Inbox Update: Music Worth Buying episode, Dream Theater, Fitz and The Tantrums

Here is my latest roundup of updates to share...

But first, here is the new episode of Music Worth Buying where TJR features the new collaboration from Elvis Costello and The Roots, while I celebrate the return of Mazzy Star.

DREAM THEATER ROCKET UP THE ALBUM CHARTS;
“DREAM THEATER” SCORES #1 “HARD ROCK ALBUM,”
& ENTERS THE BILLBOARD 200 AT #7 FOR GROUP’S
THIRD CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 DEBUT;

“DREAM THEATER,” the milestone new album from Roadrunner Records group Dream Theater, has made a spectacular debut atop Billboard’s “Hard Rock Albums” chart, while simultaneously entering at #7 on the overall Billboard 200. This marks the GRAMMY-nominated group's third consecutive top 10 debut, and also sees "DREAM THEATER" making top 5 chart debuts in Japan, Germany, Italy, Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, Holland, and Finland, as well as top 10 debuts in  Denmark, Austria, and Norway with career high debuts in the United Kingdom and Australia.

“DREAM THEATER,” which was recorded at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, New York, with founding guitarist John Petrucci producing and studio luminary Richard Chycki (Aerosmith, Rush) engineering and mixing, marks a brilliant new chapter for the always adventurous group.  Rolling Stone touted the collection as “…the birth of a new era in the band’s career,” while Loudwire exclaimed that “Dream Theater pushes the envelope into (a) new musical dimension, a cosmic realm reserved for the best.”

Dream Theater - John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), James LaBrie (vocals), Jordan Rudess (keyboards & continuum), and Mike Mangini (drums) - debuted the album’s first single, “The Enemy Inside” this past August with USA Today and recently premiered a companion music video for the track with Billboard.  During the process of making the video for “The Enemy Inside,” Dream Theater were connected with Save A Warrior, an organization dedicated to embracing returning veterans in a healthy and nurturing environment  and offering safe, innovative and evidence-based resiliency programs for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.  In the coming months, Dream Theater will be working closely with the organization to help bring awareness to soldiers suffering from PTSD through social outreach, fundraising drives and more. “The Enemy Inside” is currently available for streaming on the band’s official YouTube channel (located at www.youtube.com/dreamtheater). 

Dream Theater will tour in support of “DREAM THEATER,” visiting 30 cities in 16 countries, with plans to tour North America beginning in March 2014 – full details will be announced soon. For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visitwww.dreamtheater.net/tourdates.

“DREAM THEATER” follows 2011’s acclaimed “A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS.” That album – highlighted by “On The Backs Of Angels,” which earned the iconic band its first ever GRAMMY Award nomination (in the “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance” category) – proved one of Dream Theater’s most successful, making top 10 chart debuts in 14 countries, including our own Billboard 200. “A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS” was hailed for its ambition, complexity, and sheer melodic power, with Japan’s influential BURRN!naming it as the year’s “Best Album.” 

With total sales exceeding 10 million albums and DVDs worldwide, Dream Theater have long stood among the upper echelon of hard rock giants. Albums such as 1992’s RIAA gold-certified classic “IMAGES & WORDS” (featuring the breakthrough top 10 single, “Pull Me Under”) have earned the Long Island-based band countless accolades for their visionary synthesis of melodic power and virtuosic experimentation, including being named as one of Rolling Stone’s top 10 “Best Prog Rock Bands of All time.”

“DREAM THEATER” is currently available in a wide range of distinctive versions, including standard and special edition CDs, 180 Gram Vinyl Double LP, and a Limited Edition Box Set at the Roadrunner Records Webstore.

For additional news and information, please visit www.dreamtheater.net, www.facebook.com/dreamtheaterofficial,www.twitter.com/dreamtheaternet www.myspace.com/dreamtheater, www.youtube.com/dreamtheater, and www.roadrunnerrecords.com.

FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS' "OUT OF MY LEAGUE"  IS NO. 1 ON BILLBOARD'S ALTERNATIVE SONGS CHART OCTOBER TV APPEARANCES INCLUDE "ELLEN," "CONAN" AND "CBS SATURDAY MORNING" FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS CO-HEADLINE "THE BRIGHT FUTURES TOUR" WITH CAPITAL CITIES, KICKING OFF OCTOBER 20

Fitz and The Tantrums have scored a No. 1 hit with "Out Of My League," the first single from the band's new album, More Than Just a Dream (Elektra Records). Competition has been fierce on Billboard'sAlternative Songs chart, where "Out Of My League" has spent 32 weeks and now becomes the sixth song to take the top position this year.  Fans can see the band perform "Out Of My League" on "Ellen" (October 15), "Conan" (October 16) and "CBS Saturday Morning" (October 26). "'Out of My League,' a colorfully catchy piece of '80s-inspired soul-pop, shows that the Los Angeles sextet is more than ready for the big leagues," said USA Today, while Peoplenoted,"'Out of My League'...bounce[s] like a more fun version of Fun." The accompanying video, which was directed by Jordan Bahat (fun., Grouplove) and already has more than 1.5 million views, can be viewed here.  Fitz and The Tantrums will co-headline "The Bright Futures Tour" with Capital Cities, which launchesOctober 20 at The National in Richmond, VA. They'll play New York City's Roseland Ballroom on October 23, sold-out shows at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC (October 30 & 31) and Cleveland's House of Blues (November 15), and a night at Chicago's Aragon Ballroom (November 22). See below for itinerary.  More Than Just a Dream, produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck, M83, Depeche Mode, Phoenix), is the follow up to 2010's Pickin' Up the Pieces, which spent 73 weeks on Billboard's Heatseekers chart, peaking at No. 1.  "It's the sort of disc that begs for repeat listens," said Relix. "This six-piece Los Angeles pop-soul group is all about irrepressible energy: hopped-up rhythms, shout-it-out choruses, hooted background vocals," notedRolling Stone.  ABC News called Fitz and The Tantrums "a band you're likely to hear more of in 2013...[their] music is catchy electro-pop with the soul of an '80s dance party."   Fitz and The Tantrums - comprised of Fitz (vocals), Noelle Scaggs (vocals/tambourine), James King (saxophone), Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards), John Wicks (drums) and Joseph Karnes (bass) - played their first show in December 2008 at Hotel Café in Hollywood, CA. After self-releasing the five-song 2009 EP Songs for a Breakup, Vol. 1, Fitz and The Tantrums soon found themselves appearing on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic," touring with Maroon 5 and recording their full length debut, Pickin' Up the Pieces. The band was named a "You Oughta Know" artist by VH1 and views for the video for the hit single"MoneyGrabber" surpassed three million. Fitz and The Tantrums supported Pickin' Up the Pieces with two sold-out U.S. headline tours, performances at numerous major music festivals and appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "Conan," "Last Call with Carson Daly" and "The Rachael Ray Show." The band launched More than Just a Dream with another headline tour and spent the summer of 2013 on the road with Bruno Mars.   FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS - UPCOMING TOUR DATES October 20 - Richmond, VA @ The National  - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 22 - Providence, RI @ Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 23 - New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 25 - Wallingford, CT @ The Dome at Oakdale Theatre - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 26 - Portland, ME @ State Theatre 28 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 29 - Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 30 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 31 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities November 1 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 4 - Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater 5 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 6 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 7 - Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 9 - Tampa, FL @ Coastline Festival 10 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Coastline Festival 11 - Gainesville, FL @ University of Florida - Phillips Center- "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 13 - Athens, OH @ Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 14 - Covington, KY @ Madison Theatre - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 15 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 16 - Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 17 - Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 19 - Ames, IA @ Iowa State University/Stephens Auditorium - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 20 - Champaign, IL @ University of Illinois - State Farm Center- "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 21 - Maplewood, MN @ Myth - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 22 - Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities 23 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave - "The Bright Futures" tour w/Capital Cities ### For more information on FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS, visit: http://fitzandthetantrums.com www.myspace.com/fitzandthetantrums

Coachella or Not, Hear This!

There have been countless rumors racing around the internet about some of the artists that are likely to play at Coachella 2013 with Blur, Grizzly Bear, Alabama Shakes and Beach House definitely a big part of that online buzz-fest. But no matter whether any or all four wind up in Indio this April their latest high profile releases are definitely worth picking up. All are available now.

Artist: Blur

Title: Parklive - Deluxe Edition (EMI)

You might be interested if you like: The Kinks, XTC

Tell me more: Few bands have returned from an extended hiatus with the kind of fiery excitement that greeted Blur when they returned from a six-year break to reconquer in 2009. The latest leap in Blur's revival is gloriously chronicled on the five-disc Parklive, featuring a fantastic concert film that captured their turn at London's Hyde Park in connection with the closing of the Olympic Games in August 2012. Four other CDs featuring live performances captured in summer 2012, including a couple of new songs ("Under the Westway," "The Puritan") that showcase a band still at the top of its game. Housed in a fantastic hardbound book loaded with color photos, Parklive is worth its price. Note: a single-disc DVD set and two-disc CD featuring the aforementioned Hyde Park show are each available. Information: www.blur.co.uk or www.liveherenow.com. 

Artist: Grizzly Bear

Title: Shields (Warp Records)

You might be interested if you like: Radiohead, Other Lives 

Tell me more: Those who thought Grizzly Bear's fantastic 2009 album Veckatimest would be the Brooklyn, New York outfit's crowning masterwork can be forgiven because that genre-defying album was so strong. But praise for the quartet's more recent offering Shields is equally widespread with the 10-track disc rightfully landing on many rock critics "best of 2012" lists. "Shields" boasts retro-meets-experimentalism via gems such as "Yet Again," "Gun-Shy" and "Sleeping Ute" that challenge and delight with each listen. The mix of traditional acoustic sounds, emotive vocals and electronic instruments is handled with the skill of noted masters such as Radiohead and Moby. Information: www.grizzly-bear.net.

Artist: Alabama Shakes

Title: Boys & Girls (Ato Records)

You might be interested if you like: Gary Clark Jr., Otis Redding, Joan Osborne, Amy Winehouse

Tell me more: Fans of classic soul, R&B, blues and roots rock will all find something to love on the debut album from Alabama Shakes. One of the biggest breakout acts of 2012, the Athens, Alabama-spawned quartet has been able to mine the past and blend its collective influences into something modern and relevant. From the rollicking old time rocker "Heavy Chevy" to the glorious soul ballad "I Found You" and spirited blues folk rock of "On Your Way," Alabama Shakes' debut Boys & Girls is a sensational disc.   Information: www.AlabamaShakes.com.

Artist: Beach House

Title: Bloom (Sub Pop)

You might be interested if you like: Cocteau Twins, Mazzy Star, Other Lives, Grizzly Bear

Tell me more: An intimate and beautiful recording awash with a lush quality that has been dubbed "dream pop," Baltimore, Maryland-based duo Beach House's 2012 offering "Bloom" recalls an artful cross between Mazzy Star and Cocteau Twins in that the recording is as much about the sound itself as the individual songs. To close your eyes and play this 10-track album with headphones is to be immersed in an atmosphere awash in pop perfection and sonic ambiance. Information:www.beachhousebaltimore.com. 

Weekend 2 brings a myriad of musical riches to Coachella

Singer Thom Yorke of the band Radiohead appears to be peering into the night as seen on one of the gigantic screens positioned over the Coachella Stage where the acclaimed British band headlined on Saturday, April 21.

Everyone has a different Coachella experience. Many brave impossible elements or fatigue to catch as many performances as possible while others are fanatic about a specific artist and trek out to Indio for a single performance. Still others come to view the fantastic artwork installations, watch out for celebrities, party with friends or for no other reason than to say "I was at Coachella" (even if that means they attended a party in far-off Palm Springs and never actually set foot on the Empire Polo Club grounds in Indio). For the record I have always come to Coachella to catch some of my favorite artists in the most thrilling of settings and for the joy of discovering great artists for the first time. After catching all or part of eight sets on Friday, nine on Saturday and another nine on Sunday, here are some highlights of my sonic journey through Weekend 2 (April 20-22, 2012) of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

I'm glad I arrived at the Coachellafest first thing because Friday's finest moments came early in the day. Don't get me wrong; I did enjoy seeing Pulp, Mazzy Star and the Black Keys in their respective turns that would come after dark. But a string of incredible performances following the kickoff from Mea (seen in the image on the left) came via Los Angeles Americana outfit honeyhoney, the eclectic Oklahoma-based Other Lives, singer-songwriter-guitar virtuoso Gary Clark Jr., country-folk rockers Dawes (whose "Time Spent in Los Angeles" and "Fire Away" simply rocked live) and genre-defying singer-songwriter-guitarist M. Ward set the perfect pace for me over the fast-paced day. With the exception of the experimental rock of the Jesse Tabish-led Other Lives, the wealth of roots music artists who were featured on Friday really was terrific. Dawes recalled classic Crosby, Stills and Nash, while Clark Jr. floored a packed Gobi tent over the course of 55 magical minutes with potent blues rockers like "When My Train Pulls In" and "Don't Owe You a Thang." Anyone who loves blues rock needs to discover this amazing Austin, Texas based artist (do yourself a favor and pick up his newly-released Bright Lights EP). Saturday's wide-ranging schedule yielded similarly-thrilling sets from early performers as well, although Coachella-goers had to contend with some of the highest fest temperatures in memory. Indeed, while checking weather conditions just prior to Grace Potter and the Nocturnals' 3:40 p.m. set time I saw 106 listed as the current temp for Indio. A far cry from the cold and rain that had marked Weekend 1 of the festival a week earlier. But baking in the sun was made a bit easier thanks to staff hosing down those positioned near the front of the Outdoor Theatre, the spot where I caught three solid performances. Orange County-based Suedehead's hard-charging sound recalled Paul Weller's The Jam while We Were Promised Jetpacks blended post-punk and '80's alt rock into a rousing mix. The aforementioned Potter and company opened with the infectious singalong "Paris (Ooh La La)." Potter strummed away on her electric guitar while nailing high notes with her amazing soprano on the way through a 40-minute performance that boasted the depth and range of a full-length concert set. Highlights included the blues-rock of "Stop the Bus" and a musical tribute to the recently-deceased Band drummer Levon Helm.

While the weather (thankfully) cooled a bit as the sun began to set, the intensity of the music making side of things never let up. From the energetic Kaiser Chiefs and U.K. power pop masters Squeeze, to Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds (seen rocking on a mega-screen in the image on the left) and Portland-based the Shins, the day and evening brought one breathtaking set after another. Squeeze performed with a fire and intensity of an up-and-coming band, unleashing versions of timeless favorites including "Black Coffee in Bed," "Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)" and "Is That Love" on the Mojave stage. Not long after, James Mercer led the Shins through a set that was the perfect setup for what was to come on the main stage throughout the rest of the night. Along with the delight of hearing the Shins perform a winning version of Neil Young's gem "Helpless," additional standouts came via the group's terrific new album Port of Morrow (notably the infectious upbeat "Simple Song" and decidedly sad tune "It's Only Life"). Following the Shins, Bon Iver played a 55-minute set that showcased the group's blend of folk, alt-country and indie sensibilities as the faithful cheered. Singer-songwriter-guitarist Justin Vernon displayed a musical style that often would find a quiet folk song grow into a neo-grunge roar. The stunning Bon Iver opener "Perth" (with its amazing guitar line and hushed intro layered with Vernon's falsetto vocals) was my favorite track of his set, but "Holocene" reached an almost similar depth. Radiohead performed a marvelous two-hour concert to finish off Saturday in grand fashion, featuring mostly-recent material off the troupe's last two studio albums (2007's In Rainbows and 2011's The King of Limbs) and some classic favorites, notably "Karma Police" and the night-ending "Paranoid Android." The English quintet, led by its charismatic front man Thom Yorke, utilized their experimental musical instincts and technology to enhance - rather than detract - from their concert show. With dazzling lights and a multitude of revolving projection screens, Radiohead immersed the crowd in an experience that was as much art as music. Weighty stuff that felt just right at Coachella. I got to the festival far earlier than I thought on day three so I was able to catch most of Gardens & Villa's set inside the Mojave tent. Until Sunday I never heard a group combine Thomas Dolby-styled '80s electronica with traditional Native American flute music. "Black Hills" mixed up a goth soundscape with a driving rhythm that got early birds moving to the music out on the grassy dance floor. Few who had gathered to watch Gardens & Villa left the Mohave tent once Brooklyn-based Oberhofer arrived on the scene with their own high-energy approach. The quartet's direction was mostly set on fun. Lead singer Brad Oberhofer injected some real life drama when he climbed high on the stage frame to throw flowers down into the enthusiastic crowd. Even frustrating technical woes resulting in First Aid Kit's keyboards not working properly did not dampen enthusiasm for the Swedish duo. Performing songs from both their The Big Black & the Blue debut and new sophomore effort The Lion's Roar, the siblings' shining harmonies and authentic '70s country folk was a joy. I predict very big things for these young sisters from Stockholm. The wide-range of styles of artists who perform at Coachella is an obvious attraction for music lovers. Sunday's finale summed that up clearly. I caught the indie R&B-flavored pop ensemble Fitz and the Tantrums (who shared a splendid reworking of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams"), the high-powered attack of Sweden's The Hives (I loved the band's new single "Go Right Ahead"), and the perfect set from Florence + the Machine (featuring singer Florence Welch) with dramatic crowd pleasers like "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)." Welch finally ended a seemingly-flawless hour-long set with the beautiful and involving "No Light, No Light."

Another Coachella to remember.