New Music: Dave Rowntree, The Heavy Hours, Måneskin

Three terrific albums released on Jan. 20, 2023 are featured in my column this week.

Dave Rowntree has just released his debut solo album "Radio Songs."
Photo credit: Paul Postle

Artist: Dave Rowntree
Title: Radio Songs (Cooking Vinyl)

You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Doves, Radiohead, Other Lives

Tell me more: Although he rose to fame as the drummer of beloved British rock quartet Blur in the 1990s, Dave Rowntree has continued to challenge himself in a myriad of pursuits including as a film and TV composer, podcaster, light aircraft pilot (and instructor), lawyer, advocate for space exploration, computer animator and political activist. Now with the release of his stunning full-length debut solo album Radio Songs on Jan. 20 via Cooking Vinyl, the native of Colchester, England is sure to delight discerning listeners with a disc of truly compelling and instantly-gripping indie rock. Indeed, the artistic reach and depth of the 10 tracks recalls Blur's most recent studio album (2015's outstanding The Magic Whip) as well as top-tier efforts from Elbow, Doves, Radiohead and Other Lives. Just as former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr surprised the world with his stellar lead vocals when he emerged with his solo debut in 2013 at the age of 49, Rowntree's evocative and signature singing is a welcome surprise in early 2023. The shining material on Radio Songs includes the dark "Devil's Island," propulsive "London Bridge," confessional "1,000 Miles," tender "Black Sheep," electronica gem "Volcano" and Neo-classical foray "Who's Asking?" Information: DaveRowntree.com.

Artist: The Heavy Hours
Title: The Heavy Hours (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, The Jayhawks, the Head and the Heart

Tell me more: The Heavy Hours are a rising Cincinnati, Ohio-based Americana outfit worthy of attention. The quartet's newly-issued self-titled sophomore album features an authentic set of affecting songs ranging from the soaring opener "Wildfire" (bolstered by an infectious chorus) and romantic sorties "You Say My Name" and "The Only One" to the playful "Don't Walk Away," beautifully poignant "Ache" and confessional closer "On My Own." Lead singer-guitarist Michael Marcagi is armed with a distinctive instrument able to deliver power on more driving material as well as on nuanced emotion sung in quieter moments. Lead guitarist AJ Yorio, bassist Jonathan Moon and drummer Flint McCallum II have a bona fide chemistry necessary to elevate the 10-track album at every turn. The album was recorded in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York and produced by Simone Felice (The Lumineers, The Avett Brothers) and David Baron. Information: TheHeavyHours.com.

Artist: Måneskin
Title: Rush! (Arista Records)

You might like if you enjoy: 311, Aerosmith, Arctic Monkeys

Tell me more: Italian rock outfit Måneskin is among the top-tier crop of young bands championing rock 'n' roll sounds in the 21st century. On the quartet's new album Rush! the outfit continues to extoll an exciting mix of classic, indie and modern rock stylings. There is plenty of hard-hitting rock on the collection, including the rapid fire "Gossip," dance rock jaunt "Baby Said," more modern alt rocker "Timezone," genre-defying "Feel" and spirited "Read Your Diary." Demonstrating Måneskin's growth is "The Loneliest," an evocative power ballad that is enhanced by lead singer Thomas Raggi's vocals and a dazzling solo from guitarist Thomas Raggi. Information: AristaRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Catching up with 2022 releases: First Aid Kit, Freedy Johnston, Mamas Gun, Early James, Larkin Poe

It's not too late to catch up on some of 2022's most exciting new albums.

Artist: First Aid Kit
Title: Palomino (Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: First Aid Kit, The Cowsills

Tell me more: First Aid Kit returned with their fifth studio album Palomino in November. Sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg wrote and recorded the 11-track album in their home country of Sweden. The duo's shining harmonies and bewitching songcraft shine across Palomino with the sweeping "Ready to Run," soaring title track, Laurel Canyon-flavored "Turning Onto You" and romantic "The Last One" among the gems that showcase their artistry. The gorgeous "29 Palms Highway" and yearning "Angel" (the latter featuring a truly unforgettable chorus) are other standouts on the album. Palomino is available digitally as well as in various physical configurations including standard black LP, translucent green D2C exclusive LP, white indie retail exclusive LP and audio CD. Information: FirstAidKit.com.

Artist: Freedy Johnston
Title: Back on the Road to You (Forty Below Records)

You might like if you enjoy: James Taylor, Susanna Hoffs, Aimee Mann, Bird Streets, Julian Lennon

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Freedy Johnston returned in spring 2022 with Back on the Road to You, a winning album of 10 stellar originals bolstered by well crafted arrangements, terrific musicianship from his studio band and smart contributions from guests Aimee Mann, Susanna Hoffs and Susan Cowsill. An artist able to conjure up the magic of classic melody-adorned songcraft, Johnston's latest album also benefits from a contemporary authenticity that serves as the perfect bridge between the past and present. The buoyant Americana-flavored title track, opulent "Somewhere Love," chamber pop gem "That's Life" (featuring Hoffs' lovely vocal harmonies), melodic rocker "The Power of Love," and instantly-infectious "There Goes a Brooklyn Girl" are among the wonderful songs on the set. But it's important to note that each and every track adds to the artistic depth of the collection. Information: FreedyJohnston.com.

Artist: Mamas Guns
Title: Cure the Jones (Candelion)

You might like if you enjoy: Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers

Tell me more: British pop soul outfit Mamas Gun's fifth full-length album Cure the Jones is a full-on celebration of 1970s soul. The 11-track album was written and produced by Mamas Gun front man Andy Platts during the global pandemic, and also features the talents of Terry Lewis (guitar), Dave Oliver (keyboards), Chris Boot (drums) and Cameron Dawson (bass). The sound of the album thrives on slick grooves, emotional performances and a sonic spirit that draws favorable comparisons with the likes of Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and Bill Withers. The tender "When You Stole The Sun From The Sky," infectious "Good Love" and up-tempo "Winner's Eyes" are among the wonderful originals to be heard on the disc. Information: mamasgun.co.uk.

Artist: Early James
Title: Strange Time To Be Alive (Easy Eye Sound)

You might like if you enjoy: Tom Waits, John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Dan Auerbach

Tell me more: Early James — the moniker for Troy, Alabama native Fredrick James Mullis Jr. — fuses old-time Americana, roots and blues on his aptly-titled second studio album What A Strange Time To Be Alive. From the experimental-styled opener "Racing to a Red Light" and 1940s-flavored "Straitjacket For Two" to the beautiful piano-anchored "Pigsty" and freewheeling blues nugget "Dance In The Fire," the decidedly atmospheric collection of blues, rockabilly and roots is a sumptuous listen. Information: EarlyJames.com.

Artist: Larkin Poe
Title: Blood Harmony (Tricki-Woo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Samantha Fish, The Record Company

Tell me more: Larkin Poe — sisters Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell — are one of today's leading Southern blues rock troupes as evidenced across the duo's fantastic 11-track album Blood Harmony. There are a slew of fiery tracks on the LP, all enhanced by the sisters' dynamic Southern swagger and solid songwriting. Rebecca Lovell is a powerful singer, and the tandem sound of her guitar along with the firepower of Megan's lap steel guitar work constantly dazzles. Standouts abound on the title, including the rousing "Strike Gold," bewitching title track and shimmering "Southern Comfort." Information: LarkinPoe.com.

Robert Kinsler

Spoon announce new album 'Lucifer on the Sofa' + release first single "The Hardest Cut"

Spoon has just announced the release of the band's new album 'Lucifer on the Sofa' in February 2022...Robert Kinsler

SPOON ANNOUNCE LUCIFER ON THE SOFA NEW ALBUM OUT FEBRUARY 11, 2022 ON MATADOR RECORDS   LISTEN TO FIRST SINGLE “THE HARDEST CUT” CHECK OUT THE VIDEO

Cover art designed by Edel Rodriguez, download here

Spoon’s tenth album, Lucifer on the Sofa, is the band’s purest rock ’n roll record to date. Texas-made, it is the first set of songs that the quintet has put to tape in its hometown of Austin in more than a decade.   Lucifer on the Sofa bottles the physical thrill of a band tearing up a packed room. It’s an album of intensity and intimacy, where the music’s harshest edges feel as vivid as the directions quietly murmured into the mic on the first take. According to frontman Britt Daniel, “It’s the sound of classic rock as written by a guy who never did get Eric Clapton.”

Photo by Oliver Halfin

Today the band released the first single “The Hardest Cut”. Heavy on scorch and bite and anchored by detuned guitars, “The Hardest Cut” was the first song written by Daniel, who co-wrote the tune with Alex Fischel, for the new album. “I spent a lot of 2018 and 2019 listening to ZZ Top,” Daniel explains.   The track is accompanied by the video, featuring Spoon rocking a bizarre house party. Listen/share “The Hardest Cut” HERE and watch the video here:

Lucifer on the Sofa will be released on February 11, 2022 via Matador Records. The album was co-produced by Spoon and Mark Rankin (Adele, Queens of the Stone Age) and features contributions from Dave Fridmann and Justin Raisen. The album’s artwork was created by renowned artist Edel Rodriguez, beautifully laid out in a vinyl format that will be featured in multiple color variants, including an exclusive opaque orange and black pattern available at www.spoontheband.comand www.matadorrecords.com

Pre-order Lucifer On the Sofa HERE   Lucifer on the Sofa Tracklist Held The Hardest Cut The Devil & Mister Jones Wild My Babe Feels Alright On The Radio Astral Jacket Satellite Lucifer On The Sofa Tonight & tomorrow, fans around the world will be able to experience “The Hardest Cut” and additional songs from the new album alongside Spoon’s full catalog of hits, by tuning into BACK TO THE LIFE //LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES. Directed by Andreas Neumann from the Teragram in Los Angeles, this show expertly captures the frenetic energy one will always find at a Spoon gig. Available for global viewing via Moment House HERE. Watch the trailer HERE.

Credit: Andreas Neumann

Spoon tour dates  12/31/21 - NYE at ACL Live at the Moody Theater – Austin TX  tickets

Find Spoon here: Official ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Instagram

Star-Studded Videos From Forthcoming George Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music Of George Harrison

I thought we could go into the weekend with a reminder to check out several fantastic videos ("Handle With Care" and "I Me Mine") off the forthcoming George Fest: A Night To Celebrate the Music of George Harrison multi-format release coming later this month...

The day after what would have been George Harrison's 73^rd birthday, February 26, 2016, Hot Records Ltd. and Vagrant Records are proud to present George Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music Of George Harrison. Recorded and filmed on September 28, 2014 at the The Fonda Theater in Los Angeles.  To see what you can expect, check out the video for 'Handle With Care,' featuring an epic lineup consisting of Brandon Flowers of The Killers, Norah Jones, Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips, Britt Daniel of Spoon, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Dhani Harrison, Jonathan Bates of Big Black Delta and more!  Of Harrison, Brian Wilson praises "Well I always liked him when he was in The Beatles. And then when I heard "My Sweet Lord" I just about croaked. I couldn't believe it. It was one of the most unbelievable pieces of music I've ever heard. Oh, it means a lot to me. I'm very proud to be apart of it and to express my feelings about his music by singing his song. "George, I cannot tell you how much your music has meant to me and it's an honor to sing it."  Conan O'Brien confesses "He was such a craftsman on guitar that he intimidates to this day."  You can watch the video here! 

From the star-studded George Fest lineup, you should also check out Britt Daniel's rendition of 'I Me Mine.' This fantastic performance pays tribute to George Harrison's memorable Beatles hit.

Produced by Dhani Harrison and David Zonshine, Harrison stated, "I've always imagined a small club show where my generation of musicians could cut loose on some of the deeper tracks from his career... So, in a totally new and vibrant way, I once again found myself taking the stage with some of my most treasured musical heroes to the sound of the most familiar music in my life... I hope you enjoy listening to these as much as I do. They are some of the best interpretations of my father's songs I could have ever thought possible."

To see a trailer of the film go here

On top of the concert footage the DVD has interviews with the musicians backstage and at rehearsals talking about George Harrison's influence on their art.

Below is the song list:

DISC 1

1. Introduction

2. Old Brown Shoe Conan O'Brien

3. I Me Mine Britt Daniel from Spoon

4. Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) Jonathan Bates with Dhani Harrison

5. Something Norah Jones

6. Got My Mind Set On You Brandon Flowers from The Killers

7. If Not For You Heartless Bastards

8. Be Here Now Ian Astbury from The Cult

9. Wah-Wah   Nick Valensi from The Strokes

10. If I Needed Someone Jamestown Revival

11. Art of Dying Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

12. Savoy Truffle Dhani Harrison

13. For You Blue Chase Cohl with Weezer's Brian Bell on guitar

14. Beware Of Darkness Ann Wilson from Heart

DISC 2

1. Let It Down Dhani Harrison

2. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) Ben Harper

3. Here Comes The Sun Perry Farrell from Jane's Addiction

4. What Is Life  "Weird Al" Yankovic

5. Behind That Locked Door Norah Jones

6. My Sweet Lord Brian Wilson with Al Jardine

7. Isn't It A Pity The Black Ryder

8. Any Road Butch Walker

9. I'd Have You Anytime Karen Elson

10. Taxman Cold War Kids

11. It's All Too Much TheFlaming Lips

12. Handle With Care Brandon Flowers, Dhani Harrison,Jonathan Bates"Weird Al" Yankovic, Britt DanielandWayne Coyne

13. All Things Must Pass Ann Wilson,Dhani Harrison, Karen Elson and Norah Jones

Pre-Order Now:

Amazon DVD

Amazon Blu-Ray

Amazon Vinyl LP

George Harrison Store

iTunes Audio

http://www.georgeharrison.com/

John Lennon 75 birthday concert announces additional artists and show host

Here is an update on a major tribute to John Lennon in connection with his 75th birthday...

John Lennon, left, will be celebrated during upcoming
televised event on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015.

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAMER JOHN FOGERTY

& MODERN ROCK MAINSTAYS SPOON ANNOUNCED FOR

IMAGINE: JOHN LENNON 75^TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT

CONCERT EVENT AND BROADCAST SPECIAL TO INCLUDE

VIDEO APPEARANCES BY PAUL MCCARTNEY & RINGO STARR

AND SPECIAL GUEST HOST KEVIN BACON

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CONCERT EVENT, DECEMBER 5, 2015

AT THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NYC

NEW BLOCK OF TICKETS IN ALL PRICE RANGES,

STARTING AT $99 ON SALE NOW VIA  TICKETMASTER.COM

Previously Announced Performers Include:

ALOE BLACC, ERIC CHURCH, SHERYL CROW, BRANDON FLOWERS,

PETER FRAMPTON, JUANES, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, PAT MONAHAN,

TOM MORELLO, WILLIE NELSON, THE ROOTS, CHRIS STAPLETON,

STEVEN TYLER AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

IMAGINE: JOHN LENNON 75^TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT

WILL AIR EXCLUSIVELY ON AMC

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 AT 9 P.M. ET/PT

NEW YORK, NY - December 2^nd, 2015 - Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Award-winner^®John Fogerty and Spoon added to the star-filled lineup of artists taking part in Imagine: John Lennon 75^th Birthday Concert, an all-star concert event celebrating the music and message of the legendary music icon. The one-night-only concert event taping will be held at the Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, December 5^th at 7:30 p.m. ET, and air exclusively on AMC on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Paul McCartney, left, and Ringo Starr will make video
appearances at John Lennon 75 birthday concert. 

The concert event and broadcast premiere will also include very special video appearances by the remaining members of The Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. Golden Globe^® and Screen Actors Guild^® Award-winner Kevin Bacon will join as the special guest host of this star-filled event.

Also announced today is the all-star house band featuring: Greg Phillinganes (Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton) on keyboards, drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp), bassist Lee Sklar (James Taylor), Felicia Collins and Sid McGinnis (Paul Shaffer CBS Orchestra) on guitars, along with keyboardist Boh Cooper, percussionist Taku Hirano, and backing vocals Jory Steinberg, andTrya Juliette.

In addition to the newly announced performers, the concert will feature a lineup of music stars, including: Aloe Blacc, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Brandon Flowers

(The Killers), Peter Frampton, JUANES, Kris Kristofferson, Pat Monahan (Train),

Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Willie Nelson, The Roots, Chris Stapleton, andSteven Tyler. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.

A new block of tickets in all price ranges starting at $99 are on sale now through Ticketmaster Charge By Phone (866-858-0008), www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster Outlets or at the Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and The Beacon Theatre box offices.

A portion of proceeds from the concert will be donated to Robin Hood. Robin Hood, New York's largest poverty-fighting organization, creates and funds over 200 of the most effective programs, to help 1.8 million New Yorkers learn and earn their way out of poverty. For more information, please visit www.robinhood.org.

"The addition of these artists adds even greater depth and excitement to an already incomparable lineup," said Blackbird's Keith Wortman. "On just one night, on one stage, we will experience a night of music that we'll never forget."

GRAMMY^® and EMMY^® Award winners Greg Phillinganes ("Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life: An All-Star GRAMMY Salute") and Don Was ("The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute to the Beatles") will serve as music directors for this extraordinary concert event. DGA^® Award winner Gregg Gelfand ("The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute to the Beatles") is the director.

Keith Wortman of Blackbird Presents is the creator and executive producer of the show. Overseeing the project from AMC are Eliot Goldberg, senior vice president of non-fiction and alternative programming for AMC and SundanceTV, and Marco Bresaz, vice president of

non-fiction and alternative programming for AMC and SundanceTV. Imagine: John Lennon 75^thBirthday Concert will be filmed and recorded for multi-platform distribution throughout traditional and digital media (worldwide music, digital, and broadcast).

FOR ALL CONCERT EVENT DETAILS AND THE OFFICIAL

CONCERT EVENT WEBSITE, PLEASE VISIT:

http://imaginejohnlennon75.com

#JohnLennon75

About Blackbird Presents:

Blackbird Presents is a worldwide leader in the creation and production of once-in-a-lifetime concert events, broadcast series, specials and music releases.  Blackbird's legendary concerts celebrate our most beloved music icons and feature performances by today's biggest stars at the world's most iconic venues. Past events have honored such icons as Jerry Garcia, Johnny Cash, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Levon Helm, Dr. John, Gregg Allman, Mavis Staples, Waylon Jennings andEmmylou Harris amongst others. Keith Wortman is the CEO of Blackbird Presents.

For more information, please visit: http://blackbirdpresents.com

About AMC:

Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade, or creating acclaimed original programming, AMC brings to its audience something deeper, something richer, Something More. The network reigns as the only cable network in history ever to win the Emmy^® Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row with "Mad Men," and six of the last eight with back-to-back honoree "Breaking Bad." The network boasts the most-watched drama series in basic cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last three years with "The Walking Dead." AMC's current original drama series include "The Walking Dead," "Better Call Saul," "Hell on Wheels," "TURN: Washington's Spies," "Halt and Catch Fire," "Humans," "Fear the Walking Dead," and the forthcoming "Into the Badlands," "The Night Manager," "Broke" and "Preacher." AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like "Talking Dead," "The Making of The Mob," "Comic Book Men" and the upcoming "Ride with Norman Reedus" and "The American West." AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Something More.