Friday, June 09, 2023

Greta Van Fleet debuts new song 'Farewell For Now'

Happy Friday all! Check out the terrific new Greta Van Fleet song "Farewell For Now" released today. The fantastic song will be featured on the band's forthcoming album Starcatcher...Robert Kinsler



GRAMMY WINNING ROCK BAND 
GRETA VAN FLEET DEBUTS NEW SONG “FAREWELL FOR NOW”
 
NEW ALBUM STARCATCHER DUE JULY 21 ON
LAVA/REPUBLIC RECORDS

STARCATCHER WORLD TOUR KICKS OFF JULY 24 IN NASHVILLE, TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Photo credit: Neil Krug
 
“Greta Van Fleet aim to bust down old walls.” - Rolling Stone

“[Greta Van Fleet is] the strongest piece of evidence that the elusive spirit of 1970s rock and roll [is] back.” - Vanity Fair 

“There’s something winning about the members’ earnest intentions, as well as their unwavering commitment to them. Their sincere love for the history of rock shows in the depth of their knowledge about it.” - The Guardian 
 
June 9, 2023—Grammy-winning rock band Greta Van Fleet is debuting their new track “Farewell For Now;” listen HERE and watch/share the visualizer HERE.

“On ‘Farewell For Now’ we express the sentiment of our longing to stay on stage and savor the magic created by the audience-music phenomena,” notes bassist Sam Kiszka. “But we must pack up and go to the next place to do it all over again; as always, we’ll be back soon.”

“Farewell For Now” is the latest track to be unveiled from the band’s highly anticipated forthcoming third studio album Starcatcher, due July 21 on Lava/Republic Records. The new track follows the release of “Meeting The Master” and “Sacred The Thread;” American Songwriter calls the latter track a “stunner.” Of “Meeting The Master,” Consequence raves that the song “[digs] deeper into their mythical lore by revisiting concepts from their previous work,” while Uproxx notes that “‘Meeting the Master’ [is] an existential new single on which lead vocalist Josh Kiszka embarks on a spiritual journey;” pre-save/pre-order the record HERE.

Most recently, the band shared a live performance video of “Sacred The Thread;” watch/share HERE.

Additionally, the band is launching another new vinyl variant—an exclusive black glitter vinyl—that is available for pre-order HERE. The band is also offering a red glitter vinyl, exclusive to Target, as well as an opaque vinylavailable at select record stores across the country.

In celebration of the new music, the band is set to kick off their Starcatcher World Tour on July 24 in Nashvilleat the Bridgestone Arena. The tour, produced by Live Nation, includes stops at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York and The Forum in Los Angeles as well as London’s OVO Arena Wembley and more; see below for a complete list of dates. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE. The Starcatcher World Tour includes support from special guests Kaleo, Surf Curse, Mt. Joy and Black Honey.

Greta Van Fleet will also be touring throughout Europe, starting in Hamburg, Germany on November 6 with further international stops in Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam and more.

Starcatcher is written and recorded by the band—lead singer Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka, bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner—alongside Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb(Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile). Recorded at the legendary RCA Studios in Nashville, the band utilized the large recording room to capture the pure energy of their world-renowned live performances.

“We didn’t really have to force or be intense about writing, because everything that happened was very instinctual,” Jake says. “If anything, the record is our perspective, and sums up where we are as a group and individually as musicians.”

Throughout the ten-song collection the band explores the duality of fantasy versus reality and the contrast between light and darkness. “We had this idea that we wanted to tell these stories to build a universe,” says Wagner. “We wanted to introduce characters and motifs and these ideas that would come about here and there throughout our careers through this world.”

The band took multiple concepts from critically acclaimed sophomore album The Battle at Garden’s Gateand brought them into Starcatcher, although Sam’s take on the new record’s big ideas hint instead at new beginnings. “When I imagine the world of Starcatcher, I think of the cosmos,” he says. “It makes me ask a lot of questions, like ‘Where did we come from?’ or ‘What are we doing here?’ But it’s also questions like, ‘What is this consciousness that we have, and where did it come from?’”
The band is best known for their renowned live performances, selling over one million tickets worldwide. They sold out their entire 2022 arena tour, holding a special energy between them and their devoted fans. With Starcatcher the band aims to capture that energy in the recording studio.
Most recently, the band performed at the inaugural Lollapalooza Mumbai and completed an extensive U.S. arena tour in March. This month, Greta Van Fleet played at Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta and the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis.

Starcatcher follows their acclaimed sophomore album The Battle at Garden’s Gate, released in 2021 to extensive chart and critical success. The album debuted at #1 Billboard Rock Album, #1 Billboard Hard Rock Album, #1 Billboard Vinyl Album, #2 Billboard Top Album Sales and in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200. Their From The Fires EP, released in 2017, won Best Rock Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.

Forming in Frankenmuth, Michigan in 2012, Greta Van Fleet consists of three brothers—vocalist Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka and bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka—as well as drummer Danny Wagner. Together they have performed across multiple continents, sold over 3.5 million records worldwide and performed on late night television shows such as "Saturday Night Live," "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" 
 

 
GRETA VAN FLEET—STARCATCHER

1. Fate Of The Faithful
2. Waited All Your Life
3. The Falling Sky
4. Sacred The Thread
5. Runway Blues
6. The Indigo Streak
7. Frozen Light
8. The Archer
9. Meeting The Master
10. Farewell For Now
 
GRETA VAN FLEET LIVE
July 24—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena*
July 27—Fort Worth, TX—Dickies Arena*
July 28—Houston, TX—Toyota Center*
July 31—Denver, CO—Ball Arena*
August 2—Salt Lake City, UT—Vivint Arena*
August 4—Seattle, WA—Climate Pledge Arena*
August 5—Portland, OR—Veterans Memorial Coliseum*
August 8—Oakland, CA—Oakland Arena*
August 10—Los Angeles, CA—The Kia Forum*
August 12—Las Vegas, NV—T-Mobile Arena*
September 3—St. Paul, MN—Xcel Energy Center†
September 6—Chicago, IL—Allstate Arena†
September 8—Detroit, MI—Little Caesars Arena†
September 11—Washington DC—Capital One Arena†
September 12—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden†
September 15—Boston, MA—TD Garden†
September 16-17—Asbury Park, NJ—Sea Hear Now Festival 2023
September 19—Philadelphia, PA—Wells Fargo Center†
September 22—Indianapolis, IN—Gainbridge Fieldhouse†
September 23—Cleveland, OH—Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse†
November 6—Hamburg, Germany—Sporthalle‡
November 8—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Ziggo Dome‡
November 9—Paris, France—Accor Arena‡
November 12—Brussels, Belgium—Forest National‡
November 14—London, UK—OVO Arena Wembley‡
November 16—Dublin, Ireland—3Arena‡
November 19—Manchester, UK—AO Arena‡
November 20—Glasgow, UK—OVO Hydro‡
November 26—Copenhagen, Denmark—Forum§
November 28—Munich, Germany—Zenith§
November 30—Bologna, Italy—Unipol Arena§
December 3—Barcelona, Spain—Sant Jordi Club§
December 4—Madrid, Spain—WiZink Center§
December 6—Lisbon, Portugal—Campo Pequeno§
September 20, 2024—Mexico City, Mexico —Foro Sol**
September 27, 2024—Mexico City, Mexico —Foro Sol**
*with Kaleo
†with Surf Curse
‡with Mt. Joy
§with Black Honey
**as part of Metallica: M72 World Tour

 
About Republic Records
A division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, Republic Records has been recognized by Billboard as the industry’s #1 label over the last 10 years. It is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Billy Porter, Bo Burnham, Clairo, Coi Leray, Conan Gray, Daddy Yankee, Drake, Eddie Vedder, G Herbo, Glass Animals, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, Jimmy Fallon, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Kim Petras, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Swedish House Mafia, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Twice, TXT, and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Federal Films, HYBE, Imperial, JYP, Lava Records, Mercury Records, Republic Records: Kids & Family, Republic Nashville, Universal Arabic Music, Uptown Records, Victor Victor, Wicked Money Family, XO, Young Money, among others.

Wednesday, June 07, 2023

Social Distortion postpone Summer Tour

Here is an important update on Mike Ness and Social Distortion announced this morning. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Ness during this difficult time and I hope he makes a complete and quick recovery. Read my review of Social Distortion's memorable concert staged at House of Blues Anaheim on November 19, 2007 HERE...Robert Kinsler


Mike Ness of Social Distortion performing at Verizon
Wireless Amphitheater in Orange County, CA in October 2011.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift


Today, legendary OC punks Social Distortion announce that they have postponed their upcoming North American headlining tour due to the stage-one tonsil cancer diagnosis of vocalist Mike Ness. As he recovers from a recent surgery, the band is also temporarily halting the recording process of their eighth studio album. The previously announced tour, set to kick off on June 30th with support from fellow California rockers The Bellrays, is now being rescheduled for future dates. Check out the emotional statement from Ness below: 

“We think that life is going to go according to our plan, but it has a way of saying “I don’t think so!” 

In the midst of pre-production, I was diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer. I was feeling well enough to continue with recording in the studio up until the very day before surgery.  The band and I were so inspired and excited to lay down these tracks, which by the way sound f-ing AWESOME!   

The recovery from surgery is a day-by-day process and in three weeks we start radiation and that should be the last therapy I need.  The team of doctors are certain that once finished with this course, I will be able to start the healing and recovery process.  We expect a full recovery enabling me to live a long and productive life.   

It breaks my heart to post pone tours, and this album release, but time is required to heal. I can’t thank our loyal fans enough who have been waiting so patiently for this. While it will take a little longer-I promise you that it will be delivered and it will exceed your expectations.  

I want you all to know that this has opened my eyes to a whole new struggle.  I know it’s one that many of you or your loved ones have personally endured, and my heart goes out to you-because I now know what it’s like from this heavy experience.   

I’m surrounded by love and support from my friends and family ESPECIALLY my lovely wife and incredible boys (oh and don’t forget my 3 dogs and kitty)  THANK YOU ALL in advance to our unbelievable fans for YOUR love and support right now.  ♥️ 

We WILL get through this….” 

Mike Ness performing at House of Blues Anaheim
 in November 2007.
Photo credit: Joshua Sudock


Formed as rebellious teenage punks in the working-class suburb of Fullerton, California, Social Distortion survived their tumultuous youth to pioneer an undeniably honest and fiery brand of rock ‘n’ roll that would incorporate outlaw country, classic seventies punk and primal blues. Seven studio albums and countless electrifying live shows have earned the band a dedicated worldwide fanbase and catalog of timeless anthems including “Story Of My Life,” ”Ball And Chain,” “Prison Bound” and more. The band's last release, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes entered the Billboard 200 at #4 and in 2019 they celebrated 40 years as a band. 

For More Info On Social Distortion Visit: 

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER 

Tuesday, June 06, 2023

Queens of the Stone Age announce forthcoming 'The End is Nero' North American Tour

American rock outfit Queens of the Stone Age not only have a much-anticipated album coming on June 16, but have just announced an ambitious North American tour. Get all the details (and dates) via the media release below...Robert Kinsler




Queens of the Stone Age announce 'The End is Nero' North American Tour

On Sale June 9, 2023, 10 a.m. local time

 

View Tour Trailer here

 

New Album In Times New Roman… out June 16, 2023


“The guys sounded as strong as ever – stronger, even...

It all bodes extremely well for their new album, In Times New Roman…"

—Consequence

 

After a triumphant return on the battlegrounds of Boston Calling and Sonic Temple, Queens of the Stone Age have announced the details of their North American tour, which will kick off on Aug. 3, 2023 in Sterling Heights, MI. Queens of The Stone Age and Citi pre-sales begin Tuesday, June 6 at 10 a.m. local time, with public on-sale following Friday June 9, 10 a.m. local time. The east coast leg of the tour will feature support from Phantogram and The Armed. Viagra Boys and Jehnny Beth will support on the mid-west and west coast dates.

 

The End Is Nero tour is an invitation from Joshua Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore to come celebrate the end of the world, which we hear is “in a month or two." They would like to encourage the obscene and the clean, the outcasts and the weirdos, and anyone and everyone in between to attend, this is where you belong. Leave your judgment at the door, bring anything and everything else.

 

In Times New Roman… will be available digitally and physically on June 16 via Matador Records. On the eve of release fans are invited to ring in the long awaited album at MIDNIGHT CLUB parties taking place at record shops and pubs across 23 countries. The MIDNIGHT CLUB starts at 11 p.m. June 15 and will feature giveaways, exclusive merch including limited edition colored vinyl, and—in a few select locations—signed merchandise and ticket giveaways. MIDNIGHT CLUB will provide the QOTSA faithful with a first chance to hear In Times New Roman… in its entirety, amongst friends, family and of course appropriate levels of bacchanalia.

 

For more information on the MIDNIGHT CLUB locations, visit: https://qotsa.ffm.to/midnightclub

 

To pre-order In Times New Roman…, shop new exclusive merchandise or join the sock of the month club visit https://store.qotsa.com/

 

Citi is the official card of the below Queens of the Stone Age US headline shows. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, June 6th at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, June 8 at 10 p.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

 

Full routing below – for tickets and info visit https://qotsa.com/tour

 

Queens of the Stone Age: The End is Nero Tour: 

 

August 3 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill*

August 4 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage*

August 5 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE Outdoors*

August 7 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater*

August 8 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann*

August 9 – Washington, DC – The Anthem*

August 11 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena*

August 12 – Queens, NY – Forest Hills Stadium*

August 15 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater*

August 16 – Asheville, NC – Rabbit Rabbit*

August 18 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre *

August 19 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater*

September 16 – Chicago, IL – Riot Fest

September 17 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory**

September 19 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse**

September 20 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre**

September 22 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park**

September 23 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park**

September 24 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life

September 26 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP**

September 27 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion**

September 29 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre**

September 30 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Great Saltair**

October 2 – Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum**

October 3 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum**

October 4 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena**

October 6 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium**

October 8 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock

 

*Phantogram and The Armed support

**Viagra Boys and Jehnny Beth support

Monday, June 05, 2023

New music: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Metric, Michael Vincent

In this column, I highlight several notable new releases as well as an essential album title I somehow overlooked upon its release in 2022.


Artist: 
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Title: Council Skies — Deluxe Edition (Sour Mash Record)
You might like if you enjoy: Oasis, Blur, Johnny Marr
Tell me more: The Deluxe Edition of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' Council Skies is a true masterpiece; the marathon-length set runs approximately 100 minutes and includes 24 tracks — a mix of new studio recordings, instrumental versions, remixes and live radio sessions. Spectacular songcraft is at the heart of the collection, an uplifting listen even when Gallagher and company are captured amidst their most introspective and quiet forays (just listen to "There She Blows!" and "Don't Stop..."). The aptly-titled "I'm Not Giving Up Tonight" is anthemic with a rousing chorus and burgeoning arrangement that artfully builds across the song's bewitching run. The melancholy-mining "Dead To The World" showcases Gallagher's signature vocals (including his tender falsetto) in an especially plaintive offering. The glorious symphony-flavored "Open The Door, See What You Find" and "Trying To Find A World That's Been And Gone Pt. 1," soaring "Easy Now," Beatlesque rocker "Love Is A Rich Man" and reflective "Think Of A Number" are other gems on disc 1 of the set. The sumptuous melody-adorned "We're Gonna Get There In The End," genuinely inspired version of John Lennon's "Mind Games," a Robert Smith-remix of "Pretty Boy" and live radio station performance of Bob Dylan's "You Ain't Going' Nowhere" are among the riches on disc 2. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds is currently on tour with Garbage and Metric; the tour includes upcoming stops at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on June 9, at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in San Diego on June 10, and at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ on June 11. Information: noelgallagher.com.


Artist:
Metric
Title: Formentera (Metric Music Intl. / Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: The Album Leaf, Broken Social Scene, Chvrches, synthpop, indie rock
Tell me more: This writer somehow missed getting a listen of Formentera upon its official release in July 2022, but with Metric headlining at Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 (as well as at a number of larger venues opening for Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Garbage), I wanted to catch up on the Toronto, Canada-spawned quartet's latest album now. The eighth studio release from Metric, the nine-track album challenges and rewards the listener at every turn. The ambitious electronica track "Doomscroller" — which clocks in at more than 10 minutes — is a particularly effective track, beginning with a haunting vibe before launching into a propulsive dance soundscape and then touching on other distinct sonic moodscapes along its creative path (including a piano-anchored break where Emily Haines' wonderful soprano is purposefully poignant). The immersive "All Comes Crashing," entrancing indie rocker "What Feels Like Eternity," symphonic-swept "Enemies of the Ocean" and ascending closer "Paths in the Sky" make for a magical and welcome introduction to the stellar talents of Haines (lead vocals, synthesizers, guitar), James Shaw (guitar, synthesizers, theremin, backing vocals), Joshua Winstead (bass, synthesizers, backing vocals) and Joules Scott-Key (drums, percussion). Information: ilovemetric.com.


Artist: 
Michael Vincent
Title: Electric Fox (Angel Blossom Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Warren Zevon, Joey Molland, Snow Patrol
Tell me more: Michael Vincent's new album Electric Fox (released on May 26, 2023) is a fitting showcase for the Bay Area-based singer-songwriter, with the veteran artist exploring a wide range of styles including alt rock, power pop, blues and roots across the 8-track disc. Vincent's stirring style works well on the inviting folk rocker "Together," uptempo indie rocker "Fool, My Eye" (the latter featuring great lead guitar work from Scott Warren), melodic power pop nuggets "Last Summer" and "Living Room," tender romantic sortie "In a Whisper" and crunchy modern rocker "(Kinda Like) Forever." Information: michaelvincentmusic.com.



Robert Kinsler


Thursday, June 01, 2023

New music: Sparkle*Jets U.K., Tony Valentino, Jorma Kaukonen, The Mosquitos

The intoxicating sounds of Southern California's Turn-of-the-Century music scene, as well as the groundbreaking stylings of the 1960s, 1980s and acoustic roots music are revisited thanks to a handful of great 2023 releases.


Artist:
Sparkle*Jets U.K.
Title: Best of Friends (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings, Psychic Rain, Jellyfish
Tell me more: For many years I wrote an award-winning column titled "Orange Pop" for The Orange County Register where I had the thrill of covering that region's explosive music scene. Many of the artists — notably No Doubt, Sugar Ray, Walter Trout and Lit — went on to global success after making a splash locally. However, many of my favorite artists achieved only cult status despite their incredible talent. It's great to see Turn-of-the-Century power pop trio Sparkle*Jets U.K. return with a fantastic new album (Best of Friends, available June 30) — the band's first new studio LP in more than 20 years. The aptly-titled Best of Friends finds Michael Simmons (lead and backing vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums), Susan West (lead and backing vocals) and Jamie Knight (bass, 12-string guitar) offers their distinctive sonic stamp on 21 gems originally recorded by Southern California-based artists who were their contemporaries. The album opens with a wistful take on Walter Clevenger's "Hold On Tight" before the band turns on a dime to deliver a glorious take on The Masticators' "He's Coming Out." A Baroque pop reading of Kompost's "One Summer Sunday," luxurious cover of Cockeyed Ghost's "Ludlow 6:18," a buoyant version of Candypants' "I Want a Pony" and rollicking run through The Dons' "Till We Meet Again" are among my other faves on the first half of the terrific title. The momentum and caliber of the collection never falters; sumptuous versions of The Shazam's "Sunshine Tonight," Linus of Hollywood's "Good Sounds," Wondermints' "In and Around Greg Lake," Kenny Howes and the Yeah!'s "Right Idea," The Negro Problem's "Mahnsanto" and The See Saw's "Probleme Romantique" on the last half of the set have me pretty sure that Sparkle*Jets U.K.'s Best of Friends will land on my favorite albums of 2023 list. Information: BigStirRecords.com.


Artist: 
Tony Valentino
Title: Dirty Water Revisited (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Standells, the Electric Prunes, the Chocolate Watchband
Tell me more: Released on May 26, Dirty Water Revisited marks the high profile return of founding Standells' guitarist Tony Valentino. Along with singer-keyboardist Larry Tamblyn, bassist Jody Rich and drummer Benny King, Valentino was a key player in the Los Angeles-spawned quartet's groundbreaking garage rock sound showcased in their timeless 1966 hit "Dirty Water." On his return Valentino — as well as vocalist/drummer Duane Waider, keyboardist Zero E and bassist-guitarist/vocalist Gary Kaluza — revisits a handful of the enduring gems recorded by the Standells including a rousing take on the aforementioned "Dirty Water," rhythm guitar-anchored "Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White" (the latter bolstered by Valentino's harmonica playing), the electrifying "Barracuda" and rollicking "Try It." The Valentino-produced album also hits high marks thanks to the surf-meets-soul rocker "There Is a Storm Comin'," the blistering hardcore tribute "I'm a Sexy Punk Rocker" (the latter a nod to the Standells' influence on punk rock), infectious "Vicki" and psychedelic "Love Me." Information: BigStirRecords.com.


Artist: 
Jorma Kaukonen
Title: Live at the Bottom Line (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna, acoustic blues
Tell me more: Recorded live on Aug. 23, 2003, the new title Live at the Bottom Line is a fantastic concert recorded featuring legendary singer-guitarist Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) accompanied by Barry Mitterhoff (mandolin, octave mandolin, tenor guitar, tenor banjo) and Cindy Cashdollar (steel guitar). Captured not long after the release of his 2002 Grammy-nominated album Blue Country Heart, this is truly a flawless mix of Americana, country, blues and folk music performed by a trio of virtuoso musicians. The buoyant "Blue Railroad Train" (which includes terrific mandolin playing from Mitterhoff), countrified Jimmie Rodgers nugget "Waiting for a Train," his beautiful original "Do Not Go Gentle" (written for Kaukonen's father) and luxurious instrumental "Living in the Moment" are standouts on disc one. Disc two features an ambitious 11+ minute version of the traditional spiritual "Good Shepherd," an uplifting country blues cover of Reverend Gary Davis' "I Am the Light of This World" and masterful arrangement of the traditional "Hesitation Blues." Two decades after this magical performance was staged at New York's Bottom Line music venue, it's great that a wider audience gets to hear the magic again. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.


Artist: 
The Mosquitos
Title: this then are The Mosquitos! (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five
Tell me more: Fans of melodic '60s-mining rock will want to get a listen to the wonderful this then are The Mosquitos! The Mosquitos' story is almost as compelling as the band's music; in the mid-1980s the rising outfit called it quits on the brink of stardom (indeed, the band was named Best New Rock Group at the New York Music Awards in 1986). Now fast forward to 2023 and The Mosquitos' infectious style blending songwriting elements spanning from the 1950s and 1960s to the 1980s can be heard by all. Standouts abound on the 47-track double CD that collects many of the Mosquitos' best studio and live recordings, with shining vocal harmonies a key part of what makes the outfit's sound so special. As noted in press notes released in connection with the collection: "Since the band only recorded a third of their original songs in the studio, the rest are represented in a live setting. Much care was taken to find the best versions, and some you'll swear are studio recordings." 

"Let's Stomp" is a hyper successful mix of 1950s rockabilly and Devo-like minimalist rock that connects with a single listen. "You Don't Give a Hang (About Me)" is fully original, with layers of shimmering guitars and immersive vocals. "Darn Well," "Quit It" and "I'm So Ashamed" are rousing garage rockers; "Wrong Side of Town" and "I'll Just Hide" conjure up the bona fide excitement of the British Invasion. The band's melodic power pop nugget "That Was Then, This Is Now" (a cover of that Mosquitos original was a comeback hit for the Monkees in 1986), sumptuous "I Know a Secret," propulsive "Standing In the Rain," tender "Stephanie Says" and affecting "Christmas Dream" are other wonderful songs on the essential collection. Information: koolkatmusik.com.


Robert Kinsler

'Brian May + Friends: Star Fleet Project' Special 40th Anniversary Edition

Just announced - this is sure to be one of the most-anticipated reissues of 2023!..Robert Kinsler




BRIAN MAY + FRIENDS
STAR FLEET PROJECT
Special 40th Anniversary Edition

STAR FLEET SESSIONS 
Featuring Brian May, Edward Van Halen, 
Alan Gratzer, Phil Chen, Fred Mandel

2-CD, Vinyl Single & LP
DELUXE BOX SET
Gold Series Release July 14, 2023 
 

Digital Single “Star Fleet” (Edited Single Version)
Leads In Release - available today, June 1

Pre-order Star Fleet Project


“It’s all here. ALL of it. Every note we played on those two days is right here, on show for the first time. I will take you behind the scenes into that studio with us for two unforgettably exhilarating days.” - Brian May


When Queen took a break for the first part of 1983, Brian May put his time to good use. Waking up one morning in Los Angeles, he decided to phone a few friends and invite them to collaborate on some tracks in California’s famous Record Plant studios. The resulting collaboration was a great success, and Brian would later mold the recordings into a unique mini-album, Brian May + Friends: Star Fleet Project.

This third release in the “Brian May Gold Series” offers an extensively revisited and expanded box set edition of these legendary sessions. The set is a complete document of the two days, April 21 and 22, 1983 that May spent in the Record Plant, Los Angeles accompanied by top rock music luminaries Edward Van Halen (guitar), Alan Gratzer (drums), Phil Chen (bass) and Fred Mandel (keyboards). The box set includes a spectacular 23-track CD filled with previously unreleased material. 

Containing two CDs, one vinyl LP, and a vinyl single, as well as other collector’s items, Brian May + Friends: Star Fleet Sessions will be launched as a Deluxe Edition box set, worldwide on July 14th.  

A separate exclusive 7” double A-side single, also available on CD comes out on the same day, July 14th, featuring newly mixed single versions of “Star Fleet” and “Let Me Out.” A special red vinyl version will be available exclusively through the official Queen Online store and is available to pre-order at: https://www.queenonlinestore.com/Brian-May/Starfleet/

The July 14 box set release is ushered in with a special stand alone digital single, “Star Fleet (Edited Single Version)” which becomes available to coincide with today’s, June 1st, box set announcement. The single digital track is available immediately for digital download and streaming.  Listen to the track HERE.