New Music: Joni Mitchell, Blur, Greta Van Fleet, Arthur Alexander

Discerning music fans are in luck! Legendary songstress Joni Mitchell, Britpop pioneers Blur, rising hard rock greats Greta Van Fleet and celebrated singer-songwriter Arthur Alexander have returned with highly-anticipated new albums.

Artist: Joni Mitchell
Title: Joni Mitchell At Newport — Featuring the Joni Jam (Rhino Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Dawes
Tell me more: On July 24, 2022, Joni Mitchell surprised the Newport Folk Festival audience when she gave a surprise performance, her first in 20 years; that appearance also marked the singer-songwriter's return to the Newport stage for the first time since 1969! Now that already-legendary appearance will be released by Rhino Records as a live album on Friday, July 28, 2023 (Joni Mitchell At Newport — Featuring the Joni Jam). Supported by an illustrious group of guest musicians, Mitchell — who had suffered a brain aneurysm rupture in March 2015 and had been undergoing physical therapy and rehabilitation leading up to her 2022 performance — participated in a set of her own material and covers. The audio recording captured as part of a set billed as "Brandi Carlile and Friends" a year ago is poignant and historic. From Brandi Carlile's heartfelt introduction and the rousing opener "Big Yellow Taxi" to the joyful close (the inviting sing-along "The Circle Game"), the magic on the recording is genuinely palpable. A melancholic take on "Both Sides Now," stunning piano-anchored "A Case of You," the electric guitar-anchored instrumental "Just Like This Train" featuring Mitchell's distinctive fret work and literate "Amelia" (the latter featuring vocal interplay with Dawes singer Taylor Goldsmith) are early highlights on the title. Other standouts including the buoyant "Carey," luxurious "Come In From The Cold" and moving "Shine."  Among the guests who appear on the live recording with Mitchell include guitarist Tim Hanseroth (guitar, dulcimer), Celisse (guitar, vocals), Ben Lusher (piano), Marcus Mumford (percussion, vocals) and Rick Whitfield (guitar). Co-produced by Carlile and Mitchell, Joni Mitchell At Newport will be released on audio CD, 2-LP black vinyl, on digital and streaming services as well as Dolby Atmos on July 28. Information: JoniMitchell.com.

Artist: Blur
Title: The Ballad of Darren (Warner Records/Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Beck, David Bowie
Tell me more: The Ballad of Darren is the ninth studio album from Blur, and marks the Britpop favorite's first new studio album since 2015's The Magic Whip. The new album finds the English outfit (singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree) using stellar songcraft as they explore midlife with incredible depth and confessional candor. The diverse track listing is filled with originals that entice with a single listen; the inclusion of experimental touches layered atop melodic rock works its wonders magically on the disc. The reflective opener "The Ballad," infectious "The Narcissist" with its explosive finale, edgy "St. Charles Square," wistful "Russian Strings," Baroque pop sortie "The Everglades (For Leonard)" and melancholy-draped "The Heights" are among the amazing songs on this eagerly-awaited return. The Ballad of Darren is available on streaming services, as well as via audio CD and vinyl. Blur will also perform The Ballad of Darren in its entirety via a global livestream event on Tuesday, July 25. Information: blur.co.uk.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet
Title: Starcatcher (Lave Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Heart
Tell me more: Listening to Greta Van Fleet's third album Starcatcher is to hear how a talented young quartet from Frankenmuth, Michigan have rekindled and captured the magic of '70s rock with an otherworldly and masterful touch. The new 10-track album Starcatcher provides a joyful listen while the outfit explores the duality of fantasy versus reality and the dramatic divide between light and darkness. "We wanted to introduce characters and motifs and these ideas that would come about here and there throughout our careers through this world," notes band drummer Danny Wagner in press notes related to the album's release on July 21. Singer Josh Kiszka has a distinctive tenor able to reach incredible heights while also bringing an ardent vocal artistry only enhanced by the collective virtuoso chops of guitarist Jake Kiszka, bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka and Wagner. The acoustic power ballad "Farewell For Now," the fiery rocker "The Falling Sky," soaring "Sacred The Thread," riff rocker "Frozen Light" and ambitious "Meeting The Master" are among the great cuts on the album. Recorded at RCA Studios in Nashville, Greta Van Fleet utilized a large recording room to capture the pure energy of their concert performances. Information: gretavanfleet.com.

Artist: Arthur Alexander
Title: One Life (Is All You Got) (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Knack, Cheap Trick, Sorrows
Tell me more: Steppin' Out! marks the glorious return of singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Arthur Alexander, a true musical great who got his start as a "rebel rocker in Soviet-era Poland" before helping elevate power pop in New York City as a member of Sorrows and the Poppees. Steppin' Out! is a joyful listen across its 13 tracks, somehow capturing elements of pop and rock greats from the '60s, '70s and '80s and using those elements to forge Alexander's own signature sound. The album opens with the hard charging single "Woman," a 2 and a half minute blast that blends the best of '60s garage rock and Cheap Trick-styled power pop. The album's strengths continue via a decidedly far-flung mix of great songs; the lovely "It's Not Love Anymore #2" mines '60s rock while showcasing Alexander's original voice as a singer and songwriter — that track is bolstered by Brian Connie's sharp harmonica work and how that plays out amidst the dazzling guitar work of Kevin Keller and Alexander. The modern rocker "(She's A) Red Hot Lover," bewitching "Ashes," crunchy "Why Can't You Come," synth pop gem "A Little Too Much," shimmering "Silver Cloud" and melodic folk rocker "Fly Away" are among the many other fantastic songs on the 13-track album. The album is available on vinyl (in separate black and red versions), as well as via audio CD and on all streaming services. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Pretenders announce new album; share first song

It's a great day when we get an official announcement that a new Pretenders album is on the way! Check out the advance single "Let The Sun Come In," and learn more about the forthcoming release below...Robert Kinsler

THE PRETENDERS ARE BACK WITH “LET THE SUN COME IN” – LISTEN    ENTHUSIASTIC NEW SINGLE HERALDS UPCOMING STUDIO ALBUM, RELENTLESS   EPIC TOUR SCHEDULE INCLUDES INTIMATE HEADLINE SHOWS, TOP-BILLED FESTIVAL APPEARANCES, AND EU/UK STADIUM RUN SUPPORTING GUNS N’ ROSES   RELENTLESS ARRIVES VIA RHINO RECORDS ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1   PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW

Chrissie Hynde Photo Credit: Ki Price

The Pretenders are back with today’s premiere of the optimistically charged new single, “Let The Sun Come In,” available now via Rhino Records – the band’s return to Warner Music Group after more than two decades having first been signed to Sire Records in America by the legendary Seymour Stein.   Marked by the electrifying impulsiveness and attitude that has long defined founder Chrissie Hynde’s eternal spirit, “Let The Sun Come In” heralds the eagerly awaited arrival of The Pretenders’ new studio album, Relentless, arriving everywhere on Friday, September 1. Pre-orders – including digital download, baby pink vinyl, black vinyl, and CD – are available now.   “I enjoy seeing the various meanings and origins of a word,” says Chrissie Hynde of the album’s title. “And I liked the definition: ‘showing no abatement of intensity.’ So when it came to an album title, it seemed fitting. You know…to keep doing it. I think anyone in a band is constantly questioning if they should keep going. It starts as a youthful pursuit and eventually, it makes you wonder, why am I doing this? It’s the life of the artist. You never retire. You become relentless.”   LISTEN TO “LET THE SUN COME IN” PRE-ORDER RELENTLESS   Produced by multiple Grammy Award-nominee David Wrench (Courtney Barnett, David Byrne) at the famed Battery Studios in Willesden, North West London, Relentless marks the second consecutive full-length songwriting collaboration by Hynde and Pretenders guitarist James Walbourne following 2020’s acclaimed Hate For Sale. The two are joined on the album’s twelve tracks by what Hynde has dubbed “The Pretenders Collective,” including Kris Sonne (drums), Chris Hill (double bass), Dave Page (bass), and Carwyn Ellis (keyboards and guitars). In addition, Relentless features a landmark collaboration with Academy Award-nominated composer Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead, The Smile), who provides the string arrangement and conducted the 12 Ensemble for the album’s stunning closing track, “I Think About You Daily.”   “I met Jonny a couple of times and we’re obviously big fans of him because he’s done some incredible music over the years,” Hynde says. “I saw him at the Phantom Thread premiere where the film was running on screen with a live orchestra playing. And we spoke afterward and he expressed an interest in doing something one day. I was thrilled and very surprised. So when we had the idea of getting strings on ‘I Think About You Daily,’ he was first choice. Legend!”   The Pretenders will introduce Relentless to fans around the world with an equally uncompromising international live schedule, including intimate headline dates, top-billed festival appearances, and a massive EU/UK stadium run supporting Guns N’ Roses. Dates begin tomorrow, May 12, with a much-anticipated headline performance at Brighton, England’s The Great Escape followed by a sold-out tour of clubs and small venues across the UK and Ireland. Further highlights include a very special festival appearance as direct support to Foo Fighters at the upcoming Ohana Festival, curated by Eddie Vedder and set for October 1 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA. Additional dates will be announced. For updates, please visit thepretenders.com.   2020’s Hate For Sale proved yet another triumph for The Pretenders, with Q Magazine hailing the LP as “up there with the best of the early Pretenders albums.” “The New Wave greats haven't sounded this raw and real since the early Eighties,” agreed Rolling Stone, while The Guardian praised the album for “tight songs that prance insouciantly from genre to genre, scattering wisdom and swagger in their wake.”   # # #   THE PRETENDERS - TOUR 2023   MAY 12 – Brighton, UK – The Great Escape * 13 – Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms (SOLD OUT) 14 – Cambridge, UK – MASH (SOLD OUT) 16 – Frome, UK – Cheese & Grain (SOLD OUT) 17 – Stoke, UK – The Sugarmill (SOLD OUT) 19 – Limerick, Ireland – Dolans (SOLD OUT) 20 – Core, Ireland – Cypress Avenue (SOLD OUT) 21 – Dublin, Ireland - Olympia Theatre 23 – Belfast, UK – Limelight (SOLD OUT) 25 – Stornoway, UK – Midnight Sun Weekender * 28 – Derbyshire, UK – Bearded Theory * 30- Antwerp, Belgium – De Roma 31- Antwerp, Belgium – De Roma   JUNE 9 – Madrid, Spain - Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano † 11 – Oxfordshire, UK – KITE Festival * 12 – Vigo, Spain - Estadio Abanca Balaídos † 16 – Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain – Azkena Festival * 17 – Kent, UK – Black Deer Festival of Americana * 27 – Glasgow, UK – Bellahouston Park † 30 – London, UK – BST Hyde Park †   JULY 3 – Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park † 5 – Bern, Switzerland – BERNEXPO † 8 – Rome, Italy – Circo Massimo † 11 – Weert, Netherlands - Evenemententerrein †   OCTOBER 1 – Dana Point, CA – OHANA Festival *   * Festival Appearance † w/ Guns N’ Roses   # # #   THE PRETENDERS RELENTLESS (Rhino) Release Date: Friday, September 1, 2023 Tracklist: Losing My Sense Of Taste A Love Domestic Silence The Copa Promise Of Love Merry Widow Let The Sun Come In Look Away Your House Is On Fire Just Let It Go Vainglorious I Think About You Daily   CONNECT WITH THE PRETENDERS: THEPRETENDERS.COM | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Déjà Vu All Over Again: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s debut celebrates 50 Years

 Where have these 50 years gone? Make sure to listen to the demo recording for "Birds" by Neil Young featuring Graham Nash that was originally recorded during the sessions for "Deja Vu." 

DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN   Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s Debut Celebrates 50 Years With An Expansive 4-CD/1-LP Collection Featuring The Original Album Remastered, Plus Over Two Hours Of Rare And Unreleased Demos, Outtakes, And Alternate Takes   Previously Unreleased Demo Version Of “Birds” Available Today Digitally   LISTEN NOW   5-LP Version Also Available, Exclusively At CSNY50.com And Rhino.com; Both Will Be Released On May 14 From Rhino

LOS ANGELES – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s Déjà Vu was the most-anticipated new album in America in 1970. More than 50 years later, it’s one of the most famous albums in rock history with legendary songs, including “Carry On” and “Teach Your Children,” that still resonate today. Rhino will honor the intense creative journey that led to this milestone album with an expansive 4-CD/1-LP collection that includes a pristine version of the original album on both 180-gram vinyl and CD, plus hours of rare and unreleased studio recordings that provide incredible insight into the making of the record. The previously unreleased demo for “Birds” that was recorded during the sessions is available today on all digital download and streaming services. Click HERE to listen now. DÉJÀ VU: 50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION will be available from Rhino on May 14 for $99.98. Presented in a 12 x 12 hardcover book, the collection comes illustrated with rarely seen photos from the era and annotated by writer/filmmaker Cameron Crowe, whose revealing liner notes recount the making of the album through stories told by the people who were there, including David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and Neil Young. On the same day, a deluxe vinyl version will also be available with the full content across 5 LPs of 180-gram vinyl. The deluxe vinyl version is available for pre-order exclusively at CSNY50.com and Rhino.com for $249.98. The music will also be available on digital download and streaming services and in high-resolution audio at www.neilyoungarchives.com. Customers that purchase any version of the release at CSNY50.com and Rhino.com will receive a high-resolution download version as well. A new line of CSNY Déjà Vu-themed, organic merch made from sustainably sourced materials is launching today exclusively at CSNY50.com and Rhino.com. Crowe recalls in the liner notes that “Déjà Vu caught the zeitgeist perfectly" and “might just be the legendary band’s most accurate portrait of their fiery individualism.” Of this new Deluxe Edition, Crowe opines: “50 years later, with the sonic aperture fully opened, it’s a wide-screen look at the big picture of Déjà Vu, with more music, including a batch of surprises, unseen photos, and a lot more clarity." On the new anniversary edition, the album’s original 10 tracks are joined by 38 more to add nearly two-and-a-half hours of music that includes demos, outtakes, and alternate takes – most of which are previously unreleased. Among them is “Know You Got To Run,” the first song the quartet recorded during its first session on July 15 at the house Stills was renting from Peter Tork in Studio City. Other unreleased highlights include the demo for Crosby’s “Almost Cut My Hair”; Stills’ outtake for “Bluebird Revisited”; and Young’s alternate version of “Helpless” featuring harmonica. Also making its debut on the set is a delightful version of “Our House” that features Nash singing with the song’s inspiration, Joni Mitchell. DÉJÀ VU: 50th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION 4-CD/1-LP Track Listing Disc One: Original Album 1.    “Carry On” 2.    “Teach Your Children” 3.    “Almost Cut My Hair” 4.    “Helpless” 5.    “Woodstock” 6.    “Déjà Vu” 7.    “Our House” 8.    “4 + 20” 9.    “Country Girl” a.    “Whiskey Boot Hill” b.    “Down, Down, Down” c.    “Country Girl” (I Think You’re Pretty) 10. “Everybody I Love You” Disc Two: Demos 1.    “Our House” – Graham Nash *    2.    “4 + 20” – Stephen Stills * 3.    “Song With No Words (Tree With No Leaves)” – David Crosby & Graham Nash 4.    “Birds” – Neil Young & Graham Nash * 5.    “So Begins The Task/Hold On Tight” – Stephen Stills * 6.    “Right Between The Eyes” – Graham Nash 7.    “Almost Cut My Hair” – David Crosby * 8.    “Teach Your Children” – Graham Nash & David Crosby 9.    “How Have You Been” – Crosby, Stills & Nash 10. “Triad” – David Crosby 11. “Horses Through A Rainstorm” – Graham Nash 12. “Know You Got To Run” – Stephen Stills * 13. “Question Why” – Graham Nash * 14. “Laughing” – David Crosby * 15. “She Can’t Handle It” – Stephen Stills * 16. “Sleep Song” – Graham Nash 17. “Déjà Vu” – David Crosby & Graham Nash * 18. “Our House” – Graham Nash & Joni Mitchell *   Disc Three: Outtakes 1.    “Everyday We Live” * 2.    “The Lee Shore” – 1969 Vocal * 3.    “I’ll Be There” * 4.    “Bluebird Revisited” * 5.    “Horses Through A Rainstorm” 6.    “30 Dollar Fine” * 7.    “Ivory Tower” * 8.    “Same Old Song” * 9.    “Hold On Tight/Change Partners” * 10. “Laughing” * 11. “Right On Rock ’n’ Roll” *   Disc Four: Alternates 1.    “Carry On” – Early Alternate Mix * 2.    “Teach Your Children” – Early Version * 3.    “Almost Cut My Hair” – Early Version * 4.    “Helpless” – Harmonica Version 5.    “Woodstock” – Alternate Vocals * 6.    “Déjà Vu” – Early Alternate Mix * 7.    “Our House” – Early Version * 8.    “4 + 20” – Alternate Take 2 * 9.    “Know You Got To Run” * LP: Original Album Side One 1.    “Carry On” 2.    “Teach Your Children” 3.    “Almost Cut My Hair” 4.    “Helpless” 5.    “Woodstock” Side Two 1.    “Déjà Vu” 2.    “Our House” 3.    “4 + 20” 4.    “Country Girl” a.    “Whiskey Boot Hill” b.    “Down, Down, Down” c.    “Country Girl” (I Think You’re Pretty) 5.    “Everybody I Love You” * previously unissued

Year-End Delights: 'Wonder Woman 1984' soundtrack, 'Morrison Hotel' reissue, 'Bobby Bare Sings Shel Silverstein,' Omnivore Recordings' doo-wop sets

Before 2020 disappears in the past, be sure to check out these essential late-year titles available now. 

Artist: Hans Zimmer

Titles: Wonder Woman 1984 — Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (WaterTower Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer, John Williams

Tell me more: Anyone who loves the memorable music in the new film "Wonder Woman 1984" will obviously love the 18-track motion picture soundtrack featuring famed Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer's stellar score. The music is dramatic, arresting and — often — deeply affecting. The track "Games" begins with the drive of a rock track before magically venturing into a stirring Neo-classical detour. "1984" has the joyful and triumphant feel that recalls some of composer John William's music heard in "Superman" (released in 1978) in its first section; the decidedly dark and edgy second half brings chills and tension that work even apart from hearing it in the context of the Patty Jenkins-directed film (which this writer enjoyed upon its Christmas Day release). Other highlights on this soundtrack include the poignant "Wish We Had More Time," ambitious "Cheetah," soaring "Fireworks," propulsive electronica-meets-orchestral sortie "Open Road" and tender "Without Armor." The gorgeous "Already Gone" and "Truth" as well as the set-ending bonus track "Lost and Found" are among the other standouts on this brilliant soundtrack. Information: WaterTowerMusic.com.

Artist: The Doors

Titles: Morrison Hotel: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Elektra / Rhino)

You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, classic rock 

Tell me more: Back in February 1970, The Doors released what was to be their second-to-last studio album featuring singer Jim Morrison. Now the band's fifth album — Morrison Hotel — is available via a terrific 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition that includes the original album newly remastered by The Doors' longtime engineer and mixer Bruce Botnick, plus a bonus disc of unreleased studio outtakes along with the original album on 180-gram virgin vinyl. There are 19 previously-unreleased studio outtakes providing more than an hour of material that will be new to followers of the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame quartet (Morrison, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and drummer John Densmore). Among the must-hear tracks on the reissue are early versions of "Peace Frog" and "Blue Sunday" along with the bona fide rarity "I Will Never Be Untrue." Get this limited edition title while you can. Information: TheDoors.com.

Artist: Bobby Bare

Title: Bobby Bare Sings Shel Silverstein, Plus (Bear Family Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Bobby Bare, Kris Kristofferson, Shel Silverstein  

Tell me more: Packed with eight audio CD discs and a wealth of related riches, Bobby Bare Sings Shel Silverstein, Plus features 137 tracks, including 25 previously-unreleased recordings and more than 100 Silverstein-penned songs recorded by Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Bare from 1972 to 1983. Fans of traditional country music and top-tier songwriting will love every minute of this expansive release including the moving "Lullabys, Legends and Lies," timeless "Hard Time Hungrys," sobering "The Unemployment Line," lovely "February Snow" and affecting "Childhood Hero" and "Yard Full of Rusty Cars." In addition to all the great songs, an accompanying 128-page hardcover book features a new interview with Bare (now 85) by Hank Davis, an overview of the late Silverstein's life and work by Dave Samuelson along with lyrics to the 137 songs in the collection. Information: bobbybare.com.

Artists: Adam Wade, the Crests, the Duprees, the Rivieras

Titles: Five collections featuring recordings originally released by Coed Records in the '50s and '60s (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Doo-wop music released via the Coed Records label

Tell me more: Five outstanding collections revisiting vocal and doo-wop artists featured on the influential New York-based Coed Records label in the late '50s and '60s have been released via Omnivore Recordings. Adam Wade is celebrated via his 1960 debut album And Then Came Adam and its 1961 follow-up Adam and Evening compiled on a single disc — Wade's wonderful voice and style draws favorable comparisons with a young Johnny Mathis. Highlights include the lush "Tenderly," uptempo "Just In Time," his first hit "Ruby" and the sweeping "Gloria's Theme" (from the Elizabeth Taylor-starring film soundtrack "Butterfield 8"). Remastered by Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves, the disc sounds amazing.

The Best of the Crests featuring Johnny Mastro: 16 Fabulous Hits showcases the talents of an integrated '50s vocal group best known for their huge doo-wop hit "16 Candles." That track is one of many smooth selections on the collection. Other standouts include the sweet "Six Nights a Week," heartfelt ballad "Gee (But I'd Give The World)," romance-minded "I Thank the Moon" and uptempo "Trouble In Paradise."  

The other releases include The Duprees: The Coed Singles, The Duprees: The Coed Albums: You Belong To Me/Have You Heard and The Rivieras: The Coed Singles. These releases feature stellar highlights from top-tier doo-wop artists (doo-wop is a genre of rhythm and blues centered around vocal harmonies and a minimum of instrumentation that was extremely popular in the '50s and '60s). The Duprees' hit single "You Belong to Me," "My Own True Love" (a song also known as Tara's Theme from "Gone With The Wind") and "Take Me As I Am" are among the gems that showcase their winning sound; The Rivieras: The Coed Singles gathers together all of that quartet's singles (including the warm ballad "Count Every Star" and evocative remake of "Moonlight Serenade") along with two bonus tracks ("My Silent Love," "Serenade In Blue").  

All five titles — which each include detailed liner notes — are available on audio CD and via digital. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler