The Killers announce release of 'Pressure Machine' on August 13

Another high-profile album is coming this summer. Here is the media release on The Killers' just-announced new release...Robert Kinsler

The Killers

Pressure Machine

August 13, 2021; Island Records

Photo credit: Danny Clinch

The Killers will release their seventh studio album, entitled Pressure Machine, on Island Records on August 13, 2021. The album was co-produced by the band, Shawn Everett, and Jonathan Rado (of Foxygen), all of whom worked together on The Killers’ critically-acclaimed album Imploding The Mirage, released last year.     When the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the promotional run and worldwide tour for The Killers’ majestic, critically-acclaimed 2020 album Imploding the Mirage, “everything came to this grinding halt,” says frontman Brandon Flowers. “And it was the first time in a long time for me that I was faced with silence. And out of that silence this record began to bloom, full of songs that would have otherwise been too quiet and drowned out by the noise of typical Killers records.”  Indeed, for the first time since 2004, the relentless momentum and pressures of being in a globally-renowned, stadium-shaking band stopped. Enter Pressure Machine: a view into the everyday realities of a small American town with a stark, tough beauty, and The Killers’ most restrained and resonant album yet.   A video from Brandon about Pressure Machine can be seen now via Apple Music.  Click HERE to watch it.     A quieter, character-study-driven album, Pressure Machine lives squarely in Flowers’ hometown of Nephi, Utah, a close-knit community of 5300 people with no traffic lights, a rubber plant, wheat fields, and the West Hills. Nephi is the place Flowers spent his formative years (10-16), saying “had it not been for advancements in the automotive industry, Nephi in the 90s could have been the 1950s.” The album’s songs are based on the memories and stories of people that impacted him growing up, interspersed with commentary from current Nephi locals about their town. “We were discussing [Brandon] moving to Nephi as a kid and being stuck in the middle of nowhere,” says the band’s drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. “And during Covid-19, it started to feel like we were all in the middle of nowhere.”  Concurs Flowers, “I discovered this grief that I hadn’t dealt with,” he says, “many memories of my time in Nephi are tender. But the ones tied to fear or great sadness were emotionally charged. I’ve got more understanding now than when we started the band, and hopefully I was able to do justice to these stories and these lives in this little town that I grew up in.”   The resulting record is an aural document of growing up - and living - in the American Southwest, told from a myriad of perspectives. For the first time in his life, Flowers had complete lyrics before a note of music was put to tape. No stranger to inhabiting different characters in songs, on Pressure Machine he steps into the shoes of some of the people whose lives he watched unfold as a teen. The album weaves the threads of Flowers’ signature lyricism throughout his career into a perfect whole culminating in the most elegant album The Killers have ever made.    Through its characters and also its title, the album squares up to the unbending pressure of the American dream compounded by religious disenchantment. A born optimist, moments of beauty inevitably shine out of the grief of Flowers's songs: the healing arrival of summer, the first crop of hay, sweeter skies.  Pressure Machine’s stories detail the real life personal battles, overwhelming regrets, local tragedies, and the opioid epidemic that hit Flowers’ hometown, as well as every hometown in America. Flowers sings about the choices people make, for better and for worse, and the consequences of those choices; the ones who were left behind, and the ones that can’t be forgotten.     Pressure Machine’s album cover image was shot on the highway just outside Nephi, taken as photographer Wes Johnson passed a roadside inspirational display set up by a local Baptist church. Johnson took dozens of incredible images of Flowers’ hometown throughout the early part of 2021, many of which are featured in the album’s packaging for the physical edition.     The Killers will be heading back to the road to celebrate both Pressure Machine and Imploding The Mirage, along with their much-loved catalogue of global hits, in 2022. Tickets for these shows go on sale on Friday, July 23rd, at 10 am local time via the band’s website.     Click HERE to pre-order Pressure Machine Click HERE to watch the album trailer     Tour dates: Date                                       City                            Venue Fri August 19, 2022               Vancouver BC           Rogers Arena Sat August 20, 2022              Seattle WA                Climate Pledge Arena Sun August 21, 2022             Portland OR              Moda Center Tues August 23, 2022           San Francisco CA     Chase Center Wed August 24, 2022            San Diego CA           Pechanga Arena Fri August 26, 2022               Las Vegas NV           T-Mobile Arena Sat August 27, 2022              Los Angeles CA        Banc of California Stadium Tues August 30, 2022           Salt Lake City UT      Vivint Arena Wed August 31, 2022            Denver CO                Ball Arena Thurs September 8, 2022     Houston TX                Toyota Center Fri September 9, 2022           Austin TX                  Moody Center Sat September 10, 2022       Fort Worth TX            Dickies Arena Tues September 13, 2022     Miami FL                   FTX Arena Wed September 14, 2022     Orlando FL                Amway Center Fri September 16, 2022         Atlanta GA State       Farm Arena Sat September 17, 2022       Nashville TN              Bridgestone Arena Sun September 18, 2022      St. Louis MO              Chaifetz Arena Tues September 20, 2022     St. Paul MN               Xcel Energy Center Wed September 21, 2022     Chicago IL                 United Center Fri September 23, 2022         Toronto ON               Scotiabank Arena Sat September 24, 2022       Montreal QC              Bell Centre Sun September 25, 2022      Verona NY                 Turning Stone Event Center Thurs September 29, 2022   Washington DC          Capital One Arena Fri September 30, 2022         New York NY             Madison Square Garden Sat October 1, 2022              New York NY              Madison Square Garden Mon October 3, 2022             Boston MA                 TD Garden Tues October 4, 2022            University Park PA     Bryce Jordan Center Thurs October 6, 2022          Pittsburgh PA              Petersen Events Center Fri October 7, 2022               Cleveland OH             Wolstein Center Sat October 8, 2022              Detroit MI                    Little Caesars Arena     Album cover:

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Sights and Sounds: John Oates, Morrissey, Pearl Jam

Happy Friday everybody. Here is a round-up of timely music news...

JOHN OATES EMBRACES AMERICANA ON ‘ARKANSAS’

NEW ALBUM WILL BE RELEASED BY THIRTY TIGERS IN FEBRUARY

“This is the record I have always wanted to make, with the band to bring it to life. After all these years, I feel I’ve finally been able to capture the sound that’s in my head.”  John Oates

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Oates has teamed with an amazing group of accomplished and rising stars in the Americana music world to bring his new album, Arkansas, to life. Scheduled for release on February 2, 2018, the project is his first for Thirty Tigers.  Arkansas is available for advance order through e-retailers and a Pledge Music campaign including autographed vinyl, limited edition exclusives, hats, shirts, and more.

The project originally began as a tribute to Oates’ idol, Mississippi John Hurt. During a series of Nashville recording sessions, it evolved organically to become a unique collection drawing from a wide range of Oates’ musical influences. Asked about the style and sound of Arkansas, John says, “It’s like Dixieland, dipped in bluegrass, and salted with Delta blues.”

The album was recorded at Addiction Studios in Nashville and produced by Oates and David Kalmusky who also engineered and mixed it. The sonic glue that cements the project is "The Good Road Band". The impressive lineup consists of Sam Bush on mandolin, Russ Pahl on pedal steel, Guthrie Trapp on electric guitar, Steve Mackey on bass, Nathaniel Smith on cello, and Josh Day on drums and percussion.

With this incredible band, Oates shines a light on music from America’s past long before the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Fresh interpretations include the Emmett Miller classic “Anytime” from 1924 as well as the Jimmie Rodgers tune, “Miss the Mississippi and You,” from 1932. Reimagined traditional Delta, country blues and ragtime selections salute legendary artists like Mississippi John Hurt and Blind Blake.

Two new original songs by Oates blend seamlessly with the traditional roots material, as well as John's deep catalog of Hall and Oates hits. Taken together, Oates’ music becomes a retrospective of American popular song.

ABOUT JOHN OATES

John Oates is one half of the best-selling duo of all time, Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Oates embarked on a long-awaited solo career in 1999. He has recorded six solo albums and the 2015 DVD docu-concert Another Good Road. His seventh project, Arkansas, will be released by Thirty Tigers in February..

Influenced by R&B and folk music while growing up near Philadelphia, Oates was honored as a BMI Icon in 2008. In 2016, Hall & Oates received a star on the Hollywood of Fame. In addition to his solo shows, Oates continues to tour with Daryl Hall, playing sold-out concerts around the world. St. Martin’s Press released the hardcover of Oates’ memoir, Change of Seasons, in March 2017; the paperback will be released in 2018. Oates resides in Nashville.

Morrissey Strikes Again With 'Low in High School,' Out Today

LA pop-up shop, more North American shows, and more follow Morrissey's latest release

Today, Morrissey releases 'Low in High School,' his first studio album since 2014 and his debut for BMG and his new label, Etienne Records. The album was produced by Joe Chiccarelli (Frank Zappa, The Strokes, Beck, The White Stripes) and was recorded at La Fabrique Studios in France and Ennio Morricone's Forum Studios in Rome.

The album's debut single "Spent the Day in Bed," a departure from his beloved sound, driven by electric piano, synthesizers, and acoustic guitars, delivers "sage advice for our troubled times" (LA Times). Q Magazine hails 'Low in High School' as one of Morrissey's "most consistently excellent albums" in a 4/5-star review, while MOJO calls it a "glistening and richly textured beast." Watch Morrissey perform "Spent the Day in Bed" live on The Graham Norton Show: http://shorefi.re/2imQLtT

Other album standouts include "Jacky's Only Happy When She's Up On The Stage," released on a 7" that features a cover of Elvis Presley's "You'll Be Gone," and "I Wish You Lonely" share the intimate call to arms of "Spent the Day in Bed" and are welcoming additions to this already classic canon.

Last Friday, the Los Angeles City Council declared November 10th "Morrissey Day" in Los Angeles, California, which included an official commemorative certificate presented at the first of two sold-out shows at the Hollywood Bowl, which, for the first time, changed its menus to all vegetarian. The performances included new material from 'Low in High School,' fan favorites, and surprising covers of Elvis Presley and The Pretenders for a show where, as the LA Times observed in its positive review, "Morrissey was welcomed as the hero." The current tour has also been praised by Billboard ("fantastic"), Variety ("triumphant"), LA Weekly ("asserts his place in the pantheon"), and more.

The tour continues through December:

Morrissey Fall 2017 Tour

Sat, Nov 18 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kingsbury Hall

Mon, Nov 20 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre

Wed, Nov 22 - St. Louis, MO - Peabody Opera House

Sat, Nov 25 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theater

Tue, Nov 28 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore Detroit

Thu, Nov 30 - Washington, DC - The Anthem

Sat, Dec 2 - New York, NY - Theatre at Madison Square Garden

Mon, Dec 4 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore

Thu, Dec 7 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre

This weekend (Nov. 17-19), Morrissey will host a pop-up shop at 8250 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048 to celebrate the new album. There will be 100 album test pressings autographed by Morrissey available for purchase on a first come, first served basis each day. This will also be the one of the only physical stores stocking all of the Language Edition colored LPs and the 7" limited edition boxset. There will also be photo opportunities with special artwork backdrops.

Follow Morrissey on social media for more information on the pop-up store:

Facebook: http://shorefi.re/2yOqdYA

Twitter: http://shorefi.re/2hCbzjO

Read Morrissey's interview with Billboard: http://shorefi.re/2muN8Gw 

Also read Morrissey's interview with Rolling Stone: http://shorefi.re/2hD70Wr

Order and download links below. 'Low in High School' is available digitally and in physical formats: CD, colored vinyl and limited edition cassette.

'Low in High School' available here: https://morrissey.lnk.to/LiHSPR

PEARL JAM’S WRIGLEY FIELD DOCUMENTARY FILM LET’S PLAY TWO NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD

BLU-RAY AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH AMAZON IN THE US

SOUNDTRACK AVAILABLE NOW VIA AMAZON PRIME STREAMING AND MUSIC UNLIMITED

“This is one of the most vibrant-looking rock performance films of recent years.” - Chicago Sun Times

Pearl Jam’s sold-out August 2016 shows from Wrigley Field are immortalized in LET’S PLAY TWO, a documentary film that is now available on DVD & Blu-ray. All DVDs will include 5 bonus performances (Black, Mind Your Manners, Masters of War, Rearviewmirror and Immortality) as well as a deluxe edition of the soundtrack that includes the same 5 bonus tracks. The Blu-ray, which will be available exclusively through Amazon in the United States, will also include the 5 bonus tracks in the film, without the accompanying soundtrack.

 

Purchase the DVD/Blue-ray HERE

 

Watch the official trailer for LET’S PLAY TWO HERE and purchase the official soundtrack HERE

 

LET’S PLAY TWO was directed by Danny Clinch and produced by FOX Sports Originals, Monkeywrench Productions, Tourgigs Productions, Universal Music Publishing Group, Republic Records and Major League Baseball in collaboration with Milkt Films and Polygram Entertainment.

 

For more information, visit the film’s official site Pearl Jam’s LET’S PLAY TWO.

About Fox Sports Originals

FOX Sports Originals is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets.  Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships.  FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports.  In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, which includes FOXSports.com, FOX Sports GO, Whatifsports.com and Yardbarker.com.  Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

About Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30 member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level of professional baseball. Major League Baseball is the best-attended sport in North America, and since 2004, MLB has enjoyed its best-attended seasons in the history of the game, with each regular season eclipsing the 73 million mark. Now led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB currently features record levels of labor peace, competitive balance and industry revenues, as well as the most comprehensive drug-testing program in American professional sports. MLB remains committed to making an impact in the communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world, perpetuating the sport’s larger role in society and permeating every facet of baseball’s business, marketing and community relations endeavors. With the continued success of MLB Advanced Media and MLB Network, MLB continues to find innovative ways for its fans to enjoy America’s National Pastime and a truly global game. For more information on Major League Baseball, visit www.MLB.com.

About MILKT Films

Milkt is a creative collective producing diverse and relevant music driven content. Owner and Executive Producer Lindha Narvaez has produced music documentaries and concert films including artists such as Pearl Jam, Ben Harper, Bruce Springsteen, Father John Misty, Foo Fighters, Jay-Z and John Mayer, earning two Grammy Award nominations. Recently Milkt has produced commercial spots for Ram featuring Chris Stapleton, Squarespace featuring Leon Bridges, branded content for Elizabeth Arden featuring Shawn Mendes and an hour-long documentary TV special featuring Dave Matthews Band for State Farm. Milkt has also longstanding collaborations with Turner Network Television and NBCUniversal.

About Republic Records

A division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Aminé, Black Sabbath, DNCE, Florence + the Machine, Gotye, Hailee Steinfeld, James Blake, James Bay, John Mellencamp, Jordan Smith, Julia Michaels, Keith Richards, Kid Cudi, Liam Payne, Marian Hill, Of Monsters and Men, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings (The Avett Brothers, Towkio), Boominati Worldwide (Metro Boomin), Brushfire (Jack Johnson), Casablanca Records (Giorgio Moroder, KUNGS, Tïesto), Cash Money (Drake, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj), Hollywood Records (Sofia Carson, Zendaya), Lava Records (Greta Van Fleet, Jessie J, Lorde), Monkeywrench (Pearl Jam), XO (The Weeknd), Roc Nation (Belly, Justine Skye, The Dream), Tuff Gong (Damian Marley), Victor Victor Records (D Savage, Ski Mask The Slump God), among others. Republic also maintains a long-standing strategic alliance with country powerhouse Big Machine Records (Taylor Swift), and Universal Music Latin Entertainment (Luis Fonsi, J Balvin). In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey, SING), Fox TV (Lee Daniels' STAR), and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises.

About TourGIgs Productions

TourGigs is a digital media company dedicated to live music. The business has produced content for the biggest and best artists, venues and festivals around the world including Pearl Jam, Jack White, My Morning Jacket, Umphrey's McGee, Shaky Knees, ACL, and X-Games. TourGigs is capable of managing all formats of content - from live-streaming to on-demand asset management and direct-to-consumer content sales. Based in Austin, Texas - TourGigs is led by a storied group of industry veterans including renowned photographer and filmmaker Danny Clinch.

About Universal Music Publishing Group

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is a leading global music publisher with 43 offices in 36 countries. UMPG represents music in every genre from some of the world's most important songwriters and catalogs. These include ABBA, Adele, A Great Big World, Jhené Aiko, Alabama Shakes, Axwell & Ingrosso, Bastille, Beach Boys, Beastie Boys, Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Jeff Bhasker, Justin Bieber, Big Sean, Chris Brown, Mariah Carey, The Clash, Coldplay, J.Cole, Elvis Costello, Miley Cyrus, Jason Derulo, Neil Diamond, Disclosure, Danny Elfman, Eminem, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Florence + the Machine, Future, Martin Garrix, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Al Green, Haim, Halsey, Emile Haynie, Jimi Hendrix, Sam Hunt, Imagine Dragons, Demi Lovato, Carly Rae Jepsen, Billy Joel, Elton John/Bernie Taupin, Tobias Jesso Jr., Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, The Mamas and Papas, Pearl Jam, Lil Yachty, Linkin Park, Steve Mac, Post Malone, Maroon 5, Shawn Mendes, Metallica, Metro Boomin, Miguel, Nicki Minaj, Mumford & Sons, Jimmy Napes, R. City, Randy Newman, Red Hot Chili Peppers, New Order, Ne-Yo, Steve Perry, Otis Redding, R.E.M., Carole Bayer Sager, Gustavo Santaolalla, Travis Scott, Sex Pistols, Paul Simon, Britney Spears, Bruce Springsteen, Stax (East Memphis Music), SZA, Justin Timberlake, Quavo, U2, Keith Urban, Diane Warren, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jack White, Zedd and many more.