New Music: The Church, Paul Rodgers, Genya Ravan, The Doors

New releases from acclaimed Australia legends The Church, singer-songwriter great Paul Rodgers, pioneering songstress Genya Ravan and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Doors are worth adding to your music library.

Artist: The Church
Title: The Hypnogogue (Deluxe) edition (Communicating Vessel)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cure, Interpol, Tame Impala
Tell me more: While The Hypnogogue is the 26th album release from The Church, it marks the band's first-ever concept album (a lyrically and sonically detailed dystopian tale set in 2054). The newly-issued deluxe edition of the album expands the initial February 2023 standard version of the LP with six additional tracks. The Hypnogogue (Deluxe) is truly an ambitious and stellar disc that finds singer-songwriter/bassist Steve Kilbey and company using their unique blend of modern, alternative, Neo-psychedelic and progressive rock styles to immerse the listener in the sumptuous journey across 19 tracks. They hypnotic rocker "C'est La Vie," shimmering "I Think I Knew," reflective title track, melodic "Aerodome" and luxurious "Realm of Minor Angels" (the latter is among the previously-unissued cuts on the expanded release) are among the immediately captivating tracks on the deluxe edition. More experimental tracks (notably "Succulent," "Antartica," "Second Bridge" and "A Strange Past") reward discerning listeners on repeated listens. The band's fall U.S. tour begins on Sept 28 in Seattle and includes upcoming dates in Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico; concertgoers who come out to the shows can also pick up a The Hypnogogue companion audio CD called Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars which features 15 brand new songs and will only be available at the merch table on the band's U.S. fall tour. Information: thechurchband.net. 

Artist: Paul Rodgers
Title: Midnight Rose (Sun Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, The Firm, Paul Rodgers, Queen + Paul Rodgers
Tell me more: One of rock's all-time great talents, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company, The Firm, Queen + Paul Rodgers) is back with Midnight Rose. The British-Canadian singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist's first new solo album since 1999's Electric, the eight-track Midnight Rose showcases that Rodgers voice remains a top-flight wonder at age 73. Rodgers' signature lead vocals shine on the blues-rock opener "Coming Home," the breezy folk-swept title track, Bad Company-styled rockers "Living It Up" and "Take Love," dazzling Renaissance mining "Dance In The Sun," affecting "Highway Robber" and ambitious closer "Melting," the latter casting a strong light on Rodgers' nuanced and artful touch as the song burgeons from a bluesy ballad into a bona fide rocker. Available on both vinyl and audio CD, Midnight Rose was produced by Cynthia Rodgers and Bob Rock; the album was recorded at Roper Recording and The Warehouse in British Columbia. Information: sunrecords.com. 

Artist: Genya Ravan
Titles: "Urban Desire" and "...And I Mean It!" (BFD/The Orchard)
You might like if you enjoy: Joan Jett, Patti Smith, Lou Reed, Sass Jordan

Tell me more: Groundbreaking rock songstress Genya Ravan's incredible legacy is celebrated via two terrific reissues available now via Bob Frank Distribution (BFD). Armed with a powerful soprano, Ravan's self-produced solo albums Urban Desire (1978) and its follow-up ...And I Mean It (1979) showcase her mighty vocals and shining blues-harp playing. The reissues also serve as the perfect introduction to an artist who deserves more recognition. Born Genyusha Zelkowitz in Poland in 1940, Ravan survived the Holocaust. In America, she forged a path in the male-dominated music industry — including forming the first all-woman rock band (Goldie & The Gingerbreads) in 1963 and subsequently one of the first rock 'n' roll horn bands (Ten Wheel Drive) in 1969.  Urban Desire opens with the jubilant rocker "Jerry's Pigeons," with subsequent standouts on the album including the rollicking blues rock nugget "The Knight Ain't Long Enough," acoustic foray "Do It Just For Me," scorching take on The Supremes' "Back In My Arms Again" and rousing "Aye Co'lorado," the latter a wonderful duet with Lou Reed. 

...And I Mean It features an equally strong track listing, which includes gems like the heavy blues sortie "Pedal To The Metal," punkish "It's Me," infectious New Wave-tinged "Love Isn't Love," genre-smashing rocker "I'm Wired, Wired, Wired" and her poignant duet with Ian Hunter ("Junkman"). Both albums are available on audio CD and via vinyl. Information: genyaravan.com. 

Artist: The Doors
Title: Live at the Matrix, 1967 (Rhino)
You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, Robby Krieger, classic rock
Tell me more: Anytime fans get treated to a new release featuring The Doors there is reason for celebration. The release of the Live at the Matrix, 1967 is truly one of the great audio titles of 2023; the limited edition 3CD box set features the complete and original recordings captured during the band's five-night engagement in March 1967 at the small San Francisco nightclub known as The Matrix. The recordings featured on Live at the Matrix, 1967 were taken from the first-generation 7-inch reels that captured singer Jim Morrison, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and drummer John Densmore just prior to their explosive emergence as one of the most successful and important rock bands of the late 1960s. Standout performances abound across the sets recorded by Peter Abram between March 7-11, 1967 that are featured on the box set. The band's first set on March 7, 1967 features a freewheeling and dynamic version of "Back Door Man," a previously unreleased take on the psychedelic rocker "My Eyes Have Seen You," a mesmerizing run through the Miles Davis-penned instrumental "All Blues" and potent 12-minute take on the classic "When The Music's Over." There are so many incredible moments to be heard across the three discs; a blues-drenched take on Willie Dixon's "Close To You," fiery version of the John Lee Hooker classic "Crawling King Snake" enhanced by Krieger's signature guitar work, the wistful "I Can't See Your Face In My Mind," Baroque pop-meets-blues ballad "The Crystal Ship," several powerful versions of "Break On Through (To The Other Side)" and a otherworldly performance of "Light My Fire" are just a few of the stellar cuts to be heard. Detailed liner notes written by Joel Selvin provide a comprehensive look at the inspired performances and what led The Doors to journey to San Francisco to appear at The Matrix just prior to their impending stardom. Production of the audio CD version is limited to only 21,000 copies worldwide. Information: thedoors.com. 

Robert Kinsler

'The Velvet Underground: A Documentary Film by Todd Haynes - Music From the Motion Picture Soundtrack' coming Oct. 15

Mondays aren't all bad. A media release of special interest to fans of The Velvet Underground...Robert Kinsler

‘THE VELVET UNDERGROUND: A Documentary Film By Todd Haynes – Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack’

To Be Released October 15

 

The Critically Acclaimed Apple Original Todd Haynes Documentary ‘The Velvet Underground’ 

Premieres October 15 In Theaters and on Apple TV+

 

 

 

Los Angeles, CA – August 30, 2021 – The Velvet Underground: A Documentary Film By Todd Haynes – Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack, a 2CD and digital soundtrack that features both well-known and rare Velvet Underground tracks, will be released on October 15, 2021 via Republic Records/UMe. Curated by the documentary’s director, Todd Haynes, and music supervisor Randall Poster, the album is the official soundtrack for the critically acclaimed Apple Original documentary, The Velvet Underground, which will be released in theaters and premiere globally Friday, October 15 on Apple TV+. To pre-order/pre-save Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack go, HERE.

 

Featuring some of The Velvet Underground’s most well-known tracks, rarities and songs that influenced them, The Velvet Underground: A Documentary Film By Todd Haynes – Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack serves as the perfect introduction to the band and companion piece to the film. The soundtrack features such Velvet Underground favorites as “Sunday Morning,” “All Tomorrow’s Parties,” “Pale Blue Eyes,” “I’m Waiting for The Man” and “Sweet Jane,” as well as the mono version of “Heroin” and the rare cut “Foggy Notion.” Also featured are live versions of “After Hours” and “Sister Ray,” Nico’s “Chelsea Girls,” and the tongue-in-cheek novelty song “The Ostrich” by The Primitives, an early band formed by Lou Reed and John Cale.

 

Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack also features tracks by artists who influenced The Velvet Underground including a live version of “Road Runner” by Bo Diddley; “The Wind,” a doo-wop classic by The Diablos featuring Nolan Strong; and the previously unpublished La Monte Young composition, “17 XII 63 NYC The Fire Is A Mirror (excerpt),” performed by The Theatre of Eternal Music.

 

Today, The Velvet Underground's own immense influence is universally acknowledged. 

Apple Original Films and Polygram Entertainment present
in association with Federal Films a Motto Pictures and Killer Films production
“THE VELVET UNDERGROUND” a documentary film by Todd Haynes
Associate Producer J. Daniel Torres Line Producer Marissa Torres Ericson Co-Producers Josh Braun Dan Braun Esther Robinson Music Supervision by Randall Poster Archival Producers Wyatt Stone Bryan O’keefe Cinematography by Edward Lachman, asc Edited by Affonso Gonçalves, ace Adam Kurnitz Executive Producers Danny Bennett Pamela Koffler John Sloss Produced by David Blackman Produced by Julie Goldman Christopher Clements Carolyn Hepburn Produced by Christine Vachon
Directed and Produced by Todd Haynes

 

The Velvet Underground: A Documentary Film By Todd Haynes – Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack

 

Track List

 

Disc 1

 

1          Venus In Furs - The Velvet Underground  5:12

2          The Wind - The Diablos  3:05

3          17 XII 63  NYC  The Fire Is A Mirror (excerpt) - The Theatre of Eternal Music  6:21

4          Heroin [mono] - The Velvet Underground  7:14

5          Road Runner (Live) - Bo Diddley  4:14

6          The Ostrich - The Primitives  2:25

7          I'm Waiting For The Man - The Velvet Underground  4:40

8          Chelsea Girls - Nico  7:27

9          Sunday Morning - The Velvet Underground  2:56

                                    

 

Disc 2              

 

1          Sister Ray (Live) - The Velvet Underground  19:03

2          Pale Blue Eyes - The Velvet Underground  5:40

3          Foggy Notion - The Velvet Underground  6:59

4          After Hours (Live) Version 1 - The Velvet Underground  2:56

5          Sweet Jane - The Velvet Underground  4:09

6          Ocean - The Velvet Underground  5:14

7          All Tomorrow’s Parties - The Velvet Underground  5:53

 

Roots, rock and reggae shine on new releases

Several new eagerly-awaited returns have been released as well as two new recordings pulled from the early 1980s.

Artist: Joy Williams
Title: Front Porch (Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: The Civil Wars, 
Tell me more: Those missing the enticing Americana style pioneered on the Civil Wars' brief five-year path are in luck. Joy Williams — one half of the popular Grammy-winning duo that also featured John Paul White — has returned from her brief detour into a more electronic-meets-pop style via 2015's Venus to reward listeners with the luxurious Front Porch (available May 3, 2019). The beautiful title track is one of the most lovely songs this writer has heard this year; the better news is that the disc's sonic riches don't end there. The introspective and nuanced Appalachia-painted soundscapes inspire across a dozen-track run that showcases Williams' expressive soprano. The artist delivers probing material with cliche-free depth, as evidenced by mining feelings of loss ("When Does a Heart Move On," "Be With You") and romantic celebration ("One and Only," "No Place Like You") with equal artistry. Information: JoyWilliams.com.

Artist: Nils Lofgren
Title: Blue With Lou (Cattle Track Road Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Lou Reed, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar great Nils Lofgren has returned with his first studio album in eight years, and the 12-song disc reveals it was an ambitious recording project more than worth the wait. Featuring six songs that Lofgren co-wrote with the late Lou Reed, Blue With Lou is an album that would have sounded great in any era while definitely resonating in 2019. While a few of the songs that the two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers co-wrote have appeared on previous Lofgren and Reed releases, Blue With Lou features a handful of songs previously-unheard. The must-hear collaborations include the wry rocker "Attitude City," funk-tinged "Give" (featuring loads impressive and expressive Lofgren guitar work) and the poignant "Talk Thru the Tears." In addition, Lofgren has crafted two beautiful tributes on the LP; "Dear Heartbreaker" casts its magic on the memory of the late Tom Petty while the album's affecting closer "Remember You" is a poignant look at his family's dog Groucho. But at its heart, Blue With Lou a showcase for Lofgren's immense talents as singer, lead guitarist and songwriter. Information: NilsLofgren.com.

Artist: Lone Justice
Title: Live at the Palomino, 1983 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Lindi Ortega, the Blasters
Tell me more: The most celebrated artist on Los Angeles' early '80s cowpunk scene, Lone Justice blended old school country and honky tonk with punk, rockabilly and roots rock with authenticity and firepower during the group's short run. Omnivore Recordings has just released a previously-unavailable "Live at the Palomino, 1983" featuring 12 great songs captured on October 22, 1983. The fast-moving track list includes nuggets from their not-yet-released 1985 debut album ("Working Late," "You Are the Light") and a great take on Merle Haggard's "Working Man's Blues," and an amped up version of the Johnny Cash/June Carter duet "Jackson." The live LP is a winning reminder of the talents of the talents of Maria McKee (lead vocals, guitar), Ryan Hedgecock (lead guitar, vocals), Marvin Etzioni (bass) and Don Willens (drums). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Culture
Title: The Nighthawk Recordings (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley, reggae music
Tell me more: Lovers of '70s-'80s roots reggae will love the terrific Culture: The Nighthawk Recordings. Lead singer Joseph Hill, who passed away in 2006, was among the genre's best singers and this collection captures the Jamaican artist at the top of his powers. The first three songs on the collection were recorded in 1981 and feature Culture (Hill, Albert Walker, Lloyd Dayes) backed by the Roots Radics; the timeless "This Time" is a highlight of those sessions. The other four tracks on the disc find Culture backed by the Wailers; several of these tracks were put away in vaults and this 2019 title marks their commercial debut. The driving "Can They Run" is particularly forceful and is bolstered by an interesting mix of vocals on the track. The other previously-unheard song, the infectious "Mr. Music," is a feel good melodic groove. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.


Robert Kinsler

Originality Anchors New Music Titles

Lovers of compelling songwriting, blues music and art rock all have reason to celebrate with the recent release of four outstanding new audio titles.

Artists: Lou Reed & Kris Kristofferson
Title: The Bottom Line Archive: In Their Own Words with Vin Scelsa (BFD/Red)
You might like if you enjoy: Lou Reed, Kris Kristofferson
Tell me more: Lovers of great songs and the artists who create them will want to grab a copy of an essential new two-disc audio collection highlighting music and discussion with legendary songsmiths Lou Reed and Kris Kristofferson. Recorded at the Bottom Line in Greenwich Village in New York on February 2, 1994, the The Bottom Line Archive: In Their Own Words with Vin Scelsa title finds Scelsa discussing the genesis and influences that gave rise to songs with each of the artists, with both Reed and Kristofferson taking turns playing acoustic versions of many of their classics. To the lone accompaniment of their acoustic guitars, Reed performs some of his best-known cuts including "Sweet Jane," and "Romeo Had Juliet" while Kristofferson thrills the intimate audience with beloved works such as "Sunday Morning Coming Down/The Pilgrim," "Help Me Make It Through the Night" and "Me and Bobby McGee." Each artist also performs a favorite from another songwriter, with Kristofferson tackling Leonard Cohen's "Bird on a Wire" and Reed performing Smokey Robinson's "Tracks Of My Tears." Information: BottomLineArchive.com.

Artist: Walter Trout
Title: We're All In This Together (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Sonny Landreth, Edgar Winter, Charlie Musselwhite, Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Tell me more: A slew of the world's greatest living blues rockers join singer-guitarist Walter Trout on the aptly-titled We're All In This Together, an amazing 14-track disc with a different guest artist paired with Trout on each track. What makes the album so extra special is how wonderful each of the performances capture the style of the guest joining Trout. Kenny Wayne Shepherd teams with Trout on the fiery shuffle "Gonna Hurt Like Hell," both guitar heroes shredding up a storm. Louisiana slide guitar legend Sonny Landreth enhances the beautiful Southern rocker "Ain't Going  Back" with his vocals and guitar work; harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite blasts on the Chicago blues-flavored "The Other Side of the Pillow." And so it goes with artists including Warren Haynes, Eric Gales, Robben Ford, Edgar Winter, Joe Bonamassa and others. But at the end of the day it is Walter Trout who is the star here, having brought together this amazing cast of top-tier players into a cohesive project that shines with its perfect mix of song craft and virtuoso musicianship. Information: MascotLabelGroup.com.

Artist: Jonny Lang
Title: Signs (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jonny Lang, Gregg Allman
Tell me more: Jonny Lang is back with another set of impassioned and powerful songs delivered via blues, rock and soul on his latest album Signs. With Lang's tandem skills as lead guitarist and great singer as the anchor, the eclectic range of musical styles works well everywhere. The soulful and lyrically reflective "What You're Made Of," swirling rocker "Bitter End," inspired gospel-tinged "Into the Light" and tender ballad "Bring Me Back Home" are among the many standouts on the disc. The spirit of early Mississippi blues is captured on "Wisdom" with Lang's raspy vocals and blazing guitar layered atop a hypnotic beat; closing out the disc is the genre-defying "Singing Song," a lovely song that celebrates the enduring connection each generation has with song. Information: JonnyLang.com.

Artist: Sparks
Title: Hippopotamus (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Sparks, Thomas Dolby, the Cars
Tell me more: Forty-five years into their singularly adventuresome trajectory, art rockers Sparks (brothers Ron and Russell Mael) continue to break new ground with intoxicating, intelligent and inviting music via their 22nd studio album Hippopotamus. The sweeping baroque "Missionary Position," haunting "Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)," and synth pop number "Bummer" are among the riveting songs where Russell's falsetto vocals and Ron's accomplished keyboard talents lure in the listener. Sparks albums are always marked by original acerbic lyrics that provide more than enough intellectual food for thought and "Hippopotamus" is no exception; "Scandinavian Design," the cinematic "What The Hell Is It This Time?" and "So Tell Me Mrs. Lincoln Aside From That How Was the Play?" challenge with their skewed take on the world. Information: allsparks.com.


Robert Kinsler

Lou Reed and Kris Kristofferson - The Bottom Line Archive Series to featuring once-in-a-lifetime pairing of legends

Great songwriting will undoubtedly be on display on this highly-anticipated release coming out later this summer...

New from THE BOTTOM LINE ARCHIVE SERIES... The Once-in-a-Lifetime Pairing of Two Songwriting Legends Lou Reed and Kris Kristofferson Performing Their Classic Songs and Talking About Songwriting In Their Own Words with Vin Scelsa Recorded LIVE at The Bottom Line Cabaret (1994)

New York, NY, July 31, 2017 -- The Bottom Line Archive Series presents its next release: the once-in-a-lifetime live performance by Lou Reed and Kris Kristofferson at the height of their craft, set for release September 15, 2017. Recorded at the legendary Bottom Line club in Greenwich Village, the album presents an evening of music, songwriting and storytelling - intimate, acoustic, historic. The Bottom Line Archive label is distributed via BFD/Red; BFD is a division of Bob Frank Entertainment. Lou Reed and Kris Kristofferson: In Their Own Words with Vin Scelsa is the only time these two master songwriters performed together. Over the course of one night (2/2/94) with noted radio personality Vin Scelsa leading the conversation, Reed and Kristofferson swap stories and songs. The evening and two-disc set includes Reed performing eight songs including Sweet Jane, Romeo Had Juliet, Legendary Hearts; Kristofferson's seven include Me and Bobby McGee, Sunday Morning Coming Down, Help Me Make it Through the Night; and each performing a cover (Kristofferson does Bird On A Wire, Reed performs Tracks of My Tears). This singular meeting - Reed from the jungles of New York City and Kristofferson from the heart of the South - made music history, says Bottom Line co-founder/curator Allan Pepper. "It was very rare that we could present two giants on the same stage on the same night, especially artists of this caliber and impact. With this release, people who weren't there that night can experience that special night with these true music legends talking about their process and craft, cracking a few jokes along the way." According to the liner notes penned by series producer Gregg Bendian, who performed frequently at The Bottom Line with his band, The Mahavishnu Project, "both artists were much-beloved Bottom Line regulars. Kris played a total of 42 shows at the club, while Lou played no less than 54 shows there. Many will recall that Lou recorded his famous Take No Prisoners live album over the course of five nights at club, in May of 1978. That level of relaxed comfort and spontaneity so evident on this recording is no accident. It's the sound of artists who indeed feel quite comfortable and at home on the stage of what was clearly their New York venue of choice. The playful banter of camaraderie and mutual admiration between Kris, Lou and Vin heard on this document bears this out beautifully, and the Bottom Line audience can be heard laughing, gasping, chiming in, and hanging on every note." This release is the 12th in a planned rollout of titles over the next few years, including classic live performances by Jack Bruce, Ralph Stanley, the Brecker Brothers, Pete Seeger & Roger McGuinn, Harry Chapin and Kenny Rankin, among others. Bottom Line co-founder/curator Allan Pepper has recordings of more than 1,000 shows from Greenwich Village nightclub, which always booked an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, blues, folk and other forms of music during its 30-year run. Pepper and the label are currently in conversation with representatives from many of the acts.   All music from The Bottom Line Archive has been mixed and mastered at The Magic Shop, an award-winning state-of-the-art studio in New York. The Bottom Line Archive can be pre-ordered on Amazon and iTunes; and available on all digital providers. Previous editions of the BLA series are also available on Amazon and iTunes.  About The Bottom Line: The Bottom Line was a legendary music venue at 15 West 4th Street in Greenwich Village. Owned by Allan Pepper and Stanley Snadowsky, the Bottom Line opened February 12, 1974 and enjoyed a 30-year run.  Bruce Springsteen played showcase gigs at the club and Lou Reed recorded the album Live: Take No Prisoners there.  Harry Chapin held his 2000th concert at the Bottom Line in 1981.  The Bottom Line hosted an extremely wide variety of music. Among the thousands who performed on its stage were: Eric Clapton, Linda Ronstadt, The Police, Billy Joel, Patti Smith, Hall & Oates, Prince, Van Morrison, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Betty Carter, Ravi Shankar, Ramones, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Charles Mingus, Neil Sedaka, Al Kooper, Tom Waits, Peter Gabriel, Cheech & Chong, Sam & Dave, Southside Johnny, John Cale, Laura Nyro and many more.

Cheap Trick, Pet Shop Boys, Willie Nile return with masterworks; East of Venus amazes on debut

Cheap Trick, Pet Shop Boys and Willie Nile have returned with exceptional albums, while indie rock supergroup East of Venus amazes via a sterling debut.


Artist: Cheap Trick
Title: Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello (Big Machine Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Star, Cheap Trick, The Move
Tell me more: Cheap Trick's much anticipated return is not limited to the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 8, 2016. The quartet's first new full-length studio since 2009, Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello" is a bona fide triumph filled with the band's characteristic brand of high-octane melodic rock. The driving "Heart on the Line" kicks off the 11-track disc and that powerful track sets the tone on a disc that boasts some of the rockers' best songs in memory; the tuneful "No Direction Home" is bolstered by little psychedelic touches and scorching guitar work from Rick Nielsen; the melodically explosive "Sing My Blues Away," sardonic rocker "The In Crowd" and beatlesque "The Sun Never Sets" also impress. The highlight on the album is "When I Wake Up Tomorrow," a melancholia-drenched original that bridges Cheap Trick's power-pop instincts with the sonic territory explored by David Bowie in "Heroes." Cheap Trick remains one of America's great music treasures. Information: cheaptrick.com.

Purchase 'Bang, Zoom, Crazy...Hello' here




Artist: Pet Shop Boys
Title: Super (Kobalt)
You might like if you enjoy: Pet Shop Boys, Erasure
Tell me more: Leave it to the Pet Shop Boys to bring their timeless brand of electronica to the dance floor; Neil Tennant (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar) and Chris Lowe (keyboards, backing vocals) have a knack for crafting infectious and bouncy synth pop that sounds as good in 2016 as it did when they embarked on their musical journey in 1981. The newly-released Super, the duo's follow-up to their excellent 2013 album Electric, is filled with driving rhythms and memorable hooks that could fuel any dance club. The aptly-named "Happiness," lush "The Pop Kids" (an evocative tale of their early days in London), propulsive "Burn" and more insightful "The Dictator Decides" are among the many tracks on the dozen-song set that deliver the Pet Shop Boys' wonderfully contagious sound with artistry aplenty.  Information: petshopboys.co.uk.

Get 'Super' here




Artist: Willie Nile
Title: World War Willie (River House Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Nils Lofgren, Lou Reed
Tell me more: On veteran singer-songwriter Willie Nile's latest World War Willie, the New York-based rocker masterfully blends American heartland instincts with post-punk power in the service of hard hitting original rock. On World War Willie, Nile seeks to inspire those on society's outskirts (notably on the sing-along "Let's All Come Together," Springsteen-styled "Trouble Down in Diamond Town" and beautiful "Runaway Girl") and offers up the most heartfelt of ballads ("Beautiful You"), but also flat out rocks (as evidenced by "Forever Wild" and the rockabilly-mining "Hell Yeah"). He also honors the memory of Levon Helm (The Band singer-drummer lost his battle with cancer in April 2012) via the country-tinged "When Levon Sings." The album closes with an electrifying cover of "Sweet Jane," a tribute to the late Lou Reed who Nile met 10 days before the former Velvet Underground frontman died in October 2013. Information: willienile.com.

Purchase 'World War Willie' here




Artist: East of Venus
Title: Memory Box (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Winter Hours, the Jayhawks, Neil Young
Tell me more: The debut album from indie rock supergroup East of Venus has brought together the talents of guitarist-vocalist-songwriter Michael Carlucci (Winter Hours), multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Glenn Mercer (The Feelies, Wake Ooloo), bassist-backing vocalist Rob Norris (The Bongos) and drummer Stanley Demeski (The Feelies, Luna). With the sudden death of Carlucci, only 58, in late 2015, Memory Box stands as an enduring monument to his talents. The jangling "Let's Find A Way," shimmering "Faded Pictures," folk rocker "Dallas" and Americana-styled cover of Tim Hardin's "Reason To Believe" are among the amazing entries on the 10-song LP. "Memory Box" (set for release on April 15, 2016) will be available on audio CD, digital and clear vinyl. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Get 'Memory Box' (Clear Colored Vinyl, Includes Download Card) right here

Robert Kinsler

AXS TV honors the legacy of David Bowie with the classic concert film 'Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,' airing Sunday, Jan. 17

AXS TV HONORS THE LEGACY OF BELOVED ROCK ICON DAVID BOWIE WITH THE CLASSIC CONCERT FILM ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS, AIRING SUNDAY, JAN. 17 AT 10 p.m. Eastern time

  

The 1973 Film is the Only HD Performance Footage of David Bowie, and Features Backstage Moments and Hits Such as “Changes,” “Space Oddity,” and “Suffragette City”

LOS ANGELES – January 13, 2016 – AXS TV honors the tremendous life and legacy of influential rock n’ roll icon David Bowie, with a special presentation of his classic 1973 concert film ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS—airing Sunday, January 17, at 10 p.m. (7 p.m. on the West Coast). This feature is the only known HD performance footage of Bowie in existence.

Filmed live at London’s historic Hammersmith Odeon venue on July 3, 1973, ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS captures the stunning final show of Bowie’s 60-stop London tour, supporting his acclaimed album Aladdin Sane. The film combines intimate backstage moments featuring Bowie and his then-wife, Angie, with some of the artist’s most beloved hits from his award-winning catalogue. The setlist includes such groundbreaking favorites as “Ziggy Stardust,” “Oh! You Pretty Things,” “Changes,” “Space Oddity,” “Suffragette City,” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide,” as well as covers of the Mott the Hoople classic “All the Young Dudes,” Lou Reed’s “White Light/White Heat,” and the Rolling Stones standard “Let’s Spend the Night Together.”

ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS was shot by legendary director D.A. Pennebaker, who had originally planned on only filming a handful of songs at the first of Bowie’s two London gigs. Although having little familiarity with Bowie’s music, Pennebaker was so impressed by the star’s charismatic personality and powerhouse performances that he was compelled to turn the footage into a full-length film. Little did Pennebaker know, upon returning for the second show, that he would be capturing one of the biggest moments in rock history, as Bowie shocked the audience by announcing the retirement of the Ziggy Stardust persona at the end of the set.

“ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS is a perfect time capsule, putting David Bowie’s fearless showmanship on full display and capturing the true end of an era that is still treasured by his legions of fans today,” said Michele M. Dix, AXS TV’s senior vice president, programming and development. “Throughout his career, Bowie has been credited with influencing countless artists across a wide range of genres and decades, and this performance makes it easy to see why.”

ABOUT AXS TV

 AXS TV is the cable industry’s leading general entertainment network for live event programming. Launched in July 2012 by visionary entrepreneur Mark Cuban, AXS TV is dedicated to providing groundbreaking music programming, stand-up comedy performances from today’s top comedians, and hard-hitting mixed martial arts promotions. The network’s franchises include THE X FACTOR UK and NASHVILLE; as well as original programs such as THE BIG INTERVIEW with Dan Rather; THE WORLD’S GREATEST TRIBUTE BANDS; GOTHAM COMEDY LIVE; ART MANN PRESENTS; AXS TV FIGHTS; and INSIDE MMA. 

AXS TV is a partnership between Mark Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CBS. The network is available in the United States via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite and telco providers, including members of the National Cable Television Cooperative. The network is also distributed in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. For more information, visit the website, www.axs.tv; go to the Facebook page here and follow the company on Twitter, @axstv; on Instagram; Tumblr; Cyber Dust and YouTube.