Tuesday, August 25, 2020

New Music: Paul McCartney, Old 97's, Cary Morin, Chris Cruz & Rae Shirer

An essential reissue from Paul McCartney, the latest masterworks from Old 97's and Cary Morin, and debut effort from Chris Cruz & Rae Shirer are celebrated in my column this week.


Artist: Paul McCartney
Title: Flaming Pie (Capitol Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Jeff Lynne
Tell me more: Originally released in May 1997, Paul McCartney's wonderful Flaming Pie remains one of his most beloved and treasured solo efforts. Now the classic has arrived as the 13th release in the Paul McCartney Archive Collection, supervised by McCartney and remastered at Abbey Road Studios. The new version sounds incredible; that 2020 edition of Flaming Pie fully delivers on the rich contributions of the slew of talents who joined forces to craft the original LP. Indeed, McCartney, Jeff Lynne and George Martin produced the album's tracks while Geoff Emerick assisted with engineering duties. McCartney, Ringo Starr, Steve Miller, Linda McCartney and son James McCartney were among the notables who played across the 14-track disc. The songs here frequently equal the emotional power, melodic force and spirited exuberence of his Beatles-era classics; listen to the infectious "The World Tonight," reflective baroque pop gem "Someday," the power pop salvo "Young Boy," lovely acoustic ballad "Calico Skies" and ravishing "Little Willow" to be reminded why McCartney is rightly considered one of the greatest recording artists of all time. The two-disc version of Flaming Pie reviewed by this writer features the original album remastered on disc one, while the second disc includes 21 tracks of bonus material including home recordings, demos and rough mixes of the songs that would appear on the final album along with non-album singles from that period. An essential addition to any music lover's library. Information: PaulMcCartney.com.


Artist: Old 97's
Title: Twelfth (ATO Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, Wilco, Cowboy Buddha
Tell me more: Rollicking, rowdy and twangy alt country rock offered up with wry and colorful literate tales are Old 97's' stock-in-trade. The band's new Twelfth delivers the goods with welcome zeal. Fans of the Dallas-spawned quartet (whose lineup is the same that was heard on their 1994 debut and every release since) will be swept up by the originals that fill Twelfth, their first since 2017's Graveyard Whistling. The razor sharp rocker "This House Got Ghosts" has a wonderfully dreamy sonic vibe layered atop a particularly effective tale of romantic loss. The hard charging "Turn Off The TV," wistful drinking song "Happy Hour" and reflective "I Like You Better" are other early LP standouts. The raucous indie-styled rocker "Confessional Boxing," gorgeous "Diamonds On Neptune," rockabilly-on-steroids romp "Bottle Rocket Baby," shimmering melodic nugget "Absence (What We've Got)" and rapt "Why Don't We Ever Say We're Sorry" are among the highlights later on. "Twelfth" is a terrific return. Information: old97s.com.

Artist: Cary Morin
Title: Dockside Saints (Cary Morin Music BMI)
You might like if you enjoy: Tinsley Ellis, Geno Delafose, Tab Benoit
Tell me more: Cary Morin's new album Dockside Saints is an uplifting listen, filled with original songs that celebrate life, love, his Native American heritage and the artist's overarching Native Americana sound. Fusing rock, jazz, roots, bluegrass and Cajun with sharp-witted authenticity, Morin's strong vocals and master fingerstyle guitar work enchant across the dozen tracks on the LP. A fortuitous meeting with multi-Grammy winning producer and engineer Tony Daigle (who saw Morin performing at a club called Atmosphere in Lafayette, Louisiana) led to an idea to have a number of top South Louisiana players record an album with the Colorado-based Morin (a Crow tribal member). The track listing across Dockside Saints never falters. Indeed, the rousing rockers "Nobody Gotta Know" and "Come the Rain," the ballad "Exception to the Rule" and several genre-defying dreamscapes (notably the fiddle-drenched "Tonight" and compelling "Valley of the Chiefs") showcase a successful union of top-tier players across the release. Cajun ("Jamie Rae"), Southern blues ("Chosen Road") and instrumental music (the gentle "Bare Trees" and Louisiana-flavored "Cary's Groove") are also lauded on the superb album. Information: CaryMorin.com.


Artist: Chris Cruz & Rae Shirer
Title: Sentimental Dreams (Persuasion Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash, Bright Blue Gorilla
Tell me more: It's amazing what two singers and a guitar can do. Sentimental Dreams, a new six-song EP release from Chris Cruz & Rae Shirer, is an uplifting and joyful listen that taps into the warmest of Americana and folk traditions. A collection that features three compelling originals and an equal number of artful covers, the EP provides a fantastic introduction to the two talented artists. Cruz (on acoustic guitar and vocals) and Shirer (duet and backing vocals) craft straightforward recordings that recall the best of '60s and '70s folk music; especially ambitious is their own "Lie" with bold harmonies that help propel the epic track on its enticing run. The countrified "Not Your Kind of Man" (which could have been a hit for Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash) and probing "Sentimental Dream Come True" are thrilling listens as well. The duo's reworkings of the John Denver classic "Take Me Home Country Roads," the Everly Brothers' "Cathy's Clown" and the Eagles' "Peaceful Easy Feeling" honor the original versions while showcasing the signature sound that Cruz and Shirer create together. Information: chriscruz.net.

Robert Kinsler
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Monday, August 24, 2020

Ricky Byrd set to release new album "Sobering Times" on September 25, 2020

Information to share from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Byrd, who will release his next album next month...

Ricky Byrd continues his journey as a recovery troubadour with the September 25, 2020 release of 'Sobering Times'

On September 25, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (2015 inductee with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts) and guitarist/singer-songwriter Ricky Byrd presents Sobering Times (Kayos Records). Pre-orders are currently available at www.rickybyrd.com.
Sobering Times is an honest and intimate reflection of recovery delivered through his signature brand of Rock ‘N’ Roll. As Goldmine Magazine states “...The Faces and The Rolling Stones with a dash of Otis...It rocks like a b*tch. His vocals are the best of his career...early indications make it seem likely that this will be his career statement.”
Following the path he carved with his 2017 album Clean Getaway, Sobering Times (produced by Ricky Byrd and Bob Stander) continues his mission to deliver the message of hope to those recovering from addiction. He expresses the roller coaster of emotions and every day trials of recovery, from hitting rock bottom, to the gratitude of surviving and thriving in a sober life.
On Sobering Times, Byrd is joined by an all-star cast of musicians: Bob Stander(bass guitar, percussion), Jeff Kazee of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (keyboards/ accordion/background vocals), Steve Holley (of Wings / Ian Hunter / Joe Cocker, contributed drums to most of the album), Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel, drums), Rich Pagano (The Fab Faux, session drummer), Thommy Price (Joan Jett, Billy Idol, Mink DeVille, drums) and Christine “The Beehive Queen” Ohlman(vocalist, Saturday Night Live band).
Additionally, he collaborated with Richie Supa (“I Come Back Stronger”) and Willie Nile, who duets with Byrd on “Recover Me”, in addition to Emily Duff, who co-wrote “Ain’t Gonna Live Like That.” Fittingly, he also recorded a cover of Merle Haggard’s “The Bottle Let Me Down”.
Byrd chose the Sobering Times release date of September 25 as it’s also the 33rd anniversary of the day he started his sober journey. Having lived through the disease of addiction himself, Byrd has made it his mission to help others as a recovery coach and drug/alcohol counselor, who visits schools, rehab facilities, detention and detox centers to perform, talk, and lead recovery music groups. In fact, he gave away almost 2500 copies of Clean Getaway at these facilities, so clients could take the message of recovery home with them.
He dedicates Sobering Times to all of those who struggle with addiction, as well as the recovery warriors who help those who are struggling, those that support a clean and sober lifestyle, and of course, those that still love loud and proud Rock ‘N’ Roll.
“As far as third acts go, I couldn't be more grateful for mine,” says Byrd. “I get to use the undeniable power of R'n'R to spread the recovery message to those that are struggling....pretty... pretty... pretty good.”
“I Wanna Sing About How Lucky I Am
You’re Looking At One Grateful Man
I Should Be Long Gone
Yet Here I Stand
Hear My Song”
1.) Quittin’ Time (Again)
2.) Together
3.) Hear My Song
4.) Tired
5.) I Come Back Stronger
6.) Starlit Night
7.) Recover Me (feat. Willie Nile)
8.) Ain’t Gonna Live Like That
9.) Pour Me
10.) The Bottle Let Me Down
11.) Life Is Good
12.) Just Like You
Although best known for his time with The Blackhearts, Byrd has also recorded and played with Roger Daltrey, and toured with Ian Hunter and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, respectively. He is also proud to have shared stages with such music royalty as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Alice Cooper, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt, Smokey Robinson, and Mavis Staples, among others.
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Saturday, August 22, 2020

Sights and Sounds: STYX 'CYCLORAMA’ reissue; 'The Best of Cher'; Tame Impala new remix

Here are some highlights of news items to arrive in my inbox late in the week; several new videos worth viewing as well...Robert Kinsler

STYX releases 2003' 'Cyclorama' for first time ever on digital outlets
 
“THESE ARE THE TIMES” CONCEPTUAL VIDEO SET TO THE SONG’S LYRICS
ALSO OUT NOW
 
 
STXY, from left: Lawrence Gowan, Chuck Panozzo, Tommy Shaw,
James “JY” Young, and Ricky Phillips, Todd Sucherman. Photo credit: Jason Powell
 
August 21, 2020 -- For the first time ever, STYX has released their 14th album, CYCLORAMA, on all download and streaming platforms starting today via BMG.
 
Originally released in 2003 on Sanctuary/CMC International, CYCLORAMA, it was the band’s last full-length studio album of all-original material prior to the June 2017 release of THE MISSION. It was produced by Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, and the late Gary Loizzo (an integral member of the STYX production team dating back to 1974), and it contains such enduring tracks like “One With Everything,” “Yes I Can,” “Killing the Thing That You Love,” “More Love for the Money,” and “Fields of the Brave.” CYCLORAMA was re-released in 2004 via the Silverline label with a 5.1 surround-sound mix done by Loizzo for both the DVD-Audio and DualDisc formats.
 
As a thank you to the nation’s first responders and frontline workers and to coincide with the stream launch, STYX has created a timely conceptual video set to the lyrics of “These Are The Times” (with lead vocals by guitarist James “JY” Young), which spotlights the men and women who’ve been working tirelessly to take care of people throughout the pandemic. It can be viewed now on the band’s official YouTube page.
 
“It’s amazing how a song that was created in a certain timeframe, can fit into another timeframe 17 years later and that is the case with ‘These Are The Times,’” notes James “JY” Young. “It’s even more amazing how this song encompasses the current world situation, and that it can fit into a song so beautifully. It’s a fascinating thing. The video was created by my best friend Steve Jones, who is so incredibly talented and I’m blown away with what he came up with. STYX fans and the world at large, take a breath, this too shall pass, and it’s the music that will carry us through. AMEN!” 
 
Singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw reflected on CYCLORAMA with resident Styxologist Mike Mettler on the eve of last year’s 16th anniversary of the album’s release, “CYCLORAMA was kind of an experimental record, just to see where we were as a band after having reformed in 1999. We were stretching our legs in the studio, and there was a lot of growth and moving forward. That’s how I look at that album. Whenever I think of CYCLORAMA, it puts a smile on my face.”
 
As part of the band’s ongoing association with the Pittsburgh Steelers (the team plays “Renegade” at the beginning of big defensive plays in their stadium), STYX is asking fans for donations to be made to the Pittsburgh Foundation Emergency Action Fund. The Pittsburgh region is facing unprecedented economic, health and human services challenges in the global public health pandemic brought on by the COVID-19 virus. In response, on March 16, local philanthropies partnered to create the Emergency Action Fund, which awarded operating grants on a rolling basis to emergency service providers and nonprofit organizations serving on the front lines of recovery.  
 
To donate to the Pittsburgh Foundation Emergency Action Fund visit: https://pittsburghfoundation.org/emergencyactionfund
 
www.instagram.com/styxtheband



THIS SEPTEMBER, ALL OF THE SPECTACULAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DOWN-TO-EARTH DIVA'S REMARKABLE CAREER COME TOGETHER IN ONE ELECTRIFYING DVD COLLECTION

THE BEST OF CHER
Street Date: September 15, 2020
SRP: $99.95
From the Sequined '70s to the Rockin' '90s, Cher's Story Unfolds Across
9 Sparkling Discs Packed with Music, Classic Comedy and Fabulous Outfits, Including 10 Star-Studded Episodes of Cher, Legendary TV Specials, Two Unforgettable Vegas Concerts, the Documentary Dear Mom, Love Cher, Exclusive New Interviews with Lily Tomlin, Designer Bob Mackie and 
Cher Herself, Rare Clips, a Collectible Look Book of 
Mackie's Wardrobe Sketches and More!


SOME STARS ARE BEAUTIFUL...
SOME STARS ARE TALENTED...
A PRECIOUS FEW ARE ICONS...
BUT ONLY ONE IS CHER.
THIS SEPTEMBER, ALL OF THE SPECTACULAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DOWN-TO-EARTH DIVA'S REMARKABLE CAREER COME TOGETHER IN ONE ELECTRIFYING DVD COLLECTION

THE BEST OF CHER
Street Date: September 15, 2020
SRP: $99.95
From the Sequined '70s to the Rockin' '90s, Cher's Story Unfolds Across
9 Sparkling Discs Packed with Music, Classic Comedy and Fabulous Outfits, Including 10 Star-Studded Episodes of Cher, Legendary TV Specials, Two Unforgettable Vegas Concerts, the Documentary Dear Mom, Love Cher, Exclusive New Interviews with Lily Tomlin, Designer Bob Mackie and 
Cher Herself, Rare Clips, a Collectible Look Book of 
Mackie's Wardrobe Sketches and More!

The Best of Cher Trailer
THE BEST OF CHER Official Trailer
Fairfax, VA (August 19, 2020) - From Hollywood to Vegas and all around the world, no one has continued to delight us, surprise us, and entertain us like Cher. And she's not done yet! For the first time ever, all the spectacular highlights of Cher's remarkable career are together in one electrifying collection: THE BEST OF CHER, available on September 15 from the classic TV DVD experts at Time Life.
Cher initially rose to stardom as part of a singing act with then husband Sonny Bono in the 1960s, hitting No. 1 with the single "I Got You Babe" before they starred together on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. Following a parting of ways, the incredibly talented artist spread her wings, established a chart-topping solo career of her own, starred in her own variety show, and sold out music venues across the globe. The inimitable multi-hyphenate continues to shine brightly and THE BEST OF CHER brings together the stunning scope of Cher's sensational life in the spotlight like never before across two loaded volumes and 9 DVDs, as well as a collectible look book featuring Bob Mackie's original wardrobe sketches.                         
In a new interview included in the set, Cher said, "I love looking back at these shows. They're so much fun to watch and they were so much fun to make. While I'm not done yet! - It's great that Time Life has put this set together." 
THE BEST OF CHER VOLUME 1: 5 DVDS
When America's favorite musical couple parted ways in 1974, effectively ending The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, CBS quickly decided to give Cher her own variety show. Simply titled Cher, the new series starring the soon-to-be superstar aired its first episode in February 1975. In the opening, Cher told the audience: "My future is in your hands. I am really happy to be back. No, I am thrilled to be back." Now 10 episodes of Cher's very own show are available for the first time in over 40 years! Home audiences will thrill to have front row seats to see Cher flying solo with a nonstop cavalcade of the hottest stars including Charo, Ray Charles, Elton John, The Muppets, Linda Ronstadt, Raquel Welch, and more! Also included: 
  • Exlusive new interviews with Cher, Designer Bob Mackie, comedy icon Lily Tomlin and Cher executive producer George Schlatter
  • TV appearances on The Dick Cavett Show and Dinah (1975)
  • Cher CBS Promo
  • Newly produced featurette, Cher: Then & Now 
THE BEST OF CHER VOLUME 2: 4 DVDS
Cher is one of a kind and her legendary TV specials hit our screens as family-friendly, psychedelic, counterculture kaleidoscopes. Whether playing all the parts in West Side Story, a roller-skating goddess, the snake in the Garden of Eden, a synchronized secretary, or simply Laverne -- no one puts on a show like Cher. Her Vegas shows (and outfits!) were even more spectacular, and they're all on incredible display in VOLUME 2, which features: 
  • Both of Cher's legendary TV Specials from the '70s: Cher...Special (1978), Cher...and Other Fantasies (1979)
  • Two unforgettable concerts in Vegas, live from the Mirage (1991) and MGM Grand (1999), as well as exclusive extras including backstage home movies, rehearsal songs and more
  • The full-length documentary Dear Mom, Love Cher offering a rare peek into Cher's fascinating family history
  • Plus bonus features including a 2018 appearance on The Late, Late Show with James Corden 
As a young girl, Cher's mom promised her that she was special and that one day she would believe it. Audiences around the world have been believing since she burst onto the scene in the '60s, and we haven't stopped -- and THE BEST OF CHER captures Cher's incredible, undeniable talents to enjoy again and again.
About Time Life
Time Life is one of the world's pre-eminent creators and direct marketers of unique music and video/DVD products, specializing in distinctive multi-media collections that evoke memories of yesterday, capture the spirit of today, and can be enjoyed for a lifetime. TIME LIFE and the TIME LIFE logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc.
TAME IMPALA 
RELEASES FOUR TET REMIX OF “IS IT TRUE”FROM
OUT NOW VIA INTERSCOPE

The Slow Rush, Kevin Parker’s fourth album as Tame Impala was released in February to wide-spread acclaim. Today, Four Tet gives The Slow Rush track “Is It True,” an ambient and discordant reimagining in the British producers’ remix - out now. Earlier this month, Parker also released an official music video for “Is It True.” On Monday, August 24th, NPR will debut Tame Impala’s Tiny Desk At Home. 


The Slow Rush’s lead single, “Lost In Yesterday” currently sits Top 3 at Alternative Radio and hit #1 at AAA this summer. Earlier this month, he also released his remix of 070 Shake’s “Guilty Conscience.” Parker also recently collaborated with Mike Skinner on The Streets track, “Call My Phone Thinking I’m Doing Nothing Better.” Together with Oneohtrix Point Never, he contributed to The Weeknd’s latest album, After Hours, also released earlier this year.
Kevin Parker / Photo Credit: Kate Green
PRAISE FOR THE SLOW RUSH
“Fortunately, it was worth the wait: ‘The Slow Rush’ is arguably Parker’s most fully realized and satisfying effort to date. ‘The Slow Rush’ proves that Parker has earned all the time he needs.” -Variety
 
“Therein lies the crux of Tame Impala’s genius and the beauty of The Slow Rush, his most contemplative work: Parker filters the bleakest parts of himself through a thick and vibrant lens. Even as he expels his private demons, he’s encouraging us to dance to his pain.” 
-The Nation
 
“The Slow Rush is stunningly pure and heartfelt pop." -The Guardian 
 
"Kevin can do anything,” ...He can play anything, and play it incredibly well. He has killer melodic instincts. And he has an impossibly cool aesthetic when it comes to sonics, without ever trying to be cool. It can be intimidating to collaborate with someone like that, but also his take on things is so unique, I never want to distill that.” Mark Ronson // Billboard's Tame Impala COVER feature
 
"Tame Impala's 'The Slow Rush' is worth the wait. Kevin Parker's first album in five years had a prolonged rollout, but he delivers on the Coachella-sized expectations." -Vice
 
“The melodies dwell in a sweet, idyllic late-afternoon mood that can veil the internal turbulence, doubt and emotional complexity lurking in the words. He's become a singer who can deepen a message through tone and inflection, conveying in a few syllables what some people spend pages trying to pin down.While everybody else in the catchy-song business seems to be running in circles, he's out there unapologetically having fun, creating new delivery systems for his own exotic brand of sonic euphoria.” -NPR
 
‘’The Slow Rush,’ an impressive integration of cosmic expansiveness and taut melody, is worth the wait. Even at their dreamiest, Tame Impala tracks have a pulse that invites bodies to move. That tension—between loose, mind-expanding psychedelia and the tight focus of dance-oriented pop—is what powers Mr. Parker’s music. [His} production virtuosity is clear from the outset...adding layer upon layer of gorgeous sound design. It reveals a brighter Tame Impala, one with a few extra beams of disco-ball twinkle.”
-Wall Street Journal
 
“Tame Impala albums are worlds to get lost in... gazing awestruck, mouth agape, intently focused on the complex beauty unfolding before you. The Slow Rush continues that zoning out/zeroing in dynamic, but...sends it spiraling across time and space. Many of the songs slap in their own right, but they function best as complementary scenes in the journey, reinforcing the sensation of displacement within the timeline.”
-Stereogum 
 
“He has risen to the occasion with an album full of the necessary girth and scope, which doesn't succumb to the forces of inertia. **** -Uncut
 
“Clearly, all the tinkering paid off. The Slow Rush is an extraordinarily detailed opus whose influences reach into specific corners of the past six decades, from Philly soul and early prog to acid house, adult-contemporary R&B, and Late Registration...The effect is something like multiple YouTube videos accidentally playing at once, a restless mind making gorgeous chaos—the work of a true perfectionist. Even without the adrenaline-filled highs, the compositions are as rich and thoughtful as ever..” -Pitchfork
 
“Parker is a master of studio songcraft; each track flows seamlessly from one to the next in one cohesive journey, capturing uplifting, laidback summer vibes throughout.****” -The Independent
 
“As far as follow-ups to an earth-shattering run of albums go, this is much more than just a solid return. It is, overall, an exhilarating listen. This band aren’t rock music’s saviours; they’re so much more than that. ****” -NME
 
“A cornucopia of sounds and styles from across dance music’s past and present. One of the chief pleasures to be had from The Slow Rush is the sheer depth of sonic treats packed into each song. Tame Impala might be operating in a field of one, but even then, Kevin Parker is still streaks ahead.” Q – 4 stars **** (Album of the Month)
 
“‘The Slow Rush’ digs deeper into the new version of Tame Impala that Parker located on Currents. It is a better album, more purposeful and with improved lyrics. Despite fame and a broader musical canvas, he remains as inward in perspective as ever. ****” -The Financial Times
 
“Tame Impala, is as much a self-reflective open letter to the world as it is a beautifully obfuscating, transmuting, rippling piece of music. On the 12-track album, Parker reminisces, offers notes on where he's come from, where he's been, and what the future might hold for his psyche, all amidst Tame Impala's signature dreamy, 1960s-retro-through-a-million-pedals sound.” -Popmatters
 
“Kevin Parker is a prog-rock wiz with a heart of pop gold, spooling out resplendent psychedelic symphonies in Tame Impala... floating above his thick disco, funk, and trip-hop beats...everything seems obsessively considered, as if he spends more time perfecting the hi-hat clicks than most artists take making their whole record. If someone told you an army of musicians had contributed to The Slow Rush, you wouldn’t be surprised.” -Rolling Stone
 
“In the end, the wait is definitely worth it. ‘The Slow Rush’ is the sound of a band broadening out, trying new things, it’s another aspect of Parker’s innate sense of balance. ‘The Slow Rush’ is testament to the patient productivity and unrelenting creativity of Kevin Parker.”-Clash
 
“Listening to the long-awaited The Slow Rush, one gets the sense that Parker won’t have to resort to outside forces in order to draw out [the] feeling of jolting, kinetic pleasure any longer: after years of gesturing toward the trappings of dance music, rock’s most compelling auteur has turned in an album seemingly designed to dilate pupils and increase heart rates.” -The Fader
 
“A triumph… Tripped out and joyfully intoxicating, Tame Impala one-man marvel Kevin Parker excels himself here.” Daily Mirror – 5 stars *****
 
“Blissful, life-affirming, intoxicating soundscapes... A mesmerising opus.” -The Sun – 4.5/5

Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) has emerged as one of the most influential voices of the last decade. His latest album serves as a deep reflection on the passage of time - The Slow Rush. "'The Slow Rush' is an extraordinarily detailed opus," said Pitchfork. "I have to marvel that all this sound and history comes from Parker alone, picking every string and twisting every knob." His last album, Currents (Interscope) was released in 2015 earning him a second GRAMMY nomination and word-wide commercial success. The New York Timeslabeled it a "a tour de force" and Pitchfork said, "nearly every proper song on 'Currents' is a revelatory statement of Parker's range and increasing expertise as a producer, arranger, songwriter, and vocalist while maintaining the essence of Tame Impala." NPR noted, "[Parker] advocates for constant reinvention... That commitment to evolution helps make Tame Impala an unlikely but worthy candidate for major stardom."
 
He first toured the U.S. in 2010, playing small clubs for crowds of 200. A handful of trips to the U.S. later and thanks to the ravenous demand of fans for a transcendent live performance, Tame Impala has gone on to headline festivals and theaters around the world and released four full length albums - Innerspeaker, Lonerism , Currents and The Slow Rush. As a writer and producer Parker has collaborated with Travis Scott, SZA, Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Kanye West, Kali Uchis, Theophilus London, Miguel, A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar and more.

In 2019 Tame Impala headlined multiple major festivals including Coachella, Primavera, Lollapalooza, ACL and more. He debuted two new songs on Saturday Night Live and sold out arenas around the world including two nights at New York City’s Madison Square Garden and two nights at the Los Angeles Forum. 
Find Tame Impala here: 


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Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Tears For Fears' 'The Seeds of Love' Super Deluxe Edition to be released Oct. 9, 2020 on UMe/VIRGIN

This upcoming reissue looks like it is going to be fantastic! 'The Seeds of Love' was one of the important album releases of the 1980s...Robert Kinsler

TEARS FOR FEARS
THE SEEDS OF LOVE

4CD / BLU RAY SUPER DELUXE EDITION
REMASTERED DELUXE 2CD
REMASTERED LP 
D2C PICTURE DISC LP

RELEASED OCTOBER 9th, 2020 ON UMe/VIRGIN

Super Deluxe Box Set https://tearsforfears.lnk.to/TSOL


Over thirty years on from its original release, Tears For Fears' third long-player The Seeds Of Love has taken on mythical status for its scope, ambition, timeless musicality, and the fact that it took over four years to record.
For music fans and audiophiles the world over, the album continues to astound with its depth and sheer audacity, which is why three decades on it, has barely aged a day.  As Roland Orzabal puts it, "Out of all our albums, I'd probably rank it highest. I think it surprised a lot of people, a lot of our peers as well, people who maybe we were being compared to in the mid-Eighties." Curt Smith "The tracks I liked then, I still like now. 'Woman in Chains,' 'Badman's Song,' 'Sowing the Seeds of Love,' and 'Advice For The Young At Heart' have all stuck around. We still play those live."
The super deluxe box set consists of four CDs and one Blu-Ray, which fully tells the story of how this extraordinary album came to be. The box set includes 22 unreleased tracks from demo sessions, live jams, studio sessions along with a definitive set of b-sides, and rare mixes. Highlights include demos of "Advice For The Young At Heart" with Roland Orzabal singing lead vocal and "Rhythm of Life," which didn't make it onto The Seeds of Love and was later given to Oleta Adams for her Circle of One album. The Blu-ray also features a stunning 5.1 mix by Grammy-nominated artist Steven Wilson.  
Coming off the back of the ten million-selling Songs From The Big Chair,  The first writing sessions for The Seeds Of Lovestarted when the band was touring in 1985, making use of soundchecks to sketch the outlines of new songs. Over the next four years, Roland and Curt would work with several producers, engineers, and many musicians before finally deciding to produce the album themselves with assistance from their Songs From The Big Chair engineer Dave Bascombe.
A key person in the making of the album was pianist and singer Oleta Adams, who Roland and Curt had seen play in the bar of their hotel while touring in 1985. She joined the recording sessions in early 1988 along with world-class session players such as drummer Manu Katché and bass player Pino Palladino and would play a massive part in songs such as "Woman In Chains" and "Badman's Song." These sessions in 1988 are perhaps the most fascinating tapes unearthed for the boxset. These jams took place at London's Townhouse studio, and disc four contains around 30 minutes edited down from over 24 hours of unadulterated in-the-studio live performance, exactly as it was performed at the time, complete with chatter, some laughter, and no overdubs. These jams include very different versions of "Woman in Chains," "Badman's Song," "Standing On The Corner Of The Third World," and "Rhythm of Life."
While the band was pleased with these sessions, there was still at least another year of further recording, overdubbing, editing, mixing, tweaking and discussion, before the final mix was finished in New York in the summer of 1989. 
All of the efforts that went into the making of The Seeds Of Love certainly paid off as it is now hailed as a classic of the time, alongside albums such as Talk Talk's Spirit Of Eden. The Seeds Of Love was released in the ‘80's, but it remains anything but an "80's album."

THE SEEDS OF LOVE SUPER DELUXE EDITION TRACKLISTING
CD 1 - ORIGINAL ALBUM 
NEW REMASTER BY ANDREW WALTER AT ABBEY ROAD
01. Woman In Chains: 6:31
02. Badman's Song: 8:32
03. Sowing The Seeds Of Love: 6:19
04. Advice For The Young At Heart: 4:50
05. Standing On The Corner Of The Third World: 5:33 
06. Swords And Knives: 6:12
07. Year Of The Knife: 7:08
08. Famous Last Words: 4:26

CD 2 - THE SUN 
45's AND B-SIDES
01. Sowing The Seeds Of Love - 7" Version: 5:43  
02. Tears Roll Down: 3:16
03. Woman In Chains - 7" Version: 5:28  
04. Always In The Past: 4:38
05. My Life In The Suicide Ranks: 4:32 
06. Woman In Chains - Instrumental: 6:30 
07. Advice For The Young At Heart - 7" Version: 4:49  
08. Johnny Panic And The Bible Of Dreams Instrumental: 4:18
09. Music For Tables: 3:32
10. Johnny Panic And The Bible Of Dreams Mix One: 6:22
11. Johnny Panic And The Bible Of Dreams Mix Two: 5:55
12. Sowing The Seeds Of Love - US Radio Edit: 4:04
13. Woman In Chains - US Radio Edit 1: 4:42
14. Advice For The Young At Heart - Italian Radio Edit: 3:40
15. Year Of The Knife - Canadian Single Version: 5:40
16. Johnny Panic And The Bible Of Dreams: 4:17

CD 3 - THE MOON 
RADIO EDITS AND EARLY MIXES
01. Year Of The Knife - Overture: 1:47 
02. Year Of The Knife - Early Mix - Instrumental: 8:50 
03. Sowing The Seeds Of Love - Alternate Mix: 7:22 
04. Tears Roll Down - Alternate Mix: 4:07 
05. Year Of The Knife - Steve Chase 7" Remix: 4.29
06. Badman's Song - Early Mix: 7:56 
07. Advice For The Young At Heart - Instrumental: 4:56
08. Year Of The Knife - The Mix: 06:55 
09. Johnny Panic And The Bible Of Dreams - Mix One Edit: 3:43
10. Sowing The Seeds Of Love - Early Mix - Instrumental: 6:40
11. Woman In Chains - US Radio Edit 2: 4:19 
12. Year Of The Knife - Canadian Single Version - Instrumental: 5:40
13. Famous Last Words - French Radio Edit: 3:07 
14. Woman In Chains - Reprise: 6:39  

CD 4 - THE WIND 
DEMOS, DIVERSIONS AND JAMS
01. Rhythm Of Life - Demo: 5:12 
02. Advice For The Young At Heart - Demo: 4:52 
03. Swords And Knives - Demo: 3:51
04. Famous Last Words - Demo: 4:12 
05. Sowing The Seeds Of Love - Demo - Instrumental: 6:06
06. Badman's Song - Langer / Winstanley Version – Instrumental: 7:30
07. Woman In Chains - Townhouse Jam: 7:06
08. Broken - Townhouse Jam: 1:37 Tears For Fears
09. Rhythm Of Life - Townhouse Jam: 3:09 
10. Badman's Song - Townhouse Jam: 8:17 
11. Badman's Song - Reprise - Townhouse Jam: 2:50  
12. Standing On The Corner Of The Third World - Townhouse Jam: 9:09

BLU RAY - THE RAIN 
ORIGINAL ALBUM MIX, NEW REMASTER & STEVEN WILSON 5.1 MIX
01. Woman In Chains: 6:31 (Original album master) 
02. Badman's Song: 8:32 (Original album master)
03. Sowing The Seeds Of Love: 6:19 (Original album master)
04. Advice For The Young At Heart: 4:50  (Original album master)
05. Standing On The Corner Of The Third World: 5:33 (Original album master)
06. Swords And Knives: 6:12 (Original album master)
07. Year Of The Knife: 7:08 (Original album master)
08. Famous Last Words: 4:26 (Original album master)
09. Woman In Chains: 6:30 (New remaster)
10. Badman's Song: 8:32 (New remaster) 
11. Sowing The Seeds Of Love: 6:19  (New remaster) 
12. Advice For The Young At Heart: 4:55 (New remaster) 
13. Standing On The Corner Of The Third World: 5:33 (New remaster) 
14. Swords And Knives: 6:20 (New remaster) 
15. Year Of The Knife: 6:55  (New remaster)
16. Famous Last Words: 4:11 (New remaster)

STEVEN WILSON 5.1 MIX
01. Woman In Chains: 6:30
02. Badman's Song: 8:32
03. Sowing The Seeds Of Love: 6:19 
04. Advice For The Young At Heart: 4:55 
05. Standing On The Corner Of The Third World: 5:33 
06. Swords And Knives: 6:20
07. Year Of The Knife: 6:55
08. Famous Last Words: 4:11

THE SEEDS OF LOVE DELUXE 2CD TRACKLISTING
CD 1 - ORIGINAL ALBUM 
NEW REMASTER BY ANDREW WALTER AT ABBEY ROAD
01. Woman In Chains: 6:31
02. Badman's Song: 8:32
03. Sowing The Seeds Of Love: 6:19
04. Advice For The Young At Heart: 4:50
05. Standing On The Corner Of The Third World: 5:33 
06. Swords And Knives: 6:12
07. Year Of The Knife: 7:08
08. Famous Last Words: 4:26

CD 2 - THE SUN 
45's AND B-SIDES
01. Sowing The Seeds Of Love - 7" Version: 5:43 
02. Tears Roll Down: 3:16
03. Woman In Chains - 7" Version: 5:28 
04. Always In The Past: 4:38
05. My Life In The Suicide Ranks: 4:32 
06. Woman In Chains - Instrumental: 6:30 
07. Advice For The Young At Heart - 7" Version: 4:49 
08. Johnny Panic And The Bible Of Dreams Instrumental: 4:18
09. Music For Tables: 3:32
10. Johnny Panic And The Bible Of Dreams Mix One: 6:22
11. Johnny Panic And The Bible Of Dreams Mix Two: 5:55
12. Sowing The Seeds Of Love - US Radio Edit: 4:04
13. Woman In Chains - US Radio Edit 1: 4:42
14. Advice For The Young At Heart - Italian Radio Edit: 3:40
15. Year Of The Knife - Canadian Single Version: 5:40
16. Johnny Panic And The Bible Of Dreams: 4:17

TEARS FOR FEARS THE SEEDS OF LOVE 
RELEASED OCTOBER  9th, 2020 ON UMe/VIRGIN


ABOUT TEARS FOR FEARS
Roland Orzabal, left, and Curt Smith of Tears For Fears
performing in Irvine, CA in June 2015.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift
Tear For Fears - Roland Orzabal (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Curt Smith (vocals, bass, keyboards) formed in Bath, England 1981. Beyond selling 30 million albums worldwide, performing to countless sold-out audiences, and winning various awards, the duo's DNA remains embedded within three generations of artists on both subtle and overt levels. 
Quietly casting a shadow over rock, hip-hop, electronic dance music, indie, and beyond, Kanye West interpolated "Memories Fade" on "The Coldest Winter" from the seminal 808s & Heartbreak, The Weekend infused "Pale Shelter" into Starboy's "Secrets," David Guetta sampled "Change" for "Always," and Drake utilized "Ideas as Opiates" as the foundation for "Lust For Life," while Ally Brooke Hernandez, Adam Lambert, and Gary Jules recorded popular covers of "Mad World" and Disturbed took on "Shout," to name a few. Lorde cut a haunting cover of "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" for the Soundtrack of the blockbuster The Hunger Games – Catching Fire, which Tears For Fears gleefully would use as intro music live and thus bring everything full circle. 
Meanwhile, classic songs figure prominently everywhere from The Wire and Donnie Darko to Straight Outta Compton and Mr. Robot. Long before, they became a cultural cornerstone Tears For Fears simply consisted of two school friends growing up in Bath, Somerset UK.
Representing an inimitable intersection of pop palatability, clever and cognizant lyricism, guitar bombast, and new wave innovation, their 1983 debut The Hurting yielded anthems such as "Mad World," "Change," and "Pale Shelter," reaching RIAA Gold status in the United States. 1985's Songs from the Big Chair became a watershed moment for the group and music at large. Boasting the signature BRIT Award-winning "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," "Shout," "Head over Heels," "Mothers Talk," and "I Believe (A Soulful Re-Recording)," it went quintuple-platinum and captured #1 on the Billboard Top 200. Slant dubbed it one of "The Best Albums of the 1980s," it featured in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, and Consequence of Sound awarded it a rare A+ rating in a 20-year retrospective.

1989's Seeds of Love proved to be Roland and Curt's last collaboration together until Everybody Loves A Happy Ending in 2004, which rekindled the creative fire between them.
The band engaged in a three-year touring whirlwind across North America, Japan, South Korea, Manila, and South America beginning in 2010. 2013 saw them return with their first recorded music in a decade: a cover of Arcade Fire's "Ready to Start." The band returned once more in 2017 with "I Love You But I'm Lost" a track written and recorded with the multi-platinum British act Bastille taken from the "Rule The World" best-of collection, which once more catapulted the band back to the upper echelon of the UK album charts. 
With more new material and further reissues on the horizon, Roland and Curt remain as loud as ever, while yet another generation gets ready to "Shout" with them all over again.
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