New music: Otis Taylor, John Oates, The Gold Needles, Bad Company tribute

Don't let the year slip by without grabbing a listen of some of the most exciting music titles of 2025.

Artist: Otis Taylor
Title: Otis Taylor and the Electrics (Octave Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, Otis Taylor

Tell me more: Otis Taylor is one of the most unique and authentic voices recording blues and roots music today. The winner of five DownBeat awards, Living Blues, W.C. Handy and other honors, the prolific Colorado-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has just released the outstanding Otis Taylor and the Electrics. Taylor — who sings and plays guitar, acoustic and electric banjo and harmonica on the 8-track disc — is known for his signature trance blues style that extends far beyond 12-bar blues patterns to masterfully blend blues, rock, African rhythms, improvisation and daring lyrics; those far-flung elements reach their zenith on his new album. Compelling stories and unsettling subjects are addressed across the track listing, with the musical moodscapes enhancing the power of each song. Among my favorite tracks on the album are the blues rocker "Three Stripes on a Cadillac," banjo and mandolin-fueled "Ran So Hard the Sun Went Down," the harmonica-anchored "They Don't Want Me" and "Twelve String Mile," the latter a hypnotic original about a black man getting ready to be lynched. 

The album was produced by Taylor, with Joe Kessler as associate producer and Jessica Carson serving as executive producer. It was recorded and mixed by Paul McGowan and mastered by David Glasser. The album was recorded using Octave Records' state-of-the-art Pyramid Pure DSD system. Otis Taylor and the Electrics features Octave’s premium gold disc formulation, and the disc is playable on any SACD, CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player. It also has a high-resolution DSD layer that is accessible by using any SACD player or a PS Audio SACD transport. In addition, the master DSD and PCM files are available for purchase and download, including DSD 512, DSD 256, DSD 128, DSD 64, and DSDDirect Mastered 352.8 kHz/24-bit, 176.2 kHz/24-bit, 88.2 kHz/24-bit, and 44.1 kHz/24-bit PCM. (SRP: $29.) Information: otistaylor.com.

Artist: John Oates
Title: Oates (TBA)

You might like if you enjoy: Hall & Oates, Al Green, Lawrence, Devon Gilfillian

Tell me more: John Oates returned in 2025 with Oates, an extraordinary new album that marked his return to the soulful R&B-meets-pop sounds that helped rocket the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo Daryl Hall and John Oates to fame in the 1970s and '80s. Make no mistake; the tracks on Oates are every bit as expertly crafted and memorable as Hall & Oates' most beloved material. Among the stellar cuts on the 13-track disc are the breezy opener "Enough Is Enough" (featuring guest vocalists Clyde and Gracie Lawrence of the New York soul pop band Lawrence), the old school smooth soul gem "Real Thing Going On," the heartfelt "Mending" where he shares songwriting credit and lead vocals with soul singer Devon Gilfillian, Hall & Oates-flavored "A Ways Away," the intoxicating soul track "Pushin' a Rock," and an uptempo dance-minded run through Marc Cohn's 1991 hit "Walking In Memphis." Information: johnoates.com.

Artist: The Gold Needles
Title: Mood Elevator (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, The Byrds, The Kinks, Psychic Rain

Tell me more: Tapping into top-tier classic rock and power pop stylings, the Gold Needles' newly-issued Mood Elevator is definitely worth adding to your music library. The members of the gifted English quintet (Simon Dowson, lead vocals, guitar; Dave Burbage, lead guitar; Mark English, keyboards; Carl Slaughter, bass; Will Jones, drums) have found a commanding way to take their influences and make them into their own across a terrific 10-track disc. Among the absolutely great cuts on the album are the swirling rocker "Eleven Eleven," 1960s-mining ear candy "Pale Blue Silver Eyes," tuneful "Keep On Telling Me Why," power pop juggernaut "I'll Take My Chances," aptly-titled "Turns To Gold," evocative "Crescent Moon" and propulsive genre-blending album closer "Mood Elevator." Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artists: Bad Company, HARDY, The Pretty Reckless, Slash, more
Title: Can't Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company (Bad Company Tribute)

You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, Free, Def Leppard, Paul Rodgers

Tell me more: Bad Company's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 8, 2025 was wonderful for sure, but adding excitement to that occasion was the release of Can't Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company. The 10-track audio collection marks the first-ever tribute album to Bad Company; the title features contemporary and legendary artists from rock, country and Americana genres joining forces on original interpretations of the British rock supergroup's most beloved songs. An added bonus is how both Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke appear on several of the fresh cuts. The tribute features early standouts including HARDY's winning post-grunge take on "Ready For Love," Hailstorm's hard rocking "Shooting Star" featuring Rodgers, a terrific take on "Feel Like Makin' Love" courtesy of guitar great Slash along with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, a delightfully haunting "Run With The Pack" featuring Blackberry Smoke, Rodgers and drummer Brann Dailor. The diversity and ambition of the title continues across its last half via acclaimed country & soul artist Charley Crockett's soulful take on "Bad Company," Los Angeles outfit Dirty Honey's blues-rock treatment of "Rock Steady," and a terrific collaboration between Def Leppard members Joe Elliott (lead vocals) and Phil Collen (lead guitar) with Rodgers and Kirke on the poignant "Seagull." The collection closes out powerfully with The Pretty Reckless' fiery blues-rock drenched version of "All Right Now," a song originally recorded by Rodgers' early band Free in 1970. Information: BadCompany.com.

Robert Kinsler

 

Daryl Hall & John Oates finalize 2021 Tour Dates

 So nice to see major tours coming back in 2021! Among the upcoming dates on the tour is a stop at Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio (check out my review of the duo's wonderful performance there in 2014 HERE). Robert Kinsler 

Daryl Hall & John Oates Finalize  2021 Tour Dates Special Guests Squeeze And KT Tunstall To Support Tickets On-Sale Now at LiveNation.com HoagieNation Festival 2021 Set For August 7 In Philly;  Hollywood Bowl Set for October 1

Photo Credit: Mick Rock

(New York, NY - June 24, 2021): On February 28, 2020, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Daryl Hall & John Oates were looking ahead to a busy year. That evening they would play a sold out show at NYC’s Madison Square Garden, with a massive nationwide spring and summer tour set to launch the following month. But as March dawned, the world transformed, and within weeks their entire tour had been cancelled. Now, the best-selling duo in music history have rescheduled many of those shows, finalizing a twenty-five date tour produced by Live Nation, launching August 5 in Mansfield, MA, and including the HoagieNation Festival Presented by Daryl Hall and John Oates on August 7 in Philadelphia, an October 1 performance at the legendary Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, and much more. Special guests Squeeze and KT Tunstall, who were slated for the 2020 tour, will support in most markets. See below for a full list of dates. VIP and general tickets for the tour are available now at LiveNation.com “For a lot of our fans, we may have been the last ticket they bought before lockdown,” says Daryl Hall. “Now we want to be the first show they look forward to as the world reopens.” “The world needs live music and playing live has been an important part of my life,” adds John Oates. “The fans miss it and I miss it and it's going to be exciting and emotional to get back on tour again.”      ABOUT DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES Daryl Hall & John Oates are legends who continue to inspire today’s musical trailblazers. Their influence on multiple generations of musicians and songwriters is perhaps best summarized by SPIN who claimed “Hall and Oates are the new Velvet Underground.” On-the-record fans include: Cameron Crowe, Mark Ronson, Questlove, Adam Sandler, John Mayer, Booker T. Jones, Rob Thomas, Brandon Flowers, Amos Lee, Ben Gibbard and Nick Lowe. In 1987, the RIAA recognized Daryl Hall & John Oates as the number-one selling duo in music history, a record they hold to this day. In 2003, the legendary duo were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2008, they were honored at BMI’s Pop Awards with the Icon Award, and in 2014, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2016, they together received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.   ABOUT SQUEEZE Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford have been compared to Lennon and McCartney since “Take Me I’m Yours,” their first release in 1978, blasted the band into the forefront of the UK music scene. The legendary duo have since written all of their hits as well as recorded 15 studio albums, 14 compilation albums, four live albums, one extended play and 48 singles. Following their hits including “Tempted,” “Black Coffee in Bed,” “Hourglass,” “Cool For Cats”, “Up The Junction” and “Pulling Mussels From The Shell,” they established themselves as two of the most prolific songwriters of their time with each amassing a wealth of melody-rich earworms over the past four decades as both Squeeze and solo artists. They have also received an Ivor Novello award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music, the Nordoff-Robbins Icon Award and the Mojo Icon Award.   ABOUT KT TUNSTALL Singer-songwriter, KT Tunstall enchants and engages with every song, and that’s why she continues to resonate not only among fans, but throughout pop culture at large. Scotland born and now Los Angeles based, KT Tunstall emerged with her 2004 classic debut Eye To The Telescope spawning such international hits as “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and “Suddenly I See”, which won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song in 2006. That same year she won her first BRIT Award for Best British Female Artist, and earned Grammy and Mercury Prize nominations in 2007. KT has released six albums internationally, to date: Eye to the Telescope (2004), Drastic Fantastic (2007), Tiger Suit (2010), Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon(2013), KIN (2016) and WAX (2018), cementing her reputation as a major recording talent, as well as a mesmerizing live artist.   DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES 2021 TOUR DATES August 5 – Xfinity Center – Mansfield, MA *^ August 7 – HoagieNation – TD Pavilion at the Mann – Philadelphia, PA * August 9 – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Gilford, NH *^ August 11 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY *^ August 13 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ *^ August 15 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY *^ August 19 – Ruoff Music Center – Noblesville, IN *^ August 21 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI *^ August 23 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH *^ August 26 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Tinley Park, IL *^ August 28 – American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Milwaukee, WI *^ August 30 – Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul, MN *^ September 1 – Ball Arena – Denver, CO *^ September 18 – Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia, MD *^ September 20 – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre – Tampa, FL *^ September 22 – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, FL * September 24 – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre – Alpharetta, GA *^ September 26 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman – Woodlands, TX *^ September 28 – Dickies Arena – Fort Worth, TX *^ October 1 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA *^ November 6 – Fantasy Springs Resort Casino – Indio, CA November 9 – Maui Arts & Cultural Center – Kahului, HI November 13 – Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Honolulu, HI December 3 – Foxwoods – Mashantucket, CT December 4 – Foxwoods – Mashantucket, CT * w/ Squeeze ^ w/ KT Tunstall

Daryl Hall and John Oates: Website: https://www.hallandoates.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hallandoates Twitter: https://twitter.com/halloates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hallandoatesofficial/ About Live Nation Entertainment Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com

John Oates & The Good Road Band 'Live In Nashville' set for September 18, 2020 release

Check out details about John Oates & The Good Road Band's upcoming live album coming later this summer. And make sure to check out the great advance track "Anytime" - can't wait for this album! Robert Kinsler

John Oates & The Good Road Band ‘Live In Nashville’ Set For September 18th Release

Four new originals along with covers of Mississippi John Hurt, Jimmy Rogers, Don Gibson highlight second Thirty Tigers album

LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2020—Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Oates has had a home in Nashville for more than a decade, performing with some of the city’s most sought-after musicians. John’s Thirty Tigers debut, Arkansas, performed with The Good Road Band, was released in 2018, proving a critical and commercial success in the Americana and roots community, a combination of originals with classic songs popularized by Mississippi John Hurt, Jimmy Rodgers and Don Gibson.  After two-plus solid years of honing their chops through touring, that group – mandolin stalwart Sam Bush, pedal steel maestro Russ Pahl (Dan Auerbach), electric guitar whiz Guthrie Trapp, expert bassist Steve Mackay, cello prodigy Nate Smith (Kacey Musgraves) and drummer/percussionist extraordinaire Josh “Daddy” Day – returns intact for Live In Nashville, set for release on September 18 on all major digital streaming platforms. The set was recorded last January 9 at Station Inn, the legendary intimate listening room in The Gulch section of Nashville where the band first took shape.  “This album represents a full-circle moment for me,” said John, in quarantine with his family in his adopted Music City home. “It feels like the culmination of the Arkansas project, being able to bring these guys back, and to be able to make this record after touring and playing so many shows together.”  Inspired by Mississippi John Hurt, Live in Nashville features songs like the gospel-blues opener, “Lord Send Me,” the Delta blues of the standard “Stack o Lee” and an electrified take on “Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor,” dubbed “Pallet Soft and Low,” where John manages to show off some of his well-honed rock guitar skills. In yet another “full circle moment,” John pays tribute to his own childhood with a cover of Don Gibson’s “Oh Lonesome Me,” the first song he learned to sing and play on guitar as a six-year-old after hearing it on the radio. Several of the songs come with Oates’ own stories about the songs, connecting the dots as to their connections, including popular hits of the era like the Mississippi Sheiks’ 1930 success, “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” Emmett Miller’s 1924 breakthrough, “Anytime” and Jimmy Rogers’ 1932 classic, “Miss the Mississippi and You.”

Watch "Anytime" HERE

“I was always fascinated by this rural Americana Appalachian music, which opened the door for me to John Lee Hooker and other blues artists long before the British Invasion turned kids on to them. I always preferred the originals myself.”  Live in Nashville traces how country, blues and gospel bubbled up from Mississippi and New Orleans and landed in northern urban cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and New York. John describes the sound as, “Dixieland, dipped in bluegrass, and salted with Delta blues.”  “Something magical happened,” said John about his first time playing with The Good Road Band in the studio. “The thing you pray for, but so rarely achieve. My producer just said, ‘I don’t know what this is, John, but keep doing it because it’s cool.’”  Live in Nashville shows what they are capable of on any given night, and in lieu of being able to see them in concert, this is the next best thing. “This experience has made me a better player,” said John referring to what he's learned with his work in Daryl Hall and John Oates. “Playing with this caliber of musicians has really elevated my game and my ability to play guitar. As a musician, it helps me articulate what I need to do in a better way. I’m an improved singer, my vocal chops are stronger. For Daryl and I, our writing styles are totally predicated on how good we are as singers and musicians. I’ve been working my ass off. There’s nothing like touring to keep you sharp.”  Live in Nashville offers concrete proof of that.  Check out John Oates' official website for more details on the artist!

Daryl Hall and John Oates offer "You Make My Dreams" to Goldbergs' "Mister Knifey Hands" Halloween tribute on ABC-TV tonight

Anytime the music of Daryl Hall and John Oates is featured, it's a good thing. This media release caught my eye and since the episode airs tonight (Oct. 24, 2018), read on...

ROBERT ENGLUND RECREATES FREDDY KRUEGER TO MAKE THE GOLDBERGS’ EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ADAM F.

GOLDBERG’S “DREAM COME TRUE”

Daryl Hall, left, with John Oates.

In the upcoming “Mister Knifey Hands” episode of ABC-TV’s hit comedy the Goldbergs (Wednesday, October 24 at 8 p.m. EST), executive producer Adam F. Goldberg’s dream came true after securing Robert Englund to come out of retirement and resurrect his infamous Freddy Krueger role from “Nightmare on Elm Street.”

Goldberg then needed the perfect song from the 1980s to fit with his vision of incorporating Englund’s Krueger into a dream sequence that would terrify his on-screen smother, Beverly (Wendy McLendon-Covey), who, in her sleep, faces off with Krueger.

Hearing Daryl Hall and John Oates sing, ‘On a night when bad dreams become a screamer. When they’re messin’ with a dreamer,’ from their hit, “You Make My Dreams,” Goldberg knew he had a winner for this Halloween-tribute episode.

“Daryl Hall and John Oates were my favorite duo from my childhood,” said Goldberg. “Their songs dominated the 80s while I was growing up in suburban Philadelphia, also where both Daryl Hall and John Oates are from. This year, I had the amazing fortune of having Robert Englund agree to reprise his role of the legendary Freddy Krueger and I needed an iconic song to match up with the episode. ‘You Make My Dreams’ works perfectly into our storyline and is such a great way for me to pay homage to a duo that was a part of the soundtrack to my life.”

Taken from Daryl Hall and John Oates’ ninth studio album, Voices (1980), “You Make My Dreams” reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1981. The song is currently being used by the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL) during their home games in the 2018-19 season after every Leaf goal scored at the newly renamed Scotiabank Arena.

About Daryl Hall & John Oates

From the mid-'70s to the mid-'80s, the duo would score six #1 singles, including "Rich Girl" (also #1 R&B), "Kiss on My List," "Private Eyes," "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) (also #1 R&B), "Maneater" and "Out of Touch" from their six consecutive multi-platinum albums-'76's Bigger Than Both of Us, '80's Voices, '81's Private Eyes, '82's H2O, '83's Rock N Soul, Part Iand '84's Big Bam Boom. The era would also produce an additional 5 Top 10 singles, "Sara Smile," "One on One," "You Make My Dreams," "Say It Isn't So" and "Method of Modern Love." By 1987, the RIAA recognized Daryl Hall and John Oates as the NUMBER-ONE SELLING DUO in music history, a record they still hold today. In 2008, the duo was honored with BMI's Icon Award and in 2014 they were also honored with a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

The Goldbergs is an autobiography of executive producer Adam F. Goldberg’s experiences of growing up in a Philadelphia-suburban family in the 1980s. Goldberg often inserts recreations of his personal life into the show, including actual videos from his youth.

Adam F. Goldberg and Doug Robinson are executive producers. The episode is produced by Adam F. Goldberg Productions, Doug Robinson Productions, and Happy Madison in association with Sony Pictures Television.

For more information about “The Goldbergs,” visit abc.com/TheGoldbergs.

Follow The Goldbergs

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Hashtag: #TheGoldbergs

Daryl Hall & John Oates, Train and Kandace Springs bring rock 'n' soul to Honda Center in Anaheim

File photo of Daryl Hall, left, and John Oates.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

A night of feel good rock 'n' soul delivered via two established hit makers and one rising newcomer made for a full night of fun at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Sunday night (May 6, 2018).

Performing a 90+ minute set stacked with audience favorites, Daryl Hall & John Oates delighted the Honda Center from the moment they took the stage, opening with the infectious "Maneater." Backed by a terrific six-member band, the famed duo offered their parade of hits with versions that were at times mostly-faithful to the radio versions but more often provided extended and playful extended takes bolstered by the instrumental firepower of the musicians on stage. So with "Maneater," an early standout was a dueling lead solos between Oates on electric guitar and long-time sax player Charles DeChant.

File photo of John Oates, left, with sax player Charles
DeChant. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The lush vocal harmonies and more intricate guitar work and Hall's obvious talents as a soulful vocalist enhanced "Out of Touch." An especially potent version of the duo's 1983 hit "Say It Isn't So" featured some of Hall's most affecting lead vocals of the night; the track ended with an artful blend of Hall, Oates and Shane Theriot all offering up lead guitar work together.

A wide view of Daryl Hall & John Oates show during the
performance of "She's Gone" on May 6, 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Material spanning from the early '70s to 2018 was featured this night. The duo's delightful cover of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" (recorded by Hall & Oates in 1980) with both singers sharing lead vocal duties, and "She's Gone" (originally featured on the 1973 album Abandoned Luncheonette) were other early highlights of their set.

Reaching beyond their biggest hits, the duo reached back to their third album (1974's War Babies) to perform the rousing jazz-meets-rock track "Is It a Star?" Featuring all kinds of cool atmospheric guitar work and smooth sax textures, it was a definite sharp addition to the set list.

One of the things that has really set this summer tour apart was how Hall & Oates have really embraced the spirit of Hall's "Live from Daryl's House" TV series in the concert setting. Train's Pat Monahan (a previous guest on the popular series in 2010) joined the duo onstage for a mini-set that was an audience favorite. 

Recent file photo of Daryl Hall.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Kicking off this mini-set with their recent collaboration "Philly Forget Me Not," the single was even more impressive live with the mix of vocals than on the new recording. Next came the beautiful "Wait For Me," a lovely ballad featuring Monahan and Hall sharing lead vocals, with Hall's work on the grand piano anchoring the song. Finally, Hall introduced "Calling All Angels" acknowledging it as one of his favorite Train songs. The selection was powerful, complete with the sharing of voices and big choruses (locals love the song; "Calling All Angels" is played with a video montage of key moments in the team's history before every home game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim).

Then it was Hall & Oates and company in the limelight for several of their biggest hits including the dance-minded "Kiss On My List" and equally catchy "Private Eyes." The encore provided more highlights ("Rich Girl," "You Make My Dreams") for the enthusiastic audience.

Train performing "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" at Honda Center.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Train opened for Hall & Oates with a 65-minute set featuring some of the band's greatest hits, a forthcoming single ("Call Me Sir") and a faithful cover of Led Zeppelin's "Living Loving Maid (She's Just a Woman)." Among the best performances was the rollicking old-styled rocker "Save Me San Francisco, breezy folk rocker "Angel in Blue Jeans" and "Meet Virginia." Train closed out their set with the propulsive dance-rock track "Drive By" and introspective "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)."

Opening the night was rising singer-songwriter-keyboardist Kandace Springs, who blended R&B, jazz, pop and soul over 30 minutes. A guest on "Live from Daryl's House" in 2015, Springs delivered an impressive set of material where she was backed by a drummer and bass player. In addition to her own soulful songs, she offered up poignant covers of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" and Roberta Flack's "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." Learn more about Springs at her official site.


Daryl Hall & John Oates and Train are on tour now through the summer. For more information, visit the official Hall & Oates website here.

Review by Robert Kinsler

Inbox Update: "YACHT ROCK: The Oral History of the Soft, Smooth, Sounds of the 70's and 80's" coming March 6, 2018

‘It’s amazing that this style came to be. Can you imagine being a struggling musician back then? It must take an incredible amount of restraint to play that gently.’–

Actor/comedian Fred Armisen, from his foreword

The first-ever book that tells the full story of the genre of music you know you love!

Featuring interviews with many of the heavy hitters of the genre, including John Oates, Kenny Loggins, and Don

Felder, The Yacht Rock Book leaves no sail unturned. This is the definitive story of the genre’s creation, rise, chart-smashing success, fall, and stunning rebirth.

Just what is ‘yacht rock,’ you ask? Perhaps the easiest description is music that would not sound out of place being played while carousing aboard a yacht back in the good old days. But these songs were also some of the top pop gems of the 1970s and ‘80s. And while some associate yacht rock’s biggest songs with one-hit wonder artists, several of rock’s most renowned artists fall under this category, too – including Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Toto, and more. Yacht rock seemed to have become extinct by the early twenty-first century … until a comedic video series, simply titled Yacht Rock, went viral and introduced captain’s hats and blazers to a whole new generation – as well as the emergence of a popular cover band, the Yacht Rock Revue, and of course, Jimmy Fallon’s on-air admiration of all things yacht rock. Now, yacht rock is one of the most celebrated ‘yesteryear’ styles of pop music, and has resonated with a new generation of musicians (including the Fred Armisen/Bill Hader-led Blue Jean Committee and soul/funk/electronica crossover act Thundercat).

THE YACHT ROCK BOOK: The Oral History of the Soft, Smooth, Sounds of the 70’s and 80’s

By Greg Prato

On-Sale March 6, 2018

Published by Jawbone Press

Paperback, 320 pages with 20 color & b/w photos

ISBN: 9781911036296

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.