New music: 'Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4,' The Dynamo Hymn, Etta James, Max Hightower, Joey Molland

This column features a wide-ranging mix of fantastic new audio releases, as well as a reposting of my review of Joey Molland's final studio album released in 2020. Sadly, Molland passed away on March 1.

Artists: Neil Diamond, Mac Davis, Jerry Reed, Charlie Rich, more
Title: The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley (Bear Family Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Presley, Jerry Reed, Charlie Rich, Ray Charles, Bobby Darin

Tell me more: Fans of early rock, blues, country and Americana music will be thrilled by the wide range of incredible recordings featured on The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley. The compelling title covers Presley's creative period spanning from 1967 to 1967, with the King of Rock and Roll's cover versions of previously released songs and originals arranged in chronological order. This period included Presley's legendary NBC-TV '68 Comeback Special, his ambitious Memphis sessions and the 1969 stage comeback in Las Vegas.  

The 76-minute collection features a stellar array of artists performing original and cover versions of well-known songs recorded by Elvis Presley between 1967 and 1969; this includes some demos — a number of them available on audio CD for the very first time. Among the notable artists featured on the early part of the collection are Jerry Reed (whose driving rockabilly-minded "Guitar Man" and bluesy "Big Boss Man" kick off the disc), Charlie Rich (who offers up a decidedly uptempo take on "Big Boss Man"), Don Gibson (whose tender ballad "Just Call Me Lonesome" captures the emotion of Presley's approach), Andy William delivering a bewitching "You'll Never Walk Alone," Mac Davis (whose soulful "A Little Less Conversation" is a delight) and LaVern Baker's joyful gospel track "Saved." 

The magic on The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4 continues via wonderful offerings from Vern Stovall (whose countrified "Long Black Limousine" was tracked in 1961), Ned Miller's Buddy Holly-minded "From A Jack to a King," Mac Davis' emotive sumptuous reading of his own "In The Ghetto," Mark James' symphonic "Suspicious Minds," Neil Diamond's glorious "And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind" and Johnny Tillotson's tender ballad "It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'." The disc closes with a moving take by Chuck Jackson of Burt Bacharach's soulful "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)." The 36-page color booklet contains rare photos and insights about the recordings, as well as detailed liner notes by Presley expert Helmut Radermacher. The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley is one of the most exciting titles of early 2025. Visit HERE to learn more about this essential title. 

Artist: The Dynamo Hymn
Title: The Dynamo Hymn (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Pugwash, The Beatles' "White Album," Badfinger, World Party

Tell me more: Fans of 1960s-infused baroque pop, melodic rock and soaring songcraft will want to get the self-tiitled debut from the Dynamo Hymn. Released as a download-only release in 2024, Kool Kat Musik has now released the nine-track The Dynamo Hum on audio CD. Featuring the original songs of singer-bassist Shaun McGee of Pugwash fame, The Dynamo Hymn shines across its intoxicating run. Opening with the reflective Baroque-styled gem "Ardy's Waltz," the album's magic continues with a wide-range of winning tracks including the freewheeling folk rockers "The 3rd Time 'Round" and "Just A Matter Of Time," swirling "Satellite," psychedelic rocker "Colours," genre-defying nugget "It's Too Late" and sumptuous closer "Without." Also key to the Dynamo Hymn's powerful artistry are the talents of guitarist/keyboardist Tosh Flood, drummer Joe Fitzgerald and multi-instrumentalist Duncan Maitland— all of whom who had also previously played with Pugwash. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Artist: Etta James
Title: Etta James Rocks (Bear Family Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Etta James, Billie Holiday, Little Richard

Tell me more: Etta James Rocks is an essential new 79-minute collection that takes a deep dive into the most rocking recordings tracked by singer Etta James early her career. The tracks featured on the title were collected from the Modern/Kent and Chess/Argo archives and collectively highlight the Los Angeles native's ability to triumph when singing R&B, jump, hard blues, doo-wop, hot soul and emotive ballads. The rollicking self-penned "Tough Lover" kicks off the title, an infectious rocker recorded in 1956 that recalls the spirit and sound of Little Richard's best hits. The energy and power of the recordings thrills across the length of the set; "Dance With Me, Henry," "W-O-M-A-N," aptly-titled "Next Door To The Blues," the early hit "Good Rockin' Daddy," bluesy "Spoonful" (the latter a wonderful duet with Harvey Fuqua) and "The Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry)" are early standouts. A fervid take on Willie Dixon's "I Just Want To Make Love To You," the New Orleans-flavored "Market Place," jump blues gem "Good Lookin'," the fiery live track "What'd I Say," rousing "Strange Things Happening" and the 1955 rockabilly romp "That's All" are among the terrific cuts that propel Etta James Rocks on its last half. Etta James Rocks includes 29 selections; what's more the marvelous digipak package housing the audio CD includes an informative 36-page booklet with Bill Dahl's liner notes, archival photographs and ephemera. Information: www.bear-family.com.

Artist: Max Hightower
Title: Nothin' But the Truth (MoMojo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tinsley Ellis, Bob Margolin

Tell me more: Blues singer/guitarist/harmonica great Max Hightower has released Nothin' But the Truth, a dozen-track album that masterfully blends Southern blues, New Orleans funk and R&B into an authentic mix. Hightower's considerable skills as well as those of Brandon Phelps (drums), Steadman "Fleetwood" Williams, Sr. (bass), Big Jon Atkinson (lead guitar), James Beaumont (sax), Rob Davis (keyboards, backing vocals) and others bring the original material to life. Standouts include the rousing opener "Double Bubble," R&B nugget "It's On Me," funkified "Here She Comes," the bluesy ballad "My Baby & Me" (the latter bolstered by Hightower's blues harp), gritty "Thick Jello" and jazz-tinged instrumental closer "Assmoghraph." Information: momojorecords.com and maxhightower.com.

Artist: Joey Molland

Title: Be True To Yourself (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, the Beatles

Tell me more: Classic rock aficionados often cite the story of Welsh/English rock band Badfinger as one of the era's most tragic tales. Despite being the first non-Beatles artist signed to Apple Records and scoring a number of timeless hits (including "Come and Get It," "No Matter What," "Day After Day," and "Baby Blue"), the band was struck with the suicide of several members (Pete Ham in 1975, Tom Evans in 1983) and sudden death of Mike Gibbins following a brain aneurysm in 2005. Sadly, singer-guitarist Joey Molland — the band's last surviving member of the quartet's classic early '70s lineup —  passed away at the age of 77 on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Molland released his first album of new material (Be True To Yourself) in nearly 10 years on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. And what a glorious collection of power pop it is. Lovingly produced by Mark Hudson (who also co-wrote the tracks with Molland), Be True To Yourself explodes with tunefulness, exceptional song craft and undeniable hooks associated with Badfinger's best recordings. The shimmering "Better Tomorrow," Beatlesque "Rainy Day Man," dreamy "Heaven," melodic power pop ballad "Loving You" and chamber pop foray "Be True To Yourself" only begin to paint a sonic picture of the magic displayed across "Be True To Yourself." Among the notable names contributing to the recording are Julian Lennon (who also took the amazing front and back cover photographs seen on the album), Micky Dolenz, Jason Scheff and Steve Holley. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Blu-ray review: Foghat's 'Slow Ride - Live In Concert'

Foghat's Slow Ride - Live In Concert is available today (Friday, April 5, 2024).

Artist: Foghat

Title: Slow Ride - Live In Concert (Cleopatra Entertainment / MVD Visual)

You might like if you enjoy: Foghat, Savoy Brown, Humble Pie, Canned Heat

Tell me more: The just-released Blu-ray Slow Ride - Live In Concert captures classic English rock quartet Foghat at an essential moment in time; the concert film was recorded and filmed at two dates in Houston, Texas in September 1999 — sadly lead singer and founding member Lonesome Dave Peverett passed away from complications related to kidney cancer in February 2000 at the age of 56 (less than five months after the performances featured on the title were recorded). The energetic concert is a rousing and great snapshot of Foghat; in addition to the talents of Peverett on lead vocals and guitar, lead guitar virtuoso Bryan Bassett, drummer Roger Earl and bassist Tony Stevens are seen locked in and firing on all cylinders. The dream track listing includes an extended take on "Drivin' Wheel," a rousing version of the classic blues cut "Somebody's Been Sleepin' In My Bed," and a dynamic slide guitar-anchored reading of the Peverett original "Stone Blue." Other highlights include an amped up take on Robert Johnson's blues nugget "Sweet Home Chicago," the beautiful blues ballad "Angel of Mercy" and the hard rocking "Fool For The City." The Jack Updyke-directed concert film wraps up with a powerful take on the Willie Dixon classic "I Just Want To Make Love To You" and a marathon version of the band's enduring 1975 hard rock hit "Slow Ride."

In addition there are segments across the film featuring interviews with the band members recorded at the time; at one point Everett notes the name "Foghat" had its genesis as a nonsense word he created during a childhood game of Scrabble he was playing with his brother. 

The title is also available as a CD+DVD release. The track listing for the Blu-ray version, as well as the DVD and audio CD configurations is as follows:

 

TRACK LIST:
1. Drivin' Wheel
2. Somebody's Been Sleepin' In My Bed
3. Stone Blue
4. It Hurts Me Too
5. Rock Your House
6. Sweet Home Chicago
7. Angel Of Mercy
8. Fool For The City
9. I Just Want To Make Love To You
10. Slow Ride

 

Information: Cleopatra-entertainment.com.

On a related note, below is the media release regarding the vinyl release of the historic concert recording:

For Immediate Release

FOGHAT’s Iconic 1999 Live Concert Album Released Today, Coming To A Turntable Near You For The Very First Time!

Los Angeles, CA - Foghat’s faithful fanbase has been buzzing ever since the announcement of the release of the band’s superb 1999 live performance, called Slow Ride - Live In Concert. This incredible live performance is being released today as a CD/DVD set but what many fans have been clamoring for is to see this killer show pressed on vinyl. Well, the gods of classic rock have obliged as Cleopatra Records is proud to announce a gorgeous double LP Orange Marble vinyl package of Slow Ride - Live In Concert in a classy gatefold jacket with informative liner notes and several vintage images that celebrate this band’s epic career. One listen and you’ll agree, Foghat’s fulsome mix of bluesy soulful rock sounds even better with the full dynamic range of well-pressed vinyl.

Longtime Foghat bassist Tony Stevens shares his thoughts on the release of Slow Ride - Live In Concert, saying “This concert album shows the band at its best with Brian Bassett taking over from Rod Price, who left Foghat the year before. For me though, the gold star has to go to Lonesome Dave Peverett. After going through 6 months of chemotherapy, after having a kidney removed, he came back, 50 pounds lighter in his gold suit and Rocked The House! I enjoyed our ‘playing off’ with each other. Loads of smiles and laughter. This video is a tribute to Dave. A rock and roll hero of the 100th degree.” Sadly, Peverett would pass away less than a year after the recording of this concert at the age of 56. But this performance is keeping his memory and the Foghat legacy alive for future generations to discover!

Order the CD/DVD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/foghat-slow-ride-live-in-concert-cd-dvd/
Order the vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/foghat-slow-ride-live-in-concert-double-orange-marble/
Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/foghat_liveinconcert

Watch a clip from the video: https://youtu.be/0sTEj1pp-Ck

TRACK LIST:
1. Drivin' Wheel
2. Somebody's Been Sleepin' In My Bed
3. Stone Blue
4. It Hurts Me Too
5. Rock Your House
6. Sweet Home Chicago
7. Angel Of Mercy
8. Fool For The City
9. I Just Want To Make Love To You
10. Slow Ride

Robert Kinsler

New music: Tinsley Ellis, Kevin Burt & Big Medicine, Pete Ham tribute

New albums from blues great Tinsley Ellis, singer-songwriter/guitarist Kevin Burt and late Badfinger frontman Pete Ham are worth exploring. 

Artist: Tinsley Ellis

Title: Naked Truth (Alligator Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Robert Johnson, Leo Kottke, Keb' Mo'

Tell me more: Atlanta-based blues guitar great/singer-songwriter Tinsley Ellis is heard in a decidedly different light on his latest full-length album titled Naked Truth. Ellis' 21st album remarkably marks the celebrated bluesman's first-ever solo acoustic album; after hearing the marvelous dozen-track collection fans will be wondering what took so long. Armed with his top-tier talents as both singer and guitar player, Ellis' collection additionally benefits from a riveting authenticity that draws favorable comparisons with the classic recordings of beloved heroes including Robert Johnson, Son House, Muddy Waters and Leo Kottke. Indeed, the album was recorded live in the studio with Ellis playing his 1969 Martin D-35 and his 1937 National Steel O Series guitars. The disc opens with the fiery Delta track "Devil In The Room," an infectious and toe-tapping blues gem adorned with his artful slide work. A cover of Son House's "Death Letter Blues" genuinely taps into the spirit of the anguished original. Other standouts on Naked Truth include the rhythm-fueled instrumental Silver Mountain, playful take on Willie Dixon's "Don't Go No Further," luxurious take on Kottke's elegant "The Sailor's Grave On The Prairie," intense "Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" and sumptuous closer "Easter Song." This writer's favorite selection is the gentle Skip James-inspired original "Windowpane," which is bolstered by Ellis' falsetto vocals and nuanced fretwork. Ellis is currently on tour in support of Naked Truth; check out his upcoming tour dates HERE. Information: alligator.com.

Artist: Kevin Burt & Big Medicine

Title: Thank You Brother Bill: A Tribute to Bill Withers (Gulf Coast Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Bill Withers, Aaron Neville, B.B. King

Tell me more: The spirit and music of the late Bill Withers shines across Kevin Burt and his band Big Medicine's new album Thank You Brother Bill: A Tribute to Bill Withers. The carefully selected track listing of 13 songs is presented via affecting and original versions showcasing Wither's timeless song craft as well as the stellar talents of Burt (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica), Scot Sutherland (bass), Ken Valdez (lead/rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Eric Douglas (drums, percussion). Burt's resonant and soulful baritone vocals are the perfect fit with Withers songs; the performances captured at The Sound Box Recording Studio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa absolutely soar across the disc. The funk-tinged opener "Who Is He (and What Is He To You)?," electrifying soul sortie "World Keeps Going Round and Round," nuanced "Just the Two of Us" (the latter bolstered by Burt's sublime harmonica play), electric blues mining "Ain't No Sunshine," explosive "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh" and mournful "Hope She'll Be Happier" are among the impressive cuts on the terrific album. Information: kevinburtmusic.net.

Artist: Pete Ham

Title: Gwent Gardens (Y&T Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Paul McCartney, The Beatles

Tell me more: Although it has been nearly 50 years since his premature death at the age of 27 in April 1975, Pete Ham's legacy as the principal singer-songwriter of 1970s power pop great Badfinger shines bright. Now a treasure trove of newly-discovered home demos recorded between 1966 and 1972 — many of them songs that were never recorded or released by Badfinger or that group's earlier incarnation The Iveys — have been gathered together for release on an essential limited edition audio CD titled Gwent Gardens issued by Y&T Music. The tracks on the physical special CD version of Gwent Gardens set for release on March 8, 2024 will also be available via all streaming services on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. 

The impressive demos feature Ham performing with guitar or piano accompaniment; the prolific artist often double-tracked his vocals to add heft to the recordings. The 18-track collection begins with the poignant "The Day Begins," where Ham's signature vocals deliver a beautiful and yearning original. Equally poignant is the lovely "Let The Sun Shine Through," which is bolstered by Ham's falsetto vocals and several overdubbed instrumental tracks to showcase his vision for a full band version of the melodic gem. The parade of terrific songs includes the John Lennon-flavored "Love Will Be," tuneful rocker "I'm Only Human," evocative "I Miss You," Baroque mining "Little Mary" and "Scarlett Willow," soulful "Think It Over" and irresistible "Something On My Mind." 

Editor's note: 2023 also saw the release of a special Pete Ham tribute album, Shine On — A Tribute to Pete Ham. That album featured 35 artist covering all of Ham's compositions recorded by Badfinger. Among the artists paying tribute to Ham on the title are Shelby Lynne, Dan Baird, Melanie, Dennis Diken, Sweet Lizzy Project, Stan Lynch & The Speaker Wars, and many more. Read Robert Kinsler's review of that album HERE. Information: ytmusiconline.com.

Robert Kinsler

Craft Recordings celebrates 40th anniversary of Violent Femmes’ self-titled debut with deluxe reissue

CRAFT RECORDINGS CELEBRATES 

THE 40^TH ANNIVERSARY OF VIOLENT FEMMES’

CULT CLASSIC SELF-TITLED DEBUT WITH DELUXE REISSUE

 

The remastered and expanded Deluxe Edition includes favorites 

“Blister in the Sun,” “Please Do Not Go,” “Gone Daddy Gone” & “Add It Up”

Plus rare demos, B-sides, live performances & more

 

The single “Gone Daddy Gone / I Just Want to Make Love to You (Live)” 

available to stream/download today

 

Folk-punk pioneers now on 40^th Anniversary Tour

Los Angeles, CA (October 10, 2023) — Craft Recordings is thrilled to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Violent Femmes’ 1983 self-titled debut with a special reissue of the seminal cult classic. Due out December 1^st and available for pre-order now, the deluxe 2-CD and digital formats will feature newly remastered audio and over a dozen demos, B-sides, and live performances from the pioneering folk-punk trio — including alternate versions of iconic songs like “Blister in the Sun,” “Please Do Not Go,” “Gone Daddy Gone,” and “Add It Up.” A special 4-disc vinyl box set will follow February 9th, 2024, limited to 5,000 copies worldwide. Housed in a lift-top box with die-cut window detail, this collectible edition offers three 180-gram LPs — the original album, alongside the demos, and live material — plus, a replica 7-inch single (“Ugly”/“Gimme the Car”). The original album and single discs are cut from the original analog tapes, while lacquers for the complete set were cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. Both the CD and LP editions will feature an expansive book with new liner notes by journalist and Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke, complete with interviews with Violent Femmes members Gordon Gano, Brian Ritchie, and Victor DeLorenzo.

 

Reflecting on the album’s 40^th anniversary, bassist Brian Ritchie shares: “I am frequently stopped on the street by people who tell me, ‘Your album changed my life,’ or some variant. I don’t have to ask, ‘Which album?’ because it is implied that they’re talking about the first one. The uncanny thing is that these people range from early teens to septuagenarians, and they all have the same testimony.” Ritchie adds, “Sometimes music is more than just a pleasing sound that entertains. It takes on greater meaning. Multiple generations have found the songs to be relevant in their life situations. Some people say they had sex for the first time listening to it (which I find appalling but whatever) and someone even said, ‘I was conceived to your music.’ Wow.”

 

Today, fans can visit digital platforms to pre-save Violent Femmes (Deluxe Edition) and stream or download the advance single, “Gone Daddy Gone / I Just Want to Make Love to You (Live).” Recorded in January 1983 at Folk City in New York, NY, this raucous early version of the longtime fan favorite includes a complete verse from Willie Dixon’s 1954 song “I Just Want to Make Love to You” (originally recorded by Muddy Waters). Like all the bonus material featured on Violent Femmes (Deluxe Edition), “Gone Daddy Gone (Live)” was previously unavailable in digital format. 

 

Released on vinyl and cassette in April 1983 — and certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1991, the same year it charted on the Billboard 200 for the first time — Violent Femmes has achieved cult status and served as a perennial discovery for music lovers partial to unbridled expression of teen angst. Just a year prior to recording their debut, Gano (vocals, guitar), Ritchie (bass), and DeLorenzo (percussion) co-founded the band in Milwaukee and got their start performing in the streets (a point of necessity rather than preference, given that local clubs refused to book them and it was too hot to practice in DeLorenzo’s basement). But when members of the Pretenders caught Violent Femmes performing on the sidewalk during a tour stop at Milwaukee’s Oriental Theatre, the legendary British/American band spontaneously added them to the bill at that night’s sold-out show. By the following summer, Violent Femmes had landed a spot opening for punk heroes Richard Hell and the Voidoids at New York City’s Bottom Line — a two-night engagement caught by Fricke himself, who soon penned a glowing review in Musician magazine. “The Violent Femmes don’t just steal the show — they blow a fresh wind of post-punk originality rooted in rockabilly simplicity, the dry, folk twang of quintessential hobo Dylan and the stark bash and graphic lyricism of Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground,” he wrote. 

 

In July 1982, Violent Femmes headed to a Lake Geneva studio and cut their debut album’s 10 songs in just a week, funding the sessions with a $10,000 emergency loan co-signed by DeLorenzo's father. Produced by Mark Van Hecke, Violent Femmes mostly consists of the band’s first takes and centers on a raw and potent sound augmented by their idiosyncratic instrumentation (Ritchie favored an acoustic, mariachi-style bass, while DeLorenzo’s minimalistic drum kit included an upside-down metal tub). “We were using tape, which was expensive, and paying for this record ourselves,” Ritchie says today. “We might have a few, false starts. We’d get a take, then say, ‘That sounds pretty good, let’s try a few more.’” After sorting through a deluge of rejection letters from record labels, the band released their full-length debut via Slash Records (a now-defunct offshoot of the Los Angeles punk zine, also home to punk trailblazers like X, the Germs, the Misfits, the Gun Club, and more).

 

Both of-the-moment and strangely timeless, Violent Femmes matches its restless and frenetic breed of folk-punk with Gano’s singular songwriting voice, at turns giddy, acerbic, and painfully vulnerable. “We’re avant-garde because we’re so reactionary,” Ritchie told Rolling Stone in 1983. “We go back to improvisation, to raw emotions and primitive, old-fashioned sounds. And Gordon’s songs make the whole thing accessible.” To that end, the album’s slippery emotionality encompasses everything from the loopy euphoria of “Blister in the Sun” to the plucky desperation of “Prove My Love” to the jittery frustration of “Add It Up” and “Kiss Off” — the latter a track whose iconic mid-song countdown features an ostensibly dashed-off but entirely intentional outburst from Gano. “That’s the way I wrote it – this voice getting so carried away that he forgets what eight is for,” he says. Meanwhile, Violent Femmes’ exquisitely erratic musicality manifests in such unexpected forms as the bluesy catharsis of “Confessions” and the bright and bouncy exotica of “Gone Daddy Gone” (achieved through the band’s use of xylorimba, a xylophone-marimba hybrid).

 

Released in 1987, the CD version of Violent Femmes featured two extra songs, “Ugly” and “Gimme the Car” — the latter an alluringly sour and sexually blunt track that Gano and Ritchie performed at the former’s National Honor Society induction ceremony his senior year of high school (a turn of events that promptly led to Gano’s expulsion). Both songs originally appeared on a 7-inch released by London-based indie label Rough Trade in 1983.

 

Upon its arrival in 1983, Violent Femmes quickly earned acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone, who hailed the album as an “unnervingly precocious debut” by a band “that not only acts like it just reinvented rock & roll but somehow manages to sound like it as well.” Thanks in no small part to its brutally accurate rendering of adolescent heartache and fury — courtesy of Gano, still a teenager at the time of the LP’s creation — Violent Femmes only grew in cultural impact over the coming decades. In fact, Pitchfork later proclaimed that “Violent Femmes are perhaps the greatest mixtape band of its era…For those that encountered the Femmes in this manner, the band’s songs were akin to outsider art — found musical data that offered bracingly unfiltered takes on lust and alienation and the yearning to belong.” In the depths of the ’90s alt-rock boom, the trio also took major hold of the zeitgeist: in 1994’s Reality Bites (released the same year that Violent Femmes performed at Woodstock’s 25^th anniversary concert), Ethan Hawke serenaded Winona Ryder with an embittered rendition of “Add It Up,” while a 1995 episode of My So-Called Lifeopened on Claire Danes joyfully lip-synching “Blister in the Sun.” “It exists as an artifact of history," says DeLorenzo of the band’s debut. “At the same time, it’s been passed down from generation to generation which continues to make it brand new. We’re in a rarified position with that record.”

 

Over the course of their extraordinary career, Violent Femmes have released nine studio albums, including standouts like Why Do Birds Sing? (a 1991 LP featuring their hit single “American Music,” which climbed to No.2 on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart and has since become an essential song at shows). They’ve also taken the stage at leading festivals like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (performing a highly anticipated set in 2013), and seen their songs reimagined by major acts like Gnarls Barkley (who covered “Gone Daddy Gone” for their Platinum-certified debut album St. Elsewhere in 2006). To celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Violent Femmes, the band recently embarked on a headlining tour of the U.S. — check out the full tour itinerary below and visit vfemmes.com for ticket information.

 

Click here to pre-order Violent Femmes (Deluxe Edition), or stream/download the advance single and pre-save the album.

 

 

Tracklist – Violent Femmes (Deluxe Edition) (2-CD edition):

 

Disc 1:

 

1. Blister In The Sun

2. Kiss Off

3. Please Do Not Go

4. Add It Up

5. Confessions

6. Prove My Love

7. Promise

8. To The Kill

9. Gone Daddy Gone / I Just Want To Make Love To You

10. Good Feeling

11. Ugly

12. Gimme The Car

 

 

Disc 2:

 

1. Girl Trouble (Demo)

2. Breakin’ Up (Demo)

3. Waiting For The Bus (Demo)

4. Blister In The Sun (Demo)

5. Kiss Off (Demo)

6. Please Do Not Go (Demo)

7. Add It Up (Demo)

8. Confessions (Demo)

9. Prove My Love (Demo)

10. Special (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

11. Country Death Song (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

12. To The Kill (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

13. Never Tell (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

14. Break Song (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981)

15. Her Television (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981)

16. How Do You Say Goodbye (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981) 

17. Theme and Variations (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981)

18. Prove My Love (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

19. Gone Daddy Gone / I Just Want To Make Love To You (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

20. Promise (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

21. In Style (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

22. Add It Up (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

 

 

Tracklist – Violent Femmes (Deluxe Edition) (digital edition):

 

1. Blister In The Sun

2. Kiss Off

3. Please Do Not Go

4. Add It Up

5. Confessions

6. Prove My Love

7. Promise

8. To The Kill

9. Gone Daddy Gone

10. Good Feeling

11. Ugly

12. Gimme the Car

13. Girl Trouble (Demo)

14. Breakin’ Up (Demo)

15. Waiting For The Bus (Demo)

16. Blister In The Sun (Demo)

17. Kiss Off (Demo)

18. Please Do Not Go (Demo)

19. Add It Up (Demo)

20. Confessions (Demo)

21. Prove My Love (Demo)

22. Special (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

23. Country Death Song (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

24. To The Kill (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

25. Never Tell (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

26. Break Song (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981)

27. Her Television (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981)

28. How Do You Say Goodbye (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981) 

29. Theme and Variations (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981)

30. Prove My Love (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

31. Gone Daddy Gone / I Just Want To Make Love To You (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

32. Promise (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

33. In Style (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

34. Add It Up (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

 

 

Tracklist – Violent Femmes (Deluxe Edition) (vinyl edition):

 

Disc 1:

 

Side A:

 

1. Blister In The Sun

2. Kiss Off

3. Please Do Not Go

4. Add It Up

5. Confessions

 

Side B: 

 

1. Prove My Love

2. Promise

3. To The Kill

4. Gone Daddy Gone / I Just Want To Make Love To You

5. Good Feeling

 

Disc 2:

 

Side A:

 

1. Girl Trouble (Demo)

2. Breakin’ Up (Demo)

3. Waiting For The Bus (Demo)

4. Blister In The Sun (Demo)

5. Kiss Off (Demo)

 

Side B:

 

1. Please Do Not Go (Demo)

2. Add It Up (Demo)

3. Confessions (Demo)

4. Prove My Love (Demo)

 

Disc 3:

 

Side A:

 

1. Special (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

2. Country Death Song (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

3. To The Kill (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

4. Never Tell (Live At Beneath-It-All Café, Milwaukee, WI - 9/12/1981)

5. Break Song (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981)

6. Her Television (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981)

 

Side B:

 

1. How Do You Say Goodbye (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981) 

2. Theme and Variations (Live At The Jazz Gallery, Milwaukee, WI - 12/8/1981)

3. Prove My Love (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

4. Gone Daddy Gone / I Just Want To Make Love To You (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

5. Promise (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

6. In Style (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

7. Add It Up (Live At Folk City, New York, NY - 1/26/1983)

 

7-Inch Single:

 

Side A:

 

1. Ugly

 

Side B:

 

1. Gimme The Car

 

 

Tour Dates for Violent Femmes

 

10/11 - Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Toronto, ON)

10/12 - Mtelus (Montreal, QC)

10/13 - MGM Music Hall at Fenway (Boston, MA)

10/14 - Ulster Performing Arts Center (Kingston, NY)

10/15 - College Street Music Hall (New Haven, CT)

10/17 - Webster Hall (New York, NY)

10/18 - Starland Ballroom (Sayreville Station, NJ)

10/20 - Rams Head Live! (Baltimore, MD)

10/21 - The NorVa (Norfolk, VA)

10/22 - The National (Richmond, VA)

10/27 - Arizona State Fair (Phoenix, AZ)

11/16 - The Novo (Los Angeles, CA)

11/18 - Darker Waves 2023 (Huntington Beach, CA) 

 

 

About Craft Recordings:

Craft Recordings is home to one of the largest and most essential collections of master recordings and compositions in the world. Its storied repertoire includes landmark releases from icons such as Joan Baez, John Coltrane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Celia Cruz, Miles Davis, Isaac Hayes, John Lee Hooker, Little Richard, R.E.M., Joan Sebastian, and Traveling Wilburys. Plus, the catalog recordings of celebrated contemporary acts including A Day to Remember, Evanescence, Alison Krauss, Nine Inch Nails, Taking Back Sunday and Violent Femmes, to name just a few. Renowned imprints with catalogs issued under the Craft banner include Fania, Fantasy, Fearless, HITCO, Musart, Nitro, Panart, Prestige, Riverside, Rounder, Specialty, Stax, Vanguard, Varèse Sarabande, Vee-Jay and Victory, among many others. Craft creates thoughtfully curated packages, with a meticulous devotion to quality and a commitment to preservation—ensuring that these recordings endure for new generations to discover. Craft is also home to the Billie Holiday and Tammy Wynette estates which preserve and protect their respective names, likeness and music through day-to-day legacy management of these cultural trailblazers. 

 

Craft Recordings is the catalog label team for Concord. For more info, visit CraftRecordings.com  and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.