This week: 'Nuggets' all-star tribute via Lenny Kaye, Wild Honey Foundation and Rhino Records, May 19 in Glendale, Calif.

Looking for a great way to spend this Friday? Check out this event coming to Glendale, CA...Robert Kinsler

WILD HONEY FOUNDATION, LENNY KAYE  AND RHINO RECORDS PRESENT  NUGGETS: ORIGINAL ARTYFACTS FROM THE FIRST PSYCHEDELIC ERA, 1965–1968:A 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION    Live benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative Friday, May 19th, 2023, 8 p.m. at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif.    Guest performers include: Our host and guitarist Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Band), Susanna Hoffs, Peter Buck (R.E.M.), “Weird Al” Yankovic, Mike Peters (The Alarm), Elliot Easton (Cars), Johnny Echols (Love), James Lowe (Electric Prunes), The Count Five, Jim Pons (the Leaves), David Aguilar (Chocolate Watchband), Billy Vera, Ron Dante, The Three O’Clock, Evie Sands, Peter Zaremba (Fleshtones), Peter Case, Carla Olson, Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go’s),  Tom Kenny (Sponge Bob), and more!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — To celebrate the 50th Anniversary the release of the classic compilation Nuggets: Original Artyfacts From the First Psychedelic Era, 1965-1968, benefit concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation, original curator Lenny Kaye, and Rhino Records will present a live performance of songs from legendary LP and bonus material from the era as a benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, will take place Friday, May 19, 2023 at 8 p.m., at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif. The Wild Honey Orchestra Nuggets All-Star Band will include Lenny Kaye, Rob Laufer, Andrew Sandoval, Darian Sahanaja, Debbie Shair, Alec Palao, Jim Laspesa, Nick Vincent, Willie Aron, Jordan Summers, David Nolte, Robbie Scharf, Nelson Bragg, and Derrick Anderson. Led by Kaye, Laufer and Sandoval, this crack ensemble will deliver a tight but appropriately gritty backing for a hugely talented ensemble of guest performers including originals Jim Pons (The Leaves), James Lowe (Electric Prunes), The Count Five, David Aguilar (Chocolate Watchband), and Daryl Hooper (The Seeds). With well-timed guest stints by guitar legends like Elliot Easton (The Cars), Johnny Echols (Love), and Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and more, this will be rousing exploration of mid-‘60s garage and early psychedelia. Also appearing: "Weird Al' Yankovic, Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles), Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go's), Peter Case, Mike Peters (The Alarm), Billy Vera, Ron Dante, Peter Zaremba (The Fleshtones), Cindy Lee Berryhill, Evie Sands, Tom Kenny (Sponge Bob), Carla Olson, The Three O'Clock, and more. Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era is the influential 1972 compilation album of American psychedelic and garage-rock singles that were released during the mid-to-late 1960s. Curated by legendary Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Band guitarist since the early 70’s), the original Nuggets’ liner notes contained one of one of the first mentions of the phrase “punk rock.”  The Nuggets series has influenced many generations of rockers from the Ramones to the Lemon Twigs. With Rhino Records releasing a limited Record Store Day version this spring, Nuggets continues to influence young bands across the globe with its visceral garage/psychedelic power with songs like “Gloria,” “96 Tears,” “I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night,” “Psychotic Reaction,” “Pushin’ Too Hard,” “Dirty Water,” “7 and 7 Is,” and over 20 more! The show will benefit the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, an internationally recognized non-profit organization committed to facilitating the medical and psychosocial stabilization of individuals and families living with autism. The Autism Healthcare Collaborative provides a multidisciplinary team approach to the identification and treatment of the complicated medical comorbidities of autism by connecting medical experts to families and physicians around the world through medical videoconferencing.   AHC offers innovative solutions for individuals with autism, across the spectrum and throughout their lifetime, through comprehensive case management, community outreach, advocacy, and education. https://www.autismhc.org/ About the Wild Honey Foundation Since 1994, Wild Honey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, has produced concerts, film screenings, online fundraisers, and live stream events to benefit autism treatment/research and members of the music community in need. Founded and led by Paul Rock, David Jenkins, and Andrew Sandoval, Wild Honey is a grassroots, volunteer organization dedicated to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, rhythm & blues, folk, classical, and pop music to future generations through cultural events of all types.  For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/   Email: Wildhoneyfoundation@yahoo.com                                                                    # # #

New Music: Albums shine a light on diverse sounds

Several outstanding reissues and a terrific new album are worth exploring this week.

Artist: The Go-Go's

Title: God Bless The Go-Go's (Eagle Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Go-Go's, Belinda Carlisle

Tell me more: God Bless the Go-Go's, the Los Angeles' quintet's 2001 reunion album has just been released as a must-own deluxe edition. Celebrated in connection with its 20th anniversary, God Bless the Go-Go's has been reissued on CD, vinyl and digital formats via Eagle Records. This is the first time the original album version of the album is available on LP (pressed on 140-gram, blue colored vinyl). The deluxe CD and digital versions feature new cover art and both include two bonus tracks. The album fully captures the power and magic of the Go-Go's' groundbreaking 1981 debut Beauty and the Beat. The driving "Unforgiven" (featuring guest Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day), "Stuck In My Car" and "Automatic Rainy Day" display a flair for melody and power pop without abandoning the group's punk roots. Equally potent are the tuneful mid-tempo confessionals "Apology," "Vision of Nowness" and "Insincere" as well as the shimmering ballad "Here You Are." The two winning bonus tracks – the straightforward rocker "I Think I Need Sleep" and melodic "King of Confusion" – definitely make this collection worth adding to your collection. Here is one fan happy to hear that singer Belinda Carlisle, lead guitarist Charlotte Caffey, singer-guitarist Jane Wiedlin, bassist Kathy Valentine and drummer Gina Schock are set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2021 on Oct. 30. Information: gogos.com.

Artist: The Palace Guard

Title: All Night Long: An Anthology, 1965-1967 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Animals, 1960s rock, the Kingsmen

Tell me more: The explosive sound of '60s garage rock is captured across the outstanding new compilation All Night Long: An Anthology, 1965-1967 featuring the Palace Guard. Although poor management ultimately dimmed The Palace Guard's prospects for widespread acclaim, the Hawthorne, CA-based troupe did have enough regional success in Southern California to record enough great material to fill a disc. There are rousing rockers – notably the opener "All Night Long" along with "Falling Sugar," "Oh Blue (The Way I Feel Tonight)," "Saturday's Child" and "Party Lights" – which collectively capture the spirit of the era. Just as impressive are the wistful mid-tempo rock cuts showcasing the band's wonderful vocals ("Playgirl," "A Girl You Can Depend On," "If You Need Me" and more). The psychedelia-styled "Greed" is another true gem on the set. The Palace Guard featured brothers Don, John and David Beaudoin, their roommate Mike Conley, drummer Emitt Rhodes (who subsequently enjoyed success with Merry Go Round and a solo career), bass guitarist Rick Moser and lead guitarist Chuck McClung; Terry Rae replaced Rhodes in 1966 while Teddy Rooney replaced Moser in early 1967. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Weezer

Title: Van Weezer (Atlantic / Crush)

You might like if you enjoy: Weezer, 1970s and '80s hard rock

Tell me more: Weezer explores their adolescent influences along with an appreciation of the electric guitar on their fifteenth album Van Weezer which has its obvious roots in the band's early love affair with melodic hard rock of the 1970s and '80s. Weezer (singer-songwriter-guitarist Rivers Cuomo, guitarist Brian Bell, drummer Pat Wilson and bassist Scott Shriner) conjures up the days of Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake to deliver a batch of instantly-likable tracks. Take "Blue Dream" – which sonically echoes Osbourne's 1980 classic "Crazy Train" – Weezer blend their signature melodic sheen with plenty of guitar-anchored hard rock attack. "The End of the Game" with its hammering guitar intro and in-the-pocket crunchy verses evokes hits by Whitesnake and 38 Special. Even while cranking up the guitars the band's melodic sense rules the day; the head-banging "1 More Hit" is bolstered by a vocals-heavy chorus and a wicked mid-song heavy metal break while "I Need Some of That" is equally strong with an undeniable chorus and tuneful guitar lines. Elsewhere, Weezer's own distinctive style is showcased on several of the disc's best cuts; "All the Good Ones" recalls the sound of their 2005 favorite "Beverly Hills" while "Sheila Can Do It" mirrors Weezer's mid-90s power pop-meets-indie rock approach. Always eager to surprise, Weezer closes with the gentle acoustic ballad "Precious Metal Girl." Information: Weezer.com.

Artists: Steve Goodman

Title: It Sure Looked Good on Paper: The Steve Goodman Demos (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Steve Goodman, John Denver, Don McLean

Tell me more: Blessed with a terrific voice and equally impressive talents as a top-tier songwriter and acoustic guitar player, Steve Goodman sadly lost his battle with leukemia at the age of 36 in 1984 – before the Chicago native could be acknowledged beyond the small and dedicated group of artists and fans who recognized his greatness during his lifetime. Los Angeles' Omnivore Recordings has gone a long way over the past several years to reintroduce Goodman to a wider audience of discerning followers; the newly-issued It Sure Looked Good on Paper: The Steve Goodman Demos is packed with 20 previously-unissued recordings that include both solo acoustic and band demos. The range and depth of the material is truly impressive; an uptempo run through his beloved original "City Of New Orleans," winning Gram Parsons-flavored decree "Eight Ball Blues," romantic "Would You Like To Learn To Dance" and "Yellow Coat," countrified standout "You Never Even Call Me By My Name" co-written with John Prine (and a 1975 hit for David Allan Coe), melancholic "Song For David" and lovely closer "The Water Is Wide." The collection features restoration and mastering by Grammy Award-winning engineer Michael Graves, who has again teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Cheryl Pawelski (who compiled this 20-track collection) to add another important chapter in celebrating the work of Goodman's legacy. Available via audio CD and gatefold double LP, the release features new liner notes by Lee Zimmerman and photos from the Goodman family archive. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: John Linnell

Title: State Songs (Craft Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: They Might Be Giants, Fountains of Wayne

Tell me more: An expanded digital edition of John Linnell's 1999 cult classic State Songs has just been released via Craft Recordings. One half of groundbreaking outfit They Might Be Giants (along with John Flansburgh), Linnell introduced "State Songs" via a five-song EP issued in 1994; five years late a full-length album was released on audio CD by Zoë/Rounder Records. More than two decades after its creation, "State Songs" remains a fun and fascinating listen with a vast array of far-flung instruments, wide-ranging musical styles and smart lyrics fused together into something special. The instrumental carousel-flavored "Illinois," power-pop gem "The Songs of the Fifty States," sly "West Virginia," buoyant "South Carolina,"glorious "Montana" and Americana art damage cut "Pennsylvania" are among the early standouts on the timeless collection. Just as inviting are the genre-defying "Utah," lovely "Arkansas," swirling "Maine" and the catchy bonus track "Louisiana" (the latter initially released as a B-side on the 1999 vinyl single of "Montana" - a collectible die-cut record in the shape of the USA). For those who love "State Songs" the additional good news is that Linnell is readying his next solo release, "Roman Songs"; that forthcoming EP is reportedly made up of songs written entirely in Latin. Information: CraftRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: 'The Go-Go's' documentary, The Band, Brigitte DeMeyer & Will Kimbrough, Beth Lee

The legacy of groundbreaking artists the Go-Go's and The Band, as well as exceptional studio albums from emerging duo Brigitte DeMeyer and Will Kimbrough, and Austin songstress Beth Lee are worth exploring.

Artist: The Go-Go's

Title: The Go-Go's (Mercury Studios / Eagle Rock)

You might like if you enjoy: The Go-Go's, Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin

Tell me more: Released via digital formats on Feb. 5, "The Go-Go's" is a compelling and satisfying documentary revisiting the story of the seminal all-female band that topped the charts in the early '80s. Directed by Alison Ellwood, "The Go-Go's" does an excellent job of chronicling the band's rise as a punk-rock outfit and their authentic movement into a more talented pop-rock territory. There are archival photos and early video of the women performing in the late 1970s and modern-day interviews that deal with the highs and lows of the collective featuring singer Belinda Carlisle, lead guitarist Charlotte Caffey, drummer Gina Schock, bassist Kathy Valentine and rhythm guitarist Jane Wiedlin.  Early in the film one of the band members notes how in the span of only a year singer the Go-Go's went from playing "dive bars to playing Madison Square Garden." Indeed, the Los Angeles-spawned band's 1981 debut Beauty and the Beat paved the way for many groups. The documentary is compelling in its ability to tap into the affecting moments such as when there was tension among members, and when the band initially broke up in 1985. "We didn't speak to each other for five years after that," recalls Caffey of that painful chapter. The documentary completes its run with a look at a 2019 reunion and the release of the group's first new song in 19 years, the infectious "Club Zero." Information: mercurystudios.co.

The Band's 'Stage Fright (50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition)' is being released on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021.

Artist: The Band

Title: Stage Fright (50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition) (Capitol/UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: The Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Flying Burrito Brothers

Tell me more: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame outfit The Band rose to fame in the late 1960s with a groundbreaking mix of folk, rock, country soul, R&B and jazz. On Friday, Feb. 12, the Canadian-American quintet's third full-length album Stage Fright will be released via several newly remixed, remastered and expanded 50th anniversary editions. The quality and richness of the remastered tracks is only equaled by the strength of the troupe's timeless songs and inspired performances. The loose "The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show," rollicking "The Shape I'm In," gorgeous "Daniel and the Sacred Harp" and arresting "Stage Fright" are among the early nuggets on the album. The Americana-styled rocker "Time To Kill," sweeping "Just Another Whistle Stop," gentle "All La Glory" and rowdy "Strawberry Wine" are late album standouts. Bonus tracks include alternate mixes of "Strawberry Wine" and "Sleeping." All of the editions were overseen by principal songwriter Robbie Robertson and feature a new stereo mix by Bob Clearmountain from the original multi-track master tapes. Additionally, "Stage Fright" is presented in the originally-planned song order. Other features of this 50th anniversary title include a slew of raw Calgary Hotel Recordings" captured in 1970 and an outstanding previously-unissued "Live at the Royal Albert Hall, June 1971" concert performance (which features "Stage Fright" songs along with favorites such as "The Weight," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up On Cripple Creek"). Listening to this essential collection is to be reminded how enduring The Band's sound remains. Information: amazon.com.

Artist: Brigitte DeMeyer and Will Kimbrough

Title: Mockingbird Soul (BDM Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Civil Wars, Larkin Poe, Bright Blue Gorilla 

Tell me more: On their first official full-length collaboration Mockingbird Soul, Brigitte DeMeyer and Will Kimbrough display how their individual talents as singers, songwriters and instrumentalists take on even greater resonance when they join forces. Mockingbird Soul is set in a sonic sphere rooted in blues, Americana and Southern soul, layered with their beautiful voices. The span of material extends from the shimmering vocals-drenched "Everything" and "Little Easy" to the bluegrass-mining "Running Round" and soul-meets-blues title track. The Nashville-based duo strike musical pay dirt with every offering on the album, creating a mesmerizing listen via a dozen songs that are uniformly literate and beautiful. EDITOR'S NOTE: This album was released two years ago, but I just recently discovered it in my overwhelmed music library! Information: brigittedemeyer.com and willkimbrough.com.

Artist: Beth Lee

Title: Waiting On You Tonight (Beth Lee)

You might like if you enjoy: Carla Olson, Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions

Tell me more: Austin-based artist Beth Lee's rewarding return Waiting On You Tonight is filled with confessional roots rockers that hit their mark. A gifted singer-songwriter armed with an authentic approach that blends Americana, Southern soul and melodic rock, Lee's soprano is perfectly suited to deliver the parade of reflective originals that are wonderfully free of cliché and instead mine deeper emotional terrain. The irresistible "Waiting on You Tonight," country rocker "Yale St and 45," amped "Pens and Needles," '50s-tinged retro delight "It Was Enough" and reflective "Understand Me" and are among the superb songs on the album. The Vicente Rodriguez-produced Waiting On You Tonight is set for release on Feb. 12. Information: BethLee.net/.

Robert Kinsler

Trailblazers The GO-GO’S to release first new single in 20 years

Here is great news about new music coming from legendary Los Angeles band The Go-Go's!

ORIGINAL LA PUNK TRAILBLAZERS THE GO-GO’S TO RELEASE FIRST NEW SINGLE IN 20 YEARS 

‘CLUB ZERO’ RELEASED ON JULY 31^st

POLYGRAM ENTERTAINMENT DOCUMENTARY 

‘THE GO-GO’S’ PREMIERES AUGUST 1 ON SHOWTIME^®

“The Go-Go’s reveals a story of talent, will, friendship, addiction, and forgiveness. The backdrop of the male-dominated music business highlights that these ladies who have stayed brash and whipsmart have always been entirely punk” –FILM THREAT

“Don’t think of the Go-Go’s as a bit of Reagan-era nostalgia, the musical equivalent of a Rubik’s cube. Think of them as a first-tier, kick-ass rock group, period, full stop, the end. Mission accomplished”– ROLLING STONE

“…in the fresh bopping beauty of their punk romantic sound, they kicked open a door of perception” ­– VARIETY

 “…the group formed in the late ’70s and quickly scaled local line-ups — and eventually, the pop charts — as the first multi-platinum-selling all-female band to play their own instruments, making history and blazing a trail for dozens upon dozens of future artists”– THE WRAP

“The first and still only all-female band to write their own songs, play their own instruments and top the Billboard album charts gets a spirited salute in Alison Ellwood's doc for Showtime” – HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 1, 2020 – The Go-Go’s, the iconic all female L.A. punk band, will release their first new recording in nearly 20 years, “CLUB ZERO,” on July 31st on UMe. The band can be seen working on an early version of the song in their new documentary THE GO-GO’S, directed by Alison Ellwood (Laurel Canyon, History of the Eagles) which premieres August 1st at 9 pm ET/PT on SHOWTIME. View the official trailer HERE and music, HERE.

Propelled by the spirited, melodic punch we’ve come to expect from the Southern California band, as well as a catchy, call-to-action chorus, “CLUB ZERO” will certainly join the ranks among an esteemed catalog of Go-Go’s classics.

The self-produced track was created via email exchanges amongst bandmembers and recorded at Lucky Recording in S.F. with Co-Producer/Mixer/Engineer Travis Kasperbauer and in Los Angeles with Lead Vocal Recording/Producer Gabe Lopez. As the band’s stance has always been fervent when it comes to relevant issues, the anthemic, punk-infused paean arrives just in time for a world in desperate need of a voice of optimism and change:

“HEY WE’VE GOT SOMETHING TO SAY

‘GONNA MAKE THE WORLD SHAKE’

READY OR NOT HERE WE ARE”

A live version of “CLUB ZERO” featured in the THE GO-GO’S documentary shows the evolution of the track as the band writes and works out the melody in preparation for their performance at their early stomping grounds The Whisky a Go Go on The Sunset Strip. The documentary directed by Alison Ellwood (Eagles, Laurel Canyon) premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this past January to standing ovations and critical acclaim. With full access to The Go-Go’s, both past and present, this candid archive-rich documentary assesses the group’s place in music history as it focuses on their roots as a formidable contender in L.A.’s late ‘70s punk scene, detailing their rise to the top as they become one of the decade’s most beloved acts as well as an unstoppable force. It also examines the personalities and dynamics behind their rise, fall and numerous reincarnations.   Until this definitive film, there has never been a serious appraisal of and showcase for The Go-Go’s’ talents or achievements – as musicians, groundbreakers, but even more so, as survivors. 

To date, The Go-Go’s have the notable distinction of being the only all-female band to write their own songs and play their own instruments on a #1 album. Formed in 1978, they were a vital part of the early Los Angeles punk scene. Following the release of their debut album in 1981, the landmark multi-platinum Beauty And The Beat, they topped the Billboard 200 chart for six consecutive weeks and received a nomination for Best New Artist at The 24^th Annual Grammy® Awards. Their 1982 follow-up, Vacation, hit Top Ten on the Billboard 200 and featured the Top Ten title track “Vacation.” Overall, they have sold over 7 million records worldwide and continue to tour with the “classic lineup” from 1981 – Belinda Carlisle (vocals), Jane Wiedlin (guitar), Charlotte Caffey (guitar), Kathy Valentine (bass) and Gina Schock (drums).  More recently, Head Over Heels, a musical featuring the songs of The Go-Go’s, had a successful run on Broadway in July of 2018. 

THE GO-GO’S is fully financed by Polygram Entertainment, the film and television division of Universal Music Group, and presented and produced by Polygram, Universal Music Publishing Group, Interscope Films, Fine Point Films and Fadoo Productions. Alison Ellwood (History of The Eagles, American Jihad) directs the film with Trevor Birney, Corey Russell and Eimhear O’Neill producing. Polygram Entertainment’s David Blackman and Daniel Inkeles are executive producing; the creative team also includes editor Brett Banks and executive producers Brendan J. Byrne. Wally Eltawashy & Arturo Cisneros serve as co-executive producers.

Gogos.com

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