Long-awaited masterworks cap stellar 2019

Three of rock's finest artists are back with essential new collections that should be on every rock music lover's list.

Artist: Coldplay
Title: Everyday Life (Atlantic/Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Coldplay, U2, Doves
Tell me more: As seems to be the case every time Coldplay releases a new album, there has been plenty of dissension and debate among fans about whether the British band's long-awaited album Everyday Life merits its ambitions. This is one music lover who firmly believes the 16-track album delivers on the four-year wait (Coldplay's previous studio LP A Head Full of Dreams was released back in December 2015). Although Coldplay's eighth studio disc Everyday Life qualifies as a concept album and is comprised of two fully-developed parts (the first half is dubbed "Sunrise" while the last half is "Sunset") it does play out over a single audio CD disc. The musically-diverse field of songs find the band (singer-keyboardist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion) looking at the joy and beauty of life, as well as the ugliness and challenges of everyday life across the 53+ minutes of music. The expansive soundscape extends from the instrumental opener "Sunrise," inspired "Church," intimate "Daddy" and gospel-adorned "BrokEn" to driving horn section-bolstered "Arabesque" help propel the first half of the record. The rage-filled "Guns," meditative "Èkó," gentle "Old Friends" and resplendent "Champion of the World" are among the impressive tracks on the last half of the LP. The band's daring arrangements, nuanced performances and use of guest players and singers only escalate the magic of Everyday Life.  lnformation: Coldplay.com.

Artist: The Who
Title: WHO (Interscope)
You might like if you enjoy: The Who, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend
Tell me more: Anyone fearing that 2006's less-than-perfect album Endless Wire might be The Who's final full-length artistic statement needs to hear the band's eponymous 12th studio album released earlier this month. "WHO" is the band's best album since 1982's It's Hard, and is remarkable on every level – in fact it is one of the best albums of 2019. Roger Daltrey's lead vocals sound fantastic and the tracks explode musically in support of the inspired arrangements and sharp lyrics; guitarist-singer Pete Townshend, drummer Zak Starkey, and other musicians on the disc (notably keyboardist Benmont Tench who guests on three tracks) are locked in everywhere. This being a Who album, there are plenty of fiery rockers and reflective turns. "All This Music Must Fade," "Detour," "Rockin' In Rage," and the mid-tempo "Hero Ground Zero" explode with every listen; the soul-searching "Beads On One String" the lush "Street Song" and sweeping "Break The News" are absolutely beautiful. The jazz-tinged "She Rocked My World" is among the more experimental material on the disc. A deluxe edition of the album available at Target stores includes three must-hear bonus tracks ("This Gun Will Misfire," "Got Nothing to Prove," "Danny and My Ponies") that augment a brilliant release.  Information: TheWho.com.

Artist: Simple Minds
Title: Live in the City of Angels – deluxe edition (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: U2, Coldplay, Big Country
Tell me more: Even casual fans of Scottish rockers Simple Minds will love the deluxe edition of Live in the City of Angels, a 4-disc audio collection recorded during the band's 2018 North America Tour. The first two discs features the band's full-length concert captured at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Oct. 24, 2018. Fans of Simple Minds' enduring '80s hits ("Don't You Forget About Me," "Alive and Kicking," "Sanctify Yourself") get all those songs delivered with power and force, as well as deep cuts and brilliant new material (particularly "The Signal and the Noise," "Dirty Old Town" and "Walk Between Worlds"). Founding members singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill are joined by a talented cast of musicians and backing singer Sarah Brown in bringing the wealth and range of songs to live via the recording, which is one of the best-sounding concert recordings this writer has ever heard. Discs 3 and 4 feature a myriad of bonus tracks recorded at various sound checks and rehearsals; my favorite is a fantastic take on the Call's 1989 hit single "Let the Day Begin." Information: amazon.com.


Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: The Who, ZZ Top, First Aid Kit, Steve Forbert

Going into the weekend, lots of cool music news to share...Robert Kinsler

Check out Music Worth Buying co-host TJR's comprehensive review of The Who's new album WHO. The album was released on Dec. 6, 2019 and is the British band's first new studio album in more than 13 years!




Speaking of The Who, check out this interesting Rock Cellar article linked here where Roger Daltrey's discusses WHO and the band's legacy.



And check out this exciting media release about a new ZZ Top concert film coming in late February!

'ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band From Texas' 

~EAGLE VISION TO ISSUE DVD, BLU-RAY & DIGITALLY FEBRUARY 28, 2020~

VIEW TRAILER HERE

ZZ Top’s big, brazen blues-rock, combined with a surrealist charisma that continues to intrigue fans, catapulted the band into worldwide stardom. Their history is deeply explored in ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, which will be released via Eagle Rock Entertainment on DVD, Blu-ray and digitally on February 28, 2020. The release is available along with exclusive That Little Ol’ Band merchandise bundles from https://smarturl.it/ZZTopDoc now.

Produced by the award-winning Banger Films (Super Duper Alice Cooper; Peabody/ International Emmy award-winning Netflix series Hip-Hop Evolution), ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, presented through the unique Banger Films lens, delivers the story of this power trio in an artistic style that complements the distinctive ZZ Top vibe. Originally premiered at a sold-out showing at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood earlier this year, the film experienced a successful 10-week theatrical run via 150 screens nationally.

It unveils the story of three teenage blues musicians: guitarist Billy F Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard, as they went on to become international sensations. The film traces ZZ Top’s rich legacy, from their bar gig beginnings to their defining MTV era and meteoric rise to fame. In addition to interviews with the band members, the disc features conversations with such high-profile fans as Billy Bob Thornton and Joshua Homme (Queens Of the Stone Age), as well as never-before-seen archival footage. Shot exclusively for this film, an intimate ZZ Top performance at the historic Gruene Hall – the oldest dance hall in Texas – is intercut throughout the documentary.

Alongside the film, the DVD & Blu-ray also includes two live performance segments. 18 minutes of the Gruene Hall performance, along with the Ham Estate Archive, which spotlights rare pre-Eliminator ZZ Top concert footage from 1976 and 1981, complete the set.

Currently celebrating their half-century career with extensive tours of both Europe and North America, ZZ Top continues to inspire fans 50 years after their inception. That Little Ol’ Band From Texas takes a deep dive into the band’s history that’s truly an interesting ride.

TRACKLISTING
None – documentary (90 minutes)

Extras:
Gruene Hall Bonus Performances (18 minutes):
Shuffle In C / Fannie Mae
La Grange
Brown Sugar
Blue Jean Blues

Ham Estate Archives Bonus Performances (17 minutes):
Thunderbird
Tush
Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
Manic Mechanic

ZZ Top Official Site

Official Film Site

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YouTube

From left, Maja Francis, Johanna Söderberg and Klara Söderberg.

First Aid Kit stopped by Swedish radio station Musikhjälpen and joined Maja Francis for a performance of Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” in honor of the late Marie Fredriksson. Listen here. First Aid Kit says: “We wanted to perform this song as a tribute to Marie and her magic." A beautiful and moving version of the classic 1986 song to be sure.

A little more than 43 years ago, Meridian, MS, native Steve Forbert boarded a train bound for New York City. Twenty-one years old at the time, Forbert, with his guitar and harmonica, spent two years working his way up from street performer living at the YMCA to filling historic Greenwich Village clubs and signing a major label contract. By 1979, Forbert had hit his stride with the release of Jackrabbit Slim, which produced his first top 40 hit, “Romeo’s Tune.” Today, a limited edition vinyl reissue of Jackrabbit Slim, remastered by the legendary Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound (The Eagles, The B-52s, Dave Matthews, Norah Jones) is available via Blue Rose Music. A special 500 copies were pressed on red-colored wax; only a few are left and available for purchase here. Forbert recently played fan favorites from Jackrabbit Slim with his band The New Renditions at the SiriusXM studio for Outlaw Country and is set to embark on an East Coast tour in January.

 

In addition to “Romeo’s Tune,” Jackrabbit Slim introduced the world to Forbert’s Mississippi instincts and catchy-but-deep rock and roll tunes. From the rollicking “Say Goodbye To Little Jo” to the almost-reggae-tinged “Complications” to the straight-ahead folk of “January 23-30, 1978,” Jackrabbit Slim spans Forbert’s early creative potential, all while entertaining different types of listeners. “Jackrabbit Slim was the release that put me on the map and gave me the audience that’s still with me today,” says Forbert. “Every singer/songwriter needs one of these!” 

 

Artists like Keith Urban, Rosanne Cash, and Marty Stuart have covered songs from Jackrabbit Slim and Forbert’s extensive 20 album catalog. And in 2017, twenty-one artists paid tribute to Steve by recording An American Troubadour: The Songs of Steve Forbert, further validating the quality of Forbert’s musicianship, writing, and profound contributions to Americana and Folk music.

 

In late October, The Mississippi Arts Commission announced that Forbert will be honored as the “Excellence in Music” recipient at the 2020 Governor’s Arts Awards. Taking place on February 6, 2020, in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, the Governor’s Arts Awards recognize outstanding work in the artistic disciplines as well as arts-based community development and arts patronage in Mississippi.

Sights and sounds: AC/DC, The Who, John Mellencamp, Nickelback

There is plenty of news as it relates to high-profile new and forthcoming releases, so let's get started…

AC/DC 'Rock or Bust' Available December 2, 2014

TURNER SPORTS TO PREMIERE NEW TRACK 'PLAY BALL' AS PART OF 2014 MLB ON TBS POSTSEASON CAMPAIGN

Columbia Records proudly announces the release of Rock or Bust, the highly anticipated new studio album from AC/DC, available December 2, 2014. Rock or Bust is the band's first studio album in six years and features 11 new tracks.  Rock or Bust follows the immensely successful 'Black Ice' album, which debuted at #1 in 31 countries upon its release in 2008 and has gone on to sell nearly 8 million copies worldwide.  'Rock or Bust' was recorded in Spring 2014 at Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, BC and finds AC/DC once again working with producer Brendan O'Brien and mixer Mike Fraser.  

Starting September 27, Turner Sports will provide fans a sneak peek of the new track 'Play Ball' as part of the 2014 Major League Baseball Postseason campaign.  The content will run for several weeks across TBS, the exclusive home to this year's American League Postseason coverage, as well as leading media brands within the Turner portfolio.

'Rock or Bust' is the first AC/DC album in the band's 41 year history without founding member Malcolm Young on the recordings.  Earlier this year AC/DC released a statement explaining that due to illness, Malcolm would be taking a break from the band.  Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm's condition, he will not be returning to the band.  AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of 'Rock or Bust' in 2015.  Stevie Young, nephew of founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, plays rhythm guitar on 'Rock or Bust' and will accompany the band on tour. 

THE WHO WHO HITS 50!

The Definitive Hits Collection Featuring the Brand New Track “Be Lucky”

2CD Compilation Released October 27

There is no more significant a milestone in Rock Music than the 50th Anniversary. Alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, THE WHO complete the holy trinity of British Rock bands that have the honor of celebrating that landmark. Through the decades, THE WHO redefined rock music as we know it and their influence continues in all areas of popular culture to this day.

WHO HITS 50! is the definitive collection of the band’s greatest tracks from their very first recordings as The High Numbers right up to the present day with the brand new track “BE LUCKY.”

A classic Who rocker, “BE LUCKY” is THE WHO’s first new material in eight years. The track was produced by Dave Eringa best known for his work with the Manic Street Preachers and Wilko Johnson + Roger Daltrey.

Recorded at the end of the summer at British Grove and Yellowfish Studios, “BE LUCKY” features long time Who live players Zak Starkey (drums) and Pino Palladino (bass), with the keyboards being provided by ex Style Council and Dexys sideman Mick Talbot. In keeping with their ongoing support for Teenage Cancer charities, the band have donated their royalties from the song to Teen Cancer America, a charity founded in 2011 by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend.

WHO HITS 50! is being released October 27, 2014, on Geffen/Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) to coincide with the band’s 50th anniversary tour of the same name, which starts in Dublin on November 26.

The Who - Who Hits 50!

Disc 1

Zoot Suit – (as The High Numbers)
I Can’t Explain
Anyway Anyhow Anywhere
My Generation
Substitute
The Kids Are Alright
I’m A Boy
Happy Jack
Boris The Spider
Pictures Of Lily
The Last Time
I Can See For Miles
Call Me Lightning
Dogs
Magic Bus
Pinball Wizard
I’m Free
The Seeker
Summertime Blues (live)
See Me, Feel Me
Won’t Get Fooled Again (single edit)
Let’s See Action
Bargain
Behind Blue Eyes

Disc 2

Baba O’ Riley
Join Together
Relay
5:15
Love Reign O’er Me
Postcard
Squeeze Box
Slip Kid
Who Are You
Trick Of The Light
You Better You Bet
Don’t Let The Coat
Athena
Eminence Front
It’s Hard
Real Good Looking Boy
It’s Not Enough
Be Lucky (new song)

AXS TV To Broadcast John Mellencamp Live From His Recording Studio In Bloomington, Indiana

'iHEARTRADIO ICONS LIVE: JOHN MELLENCAMP' AIRS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

AXS TV, cable's premier destination for music entertainment, proudly presents an intimate live performance by John Mellencamp. The Voice of the Heartland will feature a mix of songs from his newly released album, Plain Spoken and classic songs on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The one-hour event titled "iHeartRadio Icons Live: John Mellencamp," will be broadcast live from his recording studio in Bloomington, Indiana.  It also comes on the heels of his performance earlier this month at Farm Aid 2014, another AXS TV broadcast production, where he performed songs from Plain Spoken and several of his classic hits in the much lauded set.

A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Mellencamp has touched the hearts and souls of music listeners and has influenced American Culture with his enduring songs. His 22nd album of original music, Plain Spoken is set to be one of the most distinguished records of Mellencamp's career.

The concert telecast joins AXS TV's eclectic fall concert line-up, which includes two days of live coverage from Zac Brown's Southern Ground Music & Food Festival on October 11 and 12 and the 15-week Tuesday night concert series "The Headliner Club Series Presented by Budweiser" at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

ABOUT AXS TV

Launched in July 2012 by visionary entrepreneur Mark Cuban, AXS TV is dedicated to providing the best in music programming and festivals, comedy performances, current events and mixed martial arts promotions. AXS TV is a partnership between Mark Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CBS. The network is available in the United States via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite and telco providers. The network is also distributed in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. For more information, visit the website, www.axs.tv; go to the Facebook page here and follow the company on Twitter, @axstv; on Instagram;  Tumblr  and YouTube.

AXS TV's companion network, HDNET Movies, is a linear TV channel and VOD service that delivers the ultimate film watching experience -- uncut and uninterrupted -- in high definition. Launched in 2003, HDNET Movies programs a diverse slate of box-office hits spanning the 1950s to 2000s. The network is widely distributed by major cable, telco and satellite TV providers in the U.S. For further information, visit www.hdnetmovies.com. 

NICKELBACK to release 'No Fixed Address' on November 18, 2014

Globally celebrated, multi-platinum rock band NICKELBACK will unleash No Fixed Address, their eagerly awaited eighth full-length album and inaugural release for Republic Records on November 18, 2014.

Produced by NICKELBACK, the album’s stand out lead single “Edge Of A Revolution” is soaring up rock radio charts, becoming one of the band’s fastest rising singles. Fans can already purchase the first two singles “Edge Of A Revolution”and “What Are You Waiting For?”.

Listen to “What Are You Waiting For?” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QQRfXn1W-s

Bolstered by thudding guitars and stadium-filling prowess that have been the hallmark of NICKELBACK’s sound, “Edge Of A Revolution” highlights the band’s songwriting and sonic evolution as it moves front and center on the anthemic track.  A “Top 5 Greatest Gainer” week after week, “Edge Of A Revolution” recently entered the Top 5 at Active Rock and is shaping up to be another rock radio hit. Upon release the song debuted at #1 on iTunes Rock Singles Chart and Top 25 on the iTunes All Genre Singles Chart. It also debuted at #13 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart, while claiming #1 on the Hard Rock Digital Songs chart.

The band’s music video debuted worldwide on Yahoo! Music. Helmed by iconic video director Wayne Isham [Metallica, Michael Jackson], the clip captures the song's lyrical call-to-arms with revolutionary energy. Watch it now!

Meanwhile, the second single from No Fixed Address, "What Are You Waiting For?" exploded at iTunes upon its release, quickly reaching #1 on iTunes Rock Singles Chart. The song is set to impact at Pop and Adult Contemporary Radio shortly. Following a long tradition of massive crossover hits from the band, it delivers an unforgettable hook and sing-a-long choruses seemingly built for arenas.

NICKELBACK take listeners to No Fixed Address on November 18.

Since first landing on the scene in 1996, NICKELBACK have cemented themselves as one of the most commercially viable and important acts of the past two decades.  The group’s worldwide sales exceed 50 million units, solidifying their status as the “eleventh best-selling music act” and second best-selling foreign act in the U.S. of the 21^st century—behind only The Beatles. Their inescapable and irresistible smash “How You Remind Me” remains Billboard’s “Top Rock Song of the Decade” and “Fourth Song of the Decade”. Amongst all of these accolades, they’ve been crowned Billboard’s “Top Rock Group of the Decade” as well. Along the way, they’ve received a staggering nine Grammy Award nominations, three American Music Awards, a World Music Award, a People’s Choice Award, 12 JUNO Awards and have been inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame.

BUY LINK:

“What Are You Waiting For?” http://smarturl.it/NickelbackWaitngDA

“Edge Of A Revolution” http://smarturl.it/NickelbackEdgeReviT

TRACK LISTING FOR NO FIXED ADDRESS:

1. Million Miles An Hour  

2. Revolution

3. What Are You Waiting For?

4. She Keeps Me Up

5. Make Me Believe Again 

6. Miss You

7. Get ‘Em Up

8. The Hammer’s Comin' Down 

9. Satellite

10. Sister Sin

11. She’s Got Me Runnin’ Round 

For all things NICKELBACK:

www.nickelback.com

http://www.facebook.com/Nickelback

http://twitter.com/nickelback

Instagram.com/nickelback

http://www.youtube.com/nickelbacktv