Music news aplenty going into the weekend including updates on Royal Blood (whose set blew away at Coachella back in 2015), Don McLean, and Paul McCartney's forthcoming album...Robert Kinsler
Royal Blood share new video for hit single "Trouble's Coming”
Royal Blood is Mike Kerr (vocals, keys, bass, piano) and Ben Thatcher (drums).
October 23, 2020 (Los Angeles, CA) -Royal Blood are back. The taut rhythms and electrifying riffs that burst from their current hit single “Trouble’s Coming” herald a bold evolution in their sound as they stride confidently towards next year’s release of their highly anticipated third album. Click here to view and share the video. Click here to stream the track.
Just weeks after its release, it’s already approaching 6 million streams. The duo landed on the cover of ROCK THIS, Spotify’s flagship global rock playlist, while breaking the Top 20 at the Alternative and Active Rock formats in the US. Add support from alternative radio everywhere, plus global media attention spanning Rolling Stone, NME, Spin, Clash and much more. Royal Blood are set to make the biggest impact of an all-conquering career.
Today, Royal Blood share the official video for “Trouble’s Coming.” Their granite-heavy bass and drums attack is now flavored by insistent grooves inspired by Daft Punk, Justice and Phillipe Zdar. The video was directed by Dir. LX, best known for his work on U.K. rap and grime icons such as Dave, Bugzy Malone and Kojo Funds, and takes his cues from MikeKerr’s ominous lyrics to create a video that pulsates with foreboding atmospherics and cinematic, neo-noir flair.
“Trouble’s Coming” proved to be the turning point in the creative process. It concisely tees up what to expect from the record: a very organic infusion of their visceral hard rock sting with a dance-tinged rhythm that grooves rather than pummels.
In the space of just two albums, Royal Blood have ascended to become one of the world’s biggest and most vital rock bands. The Brighton, England duo have scored two U.K. #1 albums - their self-titled double-Platinum, self-titled debut from 2014 and 2017’s How Did We Get So Dark? – in the process of selling 2 million albums worldwide. Their acclaim has included the BRIT Award for Best British Groupplus further accolades at the NME and Kerrang! Awards as well as a Mercury Prize nomination. What’s more, they’ve made a major international impact, hitting the Top 10 in a further seven territories and peaking at #2 on the U.S. Alternative Album chart. Further U.S. success has included three #1 hits at Rock Radio, plus four Top 20 records at Alternative Radio.
A huge draw in the live arena, Royal Blood’s most recent full-scale U.K. and Ireland headline tour saw them perform in front of 100,000 people, including 30,000 over three sold-out nights at London’s cavernous Alexandra Palace. Key festivals have included Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury(where they famously discovered, mid-set, that their second album had debuted at #1), Reading and Leeds Festivals. Highlights of their extensive international touring include huge North American tours with Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters, plus headline shows as far afield as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Sydney.
Don McLean releases new album 'Still Playin' Favorites'
A follow-up to his 1973 covers album 'Playin' Favorites', this new collection digs deep into the roots of American music and adds a rock and roll edge to country, folk, gospel, bluegrass, blues, jazz, and soul gems
FAIRFAX, Va. - Don McLean pays homage to American music with his new covers album, Still Playin’ Favorites, released today through Time Life. Spanning more than 100 years of songwriting, McLean assembled a treasury of music from country, folk, gospel, bluegrass, blues, jazz and soul for the album, performing them with a rock and roll twist. Don discusses several of the tracks in a new video series on his YouTube channel, including “Backwater Blues,” originally recorded by Bessie Smith in 1927.
“I just love writing songs and I love hearing songs by good writers that make sense and have lyrics that say something and that are pretty simple,” Don explains about the concept behind the album. “My version is just a little bit more rock and roll, a little harder-edged, with drums and double guitars,” he goes on to say about the classic blues and jazz song, “Backwater Blues.” When it came to recording “Got The Bull By The Horns,” originally performed by Johnny Horton, “I changed a few of the words, I hope he won’t mind,” McLean admits good-naturedly. The collection also features songs made famous by Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Clyde Moody, Mel Tillis, Ray Charles, Mahalia Jackson, Elvis Presley, and more.
Still Playin’ Favorites is modeled after his first album of cover songs, Playin’ Favorites, a remarkable artistic statement for a young songwriter to release on the heels of his masterworks “American Pie” and “Vincent.” The new album extends his original tribute to the great songwriters who have helped shape American music and, in turn, McLean’s work.
To keep up with Don McLean and be a part of his upcoming announcements, visit his website and follow his social channels linked below.
Still Playin' Favorites track listing: 01. So Doggone Lonesome (Johnny Cash) 02. Greenback Dollar (Hoyt Axton, Ken Ramsey) 03. Hide Nor Hair (Morton Craft, Percy Mayfield) 04. I Ain’t Never (Webb Pierce, Mel Tillis) 05. Little Sister (Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman) 06. I’m Going To Live The Life I Sing About in My Song (Thomas A. Dorsey) 07. Six White Horses (Clyde Moody) 08. Treat Me Nice (Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller) 09. Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine) (Bob Dylan) 10. Backwater Blues (Bessie Smith) 11. The Keys to the Kingdom (Jenny Lou Carson) 12. Got The Bull By The Horns (Amos E. Byrd, Billy Jones) 13. Tell Old Bill (Traditional, Arranged by Don McLean) 14. She Used To Love Me A Lot (Charles W. Quillen, Dennis Morgan, Kye Fleming)
About Don McLean: Don McLean is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and his smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) a top 5 song of the 20th Century. A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late ‘60s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more. His catalog of songs has been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, Weird “Al” Yankovic, and countless others. In 2015, one of McLean’s four handwritten manuscripts of the lyrics to “American Pie” was auctioned by Christies, selling for just over $1.2 Million. 2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars and his song “And I Love You So” was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding. Now in 2020, Don signed a recording contract with Time Life to release his catalog of recordings as well as the highly anticipated new album Still Playin’ Favorites, releasing October 23rd. “American Pie” will be featured in the Avengers Black Widow and the Tom Hanks movie BIOS and much more to be announced. And when you think things are slowing down, not so for Don McLean! 2021 will mark the 50th anniversary of American Pie with a world tour to follow.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Van Morrison shares 'No More Lockdown,' anti-lockdown original protest song
Rock Cellar magazine has a timely update and link to hear the newly-released blues-flavored track "No More Lockdown" from legendary great Van Morrison you can see HERE. The lyrics for the hard-hitting song taking a swipe at government overreach are also included on the post.
'McCartney III' update via Music Worth Buying co-host TJR
TJR has a new video preview on Paul McCartney's forthcoming album McCartney III that you can see via his YouTube channel HERE.
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.
Either you're going to be at Coachella today, or want to tune into YouTube to watch some of the great performances, right? Here is the link to access the Coachella YouTube Channel. On tap to perform today (although I don't know which acts' performances will be webcast) are AC/DC, Alabama Shakes, Steely Dan, Interpol, The War on Drugs, Ride and dozens more. If you missed my full-length preview article on the festival that ran earlier this week, you can read it here. Check out Coachella.com for the complete line-up and schedule for artists performing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival today, tomorrow and Sunday (April 10-12)... Speaking of Coachella, the title track from Ryn Weaver's highly-anticipated debut album The Fool premieres today (listenhere). Weaver will make her festival debut this weekend in Indio, and is set to perform in the Mojave Tent on Saturday afternoons, April 11 and April 18. The Fool will be released June 16, 2015 on Mad Love/Interscope Records.
Ryn Weaver
Produced by multiplatinum producer Benny Blanco and Passion Pit creative force and frontman Michael Angelakos, The Fool features the Southern California native’s breakout single “OctaHate” along with brand new music from Weaver. Preorder the albumdigitally here and on 12-inch 180 gram vinyl at rynweaver.com, along with limited edition, signed The Fool lithographs.
Van Morrison is set to receive the Johnny Mercer Award on June 18, 2015 in New York City. When you think of the singer-songwriter's amazing songs (including “Gloria,” “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Moondance,” “Domino,” “Crazy Love,” “Have I Told You Lately” and “Wild Night”), it's clear the honor is well-deserved. Check out the full-length article on MusicNewsNashville.com here for all the details.
In this week's Billboard cover story (on newsstands Monday, April 13) former folk inspired rock-band Mumford & Sons open up about their new sound (banjo free), personal obsessionsoutside the band, and how they feel about Rihanna and Kanye West.
The band also shares what it's like playing new music live for the first time ... saying its like "a tinder date".
On Kanye West and Rihanna:
Marshall: "There's a lot of rock out there. But it's no longer ... I don't think it's what our generation will be remembered for. I think it'll be Kanye West and Rihanna." Mumford: (Shakes his head.) "It just makes me a bit sad." Marshall: "Why, though? They're so sick." Mumford: "Rihanna? I think Kanye is sick. He's the only rock star left." Marshall: "We went to one of his shows in London. He played Koko, which is a small venue, like 1,500 people. It was f--ing mindblowing." Mumford: "It was f--ing amazing. There were a bunch of cool London grime MCs doing stuff. But then he gets up and just blows them all away. Says one word and the whole room just...that's rock'n'roll, to me." Marshall: "He's everything he claims to be. Maybe not God, but ... (Laughs.) He really is incredible."
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – better known simply as “Coachella” – is coming to Indio, California over two fast-paced weekends, April 10-12 and again April 17-19.
One of the best and most enduring modern music festivals on the planet, the 16th edition of Coachellafest has once again gathered up an eclectic line-up of artists from the far-flung corners on the sonic universe to perform in front of large audiences gathered and scattered throughout the Empire Polo Club in Indio. While hard rocking Aussies AC/DC, genre-blasting singer-guitarist Jack White and Canadian rapper Drake will each headline their respective Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, the wealth of additional talent stretching across the bill has plenty to offer just about every music lover. Rock, power pop, electronica, folk, alt country and rap artists will perform on a number of outdoor and indoor stages positioned throughout the sprawling festival grounds. Original and insightful artwork installations positioned throughout the grounds make for an even more unique experience.
This round-up will highlight my “wish list” of performances I hope to catch at Coachella. Of course, there is always the chance that two or three of my favorite artists will be performing at the same time, but the myriad of excellent artists performing means just about any destination is a good one.
Fridays, April 10 and 17
I haven't seen AC/DC since the early 1990s, so it's time to find out if the groundbreaking hard rockers can still deliver. The band's latest album Rock or Bust is a terrific album (tracks such as "Play Ball," "Dogs of War" and the title track rank among the group's best) and AC/DC's ear-splitting rock is likely ready-made to bring some thunder to the expansive site.
While we're on the subject of classic rock, it would be criminal to miss Steely Dan in the desert. I last caught singer-keyboardist Donald Fagen and guitarist Walter Becker in July 2011 when the dynamic duo and company thrilled a capacity crowd at Los Angeles' Greek Theatre with a complete version of their timeless 1977 album Aja. I can't wait to see what the jazz-rock troupe will conjure up in Indio.
An act I have not yet seen but plan to is Alabama Shakes, the roots-meets-garage soul rockers out of Athens, Alabama. The group's 2012 debut Boys & Girls has proved to be a bona fide creative and commercial success, and a sophomore effort (Sound & Color) is due on April 21.
Jim Heath of Reverend Horton Heat / Photo: Kelly A. Swift
Speaking of roots rock, the legendary Reverend Horton Heat (the moniker for singer-guitarist Jim Heath) will be making his first-ever appearance at Coachella. RHH is considered a pioneer of the psychobilly-rockabilly movement and Heath is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his Dallas-spawned outfit.
Other Friday acts on my wish list include New York's indie post-punk indie rockers Interpol, Australian brother-sister folk duo Angus & Julia Stone, and groundbreaking British rock quartet Ride. Other promising artists include electronica innovator Caribou and English singer-songwriter George Ezra. T'he Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger (featuring Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl) is also on my radar for Friday (I better arrive on time; the duo perform at noon on the Outdoor Theatre stage).
Saturdays, April 11 and 18
Andrew McMahon will feature material from his latest release 'Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness' / Photo: Kelly A. Swift
Of the dozens of artists set to perform on both Saturdays, there are several I simply can't miss. Highest on my list is Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. McMahon — who has scored commercial and artistic points while leading both Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin— released his most personal collection to date in late 2014. An outstanding singer, songwriter and pianist, McMahon's songs are bolstered by memorable lyrics, winning melodies and a timeless quality that draws easy comparisons with some of rock's all-time greats. He is scheduled to perform on the Outdoor Theatre stage at 4:05 p.m.
Recently, I stumbled across a great song ("Empty Nesters") from Toro y Moi, the musical moniker for singer-songwriter Chaz Bundick. That song and another ("Run Baby Run") from the artist's new album What For? (released on April 7) recalls the propulsive and distorted power-pop of Big Star and early Cheap Trick. I can't wait to check Toro y Moi out live. This will be tricky and require some juggling since he performs in the Mojave from 4:20-5:05 p.m.
While Bad Religion has been around longer than most Coachella-goers have been alive, why do I get a feeling the seminal punk rockers out of Los Angeles will kill it in the desert? The group's razor-edged approach and tight songs should make for a good fit for those who want to catch the band's full set or simply fly by to catch a song or two.
Other Saturday-bound acts I hope to catch include indie rock faves The War on Drugs, Scottish baroque pop-rock collective Belle and Sebastian, Irish blues & soul singer Hozier, Americana duo Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and soul troupe St. Paul and the Broken Bones.
Sundays, April 12 and 19
By the third day of Coachella, concertgoers can admittedly be exhausted and think twice about getting to the festival grounds early. I wouldn't (and will not) make that mistake this year.
Set to take the stage inside the Gobi tent at 3:25 p.m. is groundbreaking country music singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, whose terrific 2014 album Metamodern Sounds in Country Music is a celebration of both authentic country and genre-bending modernism. Highlights include "Turtles all the Way Down" with its perfect mix of country and gospel, "Long White Line" featuring a swirling psychedelic finish, and the tender "The Promise." Now the Kentucky native is set to conquer both Coachella and Stagecoach beginning with his early-afternoon sets at Coachella.
Ryan Adams is a proponent of blending country, rock and other styles together in the pursuit of his original music making. One of music's most prolific artists, he has released more than a dozen solo albums since 2000.
Idaho-spawned indie rockers Built to Spill are among the most interesting and lasting outfits to emerge in the early 1990s. Blending crunchy rock and tuneful melodies, the quintet should impress mightily. The band is set to release its highly-anticipated Untethered Moon LP via Warner Bros. Records on Record Store Day (April 18), the group's first full-length studio disc since 2009's "There Is No Enemy."
Jenny Lewis / Photo: Kelly A. Swift
Singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis always seems to get it right. Whether it was her stint with Rilo Kiley, the Postal Service or as one-half of the duo Jenny & Johnny (Jonathan Rice), the Southern California native has impressed. Now Lewis is returning to Coachella to perform confessional material featured on her brilliant 2014 album The Voyager.
There is simply no reason to leave Coachella early. Sunday's impressive line-up also includes must-see artists such as England's Florence + the Machine, art rocker St. Vincent, and Los Angeles neo-soul ensemble Fitz and The Tantrums (the latter of whom will perform from 9:20 p.m. to late in the night on Sunday).
One thing Coachella-goers can count on, whether they catch those artists or any of the countless others on the bill, the festival is an adventure not to be missed.
How cool is this everybody? Can't wait to catch the first weekend of Coachellafest. AC/DC, Steely Dan, Florence + the Machine, Ryan Adams, Belle and Sebastian and countless more in the desert. What could be better?
For the fifth year in a row, Coachella is giving fans from around the world a front row seat to watch the California music festival live on Coachella’s YouTube channel from Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12. Coachella is the longest-running live streamed music festival on YouTube.
Presented by T-Mobile, fans can catch the biggest acts and emerging artists performing live at Coachella on any screen where you watch YouTube. Viewers can also choose from three live stream channels, as well as:
-- Create a custom Coachella avatar by uploading a photo, then decorating with Coachella graphics, before sharing it with your friends.
-- Browse an interactive map of the entire festival grounds and access photos taken from your virtual location.
-- Schedule your live stream experience with a timetable that automatically updates based on your local time and channel you are watching.
-- Learn about the performing acts via interactive profiles.
Here is a nice roundup focusing on a number of upcoming high-profile releases... Nostalgia: An Evening With Annie Lennox set for release on Monday, May 4 via Blue Note Records; 'PBS Live' concert set to air on April 3
Nostalgia: An Evening With Annie Lennox, a deluxe package featuring Annie Lennox’s GRAMMY-nominated Nostalgiaalbum and a brand new concert film, is scheduled for release on Blue Note Records on May 4. Shot on January 28, 2015 by director Natalie Johns (Morrissey) at Los Angeles’ art deco Orpheum Theatre, the film captures one of music’s most popular and acclaimed artists in her only full concert performance of the songs from Nostalgia. Fronting a 19-piece band – including string and horn sections – and unveiling striking lighting and production elements created especially for this special evening, Lennox demonstrates her distinctive vocal and performance talents on an array of American standards, ranging from “Summertime,” “Georgia On My Mind,” “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless The Child” to one of rock’n’roll’s most enduring classics, “I Put A Spell On You.” In addition to its inclusion in the deluxe package, the film can also be purchased on its own in DVD, Blu-ray and digital long form formats at all music retailers and streaming partners. The pre-order is underway now on Amazon. It can also be pre-ordered at http://smarturl.it/NostalgiaPremium, where fans will find several exclusive bundles, including the Premium Nostalgia Experience, which will contain the concert DVD (or Blu-ray), CD and vinyl editions of the Nostalgia album and a silk lithograph that Annie will personally inscribe for each recipient. (This edition is limited to 100.) “Every singer loves the challenge of interpreting truly inspirational songs. Each one of these masterpieces stands as a lasting testimony to the brilliance of their creators – their individual beauty, power and poetry continues to stand the test of time,” saidAnnie Lennox. “The song selection for Nostalgia was very personal and intuitive – there was no agenda or stratagem other than becoming intrigued and fascinated through the process of listening, transcribing and recording. Now they live in my blood stream.” Fans can get a first look at Lennox’s concert film when it premieres on THIRTEEN’SGreat Performances, airing on PBS on Friday, April 3, at 10 p.m. Check local listings or visit Great Performances Online at www.pbs.org/gperf. Click HERE for a preview of the episode, which features Lennox performing “Georgia On My Mind.”For an encore, Lennox sat down at the piano and delivered striking solo renditions of two of her own hits, “Here Comes the Rain Again” and “Why.” Fans who purchase Nostalgia: An Evening With Annie Lennox will enjoy the entire 60-minute concert plus exclusive footage of Annie performing two additional songs –“Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" and “No More I Love You’s.” Nostalgia hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Jazz Albums chart in October of 2014 and subsequently received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. After her performance with Hozier on the awards show telecast, Nostalgia shot up to No. 1 on the Amazon and iTunes Jazz albums charts and “I Put A Spell On You”topped the two retailers’ Jazz Songs charts. “Annie Lennox was the surprise hit of the GRAMMY’s,” marveled Vogue. “I Put A Spell On You,” which was heard in the opening four minutes of the filmFifty Shades of Grey, breaks the Top 20 at Adult Mainstream radio this week, jumping to 18*, and Lennox’s performance video of the song has more than six million views.
Nostalgia: An Evening With Annie Lennox - Track Listing 1. Intro 2. Memphis In June 3. Georgia On My Mind 4. I Put A Spell On You 5. Summertime 6. I Cover The Waterfront 7. Strange Fruit 8. God Bless The Child 9. You Belong To Me 10. September In The Rain 11. I Can Dream, Can’t I? 12. The Nearness Of You 13. Mood Indigo 14. Here Comes The Rain Again 15. No More I Love You’s 16. Why 17. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) Nostalgia – CD & Vinyl Track Listing 1. Memphis In June 2. Georgia On My Mind 3. I Put A Spell On You 4. Summertime 5. I Cover The Waterfront 6. Strange Fruit 7. God Bless The Child 8. You Belong To Me 9. September In The Rain 10. I Can Dream, Can’t I? 11. The Nearness Of You 12. Mood Indigo UDR Music Announces TOMMY BOLIN “TEASER” 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set – Out May 19, 2015 in North America
Tommy Bolin – recognized for his work with groups such as Zephyr, The James Gang, and Deep Purple – was a bright, young American guitar god who created a whirlwind with his loud, stylish, free-form fusion performances before his untimely death at the age of 25 in 1976. Released in 1975 during his time with Deep Purple, Teaser was the solo masterpiece and eventual cult-classic that Bolin never got the chance to properly promote.
Now, 40 years after the album was originally released and unfortunately buried with time, Teaser is finally getting its time to shine.
On May 19, 2015, UDR Music will release the official TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set, a three-album deluxe vinyl box-set supplemented with two live CDs, celebrating the 40th anniversary of this legendary release. Featuring long-lost outtakes and alternative mixes from the original Teaser studio sessions, plus two live CDs comprising performances from Ebbets Field, The Northern Lights, My Father’s Place and Albany, the TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set is set to satiate the appetites of Bolin fans worldwide.
Bolinwas a shooting star, a fiercely bright, ferociously driven and a guitarist whose soul spoke through his fingers and fretboard. Bolin was an American axeman of the caliber rarely seen or heard before (or since) his untimely death at the age of 25 on December 4th 1976. Bolin allowed the power of funk and the fury of rock to find such finite expression through his inspiration. His expression never sounded more fluent than on his 1975 solo album debut Teaser. The album embraced a tour de force of styles from jazz to hard rock to Latin music, all of which were expressed in a glorious musical stew.
At the age of 17, Bolin formed Zephyr, whose blues rock was coated in psychedelic tendencies. Despite opening for the likes of Led Zeppelin and growing a strong fan-base, Bolin left the group in 1971 to form Energy (a jazz-rock project) before Joe Walsh recommended him to The James Gang, where he recorded the Bang!and Miamialbums in 1973 and ’74 respectively. Bolin also appeared on legendary drummer Billy Cobham’s Spectrumsolo album, and his ability to enjoy (and make the grade with!) such improvisational jamming style sounds left Bolin as that rare bird. A man who could be a rock star or a man who could be a musician’s musician at cafes across America.
Bolin moved to LA seeking confirmation of the stardom his enormous talents promised, and the foundations for the legendary Teaser album were laid. Featuring session musicians such as Glenn Hughes, David Sanborn, Jan Hammer, Stanley Sheldon and Phil Collins, Teaserrepresents the fulcrum point of Tommy’s solo-artist work. As he completed work on it, Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore quit the band, and Bolin was invited to join Purple by singer David Coverdale. Come Taste The Band came out towards the end of 1975, before Purple disbanded and left Bolin free to do his second album Private Eyes. Opening for Peter Frampton and Jeff Beck, Bolin was just starting to enjoy the sort of attention and recognition that would surly have seen him rise to the next level of revered guitar God. Sadly, Bolin’s addiction issues would not allow it, and in 1976, he died at the young age of 25.
Bolin’s legacy is superbly reflected in TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set – get your copy while they last!
Do LaB Coachella Stage Announces Lineup and Exciting Changes in 2015!
Since 2004, Los Angeles-based music and event production house, Do LaB,have been constructing an interactive stage inside the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival being held April 10-12 and April 17-19, 2015 in the Southern California desert. The Do LaB stage and its surrounding area - complete with creative lighting structures, shade and misters - has become known and loved by festivalgoers as the oasis of Coachella. This year, the Do LaB stage has been reimagined with an all-new design in a new location, plus a unique, previously unannounced lineup curated by the folks at Do LaB.
The Do LaB stage, unlike the festival’s other five stages, will change its lineup each weekend. Musicians will come from afar - Berlin, France, Australia, England, and Spain - to play this memorable stage. The first weekend lineup includes trap stars Loudpvck, techno-funk maestro Sebastien Leger, LA DJ collective Droog, The Glitch Mob’s Ooah, Washington D.C. reggae-funk act Fort Knox Five, underground house producer Edu Imbernon, Australian up-and-comer Cassian and Berlin-based house duo M.A.N.D.Y. Additionally, Russ Liquid, Mihkal, Coyote Kisses, Lane 8, Joe Kay x Jay Prince, Justin Jay, Jackal, Jai Wolf, Jesse Wright, Hayden James, Falcons, Clozee, Dirtwire, Till Von Sein, Bit Funk, B.R.E.E.D., Addatap, An-ten-nae round out the first weekend’s bill. Lucent Dossier Experience returns with a new performance showcased both weekends.
Artists performing the second weekend on the Do LaB stage include A Tribe Called Red, Adam Freeland, Andrew Luce, Atish, CRNKN, Dance Spirit, Dr. Fresh, GoldRush, Hoodboi, Hunter Leggitt, J. Philip, Lisbona, Kraddy, Louis Futon, Mija, Morillo, My Favorite Robot, Patricio, Pomo, Redux, Robot Koch, Sabo, TasyTreat, Tropicool, Whitehorse and Worthy.
As with all Do LaB music curation, this year is a mix of artists you may know and those you need to know. Jesse Flemming explains, “I’m on an endless hunt for new and amazing music, and I’m excited that I get to share it--and even more so that people dig the music we share. If you don’t know any of the artists on the lineup--you will soon.”
In 2015, the Do LaB stage moves to a new location within the Terrace next to a new entrance, directly across from the Sahara tent, providing direct access from the Saharaa major win for electronic music fans.
Previously, Do LaB has been inspired by nature and exotic plants when building their immersive environment for the festival. This year, the inspiration comes from endangered whales. The stage and its encompassing area serves as a mini-oasis with much-needed shade and misters to cool off the Coachella crowds during the hottest parts of the weekend.
After Coachella, make sure to hit Do LaB’s tenth anniversary of the world-renowned Lightning in a Bottle festival featuring over 300 musicians, artists, workshops, and speakers including Flume, Odesza, SBTRKT, RL Grime, Panda Bear, Tycho and many more. The 5-day camping festival will take place 25 minutes north of Paso Robles on California’s central coast at San Antonio Recreation Area in Bradley, CA over Memorial Day Weekend (May 21 - 25, 2015). Purchase tickets here!
Based in Los Angeles, Do LaB’s mission is to craft experience as art and bring communities together. Aside from showcasing musicians throughout Southern California, Do LaB is well known for creating unique art installations/stages and curating cutting-edge acts at Coachella in addition to producing Southern California’s Lightning in a Bottle, and the 2012 Winter Solstice event The Great Convergence, which took place at the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Do LaB’s work has also been showcased at Virgin Music Festival, Global Gathering, Portugal’s Boom Festival and many more.
