk.

Artist: Blue Öyster Cult
Titles: Cult Classic; Hard Rock Live Cleveland 2014 (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
You might like if you enjoy: Blue Öyster Cult, Rush, Asia
Tell me more: In early December 2019 I caught Blue Öyster Cult as the groundbreaking rock troupe delivered a powerful and inspired concert at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. The quintet's much-deserved reputation as a must-see live act is certifed via two newly-released collections out now. Cult Classic is the 12th studio album from the New York-spawned band. Originally issued in 1994, the 14-track disc features updated recordings of BOC's biggest hits including the enthralling "Don't Fear The Reaper," infectious "Burning For You" and undeniably fun "Godzilla." Beyond the band's timeless hits is a palpable pull that casts a welcome appreciation of the bona fide talents of the group; the psychedelic-tinged heavy rockers ""This Ain't The Summer of Love" and "Flaming Telepaths" are bolstered by lush harmonies. Elsewhere the blues-rocker "O.D.'D On Life Itself," literate prog rocker "Astronomy" and heavy metal rocker "Cities On Flame With Rock 'N' Roll" convincingly captivate. And everywhere across the collection listeners are treated to killer guitar work from Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (just listen to the dazzling instrumental "Buck's Boogie"). The reissue comes remastered and with updated artwork. 

Hard Rock Live Cleveland 2014 is a stellar two-hour concert recording available in several fan-friendly formats including 2CD + DVD, vinyl, and Blu-ray (this writer was provided the digital audio stream for review). BOC explodes out of the gate with "O.D.'D On Life Itself," the first of 17 selections that collectively embrace the troupe's parade of hits as well as far-flung cuts that capture BOC's diverse forays into blues, hard rock, progressive rock and experimental veins. "The Red and the Black" is one of those great tracks that is dizzying, somehow combining Celtic, classic rock and guitar-centered rock (including tandem fret play from Roeser and Richie Castellano); a six-minute take on "Golden Age of Leather" is launched with lush a cappella vocals and weaves its way through distinctive sections (including riff rock, progressive, and Byrds-like vocal harmonies) all perfect in their relation to the others. While the potent versions of the band's radio hits is a surefire draw, the inviting takes on the sumptuous 9-minute gem "Shooting Shark," bewitching "The Vigil," lovely "I Love The Night" and rollicking "ME 262" are among the other sonic attractions that make "Hard Rock Live Cleveland 2014" a welcome addition to any rock lover's library. The 10-minute-plus masterwork "Then Came The Last Days of May" is another standout track on the title, enhanced by a nuanced arrangement and fiery musicianship that builds to an explosive crowd-pleasing finale. In addition to Roeser (lead guitar, lead vocals) and Castellano (keyboards, lead guitar, backing vocals), the lineup includes Eric Bloom (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards), Jules Radino (drums) and Kasim Sulton (bass guitar, backing vocals). Information: www.frontiers.it.




Robert Kinsler

Blossoms announce North American Tour Dates for Summer 2017

One of my favorite performances of Coachella 2017 came last Saturday afternoon (April 22) when I caught the British band Blossoms. (You can read my review of the band's performance at Coachellafest here). Here is an update on the band...

BLOSSOMS ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINING TOUR DATES FOR THE SUMMER OF 2017

CURRENTLY SUPPORTING TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB

UPCOMING FESTIVAL APPEARANCES CONFIRMED FOR GOVERNORS BALL, BONNAROO AND LOLLAPALOOZA

TO OPEN FOR THE STONE ROSES AT WEMBLEY STADIUM IN JUNE

“U.K. garage-pop darlings Blossoms showed why they were one of the highly touted ‘fine-print’ bands at Coachella.” – Buzzbands LA   “Blossoms showcases suave alternative rock vibes.” – The Daily Californian   “This UK buzz band delivers hook after sticky hook in a style that recalls Duran Duran at times.” – NBC 7 San Diego   “Are Blossoms The Next Big Brits?” – Seattle Music News           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blossoms performing at Coachella on April 22, 2017. Photo: Robert Kinsler Hot on the heels of their first official headlining tour across North America, bona fide British rock stars Blossoms have announced new U.S. tour dates set to take place this summer. Kicking off June 1st in Boston, this new tour comes right as Tom, Charlie, Josh, Joe and Myles embark on a massive supporting slot, opening for Two Door Cinema Club, not to mention two stellar appearances atCoachella this month. Tickets for Blossoms’ headline tour go on sale Friday, April 28th at 9 AM PST / 12 PM EST. For a full list of tour dates and ticket info, please visit www.blossomsband.co.uk With a Number 1 record under their belt for their self-titled debut album, plus appearances at New York City’s Governors Ball, Manchester’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and Chicago’s Lollapalooza this year, it is without a doubt that Blossoms will be the Great British breakout band and on everyone’s lips in 2017. Across the Atlantic, the band has just completed their SOLD-OUT headlining tour, playing to more than 30,000 fans across the UK. They’ve also SOLD-OUT their recently announced upcoming 8,000 capacity outdoor headlining show in Manchester this summer. In other news, Blossoms will also be supporting The Stones Roses this summer, opening for them at the legendary Wembley Stadium in London this June. Be sure to catch the band live at any of the following dates and listen to their critically acclaimed debut full-length on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon today.    NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES 04/26 – The Pabst Theater – Milwaukee, WI* 04/27 – Express Live – Columbus, OH* 04/29 – University of Vermont – Burlington, VT* 05/01 – Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY* 06/01 – Great Scott – Boston, MA^ 06/02 – The Governors Ball – New York, NY- 06/03 – Songbyrd – Washington, D.C. ^ 06/05 – The Foundry – Philadelphia, PA^ 06/06 – Club Café – Pittsburgh, PA^ 06/07 – The Basement – Columbus, OH^ 06/09 – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, TN- 06/10 – Evening Muse – Charlotte, NC^ 06/11 – Hell at the Masquerade – Atlanta, GA^ 08/05 – Lollapalooza Festival – Chicago, IL- ^ Blossoms Headlining * Two Door Cinema Club Support - Festival Appearances WATCH "HONEY SWEET" iTunes | Apple Music | Spotify

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Coachella 2017 - Weekend 2 Roundup

Coachella concertgoers were greeted by the Chiaozza Garden,
one of many stunning art exhibits at the two-weekend festival.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Among the countless joys of attending the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival are the diverse field of musical artists and one-of-a-kind art installations that inhabit the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Here are my highlights of attending Weekend 2 (April 21-23) of Coachella 2017.

Art - Sure the musical artists who appear at Coachella are the event's calling card (more on that follows), but there is little doubt that in an age of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and the "selfie," the eclectic and visually-arresting art installations positioned around the festival are a tremendous part of the magic of Coachellafest. 

Take "Lamp Beside the Golden Door," the creation of Brazilian artist Gustavo Prado. The beautiful and enticing lighthouse was created using thousands of rounded mirrors. The title of the work comes from the last line of the Emma Lazarus poem inscribed at the Statue of Liberty. As you can see in the image on the right (which I took on Saturday night, April 22, 2017), the piece attracted notice even after nightfall. An even more dramatic work at Coachella 2017 was the colorful "Is this what brings things into focus" by United Kingdom-based artists Joanne Tatham and Tom O'Sullivan, a work resembling a herd of species-defying animals (some as high as 75 feet), That work, as well as the "Chiaozza Garden" courtesy of Brooklyn-based artists Terri Chiao and Adam Frezza, and "Crown Ether" by Olalekan Jeyifous also provided some welcome shady spots for sun-drenched concertgoers during the day.  

Radiohead singer Thom Yorke on April 21, 2017 
Photo: Julian Bajsel courtesy of Goldenvoice

Radiohead was the unfortunate victim of two early-set power outages when they performed on Weekend 1, but the British quintet's headlining concert on April 21, 2017 was pure perfection. For two glorious hours, Tom Yorke led the band (guitarist-keyboardist Jonny Greenwood, guitarist Ed O'Brien, bassist Colin Greenwood, drummer Philip Selway and touring drummer Clive Deamer (of Portishead fame) through a powerfully-delivered set featuring classic cuts (including a beautifully-rendered "No Surprises" and gorgeous "Fake Plastic Trees," the latter bringing this writer to tears), cutting-edge electronica ("Identikit," "Bloom"), songs off the group's latest album "A Moon Shaped Pool" ("Daydreaming," "Desert Island Disk") and audience favorites (the haunting "Pyramid Song," a mind-blowing "Paranoid Android" with the band's formidable powers fully on display). Time has not dimmed the power and originality of Radiohead's approach to create songs that challenge and electrify on record or in concert.

Lady Gaga performing on April 22.
Photo: Greg Noire courtesy of Goldenvoice

Lady Gaga delivered the most high-profile set over the weekend and her 90-minute performance on the Coachella Stage showed why. She appealed to fans of all ages and even casual music lovers knew just about every song she performed. Several first-time Coachella-goers I spoke with prior to her set came primarily to see Lady Gaga, and one even admitted to being confused by Radiohead's challenging performance the night before. But just because Lady Gaga is a superstar who seemingly appeals principally to the masses, it would be foolish to dismiss her. Beyond the flashy costumes, choreographed dance routines, pyrotechnics and video interludes, Lady Gaga played piano and guitar, and used her incredible voice in the service of original dance-pop songs that easily outdistance those of her chart-topping contemporaries. Her set at Coachella touched on her biggest hits ("Just Dance," "Born This Way," "Poker Face") but also included more innovative material such as the bluesy dance rocker "A-YO" (where the artist traded electric guitar bursts with her band's lead guitarist) and a reworked "The Edge of Glory" (where she sat at a piano and dedicated the song to a friend named Sonya battling cancer). The night ended on a party-minded high note with the electropop hit "Bad Romance," fireworks shooting into the desert sky and the huge crowd turning the Empire Polo Club field into a big dance floor.  

A huge crowd took in Two Door Cinema Club's set at Coachella Weekend 2.
Photo: Greg Noire courtesy of Goldenvoice

Alex Trimble of Two Door
Cinema Club on April 22, 2017.
Photo: Greg Noire courtesy of Goldenvoice

Two Door Cinema Club was among the many outstanding artists that floored me on Saturday. The Northern Ireland-based group unleashed a dozen exhilarating dance-minded indie rock songs that undoubtedly helped the huge crowd gathered in front of the Coachella Stage forget about the heat on Saturday afternoon. Highlights included the urgent opener "Cigarettes in the Theatre," catchy "Undercover Martyn" and electronica-tinged "I Can Talk." Two songs from the group's latest album "Gameshow" came off particularly well; the disco-flavored "Bad Decisions," dashing "Are We Ready? (Wreck)" and set-ending "What You Know" were a blast. Singer-rhythm guitarist Alex Trimble was the perfect frontman, his soaring tenor voice and graceful stage presence in tune with the band's animated approach; ever the secret weapon, lead guitarist Sam Halliday's flawless technique and artful fret work dazzled everywhere. 

The Head and the Heart played in the perfect afternoon slot on the Coachella Stage on Saturday, bringing a joyful Americana sound that was ideally suited to the expansive outdoor setting. The Seattle-based collective performed nearly an hour, delivering wonderful sounding songs such as the spirited folk rocker "City of Angels," the inventive pop-rock gem "Ghosts" and utterly delightful "Lost in My Mind" that began as pure folk before the full band came in and transformed the song into a burgeoning sing-along.  

Glass Animals singer Dave Bayley in action.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Glass Animals took advantage of their 50-minute set to throw a party. From the time they tore into the aptly-titled "Life Itself," the English band performed one catchy electro-dance hit after another to the delight of a big crowd that couldn't get enough of it. Despite the face that lead singer-rhythm guitarist Dave Bayley broke an ankle two weeks earlier, he was running around the stage and led the Oxford, England quartet through energetic takes of the electronic "Season 2 Episode 3," rock-oriented Poplar St." (with Bayley and Drew MacFarlane playing some tandem guitar lines), the alt hip hop "Gooey" and plenty of other fun tunes.

Bruce Hornsby performing with Bon Iver.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Bon Iver may have performed on the Coachella Stage immediately before Lady Gaga's turn, but singer-songwriter Justin Vernon and company's set couldn't have been more different. Dressed in a simple T-shirt with the word PEOPLE dramatically visible, this was an hour-long presentation that immersed the listeners with layers of Americana, ambient, folk, electronica and R&B sounds woven into a unique soundscape. The icing on the sonic cake came when Vernon welcomed Bruce Hornsby and Jenny Lewis to join Bon Iver on stage to perform a moving take on Don Henley's 1989 hit "The End of the Innocence" (which Hornsby co-wrote). Following that, Vernon welcomed Francis and the Lights to the stage to perform that ensemble's "Friends," complete with the two artists recreating some cool dance moves from the song's memorable 2016 video.  

Blossoms lead singer Tom Ogden.
Photo: Erik Voake courtesy of Goldenvoice

Klangstof was one of several young artists I caught for the first time in concert. An indie band with roots in both the Netherlands and Norway, the Koen van de Wardt-led quartet impressed me big time during an early afternoon show inside the Gobi Tent on Friday. Recalling groundbreaking bands including Other Lives and Radiohead, the band's experimental whims never failed to suppress the good songs. 

Blossoms are a young band whose five members were all born in Stepping Hill Hospital and lived within walking distance of each other while growing up in Stockport, England. For the past few years, they have been earning high marks in their native U.K. and their performance on the Outdoor Theatre Stage during Weekend 2 was a revelation. The band's self-titled 2016 album is full of great songs, many of which were performed for an enthusiastic crowd that was swept up in the band's artful indie rock approach. "Blown Rose" (the intricate guitar work recalls Johnny Marr's best),  melodic rocker "Blow" with some outstanding guitar play from Josh Dewhurst and the glorious "Charlemagne" were among the fantastic tracks featured in a fast-moving 10-song set. I look forward to hearing more great music from Blossoms in the near future. 

The XX. Photo: Erik Voake courtesy of Goldenvoice

The XX was more than just another great British band to appear at Coachella 2017. The trio, opening for Radiohead on the Coachella Stage, revealed their dream pop is a unique sound that has only been more refined since the trio won the prestigious Mercury Prize for their debut album in 2010. The trio's sublime turn at Coachella included an opening with guitarist Romy Madley Croft and bassist Oliver Sim sharing exquisite vocals on the lush "Say Something Loving" and otherworldly "Angels." Not necessarily a loud or bombastic act, it was great to see the Weekend 2 "get" the XX and take in the magic of their performance.

Tycho offered up a mostly-instrumental set of ambient compositions that were ready made for twilight. The expansive sound created by synthesizers and guitars layered atop the rhythm section was enhanced by video projections of everything from crashing waters and people burning brush in the snow to dreamy images of surfers moving through golden waters. 

Robert Kinsler