R.E.M.’s 'Chronic Town' and 'Murmur' get the Definitive Sound Series Treatment; 2LP Set available December 10, 2025

Exciting news for fans of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer R.E.M....Robert Kinsler

R.E.M.’s Chronic Town and Murmur Get the Definitive Sound Series Treatment 

 

New Premium Limited Edition Audiophile Series From Interscope-Capitol

Features Iconic Albums using the One Step process 

 

Listen/Watch: Audiophile Roundtable: Producers Easter & Dixon on R.E.M.’s 

Chronic Town & Murmur One Steps here

 

Chronic Town / Murmur 2LP Set Available December 10

 

LOS ANGELES, CA — (November 19, 2025) —Interscope-Capitol Records announces the next installment inits acclaimed Definitive Sound Series (DSS): R.E.M.’s Chronic Town and Murmur, two landmark albums that introduced one of America’s most influential bands and reshaped the sound of modern rock.

 

Praised by NME as “full of immediacy and action and healthy impatience,” ˆthe five-song EP Chronic Town(1982), co-produced by Mitch Easter, helped define ‘80s college rock, introducing the band’s jangling guitars, enigmatic lyrics, and Southern post-punk spark. Its follow up, Murmur (1983), produced by Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, crystalized that sound into a richly textured, atmospheric debut album of lasting influence, earning widespread acclaim, including Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s, and its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. 

 

Sourced from the original analog master tapes with direct involvement from Easter and Dixon, the 2LP, 180-gram high-definition vinyl set ($124.98) was mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering and pressed at Record Technology, Inc. Presented in a top-quality heavyweight tip-on single pocket jacket, the set is, housed inside a uniquely designed slipcase. Pre-order the releases here. Product available at remhq.com while supplies last.

 

 

Created for collectors and audiophiles, the DSS editions are limited to 3,000 numbered copies per title, each album includes a certificate of authenticity detailing its mastering, plating, and pressing. 

 

Using the state-of-the-art One Step process, which eliminates multiple stamper stages to achieve unmatched depth and clarity, the  series represents “the pinnacle of vinyl craftsmanship,” says Xavier Ramos, EVP D2C and eCommerce Strategy at Interscope/Capitol. “We’re proud to invest in these collectible pieces that reflect our respect for these iconic artists, their groundbreaking music, and the fans whose passion continues to keep these albums as relevant today as when they were first released.”

 

Previous DSS titles include Dr Dre’s The Chronic, A Perfect Circle’s Mer de Noms, and Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song. All DSS releases will be initially exclusive to Interscope.com and shop.capitolmusic.com.

Cheap Trick share new video for latest single; new album out this Friday

Check out the hard hitting track "The Riff That Won't Quit" off Cheap Trick's forthcoming new album "All Washed Up" and learn more about the band upcoming tour dates too...Robert Kinsler

CHEAP TRICK UNLEASH NEW OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR LATEST SINGLE, “THE RIFF THAT WON’T QUIT” – WATCH   PULSE-POUNDING NEW SINGLE HERALDS EAGERLY AWAITED 21ST STUDIO ALBUM FROM LEGENDARY ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAMERS   NEW ALBUM, ALL WASHED UP, ARRIVES VIA BMG THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14   PRE-ORDERS/PRE-SAVES AVAILABLE NOW

Photo Credit: Jeff Daly

The one and only Cheap Trick have shared a video for their latest single, “The Riff That Won’t Quit.” The pulse-pounding latest single is from their eagerly awaited new album, which arrives this Friday, November 14, via BMG. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers’ eagerly anticipated 21st studio album will be available digitally as well as on standard black vinyl and CD. A collector’s edition Orange Marble vinyl variant limited to 1,000 units is available to pre-order exclusively via the band's new D2C store. The band's Robin Zander and Tom Petersson appeared on TalkShopLive last week to discuss the new album. WATCH "THE RIFF THAT WON'T QUIT" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE ALL WASHED UP PRE-ORDER ALL WASHED UP ORANGE MARBLE VINYL – D2C EXCLUSIVE Produced by Cheap Trick with longtime associate Julian Raymond and mixed by 5x GRAMMY® Award-winner Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, Dave Matthews Band), All Washed Up was recorded at various studios in Nashville and Los Angeles through 2024. The album was heralded this summer by the anthemic first single, “Twelve Gates,” joined by an official animated lyric video streaming now on YouTube. The instantly infectious track was met by praise from such outlets as Ultimate Classic Rock, which hailed it as “a sweet slab of psychedelic guitars, sugary pop-rock hooks and lush, Beatlesque vocal harmonies.” American Songwriter agreed, writing, “The mid-tempo rock song features psychedelic and power-pop elements reminiscent of The Beatles, not surprising for a group that’s always been so heavily and unrepentantly influenced by the Fab Four.” LISTEN TO "TWELVE GATES" WATCH "TWELVE GATES" ANIMATED LYRIC VIDEO CHEAP TRICK ALL WASHED UP (BMG) Release Date: November 14, 2025

Tracklisting: All Washed Up All Wrong Long Gone  The Riff That Won’t Quit Bet It All The Best Thing Twelve Gates Bad Blood Dancing With The Band Love Gone A Long Way To Worcester Wham Boom Bang # # # One of rock’s hardest working live acts, Cheap Trick will celebrate All Washed Up – as well as their iconic body of work thus far – with a typically busy tour schedule resuming tomorrow, October 11, with a co-headline festival performance at Styx’s Rockin’ in Paradise with Styx & Friends at Miramar Beach, FL’s Seascape Resort Golf Club & Tennis Resort and then traveling into December with headline shows, dates alongside Heart, and more. Additional dates will be announced. For complete details and ticket information, please visit www.cheaptrick.com/tour-dates.html.   CHEAP TRICK – TOUR 2025   OCTOBER 11 – Miramar Beach, FL – Seascape Resort Golf Club & Tennis Resort * 12 – Oxford, AL – Oxford Performing Arts Center 21 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount 22 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Bethlehem 24 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena 25 – Lynn, MA – Lynn Memorial Auditorium   NOVEMBER 9 – Chandler, AZ – Gila River Resorts & Casino – Wild Horse Pass 11 – Monterey, CA – Golden State Theatre 14 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino 16 – Turlock, CA – Turlock Community Theatre 18 – Anaheim, CA – HONDA Center + 21 – Airway Heights, WA – BECU Live at Northern Quest 23 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena +   DECEMBER 2 – Omaha, NE – Baxter Arena + 4 – Green Bay, WI – Reach Center + 5 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee 7 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall   * Rockin’ in Paradise with Styx & Friends + with Heart Royal Flush Tour 2025 # # # ABOUT CHEAP TRICK: Cheap Trick, the iconic rock band hailing from Illinois, has been rocking stages and winning over fans with their timeless sound for over five decades. Known for their electrifying live performances, catchy melodies, and innovative songwriting, Cheap Trick has become a staple in rock music history. With hits like “I Want You to Want Me”, “Dream Police”, “The Flame”, and “Surrender,” this legendary band continues to inspire and entertain audiences with their signature blend of hard rock and power-pop sensibilities. Cheap Trick is part of the very fiber of American music, inspiring and delighting generations with their unique union of massive melodies and razorblade riffs, their own special brand of mischievous wit and maximum rock ‘n’ roll. They achieved mainstream popularity in the US in 1979 with the triple-platinum live album At Budokan and a Top 10 single, a live recording of “I Want You to Want Me.” More success followed with the album Dream Police in 1979, which reached number 6 on the Billboard 200.The band experienced another resurgence in the late 1980s when they topped US charts with the power ballad, “The Flame.” Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, Cheap Trick maintain an almost constant touring schedule, having performed live more than 5,000 times since their formation, selling more than 20 million albums and building a dedicated cult following.   CONNECT WITH CHEAP TRICK OFFICIAL | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

# # #

 

New music: 'Long Journey Home' Americana collection, Kevin Gordon, Al Basile

In this column I review three new American music-minded audio titles.

Artists: Molly Tuttle, Old Crow Medicine Show, John. McCutcheon, more

Title: Long Journey Home: A Century After The Mountain City Fiddlers Convention (Appalsongs)
You might like if you enjoy: Old Crow Medicine Show, Mollly Tuttle, John McCutcheon, Americana music
Tell me more: In May 1925 the small town of Mountain City, TN hosted a fiddlers convention. That single concert's impact has been long remembered and now a century later a number of today's Americana greats have contributed to an ambitious new title celebrating that event. The 17 tracks on Long Journey Home: A Century After The Mountain City Fiddlers Convention (a project spearheaded by John McCutcheon) showcase virtuoso musicianship in spades while conjuring up the magic of classic Appalachian-steeped Americana. Highlights abound on the outstanding collection including singer-fiddler Stuart Duncan's fast-paced opener "Cumberland Gap," the bewitching collaboration between singer-guitarist Molly Tuttle and fiddler Ketch Secor ("I've Always Been A Rambler"), Tim O'Brien's infectious "Old Molly Hare," singer-banjo master Jake Blount's "House Carpenter," singer-fretless banjo player John McCutcheon's captivating "Cuckoo," Old Crow Medicine Show's buoyant "What You Gonna Do With The Baby," the haunting instrumental "Cluck Old Hen" featuring Tray Wellington (on bluegrass banjo) and Victor Furtado (on old time banjo), and enticing "Forked Deer" featuring dynamic play from Becky Buller (fiddle), McCutcheon (banjo), Tim O'Brien (mandolin), PJ George (guitar) and Missy Raines (bass). Information: folksongs.com. 

Artist: Kevin Gordon

Title: The In Between (Kevin Gordon)

You might like if you enjoy: Kevin Gordon, John Hiatt, John Mellencamp
Tell me more: On his latest album The In Between, singer-songwriter Kevin Gordon chronicles dark times and triumph — much of the winning material centered on events and emotions centered around his successful fight to overcame throat cancer during the recording of the outstanding release. The catchy uptempo opener "Simple Things" is a roots rocker that was penned during the pandemic and — as Gordon notes in media notes about his seventh album — taps into the "exchange of energy between me and an audience." The luxurious alt country-tinged title track finds the Louisiana native looking at his life and the decisions he has made with depth and candor. Other standouts on the stellar album include the galloping rocker "Love Right," lovely fiddle-adorned "Tammy Cecile," garage rock-styled nugget "Coming Up," rollicking "Destiny" and deeply affecting closer "You Can't Hurt Me No More." Information: https://kevingordon.bandcamp.com/album/the-in-between.

Artist: Al Basile

Title: Blues In Hand (Sweetspot Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Dr. John, Roomful of Blues, Tab Benoit
Tell me more: Eight-time Blues Music Award-nominated singer/songwriter/cornetist Al Basile's latest full-length. album Blues in Hand showcases his signature brand of blues with a parade of strong originals. Among the captivating tracks on the 13-track disc is the opener "All of Your Lies," cornet-anchored "Blues is My Roommate" (the latter bolstered by Kid Andersen's lead guitar work), horn section-fueled "Good Friends" and "Leave it All Behind You," confessional "Older By the Minute," exuberant "Thank You, Fool" and funky "You Ain't That Fine." Basile's strong baritone vocals and stellar cornet playing enhance the album's tracks at every turn. Information: albasile.com.

Robert Kinsler 

Lucinda Williams offers raw & fearless commentary on political chaos with forthcoming album 'World's Gone Wrong' - out January 23, 2026

Photo credit: Daryl Weisser

Catch up on breaking news as it relates to Lucinda Williams' forthcoming album "World's Gone Wrong," set for release on Jan. 23, 2026. The acclaimed singer-songwriter is joined by several high-profile guests on the LP including Mavis Staples and Norah Jones. You can also listen to the first advance track from the album via the link below. Read my review of Williams' memorable performance at the Pure Imagination Festival in 2023 HERE...Robert Kinsler

MULTI-GRAMMY AWARD WINNER LUCINDA WILLIAMS RETURNS ON JANUARY 23RD WITH WORLD’S GONE WRONG A RAW AND FEARLESS COMMENTARY ON MODERN AMERICA NEW ALBUM FEATURES SPECIAL GUESTS MAVIS STAPLES, NORAH JONES AND BRITTNEY SPENCER WATCH LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO OF POWERFUL NEW SINGLE “WORLDS GONE WRONG” HERE

“…much like the roots of rock music itself, the core sources of her sound — country, blues, folk — converge into the heart of it all, as if to say: she's not just a vein of rock and roll; she's in its blood.” – NPR Music Nashville, TN – Three-time Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams confronts America’s socio-political chaos head-on with her forthcoming album World’s Gone Wrong (out January 23rd via Highway 20 Records). World’s Gone Wrong is a raw and unapologetic set of songs that were written and recorded with a sense of urgency during the spring of 2025. The album opens with the powerful title track, featuring Brittney Spencer, which speaks to the plight of the working class during these turbulent times, and the resiliency to move forward with the underlying plea of “come on baby we gotta stay strong” in the chorus. Watch the live performance video of “World’s Gone Wrong” HERE. Throughout nine original tracks, Williams offers songs that do not just chronicle our times but challenge us to rise above them. A timely cover of Bob Marley’s “So Much Trouble In The World” features a captivating duet with the incomparable Mavis Staples. The bluesy “How Much Did You Get For Your Soul” revisits the spiritual reckoning of Williams’ celebrated 2020 release Good Souls Better Angel. “Freedom Speaks” is a soul-stirring anthem that personifies liberty as a voice rising against oppression and apathy warning us of the dangers of complacency in the face of injustice. The album closes with the deeply moving “We’ve Come Too Far to Turn Around,” featuring Norah Jones on piano and harmony vocals. The hymn-like track is rooted in struggle and redemption while acknowledging the challenge to maintain the fortitude and spiritual conviction needed when turning back is not an option. Jones’ and Williams’ emotive vocals blend seamlessly, offering a breathtaking finale to an essential work for these times. World’s Gone Wrong serves as a wake-up call and a battle cry, finding beauty, grit, and grace in a world on edge. The album reaffirms Williams’ place as one of the most vital and uncompromising voices in American music.  World’s Gone Wrong was co-produced by Tom Overby and longtime Williams’ collaborator Ray Kennedy, who recorded and mixed the album at his Room & Board Studio in Nashville, TN. Listen to the song “World’s Gone Wrong” at your preferred DSPs HERE Pre-order / Pre-save the album World’s Gone Wrong HERE For news and updates, visit LucindaWilliams.com

Mumford & Sons’ new album "Prizefighter" out February 13

 Here is the official media release about the forthcoming Mumford & Sons album "Prizefighter," due Feb. 13. Be sure to listen to the great advance single "Rubber Band Man" featuring Hozier too...Robert Kinsler

MUMFORD & SONS’ NEW ALBUM

PRIZEFIGHTER OUT FEBRUARY 13 

CO-PRODUCED AND CO-WRITTEN WITH AARON DESSNER, FEATURES COLLABORATIONS WITH HOZIER, GRACIE ABRAMS, CHRIS STAPLETON AND GIGI PEREZ

FOLLOWS RUSHMERE, THE BAND’S RETURNING ALBUM WHICH DEBUTED AT #1 IN THE U.K. EARLIER THIS YEAR

SOLD-OUT U.K. + EUROPEAN ARENA TOUR KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK

October 29, 2025—Mumford & Sons will release their new album, Prizefighter, February 13 via Glassnote Records. Pre-order/pre-save HERE. The band’s sixth studio album, Prizefighter was co-produced and co-written with The National’s Aaron Dessner at his Long Pond Studio in upstate New York.

The record consists of fourteen tracks including the band’s new single, “Rubber Band Man (with Hozier),” which debuted last week. Listen HERE. 

A mere seven months after the arrival of RUSHMERE, the band’s long anticipated #1 album in March 2025, Mumford & Sons take full advantage of a prolific period of songwriting with another full-length record in quick succession. 

Created alongside Dessner, who the band previously worked with on their third record, Wilder Mind, Prizefighter captures the band at their most open and instinctive. In just ten days, they’d written more than an album’s worth of songs, and a collection that feels both deeply personal, instinctive and unguardedly communal. Marcus Mumford’s lyrics grapple with resilience and striving, singing with a mix of confidence and urgency.

For Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, the sessions were as much about rediscovery as recording. Days spent writing in Hudson cafés and nights spent around Long Pond’s kitchen table gave rise to songs that feel unpolished in the best sense—alive with first takes and the joy of simply making music together again. Reenergized, rejuvenated and in the form of their lives, Prizefighter embraces and reflects that full-strength energy and enthusiasm with fourteen songs of light, shade and everything in-between.  

That openness extended to the studio door too. Mumford & Sons welcomed collaborators into the studio, calling on the likes of Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton, Gigi Perez and Dessner himself. Their presence underscored the band’s commitment to community and connection. 

Of the project, Mumford shares, “We feel like we’re hitting our prime as a creative force. We’re putting everything we have into this now, and we’re using everything about our experience so far to embrace exactly who we are. We’re comfortable in our skins these days. And Prizefighter is us going for it—serious and playful, sometimes bruised and always hopeful. We’re nowhere near done yet. I hope and believe we’re in the beginning of something we don’t want to let up on. I’m more excited to be in this band than I’ve ever been.” 

Photo credit: Conor Cunningham

PRIZEFIGHTER TRACK LIST

1. Here (with Chris Stapleton)

2. Rubber Band Man (with Hozier)

3. The Banjo Song

4. Run Together

5. Conversation With My Son

6. Alleycat

7. Prizefighter

8. Begin Again

9. Icarus (with Gigi Perez)

10. Stay

11. Badlands (with Gracie Abrams)

12. Shadow Of A Man

13. I’ll Tell You Everything

14. Clover

MUMFORD & SONS CONFIRMED TOUR DATES

November 6—Stockholm, Sweden—Avicii Arena#

November 8—Copenhagen, Denmark—Royal Arena#

November 10—Berlin, Germany—Uber Arena#

November 12—Cologne, Germany—LANXESS Arena+

November 13—Antwerp, Belgium—Antwerps Sportpaleis+

November 14—Paris, France—Adidas Arena#

November 16—Luxembourg, Luxembourg—Rockhal+

November 17—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Ziggo Dome#

November 19—Bologna, Italy—Unipol Arena+

November 20—Zurich, Switzerland—Hallenstadion+

November 21—Milan, Italy—Unipol Forum+

November 23—Barcelona, Spain—Palau Sant Jordi+

November 25—Lisbon, Portugal—Sagres Campo Pequeno+

November 29—Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.—Utilita Arena* (SOLD OUT)

November 30—Leeds, U.K.—First Direct Arena* (SOLD OUT)

December 2—Glasgow, U.K.—OVO Hydro* (SOLD OUT)

December 3—Manchester, U.K.—Co-op Live* (SOLD OUT)

December 5—Sheffield, U.K.—Utilita Arena* (SOLD OUT)

December 7—Birmingham, U.K.—Utilita Arena Birmingham* (SOLD OUT)

December 8—Cardiff, U.K.—Utilita Arena Cardiff* (SOLD OUT)

December 10—London, U.K.—The O2* (SOLD OUT)

December 11—London, U.K.—The O2* (SOLD OUT)

December 27—San Diego, CA—Wild Horses Festival

January 8-11—Cancun, Mexico—Out of the Blue Festival

February 20-22—Tempe, AZ—Innings Festival

#with special guests The Vaccines + The Barr Brothers
+with special guest The Vaccines

*with special guest Sierra Ferrell

www.mumfordandsons.com

Neil Young's 1975 album 'Tonight's The Night' coming as 50th Anniversary Edition

Check out the official media release with details about a 50th Anniversary edition of Neil Young's "Tonight's The Night" album release coming next month...Robert Kinsler

NEIL YOUNG REVISTS 1975 CLASSIC ALBUM TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT WITH 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION FEATURING SIX BONUS TRACKS AND REIMAGINED COVER ART RECORDED IN 1973, DEFINITIVE VERSION NOW CONTAINS 18 SONGS TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 28 VIA WARNER/REPRISE RECORDS

There are certain albums meant to make a difference. Even before they're released into the world, the way they are inspired and then brought to life feel meant to be. And, in 1975, when Neil Young released TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT it was definitely foretold. Young had been recording with new-edge musicians and had written songs that become lifelong inspirations. Recorded in 1973 on analog tape, it was released two years later and has since been regarded as one of Neil's masterpieces. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the album, six bonus tracks have been added to this limited edition release of one of Young's truly inspirational releases.  Many unique additions have been gathered to create the definitive edition of what many have called the third and final installment of the “The Ditch Trilogy." 1975 was a historical time, and the album reflects that. These were turbulent times which saw the end of the Vietnam War, a new president in the White House but nothing would affect Young more than the untimely and tragic passing of two close friends, original Crazy Horse guitarist/vocalist Danny Whitten and devoted road crew member Bruce Berry. In so many ways, Neil Young's music fifty years later is still growing from all that was inspired from the time of TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT. It's a feeling and knowledge was opened up from the songs of the album. The 50th Anniversary Deluxe limited edition will be released on vinyl, CD and digitally. A clear vinyl format is available at Greedy Hand Store and indie retailers. The original artwork has been creatively reimagined for this limited edition release. Included on the new anniversary release are unreleased original versions of "Lookout Joe" and "Walk On," both recorded during the original 1973 album sessions at S.I.R. in Los Angeles. "Lookout Joe" replaces the original released album version that was recorded at Young's Broken Arrow Studio and subsequently included in Tonight’s the Night original release. Both "Lookout Joe" and "Walk On" fit like a glove with the original TTN releases, recorded in the same sessions and have the same vibe. There are also five bonus tracks on the 50TH ANNIVERSARY edition: These versions of "Lookout Joe", "Walk On," and "Tonight's The Night" (Take 3) have never been released. "Everybody's Alone," "Raised on Robbery" (featuring Joni Mitchell,) and "Speakin' Out" Jam appeared in NEIL YOUNG ARCHIVES VOL II, while the unreleased TTN version of “Wonderin'’ from the same sessions has only ever been available to stream on NYA. This is the first time all six bonus tracks from the original sessions have been available on vinyl, making this the most cohesive and true version of Tonight's The Night. In Young's unique career path, all these recordings from such an exciting period of his career and rock & roll itself were opening up new abilities to expand the music, looking towards the future as well as celebrating the past. It was a period for change, even in its earliest adventures.  TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT 50th Anniversary Edition Tracklisting: Tonight’s The Night  Speakin’ Out World On A String Borrowed Tune Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown Mellow My Mind Roll Another Number (For The Road) Albuquerque New Mama Lookout Joe [New 1973 version] Tired Eyes Tonight’s The Night (part II) Bonus Tracks - all from original TTN sessions at S.I.R. Walk On Wonderin’ Everybody’s Alone Raised On Robbery [feat. Joni Mitchell] Speakin’ Out Jam Tonight’s The Night (take 3) All formats will be available at the Greedy Hand Store at Neil Young Archives (NYA) and music retailers everywhere. Hi-res digital audio will be available at Neil Young Archives and most DSPs. All Greedy Hand Store purchases come with free hi-res digital audio downloads from the NYA Download Store at NYA. # # # Visit: Neil Young Archives (NYA)