Classic Sounds Celebrated on New Releases

A stylish 1980's rock 'n' roll film, and a trio of musical tributes available on audio CD and digitally highlight a new crop of releases available now.

Title: Streets of Fire {Collector's Edition} (Shout! Factory)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blasters, the Fixx, the Shout! Factory collector's edition of the 1974 film "Phantom of the Paradise"
Tell me more: The two-disc Blu-ray collector's edition of Streets of Fire is cause for celebration for fans of the cult classic. Originally released in 1984, the film's catch phrase "A Rock & Roll Fable" plays out over each frame thanks to writer-director Walter Hill's sharp instincts, great on-screen performances (including Diane Lane, Michael Pare, Rick Moranis, Willem Dafoe and Amy Madigan) and songs penned by the Blasters (the band appears on screen playing two of their songs), Tom Petty & Belmont Tench, the Fixx and others. The look and style of the film artfully blends '50s cars and retro cityscapes with '80s hair styles and music video trappings of that era; the result is a look and feel that belongs to this fast-moving 93-minute movie alone. The 2K high-def transfer of the film looks and sounds fantastic and there are extras galore, including a new "The Making of Streets of Fire" documentary, vintage featurettes, a theatrical trailer and still gallery. Information: shoutfactory.com.

Title: Red Hot: A Memphis Celebration of Sun Records (Americana Music Society Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Early recordings featuring Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis; Bobby Rush
Tell me more: A love letter to Memphis' Sun Records and its founder Sam Phillips, Red Hot: A Memphis Celebration of Sun Records exudes a joyful and nostalgic spirit celebrating the groundbreaking sounds of the 1950s. A number of roots and Americana artists join forces across the 10-track title, revisiting classic tracks spanning blues, country and rockabilly and first forged by Carl Perkins (a great "Sure to Fall (In Love With You) featuring Valerie June, Jimbo Mathus and Amy LaVere), Johnny Cash (Alvin Youngblood kills "Folsom Prison Blues"), Howlin' Wolf ("Moaning' at Midnight" with Luther Dickinson and Lightnin' Malcolm) and other greats. Blues legend Bobby Rush, 83, is a direct link with the original icons who recorded in Memphis in the 1950s and delivers a rousing original "Tough Titty," a tribute to the late Junior "Mr. Blues" Parker. All proceeds from the Americana Music Society will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Information: AmericanaSociety.org.

Artist: Stanton Moore: The Songs of Allen Toussaint
Title: With You In Mind (Cool Green Recordings / Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty, Dr. John
Tell me more: One of the late 20th century's leading American musical voices, Allen Toussaint (who died in November 2015 at age 77) was a musician, songwriter, arranger and record producer who helped spread the New Orleans R&B sound around the globe. The newly-issued tribute Stanton Moore: The Songs of Allen Toussaint celebrates Toussaint with 10 glorious selections produced by Moore (who also plays drums on the disc) that feature many of the players influenced by Toussaint's extensive artistic touch. The funky "Here Comes the Girls" kicks off the buoyant collection and features Cyril Neville (lead vocals, trombone) and Trombone Shorty (trombone solo) joining forces. Spiritual forays ("Life"), instrumentals (the rousing "Java" featuring Trombone Shorty, trumpeter Nicholas Payton and alto sax player Donald Harrison Jr.), ballads ("All These Things") and uptempo romps (the jazzy "Night People") are handled with an equal amount of energy and musical dexterity, all fully honoring the legacy and free wheeling spirit of the groundbreaking Gert Town, Louisiana native. Information: stantonmoore.com.

Artist: Robert Kraft Trio
Title: North Bishop Ave. (Resistor Record Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Bill Withers, the James Hunter Six, Robert Cray
Tell me more: Austin-based singer-songwriter Robert Kraft has a smooth and soulful voice able to deliver deeply affecting material that draws comparisons with vocal greats such as Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye. On his new seven-song disc "North Bishop Ave." the Robert Kraft Trio (Kraft, guitarist JD Pendley, bassist Lindsay Greene) join forces with some great guest players and backing vocalists for upbeat material ("So Beautiful" and "I Want to Show You," both featuring some hot guitar work from Pendley), tender ballads ("Gotta Have You," "Alone With You") and a rhythmic cover of the 1950 Leon Payne song "You've Still Got a Place In My Heart." Fans of traditional smooth soul, Motown and R&B will love this album. Information: TheRobertKraftTrio.com.


Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Monty Python, Gary Clark Jr., Bruce Springsteen tribute

Here is a quick round-up of today's news...

'Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five To Go'

coming to DVD, Blu-ray and digital video on November 11, 2014 courtesy of Eagle Rock Entertainment

New York, NY (September 16, 2014)-- On November 11, 2014, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Monty Python Live (mostly) - One Down Five to Go – the film of Monty Python’s 2014 reunion shows live at The O2, London. Filmed in high definition, this title will be simultaneously released on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital video.

The reunion of the Monty Python team on stage for the first time in over 30 years, and for the last time ever, was the most anticipated production of 2014. Filmed live on July 20th on the final night of the run of ten sold out performances at The O2, London, Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go sees the five surviving members - John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin – together with Carol Cleveland, perform many of their classic sketches and much-loved songs, with modern, Pythonesque twists. The show also encompasses film inserts from Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Terry Gilliam’s iconic animations, outrageous dance routines by an ensemble of twenty and a fantastic live orchestra. 

There was huge demand for the first new Monty Python live performances for and fans flocked to The O2, London, in massive numbers.  All the favorites were included in the show: the Dead Parrot, the Lumberjack Song, the Spanish Inquisition, Spam, Nudge Nudge, Argument, the Four Yorkshiremen, the Bruces and with a sing-along of “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life” as the grand finale. Exclusive bonus material featured includes behind-the-scenes “Sneak Peeks” of: The Reunion – November 2013 / The Announcement – November 2013 / The Production - November 2013 to July 2014 / Backstage At The O2 – July 2014 / Highlights from the 10 Shows at London’s O2 Arena – July 2014.  There is also exclusive footage of the Pythons as Pepperpots and Gumbys.

The show cements the Python’s reputation as the most influential comedy group of all time and, more importantly, still one of the funniest. Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go is the ultimate Monty Python show. 

Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, Audio and Digital Media in the world.  Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition and 3D programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, U2, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 30 multi-platinum, over 50 platinum and over 90 gold discs, worldwide.  Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Toronto, Paris and Hamburg.

Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv

Gary Clark Jr. gears up for release of first-ever live album

GARY CLARK JR. LIVE DUE SEPTEMBER 23^RD ON WARNER BROS. RECORDS

THE NEW YORK TIMES WILL PREMIERE THE ALBUM IN ITS ENTIRETY

BEGINNING TODAY

CLARK ROCKS NEW YORK CITY AND FARM AID WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS

September 16^th, 2014 - (Burbank, CA.) - Gary Clark Jr. is gearing up for the release of his first-ever live album, which is due from Warner Bros. Records  on Sept. 23, 2014. The blistering performances collected on Gary Clark Jr. Live span his gigs at clubs, theatres, arenas, and festivals from the past 18 months of non-stop touring. Each track was captured as purely and spontaneously as it was performed on the night with absolutely no overdubs. Click here for preview of Gary Clark Jr. Live. Beginning today, Sept. 16, The New York Times will stream the album in its entirety. Click here to listen.    

There is an inherent magic that occurs when Clark and his band take the stage each night. They do not use set lists, preferring to be guided by the energy that flows from the audience. It is an organic, spontaneous, and almost mystical experience to witness. That magic was on display during Clark's recent live performances in New York City, which included the band's first-ever Summer Stage show in Central Park, which was sold-out. For an encore, G. Love joined Clark onstage and accompanied him on the harmonica for a cover of "In the Evening" by Leroy Carr and "Shame Shame Shame" by Jimmy Reed. Before the show, Clark ran into 11-year-old fan, Brandon Niederauer, whom he first met at Crossroads Guitar Festival last year, where he claimed to know all of Clark's songs and indeed did. He joined Clark onstage for the final song of the night, "Bright Lights" and turned out to be a guitar prodigy, performing Clark's solo.

The following night, Clark played an impromptu set at the intimate club, The Electric Room, performing for a fashion-week audience of 150. In attendance were Lorde, G. Love, Citizen Cope, John Varvatos, Damien Hurst, Adriana Lima, and Jeremy Piven, who played drums on "Bright Lights."

Over the past weekend, Clark performed at the annual Farm Aid Food and Music Festival at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, North Carolina, joining a star-studded line-up that included Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Jack White, and many others. Nelson invited Clark on stage, where he played the remainder of his set. Check out more of Clark's performance from the night here.

                                             

                                                                

Clark's remaining tour dates this year as follows:

09/19   Valley Center, CA        Harrah's Rincon - Events Center (headline)

09/20   Monterey, CA               Monterey Jazz Festival           

09/21   Guerneville, CA            Russian River Jazz Festival

11/01   Los Angeles, CA          The Greek Theater (co-headline w/ Tedeschi Trucks Band)

Dead Man's Town: A Tribute to Born in the U.S.A. in stores today! 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's Born In The U.S.A. Although it would become his biggest selling album with seven top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars says "any of those songs could be played with acoustic guitar alone and still be great." Taking this idea as its premise, Dead Man's Town: A Tribute to Born in the U.S.A. (out 9/16, Lighting Rod Records) strips the album's twelve indelible originals to the core, with contributions from Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Low, Nicole Atkins, Justin Townes Earle, Blitzen Trapper, Joe Pug, Trampled by Turtles, and more. Rolling Stone.com premiered Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires' Dave Cobb-produced cover of "Born In The U.S.A," saying these artists are "reimagining Born in the U.S.A.... with a reduced approach more influenced by that of the acoustic 'Nebraska.'" Order at iTunes: smarturl.it/deadmanstown Order at Amazon: smarturl.it/deadmantownamazon Find a local record store Or at Lightning Rod Records: www.lightningrodrecords.com/store.html

Featuring: Born in the U.S.A. - Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires Cover Me - Apache Relay  Darlington County - Quaker City Nighthawks  Working on the Highway - Blitzen Trapper  Downbound Train - Joe Pug  I'm On Fire - Low  No Surrender - Holly Williams  Bobby Jean - Ryan Culwell  I'm Goin' Down - Trampled By Turtles  Glory Days - Justin Townes Earle  Dancing in the Dark - Nicole Atkins  My Hometown - North Mississippi Allstars

Inbox Update: Tears For Fears, All Tiny Creatures, Patty Griffin

Happy Friday everybody! Lots of '80s-spawned bands  my blog this week...

Tears For Fears released The Hurting 30 years ago today.

TearsForFears.com just launched today.

All Tiny Creatures / photo: Chris Rosenau

All Tiny Creatures are back with their second album Dark Clock, coming out May 28, 2013 on Hometapes, the Portland-based label home to Matthew E. White, Bear In Heaven & Megafaun. "This is like pop music from an alternate universe," says Thomas Wincek, the founder of the Wisconsin-based four-piece. Hearing the urgent, upbeat, breathy direction of the first single "Quickest Cut," you're transported to a land where every child was raised on a steady diet of Steve Reich, King Crimson, the Beach Boys, and Def Leppard.


The first single, "Quickest Cut," can be heard now over at Paste, who say the record "will feature the band’s signature shimmering electronic pop sound as well as their penchant for Beach Boy-inspired harmonics.Click here to hear the new single. Visit the band's Web site at: http://alltinycreatures.com/

New West Records is proud to announce that Patty Griffin will release her new album, American Kid, on May 7. The album, co-produced by Griffin and Craig Ross, is her seventh and first for New West. It is her first album of mainly new material since the acclaimed Children Running Through in 2007. In between then and now, she made the Grammy Award-winning Downtown Church in 2010 and became a member of Band of Joy alongside Robert Plant.


American Kid, much of which Griffin says "was written to honor my father," returns to typical Patty Griffin territory, which is to say that it features a group of remarkably powerful, personal and unpredictable songs arranged and performed in a style that doesn't entirely repeat anything she's done on her previous albums while drawing on all of them. Yet Griffin's catalog is among the most unified in modern popular music, because her singing is as unmistakable and inimitable as her songwriting.

Griffin has lived in Austin and recorded either in Austin and Nashville throughout her career (she released her first album, Living with Ghosts, in 1996) but American Kid is her first album whose music sounds stylistically rooted in Americana. "It was recorded in Memphis," Griffin says, and adds with a quick laugh, "Part of the reason was the chance to get away from what I'd been doing." The key to that was working with North Mississippi Allstars guitarist Luther Dickinson and drummer Cody Dickinson. The Dickinsons had played acoustic sets opening for Band of Joy and Luther gave Patty lessons on mandolin. "With the Dickinsons, you're constantly seeing people who work to get away from what they're used to."

Co-producer Ross, perhaps best known for his guitar work with Lisa Germano as well as his own critically acclaimed solo albums, is also responsible for the production of an earlier Griffin collection (2004's Impossible Dream). Griffin said she chose Ross because of his ability, as she describes it, "to get the ghost out of the machine." Ross plays -- usually guitar but also bass, mandolin, baritone, omnichord and organ -- on all but two tracks on the album. The other prominent musical contributor, appearing on eight of the twelve tracks, is guitarist Doug Lancio, who has played on just about every Patty Griffin recording since Flaming Red, and produced some of them. Long-time friend and sound engineer, Roy Taylor helps out once again on American Kid, and Plant sings on three songs.

The album's lyrical focal point is Patty's father, a high school science teacher who fought in World War II, lost his father young and his mother almost immediately after he returned from the war, lived for a time in a Trappist monastery, raised seven children, bought Patty's Sgt. Pepper for her birthday and changed her life. Mr. Griffin's impending death sparked the songs. But these aren't songs about death, even though American Kid features ample reference to mortality. American Kid is thematic, not a concept album.


Tracklisting for American Kid:
Go Wherever You Want To Go
Don't Let Me Die In Florida
Ohio
Wild Old Dog
Mom & Dad's Waltz
Faithful Son
Highway Son
That Kind of Lonely
Irish Boy
Get Ready Marie
Not A Bad Man
Gonna Miss You When You're Gone
Griffin and her band will be touring throughout 2013.