New Music: Joni Mitchell, Blur, Greta Van Fleet, Arthur Alexander

Discerning music fans are in luck! Legendary songstress Joni Mitchell, Britpop pioneers Blur, rising hard rock greats Greta Van Fleet and celebrated singer-songwriter Arthur Alexander have returned with highly-anticipated new albums.

Artist: Joni Mitchell
Title: Joni Mitchell At Newport — Featuring the Joni Jam (Rhino Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Dawes
Tell me more: On July 24, 2022, Joni Mitchell surprised the Newport Folk Festival audience when she gave a surprise performance, her first in 20 years; that appearance also marked the singer-songwriter's return to the Newport stage for the first time since 1969! Now that already-legendary appearance will be released by Rhino Records as a live album on Friday, July 28, 2023 (Joni Mitchell At Newport — Featuring the Joni Jam). Supported by an illustrious group of guest musicians, Mitchell — who had suffered a brain aneurysm rupture in March 2015 and had been undergoing physical therapy and rehabilitation leading up to her 2022 performance — participated in a set of her own material and covers. The audio recording captured as part of a set billed as "Brandi Carlile and Friends" a year ago is poignant and historic. From Brandi Carlile's heartfelt introduction and the rousing opener "Big Yellow Taxi" to the joyful close (the inviting sing-along "The Circle Game"), the magic on the recording is genuinely palpable. A melancholic take on "Both Sides Now," stunning piano-anchored "A Case of You," the electric guitar-anchored instrumental "Just Like This Train" featuring Mitchell's distinctive fret work and literate "Amelia" (the latter featuring vocal interplay with Dawes singer Taylor Goldsmith) are early highlights on the title. Other standouts including the buoyant "Carey," luxurious "Come In From The Cold" and moving "Shine."  Among the guests who appear on the live recording with Mitchell include guitarist Tim Hanseroth (guitar, dulcimer), Celisse (guitar, vocals), Ben Lusher (piano), Marcus Mumford (percussion, vocals) and Rick Whitfield (guitar). Co-produced by Carlile and Mitchell, Joni Mitchell At Newport will be released on audio CD, 2-LP black vinyl, on digital and streaming services as well as Dolby Atmos on July 28. Information: JoniMitchell.com.

Artist: Blur
Title: The Ballad of Darren (Warner Records/Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Beck, David Bowie
Tell me more: The Ballad of Darren is the ninth studio album from Blur, and marks the Britpop favorite's first new studio album since 2015's The Magic Whip. The new album finds the English outfit (singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree) using stellar songcraft as they explore midlife with incredible depth and confessional candor. The diverse track listing is filled with originals that entice with a single listen; the inclusion of experimental touches layered atop melodic rock works its wonders magically on the disc. The reflective opener "The Ballad," infectious "The Narcissist" with its explosive finale, edgy "St. Charles Square," wistful "Russian Strings," Baroque pop sortie "The Everglades (For Leonard)" and melancholy-draped "The Heights" are among the amazing songs on this eagerly-awaited return. The Ballad of Darren is available on streaming services, as well as via audio CD and vinyl. Blur will also perform The Ballad of Darren in its entirety via a global livestream event on Tuesday, July 25. Information: blur.co.uk.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet
Title: Starcatcher (Lave Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Heart
Tell me more: Listening to Greta Van Fleet's third album Starcatcher is to hear how a talented young quartet from Frankenmuth, Michigan have rekindled and captured the magic of '70s rock with an otherworldly and masterful touch. The new 10-track album Starcatcher provides a joyful listen while the outfit explores the duality of fantasy versus reality and the dramatic divide between light and darkness. "We wanted to introduce characters and motifs and these ideas that would come about here and there throughout our careers through this world," notes band drummer Danny Wagner in press notes related to the album's release on July 21. Singer Josh Kiszka has a distinctive tenor able to reach incredible heights while also bringing an ardent vocal artistry only enhanced by the collective virtuoso chops of guitarist Jake Kiszka, bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka and Wagner. The acoustic power ballad "Farewell For Now," the fiery rocker "The Falling Sky," soaring "Sacred The Thread," riff rocker "Frozen Light" and ambitious "Meeting The Master" are among the great cuts on the album. Recorded at RCA Studios in Nashville, Greta Van Fleet utilized a large recording room to capture the pure energy of their concert performances. Information: gretavanfleet.com.

Artist: Arthur Alexander
Title: One Life (Is All You Got) (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Knack, Cheap Trick, Sorrows
Tell me more: Steppin' Out! marks the glorious return of singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Arthur Alexander, a true musical great who got his start as a "rebel rocker in Soviet-era Poland" before helping elevate power pop in New York City as a member of Sorrows and the Poppees. Steppin' Out! is a joyful listen across its 13 tracks, somehow capturing elements of pop and rock greats from the '60s, '70s and '80s and using those elements to forge Alexander's own signature sound. The album opens with the hard charging single "Woman," a 2 and a half minute blast that blends the best of '60s garage rock and Cheap Trick-styled power pop. The album's strengths continue via a decidedly far-flung mix of great songs; the lovely "It's Not Love Anymore #2" mines '60s rock while showcasing Alexander's original voice as a singer and songwriter — that track is bolstered by Brian Connie's sharp harmonica work and how that plays out amidst the dazzling guitar work of Kevin Keller and Alexander. The modern rocker "(She's A) Red Hot Lover," bewitching "Ashes," crunchy "Why Can't You Come," synth pop gem "A Little Too Much," shimmering "Silver Cloud" and melodic folk rocker "Fly Away" are among the many other fantastic songs on the 13-track album. The album is available on vinyl (in separate black and red versions), as well as via audio CD and on all streaming services. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Greta Van Fleet announces new single - listen now!

Nice to hear some more more new music from rising rockers Greta Van Fleet...Robert Kinsler

GRETA VAN FLEET ANNOUNCES  RADIANT NEW SINGLE, "HEAT ABOVE" LISTEN NOW Full Tracklist Revealed for Upcoming Album The Battle at Garden's Gate, due out April 16, 2021

L-R:  Sam Kiszka, Josh Kiszka, Jake Kiszka, Danny Wagner Photo Credit:  Alysse Gafkjen LOS ANGELES, CA - Hot on the heels of "My Way, Soon," the band's fifth #1 single at rock radio, GRAMMY-winning rock band Greta Van Fleet today announces a dazzling new single, "Heat Above."  It is the third track released from the band's forthcoming sophomore studio album, The Battle at Garden's Gate, produced by Greg Kurstin (Paul McCartney, Foo Fighters, Adele) and due out April 16 (Lava/Republic Records).  "Heat Above" is an ethereal track that opens with a Hammond B3 seeping in slowly to set the tone for a triumphant sonic build.  You can listen to the song HERE. The band first debuted the song with Zane Lowe on "The Zane Lowe Show" via Apple Music 1 in an interview where they discussed what it was like to work with a new producer, the personal growth they've seen over the last three years, and where in the world they've been in the extended downtime away from touring.  In addition, they are the featured artist on New Music Daily on Apple Music today. The band's upcoming album, The Battle at Garden's Gate, is a reflection of their journey into the present.  With string orchestras, explorative songs, and the band building a visual story with every track, it has an elevated elegance unseen yet from the young band.  It explores the boundaries of the group's artistry, with physical copies of the record featuring a stunning 16-page booklet full of mythical, transcendent visuals and metaphysical symbols for each track. "Heat Above" Single Art In three years, Greta Van Fleet - Josh Kiszka/vocals, Jake Kiszka/guitars, Sam Kiszka/bass & keys, and Danny Wagner/drums - went from touring the grimy rock bars of Detroit and Saginaw to headlining shows on five continents with audiences triple their hometown's population.  The band that once attracted crowds of teens to improvised forest concerts, have now sold over one million tickets worldwide. The twelve songs and symbols on The Battle at Garden's Gate were revealed this week and touch upon themes of freedom, self-empowerment, power in community, and respect for Mother Earth.   The Battle of Garden's Gate Album Cover Art   Complete track-listing: 1.  Heat Above 2.  My Way, Soon 3.  Broken Bells 4.  Built by Nations 5.  Age of Machine 6.  Tears of Rain 7.  Stardust Chords 8.  Light My Love 9.  Caravel 10. The Barbarians 11. Trip the Light Fantastic 12. The Weight of Dreams

Greta Van Fleet Official Website

Greta Van Fleet + New Single, Music Video: "My Way, Soon"

Greta Van Fleet is back!

GRETA VAN FLEET RETURNS WITH A

JOYOUS NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO, "MY WAY, SOON"

"This song was inspired by what three years of touring did by opening so many doorways.  This is my truth, how I feel about all of our travels, but I know it echoes the experiences and changes of perspectives for Jake, Sam, and Danny as well." - Josh Kiszka

LOS ANGELES, CA - Friday, October 9, 2020 - Today, Greta Van Fleet releases its first new song in more than a year, "My Way, Soon" (Lava/Republic Records.)  The song is a liberating and jubilant track that celebrates and reflects the band's personal transformation over the past three years.  Also released is the track's companion music video, which was shot, edited, and directed by the band.  Go HERE to check out "My Way, Soon."

L-R:  Danny Wagner, Jake Kiszka, Josh Kiszka, Sam Kiszka
Photo Credit:  Matthew Daniel Siskin

When Greta Van Fleet released  "Highway Tune" in March of 2017, a song that they wrote in their parent's garage before any of them had turned 18, they had no idea the change it would bring to their lives.  The song would go on to become an international hit and Top 

Billboard's Mainstream Rock Singles chart.   "Highway Tune" would be followed by three more consecutive #1 singles, a debut album that entered Billboard's

 Top Rock Albums and Top Album Sales charts at #1, a Grammy Award for "Best Rock Album," appearances on "The Tonight Show" and "Saturday Night Live," a Gold-certified debut album, an overflow crowd at their Coachella debut, a personal phone call from Elton John inviting them to perform at his Academy Awards Viewing Party, and most consequentially, 246 sold-out tour dates in 13 countries over five continents.

 

The four Greta Van Fleet band members - Josh and his twin brother Jake Kiszka (guitars), younger brother Sam (bass, keyboards), and long-time family friend Danny Wagner (drums) - were still under the legal drinking age, and two of them hadn't yet graduated from high school.  However, within a few months, they left their safe and familiar family homes in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and entered a whole new - and entirely unanticipated - whirlwind of a world.  A world where they would learn and grow beyond their wildest imagination.

 

As Danny explains, "The definition of 'normal' has very much broadened over the past couple of years, and it has affected us as musicians, especially in the writing and recording of this new album.  We realized that while growing up, we had been shielded by a lot of things, we were unaware of a lot of things.  And then we were thrown out into this huge world, and it was a bit of a culture shock at first."

 

"We've seen how people live in different parts of the world," added Sam, "and we've developed intrinsic respect for different cultures and people.  We've gone from driving down a highway to a show and seeing endless miles of shantytowns in Sao Paulo, to playing some of the richest places on earth." 

 

Added Jake, "The more we've seen - different cultures, people, and traditions - we've also seen a similarity between ourselves and these different cultures.  It surprises me how similar we all are."  

Greta Van Fleet Official Website

Greta Van Fleet, Queen, Ace Frehley shine on new collections

The jaw-dropping full-length debut from Greta Van Fleet, the Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack featuring Queen, and solid return from former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley were all released on October 19.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet
Title: Anthem Of The Peaceful Army (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Bad Company
Tell me more: While many classic rock fans cling to the hope of a Led Zeppelin reunion they are sadly missing out on the emergence of that band's mind-blowing musical descendant Greta Van Fleet. Since emerging with its breakout single "Highway Tune" in March 2017, Greta Van Fleet has been conjuring up an explosive sound blending the best of Led Zep with their own 21st century creative instincts — all leading up to the terrific new album Anthem Of The Peaceful Army released on Oct. 20. "The Cold Wind" is a stylish rocker wrapped up with an undeniable groove. The ambitious "Watching Over" feels like a rock ballad, but only briefly, before it builds to a majestic mid-tempo gait highlighted by Jake Kiszka's stellar guitar work and singer Josh Kiszka's inviting wails. The troupe can also scale back as evidenced by the acoustic-flavored "You're The One" with its warm choruses and sweet embrace. This writer's favorite track is "Brave New World," which sounds nothing like any of the band's '70s influences. A song that is both heavy and melodic "Brave New World" is bolstered by a nuanced musical soundscape featuring an intoxicating rhythm, artful guitar playing and singer Josh Kiszka's otherworldly vocals. Armed with skills as top-tier songwriters and musicians, Greta Van Fleet's mesmerizing Anthem Of The Peaceful Army is an incredible work whose power is both obvious and rare. The Michigan-spawned quartet's authentic rock 'n' roll attitude doesn't hurt either. Information: GretaVanFleet.com.

Artist: Queen
Title: Bohemian Rhapsody (Hollywood Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Queen
Tell me more: One of rock's greatest and most creative artists, Queen's well-deserved legacy is celebrated across the newly-released Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack. In addition to 11 number 1 hits, the 22-track collection features a mix of deep album cuts and live recordings. The lush prog rock-flavored "Doing All Right" (recorded when the group was known as Smile and featured vocalist Tim Staffell prior to the founding of Queen with Freddie Mercury), a fiery live recording of "Keep Yourself Alive" (featuring Brian May's guitar playing and a cool Roger Taylor drum mini-solo), a blistering "Fat Bottomed Girls" performed in Paris in 1979, and a moving "Love of My Life" recorded at the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil in January 1985 (with an audience of 300,000 singing along) are among the rarities on display. The release is highlighted by the inclusion of the audio from the band's complete Live Aid performance at Wembley in July 1985. That 21-minute set — "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Radio Ga Ga," "Hammer To Fall" and "We Are The Champions" — is widely viewed as one of the most memorable live performances ever. I can't wait to catch the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" when it opens in theaters on Nov. 2. Information: QueenOnline.com.

Artist: Ace Frehley
Title: Spaceman (Entertainment One)
You might like if you enjoy: KISS, Ace Frehley, Ozzy Osbourne
Tell me more: Fans of early KISS know that lead guitarist Ace Frehley was essential to the power of the band's best-known rockers. Now Frehley is back with Spaceman, his third solo LP in four years. The good news for fans of the brash, bar chord crunch of
'70s KISS is that Frehley has found plenty of new sonic pay dirt in that classic rock style across the new nine-track disc. "Without You I'm Nothing" is a hypnotic rocker with Frehley's flashy lead guitar front and center. Frehley also displays his finesse on his electric guitar via the tuneful "Your Wish Is My Command," the autobiographical "Bronx Boy" and hard-charging anthem "Pursuit of Rock and Roll." "Rocking With The Boys" comes closest to conjuring up the musical ghost of vintage KISS while elsewhere Frehley showcases his growth as an artist, particularly on an inspired reworking of Eddie Money's confessional "I Wanna Go Back" and his own cosmic "Mission To Mars." Frehley closes out the fast-moving LP with the amazing instrumental "Quantum Flux," a wonderful mix of folk rock and electric guitar prowess. Information: AceFrehley.com. 



Robert Kinsler