'South Park 25TH Anniversary' 3 vinyl set drops April 20, 2024 Record Store Day

'South Park 25th Anniversary Concert' Featuring Trey Parker & Matt Stone, Primus and Ween with special guest performance by Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson of RUSH

~3 vinyl set Drops April 20, 2024 Record Store Day ~

Celebrating 25 years of Comedy Central’s Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning animated series South Park

New York, NY (April 4, 2024) -- On April 20, 2024, Mercury Studios will exclusively release, on Record Store Day, a 3LP package, pressed on “Towelie-Blue” vinyl, of the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert. Recorded over two nights on August 9 and 10, 2022 at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, this concert features performances from South Park creators Trey Parker & Matt Stone, along with Primus and Ween. Also included is a special performance of “Closer to The Heart” with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson from the band Rush.

Additionally, the 3LP package is numbered up to 5,500 copies.

Find participating stores and more information at recordstoreday.com

Track Listing
Side A:
1. There’s Magic Inside You – Trey Parker & Matt Stone
2. Here Come The Bastards – Primus & Ween
3. Uncle Fker – Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)
4. Montage - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)
5. Jackin’ It In San Diego - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)

Side B:
1. It’s Easy MMkay - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)
2. South Park Themes – Les Claypool & Primus, Trey Parker, Matt Stone
3. Butters Theme Song / Robot Friend – Trey Parker & Matt Stone
4. Blame Canada - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)

Side C:
1. Closer To The Heart – Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson of Rush (with Primus & Matt Stone)
2. Colorado Farm - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)
3. Gay Fish - Trey Parker & Matt Stone

Side D:
1. The Mollusk – Ween
2. Tommy (Butters) The Cat – Primus, Matt Stone
3. Let’s Fighting Love - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)
4. When I Was On Top Of You – Trey Parker & Matt Stone

Side E:
1. Buckingham Green – Ween
2. The Ballad of Lemmiwinks - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)
3. Kyle’s Mom’s a Bitch - Trey Parker & Matt Stone

Side F:
1. What Would Brian Boitano Do? - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)
2. Boogers & Cum - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)
3. America, Fk Yeah / America Medley - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)

ABOUT MERCURY STUDIOS

Mercury Studios is a full-service production studio.

Current and recent projects include Telluride Film Festival selections American Symphony, a feature documentary by award-winning filmmaker Matthew Heineman that follows Jon Batiste and If These Walls Could Sing, the untold story of the world-famous Abbey Road Studios directed by celebrated British photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney for Disney+; “My Life as a Rolling Stone,” a four-part docuseries of intimate portraits of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts for the BBC and MGM+; Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl, a career documentary about the superstar currently available on Netflix; Mixtape, the critically acclaimed feature documentary from Omar Acosta focused on the DJs and artists who shaped the sound and culture of Hip-Hop through mixtapes for Paramount+; and the forthcoming “This Town,” a six-part series for the BBC from writer, creator, and executive producer Steven Knight. Mercury Studios also produced “Sam Smith Live at the Royal Albert Hall” (BBC/Tik Tok) and Billie Eilish’s livestream event, “Overheated,” at The 02 London and the upcoming “Lang Lang Plays Disney” for Disney+.

Editorially independent, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and represents the world’s leading catalogue of music-related content, consisting of thousands of hours of premium music-driven film and television programming.

Coachella 2024 Weekend 1 recap: established favorites and rising newcomers set to return for Weekend 2

With a lineup featuring approximately 50 different artists performing each day over its 3-day run, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has something for everyone.  Electronica, rock, pop, R&B, soul, urban, dance and Americana are among the genres celebrated at the fest.

Weekend 1 of the 2024 edition of Coachellafest delivered on the promise of the event, with a wide ranging field of both established legends and rising names bringing their A game to the Empire Polo Field in Indio, April 12-14. Superstar acts typically perform on the large "Coachella" and "Outdoor Theatre" stages, while up-and-comers perform at the festival's smaller stages.

Amber Mary Bain, aka the Japanese House performs at Coachella on April 12, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images for Coachella 

Among the early highlights of day 1 were driving alt rock outfit Late Night Drive Home, singer-songwriter the Japanese House (the moniker for English songstress Amber Mary Bain) and New Zealand indie-pop band The Beths.

From left, Elizabeth Stokes and Benjamin Sinclair of
The Beths performing at Coachella.
Photo credit: (YouTube)

Later in the day American singer-songwriter Faye Webster thrilled at the Mojave Stage with her introspective and literate original song craft while singer-guitarist Brittany Howard blended soul, gospel, R& B in her set on the Gobi Stage. The day's headliner, Lana Del Rey, delivered a high-profile set including turns from guest stars Jon Batiste, Jack Antonoff (Bleachers) and Billie Eilish.

Vampire Weekend lead vocalist-guitarist Ezra Koenig at Coachella on April 13.
Photo credit: (YouTube)

Day 2 of the festival featured an equally strong and diverse lineup of artists. Early Saturday attendees were rewarded with a fun set from Huntington Beach-spawned rock band The Aquabats, as well as a stunning return from indie rock great Vampire Weekend (the latter a last-minute addition to this year's festival), and an inspired set from singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste.

Blur guitarist Graham Coxon performing with the Desert Cahuilla Desert Bird Singers on
Saturday, April 13, 2024. Photo credit: (YouTube)

The Coachella Stage hosted terrific full-length sets on Saturday afternoon and evening, with impressive performances from Southern California reggae rockers Sublime, groundbreaking Britpop rock quartet Blur, and the reunion performance by Orange County, CA-spawned No Doubt performing live together for the first time in nine years (Olivia Rodrigo was a guest at the latter's set during a performance of "Bathwater"). Late into the night, The Drums thrilled with a 10-song set of '80s-tinged New Wave originals on the Mojave Stage. 

Olivia Dean performing on April 14, 2024.
Photo credit: (YouTube)

The final day of Weekend 1 saw outstanding sets from pop punk rockers Taking Back Sunday, American R&B singer-songwriter Victoria Monét and experimental English electronica duo Jockstrap. I was most impressed by Neo soul singer Olivia Dean; performing on the Gobi Stage, the 25-year-old English singer used her soprano in the service of terrific original songs (including the heartfelt "Carmen" and wonderful closer "Dive") that fully connected with the audience during her 40-minute set.

The good news for fans of the annual event is the same lineup is scheduled to return to Indio, Friday-Sunday, April 19-21. Music lovers who are not able to attend the fest in person can catch the majority of performances being live-streamed on the Coachella YouTube site. Visit that Coachella Livestream site HERE.

Information: Coachella.com.

Robert Kinsler

Ringo Starr returns with wonderful "February Sky"

Check out the latest news on Ringo Starr and be sure to listen to his wonderful new single "February Sky" too...Robert Kinsler

RINGO STARR "FEBRUARY SKY" Impacting April 12, 2024 Format(s): Classic Rock, Rock

 

 

Today Ringo Starr releases “February Sky,” the first single from his upcoming EP, Crooked Boy. This will be his fourth consecutive EP,  and it includes 4 original tracks. All songs were written and produced by Linda Perry for Starr to make his own, adding vocals and playing drums. The EP will be released on a limited-edition marble vinyl on Record Store Day, April 20, 2024.    After previously collaborating on two songs that appeared on earlier Ringo EPs (“Coming Undone” on Change the World and “Everyone and Everything” on EP3), Linda approached Ringo and asked if she could produce an entire EP – and Crooked Boy, consisting of “February Sky,” “Gonna Need Someone,” “Adeline,” and “Crooked Boy” is the result.   “Linda made me a great EP – she produced it in her studio and then sent me the tracks and I added the drumming and my vocals,” Ringo said.  “'February Sky' is great - very moody - but since Linda wrote these specifically for me - it of course has to have a positive peace & love element.”     “Gonna stand up rise above the rain Start a revolution in these brighter days Found the missing pieces That were vacant to the eye Well I Had enough of February sky”   “February Sky” is available to stream and download now on all platforms.  A visualizer was also created that includes never seen clips from Ringo’s archives.      Fans can get a first listen to the entire EP at Amoeba Music Hollywood on April 18th. Amoeba will have an exclusive “February Sky” red vinyl 7” single available for sale at this event in limited quantities. Details for the playback and single are available here.    In other Ringo news: Through Julien’s Auctions Ringo recently published his 8th book, Beats & Threads. Ringo’s trend setting threads were as signature as the beat of his drums and this book features over 200 images including never before seen photos and extensive details on his drums. Ringo–in collaboration with noted historian, author, speaker, drummer, and vintage drum collector, Gary Astridge–offers for the first-time the most comprehensive look at his legendary Beatles-era drum kits containing decades of research-based information with curated and detailed photographs of these pieces of music history.  It is available now through www.juliensauctions. com    Ringo will also be taking his All Starr Band back on the road for 12 shows this Spring - dates listed below - with additional dates in the Fall coming soon.    May 22 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian May 24 Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery May 25 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian  May 26 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian  May 28 San Bernadino, CA – Yaamava Theatre May 29 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian  May 31 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian  Jun 1 Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian  Jun 5 Mexico City, MX - Auditorio Nacional Jun 6 Mexico City, MX - Auditorio Nacional Jun 8 Hidalgo, TX - Payne Arena Jun 9 Austin, TX - The Moody Theater    For More information, please visit Ringo’s website, RingoStarr.com

2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Preview

Coachellagoers walk past "The Messengers," an art installation by artist Kumkum Fernando. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Music writers Robert Kinsler and George A. Paul each highlight some of their must-see artists coming to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Taking place over consecutive weekends at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Coachellafest will be held April 12-14 and again April 19-21, 2024. This year's headliners are Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator, Doja Cat and No Doubt. There are countless emerging and established artists performing this year.

Fridays, April 12 and 19

Brittany Howard / Photo credit: Bobbi Rich

Brittany Howard — Just two months after the release of her acclaimed album What Now, five-time Grammy Award-winning artist Brittany Howard will bring her soulful and high powered approach to Coachellagoers in Indio. The former singer-guitarist of Alabama Shakes, Howard's 2019 debut Jamie landed on a slew of best-of-the-year lists including The New York Times, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork; it was named NPR's album of the year too. (RK)

Lana Del Rey
Photo credit: Chuck Grant

Lana Del Rey — Acclaimed singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey will bring her parade of wide-ranging hits and stylish approach as the headlining artist on both Fridays of Coachella this month. Last year the New York City native was named the Greatest American Songwriter of the 21st Century by Rolling Stone UK, and her wonderful powers as a vocalist bolster the delivery of wonderful songs such as the dreamy "Video Games," melancholy-adorned "Candy Necklace," electronica-tinged "Doin' Time," piano-anchored soft rock ballad "The Greatest" and shimmering "Say Yes To Heaven." Since the release of her major label debut Born to Die in 2012, the songstress has successfully fused and explored a growing number of styles in her celebrated work. (RK)

Saturdays, April 13 and 20

Sublime — When Sublime founding singer-guitarist Bradley Nowell passed away  in 1996, the band broke up and it appeared the trio from Long Beach, CA might be forgotten. However, the band's third full-length album released two months after Nowell's death spawned the huge enduring hit "What I Got" and interest remained in the reggae rockers. In 2023, founding members Eric Wilson (bass) and Bud Gaugh (drums) announced the reforming of Sublime with Nowell's talented son Jakob Nowell — the band performed at a benefit show at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles, and are now set to make a more high-profile return via their Coachella appearances where they will undoubtedly perform energetic classics such as "Wrong Way," "Santeria" and "What I Got." (RK)

British rock great Blur 
Photo credit: Reuben Bastienne Lewis

Blur — During the Nineties, this London quartet spearheaded the Britpop music movement thanks to an inclination toward making eclectic music – a trait singer/songwriter Damon Albarn continues with Gorillaz and other solo projects. Best known in America for the modern rock radio hits “Song 2” (ubiquitous at sporting events), “Girls & Boys” and “There’s No Other Way,” Blur notched a dozen top 10 hits in the U.K. Last year, it headlined two nights at Wembley Stadium there and released their atmospheric, reflective ninth album The Ballad of Darren alongside producer James Ford (Arctic Monkeys). Guitarist/singer Graham Coxon said the songs, recorded with everyone in the same room, were “loaded with the right intention and emotion.” No stranger to Coachella, Blur has played Indio twice before. (GAP)

Bleachers / Photo credit: Alex Lockett

Bleachers — A decade ago, following stints in Steel Train and fun., mild mannered New Jersey native Jack Antonoff launched Bleachers. It is essentially a one-man-band by the Grammy-winning producer/musician (Taylor Swift, St. Vincent), who often crafts rousing rock anthems with multiple instruments and prominent use of saxophone, lending comparisons to Bruce Springsteen (The Boss even appeared on ’20 single “Chinatown”). Bleachers’ popular adult and alt-rock radio singles include “I Wanna Get Better,” “Rollercoaster,” “Don’t Take the Money,” “Stop Making This Hurt,” and recently, “Modern Girl.” The excellent new eponymous fourth album contains guest appearances from Florence Welch, St. Vincent, and Matt Healy of The 1975. Antonoff has also worked with Lana Del Rey, so his Coachella set could easily have some special guests. (GAP)

The Drums / Photo credit: Qiao Meng

The Drums – Singer Jonny Pierce co-founded The Drums in 2008. Two years later, the NYC pop/rock band’s self-titled debut made major inroads in England, where several singles charted there and in Mexico. The reverb-drenched vocals, melodic guitars and keyboard-driven sound frequently recalls the Eighties heyday of Postcard and Rough Trade Records acts. By 2017’s Abysmal Thoughts, The Drums transitioned into a solo vehicle for Pierce, a LGBTQ artist who writes songs with unflinchingly honest lyrics. Last year, The Drums’ old giddy jangle pop gem
“Money” went viral on social media and was certified gold here. Seventh studio album Johnny finds noted female hip hop singer Rico Nasty guesting on “Dying.” A new deluxe version expands the latest release to 21 tracks. (GAP) 

Sundays, April 14 and 21

Taking Back Sunday
Photo credit: Ashley Osborn

Taking Back Sunday — Long Island's Taking Back Sunday was definitely among the more captivating emo/post-hardcore bands to emerge in the late 1990s/early 2000s. A Warped Tour regular, they gained popularity from the get-go with indie album Tell All Your Friends. Yet when guitarist Fred Mascherino joined for Where You Want to Be, his playing style and interlocking vocal interplay with frontman Adam Lazzara took everything up a notch. Modern rock radio hits “Make Damn Sure,” “A Decade Under the Influence,” and “Liar” were prime examples. The intervening years have seen several lineup changes. Solid latest album 152, named after a long-running in-joke between band members, contains what Lazzara said is “a lot of fun stuff and more pop-influenced material.” (GAP) 

TBA

No Doubt — Few people expected a reunion of the massively successful alt-rock and ska band from Anaheim, considering singer Gwen Stefani’s busy solo career, Vegas residencies, coaching stints on NBC’s “The Voice,” clothing and beauty lines and various singles with husband Blake Shelton. Coachella will mark the foursome’s first gig together in nine years. No Doubt’s last studio album was 2012’s underrated Push and Shove. Stefani told Jimmy Kimmel they plan to play a deep cut from 1995’s diamond-certified Tragic Kingdom. Chances are good that fans will also hear some big hits like “Spiderwebs,” “Sunday Morning,” “Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak,” “Hella Good,” “Hey Baby,” and the fine cover of Talk Talk’s “It’s My Life.” (GAP)

Blu-ray review: Foghat's 'Slow Ride - Live In Concert'

Foghat's Slow Ride - Live In Concert is available today (Friday, April 5, 2024).

Artist: Foghat

Title: Slow Ride - Live In Concert (Cleopatra Entertainment / MVD Visual)

You might like if you enjoy: Foghat, Savoy Brown, Humble Pie, Canned Heat

Tell me more: The just-released Blu-ray Slow Ride - Live In Concert captures classic English rock quartet Foghat at an essential moment in time; the concert film was recorded and filmed at two dates in Houston, Texas in September 1999 — sadly lead singer and founding member Lonesome Dave Peverett passed away from complications related to kidney cancer in February 2000 at the age of 56 (less than five months after the performances featured on the title were recorded). The energetic concert is a rousing and great snapshot of Foghat; in addition to the talents of Peverett on lead vocals and guitar, lead guitar virtuoso Bryan Bassett, drummer Roger Earl and bassist Tony Stevens are seen locked in and firing on all cylinders. The dream track listing includes an extended take on "Drivin' Wheel," a rousing version of the classic blues cut "Somebody's Been Sleepin' In My Bed," and a dynamic slide guitar-anchored reading of the Peverett original "Stone Blue." Other highlights include an amped up take on Robert Johnson's blues nugget "Sweet Home Chicago," the beautiful blues ballad "Angel of Mercy" and the hard rocking "Fool For The City." The Jack Updyke-directed concert film wraps up with a powerful take on the Willie Dixon classic "I Just Want To Make Love To You" and a marathon version of the band's enduring 1975 hard rock hit "Slow Ride."

In addition there are segments across the film featuring interviews with the band members recorded at the time; at one point Everett notes the name "Foghat" had its genesis as a nonsense word he created during a childhood game of Scrabble he was playing with his brother. 

The title is also available as a CD+DVD release. The track listing for the Blu-ray version, as well as the DVD and audio CD configurations is as follows:

 

TRACK LIST:
1. Drivin' Wheel
2. Somebody's Been Sleepin' In My Bed
3. Stone Blue
4. It Hurts Me Too
5. Rock Your House
6. Sweet Home Chicago
7. Angel Of Mercy
8. Fool For The City
9. I Just Want To Make Love To You
10. Slow Ride

 

Information: Cleopatra-entertainment.com.

On a related note, below is the media release regarding the vinyl release of the historic concert recording:

For Immediate Release

FOGHAT’s Iconic 1999 Live Concert Album Released Today, Coming To A Turntable Near You For The Very First Time!

Los Angeles, CA - Foghat’s faithful fanbase has been buzzing ever since the announcement of the release of the band’s superb 1999 live performance, called Slow Ride - Live In Concert. This incredible live performance is being released today as a CD/DVD set but what many fans have been clamoring for is to see this killer show pressed on vinyl. Well, the gods of classic rock have obliged as Cleopatra Records is proud to announce a gorgeous double LP Orange Marble vinyl package of Slow Ride - Live In Concert in a classy gatefold jacket with informative liner notes and several vintage images that celebrate this band’s epic career. One listen and you’ll agree, Foghat’s fulsome mix of bluesy soulful rock sounds even better with the full dynamic range of well-pressed vinyl.

Longtime Foghat bassist Tony Stevens shares his thoughts on the release of Slow Ride - Live In Concert, saying “This concert album shows the band at its best with Brian Bassett taking over from Rod Price, who left Foghat the year before. For me though, the gold star has to go to Lonesome Dave Peverett. After going through 6 months of chemotherapy, after having a kidney removed, he came back, 50 pounds lighter in his gold suit and Rocked The House! I enjoyed our ‘playing off’ with each other. Loads of smiles and laughter. This video is a tribute to Dave. A rock and roll hero of the 100th degree.” Sadly, Peverett would pass away less than a year after the recording of this concert at the age of 56. But this performance is keeping his memory and the Foghat legacy alive for future generations to discover!

Order the CD/DVD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/foghat-slow-ride-live-in-concert-cd-dvd/
Order the vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/foghat-slow-ride-live-in-concert-double-orange-marble/
Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/foghat_liveinconcert

Watch a clip from the video: https://youtu.be/0sTEj1pp-Ck

TRACK LIST:
1. Drivin' Wheel
2. Somebody's Been Sleepin' In My Bed
3. Stone Blue
4. It Hurts Me Too
5. Rock Your House
6. Sweet Home Chicago
7. Angel Of Mercy
8. Fool For The City
9. I Just Want To Make Love To You
10. Slow Ride

Robert Kinsler

New music: Mötley Crüe, Son of a Velvet Rat, Loreena McKennitt

In this column I highlight two terrific new studio albums, as well as the initial 4K Ultra HD release from Mercury Studios (Mötley Crüe: The End – Live In Los Angeles).

Artist: Mötley Crüe

Title: The End - Live In Los Angeles (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Mötley Crüe

Tell me more: Set for release on April 5, Mötley Crüe: The End - Live In Los Angeles kicks off Mercury Studios' 4K initiative. Indeed, the concert film is available on 4K UHD for the first time; the 4K Ultra HD title looks and sounds spectacular. The concert film chronicles Motley Crue's final performance featuring its original lineup on Dec. 31, 2015 when the legendary quartet (singer Vince Neil, bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee and guitarist Mick Mars) performed at Staples Center in their hometown of Los Angeles in front of a capacity crowd. Opening with the surefire hit "Girls, Girls, Girls," the hard rock outfit delivered more than a dozen well-known originals, as well as a crowd-pleasing drum solo courtesy of Lee and guitar solo from Mars. The energy displayed by the band and dancers/backing vocalists Allison Kyler and Sofia Toufa never falters, and the enthusiasm of the crowd adds to the power of the performance; impressive pyrotechnics and a cutting-edge stage design also enhance the event. Among the early concert standouts performed by the band include the blazing rocker "Wild Side," slide guitar-adorned "Primal Scream," melodic "Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)" and blistering "Looks That Kill." Rocking favorites "Shout At The Devil," "Saints Of Los Angeles," and "Dr. Feelgood" are among the subsequent high points. The band caps off their regular set with an inspired "Kickstart My Heart" before closing the night with an emotional "Home Sweet Home." Bonus features on the disc include interviews with all four members of the band and more; a colorful booklet photographs of the band members and additional information on the concert film. "This is more than a tour," Nikki Sixx notes. "This is the end." Thanks to the immersive and incredible visuals and audio featured on The End - Live In Los Angeles, Mötley Crüe's legacy lives on. Information: motley.com and mercurystudios.co.

Artist: Son of the Velvet Rat

Title: Ghost Ranch (Fluff & Gravy Records / Missing Piece Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Leonard Cohen, Other Lives, Neil Young, Cowboy Junkies

Tell me more: Joshua Tree-based duo Son of the Velvet Rat has returned with the wonderful Ghost Ranch, an album that soars via a mix of folk, roots, alt rock, cabaret and art damage styles fused into an otherworldly approach that is fully original and listenable. Featuring the talents of songwriter Georg Altziebler and his wife Heike Binder, the tracks also feature the talents of Jay Bellerose on drums, Jennifer Condos on bass and Jolie Holland on backing vocals and violin; Marc Ribot guests on electric guitar. The mesmerizing otherworldly opener "Bewildering Black & White Moments Captured On Trail Cams," scorching Americana rocker "Beautiful Day," tender "Deeper Shade Of Blue," literate "The Golden Gate," haunting "New Frontier" and touching "The Watterlily And The Dragonfly" all hit their mark on this amazing and immersive title. Information: sonofthevelvetrat.com.

Artist: Loreena McKennitt

Title: The Road Back Home (Quinlan Road / UME)

You might like if you enjoy: Gypsy Soul, The Chieftains, Enya, Irish music

Tell me more: Acclaimed Celtic singer Loreena McKennitt is back with a new full-length album, the bewitching Celtic folk project The Road Back Home. The outstanding LP was recorded by the Juno Award-winning Canadian artist in Summer 2023 while she was performing at four folk festivals in Canada. The album features 10 songs, including several that date back to the early part of her career but have remained unrecorded by her until this release; the surrounding soundscape of penny whistle, accordion, banjo, fiddle and bodhrán artfully elevates the authentic approach across the disc. The wistful opener "Searching For Lambs," pretty "Mary & The Soldier," gorgeous "On a Bright May Morning," uptempo cut "As I Roved Out," sumptuous "Bonny Portmore" and heartfelt "The Star of the County Down" all benefit from McKennitt's stirring soprano vocals. Information: loreenamckennitt.com.

Robert Kinsler