New music: Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Dolph Chaney, Dokken

New returns from favorites Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Dolph Chaney and Dokken are available now.

Artist: Simple Minds

Title: New Gold Dream — Live From Paisley Abbey (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Simple Minds, U2
Tell me more: New Gold Dream — Live From Paisley Abbey captures the groundbreaking Scottish rock ensemble Simple Minds revisiting their beloved 1982 masterwork New Gold Dream on the occasion of its 40th birthday (the new live album was recorded in October 2022). The anthemic opener "Someone Somewhere In Summertime," soaring "Promised You A Miracle" and infectious "Glittering Prize" are instantly luring, while other tracks offer an additional invitation to hear Simple Minds' singular magic. The rhythmic "Color's Fly and Catherine Wheel," urgent "Big Sleep," enticing "New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)," sumptuous "Hunter and the Hunted" and intense "King Is White And In The Crowd" are also key to the compelling full-length performance. Singer Jim Kerr's signature vocals remain a wonder, while guitar great Charlie Burchill offers up a myriad of glorious textures that bolster the live recording (just listen to the wonderful "Promised You A Miracle"). The band's other members — drummer Charisse Osei, bassist Ged Grimes, keyboardist Berenice Scott and acoustic guitarist Gordy Goudie — collectively add artful firepower to the track listing. Forty-five into their glorious run Simple Minds remains an important force in modern rock. Recorded late last year, the programme is part of Sky Arts’ ‘Greatest Albums live’ series, which captures iconic artists playing classic albums from their illustrious careers. 
New Gold Dream – Live from Paisley Abbey offers music lovers the chance to buy the audio of this special one-off performance, either as a digital download, audio CD or a limited edition red transparent marble vinyl LP housed in a gatefold sleeve. Information: SimpleMinds.com. 

Artist: Duran Duran

Title: Danse Macabre (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Roxy Music, Duran Duran, Danny Elfman
Tell me more: Duran Duran's Halloween-themed album Danse Macabre may immerse itself in the dark and spooky trappings of the holiday but is thankfully not bound but them. Indeed, Danse Macabre is a decidedly fun listen that finds the pioneering British quartet — singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, drummer Roger Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes — offering up a winning mix of brand new originals, creatively reworked covers of songs by Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones, Billie Eilish and The Specials and even new versions of past Duran Duran classics. What's more, the concept album includes a celebrated parade of musical guests including producer/guitarist/composer Nile Rodgers, Måneskin singer Victoria De Angelis and former Duran Duran members Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo. Among the terrific cuts on Danse Macabre are the unsettling opener "Nightboat," a shimmering bass-heavy grooving version of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" featuring guest vocals from De Angelis, the gothic dance title track, instantly-accessible funk foray "Black Moonlight," playful "Ghost Town," a fiery run through Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Spellbound" and a propulsive take on The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black." The 13-track album closes with the luxuriously beautiful "Confession In The Afterlife." Danse Macabre is out now via Tape Modern for BMG with artwork featuring images adapted from a collection of authentic vintage séance photos sourced by Nick Rhodes at auction.  It is available on Black 2LP and CD, with a limited-edition Translucent Galaxy 2LP. The album is also available on high res Blu-ray audio. Information: duranduran.com. 

Artist: Dolph Chaney

Title: Mug (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Cheap Trick, Psychic Rain, Guided By Voices
Tell me more: Chicago-based great Dolph Chaney follows up his wonderful 2021 breakout album This Is Dolph Chaney with the equally stellar 2023 studio title Mug. Chaney's sharp songwriting, affecting lead vocals and an inspired sound that spans the 13-track disc are genuinely palpable. The rollicking opener "Nice" is the first of a slew of marvelous songs that will thrill fans of classic rock and power pop. The lovely Baroque pop gem "Cool in the Sunshine," rollicking single "Mr. Eli," rootsy "Love Around You," heartfelt "Good Luck With All That," ambitious "Undone," introspective rocker "Critic (The Mirror)" and irresistible closer "The First Time Back" display Chaney's expert touch across the musical universe. With hooks and melodies aplenty that are the equal of his literate and thoughtful song craft, Mug is a fantastic album worthy of discovery. Information: bigstirrecords.com. 

Artist: Dokken

Title: Heaven Comes Down (Silver Lining Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Dokken, Rainbow, Queensryche

Tell me more: Dokken's long-awaited return Heaven Comes Down fully delivers on the melodic hard rock stylings that elevated the band to fame in the mid 1980s. Led by singer-songwriter Don Dokken, the band's formidable lineup also includes guitarist Jon Levin, bassist Chris McCarvill and drummer BJ Zampa. Heaven Comes Down is Dokken's 13th album and was produced by Bill Palmer and Dokken; it is also the band's first new studio album since 2012's Broken Bones. The album includes a slew of straight-forward rockers including the strong opener "Fugitive," which is particularly strong with its wistful sonic atmospherics and virtuoso lead work from Levin. Other winning cuts on the disc include the heavy "Is It Me Or You?," sweeping "Just Like A Rose" (the latter enhanced by shining vocal harmonies), affecting rock ballad "I'll Never Give Up," evocative "I Remember" and autobiographical acoustic-flavored disc closer "Santa Fe." Heaven Comes Down is available via CD digital, 12-inch vinyl (black and color variants), digital formats and special direct-to-consumer (D2C) products and bundles. Dokken is currently on tour in support of the new album. Information: dokken.net. 

Robert Kinsler

Duran Duran Captures Halloween Spirt on 'Danse Macabre'

Duran Duran, from left, is drummer Roger Taylor, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, singer Simon Le Bon and bassist John Taylor. Photo credit: Stephanie Pistel

Artist: Duran Duran

Title: Danse Macabre (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Roxy Music, Duran Duran, Danny Elfman

Tell me more: Duran Duran's Halloween-themed album Danse Macabre may immerse itself in the dark and spooky trappings of the holiday but is thankfully not bound but them. Indeed, Danse Macabre is a decidedly fun listen that finds the pioneering British quartet — singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, drummer Roger Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes — offering up a winning mix of brand new originals, creatively reworked covers of songs by Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones, Billie Eilish and The Specials and even new versions of past Duran Duran classics. What's more, the concept album includes a celebrated parade of musical guests including producer/guitarist/composer Nile Rodgers, Måneskin singer Victoria De Angelis and former Duran Duran members Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo. 

Among the terrific cuts on Danse Macabre are the unsettling opener "Nightboat," a shimmering bass-heavy grooving version of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" featuring guest vocals from De Angelis, the gothic dance title track, instantly-accessible funk foray "Black Moonlight," playful "Ghost Town," a fiery run through Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Spellbound" and a propulsive take on The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black." The 13-track album closes with the luxuriously beautiful "Confession In The Afterlife."

Danse Macabre is out now via Tape Modern for BMG with artwork featuring images adapted from a collection of authentic vintage séance photos sourced by Nick Rhodes at auction.  It is available on Black 2LP and CD, with a limited-edition Translucent Galaxy 2LP. The album is also available on high res Blu-ray audio. 

Information: duranduran.com. 

Robert Kinsler

New music: Duran Duran, Firefall, The Foreign Films

Duran Duran is the focus of an essential new concert film available on DVD while Firefall and The Foreign Films are back with essential new albums.

Artist: Duran Duran
Title: A Hollywood High (Cherry Red Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Duran Duran, Roxy Music, Arcadia
Tell me more: A Hollywood High is a true celebration of modern British rock group Duran Duran's special relationship with Los Angeles. In addition to interviews with singer Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor, drummer Roger Taylor as well as unseen archival footage dating back to the early 1980s, the docu-concert film features a 12-song show filmed at The Aster in Los Angeles on March 17, 2022. Visually stunning (the location features the iconic Capitol Records Tower as a backdrop), the high-rise rooftop performance features 4K video and is enhanced by 5.1 and Dolby Atmos surround sound that fully capture the band at the height of their powers. The setlist includes a mix of Duran Duran's hits and shining new material. Among the many outstanding songs performed are the powerful opener "A View To A Kill," lovely "Come Undone," explosive "Pressure Off," a crowd pleasing cover of "White Lines," moving "Ordinary World" (the latter dedicated to the people of Ukraine) and festive closer "Hungry Like The Wolf." A Hollywood High is available on both Blu-ray and DVD. Information: duranduran.com. 

Artist: Firefall
Title: Friends & Family (Sunset Blvd Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Firefall, Loggins & Messina, Poco
Tell me more: Because many of 1970s hitmaker Firefall's band members have also played with some of the most beloved artists of the 70s' and '80s — including The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Spirit, Heart, Dan Fogelberg and Gram Parsons — it's not surprising that the quintet's latest album Friends & Family is such a resounding success. The disc (due Sept. 22 via Sunset Blvd Records) showcases Firefall's solid ability to recapture the spirit and sound of the classic rock era that gave rise to their outfit and so many of their beloved contemporaries; Firefall offers up their own versions of 13 classic tracks originally recorded by others artists between the late 1960s and early '80s. Highlights include the mostly-faithful performance of the Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Running," harmonies-adorned take on Fogelberg's "Part of the Plan," inspired folk rock reading of the Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See," poignant version of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man" (the latter bolstered by John Magnie's sublime accordion work) and delightfully driving version of Spirit's rocker "I Got a Line On You." They also rework Heart's 1985 rocker "What About Love" into a winning countrified version, while bringing a magic to versions of the Flying Burrito Brothers' soaring "Colorado" and Parson's rowdy country rocker "Ooh Las Vegas." Information: firefallofficial.com.

Artist: The Foreign Films
Title: Magic Shadows (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: The Three O'Clock, XTC, Jellyfish
Tell me more: In the official press notes for The Foreign Films' album Magic Shadows, band leader Bill Majoros notes "I love the idea of taking the listener on a musical adventure, creating a sonic and emotional experience...I think of music as a time machine — visiting the past, present and future." Indeed, Magic Shadows does transport the listener on a wide-ranging sonic journey. The songs here recall the past while also celebrating the here and now. The luxurious "Cinema Girl" draws favorable comparisons with top-flight Jellyfish while the propulsive "Perfect Future" exudes an urgency in tune with our troubled times. Other memorable tracks include the Baroque pop nugget "Sparks In The Dark (Merry-Go-Round)," dreamy "Midnight Movies" and "Lost In Time," and Beach Boys-minded "Daydream In The Sun." My favorite track is the shimmering "Rain Clouds," a swirling cut that blends '60s' psychedelic stylings with the sound of '80s Paisley Underground heroes The Three O'Clock in glorious fashion. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Robert Kinsler

Duran Duran announce 'Danse Macabre' - New album and single; North American Tour Underway

Check out the breaking news item below to get details on Duran Duran's 16th studio album and to hear the bewitching new audio track "Danse Macabre" (the title track off the forthcoming album)...Robert Kinsler

DURAN DURAN ANNOUNCE SIXTEENTH STUDIO ALBUM,
DANSE MACABRE OUT OCTOBER 27, 2023 - IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN PRE-ORDER/ADD/SAVE HERE
(TAPE MODERN / BMG)
 
FEATURING BRAND NEW SONGS AND DURAN DURAN COVERS OF BILLIE EILISH, TALKING HEADS, THE ROLLING STONES, SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES & MORE
 
WITH VERY SPECIAL GUESTS NILE RODGERS, VICTORIA DE ANGELIS (MÅNESKIN), MR. HUDSON, ANDY TAYLOR AND WARREN CUCCURULLO
 

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR UNDERWAY

LISTEN ‘DANSE MACABRE’   PRE-ORDER/ADD/SAVE ‘DANSE MACABRE’ (ALBUM) TRACKLIST Nightboat Black Moonlight Love Voudou Bury A Friend Supernature Danse Macabre Secret Oktober 31st Ghost Town Paint It Black Super Lonely Freak Spellbound Psycho Killer (feat. Victoria De Angelis) Confession in the Afterlife      Duran Duran have announced their 16th studio album: Danse Macabre, in time for this year’s Halloween.  The record is due for release on October 27 on Tape Modern via BMG and available to pre-order HERE.   Catalyzed by one special live performance that Duran Duran filmed in Las Vegas on October 31st of last year, Danse Macabre is the soundtrack to their ultimate Halloween party. Across 13 tracks the band unearth bright melodies from the darkness, threading together new songs, themed covers, and newly reimagined versions of their own ‘spooky’ classics.   Title track ‘Danse Macabre’ is released today as the first of three brand new songs. Anxious percussion sets the tempo against a distorted, growling synthesizer as Simon Le Bon’s swaggering verses give way to a handclap-laden and hypnotic hook. Teaming with producer Mr Hudson, channeling the chemistry they unlocked together on the Paper Gods album, the song also features former band-mate Warren Cuccurullo on guitar in his first collaboration with the band since 2001.  Listen to ‘Danse Macabre’ HERE.    Speaking about Danse Macabre, keyboardist Nick Rhodes said: “The song ‘Danse Macabre’ celebrates the joy and madness of Halloween. It is the title track of our forthcoming album, which gathers together an unusual mix of cover versions, reworked Duran Duran songs and several new compositions. The idea was born out of a show we played in Las Vegas on October 31st, 2022. We had decided to seize the moment to create a unique, special event…the temptation of using glorious gothic visuals set to a dark soundtrack of horror and humor was simply irresistible.  That evening inspired us to explore further and to make an album, using Halloween as the key theme. The record metamorphosed through a pure, organic process, and not only was it made faster than anything since our debut album, it has also resulted in something none of us could have ever predicted. Emotion, mood, style and attitude have always been at the heart of Duran Duran’s DNA, we search for light in the darkness and darkness in the light, and I feel we have somehow managed to capture the essence of all of that in this project.”   Simon Le Bon elaborates: “It’s about a crazy Halloween party. It’s supposed to be fun!”   John Taylor said: “After all these years, Danse Macabre offers an interesting insight into the personality of the band. The music packs a real punch.”   Roger Taylor adds: “I hope you take a journey with us through the darker side of our inspirations into where we’re at in 2023. Maybe, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how Duran Duran got to this moment in time.”   Fans can also look forward to Duran Duran’s Halloween covers of Billie Eilish’s ‘Bury A Friend’, Talking Heads’ ‘Psycho Killer’ (feat. Victoria De Angelis of Måneskin), The Rolling Stones’ ‘Paint It Black’, the Rick James-inspired ‘Super Lonely Freak’, Siouxsie and the Banshees’ ‘Spellbound’, Cerrone’s ‘Supernature’ and The Specials’ ‘Ghost Town’.   As well as Warren Cuccurullo, the album includes more special collaborations with former Duran Duran band member Andy Taylor, producer, guitarist and composer Nile Rodgers, Victoria De Angelis of Måneskin, and producers Josh Blair and Mr Hudson.   Andy Taylor originally joined Duran Duran in 1980, co-writing and playing guitar on their first three studio albums: Duran Duran (1981), Rio (1982), and Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983), before leaving the group to pursue a solo career.  16 years later he returned for 2004’s Astronaut (2004), before parting company once again with the other four original members in 2006.   With Andy’s departure, Warren Cuccurullo joined the band full time in 1989, contributing both song writing and guitars to the albums Big Thing (1988), Liberty (1990), The Wedding Album (1993), Thank You (1995), Medazzaland (1997) and Pop Trash (2000).   Fast forward to 2023 and Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo’s presence on Danse Macabre captures the true spirit of the album - a celebration of the raw energy and sense of fun that comes when friends make music together in a room.   Danse Macabre is not just an album for Halloween. Elsewhere, ‘Black Moonlight’ sees the band’s timeless song writing break into dance-rock glamor with the addition of Nile Rodgers and Andy Taylor on guitar, where epic coda ‘Confession In The Afterlife’ finds Duran Duran reunited with producer Mr Hudson anew.   As well as a second collaboration with Warren Cuccurullo on ‘Love Voudou’, Danse Macabre will feature newly recorded versions of ‘Nightboat’ and fan favorite ‘Secret Oktober 31st’ (both featuring Andy Taylor on guitar). The song made its first appearance as b-side to the 7” single ‘Union of The Snake’ and is now, 40 years later, seeing its first ever physical release on a Duran Duran studio album.   The origin of Danse Macabre begins in Las Vegas, October 31st, 2022. Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor donned full fancy dress, cast a horde of ghouls on a stage complete with 20 foot high skeletons, tombstones, cobwebs and coffins. The set included a parade of rarities and special covers - Duran Duran’s first live performance of ‘Secret Oktober’ since 2011, their first of ‘Love Voodoo’ since 2017, and first of ‘Nightboat’ since 2005. Covers of Siouxsie and the Banshees’ ‘Spellbound’, Cerrone’s ‘Supernature’ and The Specials’ ‘Ghost Town’ were also debuted in what has gone down in Duran Duran history as a Halloween show for the ages. The band and their audience had so much fun that they decided to put the set to tape, creating a worldwide Halloween event for all Duran Duran fans to enjoy.   Danse Macabre arrives amidst a busy year of live activity that has already seen Duran Duran perform sold out arena shows across the UK and Ireland. The performances were rapturously received, described as “royalty status” by The Times, “decadent and bombastic” by The Telegraph, “a first class and commanding performance” by CLASH, “joyous” by The Sun, "national treasures" by The Spectatorwhilst the Mail On Sunday confirmed, “their charms haven’t changed”. The band continue the FUTURE PAST sold-out headline arena tour across North America through August and September, where the rave reviews continue to pour in with Dallas Voice praising the band for sounding “just as fresh as they were decades ago," observing the band having “the audience in their grip." Mercury Newsnoted by the end of their set they “left the thousands of passionate fans clamoring for more." Boca Raton Tribune noted “Duran Duran delivered, sounding better than ever,” While Tampa Bay Times exclaimed "Their live performance still feels like a music video you want to watch over and over again!"   Danse Macabre follows a wave of landmark achievements for Duran Duran. Their 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Famemarked yet another career peak with the year already having seen the band headline London’s Hyde Park, perform at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, close the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in their home town of Birmingham, and a headline tour across North America which included sold out shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and three nights at the Hollywood Bowl.   Danse Macabre will be released on October 27 via Tape Modern for BMG with artwork featuring images adapted from a collection of authentic vintage séance photos sourced by Nick Rhodes at auction.  It will be available on Black 2LP and CD, with a limited-edition Translucent Galaxy 2LP. The album will also be available on high res blu-ray audio. Pre-order HERE.    Duran Duran’s 16th studio album, Danse Macabre is out October 27. Pre-order HERE.    The album’s title track and first single is available everywhere now.  Download high res images here 2023 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES 08/31 – Minnesota State Fair – St. Paul, MN* 09/01 – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island – Chicago, IL* 09/03 – CMAC – Canandaigua, NY* 09/06 – TD Garden – Boston, MA* 09/07 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA* 09/09 – PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA* 09/10 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH* 09/13 – Capital One Arena – Washington, DC* 09/16 – Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI* 09/19 – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON* 09/20 – Bell Centre – Montreal, QC+  09/22 – Forest Hills Stadium – Queens, NY** 09/23 – Ocean Casino Resort – Ovation Hall – Atlantic City, NJ  ** w/ Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Bastille * w/ Nile Rodgers & Chic and Bastille +w/ Nile Rodgers & Chic

Photo Credit: Stephanie Pistel

 

New Music: The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Duran Duran, The Bootheels, Bruce Sudano

Now is the perfect time to celebrate titles featuring a parade of talents including The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Duran Duran, The Bootheels and Bruce Sudano.

 

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Title: Tattoo You: 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Polydor/Interscope/UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, classic rock

Tell me more: The Rolling Stones' beloved 1981 album Tattoo You has been reissued via a slew of 40th Anniversary editions. The 2CD edition of the album includes the newly-remastered 11-track album on disc one, and a brand new collection of nine previously-unreleased songs offered on disc two; these so-called "Lost & Found" tracks are newly completed with additional vocals and guitar work by the band. There are some really great tracks here; my favorites include the full-hearted rocker "Living in the Heart of Love," a rousing take on the Chi-lites' "Troubles a' Comin'," fiery original rocker "Come to the Ball" and freewheeling cover of bluesman Jimmy Reed's "Shame Shame Shame." The remastered original album — which features favorites such as "Start Me Up," "Hang Fire," "Neighbours" and "Waiting On A Friend" — sounds glorious. In addition to the two-disc version reviewed in this column (which also has an excellent 20-page booklet including an essay from Kevin Howlett and Jeff Slade), there are several expanded configurations of the album that include "Still Life: Wembley Stadium 1982," The Rolling Stones' London Show of the "Tattoo You" tour. That 26-track set includes hits such as "Under My Thumb," "Let's Spend The Night Together," "Honky Tonk Women" and Brown Sugar." Information: RollingStones.com.

Artist: Neil Young

Title: Carnegie Hall 1970 (Reprise)

You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young

Tell me more: Amidst all the recent high profile deluxe reissues of classic rock-minded titles issued by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Doors this year, don't let Neil Young's two-disc Carnegie Hall 1970 escape your attention. On Dec. 4, 1970 Young performed two solo acoustic shows at Carnegie Hall in New York. The 23 tracks featured on Young's essential Carnegie Hall 1970 have been mixed from the original 1/4 inch tapes by Young and Niko Bolas. The historical recording is magnificent;  the power of Young's  performance, stellar set list and energy of the event is palpable. The audience is fully attentive cheering when Young starts and stops but wonderfully quiet during his delivery of a parade of masterworks ranging from "Down By The River," "Cinnamon Girl" and "I Am A Child" early on disc one to "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," "Old Man," "Ohio" and "Birds" on disc two. Young performs many of his most beloved early classics to the lone accompaniment of his acoustic guitar, harmonica and piano. Carnegie Hall 1970 is the first release of the "Neil Young Archives" series; keep 'em coming! Information: NeilYoungArchives.com. 

Artist: Duran Duran

Title: Future Past (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Duran Duran, Graham Coxon, Tove Lo

Tell me more: Duran Duran is back with the aptly-titled Future Past. Available as a standard 12-track set or via a deluxe edition with three additional tracks (the latter is reviewed here), the album finds the groundbreaking British band in top form. Singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and drummer Roger Taylor have enlisted the esteemed likes of guitarist Graham Coxon (Blur), pianist Mike Garson (David Bowie) and vocalist Lykke Li to bolster their own talents on this ambitious return — the quartet's first new studio effort since 2015's Paper Gods. Additionally, acclaimed producers Erol Alkan, Giorgio Moroder, Joshua Blair and Mark Ronson bring their collective talents to the material. Duran Duran blends its synth-pop, rock and dance signature sound in the service of songs that are melodic and expertly presented. The soaring opener "Invisible," funk-tinged anthem "All Of You" and cascading "Anniversary" are early highlights. The cinematic "Velvet Newton," dance floor sortie "Tonight United," opulent "Wing" and sophisticated "Laughing Boy" all elevate Future Past. To be certain this is an album where the addition of guests enriches the reach of the album. The bewitching mid tempo "Give It All Up" has Le Bon's distinctive vocals blending perfectly with Swedish songstress Tove Lo; rapper Ivorian Doll brings an artful edge to "Hammerhead." The Japanese DIY-pop band CHAI add a delightful vocal energy to the buoyant "More Joy!"; Mike Garson's masterful piano work escalates "Falling," an tempestuous track that builds in power across most of its run until a jazzy finale that defies any obvious genre with gusto. The deluxe edition comes housed in a hardback book format with artful images (including band portraits by Rhodes) and full lyrics for the songs. Information: DuranDuran.com. 

Artist: The Bootheels

Title: 1988: The Original Demos (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Hüsker Dü, Radio California, Dinosaur Jr.

Tell me more: Before Luther Russell formed Those Pretty Wrongs with Big Star's Jody Stephens and Jakob Dylan and Tobi Miller rose to fame with The Wallflowers, those musicians and drummer Aaron A. Brooks were members of the short-lived late '80s outfit The Bootheels. The quartet's 1988: The Original Demos reveals The Bootheels were something special despite their abbreviated tenure. Carving out a sound blending alternative rock, post-punk and noise rock, the group's strengths are obvious. Inspired performances abound, all heightened with the smart songwriting and particularly sharp interplay between the guitar work of Dylan and Miller. The mix of hard-edged material (the racing "See It In Your Eyes," "Wasted Dime," "Queen of Hearts"), edgy melodic rock ("Empty Wallet, Empty Bottle, Empty Heart," "Halfway There") and more rueful sonic territory ("The Deal," "Interstate 68 Blues," "B-Line for You") makes for a fun listen. Produced for release by Russell and Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski, it's wonderful to see these 33-year-old recordings arrive for rock fans to celebrate. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: Bruce Sudano

Title: Ode To A Nightingale (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Sudano, Andrew Gold, Boz Scaggs, classic rock

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Bruce Sudano is back with another winning album, the eight-track "Ode To A Nightingale." There is a life-affirming spirit displayed by Sudano in the performance of his songs; the arrangements on the new release showcase his emotive lead vocals and smart song craft. The shimmering melody-rich "A Cosmic Ride" has a joyful and positive vibe. The darting folk rocker "Ode To A Nightingale" features lead and harmony vocals, dancing musical textures and an infectious rhythm that play in perfect symmetry. "Not Your Hero" is a confessional and affecting acoustic ballad. The highlights on the album are "In Shadowland" and even more sparse "All Hands," songs that are reflective and stirring — both capture the uncertainty of these times with power and sway. Information: BruceSudano.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Inbox Update: Duran Duran, Keith Richards, Shemekia Copeland, The Doobie Brothers

Here is a plethora of news to get your day going…

Duran Duran announce earlier release date  (Sept. 11, 2015) for forthcoming album 'Paper Gods'

Multi-platinum superstars Duran Duran have announced that, due to popular demand, they will move the U.S. release date of their 14th studio album, Paper Gods, up from September 18^th to give it a global street date of September 11^th.

Singer Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor, and drummer Roger Taylor recorded Paper Gods in London with producers Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson, Josh Blair, and Mr Hudson. The songs - already being heralded as the band's best work since Rio - capture the true essence of Duran Duran, with the duality and sense of conflict that has always been at the heart of their music. Visceral and daring, the album mixes hard-edged, contemporary pop with the band's darker more experimental side to create a body of work that is epic in its scope.

A Deluxe version of Paper Gods is currently available for pre-order at all participating retailers. The Deluxe Fan Edition is available exclusively at http://www.duranduran.com or http://smarturl.it/duranduranmusicstore.  The new

single "Pressure Off" is available everywhere digital music is sold.

Duran Duran have also announced that they will perform a series of summer festivals, as well as a run of shows in the U.S. in September and October, followed by a UK arena tour that kicks off in late November. Please visit http://www.duranduran.com/ for details.

Keith Richards releases 'Crosseyed Heart'

First solo album in more than 20 years slated for release on September 18, 2015

Keith Richards will release his eagerly anticipated CROSSEYED HEART, his third solo album and his first in over 20 years, September 18^th on Republic Records.

CROSSEYED HEART, a 15-track masterclass encompassing everything that makes Keith Richards one of the 20^th century’s most celebrated talents, is a 5* musical journey that takes in reggae, rock, country and the blues.

The first taste of CROSSEYED HEART will be unveiled on July 17 with the explosive first single, “Trouble,” a taut guitar based slice of heaven featuring Richards on electric and acoustic guitars, bass, lead and backup vocals. He is richly supported by old friends, drummer Steve Jordan, guitarist Waddy Wachtel and Bernard Fowler on backup vocals. The song was written by and produced by Keith and Steve Jordan.

“I had a ball making this new record and working with Steve Jordan and Waddy Wachtel again. There’s nothing like walking into a studio and having absolutely no idea what you’re going to come out with on the other end. If you're looking for ‘Trouble,’ you've come to the right place.”

Keith wrote or co-wrote the majority of the tracks on CROSSEYED HEART, many with co-producer Steve Jordan. Highlights include the country tinged ache of “Robbed Blind”, the reggae flavored “Love Overdue,” and the aptly named “Blues In The Morning.” Richards collaborates with several artists including a captivating duet with Norah Jones on the soulful ballad “Illusion” which she co-wrote.

Keith Richards, who plays electric and acoustic guitars, bass, piano and vocals on the album, is also joined by guitarist Waddy Wachtel, keyboardist Ivan Neville and background singer Sarah Dash, part of the X-Pensive Winos, who accompanied Richards on his previous solo records. 

Steve Jordan plays drums and vocals and other artists accompany Richards’ on individual tracks, including Stax songwriter and keyboardist Spooner Oldham on “Lovers Plea,” pedal steel by Larry Campbell on “Robbed Blind,” Aaron Neville on backup vocals on “Nothing On Me,” and dear friend Bobby Keys on saxophone on “Amnesia” and “Blues In The Morning.” 

Keith has released two other solo studio albums, Talk Is Cheap in 1988 and Main Offender in 1992 as well as a live albumentitled, Live at the Hollywood Palladium, December 15, 1988.

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Shemekia Copeland's 'Outskirts of Love' coming September 11, 2015 via Alligator Records

Alligator Records has set a September 11 street date for Outskirts Of Love, the genre-smashing new release from trailblazing vocalist Shemekia Copeland. With a voice that is alternately sultry, assertive and roaring, Shemekia’s wide-open vision of contemporary blues, roots and soul music showcases the evolution of a passionate artist with a modern musical and lyrical approach. Whether she’s belting out a raucous blues-rocker, firing up a blistering soul-shouter, bringing the spirit to a gospel-fueled R&B rave-up or digging deep down into a subtle, country-tinged ballad, Shemekia Copeland sounds like no one else. The Chicago Tribune said Copeland delivers "gale force singing and power" with a "unique, gutsy style, vibrant emotional palette and intuitive grasp of the music." NPR Music calls her “fiercely expressive.”

 

Copeland’s return to Alligator Records with Outskirts Of Love (she recorded four albums for the label from 1998 through 2006) finds her at her most charismatic, performing roots rock, Americana, and blues with power and authority, nuance and shading. Produced by The Wood Brothers’ Oliver Wood, Outskirts Of Love is a musical tour-de-force, with Copeland rocking out on the title track, taking charge in Crossbone Beach, honoring her father, the late Johnny Clyde Copeland with her Afrobeat-infused take on his Devil’s Hand, tackling homelessness on Cardboard Box and showing off her country swagger on Drivin’ Out Of Nashville. She puts her stamp on songs made famous by Solomon Burke (I Feel A Sin Coming On), Jesse Winchester (Isn’t That So), Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee (The Battle Is Over), Creedence Clearwater Revival (Long As I Can See The Light), ZZ Top (Jesus Just Left Chicago), Albert King (Wrapped Up In Love Again) and Jessie Mae Hemphill (Lord Help The Poor And Needy). Friends including Billy F Gibbons (see photo below), Robert Randolph, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Will Kimbrough and Pete Finney all add their talent with unbridled enthusiasm. The result is Copeland’s most decidedly contemporary and musically adventurous album of her still-evolving career.

When Shemekia first appeared on the scene at age 18 in 1998 with her groundbreaking debut CD, Turn The Heat Up, she instantly became a blues superstar. Critics from around the country celebrated her music as fans of all ages agreed that an unstoppable new talent had arrived. News outlets from The New York Times to CNN took note of Copeland's talent, engaging personality, and true star power. She followed up with 2000's Grammy-nominated Wicked, 2002's Talking To Strangers (produced by Dr. John) and 2008’s The Soul Truth (produced by Steve Cropper). In that short period of time, she earned eight Blues Music Awards, a host of Living BluesAwards (including the prestigious 2010 Blues Artist Of The Year) and more accolades from fans, critics and fellow musicians. Two highly successful releases on Telarc (including 2012's Grammy-nominated 33 1/3) cemented her reputation as a singer who, according to NPR's All Things Considered, "embodies the blues with her powerful vocal chops and fearless look at social issues." USA Today says, "Copeland is a singer with fervor and funk, power and range.”

 

Copeland has performed thousands of gigs at clubs, festivals and concert halls all over the world and has appeared on national television, NPR, and in newspapers, films and magazines. She is a mainstay on countless commercial and non-commercial radio stations. She's sung with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana, James Cotton and many others. She opened for The Rolling Stones and entertained U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait. Jeff Beck calls her “f*cking amazing.” Santana says, “She’s incandescent…a diamond.” At the 2011 Chicago Blues Festival, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois officially declared Copeland to be “The New Queen Of The Blues.” In 2012, she performed at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama. Afterward, Jagger (with whom she sang) sent her a bottle of champagne.

 

With Outskirts Of Love and a packed tour schedule, Copeland has her eyes fixed firmly on the future as she continues to break new musical ground. "I want to keep growing, to be innovative," she says. “I’m a lifer, singing about things that bother me, using my music to help people. My dad always said ‘we’re all connected.’ I’m an old soul marching to the beat of my own drum,” she continues, “And right now I’m making the most exciting music of my career.”

The Doobie Brothers: The Warner Bros. Years coming July 24, 2015 

10-CD Boxed Set Includes Every Album The Legendary
Band Recorded For Warner Bros. Records Between 1971 And 1983   

Available On July 24 From Rhino  

The Doobie Brothers recorded some of the band’s most iconic music during their dozen years with Warner Bros. Records, scoring major hits with timeless tunes like “Long Train Runnin’,” “Black Water,” and “Takin’ It To The Streets.” With 46 million albums sold during their outstanding career, The Doobie Brothers have nothing left to prove, but this summer the group is still “Rockin’ Down the Highway” as they tour North America.  

Rhino salutes the group with a new 10-CD boxed set that features some of the band’s greatest albums. THE WARNER BROS. YEARS 1971-1983 will be available on July 24 for a list price of $79.98.  

The set includes more than 110 songs from 10 albums: The Doobie Brothers (1971), Toulouse Street (1972), The Captain And Me (1973), What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits (1974), Stampede (1975), Takin’ It To The Streets (1976), Livin’ On The Fault Line (1977), Minute By Minute (1978), One Step Closer (1980), and Farwell Tour (1983).

The Doobie Brothers started out in 1969 as a northern California bar band. In 1970 the band signed with Warner Bros. and in 1971 released its self-titled debut album. It was the beginning of a 12-year streak in which The Doobies released ten new albums. The group’s commercial breakthrough came with its sophomore effort, Toulouse Street, which boasted popular tracks like “Listen To The Music” and “Jesus Is Just Alright.” The string of hits continued on The Captain And Me with “Long Train Runnin’” and the classic “China Grove.” The Doobie Brothers notched their first #1 in the funky “Black Water” from their 1974 album What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits.

In 1975, the band began to expand Pat Simmons’ and Tom Johnston’s rock and country influences with R&B and even scored a hit with its cover the Motown track, “Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While.)” In 1976, with the addition of Michael McDonald to the band, they introduced more R&B and keyboards to their rocking sound and the hits kept rolling with the title track from Takin’ It To The Streets. In 1979, The Doobie Brothers won four Grammy^® Awards on the strength of its triple-platinum album, Minute By Minute. The final disc in this new collection is the 1983 live album Farewell Tour, which includes performances of songs that spanned the band’s entire history to that point. This 10 CD Set represents an outstanding body of work from one of America’s most popular bands.
  

THE WARNER BROS. YEARS 1971-1983    

Album Listing   

The Doobie Brothers (1971)

Toulouse Street (1972)

The Captain And Me (1973)

What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits (1974)

Stampede (1975)

Takin’ It To The Streets (1976)

Livin’ On The Fault Line (1977)

Minute By Minute (1978)

One Step Closer (1980)

Farwell Tour (1983)