Blast From The Past Via Recent Releases

For discerning listeners seeking out special releases profiling under-the-radar artists as well as those looking for special reissues, early 2019 has already revealed a parade of strong titles.

Artist: Van Duren
Title: Waiting: The Van Duren Story (Original Documentary Soundtrack)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Star, Alex Chilton, Paul McCartney
Tell me more: Wow! Before listening to the recently-issued Waiting: The Van Duren Story I had not ever heard of Van Duren despite his links with Big Star (he was in Baker Street Regulars, a post-Big Star band with Chris Bell and Jody Stephens) and Memphis' famed Ardent Studios. Blessed with a voice that recalls the best of a youthful Paul McCartney and "In Color"-era Cheap Trick singer Robin Zander, Van Duren shines across the new collection that compiles fabulous studio and live cuts recorded between 1975 and 1986. A wonderful vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Van Duren's songwriting also astounds. The gems here include the piano-anchored "Grow Yourself Up" and tender jazz-tinged "Waiting" (both off Van Duren's 1978 solo debut LP "Are You Serious?), melodic rocker "Make A Scene" (off Van Duren's 1979 disc "Idiot Optimism") and previously-unreleased power pop standout "Andy, Please" (featuring Jody Stephens on drums and backing vocals). The special collection also includes several great live tracks, with the McCartney-flavored "Yellow Light" showcasing Van Duren's soulful vocals. You can learn more about this wonderful album as well as the related documentary about Van Duren on the Omnivore Recordings website. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: John Denver
Title: Leaving On A Jet Plane (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Denver, Dan Fogelberg
Tell me more: Before his successful solo career in the 1970s, singer-songwriter John Denver was a member of two talented singing groups in the late '60s. A member of the Mitchell Trio and Denver, Boise & Johnson, a dozen tracks captured between 1967 and 1968 from those two ensembles are featured on the aptly-titled Leaving On A Jet Plane. In addition to the original versions of his songs "Leaving on a Jet Plane" (there are two different versions of that classic) and "Take Me To Tomorrow," the stellar track listing includes the beautiful "Baby, That's Where It Is" and English music hall-flavored "Like To Deal With the Ladies As Sung In The Shower Accompanied By a Twenty-Seven Piece Band" (both featuring the Mitchell Trio), and a previously-unissued version of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and Tom Paxton's tender "Victoria Dines Alone"  (courtesy of Denver, Boise & Johnson). The buoyant version of the Denver-penned "Take Me To Tomorrow" is among this writer's favorite cuts on the collection. The audio CD version also includes insightful liner notes penned by Mike Ragogna and historic photos of Denver from that era. Fans of the late Denver will want to seek out this terrific dozen-song set. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Artist: Soul Asylum
Title: While You Were Out (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Soul Asylum, Husker Dü, the Replacements
Tell me more: Fans of Minneapolis-spawned rockers Soul Asylum can celebrate the release of Omnivore Recordings' While You Were Out, a killer title that features Soul Asylum's final two indie releases (1986's While You Were Out and the 1989 EP Clam Dip & Other Delights). Stuffed to the max with 24 tracks encompassing both of the original Twin/Tone Records releases as well as previously-unissued bonus tracks, the sound here blends the fury of punk and hard-charging indie spirit of the area's best-known proponents (notably the Replacements and Husker Dü). Listening to the blistering-meets-artful "Freaks," melodic punk rocker "Carry On," anthem "Crashing Down" and genre-splitting "Just Plain Evil" is to hear a band on the verge of Grammy-winning and widespread acclaim via early '90s hits such as "Runaway Train" and "Somebody to Shove." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: W.G. Snuff Walden
Title: The West Wing: Original Television Soundtrack (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Television and movie soundtracks
Tell me more: Those who were not able to get the special limited edition two-disc The West Wing soundtrack released as part of Varese Sarabande Records' "We Hear You" series several years ago are in luck. The record label has just issued a single-disc version of "The West Wing: Original Television Soundtrack" featuring composer W.G. Snuff Walden's memorable music for the long-running series. The full-length collection includes an impressive 29 tracks, all of which helped enhance the series (that won nine Emmy Awards at the end of its debut season in 2000 including Best Drama Series). Information: VareseSarabande.com.



Robert Kinsler

Blues, Rock, Punk, Jazz among styles highlighted on new releases

Billy F Gibbons explores his blues influences, Soul Asylum's punk rock roots are revisited courtesy of two deluxe reissues, and an amalgam of styles are blended in a loving tribute cast by singer-guitarist Jonathan Butler. 

Artist: Billy F Gibbons
Title: The Big Bad Blues (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: ZZ Top, James Harman
Tell me more: Billy F Gibbons has taken a slight detour from his active role as lead singer and guitarist in ZZ Top to celebrate the blues via his joyful The Big Bad Blues album. Offering up a mix of five reworked covers along with six of his own songs, the album is a fully-satisfying celebration of the genre. The lead-off track, a cover of "Missin' Yo' Kissin'," comes the closest to mirroring the Texas blues rock of ZZ Top but fans of that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trio will be more than pleased with the full collection of songs on The Big Bad Blues. The Gibbons original "My Baby She Rocks" is a relatively slow tune but anchored by a deep groove and some nasty blues harp playing throughout the cut. The faster "Second Line" is a heavy Southern blues rocker, with Gibbons tastefully offering up plenty of flashy guitar work. Gibbons' "Let the Left Hand Know" is propulsive Chicago blues, with Gibbons' vocals and guitar work displaying a youthful fire that taps into the love that Gibbons obviously has for the musical form. Blues rarely races along with the speed and fire of "Rollin' and Tumblin'," yet another great reason to crank up this winning blues disc. Information: BillyGibbons.com.

Artist: Soul Asylum
Titles: Say What You Will...Everything Can Happen; Made To Be Broken (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Early '80s punk rock, Soul Asylum, Hüsker Dü, Loud Fast Rules
Tell me more: Years before Minneapolis-spawned rockers Soul Asylum scored radio hits like "Runaway Train," "Somebody to Shove" and "Black Gold" (from the 1992 masterwork outstanding Grave Dancers Union) they were a genuine punk band that released hard-hitting albums like 1984's Say What You Will...Everything Can Happen and 1986's Made To Be Broken. Both produced by Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü fame, the albums were originally issued by the area record label Twin/Tone and

have now been re-released as deluxe editions via Omnivore Recordings. Fans of old school punk rock and Minnesota alternative rock of that era will want to get these expanded editions, loaded with the original track listing of each LP as well as unreleased material and long-unavailable cuts too. Both of the notable reissues were co-produced by Twin/Tone Records co-founder and Replacements manager Peter Jesperson (who first signed the band) and Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski, with the remastering of the new editions completed by Grammy winner Michael Graves. Among this writer's favorite tracks on the first set is the blistering "Back And Blue," the tuneful saxophone-anchored "Stranger" and a previously-unreleased demo of the song "Cocktails" (recorded when the band was known as Loud Fast Rules). "Made To Be Broken" features the album's original 12 tracks, as well as 15 bonus tracks including some great outtakes from the "Made To Be Broken" recording sessions. The racing "Long Way Home," catchy "Freeway" and hard rock-meets-punk "Hey Bird" are among the standouts on the reissue. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com or SoulAsylum.com.

Artist: Jonathan Butler
Title: Close To You (Artistry Music)
You might like if you enjoy: George Benson, Burt Bacharach, Jonathan Butler
Tell me more: Even well-known material such as "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and "Alfie" get a fresh coat of sonic paint across Jonathan Butler's Close To You, a full-length tribute to songs created by the classic team of lyricist Hal David and composer Burt Bacharach. A native of South Africa, Butler has a terrific voice able to tackle the jazz-meets-R&B style of Bacharach's musical stamp while simultaneously fusing the beloved classics with his own style.  An early highlight is the uptempo "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" with soaring vocals, a driving rhythm and all-around great arrangement. The approach on "This Guy's in Love With You" draws strong and favorable comparisons with the sound of Stevie Wonder's groundbreaking '70s material. "I Say A Little Prayer" has a definite gospel intro before Butler slides into an arrangement showcasing his shining lead guitar work. One of the most impressive turns comes via "Walk On By," which takes on a wistful and soulful tone. Another standout is "What the World Needs Now Is Love," which reveals its magic via a sparse but deeply affecting run. Butler even includes one of his own gems, the joyful "Cape Town" whose spirited moodscape is a perfect fit on the album. Looking ahead, Butler will be a featured performer on the Dave Koz & Friends tour, which includes a number of dates in November and December 2018. Information: JonathanButler.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Janis Joplin, KISS, Soul Asylum, We Are Scientists

Lots of news for a Friday! Not a bad thing...

THIRTEEN's American Masters Presents Exclusive U.S. Broadcast Premiere of Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker Amy Berg's Janis Joplin Documentary,Janis: Little Girl Blue, May 3, 2016 on PBS Never-before-seen extended cut features new interviews with Alecia Moore (a.k.a. Pink), Juliette Lewis, Melissa Etheridge, Laura Joplin and Narrator Chan Marshall (a.k.a. Cat Power)   One of the most revered and influential rock 'n' roll singers of all time, Janis Joplin (January 19, 1943 - October 4, 1970) thrilled audiences and blazed new creative trails before her death at age 27. Oscar-nominated director Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil, West of Memphis, Prophet's Prey) examines Joplin's story in depth, for the first time on film, presenting an intimate portrait of a complicated and driven artist. American Masters - Janis: Little Girl Blue premieres nationwide Tuesday, May 3 at 8 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings) as part of the 30th anniversary season of THIRTEEN's American Masters series. The broadcast features a never-before-seen extended film cut with additional archival performance footage and new interviews with Joplin's sister Laura Joplin and musicians influenced by Janis: Alecia Moore (a.k.a. Pink), Juliette Lewis, Melissa Etheridge and the film's narrator, Chan Marshall, who is best known as indie rock star Cat Power. In tribute, she performs "A Woman Left Lonely" from Joplin's final studio album Pearl, released posthumously on January 11, 1971. This year marks the album's 45th anniversary. Original interviews with Joplin's siblings Laura and Michael, friends, lovers and fellow musicians, including Big Brother and the Holding Company bandmates Peter Albin, Sam Andrew and Dave Getz, Bob Weir (Grateful Dead), Country Joe McDonald (Country Joe and the Fish), Kris Kristofferson, Dick Cavett and Clive Davis, give a complete sense of someone haunted by insecurity and a need for acceptance throughout her life, despite her on-stage bravado and uninhibited, sexualized persona. Exploring her childhood, struggles with addiction, active role in the musical and cultural revolution of the 1960s, surprising rise to stardom and untimely demise, Joplin's own words tell much of her story through a series of letters she wrote to her parents - many of them made public for the first time - and read by Marshall. "The only way to tell Janis' story was through Janis' voice. Her letters show the vulnerable artist, daughter and lover Janis was in her short but impactful life," said writer, director and producer Amy Berg. Other previously unseen material Berg discovered during the seven years she spent working on Janis: Little Girl Blue includes new audio and video of Joplin in concert and in the studio (some shot by legendary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker), as well as rare footage from Joplin's emotional return to her hometown, Port Arthur, Texas, for her 10th high school reunion. "We were fortunately able to unearth footage of Janis that gives another glimpse into the joy Janis felt when she was playing music and performing," said Berg. "I'm thrilled that Janis Joplin is taking her rightful place in the series alongside other music icons of the era like Jimi Hendrix and The Doors," said Michael Kantor, executive producer ofAmerican Masters. "I hope viewers enjoy Amy's extended cut, made exclusively for our broadcast." Launched in 1986, American Masters has earned 28 Emmy Awards - including 10 for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series and five for Outstanding Non-Fiction Special - 12 Peabodys, an Oscar, three Grammys, two Producers Guild Awards and many other honors. The series' 30thanniversary season on PBS continues Friday, May 27at 9 p.m. (check local listings) with The Highwaymen: Friends Till the End. To further explore the lives and works of masters past and present, the American Masters website (http://pbs.org/americanmasters) offers streaming video of select films, outtakes, filmmaker interviews, photos, educational resources and more. The series is a production of THIRTEEN PRODUCTIONS LLC for WNET and also seen on the WORLD channel.                  The documentary's official album companion, Janis: Little Girl Blue (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), is available digitally and on CD via Columbia/Legacy Recordings. The DVD and Blu-ray will be available May 4 via FilmRise. American Masters - Janis: Little Girl Blue is a production of Disarming Films, Jigsaw Productions and THIRTEEN PRODUCTIONS LLC's American Masters in association with Sony Music Entertainment and Union Entertainment Group.Amy Berg is writer, director and producer. Chan Marshall is narrator. Alex Gibney, Jeff Jampol and Katherine LeBlond are producers. Billy McMillin, Garrett Price and Joe Beshenkovsky are editors, with music by Joel Shearer. Francesco Carrozzini, Paula Huidobro and Jenna Rosher are cinematographers. Noah C. Haeussner, Michael Kantor, Susan Lacy, Stacey Offman and Michael Raimondi are executive producers. Funding for American Masters is provided by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Rosalind P. Walter, The Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation, Rolf and Elizabeth Rosenthal, Rhoda Herrick, The André and Elizabeth Kertész Foundation, Jack Rudin, Michael & Helen Schaffer Foundation, Vital Projects Fund, and public television viewers. Additional funding for Janis: Little Girl Blue is provided by Ellen and James S. Marcus, Lenore Hecht Foundation, and Judith and Burton Resnick. About WNET As New York's flagship public media provider and the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21and operator of NJTV, WNET brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to more than 5 million viewers each week. WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series asNature, Great Performances, American Masters, PBS NewsHour Weekend, Charlie Rose and a range of documentaries, children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on air and online. Pioneers in educational programming, WNET has created such groundbreaking series asGet the Math, Oh Noah! and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at home. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams andMetroFocus, the multi-platform news magazine focusing on the New York region. WNET is also a leader in connecting with viewers on emerging platforms, including the THIRTEEN Explore Appwhere users can stream PBS content for free.

###  American Masters websites:    http://pbs.org/americanmasters  http://facebook.com/americanmasters  @PBSAmerMasters http://pbsamericanmasters.tumblr.com  http://instagram.com/pbsamericanmasters   http://youtube.com/AmericanMastersPBS     #AmericanMasters KISS ROCKS VEGAS FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY KISS ROCKS MOVIE THEATERS WORLDWIDE WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2016 The helicopter descended upon the infamous Hard Rock Hotel as KISS invaded Las Vegas for an historic nine-show run. Now, for one night only on May 25, fans will be able to experience this spectacular night for themselves as ‘KISS Rocks Vegas’ hits cinemas across the globe. From this blistering live show, fans can expect sky high flames, ear-bursting volume and a few drops of blood! Includes exclusive interviews with band and footage you will only see in the cinema. As America’s #1 Gold Record Award winning group of all time, and that’s in every category, KISS can easily be named one of rock’s most influential bands. Famed for their iconic face paint and stage attire, KISS was formed in New York City in 1973 by Paul Stanley (Vocals, Rhythm guitar) and Gene Simmons (Vocals, Bass guitar). Their sensational live performances feature fire breathing, blood-spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits, and pyrotechnics to spare. Tommy Thayer (Lead guitar, Vocals) and Eric Singer (Drums, Percussion, Vocals) round out the band’s powerful lineup.  Tommy is also Producer of the film ‘KISS Rocks Vegas’. Paul Stanley (Vocals, Rhythm guitar)  “See us on the big screen with the awesome power of surround sound. Feel like you are in Vegas and don’t be shy ‘Shout it out loud”! Gene Simmons (Vocals, Bass guitar) “Join us for a ‘Crazy Crazy Night’ in your cinema!” Tommy Thayer (Lead guitar, Vocals) “We are all tremendously proud of this production; it captures a truly unique performance. You need to see it in a cinema to get the full on experience” Eric Singer (Drums, Percussion, Vocals) “We rocked The Joint at Hard Rock in Las Vegas. You get up close and personal with KISS. You’re going to LOVE IT “ The band’s global sales exceed 100 million records, making them one of the world's best-selling bands of all time. The Rock N Roll Hall of Famers have released 44 albums . Honored by their peers, KISS received the illustrious ASCAP Founders Award in 2015. Over 40 years of record-breaking global tours have brought KISS to their fans. They kicked off their recent world tour with 5 headlining shows in Japan and a #1 single in 2015 “Samurai Son” with pop group, Momoiro Clover Z.  Their 40th Anniversary World tour also rocked North & South America and Australia.  Annually the “KISS Army” becomes the “KISS Navy” as fans from across the globe board the KISS Kruise (2016 year will mark their 6th voyage). KISS teamed up with Warner Brothers in 2015 to create the well-received original movie ScoobyDoo and KISS: Rock And Roll Mystery. Other high-profile appearances have included the Super Bowl, the Winter Olympics, Rockin' The Corps concert, a FOX alliance with KISS appearing in multiple episodes of Family Guy, plus two special guest performances on American Idol finales. KISS has been featured in major advertising and marketing campaigns for John Varvatos, Google Play, Hello Kitty— even appearing  in a Dr. Pepper Super Bowl commercial and advertising campaign in support of their Hottest Show On Earth tour. This year represents the 3rd season of the LA KISS Arena Football League team bringing professional football back to Los Angeles.  KISS founding band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have also entered the culinary world by opening a string of successful restaurants aptly named Rock & Brews. KISS is dedicated to numerous Veterans Organizations including: The Wounded Warriors Project, The USO, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Hire A Hero” program, The Legacy Organization in Australia, Help For Heroes United Kingdom and The Dr. Pepper Snapple Groups Wounded Warriors Support Foundations  For more information, visit www.KissOnline.com A select number of cinemas worldwide will also be screening the concert in Dolby Atmos, providing a powerfully immersive and moving audio experience for the cinema audience. For more information and to book tickets for the cinema event please visit www.kissmycinema.com. New Album from Soul Asylum 'Change of Fortune' out today on  ENTERTAINMENT ONE (eOne Music) “kicks serious fucking ass” – Blurt Magazine Soul Asylum joins forces with Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) to release an album of all new material titled Change of Fortune out today. See the official video for the song Supersonic here: https://youtu.be/GGcIaMU6X4E ”one of their best in years” – Love Is Pop This week’s remaining SXSW shows include Friday, March 18 Blurt Magazine/School Kidz Records party at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 19 KGSR show at the W Hotel at 11:30am, Waterloo Records instore and electric set at 5 p.m. and Official SXSW Showcase at The Scoot Inn at midnight. ” the new album shows a band still at the peak of their prowess”– Relix Magazine Soul Asylum is: David Pirner on guitar and vocals, Michael Bland on drums, Winston Roye on bass and Justin Sharbono on guitar.      ”Change of Fortune’ is a straightforward rock & roll album led by Pirner’s poetic gift for storytelling and finds the frontman soul-searching along the way…while maintaining that signature Soul Asylum sound” – Innocent Words    Change Of Fortune feels like both a fresh start and a classic Soul Asylum record. All the elements are there – the classic rock riffs filtered through punk rock energy, Dave Pirner’s soulful yet ragged vocals, clever lyrical turns of phrase, and themes the common man can always relate to. “a perfectly blended mix of musical harmony” – ReadJunk https://www.facebook.com/SoulAsylum www.soulasylum.com We Are Scientists announce new album ‘Helter Seltzer’ to be released digitally April 22nd and physically June 3rd via 100% Records    New single ‘Buckle’ available to stream and download   'Helter Seltzer' available for pre-order on CD, Vinyl and iTunes   US dates confirmed for May (more to follow) Click on image to watch the video for 'Buckle' or listen on Soundcloud here We Are Scientists, the Brooklyn-based pop-rock troupe, are set to return April 22nd with their fifth album. Titled ‘Helter Seltzer’ and released via 100% Records (on CD, digital and limited edition teal-colored vinyl), it is preceded by the single and video release of ‘Buckle’, the album’s bombastic opening track. Available today for stream and download, the accompanying video sees carrot juice, egg yolks, and glass splash and spin through the air with gorgeous languor! “Most of our videos start with some kind of longstanding desire that we’re aiming to fulfil,” says We Are Scientists’ guitarist and vocalist Keith Murray. “And well, I’d always wanted to dump food all over Chris’s face. Not in an angry way. I just thought it would be fun, and man, was I right.” In order to capture the sloppiness in all its colorful detail, New York City director Jedidiah Mitchell turned to the Phantom Miro video camera, a highly specialized machine capable of shooting over 1,000 frames per second, in bursts a maximum of 5 seconds long. The results make an iPhone’s slow motion video look paltry by comparison. For ‘Helter Seltzer’ We Are Scientists asked their ex-keyboard player, Max Hart, to produce. Max had just finished a three-year stint as the keyboardist for international super-mega-person Katy Perry, choosing as his final gig Ms. Perry’s performance at the 2015 Super Bowl. Max rented a studio space in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood, outfitting it with gear he had accumulated over a decade of obsessive internet shopping. In early March, the team got to work. Sifting through the options, a direction emerged: they would use the tones and trickery of radio pop to add a sweet sheen to the new crop of distinctively We Are Scientists songs. Months of toil and trial and error finally brought the right balance, and the finished recordings were shipped to mixerChris Coady at Sunset Sound in L.A. Coady has quietly emerged in recent years as one of the finest mixers of glossy indie pop, with credits that include Future Islands, Beach House, and !!!. In ‘Helter Seltzer’ he knew he had an album that should shimmer but also bang, and he applied all of the magic and sauce at his disposal to insure it did exactly that. Finally, the music was passed through the deluxe mastering machine that are the ears of Greg Calbi (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Noel Gallagher, Perfume Genius) to add a coat of heft and sparkle, and in January of 2016, nearly a year after construction began, the album was pronounced complete. "We've always made overtures toward being a pop band, but we've generally had the inclination to obscure those pop leanings in grit and chaos — to screw them up with fuzzed-out tones and raucous performances," says guitarist and vocalistKeith Murray. "It's made us really think about what our musical genre is. We're not punk — we're too interested in making our songs as pretty as possible. We're not straight-up rock — our tastes are too left-of-centre. We're not indie-rock — our heads aren't far enough up our own butts. So finally, after putting as much time into thinking about it as we're apt to — about ten minutes, over beers — we decided that our genre is 'Helter Seltzer.'" "Declaring a new genre is obviously douchey as hell, though, and impossible to deliver with a straight face," adds bassist Chris Cain, "so we did the noble thing and just made ‘Helter Seltzer’ the album title. It's especially apt for us these days, though. The songs here are more effervescent than we've ever managed to deliver, but they've still maintained a measure of that ‘Helter Skelter’ element — no matter how fizzy and refreshing the tunes are, they've always got a bit of that seamy, scuzzy, 'cult on Spahn Ranch' vibe. We therefore consider this album, as a vessel of both sweet pop tunes and seltzer outreach, to be a work of undisguised philanthropy on our part," concludes Chris. ‘Helter Seltzer’ track-list 1.Buckle 2. In My Head 3. Too Late 4. Hold On 5. We Need A Word 6. Want For Nothing 7. Classic Love 8. Waiting For You 9. Headlights 10. Forgiveness LIVE SHOWS: UK: April 22nd - London - Rough Trade East *Instore* April 24th - Bristol - Bierkeller April 25th - Nottingham - Rescue Rooms April 26th - Newcastle - Riverside April 27th - Birmingham - Library (Institute) April 29th - Leicester - Handmade - Festival April 30th - Leeds - Live At Leeds - Festival May 1st - Glasgow - Live In Glasgow - Festival May 3rd - Manchester - Academy 2 May 4th - London - KOKO May 5th - Brighton - Concorde 2 US: May 10th - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall May 11th - New York City, NY - Irving Plaza May 13th - Washington, D.C - Rock & Roll Hotel May 14h - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's May 15th - Charlottesville, VA - The Southern May 17th - Atlanta, GA - Aisle 5 May 18th - New Orleans, LA - Gasa Gasa May 19th - Houston, TX - The Raven Tower May 20th - Austin, TX - Barracuda May 21st  - Fort Worth, TX - Lola's May 23rd - Nashville, TN  - Exit In May 24th - Asheville, NC - Tiger Mountain May 25th - Raleigh, NC - Kings We Are Scientists are:  Keith Murray and Chris Cain www.wearescientists.com

Inbox Update: Joe Walsh, Simply Red, Sade, Soul Asylum

Whether you're a fan of classic rock, neo-soul, jazz or alt rock, today's post has a little bit of everything. I've re-posted releases on a number of artists here.

Joe Walsh to release Analog Man on June 5, 2012

First solo album in two decades

Grammy Award winning rock and roll legend Joe Walsh returns with Analog Man, his first solo album in two decades to be released on June 5th, 2012 from
Fantasy Records/Concord. Analog Man is both modern and timelessly soulful, packed with Walsh’s beloved wit, charm and chops; it delivers an incredibly raw and intimate sound.

“It’s been 20 years and I have a lot to say,” said Walsh. “These songs come from the heart.” Walsh, best known for his powerful guitar licks, joined the Eagles in 1976 and is credited for bringing a harder rock sound to the band with the acclaimed Hotel California, The Long Run and Eagles Live. A singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Walsh has entertained for more than four decades, not only as a solo artist, but as part of admired bands like The James Gang and Barnstorm.

As a self-proclaimed Analog Man, also the album name and title track, Walsh refers playfully to the new digital age; one in which he has adapted to, but notes in the song, “I am what I am – I’m an Analog Man.” Walsh developed the album over the last 10 years, drawing on personal experiences to breathe life into each track. “I just really feel like it’s all come together and finally I feel like a complete person and a complete musician,” said Walsh. “I think there is some confidence in there that I never had. That’s what I was hiding.” Walsh credits his wife of four years, Marjorie, for encouraging him to be the man and artist he is today and fondly dedicates this album to her.

The 10-track album was produced by Jeff Lynne and Joe Walsh with Tommy Lee James co-writing some of the tracks. “Lucky That Way,” one of Walsh’s favorites off the album, speaks to the extraordinary life he’s lived, even through the hurdles, and features Ringo Starr, his real life brother-in-law, on drums. The song ironically serves as a mature sequel to Walsh’s famed “Life’s Been Good” and for Walsh, life is just that.

Stream Analog Man’s title track at www.rollingstone.com and www.joewalsh.com

Pre-order Analog Man: Amazon: http://amzn.to/JOEWam


SIMPLY RED LIVE AT MONTREUX 2003 SET FOR RELEASE ON MAY 22, 2012

Mike Hucknall leads Brit-pop-soul band at Montreux in dynamic 2003 performance

Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the May 22 release of Simply Red Live At Montreux 2003 on DVD and Blu-Ray (the band’s Blu-Ray debut).

The DVD was filmed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where the band, over the course of its 25 years, has been a longtime Montreux favorite. This two-hour 18-song soul-drenched set—recorded while touring for the multi-platinum Home album— was filmed in high definition and recorded in DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital 5.1, LPCM Stereo.

Simply Red—with international album sales upwards of 50 million—boasts frontman vocalist Mick Hucknall, Ian Kirkham (saxophone); Kenji Suzuki (guitar); Steve Lewinson (bass); Pete Lewinson (drums); Dave Clayton (keyboards); Chris de Margary (flugelhorn, saxophone); John Johnson (trombone, percussion); Kevin Robinson (trumpet); Sarah Brown and Dee Johnson (backing vocals).

Simply Red Live At Montreux 2003 include seven more tracks from their 2010 Montreux appearance as bonus features: “Out On The Range” “To Be With You” “Your Mirror” “Heaven” “For Your Babies” “Ain’t That A Lot Of Love” (a scintillating cover of the 1966 Homer Banks rhythm’n’blues classic that Simply Red popularized again as the lead single from their 1999 Love And The Russian Winter album) and a passionate interpretation of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” (the 1972 Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes hit).

This acclaimed British band, accentuated by the unerring timing and charisma of a true showman in Mick Hucknall, truly ignited the Swiss crowd. This performance is another stunning addition to Eagle Rock Entertainment’s Montreux collection.

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

TRACK LISTING:
1) Sad Old Red
2) Enough
3) Lost Weekend
4) A New Flame
5) Night Nurse
6) Something For You
7) You Make Me Feel Brand New
8) Home Loan Blues
9) Stars
10) Fake
11) Come To My Aid
12) Thrill Me
13) The Right Thing
14) Something Got Me Started
15) Holding Back The Years
16) Money’s Too Tight To Mention
17) Fairground
18) Sunrise


SADE TO RELEASE LIVE DVD/CD BRING ME HOME - LIVE 2011 ON MAY 22

Hailed as "the best concert of the year" by the Baltimore Sun, Sade will release their live DVD/CD and Blu-ray for, Bring Me Home – Live 2011 on May 22, 2012. In 2011, after a 10 year hiatus, Sade returned to the U.S. for a 54-date tour in support of the platinum selling album Soldier Of Love (Epic Records), which became one of last year's top 10 grossing tours. The tour, directed by the renowned Sophie Muller, will now be available on DVD/CD, featuring 22 of Sade's biggest hits performed live on the visually stunning stage which was nominated by Pollstar for "Most Creative Stage Production" and "2011 Major Tour of the Year Award." Sade also grants fans a rare, all access look behind-the-scenes with a 20-minute documentary film shot by Sophie Muller, as well as a technical documentary by Stuart Matthewman, and outtakes from the crew.

Live DVD tracklisting:

1. Soldier Of Love
2. Your Love Is King
3. Skin
4. Kiss Of Life
5. Love Is Found
6. In Another Time
7. Smooth Operator
8. Jezebel
9. Bring Me Home
10. Is It A Crime
11. Love Is Stronger Than Pride
12. All About Our Love
13. Paradise
14. Nothing Can Come Between Us
15. Morning Bird
16. King Of Sorrow
17. The Sweetest Taboo
18. The Moon and The Sky
19. Pearls
20. No Ordinary Love
21. By Your Side
22. Cherish the Day

Live CD tracklisting:

1. Soldier of Love

2. Skin
3. Kiss of Life

4. Love is Found

5. In Another Time

6. Jezebel

7. All About Our Love
8. Paradise/Nothing Can Come Between Us
9. Morning Bird

10. The Moon and the Sky

11. No Ordinary Love

12. By Your Side

13. Cherish the Day


SOUL ASYLUM SIGNS WITH 429 RECORDS



Band readies release of new album Delayed Reaction, set for July 17 release

Soul Asylum is back and newly signed with 429 Records, which will release their first album in six years, DELAYED REACTION. This time around, the veteran band is energized with a re-calibrated lineup that includes founders Dave Pirner and Dan Murphy alongside ex-Replacements, ex-Guns N' Roses bassist Tommy Stinson (who replaced original member Karl Mueller who passed away in 2006) and former Prince drummer Michael Bland. DELAYED REACTION, which was produced by the band and overseen by John Fields, bristles with the tightly wound, slightly ragged vibe that characterized the band when they emerged straight out of Minneapolis. The recording took place in various locations--beginning in Los Angeles and then relocating to New Orleans and Minneapolis and back to LA--each town giving the tracks a unique backdrop of local culture vibe. Soul Asylum will hit the road in support of the album which is filled with brilliantly passionate songs, perfectly suited to their electric live shows. DELAYED REACTION will be released on 429 Records on July 17, 2012.

Originally formed in 1983 in Minneapolis, MN, Soul Asylum has maintained their reputation for honest, heartfelt rock from their beginnings on scrappy local label Twin Tone (which concurrently nurtured the careers of seminal rockers the Replacements), through their commercially successful days on A&M and Columbia Records (where they scored a Grammy for the monster hit single "Runaway Train"). The band has persevered through the good times of garnering several platinum albums and accolades including a performance for the Presidential inauguration of Bill Clinton to enduring the personal tragedy of losing Karl Mueller to cancer six years ago.

Says Dave Pirner on the recording process: "It feels like approaching it as an album and a thing that has a sequence, and a thing that is a piece of work in itself is almost an archaic process… Honestly, it's more organic. Even though you're using some of this newer technology, the fact that you're doing it yourself is what made it take so long and the process unique, this time."

DELAYED REACTION Track Listing:

1.Gravity
2.Into The Light
3.The Streets
4.By The Way
5.Pipe Dream
6.Let's All Kill Each Other
7.Cruel Intentions
8.The Juice
9.Take Manhattan
10.I Should've Stayed In Bed

For more information, visit: www.429records.com