New Music: The Pretenders, Kansas, Ruthie Foster, Surfaces with Elton John

Artists continue to use this challenging time of sheltering at home to focus on the release of top-tier releases. Look no further than a number of excellent audio collections from a wide-range of established and rising music heroes.

Artist: The Pretenders
Title: Hate For Sale (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde, Concrete Blonde
Tell me more: The Pretenders are back! Singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde and founding drummer/backing vocalist Martin Chambers, along with long-time touring members James Walbourne (lead guitar) and Nick Wilkinson (bass) have returned with a batch of hard-hitting originals on Hate For Sale, including a title track that must be included in any reliable list ranking the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band's most explosive-ever rockers. There are other uptempo forays splashed across the 10-track LP as well, with the '50s-tinged "Didn't Want To Be This Lonely" and biting "Turf Accountant Daddy" among this writer's other faves.  

The Pretenders have returned with "Hate For
Sale" / Photo Credit: Matt Holyoak

Hynde is no one-trick pony, as evidenced by the beautiful retro-leaning ballad "You Can't Hurt a Fool" where she offers up some especially emotive vocals, and a yearning celebration of the mysteries of romantic passion detailed in "The Buzz." Other wonderful songs include the wistful "Maybe Love is in NYC," reggae-flavored "Lightning Man," high-octane rocker "I Didn't Know When To Stop" and tender disc-ending ballad "Crying In Public." Produced by legendary Stephen Street (The Smiths, Blur), the Pretenders' 11th studio album Hate For Sale marks a solid and exciting return that taps into the outfit's timeless resonance while forging into the future with weighty hooks in the here and now. A five-month tour teaming the Pretenders and Journey was originally scheduled to begin on May 15, 2020, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic was cancelled. Let's hope we get to hear the Pretenders out on the road soon performing many of the potent songs from Hate For Sale. Information: ThePretenders.com.

Artist: Kansas
Title: The Absence of Presence (Century Media)
You might like if you enjoy: Yes, Genesis, Kansas
Tell me more: Kansas has returned with the ambitious The Absence of Presence, a full-length release produced by Zak Rizvi that is the prog-rock band's first new album since 2016's outstanding The Prelude Implicit. The Topeka, Kansas-spawned group's trademark sound rooted in dazzling virtuosity is displayed everywhere. The title track opens the proceedings, luxurious with violin, guitar, keyboards and rhythm section joining forces for an awe-inspiring soundscape that dials back when singer Ronnie Platt comes in with a probing lyrical verse. That song has a number of sections – some that race at breakneck speed and others that soar with symphonic splendor; all flow effortlessly and artfully together sans bombast. "Jets Overhead" starts with a solo piano before the band jumps in for an impressive instrumental display. "Circus of Illusion" begins with a relatively straightforward melodic rock approach that recalls '80s favorite ASIA, albeit adorned by David Ragsdale's distinctive violin play. Every cut on The Absence of Presence conjures up the magic of the band's best work, including the hard rocking "Throwing Mountains," reflective "Memories Down The Line" and thrilling "Animals on the Roof." Information: KansasBand.com.

Artist: Ruthie Foster Big Band
Title: Live at the Paramount (Blue Corn Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Aretha Franklin, Grace Potter, Ella Fitzgerald, Mavis Staples
Tell me more: Armed with a remarkable soprano that can deliver stellar blues, gospel, and soul with nuanced perfection, Ruthie Foster's latest release Live at the Paramount captured the Austin-based singer with the Ruthie Foster Big Band in January 2019. Not only is Foster in complete command of her extraordinary voice, but the talented musicians who share the stage and the energy from the audience come together in special way where the magic could have only been captured via a concert recording (kudos to music director John Mills and album producer executive producer Denby Auble). There is a buoyant force across the performance, with a soulful reworking of the Johnny Cash classic "Ring of Fire," the Memphis glide of "Singing' the Blues," meteoric "Runaway Soul" and full-on gospel offering "Woke Up This Morning" among the wonderful moments. Yours truly was floored by the gospel-meets-blues eruption of "Death Came a Knocking' (Travelin' Shoes)," Foster's incredible vocal performance of the spiritual bolstered by a soundscape of a trio of gospel singers, the 10-member horn section and Mitch Watkins' searing guitar play. Foster pulls off plenty of magic during the concert, including capping the appearance making the classics "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Mack the Knife" her own. Information: RuthieFoster.com.

Artists: Surfaces with Elton John
Title: Learn To Fly (Caroline Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Surfaces, Elton John
Tell me more: On July 17, Texas-based musical duo Surfaces released an extended version of their collaborative single "Learn To Fly" with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist Sir Elton John. The infectious soul-meets-pop non-album single – along with a colorful animated video directed by Ivan Dixon – is definitely a tuneful summertime gem that will appeal to fans of Surfaces' original version of the single as well as those who have long followed John's signature style. The artists were able to collaborate together via Zoom, but the warmth of the track will have listeners believing it was created by Surfaces (vocalists/guitarists Forrest Frank and Colin Padalecki) and the legendary John in-person. Information: SurfacesMusic.com.




Robert Kinsler

The Pretenders 'You Can't Hurt a Fool' new single out now

Cool news for a Tuesday...

The Pretenders return with 'You Can't Hurt a Fool'

SOULFUL NEW SINGLE HERALDS EAGERLY AWAITED 11^TH STUDIO ALBUM

HATE FOR SALE ARRIVES EVERYWHERE ON FRIDAY, JULY 17

The Pretenders have unveiled the latest track from their much-anticipated new album, HATE FOR SALE. “You Can’t Hurt A Fool” is available now via BMG at all DSPs and streaming services. The Pretenders’ 11^th studio album, HATE FOR SALE arrives Friday, July 17. Pre-orders are available now. In addition, vinyl LP and CD pre-orders are currently available via the official Pretenders webstore.

LISTEN TO “YOU CAN’T HURT A FOOL”

PRE-ORDER HATE FOR SALE

“I suppose our biggest influence apart from crazy, hard-core rock and roll has been R&B,” says Chrissie Hynde of the soulful “You Can’t Hurt A Fool.” “James and I really grappled with this one to get in all the subtleties and nuance of an R&B classic, albeit with modern, autobiographical lyrics…The fool is me!”

Produced by the legendary Stephen Street (The Smiths, Blur), HATE FOR SALE features 10 new songs written by Chrissie Hynde and Pretenders guitarist James Walbourne – their first full-length songwriting collaboration to date. Furthermore, the album – which follows 2016’s acclaimed ALONE – marks the first Pretenders album to feature the band’s longtime touring line-up of Hynde, Walbourne, bassist Nick Wilkinson, and founding drummer Martin Chambers.

HATE FOR SALE has already been heralded with a pair of equally extraordinary new tracks, “The Buzz” and “Hate For Sale,” both of which are available now for streaming and download. “The Buzz” was met by immediate acclaim by Rolling Stone  and Stereogum, who enthused, “‘The Buzz’ is the kind of world-weary shimmer that the Pretenders have always been great at…Hynde’s craggy, seen-it-all vocals haven’t really changed in the past four decades, and neither has her sharp, intuitive songcraft.”

LISTEN TO “THE BUZZ”

“Hate For Sale” followed and was greeted by equivalent applause, with SPIN writing, “Dueling guitars and high energy beat, the song will quickly take you back to the heydays of the punk era – a time that the band really loves.” The new LP’s title track “finds The Pretenders – Chrissie Hynde in particular – channeling their inner riotous punk rock selves,” raved Consequence of Sound. “The lead singer and guitarist’s vocals heard here are flung out with an attitude that alternates between haphazard shrug and in-your-face statement.”

LISTEN TO “HATE FOR SALE”

# # #

THE PRETENDERS

HATE FOR SALE

(BMG)

Release Date: Friday, July 17

TRACKLISTING:

Hate For Sale

The Buzz

Lightning Man

Turf Accountant Daddy

You Can’t Hurt a Fool

I Didn’t Know When To Stop

Maybe Love Is In NYC

Junkie Walk

Didn’t Want To Be This Lonely

Crying in Public

CONNECT WITH THE PRETENDERS:

THEPRETENDERS.COM

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Journey, The Pretenders to embark on extensive 2020 North American Tour

Two bands I last caught in 2016 (at two different concert events) are joining forces and going on tour in 2020. Here is the media release, and note that tickets go on sale next week...Robert Kinsler

Journey sets extensive 2020 North American Tour with The Pretenders

Five Month Tour Kicks Off Friday, May 15 

Tickets on Sale Friday, November 8, at 10 AM

Arnel Pineda, left, with Neal Schon of Journey.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Journey - Neal Schon (founding member and lead guitarist), Ross Valory (co-founding member and bassist), longtime members Jonathan Cain (keyboardist) & Steve Smith (drummer), and Arnel Pineda (lead singer) – have set an extensive North American tour in 2020 with the PRETENDERS that will feature all new production and hits from start to finish. The 60+ date tour, produced by Live Nation, begins Friday, May 15, through Saturday, September 12, and tickets go on sale Friday, November 8, at 10 AM. All times are local. A full listing of tour dates can be found below.

Fans can expect to hear iconic Journey classics such as “Lights,” “Faithfully,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Open Arms,” “Wheel In The Sky,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” and the seminal “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which is the top-selling digital catalog track in history,  as well as Pretenders’ hits such as “I’ll Stand By You,” “Back On The Chain Gang,” “Brass In Pocket,” “Don’t Get Me Wrong,” “2000 Miles,” “My City Was Gone,” “Middle of the Road,” and many more.

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets for select shows before the general public beginning Monday, November 4, at 10 AM through Thursday, November 7, at 10 PM. Citi and other local presales will start on November 5, at 10 AM.

A limited number of LaneOne Premium Packages will also be available, including amazing seats, transportation, preferred entrance and more.  Check HERE for LaneOne details.

Chrissie Hynde performing at The Forum in
Inglewood, CA in December 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The Pretenders cross the bridge between punk, new wave and pop music like no other band, with genre-defining songs like “I'll Stand By You,” “Back On The Chain Gang” and “Don't Get Me Wrong.” The band has sold over 25 million albums and founder & leader Chrissie Hynde is one of contemporary music's greatest songwriters. Chrissie’s 2015 memoir Reckless: My Life As a Pretender, was hailed by the New York Times upon its release as "honest and distinctive… a love letter to rock and roll." After delivering 2016’s unflinchingly head-strong Alone album (produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach), the Pretenders continue to tour worldwide.

Arnel Pineda of Journey in 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

JOURNEY is one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, creating some of the best-known songs in modern music. Since the group’s formation in 1973, the band has earned 19 top 40 singles and 25 Gold and Platinum albums and has sold nearly 100 million albums globally.  Their Greatest Hits album is certified 15 times-Platinum, bringing Journey into the elite club of Diamond-certified award holders. The band continues to tour and record into the 21^st century, performing concerts for millions of fans worldwide, and received the prestigious Billboard "Legends of Live" touring award.  2018’s massive co-headlining tour with Def Leppard was the band’s most successful tour to date, landing them in the Top 10 year-end touring chart with more than 1 million tickets sold. In 2017, Journey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In March 2019, Journey released a live DVD/CD set from their concert at the Budokan in Tokyo, featuring the first-ever performances of the band’s “Escape” and “Frontiers” albums in their entireties. Journey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, and is the subject of the award-winning documentary, “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey.” 

JOURNEY with PRETENDERS 2020 Tour Dates:

FRI	15-May	Ridgefield, WA	Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
SAT	16-May	George, WA	Gorge Amphitheatre
MON	18-May	Vancouver, BC	Rogers Arena
WED	20-May	Boise, ID	ExtraMile Arena
THU	21-May	West Valley City, UT	USANA Amphitheatre
SAT	23-May	Inglewood, CA	Forum
SUN	24-May	Chula Vista, CA	North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
TUE	26-May	Anaheim, CA	Honda Center
WED	27-May	Concord, CA	Concord Pavilion
FRI	29-May	Wheatland, CA	Toyota Amphitheatre
SAT	30-May	Mountain View, CA	Shoreline Amphitheatre
MON	1-Jun	Phoenix, AZ	Ak-Chin Pavilion
TUE	2-Jun	Albuquerque, NM	Isleta Amphitheater
THU	4-Jun	Denver, CO	Pepsi Center
SAT	6-Jun	East Troy, MI	Alpine Valley Music Theatre
SUN	7-Jun	St. Paul, MN	Xcel Energy Center
TUE	9-Jun	Sioux Falls, SD	Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
WED	10-Jun	Des Moines, IA	Wells Fargo Arena
FRI	19-Jun	Oklahoma City, OK	Chesapeake Energy Arena
SAT	20-Jun	Durant, OK	Choctaw Grand Theater*
MON	22-Jun	Rogers, AR	Walmart AMP
WED	24-Jun	Memphis, TN	FedExForum
FRI	26-Jun	Maryland Heights, MO	Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - St. Louis, MO
SAT	27-Jun	Noblesville, IN	Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
MON	29-Jun	Cincinnati, OH	Riverbend Music Center
TUE	30-Jun	Cuyahoga Falls OH	Blossom Music Center
THU	2-Jul	Moline, IL	TaxSlayer Center
FRI	3-Jul	Tinley Park, IL	Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL
SUN	5-Jul	Clarkston, MI	DTE Energy Music Theatre
WED	8-Jul	Grand Rapids, MI	Van Andel Arena
FRI	10-Jul	Columbus, OH	Nationwide Arena
SAT	11-Jul	Burgettstown, PA	KeyBank Pavilion
MON	13-Jul	Toronto, ON	Budweiser Stage
TUE	14-Jul	Quebec City, PQ	Videotron Center
FRI	17-Jul	Hartford, CT	XFINITY Theatre
SAT	18-Jul	Darien Center, NY	Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
WED	29-Jul	Mansfield, MA	Xfinity Center
THU	30-Jul	Wantagh, NY	Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
SAT	1-Aug	Saratoga Springs, NY	Saratoga Performing Arts Center
SUN	2-Aug	Bristow, VA	Jiffy Lube Live
TUE	4-Aug	Holmdel, NJ	PNC Bank Arts Center
WED	5-Aug	Camden, NJ	BB&T Pavilion
FRI	7-Aug	Virginia Beach, VA	Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
SAT	8-Aug	Charlotte, NC	PNC Music Pavilion
MON	10-Aug	Raleigh, NC	Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
WED	12-Aug	Nashville, TN	Bridgestone Arena
THU	13-Aug	Atlanta, GA	Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
FRI	21-Aug	Tampa, FL	MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds
SAT	22-Aug	West Palm Beach, FL	Coral Sky Amphitheatre at the S. Florida Fairgrounds
MON	24-Aug	Jacksonville, FL	VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
WED	26-Aug	Orange Beach, AL	The Wharf
THU	27-Aug	New Orleans, LA	Smoothie King Center*
SAT	29-Aug	Bossier City, LA	CenturyLink Center
SUN	30-Aug	Dallas, TX	Dos Equis Pavilion
WED	2-Sep	San Antonio, TX	AT&T Center
THU	3-Sep	Corpus Christi, TX	American Bank Center Arena
SAT	5-Sep	The Woodlands, TX	Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
WED	9-Sep	Lexington, KY	Rupp Arena
FRI	11-Sep	Hershey, PA	Hersheypark Stadium
SAT	12-Sep	Bethel, NY	Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

*Not promoted by Live Nation.

Multi-format 'Pretenders With Friends' among essential new titles

A legendary concert event where The Pretenders were joined by the illustrious likes of Shirley Manson (Garbage), Iggy Pop and Kings of Leon is now out as a special deluxe edition that looks and sounds great. Under-the-radar releases from The Shootouts and Auburn are also deserving of attention.

Artist: The Pretenders
Title: Pretenders With Friends (Cleopatra Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Chrissie Hynde, Shirley Manson, Kings of Leon, Incubus, Iggy Pop
Tell me more: The Pretenders' legacy was set in stone long ago with Chrissie Hynde and company having recorded some of rock's most enduring rock songs. Another chance to celebrate the Pretenders' groundbreaking sound was cast when the troupe welcomed a number of notable guests for a special 2006 concert at the Decades Rock Arena in Atlantic City, NJ ("Pretenders With Friends") that has now been released via a glorious collection that includes a Blu-ray, DVD and audio CD.  The special event saw the Pretenders cover their most beloved hits; special guests would join them for select tracks with the Pretenders then covering a guest's song as well. So for example, Singer Shirley Manson joined in on "Talk of the Town" before the Pretenders returned the favor on a cover of Garbage's "Only Happy When It Rains" (the vocal interplay with the two singers is an absolute delight). Other top-tier highlights on the title include "Drive" featuring Incubus, "Candy" with Iggy Pop, and the Pretenders sans guests rocking on "Brass in Pocket" and "Mystery Achievement." The full lineup of players join forces for the set-ending "Middle of the Road." The visual and audio quality of this multi-format title is fantastic, with the masterful song selections adding to the magic across the 75-minute concert film/recording. Watching the blu-ray is truly the next best thing to being there. Bonus material includes a number of interview clips with members of the Pretenders and the guests. Information: www.CleopatraRecords.com.

Artist: The Shootouts
Title: Quick Draw (Shootouts Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakam, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Gram Parsons
Tell me more: The Shootouts' stellar Quick Draw is an album that is fun, expertly crafted and is filled with outstanding songs that are performed with the talented touch of crafty veterans. The nimble "Cleaning House," touching "I'd Rather Be Lonely," and rapid fire "If I Could" are among the memorable cuts that build on the winning ways of country icons ranging from Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam to Gram Parsons and Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives. The Shootouts (lead singer-guitarist Ryan Humbert, harmony vocalist Emily Bates, guitarist Brian Poston, bassist Ryan McDermott and dummer Dylan Gomez) are joined by a slew of notable guests to extend their artful reach. Just listen to the blistering instrumental title cut, the lovely "If We Quit Now" and playful "Who Needs Rock & Roll" to hear how great Western swing, honky tonk, Americana and traditional country music sound when blended by the right bunch of players. Information: shootoutsmusic.com.

Artist: Auburn
Title: Game Of Faith (Scarlet Records/Gonzo)
You might like if you enjoy: Macy Gray, Bonnie Raitt, Kate Bush
Tell me more: Released back on June 28, don't let Auburn's Game Of Faith escape your attention. The U.K.-based group has released a 14-track disc that blends blues and Americana in spades with touches of other styles adding to the musical magic. Led by talented singer-songwriter Liz Lenten, the group also features guitarist Thomm Jutz (who recorded, mixed and produced the new album), bassist Mark Fain, drummer Lynn Williams and harmony vocalist Britt Savage. Armed with a voice that is decidedly husky, Lenten's soprano simultaneously carries an emotional torch that lights up the ballads and mid tempo tracks that fill the disc. Among the many standouts on the album is the slow bluesy title track, uptempo "I Don't Love Him" (where Jutz shows off plenty of tasty guitar licks), the jazz-meets-blues gem "Prosecco-fuelled Profiles," infectious pop-rock oriented "Trinidad" and undeniable "Spoke in the Wheel" with its wonderful chorus. Information: www.auburn.org/uk.


Robert Kinsler

'Alone With Chrissie Hynde' documentary on DVD, Digital - May 25, 2018

This sounds like a terrific and fascinating documentary to be sure!

'ALONE WITH CHRISSIE HYNDE' Documentary + Bonus Concert coming soon!

DVD AND DIGITAL TO BE RELEASED MAY 25, 2018 via Eagle Rock 

~PRE-ORDER HERE~

“CHRISSIE HYNDE STILL ANSWERS TO NO ONE AND IT’S A GLORIOUS SOUND”
Q MAGAZINE

“HYNDE IS MAGNIFICENT – UNAPOLOGETIC AND DEFERRING TO NO ONE”
THE GUARDIAN

“A STILL SHARPLY TUNED POWERHOUSE”
THE MIRROR

New York, NY (April 9, 2018)--Previously broadcast as part of the renowned BBC TV Arena series, Alone With Chrissie Hynde follows the Pretenders’ lead singer as she shares an insight into her life. On a journey taking place in Paris, London, New York, Nashville and her hometown of Akron, Ohio, Chrissie takes the lead, avoiding the talking heads typically associated with documentaries to speak frankly about her passion for music, painting and the issues that matter to her most. This film will be released on DVD and Digital formats via Eagle Rock Entertainment on May 25, 2018.

“People that are careful about looking like they don’t care have another level of caring” says Hynde, as she stocks up on some men’s tailoring in a Parisian store and relaxes in her Paris apartment, sporting a tourist style t-shirt (“I never pack what I need”). While in her London home, overflowing with her paintings, she picks through some of the records that influenced her most. At George Harrison’s Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna Temple she milks a cow, before rocking up on stage for a guest spot at a tiny West London pub.

Of touring and playing shows she says, “It’s about feeling like you actually know what you’re doing for an hour, the rest of the time you’re bumbling around trying to make sense of your life”. Although she admits to youthful shyness and years of stage fright, it’s hard to imagine Hynde ‘bumbling’ anywhere, she seems more purposeful than that. Her ability to seek beauty where others might see blandness and decay speak of a songwriter’s sharply observant nature. The unseen interviewer is even briefly questioned, frozen in the headlights of Hynde’s unfaltering gaze.

A lone walker along an American highway in vegetarian ‘leather’ boots, while the cars whizz anonymously past her... Wandering in her hometown cemetery, marvelling at the headstones, “I like to say their names out loud because I think - when was the last time anyone said your name out loud?” she muses.

There’s coverage of the band in Nashville during the recording sessions for the Alone album and live performance clips tracks from the album, as well as archive footage of classic tracks such as "Brass In Pocket" and "Back On The Chain Gang." Complementing the film is a bonus full length concert performance by the original line-up of the Pretenders from the Sartory-Säle in Cologne, Germany from July 1981, which was filmed for the famous Rockpalast music TV series.

Hynde says, “Rock ‘n’ roll is about being yourself - all the time”. Alone With Chrissie Hynde sees her gutsy, outspoken and fully herself.

Bonus Features
Live show from July 1981: 1) The Wait 2) The Adultress 3) Message Of Love 4) Louie Louie 5) Talk Of The Town 6) The English Roses 7) Birds Of Paradise 8) Kid 9) Stop Your Sobbing 10) Private Life 11) Jealous Dogs 12) Day After Day 13) Up The Neck 14) Tattooed Love Boys 15) Bad Boys Get Spanked 16) Precious 17) Brass In Pocket 18) Mystery Achievement

Pretenders Line-up For 1981 Concert
Chrissie Hynde (vocals, guitar); Martin Chambers (drums, vocals); Pete Farndon (bass, vocals); James Honeyman-Scott (guitar, vocals)