The Waterboys documentary 'A Wild and Beautiful Ride' to premiere exclusively on Night Flight Plus on Friday, May 9

It's fantastic to hear that a music documentary focused on the creation of The Waterboys' latest album is going to premiere this weekend. Be sure to read my review of the album "Life, Death and Dennis Hopper" HERE...Robert Kinsler

The Waterboys Documentary A Wild and Beautiful Ride to Premiere Exclusively on Night Flight Plus May 9

Film Chronicles the Making of the Critically Acclaimed Album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper Featuring Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Steve Earle, and Taylor Goldsmith

(May 7, 2025) — A Wild and Beautiful Ride, a new 48-minute documentary exploring the creation of The Waterboys’ latest album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper, will premiere exclusively on Night Flight Plus (nightflightplus.com) on Friday, May 9. The film will be released globally on YouTube the following Friday, May 16.

Directed by Mick Puck and Duende Visions, A Wild and Beautiful Ride takes viewers behind the scenes of a bold musical and spiritual journey. The film includes music from the album, location footage shot in New Mexico, and intimate reflections from the band’s lead singer and guitarist Mike Scott, who spent four years crafting the record.

Released on Sun Records on April 4, Life, Death and Dennis Hopper is a 25-track epic that traces the arc of a cultural icon while tackling the deeper questions of existence. Written and produced primarily by Scott alongside bandmates Famous James and Brother Paul, the album features guest appearances by Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Steve Earle and Taylor Goldsmith.

“It begins in his childhood,” says Scott. “It ends the morning after his death, and I get to say a whole lot along the way—not just about Dennis, but about the whole strange adventure of being a human soul on planet Earth. The arc of his life was the story of our times. He was at the big bang of youth culture in Rebel Without a Cause with James Dean; the beginnings of Pop Art with the young Andy Warhol. He was part of the counterculture, hippie, civil rights, and psychedelic scenes of the '60s. In the '70s and '80s, he went on a wild 10-year rip, almost died, came back, got straight, and became a five-movies-a-year character actor—without losing the sparkle in his eye or the sense of danger or unpredictability that always gathered around him.”

The album has received widespread acclaim in the U.K., Europe, and the United States — just ahead of The Waterboys launching a worldwide tour on May 2 in support of the release.

Night Flight Plus, the exclusive streaming home for the documentary, is a premium subscription service inspired by the legendary 1980s TV series Night Flight, created by Stuart S. Shapiro. Described by Pitchfork as “the Punk Criterion Collection” and named “the best overall value among the subscription streamers” by The New York Times, Night Flight Plus offers a curated trove of cult classics, music documentaries, and hard-to-find cultural gems.

For more information on the film, visit nightflightplus.com. For more information on The Waterboys and dates for their 2025 tour, visit mikescottwaterboys.com. 

About Sun Records: 

Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating acclaimed artists Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell, and many others. As a member of the newly-formed Sun Label Group under Primary Wave, Sun Records continues to foster musical innovation while honoring its rich history of shaping American music culture.

For more information, visit https://sunrecords.com. 

Dawes Share “Time Spent In Los Angeles (For Altadena)”; Special New Version of Classic Song

Check out the affecting version of Dawes' "Time Spent In Los Angeles (For Altadena)" featuring Dawes along with Andrew Bird and Alan Hampton...Robert Kinsler

DAWES SHARE INSPIRING NEW VERSION OF 

“TIME SPENT IN LOS ANGELES (FOR ALTADENA)” – LISTEN 

VERY SPECIAL RENDITION OF LONGTIME FAN FAVORITE FEATURES 

FRIENDS ANDREW BIRD AND ALAN HAMPTON

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT MUSICARES RELIEF EFFORTS 

IN THE WAKE OF DEVASTATING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

OH BROTHER TOUR RESUMES APRIL 9 IN WOODSTOCK, NY

(Read Robert Kinsler's review of "Oh Brother" published in October 2024 HERE)

Acclaimed California rock band Dawes have shared “Time Spent In Los Angeles (For Altadena),” a very special version of their classic track newly produced by Mike Viola with the help of friends Andrew Bird and Alan Hampton, available everywhere now on their own Dead Ringers via Secretly Canadian Distribution. Proceeds from the track will benefit MusiCares relief efforts in the wake of January’s devastating Southern California wildfires. To contribute to MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, or if you or someone you know needs help, please visit musicares.org/firerelief.  Dawes co-founders Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith are among the many Los Angeles area residents whose lives were shattered by the wildfires’ unprecedented destruction – Taylor lost his studio and most of the band’s musical gear and equipment while Griffin and their parents all lost their homes. Dawes immediately went to work supporting MusiCares efforts to assist fellow musicians affected by the fires by visiting ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” originally found on their 2011 sophomore album, Nothing Is Wrong. “We were asked to perform on Jimmy Kimmel within a week of both of our properties burning in Altadena,” says Taylor Goldsmith. “Griffin lost his house and I lost our studio. We decided to play a ballad version of ‘Time Spent in Los Angeles.’ The song means all sorts of different things to us now. After that live performance it became clear we would want a proper studio recording of the version for posterity (and to maybe even raise a little more money for MusiCares). So we hit up our fellow Angelenos Andrew Bird and Alan Hampton and recorded this live in one take at our old friend Mike Viola’s house studio in Echo Park. I feel like this is the version of this song that we’re gonna be playing for a long time to come.” LISTEN TO “TIME SPENT IN LOS ANGELES (FOR ALTADENA)” WATCH “TIME SPENT IN LOS ANGELES” (LIVE ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!) Dawes have spent much of their time since the fires supporting and raising awareness for MusiCares, including a surprise opening appearance at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards that saw them leading an all-star lineup – including Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent – for an unforgettable performance of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” Dawes’ own exclusive version – featuring lyrical changes to reflect the City of Angels’ inspiring resilience following the disaster – is available now, with proceeds benefitting The Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals. WATCH “I LOVE. L.A. (2025 GRAMMY® AWARDS PERFORMANCE) LISTEN TO “I LOVE L.A.” Dawes –– were also among the stars performing at February’s star-studded FireAid benefit concert at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. After opening their set with “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” Dawes were joined onstage by Stephen Stills and Mike Campbell for a performance of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.” The supergroup then welcomed Stills’ longtime friend and musical partner Graham Nash for an unforgettable rendition of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Teach Your Children” that saw everyone in attendance at the arena singing along in unison. Last year saw the acclaimed release of Dawes’ ninth studio album, Oh Brother, available everywhere now. Exclusive split color vinyl, as well as an array of deluxe Oh Brother bundles, are available via the Dawes online store. Hailed by No Depression as “a staggering soundscape where guitar-talking, folk-rock, bleary-eyed grooves, and a kind of misfit pop all blur into one succinct soundtrack for these unprecedented times,” the album steers Dawes decidedly forward, honoring 15 years of Taylor and Griffin’s musical relationship, as well as the next era and natural evolution of their beloved band.  STREAM/DOWNLOAD OH BROTHER ORDER OH BROTHER EXCLUSIVE SPLIT COLOR VINYL + MORE Dawes spent much of last fall celebrating their new era traveling the US on their epic Oh Brother Tour, resuming April 9 at Woodstock, NY’s Bearsville Theatre. Special guests on most dates will be Michigander. Dawes’ busy schedule will also see additional summer headline dates along with a series of eagerly awaited shows supporting The Avett Brothers and top-billed appearances at an array of festivals including Goose’s Viva El Gonzo (set for May 8-10 in San José del Cabo, Mexico), Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend in Miramar Beach, FL (May 11), and Louisville, KY’s Bourbon & Beyond (September 11-14). For complete details and ticket availability, please visit dawestheband.com/tour.  DAWES - OH BROTHER TOUR 2025 APRIL 9 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theatre * 10 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse * (SOLD OUT) 11 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia * 12 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre * 13 – Princeton, NJ – Matthews Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center 16 – Davenport, IA – Capitol Theatre * 17 – Madison, WI – The Majestic Theatre * (SOLD OUT) 18 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue * 19 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note * 21 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place * 23 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre * 25 – Kalispell, MT – Wachholz College Center * 26 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre * 27 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall * MAY 8-10 – San José del Cabo, Mexico – Viva El Gonzo † 11 – Miramar Beach, FL – Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend † JULY 11 – Red Bank, NJ – Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center 13 – Amagansett, NY – The Stephen Talkhouse 17 – La Vista, NE – The Astro Amphitheater ^ 18 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater ^ 19 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center ^ AUGUST 2 – Lancaster, OH – Lancaster Festival 31 – Fairlee, VT – Lake Morey Summer Concert Series SEPTEMBER 11-14 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond † * w/ Special Guests Michigander  † Festival Appearance ^ w/ The Avett Brothers # # # DAWES OH BROTHER (Dead Ringers)

Tracklist: Mr. Los Angeles Front Row Seat Still Strangers Sometimes Surprise! House Parties King of the Never-Wills The Game Enough Already Hilarity Ensues   CONNECT WITH DAWES: DAWESTHEBAND.COM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK |TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

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The Waterboys announce brand new studio album 'Life, Death And Dennis Hopper' out April 4 via Sun Records

Big news today with the announcement with the forthcoming new album from The Waterboys. And revisit the band's wonderful legacy via my 2019 concert review of the band available HERE...Robert Kinsler

The Waterboys Announce Brand New Studio Album

Life, Death And Dennis Hopper

Out April 4, 2025 via Sun Records

Guests include Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, Fiona Apple and Taylor Goldsmith

 

First Single ‘Hopper’s On Top (Genius)’ Out Friday, Jan. 10, 2025

 

The Waterboys today make the very special announcement of their brand new, sixteenth studio album Life, Death And Dennis Hopper - out April 4, 2025 on Sun Records.   The most audacious Waterboys album yet, Life, Death And Dennis Hopper is the epic story of the trailblazing American actor and rebel told through a song cycle depicting not only Hopper's story but the saga of the last 75 years of western pop culture. "The arc of his life was the story of our times," says band leader Mike Scott, "He was at the big bang of youth culture in Rebel Without A Cause with James Dean; and the beginnings of Pop Art with the young Andy Warhol. He was part of the counter-culture, hippie, civil rights and psychedelic scenes of the '60s. In the '70s and '80s he went on a wild 10-year rip, almost died, came back, got straight and became a five-movies-a-year character actor without losing the sparkle in his eye or the sense of danger or unpredictability that always gathered around him."    As a taste of what’s to come the album’s first track drop, ‘Hopper’s On Top (Genius)’ will be unveiled on streaming and video this Friday, Jan 10. The song captures the electric, heady moment when Hopper’s Easy Rider became a cultural phenomenon and cemented his place in Hollywood history. Buoyed by Scott’s searing vocals, vibrant instrumentation, and a psychedelic edge, the song channels the euphoria and hubris of the 1960s counterculture that Hopper epitomized.   Scott worked for four years on Life, Death And Dennis Hopper. Produced with Waterboys bandmates Famous James and Brother Paul, the album spans 25 tracks and traces the extraordinary arc of Hopper’s life, from his youth in Kansas to his long rise, five wives, tumultuous fall, and ultimate redemption. Every track has its own special place and fascinating, deep-rooted story.   "It begins in his childhood, ends the morning after his death, and I get to say a whole lot along the way, not just about Dennis, but about the whole strange adventure of being a human soul on planet earth," says Scott.   The album is The Waterboys' first for Sun – ”Hey", says Scott, "we're labelmates with Howlin' Wolf and young Elvis!" – and alongside Scott’s masterful songwriting, the album features a stellar lineup of guests including Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Steve Earle, Nashville-based Alt Americana artist Anana Kaye, young English singer Barny Fletcher, Norwegian country-rockers Sugarfoot, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go's, and punk arch-priestess Patti Palladin — incorporating a kaleidoscopic blend of genres that embodies the band’s trademark spirit of musical exploration.    For more information about The Waterboys, visit the band’s website HERE.   Life, Death And Dennis Hopper marks yet another captivating chapter for this most mercurial of bands. It’s storytelling that transcends, pulls us in and takes us on a wild, beautiful ride.   Life, Death And Dennis Hopper tracklisting Kansas (featuring Steve Earle) Hollywood '55 Live In The Moment, Baby Brooke / 1712 North Crescent Heights Andy (A Guy Like You) The Tourist (featuring Barny Fletcher) Freaks On Wheels Blues For Terry Southern Memories Of Monterey Riding Down To Mardi Gras Hopper's On Top (Genius) Transcendental Peruvian Blues Michelle (Always Stay) Freakout At The Mud Palace Daria Ten Years Gone (featuring Bruce Springsteen) Letter From An Unknown Girlfriend (featuring Fiona Apple) Rock Bottom I Don't Know How I Made It (featuring Taylor Goldsmith) Frank (Let's Fu*k) Katherine (featuring Anana Kaye) Everybody Loves Dennis Hopper Golf, They Say Venice, California (Victoria)/The Passing Of Hopper Aftermath

Photo Credit: Paul Mac Manus mikescottwaterboys.com

New music: The Half-Cubes, Dawes, Jimmy Carpenter, Randy Lee Riviere

In addition to Dawes' newly-released ninth album, this column features my reviews of the latest studio albums from the Half-Cubes, Jimmy Carpenter and Randy Lee Riviere.

Artist: The Half-Cubes

Title: Pop Treasures (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Falkner, the Half-Cubes, Van Duren, Del Amitri

Tell me more: On the Half-Cubes' ambitious new album Pop Treasures, the duo of vocalist-bassist Gary Frenay and drummer-producer Tommy Allen deliver a rousing sequel to 2023's classic covers collection Pop Masters. This time the duo — along with guitarist Randy Klawon (The Choir, Cyrus Erie) — have enlisted the services of a score of the original artists and revisited two dozen far flung classics spanning from the dawn of the rock era to the 21st Century. There are so many great tracks here; my favorites include the exhilarating take on Jason Falkner's rousing "I Live," the Beach Boys-flavored musical readings of Eric Carmen's "My Girl" and "Someday," a super catchy take on Rubinoos' "The Girl," an irresistible ear candy version of Del Amitri's "Not Where It's At," a sumptuous "She's So Young (The Pursuit of Happiness)," Beatlesque cover of Van Duren's wonderful "Jane" and artful rendition of Sinceros' "Disappearing." Among the high-profile guests who appear on the expansive title to help cover their originals are Bertolf, Danny Malone, Mark Hudson, Moe Berg, Van Duren, John Savannah and the Sighs. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Dawes

Title: Oh Brother (Dead Ringers)
You might like if you enjoy: The Eagles, America, Dawes, Jackson Browne
Tell me more: Oh Brother is Dawes' ninth full length studio album but marks a decidedly new era for the beloved Southern California-based outfit. Indeed co-founding members/brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith parted ways amicably with two bandmates last year following the release of 2022's wonderful Misadventures of Doomscroller; the newly-released nine-track Oh Brother provides a joyful listen as Dawes navigates a mix of folk rock, piano-centered ballads and Allman Brothers-worthy jams with elegance and passion. The recording of the album began with Taylor on guitar and vocals and Griffin on drums, later adding additional studio instrumentation courtesy of touring guitarist Trevor Menear. The lyrical depth, virtuoso chops and marvelous song craft shines across the disc; standouts include the literate opener "Mister Los Angeles," the introspective "Still Strangers Sometimes," playfully nostalgic "House Parties," and poetic closer "Hilarity Ensues." Oh Brother is available everywhere now on Dead Ringers via Secretly Canadian Distribution. The album is available on split color vinyl, as well as via an array of deluxe Oh Brother bundles via the band's official website. Information: dawestheband.com.

Artist: Jimmy Carpenter
Title: Just Got Started (Gulf Coast Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Booker T. & The MG's, King Curtis, blues music
Tell me more: Las Vegas-based singer-songwriter/saxophonist great Jimmy Carpenter's Just Got Started is a winning set of inspired tracks that masterfully blend blues, soul and American styles in spades. The breezy lead track "(Feels Like) I Just Got Started," uptempo instrumental "Jimmy Shimmy," funky Louisiana-flavored "Night People" and fiery blues-drenched cover of Curtis Ousley's "Soul Theme" are among the tracks that shine on the Christoffer "Kid" Andersen-produced album. Carpenter's stellar lead vocals and virtuoso sax work shine across the 12-track set, notably on the R&B cover of Willie Dixon's "My Babe," the original soulful ballad "I Only Gamble With My Heart" and infectious blues track "Working Man." The album closes out with a sublime take on Ousley's bewitching "Midnight Blue," bolstered by Carpenter's nuanced sax along with the expert guitar playing of Andersen. Information: gulfcoastrecords.net.

Artist: Randy Lee Riviere
Title: Concrete Blues (Wilderness Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Nils Lofgren, Neil Young
Tell me more: Concrete Blues is an album that finds Randy Lee Riviere fusing Southern, classic and alt rock with electric blues to create a compelling 12-track masterwork. The album opens with the arresting rocker "Mania," a track propelled with a driving rhythm and pulsating guitars. The Tom Hambridge-produced album's powerful and potent strengths never falter; the euphoric and immersive rock gem "Change Is Strange," hypnotic Southern blues sortie "Just Trying To Get Back Home," heavy "Magic Bullet," sparse countrified "Stranger In My Head" and dreamy "It'll Be Alright" are among the top-tier originals that thrill on Concrete Blues. Riviere (pronounced "Re-VEER") has a fascinating life story; in addition to his bona fide powers as a gifted recording artist he is a wildlife biologist who has been involved with large-scale efforts in the past working to protect and restore important elements of the Native American landscape. Additionally, he has a voice and emotive delivery ideally suited to his signature sonic approach. Information: randyleeriviere.com.

Robert Kinsler