New music: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Metric, Michael Vincent

In this column, I highlight several notable new releases as well as an essential album title I somehow overlooked upon its release in 2022.

Artist: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

Title: Council Skies — Deluxe Edition (Sour Mash Record)

You might like if you enjoy: Oasis, Blur, Johnny Marr

Tell me more: The Deluxe Edition of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' Council Skies is a true masterpiece; the marathon-length set runs approximately 100 minutes and includes 24 tracks — a mix of new studio recordings, instrumental versions, remixes and live radio sessions. Spectacular songcraft is at the heart of the collection, an uplifting listen even when Gallagher and company are captured amidst their most introspective and quiet forays (just listen to "There She Blows!" and "Don't Stop..."). The aptly-titled "I'm Not Giving Up Tonight" is anthemic with a rousing chorus and burgeoning arrangement that artfully builds across the song's bewitching run. The melancholy-mining "Dead To The World" showcases Gallagher's signature vocals (including his tender falsetto) in an especially plaintive offering. The glorious symphony-flavored "Open The Door, See What You Find" and "Trying To Find A World That's Been And Gone Pt. 1," soaring "Easy Now," Beatlesque rocker "Love Is A Rich Man" and reflective "Think Of A Number" are other gems on disc 1 of the set. The sumptuous melody-adorned "We're Gonna Get There In The End," genuinely inspired version of John Lennon's "Mind Games," a Robert Smith-remix of "Pretty Boy" and live radio station performance of Bob Dylan's "You Ain't Going' Nowhere" are among the riches on disc 2. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds is currently on tour with Garbage and Metric; the tour includes upcoming stops at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on June 9, at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in San Diego on June 10, and at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ on June 11. Information: noelgallagher.com.

Artist: Metric

Title: Formentera (Metric Music Intl. / Thirty Tigers)

You might like if you enjoy: The Album Leaf, Broken Social Scene, Chvrches, synthpop, indie rock

Tell me more: This writer somehow missed getting a listen of Formentera upon its official release in July 2022, but with Metric headlining at Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 (as well as at a number of larger venues opening for Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Garbage), I wanted to catch up on the Toronto, Canada-spawned quartet's latest album now. The eighth studio release from Metric, the nine-track album challenges and rewards the listener at every turn. The ambitious electronica track "Doomscroller" — which clocks in at more than 10 minutes — is a particularly effective track, beginning with a haunting vibe before launching into a propulsive dance soundscape and then touching on other distinct sonic moodscapes along its creative path (including a piano-anchored break where Emily Haines' wonderful soprano is purposefully poignant). The immersive "All Comes Crashing," entrancing indie rocker "What Feels Like Eternity," symphonic-swept "Enemies of the Ocean" and ascending closer "Paths in the Sky" make for a magical and welcome introduction to the stellar talents of Haines (lead vocals, synthesizers, guitar), James Shaw (guitar, synthesizers, theremin, backing vocals), Joshua Winstead (bass, synthesizers, backing vocals) and Joules Scott-Key (drums, percussion). Information: ilovemetric.com.

Artist: Michael Vincent

Title: Electric Fox (Angel Blossom Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Warren Zevon, Joey Molland, Snow Patrol

Tell me more: Michael Vincent's new album Electric Fox (released on May 26, 2023) is a fitting showcase for the Bay Area-based singer-songwriter, with the veteran artist exploring a wide range of styles including alt rock, power pop, blues and roots across the 8-track disc. Vincent's stirring style works well on the inviting folk rocker "Together," uptempo indie rocker "Fool, My Eye" (the latter featuring great lead guitar work from Scott Warren), melodic power pop nuggets "Last Summer" and "Living Room," tender romantic sortie "In a Whisper" and crunchy modern rocker "(Kinda Like) Forever." Information: michaelvincentmusic.com.

Robert Kinsler

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds announce new album 'Back The Way We Came: Vol 1 (2011-2021)'

 There are so many amazing songs on this upcoming collection. Just listen to the advance track and new video for "We're On Our Way Now," so magnificent. Prepare to be wowed! Robert Kinsler

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Announce Back The Way We Came: Vol 1 (2011-2021) Out June 11, 2021 on Sour Mash Records Greatest Hits Album Celebrating Ten Years of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Featuring Two Brand New Songs - View Album Trailer Here   Available To Pre Order Now Here   New Single “We’re On Our Way Now” Unveiled - Listen Here

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds announced details of Back The Way We Came: Vol 1 (2011-2021) today. The album, set to be released on June 11th via Sour Mash Records, is a definitive 18 track greatest hits package, and a timely reminder of the breadth and depth of classic songs from the first decade of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The new single “We’re On Our Way Now” is unveiled today, a taste of the future-fan-favorites to come. Listen here.   Curated and compiled entirely by Noel, the tracklisting of Back The Way We Came: Vol 1 (2011-2021) encompasses songs from High Flying Birds’ three UK Number One albums (Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Chasing Yesterday and Who Built The Moon?) and the three acclaimed EPs (Black Star Dancing, This Is The Place and Blue Moon Rising). Back The Way We Came: Vol 1 (2011-2021) also features two brand new songs produced by Noel Gallagher & Paul ‘Strangeboy’ Stacey, “We’re On Our Way Now” and “Flying On The Ground.”  Noel Gallagher (seen on the digital screen) performing with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds at Coachella in Indio, CA in April 2012. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler Since establishing Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds post the legendary success of Oasis, Gallagher has never sat still creatively. He’s mastered the art of embracing an instinctive sonic evolution and creative freedom whilst never neglecting the song craft. From the New Orleans brass powered blast of debut single “The Death Of You And Me” to the self produced psych-pop and space bound experimentation of “Chasing Yesterday”and the disco saturated, sonic veer of “Who Built The Moon?” at the hands of renowned producer David Holmes and the subsequent EP releases, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have proven time and time again to be unshackled by genre and expectation. That Gallagher has so successfully married this bold and blistering approach with huge commercial success (over 2.4 million albums sold internationally with three UK Number One albums - marking a record breaking ten UK consecutive Number One studio albums across his career), coupled with relentless touring globally, is testament to Gallagher’s unerring ability to marry laser-guided melodies and fearless creativity.   Speaking of the timings of High Flying Birds’ greatest hits, Noel says: “10 years of The High Flying Birds?? Blimey! ... just think of all the things I COULD have done in that time!!” "The title just came to me one afternoon, at the kitchen table.” He continues ”It's a saying isn't it: 'back the way we came'. I actually thought it was a great title. Which is why it's got vol 1. Because if there's another one, I'm not coming up with another title!"   Now with the best part of thirty years as one of the country's most respected and prolific songwriters under his belt, Back The Way We Came: Vol 1 (2011-2021) celebrates another landmark in Noel Gallagher’s unparalleled career.   Full Tracklist:   Disc 1 1. Everybody’s On The Run 2. The Death Of You And Me 3. AKA … What A Life! 4. If I Had A Gun … 5. In The Heat Of The Moment 6. Riverman 7. Lock All The Doors 8. The Dying Of The Light 9. Ballad Of The Mighty I 10. We’re On Our Way Now   Disc 2 1. Black Star Dancing 2. Holy Mountain (Remastered) 3. A Dream Is All I Need To Get By 4. This Is The Place 5. It’s A Beautiful World 6. Blue Moon Rising 7. Dead In The Water (Live At RTÉ 2FM Studios, Dublin) 8. Flying On The Ground   Bonus Disc 1. It’s A Beautiful World (Instrumental) 2. If I Had A Gun … (Acoustic Version) 3. Black Star Dancing (Skeleton Key Remix) 4. Black Star Dancing (12” Mix Instrumental) 5. The Man Who Built The Moon (Acoustic Version) 6. International Magic (Demo) 7. Blue Moon Rising (Sons Of The Desert Remix) 8. The Dying Of The Light (Acoustic Version) 9. This Is The Place (Skeleton Key Remix) 10. This Is The Place (Instrumental) 11. Black Star Dancing (The Reflex Revision) 12. Be Careful What You Wish For (Instrumental)   Back The Way We Came: Vol 1 [2011-2021] is available to pre order now on the following formats: Standard 2 CD Deluxe 3 CD Double heavyweight LP Formats Limited edition Deluxe Box Set including set of deluxe vinyl,  etched 7” plus 12” coffee table photo book with deluxe CD set Online store exclusive - Double LP picture disc and cassette   Limited edition numbered, hand pressed, colored double LP with exclusive art print also released for Record Store Day on June 12th.   https://www.noelgallagher.com/ // https://www.facebook.com/noelgallaghermusic/ // https://www.instagram.com/themightyi/ // https://twitter.com/NoelGallagher

Picture credit: Matt Crockett

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds release the video for 'If Love is the Law’

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS 

RELEASE THE VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘IF LOVE IS THE LAW’ 

TRACK FEATURES GUEST PERFORMANCE FROM JOHNNY MARR

PART OF THEIR UPCOMING FILM 'STRANDED ON THE EARTH'

TAKEN FROM THE NUMBER 1 UK ALBUM ‘WHO BUILT THE MOON?’ 

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – ‘If Love Is The Law’

Track: https://NGHFB.lnk.to/ILITLstrm

Vinyl pre-order: https://NGHFB.lnk.to/ILITL12v

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uTVYefyPG0

Label: Sour Mash Records Ltd

 

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds release the video today for ‘If Love Is The Law’ – taken from the Number 1 UK album Who Built the Moon?.

 

The track features a guest performance from the legendary Johnny Marr on guitar and harmonica. The single is to be released digitally on August 17, 2018, and will be available on 12” vinyl on September 14.

The video for "If Love Is The Law" was directed by Mike Bruce, who shared, “‘If Love Is The Law’ is the fifth video of a sequence of seven music videos all of which comprise a chronological story line about two outlaws who meet and fall in love. As a whole the videos will eventually be released as a film entitled ‘Stranded On The Earth’ complete with dialog sequences and live performances. The concept came from a series of discussions I had with Noel over the course of a couple months leading up to the release of 'Who Built The Moon?'. When Noel sent me his new album I knew I wanted to do something out of the ordinary, something we’re not used to seeing in a music video format. ‘If Love Is The Law’ serves as both a video for the latest single from 'Who Built The Moon?' and as a trailer for the film and what’s to come.”

 

The vinyl features the album version of the single and an instrumental rendition, plus rare track ‘Alone On The Rope’ on the B side. Track listing is as follows:

 

A1. ‘If Love Is The Law’

A2. ‘If Love Is The Law’ (Instrumental)

B1. ‘Alone On The Rope’

 

Who Built the Moon?, the third album from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds released last year on Sour Mash Records, is gold certified and debuted at Number 1 in the UK – making it a hat trick of Number 1 solo records following 2011’s eponymous album and 2015’s Chasing Yesterday. This is also a record-breaking 10th consecutive chart-topping studio album for Noel – no other artist has a perfect streak of Number 1 studio albums in the UK as long as Noel.

 

Further details about Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds can be found at noelgallagher.com

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