New music: Julian Lennon, Crossword Smiles, Built to Spill

New albums from singer-songwriter Julian Lennon, melody-minded newcomers Crossword Smiles, and Boise, Idaho-spawned indie rocker Built to Spill are highlighted in my latest column.

Artist: Julian Lennon

Title: Jude (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: David Bowie, John Lennon, Ron Sexsmith

Tell me more: It's hard to believe, but singer-songwriter Julian Lennon's amazing new album Jude marks the artist's first new full-length studio album since 2011's Everything Changes. The wonderful news for fans of Lennon is the artist's skills as a songwriter and singer of literate and expressive songcraft is as potent as ever. Jude is filled with emotive and lush originals including the soaring "Round and Round," Baroque power ballad "Love Don't Let Me Down," shimmering "Freedom," gorgeous "Love Never Dies," French-flavored "Gaia" (the latter a collaboration with Paul Buchanan of Scottish band The Blue Nile and Elissa Lauper), yearning art rocker "Breathe," and ambitious "Stay" with its enthralling jazz and experimental sections. A fantastic return. Information: JulianLennon.com.

Artist: Crossword Smiles

Title: Pressed & Ironed (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Crowded House, Badfinger, Dada

Tell me more: Michigan-based duo Crossword Smiles has released their terrific debut Pressed & Ironed, a 10-song set of stellar power pop. Led by Tom Curless (formerly of Your Gracious Host) and Chip Saam (bassist with The Hangouts), Crossword Smiles' originals are melodic to be sure but simultaneously showcase a multi-layered and inventive approach; for example the lead single "Parallel Lines" could have been a collaboration between members of Crowded House and Dada with its perfect fusion of artful harmonies, a dynamic rhythmic groove and luxurious arrangement. Other highlights on the marvelous album include the sweeping opener "Feet on the Ground," evocative "October Leaves," '60s-mining jangly gem "Where's The Sense," countrified ballad "Walk Softly" and lavish "Second Guesser." The album is now available via audio CD, vinyl and streaming everywhere. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Built to Spill

Title: When the Wind Forgets Your Name (Sub Pop Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Dinosaur Jr., Husker Dü

Tell me more: Since launching Built to Spill in 1992, singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Doug Martsch has carved out a wide-ranging and highly-acclaimed path including 1994's There's Nothing Wrong With Love and 1999's Keep It Like a Secret. Now Built to Spill — whose only permanent member over the past 30 years is Martsch — has joined forces with Brazilian punk rock artist Le Almeida and his long-time collaborator, João Casaes, on the wonderful disc When the Wind Forgets Your Name. Built to Spill's ninth album is filled with glorious alt rock ranging from the psychedelic garage rocker "Fool's Gold" and bouncy "Rocksteady" to the melodic nugget "Understood," hypnotic cut "Spiderweb" (the latter which recalls a mix of early R.E.M. and Husker Dü) and the tender "Alright." The album's closing cut "Comes a Day" is eight and a half minutes of enthralling rock whose driving rhythm is adorned with colorful shades of distorted guitar. Information: BuiltToSpill.com.

Robert Kinsler

2015 Coachella Weekend #2 Roundup

Review by Robert Kinsler

Walter Becker of Steely Dan Fame performing at Weekend 2 of Coachella. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

What do rock 'n' roll legends AC/DC and Steely Dan, modern-day favorites Florence + the Machine and Interpol, Americana champions Sturgill Simpson and Ryan Adams, underground heroes Sloan and Built to Spill and emerging greats Hozier and St. Paul & The Broken Bones have in common? All were among the outstanding performers I caught at the second weekend of the 16th edition of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, CA this past weekend (April 17-19, 2015).

Friday, April 17

Sean Lennon on April 17. Photo: Robert Kinsler

And while many of the rousing performances did come down after nightfall on all three days of the fest, there were simply too many reasons to not come early every day despite the 90+ degree heat typical for the eastern reaches of Southern California's Coachella Valley in late April. Take Friday, with The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger hitting the Outdoor Theatre before noon. Led by singer-guitarist Sean Lennon (son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono) and bassist Charlotte Kemp Muhl, the duo and four other musicians performed a 40-minute set of artful psychedelic pop-rock. Among the standouts was the melodic "Animals" bolstered by some winning vocal harmonies featuring the couple and "Midnight Sun," the latter featuring Lennon trading lead guitar lines with another guitarist. 

Although psychobilly pioneer Reverend Horton Heat is no stranger to performing in Southern California, it was a treat to catch singer-guitarist Jim "Reverend Horton" Heath, upright bassist Jimbo Wallace and drummer Scott Churilla tear it up inside the Mojave Tent at Coachella. The trio attracted a pretty good-sized crowd for the early afternoon, rocking through "Psychobilly Freakout," "Smell of Gasoline" and "The Devil's Chasing Me" with Heath showing time after time why his guitar work is as impressive as when he released his debut album 30 years ago. 

Ride in action in the Gobi Tent. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

One of my favorite sets of Friday played out in the Gobi Tent where legendary British band Ride performed a 50-minute set that was as powerful as anything I caught all weekend. I was blown away with the quartet's fiery brand of britpop, with singer-guitarist Mark Gardener and singer-guitarist Andy Bell leading the outfit through memorable originals including the dreamy "Dreams Burn Down," "Leave Them All Behind" (featuring nifty harmonies) and the band's best known song "Vapour Trail." 

Few groups arrived at 2015 Coachella with the well-timed buzz of Athens, Alabama export Alabama Shakes. Mixing up roots rock, blues, soul, '60s garage rock, folk and more, the quartet definitely thrilled an enthusiastic crowd gathered in front of the Outdoor Theatre for an early evening outing. Led by singer-guitarist Brittany Howard, the band featured material off their just-released sophomore effort "Sound & Color." Opening with a mighty blues rocker "Hang Loose," the tune's groove recalled the Rolling Stones rhythm section at their finest. Later, the soulful ballad "Rise to the Sun" showcased Howard's emotive soprano in spades.

New York's Interpol is the perfect Coachella band. After dark, the outfits mix of driving rhythms and neo-goth alternative rock just plays out perfectly in front of the Coachella Stage's expansive field. Taking the stage just as it started to really get dark, the band got well-deserved cheers for the orchestral rocker "Evil" and guitar heavy "Everything Is Wrong" (off the band's excellent 2014 album "El Pintor"). One of the late set highlights was a riveting take on "PDA," with the band setting out slowly with a bass-anchored groove before the song exploded into a driving and hypnotic rocker.

Donald Fagan of Steely Dan. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Few outside of the smart folks at Goldenvoice (the concert promoter that puts on Coachella) could have predicted that jazz-rock group Steely Dan would not only be booked to perform at Coachella, but that the classic rock radio favorites would fit in so well at the event. But to be sure, Donald Fagan and Walter Becker and company couldn't have been more welcomed and embraced by young and old at the Empire Polo Club. Indeed, this writer had the fortune to catch Steely Dan just two days earlier at the Santa Barbara Bowl and it was fascinating how the duo was able to adapt their set list and approach to tackle the young demographic at the festival. From the energetic opener "Bodhisattva" and nuanced "Black Friday" to a mind-blowing one-two-three punch  of "My Old School," "Reelin' in the Years" and "Kid Charlemagne," the group won over the audience with well-known material and stunning musicianship that never faltered.  

Guitarist Angus Young of AC/DC.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

For more than four decades AC/DC has survived more than the band's fair share of challenges while moving on despite little evolution of its sound. Indeed, when original lead singer Bon Scott died in February 1980 founding members Malcolm and Angus Young replaced him with Brian Johnson and the band went on to release "Back in Black" (one of the best-selling albums of all time). The group has also weathered the loss of drummer Phil Rudd (twice) and most recently, Malcolm Young who was replaced last year by his nephew Stevie Young. Against that backdrop, AC/DC simply shook Coachellafest like they were a young band just out of the gate. Opening with "Hell Ain't a Bad Place To Be," the band proceeded to tear through one riff rock-styled nugget after another. While Johnson's vocals were admittedly ragged, there is no denying the power of AC/DC to thrill in 2015. Angus Young's lead guitar work has always been the ace in the band's pocket, and his lead work provided non-stop appreciation of his talents. "Back in Black," "Shoot to Thrill," "Thunderstruck," and "Hells Bells" were among the early classics unleashed. Material from the band's latest studio album "Rock or Bust" ("Play Ball," "Baptism by Fire") came off just as strong. And when the band performed "You Shook Me All Night Long," you would have thought Coachella had morphed into a hard rock festival with the excitement in front of the main stage. 

Other solid artists I caught on Friday included George Ezra on the Mojave stage, Australia's siblings duo Angus & Julia Stone, Tame Impala, and The War on Drugs (I was only able to catch 20 minutes of the latter's set but was completely impressed).


Saturday, April 18
After surviving a marathon-length Friday at the Empire Polo Club, I was back before noon on day two to take in another massive helping of music.

Ryn Weaver at Coachella. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Only 22, Southern California native Ryn Weaver impressed in her first-ever outing at Coachella. Performing inside the Mojave Tent at 1:15, she nevertheless attracted a good-sized crowd with her energetic stage presence and high-powered vocals. Backed by a four-man band, she often interacted with her musicians and was emotional when speaking about her family's roots in the Coachella Valley and the recent death of her grandfather who she had hoped would see her perform at the fest. She got the crowd going with her new dance-styled "The Fool" and her best-known song "OctaHate."

British hard rockers Royal Blood had not been on my radar until I caught them at Coachella via a Web cast of their Weekend #1 performance a week earlier. After catching that powerful set, I knew I had to catch at least part of their performance on the Outdoor Theatre stage on April 18. "Better Strangers" featured a heavy, blues-rock sense, but like all of the band's material was simply presented with a pedal-to-the-metal fury. The epic closer "Out of the Black" was simply amazing, with the band members performing at breathtaking speed in perfect unison.  

While Toro y Moi (the stage name for Chazwick Bradley Bundick) came off as relaxed in his late afternoon set inside the Mojave, make no mistake the singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist generated plenty of excitement in the packed tent. Featuring songs off his outstanding new album "What For?", Toro y Moi opened with that disc's opening track ("What You Want") blending power-pop and indie rock in magical ways. Other highlights of his 45-minute set included "Living High" (sounding like an intoxicating cross between Zero 7 and the Shins) and the undeniable melodic pop-rocker "Empty Nesters."

Hozier performing on the Coachella Stage.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Like Alabama Shakes, Hozier's booking at Coachella couldn't have been more perfectly timed. The Irish singer-songwriter lived up to the promise he exhibits across his wonderful self-titled 2014 debut. "From Eden," with its sparse acoustic blues soundscape was an early standout, while "To Be Alone" with his Delta blue-influenced guitar work allowed his soulful vocals to shine. The infectious and Memphis soul-styled "Someone New" had many in the packed crowd clapping along in a feel good spirit.

Other notable players who performed on day two of weekend 2 included the London-based electronic artist Tourist, neo-soul collective St. Paul and the Broken Bones, and the wonderful Scottish baroque pop-rock ensemble Belle and Sebastian. With a multitude of places to catch music going on simultaneously there are often sacrifices to be made. I sadly missed the majority of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness; I can testify that singer-songwriter Andrew McMahon rocked the faithful with several wonderful tracks from his latest album including the confessional "Maps for the Getaway" and the instantly-memorable "High Dive."

Sunday, April 19
One of the exciting things about Coachella is that even by day three, there is little sense that things are "winding down." That was never truer than 2015, when Sunday boasted as many top-tier performers as ever.

It points to either the depth of Coachella or simply oversight, but only those who arrived early on the final day of the event caught acclaimed Canadian rockers Sloan. The Toronto, Canada-based outfit is one of that nation's most beloved rock bands but has sadly been mostly overlooked in the U.S. I count myself fortunate to have now discovered the quartet, which unleashed 40 wonderful minutes of potent power-pop and indie rock. All four members sang and showcased their top-tier songcraft throughout. With the possible exception of DADA, I can't recall a '90s-spawned melodic rock outfit with the ability to blend experimental and tuneful sensibilities so powerfully. I definitely count Sloan as one of my top discoveries as Coachella 2015. 

Traditional country music is in great hands thanks to Sturgill Simpson, who celebrated its roots with contemporary firepower inside the Gobi Tent. Opening with "Life of Sin" off his 2014 album "Metamodern Sounds in Country Music," the Kentucky native and his four-man outfit proceeded to mine the richest traditions of Nashville and Appalachia. "It Ain't All Flowers" found Simpson playing acoustic guitar blending country-blues, while he later dipped into his debut to tear through the country rocker "Railroad of Sin."

Rockers Built to Spill are not only back with a terrific new album ("Untethered Moon"), but rocked the Outdoor Theatre with firepower equal to the searing temps that greeted fans brave enough to stand in the sun and rock out to the Idaho-bred outfit's Dinosaur Jr. meets Neil Young graceful approach to distortion, hypnotic rhythms and authentic vocals. A gentle "Things Fall Apart," wistful "Carry the Zero" and blistering "Sidewalk" were all reasons to endure the heat to watch the performance. 

Phil Selway performing in the Gobi Tent.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Best know as the drummer for Radiohead, Philip "Phil" Selway is also a skilled songwriter and compelling singer. His fast-paced 45-minute set inside the Gobi allowed Selway to focus on his unique gifts in a relatively intimate setting that proved to be another of the festival's welcome bookings. Backed by three musicians who each played different instruments, Selway himself would rotate from guitar or keyboards to standing in front of a mic holding small percussion shakers depending on the song. "Around Again" with its pulsating beat and prominent bass line was particularly dynamic. "A Simple Life" featured Selway's emotive and gentle vocals that were presented over a simple melody while a rapid rhythm fired in the background. An experimental set worthy of a member of Radiohead, Selway closed with "Coming Up For Air," a wonderful song that somehow blended electronic and folk together effortlessly.

Of all the 30 or so part- or full-length performances I caught over the fast-moving weekend, I might put Florence + the Machine's Coachella Stage set at the top of the list. Although the English songstress Florence Welch had broken her right foot jumping off the stage a week earlier and was confined to sitting on a stool this night, that did little to diminish the power of her songs and delivery. It was simply breathtaking to hear Welch deliver involving already-classic cuts ("Dog Days Are Over," "Only If For a Night") and songs off her forthcoming third album ("Ship to Wreck," "How Big How Blue How Beautiful") in the magical setting.

Ryan Adams early in his set.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

I was also impressed by Saint Motel's set that played out under blistering temps on the Coachella Stage, Jenny Lewis' enthralling Outdoor Theatre appearance, Ryan Adams' Americana-meets-alt rock set and Fitz & the Tantrums high-energy, dance-minded celebration that closed out the Outdoor Theatre.

Thinking back on the more than two dozen acts I caught over three magical days in Indio, it strikes me of the more than 100,000 people who attended the festival each likely had a completely different experience. I may have missed a couple of essential performances, but I did make sure this year to spend some time checking out the interesting and impressive artwork as well. All of it made for another great Coachella experience.

Make sure to check out writer George A. Paul's overview of the festival here.

New Tunes: Built To Spill, Krewella, Striking Matches

With Coachellafest right around the corner, what better time to check out the next (and super cool melodic) single from the Coachella-bound Built To Spill.There is also an infectious new track from Krewella to share today too, as well as a release on Striking Matches' new album (available today)...

Built to Spill releases a brand-new song today, entitled "Never Be The Same," from their upcoming eighth studio album Untethered Moon. The track will be available as an instant download, along with previous instant download track "Living Zoo," to those who pre-order Untethered Moon from Built to Spill's Official Store, iTunes, and Amazon. The vinyl edition will be released by Warner Bros. Records on April 18^th exclusively for Record Store Day at all good independent record stores. A very limited-edition quantity of Untethered Moon will be pressed on transparent blue vinyl and will be randomly distributed into the initial run of pressings. The CD and digital versions will be released on April 21st.

Listen to "Never Be The Same" HERE.

As previously mentioned, Untethered Moon is the first BTS album recorded with new band membersSteve Gere (drums) and Jason Albertini (bass), who join vocalist/guitarist Doug Martsch.Untethered Moon was produced by Martsch and Sam Coomes (from the band Quasi).

Catch Built to Spill on their spring headlining tour starting March 27^th. All dates are HERE. For all things Built To Spill, visit www.BuiltToSpill.com.

Chicago-bred duo Krewella has released a brand new track “Somewhere to Run” today – check it out HERE. Jahan and Yasmine continue their genre-bending track record by incorporating rock elements to their dance wheelhouse. To do so, they assembled a team to collaborate with including rock veteran, Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Korn) and dance heavy hitters, The Pegboard Nerds. The song is their first release of 2015 and is available now HERE.
 
Krewella will reveal an all new stage set-up when they return to the Ultra Music Festival stage in Miami on Sunday March 29. The pair recently premiered a high-energy trailer in anticipation of the performance teasing new music snippets - check it out HERE. Fans can also catch Krewella live at their recently announced residency at the brand new Omnia Nightclub Las Vegas. The duo kicked off their first performance at the club and debuted “Somewhere to Run” live on Friday, March 20, with additional performances slated for April 10 and April 21. Tickets are available HERE. 
 
Since their debut in the summer of 2012 with the critically-acclaimed Play Hard EP, Krewella has garnered a cult fan base that they endearingly refer to as their "Krew." Their debut album Get Wet opened at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 upon its release in September 2013 while Platinum-certified lead single “Alive” quickly became a Top 10 Pop smash. The song nabbed the #1 spot on Billboard’s Dance Radio Airplay chart and the #9 spot on Billboard's Pop Chart, while the accompanying video has reached over 41 Million views on VEVO/Youtube. Krewella has collectively sold over 1.65 Million combined U.S. tracks to date while becoming world-renowned for their infectious live energy, leading them to headline some of the biggest festivals in the world including Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, Lollapalooza and Tomorrowland.
 
Krewella is: sisters/vocalists/songwriters/DJs Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf.

Striking Matches, the guitar-driven duo comprised of Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis, creates an unexpected and unique sound that defies easy categorization on their full-length debut album, Nothing But The Silence,produced by the legendary T Bone Burnett, available now: iTunes and Amazon.

When asked what it means to be releasing their first full-length album today (March 23, 2015),Striking Matches reflects, “Releasing our debut record is the realization of a dream we have had our whole lives. It's been a long road to this point, and we can't wait to see where it leads us next. We are so proud of this record and so grateful to every single person who has supported us along the way.”

Rolling Stone Country recently caught up with the budding group as well as Burnett for an in-depth Q&A that touches upon everything from their initial meeting to the recording process. (Read full story HERE.)

Striking Matches with T Bone Burnett

Already a mainstay in Nashville, having played the Grand Ole Opry more than 40 times, Striking Matches recently ignited London with a series of sold-out performances and rave reviews. Thanks in part to having eight songs featured on ABC’s hit drama series Nashville, their international fan base welcomed them with open arms, singing back near every lyric, before the album’s release.

The duo occupies that sweet spot at the intersection of country, rock, and blues where all of the elements blend to form an authentically raw and rootsy sound that has a timeless and international appeal. GRAMMY-nominated and award-winning artists as well as the media have taken notice. 

Hunter Hayes says, “These two are phenomenally talented. Each their own voice on guitar, on vocals and especially in their writing. Their passion for what they do is inspiring and you can hear it in every note they play and sing. Brilliance.”

Pat Monahan, lead singer of Train, says, "I'm a big fan of Striking Matches. The guitar playing alone is reason enough to fall in love with them, but then you add two great voices and great songs and you have what makes them such a great band."

NPR Music’s Ann Powers included Striking Matches on her list of artists to watch for in 2015. Powers called them a “perfectly balanced duo.” She continued, “They both have incredible skills. They both have wonderful voices. Their harmonies are fabulous. And they both play the heck out of the guitar!”

WATCH: Striking Matches’ EPK: http://youtu.be/4NXvfhE4KLM

For more information, please visit:
www.strikingmatches.com,

Coachella Roundup: Tame Impala, Conrad Sewell, Built To Spill, Angus & Julia Stone

With Coachella less than a month away, time to start getting focused on some of the exciting acts set to perform at the two-weekend fest, officially known as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival!

Tame ImpalaPhoto Credit: Matt Sav

Tame Impala will embark on a full US Tour this spring beginning on the West Coast with Coachella (on April 10 and again on April 17) and wrapping up at Governors Ball in New York in June with a wide array of shows in between. Multiple festival dates have already been announced including Boston Calling, Bunbury in Cincinnati, Shaky Knees in Atlanta and more. Now the band is pleased to announce their headlining dates in the US and Canada. 

Tame Impala recently released track one off their forthcoming album (out 2015). "Let it Happen" is available via their Web site www.tameimpala.com. The track is the first piece of recorded music they've released since 2012's Lonerism.

www.TameImpala.com

DOWNLOAD "LET IT HAPPEN" HERE 

Lonerism sold in excess of 175,000 copies in the United States, and was nominated for Best Alternative Album at the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Tame Impala, hailing from Perth, Australia, first toured the U.S. in 2010, playing small clubs for crowds of 200. A handful of trips to the U.S. later and thanks to the ravenous demand of fans for the band's transcendent live performance, Tame Impala have gone on to headline festivals and theaters around the world. Tame Impala have released a self-titeld EP and two full length albums - Innerspeakerand Lonerism. Lonerism features the hits 'Elephant' and 'Feels Like We Only Go Backwards.' The album reached the #1 spot on the CMJ chart and received wide commercial alternative airplay as well. In addition to his work in Tame Impala, lead-singer Kevin Parker was also featured prominently on Mark Ronson's latest album,Uptown Special.

On the heels of his packed debut shows in New York City and Los Angeles, 300 Entertainment is pleased to announce Conrad Sewell's first single, 'Hold Me Up' is now available at all digital service providers.

'Hold Me Up' is an up-tempo pop song that soars with soulful harmonies from this fresh new voice hailing from Brisbane (Australia) that Rolling Stone recently declared as pop's "Rising star." The record was co-produced and co-written by Conrad's good friend and co-hort, Brian Lee (Lady Gaga, Icona Pop, Ingrid Michaelson).  Entertainment Weekly premiered the track earlier this month declaring 'Hold Me Up' an "upbeat, anthemic, just-about-impossible-to-not-get-swept-away-in pop track."

Fans can click here to listen to 'Hold Me Up' on Soundcloud and here to stream the song on Spotify.

Conrad will perform 'Firestone' with Kygo at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival later this year. And in other exciting touring news, Conrad was recently confirmed for Ed Sheeran's sold out Australian tour and will perform at SXSW at the Spotify House on March 15. 

http://www.ConradOfficial.com

Built to Spill are hitting the road for a spring headlining tour that kicks off on May 10, 2015 in Carrboro, NC, and runs through the end of May. The band's tour will also include two dates at Coachellafest (April 12 and April 19). 

BTS is touring in support of their eighth studio album, Untethered Moon, which will be released by Warner Bros. Records on April 18 exclusively for Record Store Day at all good independent record stores. A very limited-edition quantity of Untethered Moon will be pressed on transparent blue vinyl and will be randomly distributed into the initial run of pressings. The CD and digital editions will be released on April 21. All pre-orders include an instant download of the album track "Living Zoo."  The album is currently available for pre-order HERE.

As previous mentioned, Untethered Moon is the first BTS album recorded with new band members Steve Gere (drums) and Jason Albertini (bass), who join vocalist/guitarist Doug Martsch.Untethered Moon was produced by Martsch and Sam Coomes (from the band Quasi).

BTS will continue to tour as the three-guitar army that they have always been with Jim Roth and Brent Netson filling out the line-up. Netson also has a new release of his own titled, Scavenger Cult, credited to Bret Netson & Snakes, out March 24.

Check out www.builtospill.com for more information. 

Angus & Julia Stone recently released a cover of “The Hanging Tree” from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 that can be purchased HERE.

The track by James Newton Howard featuring Jennifer Lawrence is certified platinum and has over 10 million plays on YouTube/VEVO.

Angus & Julia Stone are currently touring in Australia and will be performing at Coachella on April 10 and April 17.

For all things Coachella, visit https://www.coachella.com/.
 

Record Store Day: Zia Record Exchange, Pepperland Music, Gary Clark Jr., The Black Keys and much more!

One of the great things about (April 20) is I'll be out at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival catching a number of fantastic and groundbreaking musical acts. An added bonus is that because it's Record Store Day, my first stop will be a run to Zia Record Exchange to check out the new and special releases. I always buy something.

But it matters little whether you are at Coachella or not on Record Store Day because countless independent music stores are selling special releases and even hosting in-store performances. Here is a rundown of Record Store Day-related news and links.

My hometown indie record store, Pepperland Music located at 850 N. Tustin Avenue in Orange, California, is hosting several live performances. Both singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini and Cowboy Buddha are set to play; that amounts to some pretty amazing Americana and roots music offered for free. The Droppers are also set to perform inside the store (which offers both new and used CD and vinyls, and also hundreds of instruments!).I'm all the artists will be selling and signing their latest releases too. Click here for more details on events at Pepperland Music.

There is so much news related to the day, but I wanted to share the complete media release from Warner Bros. Records because it really showcases the wide range of artists involved in participating and supporting artists and the creation of live music. Please support Record Store Day everybody and check out the official Record Store Day Web site here to browse and find what's happening near you!

WARNER BROS. RECORDS AND AFFILIATED LABELS CELEBRATE WITH EXCLUSIVE VINYL RELEASES FROM THE FLAMING LIPS, GARY CLARK JR.,


THE BLACK KEYS, TEGAN AND SARA, FOALS, IRON AND WINE, AND MORE


April 18, 2013 - (Burbank, CA) -Record Store Day is upon us this Saturday and Warner Bros. Records, an Official sponsor has a plethora of Limited Edition releases in store - literally!

In fact Record Store Day is now celebrated globally with 1,000's of independently owned record stores around the world participating with special events, in-store appearances and of course, hundreds of exclusive and limited titles available this Saturday.

These exclusive titles are not available for review and here's why: Record Store Day has become an important cultural holiday to remind us of our love of music and our love of "records" pressed on 12", 10" or 7" vinyl, maybe compact disc or even cassette (they've never gone away!) and the inimitable magical allure of the holy Institution known as The Independent Record Store where we go to share, learn, participate and keep tradition alive for future generations to enjoy. It's interactive, social, fun and it requires your participation in order to thrive like any other culture. So once again, here's our menu of just desserts we've pressed up just for you in honor of Record Store Day 2013:


Avenged Sevenfold: "Carry On" - One disc vinyl 12" Picture Disc - Limited to 5000 copies

The A-side is the studio track Carry On, which is featured in Activision's video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II. This song was written specifically for the game and released on Sept. 25, 2012. The B-side features the instrumental version which has been previously unreleased. This picture disc is limited and features the Call of Duty: Black Ops II artwork and Avenged Sevenfold's Deathbat

Avenged Sevenfold "Live in the LBC & Diamonds in the Rough"

12" vinyl LP and DVD Deluxe Edition - Limited to 3500 copies

For Record Store Day 2013, on the 5 year anniversary of the Live in the LBC performance, we have produced a limited vinyl/DVD configuration, pressed on vinyl for the first time in a deluxe gatefold jacket and mastered by Bernie Grundman. This release contains both the first live concert film from Avenged Sevenfold "Live in the LBC" filmed live on April 10, 2008 as well as "Diamonds in the Rough", an offering of previously unreleased B-sides and more. The CD/DVD configuration was released September 16, 2008 and has since been certified Platinum.

Biffy Clyro: "Black Chandelier" - 7" EP - Limited to 2,000 copies

Pressed on limited-edition black and clear splattered vinyl for the first time and featuring an energetic and unreleased live performance of the new single Black Chandelier from the new Opposites album. This was recorded at Kaufleuten, Zurich-Switzerland on January 19, 2013. Also features a previously unreleased B-side, City of Dreadful Night.


The Black Keys / The Stooges: "No Fun" Split 7" Colored vinyl Single - Limited to 7,500 copies

This year's Side by Side Vinyl Series features The Stooges '69 classic track on one side and The Black Keys updated 2002 take on the flip side pressed on orange & red sunburst vinyl. Very Limited so grab it before it's gone for good.

Bombino: "Azamane Tiliade/Si Chilan"- 10" Single - Limited to 3,000 copies

Nonesuch Records releases Nomad, from the Tuareg guitarist, singer, and songwriter Omara "Bombino" Moctar and his band, on April 2nd. The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, who just won the GRAMMY Award for Producer of the Year, helmed the recording at his Nashville studio, Easy Eye Sound. On Record Store Day, Nonesuch will release a 10" with the album track "Azamane Tiliade" and an exclusive non-album B-side, "Si Chilan."Mastered at Bernie Grundman Studios and pressed by Pirates Press, which means it sounds real good.


Built To Spill: "Live" - Two-disc vinyl LP and CD Deluxe Edition - Limited to 2,500 copies

An absolutely stunning collection of seminal Built To Spill songs recorded live during the band's 1999 "Keep It Like A Secret" tour. Originally released on April 18, 2000, on both vinyl (on Up Records) and CD (on Warner Bros. Records). The vinyl configuration initially contained two bonus tracks "Forget Remember When" and "Now and Then," which have now been included on the limited-edition CD in celebration of this release and Record Store Day. Naturally, it's cut for vinyl at Bernie Grundman Mastering especially for your sonic delight.


Cream: "Live at the Royal Albert Hall" - Three-disc vinyl LP box set with book Deluxe Edition - Limited to 1,500 copies

A sensational and historic reunion concert performed and recorded May 2, 3, 5, & 6 in 2005 and released for the first time in October of that same year - released on DVD, CD, and vinyl. Now available for the first time in over five years and for the first time ever, we have produced a limited edition of this box set on CREAM-colored vinyl in celebration of Record Store Day 2013 and this important recording. Half Speed mastering from Stan Ricker for the ultimate audiophile quality.


Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: "Patterns" - One-disc vinyl 12" EP - Limited to 3,000 copies

Another RSD Exclusive 12"-vinyl EP includes digital download card. Details forthcoming but suffice to say, this is wondrous stuff. This one-time-only 12" artifact was made just for you and will disappear fast. You know what to do.

Deftones: Live: Volume 1 - Selections from Adrenaline - One disc vinyl 12" EP - Quantity N/A

Songs from Adrenaline hand-picked by Deftones and recorded live at Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York, on Oct. 13, 1996. The initial release in a series of seven vinyl exclusive releases with the first release being a Record Store Day exclusive and the last planned to be a Black Friday independent exclusive retail release. Finally, the light of day has come.Cut for vinyl by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering Studios from the original live analog sources and pressed on both 120- and 180-gram highest-quality vinyl at Record Technology Inc.


Eli "Paperboy" Reed: "WooHoo"- 7" vinyl EP - Limited to 3,000 copies

Eli "Paperboy" Reed is an emerging talent who already has two albums under his belt, 2008's Roll With You and 2010's Come & Get It, which earned the soul singer an especially loyal fan following in Europe - so much so that Reed was nominated as "Breakthrough Artist of the Year" by Britain's Mojo magazine. For the singer's upcoming Warner Bros. debut album, Eli takes his affinity for classic Chicago soul and blends it with a newfound respect for modern pop music. The result is a collection of songs that extend far beyond his neo-Motown roots. In the meantime, this release features a new song, "WooHoo,"
The Flaming Lips: Zaireeka- Four-disc different colored vinyl 12" - Limited to 7,500 copies

Fans and critics agree that this is one of the most important and invigorating experimental albums in contemporary pop music. Four discs, designed to be played on cue and simultaneously, producing nothing short of a symphonic experience. Re-mastered by the band especially for this release at Bernie Grundman Mastering in celebration of this record and Record Store Day 2013, with unique art and packaging (Including a 12pg booklet) w/ limited to this release.. Once these are gone...they are GONE.

Foals: "Holy Fire" - One-disc vinyl 12" LP plus two song 7"-colored vinyl EP - Limited to 5,000 copies

Domestic vinyl exclusive of the celebrated new album, in visually stunning package featuring an additionaltwo-song 7" EP pressed on gold vinyl featuring the exclusive tracks "Bluebird" and

"My Number (Friendly Fires Remix)." We've included a download card that can be redeemed for the entire album plus 7" single content. You're welcome!

Gary Clark, Jr.: "HWUL Raw Cuts Vol. 2" - 12" EP colored vinyl - Limited to 1,000 copies

Over 20 minutes of music and performance mastery available for the first time in all of its analog glory. Vol. 2 features a blistering live performance of "When My Train Comes In" as well as a studio version of the track off his hit album Blak And Blu. A beautifully crafted limited edition offering mastered at 45 rpm and cut by Bernie Grundman Mastering for maximum vibes.


Iron & Wine: "Next to Paradise" / " Dirty Ocean" - 7" Single - Limited to 3,300 copies

Iron and Wine makes its Nonesuch Records debut with Ghost on Ghost in the U.S. on April 16. Ghost on Ghostis the fifth release from singer-songwriter Sam Beam, using the pen name Iron and Wine. The album was produced by Beam's longtime associate Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Califone, Fruit Bats). This special 7" includes two exclusive tracks unavailable anywhere else but on this lovely one time only pressing just for RSD. Cut by, you guessed it, Bernie Grundman and pressed at Pallas MFG (Diepholz, Germany) for your supreme listening pleasure.

Linkin Park: Hybrid Theory - One disc vinyl LP plus two song 10" EP, Exclusive poster and sticker - Limited to 3,000 copies

The arresting debut album that came to be known by fans and critics alike as one of the premiere albums of the decade! Originally released on October 24, 2000, the album has sold over 10 million copies in the United States alone, where it has since been certified Diamond. Around the world, the album would also garner Multiple Platinum status in over a dozen countries. Hybrid Theory still stands as a contemporary classic in the world of modern rock and alternative music. The bonus 10" EP contains the tracks "One Step Closer" and "My December". This pressing will also contain long out of print poster and original street team sticker re-productions.Here it is reissued on vinyl for the first time in over a decade and cut by Bernie Grundman Mastering to insure the highest possible audio standard.


LP: "Into The Wild - Live At EastWest Studios" - Limited Edition 12" Vinyl EP - Limited to 2,000 copies

Another Record Store Day Exclusive masterpiece from this critically loved and incomparable songwriter and vocalist LP captured completely live without overdubs just the way nature intended. Originally on CD only, this first-time vinyl pressing contains a previously unavailable bonus track "It's Over." Her Warner Bros. debut album will be released later this year.Your friends at Bernie Grundman mastered this with you in mind.

Punch Brothers: "Ahoy!" - 33 1/3 rpm Vinyl EP - Quantity N/A

Nonesuch Records released Punch Brothers' five-song EP Ahoy! digitally and on CD last November. Now on vinyl for the first time, the EP has been pressed on 10" vinyl for Record Store Day, and includes songs by Josh Ritter ("Another New World"), Gillian Welch and David Rawlings ("Down Along the Dixie Line"), Punch Brothers ("Squirrel of Possibility"), and Mclusky ("Icarus Smicarus"), along with one traditional tune, arranged by Punch Brothers ("Moonshiner"). Originallyrecorded during the Nashville sessions for their critically acclaimed 2012 album Who's Feeling Young Now?, these tracks were produced by Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Tom Waits, Modest Mouse). Cut by Chris Bellman (Bernie Grundman Studios) and pressed at Pallas MFG (Diepholz, Germany) because, sound matters!

Surfer Blood: "Demon Dance" - One disc Colored Vinyl 7" EP - Limited to 5,000A special early look at Surfer Blood's new album PYTHONS, out June 11th featuring the single "Demon Dance" and another previously unreleased album track "Slow Six" pressed on exclusive tri colored- Navy, Blue and White vinyl.

Tegan and Sara: Closer Remixed - One-disc vinyl 12" EP - Limited to 5,000

An exclusive selection of remixes of the hit single "Closer" from Tegan and Sara's revered new album Heartthrob, assembled and released on vinyl in celebration of the album, as special thanks to fans and independent record stores on Record Store Day 2013. Closer Remixed includes 10 exclusive remixes of the new single by Sultan & Ned Shepard, Morgan Page, Until The Ribbon Breaks, The Knocks, Bradley Hale, Yeasayer, Chris Walla, Damian Taylor, Ted Gowans and C-ro & Sofa.


About Record Store Day:

Record Store Day is managed by the Music Monitor Network and is organized in partnership with the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (AIMS), the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) and celebrates the culture of independent record stores by playing host to in-store events/performances, signings and special product releases on a global scale on Saturday, April 20th, 2013. For more about Record Store Day, please visit www.recordstoreday.com.