Sights and Sounds: Erasure, Mastodon, Walk Off The Earth

Here is a pretty robust roundup of music news. Must be Monday!

WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW VIDEO

“GAUDETE” WATCH IT HERE!

NEW ALBUM SNOW GLOBE OUT NOVEMBER 11

Photo Credit: Philip Sharpe

Today (October 28th) Entertainment Tonight online has world premiered “Gaudete,” the new video for the first single from Erasure’s forthcoming album Snow Globe, due outNovember 11th via Mute.  The synth-pop icons Vince Clarke and Andy Bell collaborated with Martin Meunier (James & The Giant Peach and Coraline) and Tonya Hurley author of the best-selling ghostgirl and The Blessed series for the dark and beautiful stop-motion animation clip. Watch “Gaudete” here.

Screenshot from the video “Gaudete”

Snow Globe--a collection of original compositions and seasonal classics--follows Erasure’s 2011 album, Tomorrow’s World. The first single “Gaudete” is Erasure’s take on the traditional Latin carol, which will be recognizable by many after Steeleye Span’s version in the early 70’s.

The song was originally programmed by Vince Clarke with just a drum accompaniment, and he ended up adding keyboard lines to complement the raw rhythmic surge. “I just love the song,” says Andy Bell. “I haven’t actually heard him sing better,” says Vince of Andystepping back into the booth. “I found my inner choirboy again,” says Andy. “I thought I’d lost him but he was there all along.”

Unlike the bells and whistles, glitter and tinsel sets that crowd the market come Christmas-time, Snow Globeis possessed of something more in the wistfully, strangely subdued celebratory mold of recent seasonal albums by Tracey Thorn and Kate Bush.

Formed 28 years ago, Erasure--the award-winning songwriting duo of Vince Clarke andAndy Bell--unleashed on the nation a succession of both influential and chart-topping pop anthems of the ‘80’s, ‘90’s and through today. Songs like “A Little Respect,”“Sometimes,” “Victim Of Love,” “Ship Of Fools,” “Blue Savannah,” “Star,” “Chains Of Love,” “Who Needs Love (Like That),” “Love To Hate You,”  “Drama!,”“Always,” and “Breathe” ensured a formidable presence on the singles charts complemented by five consecutive # 1 albums in the U.K. including The Innocents,Wild!, Chorus and the beginning of the worldwide Abba revival Abba-esque.

Check out Billboard magazine’s feature re: Snow Globe here.

MASTODON TO RELEASE AUDIO AND VIDEO VERSIONS OF EXPLOSIVE LONDON SHOW ON DECEMBER 10th MASTODON LIVE AT BRIXTON, CAPPED OFF BAND'S WORLD TOUR FOR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ALBUM, THE HUNTER

On February 11th, 2012, MASTODON took the stage at London's O2 Academy in Brixton, capping off the Atlanta-based band's world tour in support of their critically acclaimed album The Hunter. This sold-out performance was Mastodon's first show at the legendary Brixton venue. It won't be their last, as the London audience positively erupted from the opening chords until the final, frenzied encore. Mastodon Live At Brixton will be released on December 10th,so fans will be able to see and hear what happened on that night.   In addition to performing "Curl of the Burl," "Black Tongue," and "Dry Bone Valley" from The Hunter, the band dug into their catalog, unearthing such scorching tracks as "Colony of Birchmen,""Capillarian Crest," and "Iron Tusk."  Rolling Stone Magazine referred to the band's sonic attack as one that:  "Demonstrates how contemporary hard rock can still be made with imagination, precision and a majestic sense of force." Click on the video below to see (hear) more! Now this extraordinary live show is being released digitally by Warner Bros. Records as Mastodon Live At Brixton, on December 10th. An audio-only version and a live video version directed by Ryan Mackfall (Crashburn Media) (both featuring the full 97-minute performance) will be available from all digital retailers, including iTunes and Amazon. The full set-list is below. Dry Bone Valley Black Tongue Crystal Skull I Am Ahab Capillarian Crest Colony of Birchmen Megalodon Thickening Blasteroid Sleeping Giant Ghost of Karelia All The Heavy Lifting Spectrelight Curl of the Burl Bedazzled Fingernails Circle of Cysquatch Aqua Dementia Crack The Skye Where Strides The Behemoth Iron Tusk March of the Fireants Blood and Thunder Creature Lives At present, MASTODON is hard at work on their next studio venture. Details to be revealed soon. Until then go to: www.mastodonrocks.com

Walk Off The Earth Return for Headlining North American Tour

Nominated for YouTube Music Award and Performing at Inaugural YouTube Music Awards Ceremony

Walk Off The Earth have announced a headlining North American tour to start off 2014.  The tour kicks off on Jan 16 in Minneapolis and routes through March 6 in Los Angeles, with Parachute supporting on the run.  A full list of North American tour dates is below.  Tickets will be available for pre-sale on Oct 29 and will go on sale to the general public on Nov 1.  The Canadian band’s lively set incorporates their wildly popular covers with original songs from their Columbia Records debut full length, R.E.V.O., which is available now.  R.E.V.O. features the band’s breakout hit single “Red Hands,” which hit #1 on the Adult Alternative radio charts and entered the Top 15 at the Adult Pop radio format.  Their follow up single “Gang of Rhythm” is impacting at radio now.

Walk Off The Earth were just nominated for a YouTube Music Award in the Response of the Year (best fan remix, parody or response video) category for their cover of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble”, and have been confirmed to perform at the first ever YouTube Music Awards ceremony next month in NYC alongside Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire, Eminem, Avicii, MIA, and Earl Sweatshirt.  The YouTube Music Awards celebrate artists who receive the highest levels of engagement with fans from all over the world, through views, likes, shares, comments, subscriptions and more. The inaugural ceremony will be hosted by actor and musician Jason Schwartzman along with comedian Reggie Watts, with Spike Jonze serving as creative director.  Fans can vote at youtube.com/musicawardsfrom now until the live show on November 3 at 6pm ET.

In addition, Walk Off The Earth recently won a CASBY Award at home in Canada, where “Red Hands” has been certified Double Platinum and R.E.V.O. has been certified Gold.  In addition to accepting their award for Favourite New Artist, the group performed a short set for the packed crowd at the event.  Watch the band perform their new single “Gang of Rhythm” at the award show here.

Walk Off The Earth features multi-instrumentalists Gianni Luminati, Marshall, and Sarah Blackwood on vocals, Taylor on keyboards, and Joel Cassady on drums.  WOTE have an incredibly loyal fanbase, with over 1.5 million subscribers to their YouTube channel and over 795k fans on Facebook.  The band gained notoriety for their creative multi-million-viewed YouTube videos ranging from a cover of the Weeds theme “Little Boxes” to Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” to their most well known cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” with all five band members playing one guitar, which has been viewed over 154 million times.  Walk Off The Earth released an album of original songs, R.E.V.O., which stands for the band’s motto Realize Every Victory Outright, on Columbia Records earlier this year.  R.E.V.O. features hit single “Red Hands” as well as their newest single “Gang of Rhythm.”  Walk Off The Earth have brought their energetic live show around the world, including a well received set at Lollapalooza and sold out headlining shows in cities from NYC and LA to Toronto, Tokyo, Singapore, London, and Paris.

Walk Off The Earth Headlining 2014 Tour

w/special guest Parachute

1/16       Minneapolis, MN             Varsity Theater

1/17       Milwaukee, WI                 The Pabst Theater

1/18       Chicago, IL                           House of Blues

1/21       Grand Rapids, MI             The Intersection

1/22       Indianapolis, IN                 Deluxe @ Old National Center

1/23       Cleveland, OH                   House of Blues Cleveland

1/24       London, ON                        London Music Hall

1/28       Portland, ME                      State Theatre

1/29       New York, NY                    Best Buy Theater

1/30       Philadelphia, PA               Electric Factory

1/31       Norfolk, VA                        The NorVa

2/1         Silver Spring, MD              The Fillmore - Silver Spring

2/4         Charlotte, NC                     Amos’ Southend

2/5         Atlanta, GA                         Buckhead Theatre

2/6         Lake Buena Vista, FL       House of Blues

2/7         Ft. Lauderdale, FL            Revolution

2/15       Uncasville, CT                    Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun Resort

2/20       Denver, CO                         Ogden Theatre

2/21       Salt Lake City, UT              In The Venue

2/22       Boise, ID                              Knitting Factory Concert House

2/23       Spokane, WA                     Knitting Factory

2/25       Portland, OR                      Crystal Ballroom

2/26       Seattle, WA                        Showbox SoDo

2/28       San Francisco, CA             The Regency Ballroom

3/4         Anaheim, CA                      House of Blues

3/5         San Diego, CA                    House of Blues

3/6         Los Angeles, CA                House of Blues

http://www.walkofftheearth.com

http://www.facebook.com/walkofftheearth

http://www.youtube.com/walkofftheearth

Jimi Hendrix back in the limelight courtesy of special events and releases beginning tonight

Loads of stuff to share regarding Jimi Hendrix! That can only be a good thing...

This Wednesday, October 30 at 9 pm EST/6 p.m. PST, join Jimi Hendrix's longtime sound engineer Eddie Kramer, Jimi's sister Janie Hendrix, and "American Masters: Jimi Hendrix - Hear My Train A Comin'" (Nov. 5 on PBS, DVD & Blu-ray) director Bob Smeaton and producer John McDermott for a live Twitter Q&A, hosted by @PBSAmerMasters & @JimiHendrix from the Grammy Museum.

Fans can submit questions now in the comments section of the "American Masters" website:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/jimi-hendrix/electric-lady-studios/2735/

Follow the discussion on Twitter under #HendrixPBS

The new documentary "American Masters: Jimi Hendrix - Hear My Train A Comin'" premieres nationwide Tuesday, November 5, 2013, 9-11 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings); expanded home video edition available same day on DVD & Blu-ray (Legacy Recordings). 

Theatrical screenings: 

TONIGHT! 10/28 Portland - Hollywood Theatre

10/30 Los Angeles - Grammy Museum + Q&A with Bob Smeaton & producer John McDermottmoderated by Grammy Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli, a film interviewee (Janie Hendrix& Eddie Kramer in attendance)

11/1-3 Miami - O Cinema Wynwood
11/2 Seattle - EMP Museum

11/4 Pleasantville, NY - Jacob Burns Film Center

11/4 Jacksonville, FL - Sun-Ray Cinema

Watch long-time Hendrix sound engineer Eddie Kramer and architect/acoustic designer John Storyk discuss the construction and history of Electric Lady Studios in 2 film outtakes:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/jimi-hendrix/electric-lady-studios/2735/

Official website with embeddable trailer, director interview & more:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/jimi-hendrix/film-jimi-hendrix-hear-my-train-a-comin/2660/ 

 

American Masters: Jimi Hendrix - Hear My Train A Comin' Film Synopsis  

This new documentary unveils previously unseen performance footage -- such as the 1968 Miami Pop Festival -- and home movies taken by Jimi Hendrix (Nov. 27, 1942-Sept. 18, 1970) and drummer Mitch Mitchell while sourcing an extensive archive of photographs, drawings, family letters and more to provide new insight into the musician's personality and genius. The film presents interviews with Hendrix himself, commentary from well-known friends and musicians including Paul McCartney, Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Eddie Kramer, Steve Winwood, as well as revealing glimpses into Jimi from family and those closest to him. The film details the meteoric rise of the Experience, the creation of his groundbreaking music, the building of Electric Lady Studios, his state of the art recording facility in Greenwich Village, and concludes with poignant footage from his final performance in Germany in September 1970, just 12 days before his death at age 27. A pioneering electric guitarist, Hendrix had only four years of mainstream exposure and recognition, but his influential music and riveting stage presence left an enduring legacy. Two hours. 

Experience Hendrix LLC & Legacy Recordings Releasing Home Edition of Jimi Hendrix - Hear My Train A Comin' Documentary on DVD and Blu-ray

Jimi Hendrix Experience: Miami Pop Festival Available for First Time Ever on CD and Double 12" Vinyl Album

Jimi Hendrix American Masters Documentary Premiering Nationwide on PBS

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

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Experience Hendrix LLC and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release, on DVD and Blu-ray , the expanded home video edition of theAmerican Masters documentary Jimi Hendrix - Hear My Train A Comin', combined with a host of never-before-released special performance features, on Tuesday, November 5, 2013.

Also coming November 5, Jimi Hendrix Experience: Miami Pop Festival, the first-ever release of one of the guitar virtuoso's most sought-after performances, as originally recorded on site by Hendrix's long term sound engineer, Eddie Kramer. Never available in any form, Miami Pop Festival is being released as a single CD and a limited edition numbered double 12" audiophile vinyl set (all analog cut by Bernie Grundman, pressed at QRP on 200 gram vinyl).

Jimi Hendrix Experience: Miami Pop Festival introduces the first recorded stage performances of "Hear My Train A Comin'" and "Tax Free" while showcasing definitive live takes on such classics as "Fire," "Hey Joe," "I Don't Live Today" and "Purple Haze." The package includes never before published photos taken at the festival and an essay by award-winning music journalist and Grammy Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli.  

The first ever major rock festival staged on the East Coast, the May 1968 Miami Pop Festival was the first event promoted by Michael Lang-who would organize Woodstock, the biggest pop culture event of the decade, fifteen months later-and Ric O'Barry, who had been the dolphin trainer for the popular television program Flipper. Lang and O'Barry had been inspired by the June 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, the groundbreaking gathering where Jimi Hendrix, making his US debut, famously set fire to his guitar at the conclusion of his performance.   Lang staged the festival at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Florida, securing the Jimi Hendrix Experience as the headline act for the two-day festival.

Jimi Hendrix Experience

Miami Pop Festival

1. Introduction

2. Hey Joe

3. Foxey Lady

4. Tax Free

5. Fire

6. Hear My Train A Comin'

7. I Don't Live Today

8. Red House

9. Purple Haze

BONUS PERFORMANCES

10. Fire (Afternoon Show)

11. Foxey Lady (Afternoon Show)

Miami Pop Festival, May 18, 1968

Gulfstream Park, Hallandale, Florida

* * * * *

Recently uncovered film footage of Hendrix at the 1968 Miami Pop Festival is among the previously unseen treasures featured in American Masters: Jimi Hendrix - Hear My Train A Comin', premiering nationwide Tuesday, November 5, 2013, 9-11 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings or pbs.org/americanmasters).

Hear My Train A Comin' unveils previously unseen performance footage and home movies taken by Hendrix and drummer Mitch Mitchell while sourcing an extensive archive of photographs, drawings, family letters and more to provide new insight into the musician's personality and genius.

A pioneering electric guitarist, Hendrix had only four years of mainstream exposure and recognition, but his influential music and riveting stage presence left an enduring legacy. Hear My Train A Comin' traces the guitarist's remarkable journey from his hardscrabble beginnings in Seattle, through his stint as a US Army paratrooper, unknown sideman to R&B stars such as Little Richard, Joey Dee and the Isley Brothers and his discovery and ultimate international stardom.

Presented as part of a year-long celebration around his 70th birthday year--the guitarist was born November 27, 1942--the two-hour Hear My Train A Comin' tells the definitive story, illustrated by interviews with Hendrix and illuminated with commentary from family, well-known friends and musicians including Paul McCartney, Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Eddie Kramer, Steve Winwood, Vernon Reid, Billy Gibbons, Dweezil Zappa and Dave Mason as well as revealing glimpses into Jimi and his era from the three women closest to him Linda Keith (the girlfriend who introduced Jimi to future manager Chas Chandler), Fayne Pridgon (who befriended Hendrix in Harlem in the early 1960s) and Colette Mimram (one of the era's most influential fashion trendsetters who provided inspiration for Hendrix's signature look and created such memorable stage costumes as the beaded jacket Hendrix famously wore at Woodstock). The film details the meteoric rise of the Experience, the creation of his groundbreaking music, the building of Electric Lady Studios, his state-of-the-art recording facility in Greenwich Village, and concludes with poignant footage from his final performance in Germany in September 1970, just 12 days before his death at age 27.

Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC and the sister of Jimi Hendrix commented, "Hear my Train a Comin' is an in-depth look at the life and legacy of Jimi with his own words as well as the words and memories of those that knew him well and were close to him. His impression on the world through his genius, music and talent continue to magically touch the lives of ensuing generations."

American Masters: Jimi Hendrix - Hear My Train A Comin' is directed by the award winning director Bob Smeaton (Festival Express; The Beatles Anthology; Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child; Hendrix 70: Live at Woodstock). Susan Lacy is series creator and executive producer of American Masters. The expanded DVD features an array of special features highlighted by never before released film footage featuring performances filmed at Miami Pop, the July 1970 New York Pop Festival and the September 6, 1970 Love & Peace Festival at the Isle Of Fehmarn in Germany-the final performance by the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The high definition DVD features new stereo and 5.1 surround mixing by Hendrix's engineer Eddie Kramer. The documentary is a production of Fuse Films and THIRTEEN's American Masters in association with WNET.

jimihendrix.com 

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About Legacy Recordings 

The multiple Grammy-winning Legacy Recordings, Sony Music Entertainment's catalog division, produces and maintains the world's foremost catalog of historic reissues, an unparalleled compendium of thousands of digitally re-mastered archival titles representing virtually every musical genre including popular, rock, jazz, blues, R&B, folk, country, gospel, Broadway musicals, movie soundtracks, ethnic, world music, classical, comedy and more.

About Experience Hendrix L.L.C. 

Founded by James 'Al' Hendrix, Jimi's father, in 1995, Experience Hendrix, has been managed since its inception by the family members handpicked by Al during his tenure as Chairman.   It is the official family company charged with managing the music, name, image and likeness of Jimi Hendrix. As a part of their daily operations, Experience Hendrix and Authentic Hendrix oversee Jimi's timeless legacy on a worldwide basis.

About WNET

In 2013, WNET is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of THIRTEEN, New York's flagship public media provider. As the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV, WNET brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to over 5 million viewers each week. WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great Performances,American Masters, PBS NewsHour Weekend, Charlie Rose and a range of documentaries, children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on air and online. Pioneers in educational programming, WNET has created such groundbreaking series as Get the Math, Oh Noah! and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at home. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJ Today and MetroFocus, the multi-platform news magazine focusing on the New York region. WNET is also a leader in connecting with viewers on emerging platforms, including the THIRTEEN Explore iPad App where users can stream PBS content for free.

Sights and Sounds: 'Human Rights Concerts' box-set, Dream Theater, Shelby Lynne, William Shatner

Tracy Chapman, Sting and Bruce Springsteen.

Good morning, here is a weekend roundup of some musical odds and ends worth sharing...I am particularly excited to watch the forthcoming "A Conspiracy of Hope" DVD since I was at the performance on June 6, 1986 staged at The Forum in Inglewood, California. It was pretty incredible to catch Peter Gabriel, Sting, U2, Bryan Adams and other greats in a single day!

Shout! Factory to issue 'Released: The Human Rights Concerts 1986 - 1998' on DVD; 6-disc DVD box-set to see release on November 5, 2013

The Human Rights Concerts were a series of international music events staged between 1986 and 1998 presented by the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization Amnesty International to raise funds and awareness for the fight for worldwide human rights.

This six-disc DVD box-set features more than 12 hours of concert performances by many of the world's top musicians including U2, Sting, Jackson Browne, The Police, Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.

For more information on this exciting release, please visit www.HumanRightsConcerts.com.

DREAM THEATER

LIVE GOOGLE+ HANGOUT ON AIR CHAT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013 – 3 p.m. EST

On Friday, November 1 at 3 p.m. EST, Dream Theater will participate in a live chat via Google+ Hangout On Air. Fans can post their questions about the upcoming Live At Luna Park DVD via Facebook and Twitter, using #LiveAtLunaPark. A live video URL will post on Dream Theater’s website, Facebook, and Twitter, so fans can view the chat.

 

Live At Luna Park will be released on 2DVD, Blu-ray, Digital Video, and Deluxe Editions on November 5 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The concert was filmed over two nights in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the final leg of their 2011 “A Dramatic Tour Of Events” world tour.

 

Follow Dream Theater at:

Website: http://www.dreamtheater.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheaterofficial

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dreamtheaternet

 

INDIE ARTIST SHELBY LYNNE SAYS

“THANKS”

Thanks EP, Out Digitally On November 19 And Physically December 10,
Is The Latest Release On The GRAMMY® Winner’s Own EVERSO Records

Thanks, a new five-song EP from Shelby Lynne, will be released digitally on November 19 with the physical release to follow on December 10. The collection is her latest release on EVERSO Records, the independent label she founded in 2010. Thanksfeatures five brand new songs written and produced by the iconic artist, who won a GRAMMY® award following the release of her breakthrough album, I Am Shelby Lynne, in 2000. See below for track listing.

“As a musician, these songs are a way to express my love and gratitude to the universe and to all of the music appreciating souls out there for the friendship and fellowship that music brings us…all in the name of love and sharing,” saysShelby .

Lynne recorded Thanks at EVERSO Studio in Palm Desert , CA with co-producer Ben Peeler, who also played lap steel and guitars and contributed background vocals. In addition, the EP features the legendary Maxine Waters on piano and vocals, Michael Jerome on drums/percussion and Ed Maxwell on upright and electric bass, Wurlitzer, Moog and background vocals.

Thanks follows 2011’s Revelation Road , which Blurt hailed as “the finest work she's done at least since 2000's game-changing I Am Shelby Lynne.” The New Yorker called it “deeply personal,” USA Today praised Lynne’s “earthy, elegant vocals” and MOJO, Uncut and AmericanSongwriter.com each awarded it four stars. As label chief of EVERSO Records, Lynne raised the bar for deluxe editions when she included two additional full-length works in 2012’s deluxe edition of Revelation Road:  Live At McCabe’s, which marked her first-ever live album, plus the DVD Live in London . She launched EVERSO with a pair of 2010 releases – Tears, Lies And Alibis, a Top 10 hit at Americana radio, and Merry Christmas, which Parade Magazine called “an instant classic.”

Thanks – Track Listing

1.      Call Me Up

2.      Forevermore

3.      Walkin'   

4.      This Road I'm On

5.      Thanks  

William Shatner review, slide show available on Orange County Register Web site

Finally, if you are an Orange County Register subscriber, make sure to check out my review of William Shatner and CIRCA that ran online yesterday. There is a great slide show of images that noted photographer Kelly A. Swift shot at the show. Click here to see more...