XTC “The Big Express” The Surround Sound Series CD/Blu-ray now available!

XTC 'The Big Express' - The Surround Sound Series CD/Blu-ray Now Available

• Classic 1984 XTC album on CD/Blu-ray newly mixed (2023) by Steven Wilson in Stereo, 5.1 Surround & (for the first time with an XTC album), Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio mixes as part of The Surround Sound Series.
• CD features the complete album newly mixed in stereo + three additional tracks.
• Blu-Ray includes the newly mixed material as featured on CD in Hi-Res Stereo, 5.1 Surround and Dolby Atmos + 2023 stereo out-takes & instrumental mixes in Hi-Res stereo.
• Blu-Ray also includes the original album + additional tracks in Hi-Res stereo
• The complete album & more also appear in demo form (16/48 stereo reflecting the source material).
• Packaged in a 2-disc digipak sleeve with 16-page booklet in a cardboard slip case.

“‘The Big Express’ is the closest we ever came to recording a ‘concept’ album. It’s full of Swindon and deep seams of life there, that run through myself, Colin, and Dave, (Terry too of course). It’s populated by members of our families, our hopes and dreams. The things we wished for, or feared, a stew of memories.” - Andy Partridge – excerpted from the book “Popartery”, 2023

XTC’s seventh album, “The Big Express” was virtually ignored on release, much as its immediate predecessor “Mummer” had been. If “Mummer” was XTC’s quiet album, this was its polar opposite: bright, brash, noisy - even cluttered on occasion if the song demanded it - as it became a concept album of sorts, a partly autobiographical reflection on growing up in an industrial town, Swindon, with its history of engineering and railway accomplishments.

Perhaps in keeping with that tradition of technical innovation, the album also made extensive use of (at the time) new technology with Linn-Drum programming (alongside drummer Peter Phipps), E-mu Emulator and other synths claiming space among the more traditional guitars, bass and drums mix under-pinning the vocals. This technology was juxtaposed with technology of a slightly earlier pop/rock era as phasing, backwards tapes and the inclusion of a mellotron hinted at a psychedelic influence that would move more center-stage with the band’s next project – “The Dukes of Stratosphear”.

With XTC no longer touring, the sound radically different to any previous XTC album, in a musical climate where the upper end of the charts reflected national radio, producing the most mainstream result for years: Lionel Richie, Sade, Spandau Ballet, Howard Jones, Tina Turner, Queen – Frank Sinatra’s final solo studio album… the space for a metallic, post-punk concept album about growing up amidst the ghosts of Swindon’s industrial heritage proved non-existent.

Of course, the songs were as good as on any other XTC album - a very high standard indeed – but they went largely unheard. Given that position, it would be easy to conclude that the timing was wrong for the album. But the best musicians follow the music and allow the times to catch up with that; precisely what happened when XTC released its next album “Skylarking” in 1986. Just as “Mummer’s” reputation (and sales) has increased over the years, “The Big Express” is now regarded as a ‘neglected classic’ of its era.

Now remixed by Steven Wilson in stereo, 5.1 Surround Sound & Dolby Atmos, the full impact and power of the album can be appreciated. Already given studio quality previews to an invited audience in London and LA at L-Acoustics studios, the reaction was one of collective awe at the amount of newly apparent detail & clarity in the Atmos mixes. As ever with XTC, the full package on the Blu-ray disc includes every recorded song from the era, ranging from demos through to the aforementioned Spatial Audio mixes.

Coal for the Soul.

CD (2023 Mixes)
1. Wake Up
2. All You Pretty Girls
3. Shake You Donkey Up
4. Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her
5. This World Over
6. The Everyday Story Of Smalltown
7. I Bought Myself A Liarbird
8. Reign Of Blows
9. You’re The Wish You Are I Had
10. I Remember The Sun
11. Train Running Low On Soul Coal
Additional tracks
12. Red Brick Dream
13. Washaway
14. Blue Overall

Blu-ray
• Album and additional tracks of 2023 Mix in Dolby
Atmos, Hi-Res Stereo and DTS-HD MA Surround
Sound & instrumental mixes in Hi-Res Stereo all
mixed by Steven WIlson
• Plus album and additional tracks of original mix in
Hi-Res stereo, with additional out-takes.
Additional out-takes:
15. Broomstick Rhythm (guide vocal)
16. The Troubles (Big Express Version – Backing
Track)
• Album and additional tracks in demo form in 16/48
Hi-Res stereo with additional demos of songs
written for The Big Express
Additional demos:
15. Now we all Dead (It Doesn't Matter)
16. Work
17. Gangway, Electric Guitar is Coming Through
18. Broomstick Rhythm
19. Shiny Cage
20. A Patriotic Romance

To purchase: https://burningshed.com/xtc_the-big-express_cd_blu-ray 

Simple Minds' 'Acoustic In Concert' coming to BLU-RAY + CD on December 1, 2023

Exciting news for fans of the great Simple Minds. This title would also make a fantastic gift for your favorite music lover...Robert Kinsler

MERCURY STUDIOS TO RELEASE SIMPLE MINDS ACOUSTIC IN CONCERT ~ON BLU-RAY+CD FOR THE FIRST TIME~ ~DECEMBER 1, 2023~

New York, NY (November 8, 2023) – The music of Simple Minds is nothing short of iconic. From anthems “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” and “Alive and Kicking”, which was the soundtrack of a generation, to their recently released 2022 album Direction Of The Heart (BMG Rights Management), the band has carved a successful music career for over 40 years. Later this year, Mercury Studios will re-issue a classic concert from their history, when Simple Minds: Acoustic In Concert is released on Blu-ray+CD on December 1. This concert is now available on Blu-ray for the very first time. Filmed in November 2016, fresh off the release of their acclaimed Acoustic album, Acoustic In Concert was a part of BBC Radio 2’s renowned “In Concert” series. Live on stage at London’s Hackney Empire, Simple Minds perform a 16-song set from across their career. Evolving from late 70s art punk as well as a multitude of other influences, Simple Minds blended rock, synth pop, new wave, and arena rock into their own distinct sound. For this concert, the electronic elements of the music were peeled away, replaced and richly layered with acoustic guitars and instrumentation. Delivering stripped down, acoustic versions of their greatest hits, Simple Minds’celebrated songs are interpreted in a brand new, intimate light. Completed with inspired covers of the songs that influenced them, as well as a finale of “Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)” with famed English singer-songwriter Steve Harley, Simple Minds: Acoustic In Concert is a unique experience for anyone who has followed their music. 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. TRACK LISTING 1. New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) 2. See The Lights 3. Glittering Prize 4. Stand By Love 5. Waterfront 6. Andy Warhol 7. Chelsea Girl 8. Someone Somewhere In Summertime 9. Dancing Barefoot 10. Speed Your Love To Me 11. Promised You A Miracle 12. Don’t You (Forget About Me) 13. Sanctify Yourself 14. Long Black Train 15. Alive And Kicking 16. Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)

Omnivore Recordings announces 'The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings)' out on Dec. 15, 2023

Fans of Johnny Winter are in for a treat this winter thanks to Omnivore Recordings' upcoming release of The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT / Janus Recordings)...Robert Kinsler

Omnivore Recordings Announces

The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings) out on December 15, 2023

First-ever Collection of Compilation Albums

The Johnny Winter Story (1969), About Blues (1969), and Early Times (1970)

Early Recordings From The Grammy Winner, Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, and One of Rolling Stone’s

100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time

Omnivore Recordings has announced The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings), a set of early recordings from the Grammy® winner, Blues Hall of Fame inductee, and one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. It’s the first-ever collection with all of the tracks, 33 total, from compilation albums The Johnny Winter Story (1969), About Blues (1969), and Early Times (1970). Available on two CDs and Digital with original 1969 liner notes by Pete Welding, The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings) will be released on December 15.

  

Before signing with Columbia Records in 1969, and becoming one of preeminent blues guitar guitarists in the world, Johnny Winter recorded a number of singles and tracks with producers Ken Ritter and Roy C. Ames. From that material, The Johnny Winter Story appeared on GRT Records in 1969, followed that same year by About Blues on the Janus Records label. The following year saw Janus release another collection: Early Times. They became the definitive collections of the future legend’s early work.

 

Now, for the first time, the material from those compilations is available in one place. Newly remastered by Grammy®-winning engineer, Michael Graves, The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings) also features the original 1969 liner notes from producer, Testament Records founder/owner, and blues historian Pete Welding.

Before being on the cover of the first issue of Guitar World, before becoming the first non-African American performer inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, before winning multiple Grammys (for both his own records and his production work on three Muddy Waters classics including Hard Again and I’m Ready), before being named as one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitar Players of All Time, it had to start somewhere. It starts with The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings).

 

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/4Djq6g4mVfA

 

Pre-order: http://www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/johnny-winter-story

 

The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings) Tracklist:

DISC ONE

1. Ease My Heart

2. That’s What Love Does

3. Crying In My Heart

4. The Guy You Left Behind

5. Shed So Many Tears

6. Creepy

7. Gangster Of Love

8. Road Runner

9. Leave My Woman (Wife) Alone

10. I Can’t Believe You Want To Leave

11. Broke And Lonely

12. Oh My Darling

13. By The Light Of The Silvery Moon

14. Five After Four A.M.

15. Parchman Farm

16. Livin’ In The Blues

17. Leavin’ Blues

18. Thirty-Eight, Thirty-Two, Twenty

 

DISC TWO

1. Bad News

2. Kind Hearted Woman

3. Out Of Sight

4. Low Down Gal Of Mine

5. Going Down Slow

6. Avocado Green

7. Stay By My Side

8. I Had To Cry

9. Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye

10. Harlem Nocturne (Instrumental)

11. Easy Lovin’ Girl

12. Spiders Of The Mind

13. My World Turns Around Her

14. Take A Chance On My Love (Instrumental)

15. Please Come Home For Christmas

Paul McCartney's wonderful "THE LYRICS: 1956 to the Present" out today

Paul McCartney's THE LYRICS: 1956 to the Present is out today (Nov. 7, 2023) in paperback. What's more, one of the paperback's seven new commentaries (on "Day Tripper) was was excerpted in Vanity Fair. 

Below is the official media release on the new book!...Robert Kinsler

When THE LYRICS published in 2021 to worldwide acclaim, it was heralded as a one-of-a-kind self-portrait of McCartney, earning Book of the Year by Barnes & Noble and Waterstones, and winning a British Book Award. With a personal foreword by McCartney and edited and introduced by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, THE LYRICS is the definitive literary chronicle of one of musical history's most enduring treasures.

With the exciting announcement of the remastered The Beatles’ 1962-1966 (‘The Red Album’) and 1967-1970 (‘The Blue Album’) coming November 10, THE LYRICS establishes definitive texts of McCartney’s songs for the first time and describes the circumstances in which they were written, the people and places that inspired them, and what Paul thinks of them now – including the final upcoming Beatles B-Side, “Love Me Do.”

Returning after its #1 New York Times bestselling run in hardcover, this updated version of THE LYRICS features additional commentaries on iconic songs spanning Paul McCartney's unparalleled musical career ready to accompany the resurgence of Beatlemania. 

US product information: 
THE LYRICS: 1956 to the Present 
Paul McCartney, edited with an introduction by Paul Muldoon 
ISBN: 9781324094098 
Liveright Publishing 
$30   
One volume paperback 
624 pages

What Year Is This? Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Zombies shine in 2023

On Nov. 10, the highly anticipated Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At The Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967 will be released via audio CD and vinyl. The concert recording captured more than 55 years ago features the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience performance at the Hollywood Bowl where the trio (singer-guitarist Jimi Hendrix, drummer Mitch Mitchel and bassist/backing vocalist Noel Redding) performed just five days before the U.S. release of their groundbreaking debut Are You Experienced.

Indeed, Hendrix was extended an invitation by The Mamas & The Papas to open for them at the fabled Los Angeles venue. The two-track live recording of the nine-song set has never previously been released officially or even via bootleg; additionally, this landmark performance marked one of the last times the Jimi Hendrix Experience performed in front of an audience as relative unknowns.

This writer was provided an opportunity to preview Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At The Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967 and the concert recording fully delivers as a showcase for the rock trio's collective powers. The setlist is a mesmerizing mix of amazing originals (notably "Purple Haze," "Foxey Lady" and "Fire") and masterful remakes of tracks from The Beatles ("Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"), Bob Dylan ("Like a Rolling Stone"), The Troggs ("Wild Thing") and others. 

This writer's favorite tracks on the concert recording are a nuanced, lovely version of the Hendrix original "The Wind Cries Mary" and riveting 8-minute version of Muddy Waters' Chicago blues gem "Catfish Blues." Learn more at jimihendrix.com.

The forthcoming release of Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At The Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967 marks another high-profile release by a 1960s favorite this year.

The Beatles' 1962-1966 ("The Red Album") will be released Nov. 10, 2023.

The Beatles have also returned to the spotlight via the release of the band's final song "Now And Then," which was released on Nov. 2. That new single was paired with the Fab Four's 1962 debut UK single, "Love Me Do." Acclaimed director Peter Jackson's official music video for "Now And Then" was released on Nov. 3 and has already amassed more than 19 million views on The Beatles' official YouTube channel.

The Beatles' 1967-1970 ("The Blue Album") will be released Nov. 10, 2023.

On Nov. 10, The Beatles' 1962-1966 ("The Red Album") and 1967-1970 ("The Blue Album") collections will be released in expanded 2023 Edition packages by Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe. Since their first incarnations released 50 years ago, these beloved collections have introduced successive generations to The Beatles' incredible music.

Now both titles' trackless have been expanded, with all the songs mixed in stereo and Dolby Atmosphere. Learn more at thebeatles.com.

In October 2023 The Rolling Stones returned with their wonderful studio album Hackney Diamonds. The band's first new album of original material since 2005's A Bigger Bang, the new album is a true masterwork. 

Indeed, the stellar production heard across the album is equaled by the strength and diversity of the song craft as well as the inspired performances of the players. And Jagger sounds outstanding across the title delivering vocals that are strong and stirring.

Hackney Diamonds' lead single "Angry" is among the album's more signature rockers, with Jagger's emotional appeal for forgiveness delivered against an uptempo beat and sharp guitar work from Richards and Wood. 

But it are the album's deep cuts and the diversity of material that make Hackney Diamonds a genuinely magnificent gem. Learn more at rollingstones.com.

Released in late March, The Zombies' eagerly-awaited return Different Game finds the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band continuing to conjure up the magic of the past while embracing the future. The 10-track album's stellar track listing spans from the opening title track (a gorgeous Baroque pop gem that includes a lush instrumental finale), jazzy "Dropped Reeling & Stupid" (the latter bolstered by a particularly sophisticated organ solo from Rod Argent that segues into a marvelous turn showcasing guitarist Tom Toomey), the lovely ballad "You Could Be My Love" featuring Colin Blunstone's amazing tenor vocals and sumptuous rocker "Merry-Go-Round." Other standouts include the shimmering "Love You," the rousing blues-rocker "Got To Move On" and tender closer "The Sun Will Rise Again." Learn more at thezombiesmusic.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Cranberries' groundbreaking debut celebrates 30th anniversary with gold vinyl edition

 

THE CRANBERRIES CELEBRATES THE 30th ANNIVERSARY OF ITS GROUNDBREAKING DEBUT EVERYBODY ELSE IS DOING IT, SO WHY CAN’T WE? WITH ITS RELEASE ON SOLID GOLD COLOR VINYL Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? NOVEMBER 3, 2023 (Los Angeles, CA) -- In celebration of the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, Island/UMe is releasing a special edition of the album on solid gold vinyl on December 1, 2023. It can be pre-ordered here: http://thecranberries.lnk.to/EverybodyElseGoldVinyl.   Originally released on March 1, 1993, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? hit the No. 1 spot in both the UK and Ireland and has sold more than six million copies worldwide. Spawning two Top Ten singles – the debut lead single “Dreams” and its mainstream breakthrough follow-up “Linger” which cemented the band’s position within the rock world, the album highlighted the unique vocal stylings of Dolores O’Riordan (whose untimely passing in 2018 rocked the music industry). Combining Gaelic, Catholic, and indie vocal influences, O’Riordan coupled her relatable lyrics that captured the frustrations of late adolescence, giving these songs universal appeal. In the 30 years since its release, this carefully crafted debut has stood the test of time as a landmark album. Says drummer Fergal Lawler, “We wanted to do something special for you, our fans, as you have been so supportive since this this album was released 30 years ago,” Fergal continues. “‘Linger’ first became a big hit in America and that had a knock-on effect and broke the album around the world. We are eternally grateful to you for that.” Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? will be released on gold vinyl on December 1, 2023. The Cranberries "Dreams" Link: https://youtu.be/Yam5uK6e-bQ?si=gGJQBtT9I5uU5RwJ The Cranberries "When You're Gone" Link: https://youtu.be/RUmdWdEgHgk?si=4Ara_Peho0E41Jem Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? tracklisting 1.            "I Still Do" 2.            "Dreams" 3.            "Sunday" 4.            "Pretty" 5.            "Waltzing Back" 6.            "Not Sorry" 7.            "Linger" 8.            "Wanted" 9.            "Still Can't..." 10.         "I Will Always" 11.         "How" 12.         "Put Me Down"

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