New Music: The Empty Hearts, Bill Kirchen, Juni Ata, Allman Betts Band

Supergroup the Empty Hearts, guitar virtuoso Bill Kirchen, newcomer Juni Ata and rising troupe the Allman Betts Band are back with fantastic new collections.

Artist: The Empty Hearts
Title: The Second Album (Wicked Cool Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, The Knack, early Cheap Trick
Tell me more: The Empty Hearts are back with their aptly-titled sophomore effort The Second Album, an essential follow-up to the supergroup's self-titled 2014 debut. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame greats guitarist Elliot Easton (The Cars) and drummer Clem Burke (Blondie) along with singer-guitarist Wally Palmar (The Romantics) and bassist Andy Babiuk (The Chesterfield Kings) bring together their collective talents to create a winning blend of '60s garage rock and British Invasion sounds that are bolstered by a modern-day edge. The 13-track LP provides plenty of highlights, notably the shimmering power pop gem "Remember Days Like These" (featuring Ringo Starr on drums), explosive Big Star-meets-Cheap Trick blaster "Coat-Tailer," the melodic "If I Could Change Your Mind," and blistering snapshot of our times titled "The World's Gone Insane." The propulsive "The Best That I Can," mid-tempo retro rocker "Jonathan Harker's Journal," heavy blues rock sortie "Death By Insomnia," melodic harmonies-adorned "Come On And Try It" and rowdy Memphis soul-flavored "Well, Look at You" are other standouts on the awesome album. Information: TheEmptyHearts.com.

Artist: Bill Kirchen
Title: The Proper Years (The Last Music Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Marty Stuart, Sonny Landreth, Elvis Costello, Norton Buffalo, Dan Hicks, Nick Lowe, Paul Carrack
Tell me more: The Proper Years offers a full-fledged appreciation of the monumental force of "The Titan of the Telecaster" guitar master Bill Kirchen. And while his guitar playing astounds at every turn, Kirchen – a founding member of Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen in 1967 – is also a top-tier singer and songwriter as evidenced across the wonderful two disc collection. Collecting every original and cover recorded as part of his sessions for 2006's Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods, 2010's Word to the Wise and 2013's Seeds and Stems albums, The Proper Years is packed with 38 great cuts; a who's who of greats are featured across the two discs. Indeed, Nick Lowe (bass, backing vocals), Elvis Costello (whose signature vocals shine on "Man In The Bottom Of The Well"), Norton Buffalo (harmonica), Commander Cody (piano), Dan Hicks (acoustic guitar, vocals) and Maria Muldaur (vocals) are among the illustrious greats whose contributions add to the magic. The gentle "Rocks Into Sand," countrified ballads "Skid Row In My Mind" and "Truth Be Told," the jazzy "One More Day" and rockabilly-amped "Heart Of Gold" and Bump Wood" are among my favorite selections on disc one. The swinging "Word To The Wise" (featuring Dan Hicks), lovely duet with Maria Muldaur "Ain't Got Time For The Blues," country rollick "Valley Of The Moon," infectious "Truck Stop At The End Of The World," an inspired and completely reworked cover of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are-A-Changin'" are among the wide-ranging nuggets on disc two. Information: billkirchen.com/official.

Artist: Juni Ata
Title: Saudade (Flying On Fire Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, Travis
Tell me more: Don't be surprised if you don't know the music of Juni Ata, the moniker for singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jesse Daniel Edwards. The artist's brilliant debut Saudade (a Portugese word pronounced "sow-da-day" loosely translated as "a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing") is wonderfully out of step with the majority of his contemporaries, strikingly original and is definitely worth discovering. With a deeply affecting tenor, the singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist crafts powerful songs that are emotional and authentic. Edwards – who was raised in a deeply religious home in a small mountain town in Southern California where he had little exposure to secular music  – never had an intention to record and release his original songs. However, through fate and the encouragement of a friend, the album has arrived and is a captivating listen. There are times of remarkable intimacy, where romantic loss and personal perseverance are rendered with stirring intensity; "Hard Letting You Down Easy" and "Fight Hard, Run Fast" are utterly astonishing in their soul-filled sentiment. At other times, such as "Philadelphia" and "When It Rains In LA," there is a rich presentation with horns and symphonic flourish. Juni Ata is no one-trick pony as evidenced by the rousing rocker "Good Enough Ain't Bad," colorful "I'll Try Anything Twice" and tender country-tinged "Not Going Anywhere." Information: amazon.com.

Artist: The Allman Betts Band
Title: Bless Your Heart (BMG Rights Management)
You might like if you enjoy: The Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead, Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Tell me more: Those looking for new rock that is steeped in traditional songwriting while wrapped up in a mix of Southern rock, folk, vintage R&B and blues will want to check out the Allman Betts Band's outstanding sophomore effort Bless Your Heart. The double-LP opens with Pale Horse Rider," a killer track that has sonic echoes of Neil Young & Crazy Horse; the song's mix of multiple lead guitars and wistful voices are showcased as the song builds to a stunning finale. The lush Southern rocker "Magnolia River" and gospel track "Carolina Song" are lush blasts from the past, recalling the classic work of the band's celebrated influences. The troupe features Devon Allman, Duane Betts and Berry Duane Oakley, sons of founding Allman Brothers members Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts and Berry Oakley. While the Allman Betts Band has definite ties with the past, there are plenty of numbers that showcase a band with a voice of its own. The lovely "Southern Rain" is an emotional tour de force somehow enchanting via a coupling of R&B and rock styles; the melancholic "Ashes Of My Lovers" simultaneously defies and embraces a slew of far-flung sounds. The majestic "The Doctor's Daughter" brings a bit of psychedelia into the group's Southern approach; "Savannah's Dream" is a masterful instrumental that clocks in at 12 minutes and displays the nuance and bona fide chops of the seven-member ensemble. Information: AllmanBettsBand.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Empty Hearts return with new music

Make sure to check out the wonderful music video for The Empty Hearts' "Run and Hide From You." It is embedded at the bottom of this post. That song, as well as the new tracks "Remember Days Like These (featuring Ringo Starr) and "Tell Me Reasons Why" are all great power pop gems sure to please fans of the melody-minded genre...

The Empty Hearts release new music featuring Ringo Starr on Stevie Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records / The Orchard

New York, NY, - Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for new music by The Empty Hearts. Dubbed a “Rock‘n Roll super group,” by Billboard Magazine and USA Today when their first album was released in 2014, The Empty Hearts, have released their second single with Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records, “Remember Days Like These” b/w “Tell Me Reasons Why.” The Empty Hearts include Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Elliot Easton of The Cars and Clem Burke of Blondie; as well as Wally Palmar of The Romantics and Andy Babiuk of The Chesterfield Kings. In addition to the all-star lineup, the iconic Ringo Starr joins the band on drums for the A-side, “Remember Days Like These”

“Having Ringo Starr guest on our new single is a truly profound event for our band,” says Easton. “The Beatles are pretty much the reason that we do what we do; their importance to us cannot be overstated. To have started by seeing them play on the Ed Sullivan show at 10 years old, to travel for so many years down this long and winding river that we call life, and to come full circle, to the point where you're making music with one of them...it's everything.”

Easton continues, “Our newest album is a big leap for us creatively, with more adventurous writing, some wild sonic exploration (or as we call it, 'ear candy'), and a desire to make the sort of record that we've always loved. Not just a bunch of isolated songs, but more of a total 'experience' or voyage that takes the listener from point A and drops them off at point Z. We want everybody to hop on the train and take that trip with us.”

In September of 2019, the band released their first single with Wicked Cool Records, “Coat-Tailer.” The limited edition vinyl single sold out within the first two weeks of release. 

For the band, releasing with Wicked Cool Records is coming full circle. Stevie Van Zandt named the band. Early on, The Empty Hearts struggled to find a name that was not already in use, eventually turning to Van Zandt to see if he had any ideas."He had a list of 20 kickass names and we looked up the ones we liked and somebody was using it," says Babiuk, noting they were legally advised to be cautious with regards to a name. "About three weeks later I get a text from Steven. 'Did you guys come up with a freakin’ name yet?” I replied ‘No.’ Then Steven texts back, ‘You guys are going to be called The Empty Hearts, I said so!' I copied the whole text to other guys in the band and said 'If any of you guys want to argue with Silvio Dante, be my guest. Other than that I guess we’re gonna be called The Empty Hearts!”

The Empty Hearts invite you to hear their new music digitally and on limited-edition color vinyl (black and blue splatter). Please visit this link to stream, download, and buy:

https://orcd.co/rememberdayslikethese

Sights and Sounds: Bob Seger, The Empty Hearts,Ourlives, iRig Mic Mic HD

Happy Friday everybody! Here is a fun-filled roundup to get your weekend started... Bob Seger's new studio album 'Ride Out' is now available for pre-order Standard version of "Ride Out." Capitol Records recording artist Bob Seger’s highly anticipated new studio album, Ride Out, is available now for pre-order on iTunes.com/BobSegerand Amazon.  Fans who pre-order the album will receive two instant grat tracks, “Detroit Made,” a hi-octane tribute to classic cars, and the tender ballad “You Take Me In.”  Ride Outis also available in a special deluxe edition featuring three bonus tracks (see attached tracklisting). The Standard Album will also be released on 180 gram vinyl.  All versions of the album will be released in stores October 14th.   The official music video for Bob Seger’s “Detroit Made”  premiered exclusively on RollingStone.com.   On his 17th studio album, Ride Out finds Seger holding true to his legendary sound, effortlessly marrying blues, country, and heartland soul into his trademark brand of Motor City rock ‘n’ roll. Seger offers a collection of new songs, including “All of The Roads” and “Hey Gypsy,” that are a powerful and personal addition to the GRAMMY® Award-winning rocker’s extraordinary catalogue, rich with character and passion, and the great American songwriter’s always compelling take on the world around him. Deluxe version of "Ride Out." Seger also lends his signature style to several personal favorites written by other artists, including the driving first track, “Detroit Made” written by John Hiatt, “California Stars” featuring lyrics by Woody Guthrie and music by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett, Steve Earle’s “The Devil’s Right Hand,” and “Adam and Eve” penned by acclaimed Australian singer/songwriters Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson. “I’m real excited about the album,” says Seger adding, “I hope the fans like it.  We worked real hard on it and here it is!” Produced by Seger, Ride Out was recorded at Nashville’s historic Ocean Way Recording studios, with backing from a stunning array of Music City’s greatest musicians: Academy of Country Music Guitar Player of the Year 2014 Rob McNelley (who also serves as lead guitarist in Seger’s current live band), bassist Glenn Worf (Mark Knopfler, Tammy Wynette), keyboardist and longtime live guitarist Jim “Moose” Brown (Brad Paisley, Darryl Worley), and drummer Chad Cromwell (Neil Young, Joe Walsh). Vince Gill lends harmony vocals to “Listen,” while background vocals throughout the album come courtesy of Laura Creamer, Shaun Murphy, and Barbara Payton. RIDE OUT was mixed by multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner Chris Lord-Alge (U2, Muse, Foo Fighters). Seger is a multi-talented artist, songwriter, producer, and bandleader whose indelible body of work has affirmed his place in the annals of American music.  Inducted to both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Seger has sold over 52 million albums and has earned 13 platinum and 7 multi-platinum RIAA Certified sales awards, including such landmark albums as Night Moves, Stranger In Town, Against The Wind, Live Bullet and Nine Tonight, all of which have sold in excess of 5 million units.  bobseger.com Pre-Order on iTunes.com/BobSeger Pre-Order on Amazon The Empty Hearts announce new tour dates "This is a pure delight. It's worth the investment, the time and the space in your mind. Fill the void with The Empty Hearts." Popdose

Photo: Robert Matheu Santa Monica, CA, September 11, 2014: The Empty Hearts, the band featuring members of The Cars, Blondie, The Romantics and The Chesterfield Kings, have announced tour dates in October on the east coast and in Japan (see dates below). The band features Elliot Easton on lead guitar, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Clem Burke on drums, Wally Palmar on vocals, harmonica and guitar, and Andy Babiuk on bass. Co-produced by the band and Ed Stasium, The Empty Hearts is a raucous collection of tunes with each player's rock 'n' roll stripes on display - a bracing sound shaped by influences which span decades and include '50's American roots rock 'n' roll, 60's British invasion and 70's garage-punk. The album was recorded at Fab Gear Studios in Rochester, NY and also includes the Faces' Hall of Fame keyboardist Ian McLagan on Hammond organ and Wurlitzer electric piano. The Empty Hearts is available worldwide on 429 Records.  The Empty Hearts (a name coined by Little Steven from his secret list of unused band names), is a band who sound like musical cohorts - who all came of age in the 70's and 80's music scenes and play by a DIY punk rock code of ethics. A self-proclaimed band of "rock and roll lifers", the chemistry clicked immediately--they are all connected having come together as a band of friends.  Says Blurt Magazine: "What's great about The Empty Hearts' self-titled debut is that it proudly wears its influences on its sleeve and yet it sounds totally fresh. You get the feeling these guys had a blast making this record - which, apparently, they did."  Confirmed Tour Dates: 10/16    Londonderry, NH        Tupelo Music Hall 10/17    Ardmore, PA               Ardmore Music Hall 10/18    Brooklyn, NY              The Knitting Factory 10/19    Cranston, RI               RICPA - Park Theatre 10/22    Tokyo, Japan              Billboard Live (2 shows) 10/23    Tokyo, Japan              Billboard Live (2 shows)   For more information visit: http://www.429records.com/sites/429records/429details/d_theemptyhearts.asp To order The Empty Hearts visit: http://smarturl.it/TheEmptyHearts   429 Records is a unit of The Savoy Label Group (SLG). SLG is the North American based division of Nippon Columbia the oldest music company in Japan. The Savoy Label Group has evolved into a Grammy Award winning and chart topping independent music company consistently outperforming competitors in key music categories as monitored by Billboard Magazine. The Savoy Label Group is led by Steve Vining and is based in Los Angeles, CA. Visit The Empty Hearts  Webpage: http://theemptyhearts.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theemptyheartsband Icelandic indie-rock band Ourlives will release new album on October 14 Stream Ourlives New Song “Blissful Ignorance” Now At InterviewMagazine.com Iceland’s best-kept indie-rock secret Ourlives will be releasing a new record, Den of Lions, on October 14 via Spartan Records. In anticipation, the band has premiered a new track called “Blissful Ignorance” today with InterviewMagazine.com. Den of Lions is available now for pre-order at iTunes and on limited edition vinyl LP from Spartan Records at http://spr.tn/denoflions. All pre-orders will receive an instant download of “Blissful Ignorance.” Hailing from Reykjavik, Iceland, musical prowess and pedigree innately runs through Jón Björn Árnason and Leifur Kristinsson’s veins. Together they are Ourlives, and over the last nine years they have been meticulously assembling the lush and layered musical narrative Den of Lions. Contributing to the post-Britpop tradition of bands like Coldplay, Radiohead, and Travis, Ourlives fuses together delicate textures with driving guitars and drum work, and seamlessly transition between spare and intimate ballads and soaring, declarative anthems. “We’ve been in love with big sounding songs for as long as I can remember,” says Árnason. “With Den of Lions we tried to approach each song as honestly as possible. Each one had its own path, and we were not afraid to let it go where it naturally wanted to go.” Nearly a decade in the making, Den of Lions emerges as a heartbreakingly gorgeous examination of love and darkness, intimacy and isolation, and paranoia and clarity. The record features 12 tracks overflowing with lush soundscapes, many of which have already been featured in a number of U.S. television shows on MTV, ABC and NBC networks. By all accounts, Ourlives has received a warm and enthusiastic American reception. “Good music always finds a way to rise to the top, although sometimes it takes a little luck along the way,” says Árnason, “Icelandic artists have a good track record of getting heard outside of Iceland, and we are very proud and excited to continue that trend. Our label, Spartan Records, could not be more passionate about our band and they have been amazing to us. We have complete trust in them.” “Discovering Ourlives on a trip to Iceland in 2010 and now being able to call them my great friends is proof of how small music can make the world,” says Spartan Records owner/operator John Frazier. “We are honored to release the band’s debut US full-length and can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with them just as much as we have.” Den of Lions Track List: 1. Blissful Ignorance 2. Out of Place 3. Blurry Eyes 4. Núna 5. Anything Can Happen Now 6. A Sight To See 7. Seven Ways 8. Loose Lips 9. We Lost The Race 10. Too Much 11. Heart 12. Where Is The Way? For More Information: http://www.ourlivesiceland.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Ourlives.Iceland https://twitter.com/ourlivesband http://instagram.com/ourlivesiceland www.facebook.com/spartanrecords www.spartanrecords.com iRig Mic HD Now Available  The perfect mobile broadcast solution IK is proud to announce that iRig Mic HD, the first handheld digital microphone for all generations of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch as well as Mac and PC, is now available worldwide. iRig Mic HD was designed to be the ideal tool for the professional media industry. Now news presenters, radio broadcasters, journalists, videographers, announcers, television & film crews, and anyone else who needs to record high definition digital audio while on the go have a solution. iRig Mic HD is now available from music and electronics retailers worldwide for $129.99/€99.99 (excluding taxes). An exclusive silver version is also available from the Apple Store. 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