Nada Surf Now Streaming New "Peaceful Ghosts" Album- LISTEN

NADA SURF NOW STREAMING NEW LIVE ALBUM PEACEFUL GHOSTS. Peaceful Ghosts (now available from B&T via Barsuk on CD) came about after frontman and main songwriter Matthew Caws received a surprise email asking about a potential collaborative orchestral project from the Austrian national radio station FM4. A little over a year later, the result is a beautiful recording, culled from two live performances in Vienna and Potsdam early this summer, that covers a broad stylistic range, from James Bond at one extreme to the joy and wonder of Walt Disney at the other, with a whole range of surprises in between. Classics such as the delicate melancholy of "Blonde On Blonde" unfold to surprising new places with soaring countermelodies, while new favorites from You Know Who You Are, including "Rushing" and "Out of the Dark", showcase the power and majesty of the original without losing the lyrical and musical subtlety that has become the hallmark of Nada Surf for the past twenty years. In the summer of 2015, Caws was sitting at his kitchen table in Brooklyn, frantically writing what would become Nada Surf's seventh album, the critically acclaimed You Know Who You Are (2016), when an email arrived that would delight and terrify him.

Once a year, FM4 in Austria chooses an artist for a national orchestral concert that's broadcast across the country, and they reached out to Nada Surf asking if the band would like to be the next. Soon after receiving the FM4 request, the band secured a similar offer from Radio Eins in Berlin to perform live on air with the Babelsberg Film Orchestra, which derives its name from and is affiliated with the legendary Babelsberg Film Studios where notable films such as Metropolis, Dr. Mabuse and The Blue Angel were made. "If we said yes, we'd have to choose a composer to write the parts and then decide which songs he or she should write for. We'd have to decide these things soon. Well, that was out of the question," recalled Caws. "Deciding what kind of Thai curry take-away I should get that evening was about as distant a decision as I could imagine, while the small matters of which songs would go on the new Nada Surf record, who would mix them, what the album would be called and what the final verse of the song I was working on right then would be, loomed ahead. I would try and answer these questions after that curry, but making decisions about a concert months later was more than I could handle."

Stick Men's New " Prog Noir" Video- WATCH!

Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed new album “Prog Noir”, Stick Men have released a new Stick Men features Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto of King Crimson and Markus Reuter.

video of the same name.

Says Tony Levin, “We're thrilled at the video Ofrin has made for our song 'Prog Noir'. She's an excellent artist in her own right, musical and visual, and made the video on her own, then presented it to us. It's pretty special when you find that your music has inspired others to create
something new and special.”

*Watch Stick Men's new video “Prog Noir” below-

Stick Men is a progressive rock band created by musicians with extensive experience playing together. Pat Mastelotto and Tony Levin are the rhythm section of the legendary band King Crimson. Mastelotto is in demand all over the world as the premier drummer for progressive rock. Levin plays in Crimson, with Peter Gabriel, and has recorded with John Lennon, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and others. Markus Reuter is a renowned composer/guitarist who designed and plays his own unique touch style guitar.

Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto, the powerhouse bass and drums of the group King Crimson for more than 2 decades, bring that tradition to all their playing. Levin plays the Chapman Stick, from which the band takes it’s name. Having bass and guitar strings, the Chapman Stick functions at times
like two instruments. Markus Reuter plays his 8-string touch guitar – again covering much more ground than a guitar or a bass. And Mastelotto’s drumming encompasses not just the acoustic kit, but a unique electronic setup too, allowing him to add loops, samples, percussion, and more.

The result; audiences are fascinated by watching just three musicians onstage perform their unique compositions as well as wild improvisations and some cover versions of songs by King Crimson, Mike Oldfield, etc.

Before “Prog Noir”, Stick Men have released 4 studio CDs (Soup, Absalom,
DEEP, Open) as well as two live albums.

*Here's what the press have said about “Prog Noir”:*

*“ 'Prog Noir' is easily the best album of Stick Men and perhaps best album in this particular sub-genre in recent years.” - Erik Groeneweg, Progwereld*

*“ 'Prog Noir' would not sound out of place heard next to any number of post-1980 Fripp-Crimson LPs with its oddly angled tuneful melodies and slightly askew yet utterly coherent rhythms.” - David Luhrssen, Shepherd Express*

*“In short, if you buy this album you will have in hand something very original, satisfying and great sound quality. A must for fans of King Crimson and minutes of pleasure for others.” - Profil Prog*

El Alma de Puerto Rico by Ecos de Borinquen CD Released by Smithsonian Folkways

With El Alma de Puerto Rico (the soul of Puerto Rico), the Grammy, and Latin Grammy-nominated ensemble Ecos de Borinquen offers up its second Smithsonian Folkways album that is overflowing with pride in the island’s jíbaro creole folk traditions. The soulful, signature sounds of Miguel Santiago Diaz’s sung poetry in the ten-line décima verse form are cradled in the progressive instrumental arrangements by Ramón Vásquez Lamboy for two cuatro guitars, six-stringed guitar, güiro rasp, and bongo. The crystal-clear voice of Yezenia Cruz, Santiago’s disciple, adds sonoral dimension to this timeless yet contemporary rendition of deep Puerto Rican tradition. 59 minutes, 40-page booklet with bilingual notes.

The album is the 46th in the Smithsonian Folkways Tradiciones/Traditions Series of Latino music albums, produced with support from the Smithsonian Latino Center.

Jonatha Brooke's Midnight.Halleluja, Set for October 21 Release

In 2010, after releasing eleven solo albums to ever-growing acclaim, beloved singer-songwriter Jonatha Brooke put her career on hold to care for her mother, who suffered from dementia. Midnight. Hallelujah., her first new studio recording since her 2008 album The Works.

Following her mother’s passing in 2012 Brooke developed a one-woman musical, My  Mother Has Four Noses,  based on the experience, which ran Off-Broadway in New York City to rave reviews. Now, on October 21, Brooke will release

Produced by Brooke along with Mark Hornsby, Phil Naish, and Eric Bazilian, the songs on Midnight. Hallelujah. touch on themes of faith, love, and addiction:

"This album is down to the bone for me. I'm grappling with spiritual crisis on songs like "Mean Looking Jesus" and "Midnight Hallelujah.." My years shepherding my mother through the darkest valleys forced me to face down my own mortality, my fears and anger. And yet I'm still talking to her on "Light Years." There's redemption here too. Love really does triumph in the end. "Really Really Love" and "You and I" are the happiest most uptempo songs I've ever ventured! And then songs like "Alice" and "Put the Gun Down" are the most topical personal songs I've written in quite a while. Given the political climate these days, I just couldn't avoid having an opinion."

IL VOLO Releases "Notte Magica-A Tribute to The Three Tenors" CD

Following the success of their July 1 2016 concert in the magical setting of Piazza Santa Croce in Florence, Italy, IL VOLO release their new album Notte Magica – A Tribute to The Three Tenors  with special guest, the legendary Plácido Domingo.

Available now, the new album gives fans around the world the chance to re-live and experience this once-in-a-lifetime event.

In support of the new album, IL VOLO performed "Nessun Dorma" during the live finale of Season 11's America's Got Talent (NBC).  They earned a standing ovation, along with heartfelt compliments from Simon Cowell and record viewer ratings. Plus, People.com just premiered IL VOLO's new live video "Granada" – view it below.

For Notte Magica, Maestro Domingo conducted the orchestra of the famous Teatro Massimo di Palermo in eight pieces, and he also joined IL VOLO to sing "Non ti scordar di me."  Maestro Marcello Rota alternated with Maestro Domingo as the conductor. The members of IL VOLO – Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble – performed songs that encompassed popular Neapolitan, Italian, and international music, blending in complete harmony with songs from famous musicals and renowned classical opera arias.

NOT FANCY, Anjelah Johnson's Comedy CD out October 21

Comedy Dynamics will release Anjelah Johnson: Not Fancy stand-up comedy album on CD format on October 21^st.   
 

Not Fancy was filmed at the City National Grove in Anaheim, California and the show still streams exclusively on Netflix. The special includes Johnson's take on learning Spanish, marriage, her in-laws and jobs that she doesn't have.  Onion AV Club raves about Not Fancy, "Anjelah Johnson is unapologetically herself…. She's being her authentic self, and that authenticity makes her comedy visceral and personal."

 

"Anjelah is one of the most exciting and watchable comedians out there. She makes being Not Fancy sound exactly the opposite." - Decider

 

Johnson's years of experience in the comedy scene includes her infamous viral video, "Nail Salon," her work as a series regular on MADtv with her fan favorite character Bon Qui Qui, and her commercial spots for a variety of brands, movies, voice-overs, and serving as spokesperson for the Texas chain Taco Cabana.   She has appeared on the shows The Shield, Ugly Betty, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and others all while touring with her stand up comedy.  Johnson has starred in such films as OUR FAMILY WEDDING, ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL, MOM'S NIGHT OUT and ENOUGH SAID. Born and raised in California, Johnson began her career as a professional cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders.  

Neil Diamond Plans "Acoustic Christmas" release

Capitol Records has announced the global release of Acoustic Christmas, a new holiday collection from Neil Diamond.  Arriving on October 28 with a vinyl version arriving November 19, pre-orders are now available. Acoustic Christmas will feature new recordings of holiday classics. 

“With Acoustic Christmas, Neil has created a classic holiday album that brims with his singular artistry and an intimate warmth that’s so perfectly suited to these timeless Christmas songs,” says Capitol Music Group Chairman & CEO Steve Barnett. “This a great present for the upcoming holiday season, from Neil to all of us.”
This new collection was produced by Don Was (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan) and Jacknife Lee (U2, R.E.M.), the pair behind Diamond’s 2014 acclaimed Melody Road. "One need look no further than Neil's earliest hits to know that something special happens when you set his voice in the middle of a few acoustic guitars: the vibrant expression that lives in the nuances of Neil's singing moves to the forefront and creates a profoundly intimate experience,” says Was. “The vibe in the studio seems inspired by the folk scene of Neil’s early years in Greenwich Village. We had a stellar cast of musicians sitting around in a circle of microphones, eclectic acoustic instruments and Christmas lights! We had a wonderful time making this record and the good vibes permeate every track.”

Lady Gaga Announces "Joanne" Album

Six time Grammy award winner Lady Gaga will release her much anticipated fifth studio album, Joanne, on Friday, October 21st. The first single, “Perfect Illusion” recently debuted at #1 on iTunes in 60 countries. Just a week after its release, “Perfect Illusion” has soared on radio, becoming the #1 most added song on Pop with 170 adds and the #1 most added song on Hot AC with 75 adds. Throughout her career, Lady Gaga has amassed an outstanding 30 million global album sales and 150 million single sales.

Lady Gaga announced the release date on air with Zane Lowe on Beats 1. Listen to her exclusive interview here;

The Wonder Of You: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Out on 10/21

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is proud to announce the release of The Wonder Of You: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, on October 21, 2016. This remarkable new album is the follow up to last year's huge global phenomenon If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which topped charts worldwide and sold over 1.5 million copies.

The Wonder Of You focuses on the iconic artist's unmistakable voice with lush new orchestral accompaniment. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London with acclaimed producers Don Reedman and Nick Patrick, the album features Elvis' most dramatic original performances augmented with lush new arrangements by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The album spans a variety of musical styles that Elvis embraced, from rock and gospel to country and ballads, featuring beloved Presley classics along with several surprises. Standout tracks include a sultry new version of the "A Big Hunk O' Love," the glorious "Amazing Grace," the heartfelt emotion on "Kentucky Rain," a stunning new take on the classic "Always On My Mind," and the fun, upbeat "I've Got A Thing About You Baby."

The first single from the new album, "A Big Hunk O' Love," can be streamed now at ElvisTheMusic.com: https://smarturl.it/ep_twoy_sp?IQid=pr

A Deluxe version of the album will be released on December 2nd and will include a CD with two additional tracks, two 150 gram LPs in a gatefold package, a poster suitable for framing and a 12 page booklet, all housed in a beautiful 12"x12" lift off box.

THE PRETENDERS RETURN WITH NEW ALBUM, ALONE, ON OCTOBER 21

The Pretenders has announced the release of its long-awaited new album. ALONE (out via BMG)
arrives everywhere on October 21 and is available for pre-order now with B&T,The complete album tracklisting is below. And, the album's electrifying first single LISTEN TO "HOLY COMMOTION" below.

ALONE was recorded with The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach at his Easy Eye Studio in Nashville and mixed by Tchad Blake (The Black Keys, Elvis Costello, Richard Thompson). The  album was initially conceived as follow-up to legendary bandleader Chrissie Hynde's acclaimed 2014 solo debut, STOCKHOLM, but as its songs and sonics took shape, the collection soon revealed itself as the first all new Pretenders LP since 2008's BREAK UP THE CONCRETE.

ALONE sees the one and only Hynde backed by a team of what she proudly calls "real people playing real instruments," helmed by the multi-talented Auerbach and featuring Nashville session luminaries including bassist Dave Roe (Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Sturgill Simpson), pedal steel pioneer Russ Pahl (Blake Shelton, Don Williams, Luke Bryan), and guitarist Kenny Vaughan (Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Lana Del Rey, Ray LaMontagne), as well as keyboardist Leon Michels and drummer Richard Swift - both charter members of Auerbach's adventurous garage rock combo The Arcs.Hynde and Auerbach made for ideal foils, two idiosyncratic songwriter/musicians each possessing a deep knowledge and even deeper love of rock 'n' roll, both of course hailing from the City of Invention itself, Akron, Ohio. Though neither remain, Akron continues to inform both artists' work, the Rubber City's long history of progressivism and ingenuity, hard work and musical experimentation, are all very much present in their first full-length collaboration. ALONE indeed bears all the trademarks of the Pretenders' legendary canon - raw and rollicking riffs, poignant balladry, taut hooks and indelible melodies, all in service of Hynde's heartworn, ever-unsentimental songcraft. Nearly four decades on from The Pretenders' epochal 1980 debut album, Hynde's instantly identifiable voice is perhaps more emotional, more aggressive than at any other time in her career as all the vocals were recorded in 48 hours. That extra bit of edge only serves to add fire to new Pretenders classics like the brutally candid "I Hate Myself" and the defiant title track, a spiky rocker that sees Hynde extolling the joys and virtues of solitude."We were in the studio hanging out," Hynde says, "and the guys were talking about their families and their wives and I said, 'Well, I do everything alone. I go to  the cinema alone. I go to restaurants alone. I live alone. I pretty much do everything on my own. I don't mind.' Dan says, 'Write a song about it.' "The more I thought about it," she continues, "I thought, I've heard 1,000 songs  in my life, they're all about, I am so tired of being alone. I can't live without you. Since you've left my world has fallen apart. When am I going to see you again? Marry me and be with me for the rest of my life. I have never heard anyone celebrate being alone in a song. I couldn't think of one."

Michael Buble Sets October "Nobody But Me" Album Release !

Michael Buble's new album NOBODY BUT ME will be released on October 21st, it was revealed by Warner Bros./ Reprise Records. Nobody But Me is the multi-Grammy, multi-platinum award winning singer's first album in three years and is his ninth studio album. It follows his critically acclaimed To Be Loved album which was his fourth album to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200 Charts.

 The exciting new collection of original pop tunes and beautiful standards highlight Buble's talent as a innovative interpreter of the American songbook as well as his gifted songwriting and producing style.

 Nobody But Me was recorded in Los Angeles and Vancouver and includes three new Buble' penned originals along with breathtaking reinventions of classics including "My Baby Just Cares For Me", "The Very Thought of You", Brian Wilson's "God Only Knows" and the Johnny Mercer classic "I Wanna Be Around". Guest artists on the album are Mehgan Trainor and Black Thought (of The Roots). The new album is co-produced by Buble along with Johan Carlsson for MXM Productions, Alan Chang, Jason "Spicy G" Goldman, The Monsters and Strangerz. The first single, the title track "Nobody But Me" is available now. The deluxe version of "Nobody But Me" includes three additional tracks.

Norah Jones back on October 7 with Day Breaks. Listen to her Carry On, NOW

Norah Jones has just announced her first album in four years, called Day Breaks. This follow-up to her  2012 release Little Broken Hearts will be out October 7th on Blue Note Records, and is said to be a return to her piano-based jazz roots.

“This new album feels full circle because I’m going back to my early influences,” Jones said in a recent press release. “After the first record, I drifted away from the piano a little bit. I still played it, but was more inspired to write on guitar. I really loved playing piano on this record.”

igniting her decision to go back to early sounds was the 2014 Blue Note Records at 75 concert in Washington, DC.  There, she performed a cover of Jesse Harris’ “I’ve Got to See You Again” with Wayne Shorter on saxophone, drummer Brian Blade, bassist John Patitucci, and Jason Moran on piano. Shorter and Blade joined Jones for this latest effort, as did organist Dr. Lonnie Smith.

Of the 12 songs on the record, nine are originals, with the three others being covers: Neil Young’s “Don’t Be Denied”, Duke Ellington’s “Fleurette Africaine (African Flower)”, and Horace Silver’s “Peace”. Along with the announcement, Jones has shared the video for soft and dusky lead single “Carry On”. Check that out below, from B&T.

 

The track listing for Day Breaks is as follows:
1. Burn
2. Tragedy
3. Flipside
4. It's A Wonderful Time For Love
5. And Then There Was You
6. Don’t Be Denied
7. Day Breaks
8. Peace
9. Once I Had A Laugh
10. Sleeping Wild
11. Carry On
12. Fleurette Africaine (African Flower)

Introducing the "Muddy Magnolias". LISTEN to their "Brother, What Happened"

Though Their debut album will not be out until October 14th, we thought it's important for you to get an early jump on THE next big thing, The Muddy Magnolias. These two singer/songwriters have performed alongside Gary Clark Jr., John Legend and the Zac Brown Band. They have also have caught the attention of influential music journalist Ann Powers, who premiered their powerful video for "Brother, What Happened" on NPR last week. Give the video a look-see, and make sure you are on the lookout for their album Broken People this fall

Enjoy!
. 

Melissa Etheridge sets MEmphis Rock and Soul release date

Melissa Etheridge has announced the release of her new album MEmphis Rock and Soul, a tribute to Stax Records and the rich history of classic Southern soul, scheduled for release on October 7, 2016 via Stax Records, a division of Concord Music Group. The album is a collection of deep soul covers associated with the original Stax label, including songs recorded by Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers, William Bell and more. The album also features new, original verses written by Melissa on two of the tracks.

Etheridge showcases her signature rasp and unmistakable guitar prowess on the lead single "Hold On, I’m Coming.” The fierce take on a Sam & Dave standard premiered today on Billboard.

While the original Stax studio is long gone, Etheridge took to another hallowed local spot, Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios (home to Al Green, Ann Peebles and others), to channel the classic Memphis sounds found on these soulful standards. MEmphis Rock and Soul was produced by Willie’s son Boo Mitchell, and features a backing band comprised of Hodges Brothers and other top Memphis musicians who are legends in their own right. Etheridge even recorded with Al Green’s famed RCA 77DX ribbon microphone ("No. 9”). MEmphis Rock and Soul also spotlights the empowering role Stax played in the Civil Rights Movement, a fitting theme for Melissa, who has become a pivotal voice of the modern LGBT rights movement.

Former Genesis singer, Ray Wilson, releasing his 6th solo album, Makes Me Think of Home

Makes Me Think Of Home, the 6th solo studio album from former Stiltskin and Genesis frontman, Ray Wilson, will be released on 7th October. Ray joined Genesis after the 1996 departure of Phil Collins.  This release comes hot on the heels of Song For A Friend, an acoustic album released
earlier this year and which garnered great reviews. Watch / listen, below to the brilliant new video for AMEN TO THAT the first track from former Genesis vocalist Ray Wilson's new album MAKES ME THINK OF HOME which is out on 7th October.  This electric album comes hot on the Heels of his critically acclaimed acoustic album Song For A Friend which came out earlier in the year.

Makes Me Think Of Home is a mix of pop, rock and prog which showcases Ray¹s remarkable voice.  The title track sees Ray looking back to his days living in Scotland, a country he left after finding love with a Polish dancer.  He moved to Poznan 8 years ago, and in this ambitious and very
moving track he reflects on his years trying to find peace and happiness in Edinburgh.

The album also contains subtle humour; particularly in the first single ³Amen To That². The track is accompanied by a multi-layered video production in which Ray showcases his acting skills as he takes on multiple characters in a range of unusual professions. The intense 7-day shoot produced what is undoubtedly the best video of Ray¹s career and which takes the instantly
memorable ³Amen To That² to another level, throwing in some unexpected twists along the way.

David Crosby Announces "Lighthouse" Album' s October Release

Today, David Crosby announces his new album Lighthouse, out on October 21st on GroundUP Music/Verve Label Group. The record is an intimate, stripped-down set that highlights Crosby’s instantly recognizable voice, incisive songwriting, and incomparable guitar work. The palpable joy in the 9-song collection captures the iconic artist in an unexpected burst of inspiration. “To create brand new music that I’m excited about is a pearl beyond price,” says the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Lighthouse features a rare economy of sound, filled primarily by Crosby’s voice and guitars, and Michael League of Snarky Puppy’s skillful production. There’s a sparse, unvarnished quality to the tracks that allows the songs breathing room and for the full emotional weight of the lyrics to emerge, unencumbered by extraneous instrumentation.

On album opener, “Things We Do For Love,” written for his wife of nearly 40-years Jan, Crosby’s vocals reflect a poetic tenderness. On “Paint You A Picture,” a cinematic tale of romantic regret co-written with Marc Cohn (“Walking In Memphis”), they are filled with remorseful resignation. The longtime social activist lands his political punches as he bitingly condemns the craven politicians who send other people’s children to war on “Somebody Other Than You,” and compassionately reminds us that we are all the same on “Look In Their Eyes,” a poignant tale about immigration inspired by the Syrian refugee crisis.

Listen to “Things We Do For Love” below, from Baker & Taylor.

Lou Reed- The RCA & Arista Album Collection Arrives October 7

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is proud to announce the much-anticipated release of Lou Reed - The RCA & Arista Album Collection on Friday, October 7.  The definitive box set library of music recorded by the iconic American rock musician from 1972 to 1986, one of the richest and most protean periods of the artist's career, Lou Reed - The RCA & Arista Album Collection is available now for pre-order.

Lou Reed - The RCA & Arista Album Collection brings together--for the first time in one comprehensive anthology—the 16 groundbreaking studio and live album titles written, recorded (and often produced) by Reed as a solo artist following the 1970 dissolution of the Velvet Underground, the profoundly influential avant-rock ensemble he'd founded in 1965.

"Our first date was a trip to the AES (Audio Engineering Society) convention. As wireheads Lou and I loved beautiful recordings and spent years making our studios, instruments and gear the best they could possibly be," said Laurie Anderson, American musician/composer/performance artist and Lou Reed's wife and partner for twenty-one years. "Lou put his heart into remastering these records. They are not smoothed out. Sometimes remastering revealed their details and roughness in the most exciting ways. They leap out at you with their original energy.

"I also love the rare images and the great selection of Lou's words about his music in this collection. Lou was a superb analyst and sharp critic and the interview excerpts bring back his crazy sense of humor, his generosity and his big view of the world and the meaning of music. Anyone who has loved Lou's music will be so happy to have this. I'm really grateful to Sony for putting this one out."

Each of the 16 albums (Lou Reed Live Take No Prisoners, from November 1978, fills 2CDs) in the 17CD library was newly remastered under Lou's direct personal supervision, a long-term project completed shortly before the artist's passing, at 71, on October 27, 2013.