Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 1765
October 13, 2017
Pretenders ACL TV performance airs tomorrow; deluxe edition of latest album out Dec 1
THE PRETENDERS MAKE FIRST-EVER APPEARANCE ON AUSTIN CITY LIMITS;HIT-FILLED HOUR PREMIERES TOMORROW, SATURDAY OCTOBER 14 ON PBS
DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION OF LATEST ALBUM, ALONE, INCLUDES15 LIVE BONUS TRACKS RECORDED DURING MOST RECENT TOURS
DELUXE EDITION CD OUT DECEMBER 1
Austin City Limits (ACL) Season 43 rocks on with a hit-filled hour starring the great Pretenders in their first-ever appearance on the ACL stage. The legendary rock band sends a message of love to viewers with an 11-song hit parade in a brand-new installment premiering Saturday, October 14 at 9pm ET/8pm CT. The program airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings for times) and full episodes are made available online for a limited time at pbs.org/austincitylimits immediately following the initial broadcast. Viewers can visit acltv.com for news regarding future tapings, episode schedules and select live stream updates. The show's official hashtag is #acltv.
The ACL show was filmed while The Pretenders were touring in support of their latest album, Alone, who was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. The digital deluxe edition of Alone isavailable now on all DSPs, featuring 15 live bonus tracks recorded during the year of touring in support of the album (six of which come from the ACL show). The CD version of the deluxe edition with the bonus material will be released December 1.The ACL performance finds Influential punk new-wave veterans the Pretenders in fighting form as they kick off an electrifying hour with a new classic, "Alone," a swagger-fueled gem that fits right into the band's canon, the title track from their first album in almost a decade. Iconic bandleader Chrissie Hynde informs the crowd, "You don't have to be polite, because we don't plan to be." The defiant front woman commands the stage, showcasing her still-radiant voice in a career-spanning performance featuring fan-favorites including "Back On The Chain Gang," "My City Was Gone," "Mystery Achievement," and "Middle of the Road." Pretenders' trademark tough and tender lyrics resonate as they did when the band arrived on the London scene in 1978. Hynde fondly introduces original member Martin Chambers as "the world's greatest rock drummer," as he plays the stirring intro of "Message Of Love." The band caps the powerhouse set with their signature hit "Brass In Pocket," as Hynde pulls a spellbound fan onstage to join her on the timeless tune.
"One thing that hasn't changed in almost 40 years," says ACL executive producer Terry Lickona, "Chrissie Hynde is still a badass! There's no doubt about who's in charge, and musically her voice still rings as clear and strong as ever. Whether you're an old fan or a newbie, this is a show for the ages."
Pretenders ACL setlist:AloneMessage of LovePrivate LifeBack On The Chain GangI'll Stand By YouDon't Get Me WrongMy City Was GoneMystery AchievementMiddle of the RoadUp the NeckBrass In Pocket
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DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION OF LATEST ALBUM, ALONE, INCLUDES15 LIVE BONUS TRACKS RECORDED DURING MOST RECENT TOURS
DELUXE EDITION CD OUT DECEMBER 1
Austin City Limits (ACL) Season 43 rocks on with a hit-filled hour starring the great Pretenders in their first-ever appearance on the ACL stage. The legendary rock band sends a message of love to viewers with an 11-song hit parade in a brand-new installment premiering Saturday, October 14 at 9pm ET/8pm CT. The program airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings for times) and full episodes are made available online for a limited time at pbs.org/austincitylimits immediately following the initial broadcast. Viewers can visit acltv.com for news regarding future tapings, episode schedules and select live stream updates. The show's official hashtag is #acltv.
The ACL show was filmed while The Pretenders were touring in support of their latest album, Alone, who was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. The digital deluxe edition of Alone isavailable now on all DSPs, featuring 15 live bonus tracks recorded during the year of touring in support of the album (six of which come from the ACL show). The CD version of the deluxe edition with the bonus material will be released December 1.The ACL performance finds Influential punk new-wave veterans the Pretenders in fighting form as they kick off an electrifying hour with a new classic, "Alone," a swagger-fueled gem that fits right into the band's canon, the title track from their first album in almost a decade. Iconic bandleader Chrissie Hynde informs the crowd, "You don't have to be polite, because we don't plan to be." The defiant front woman commands the stage, showcasing her still-radiant voice in a career-spanning performance featuring fan-favorites including "Back On The Chain Gang," "My City Was Gone," "Mystery Achievement," and "Middle of the Road." Pretenders' trademark tough and tender lyrics resonate as they did when the band arrived on the London scene in 1978. Hynde fondly introduces original member Martin Chambers as "the world's greatest rock drummer," as he plays the stirring intro of "Message Of Love." The band caps the powerhouse set with their signature hit "Brass In Pocket," as Hynde pulls a spellbound fan onstage to join her on the timeless tune.
"One thing that hasn't changed in almost 40 years," says ACL executive producer Terry Lickona, "Chrissie Hynde is still a badass! There's no doubt about who's in charge, and musically her voice still rings as clear and strong as ever. Whether you're an old fan or a newbie, this is a show for the ages."
Pretenders ACL setlist:AloneMessage of LovePrivate LifeBack On The Chain GangI'll Stand By YouDon't Get Me WrongMy City Was GoneMystery AchievementMiddle of the RoadUp the NeckBrass In Pocket# # #
BECK COLORS FOLLOW UP TO GRAMMY ALBUM OF THE YEAR MORNING PHASE RELEASED TODAY
BECKCOLORSFOLLOW UP TO GRAMMY ALBUM OF THE YEAR MORNING PHASE RELEASED TODAY“COLORS” SLIME VISUALIZER LIVE NOW AThttp://beck.to/colorsslimeCOLORS POP-UP SHOPS OCTOBER 14-15 IN NEW YORK, L.A., CHICAGO, SEATTLEAPPEARING ON THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW OCTOBER 17OCTOBER 18 L.A. SHOW AT THE JOHN ANSON FORD AMPHITHEATRE JUST ANNOUNCED
“Classic, sneakily inventive and massively catchy.”—AV CLUB“Aptly titled… proves that Beck is still one of rock’s most intrepid inventors”—ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY“You just can’t rush greatness… a euphoric blast… Every Colors song is punctuated by Beck’s immense gratitude to still be making music”—USA TODAY“Shiny and hooky… a cache of reverberant megadome stompers that will serve him well for many a festival season to come.”—VANITY FAIR“Colors is a great party record.”—MC HAMMERAlready being hailed in early reviews as “a euphoric blast of experimental pop” (ROLLING STONE) and “yet another milestone in his fascinating and unpredictable career” (THE WALL STREET JOURNAL), Beck’s lucky 13th album Colors is released today on Capitol Records.The album’s release is accompanied by the “Colors” slime visualizer—a multicolor visual expression of the title track/mission statement of the album: a kaleidoscopic palette of sonic shapes and moods, conjuring mental rainbows while tempos, rhythms, melodies, even volume levels shift to near collapse, before locking together into undeniable hooks that defy their underlying complexity.Colors’ release was preceded most recently by the buoyant “Up All Night”—check out Beck performing it on Later… with Jools Hollandearlier this week —the current single from Beck’s first full length offering of new material since 2014’s Morning Phase took Album of the Year top honors at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.Colors was produced by Greg Kurstin and Beck, with the exception of “Wow” produced by Beck and Cole M.G.N., and “Fix Me” produced by Beck. The album was mixed by Serban Ghenea, except “Dreams” and “Up All Night,” which were mixed by Greg Kurstin and Beck.Colors‘ release weekend will also be commemorated with one-time-only dedicated pop-up stores featuring exclusive merchandise, music and more. The Colors pop-up store locations and times are as follows:Saturday October 14:New York – Brooklyn Flea, Soho – 10am to 6pmSunday October 15:Los Angeles – Melrose Trading Post – 9am to 5pm
Seattle – Fremont Market – 10am to 4pm
Chicago – Vintage Garage – 10am to 5pm
New York – Brooklyn Flea, Dumbo – 10am to 6pmFor more info, follow along at http://twitter.com/beckpopups.Beck will kick off the first full week following Colors’ release with a return to The Ellen Degeneres Show on October 17 followed by a newly announced October 18 show at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. Tickets will be on sale from October 14. CheckBeck.com for further information.
“Classic, sneakily inventive and massively catchy.”—AV CLUB“Aptly titled… proves that Beck is still one of rock’s most intrepid inventors”—ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY“You just can’t rush greatness… a euphoric blast… Every Colors song is punctuated by Beck’s immense gratitude to still be making music”—USA TODAY“Shiny and hooky… a cache of reverberant megadome stompers that will serve him well for many a festival season to come.”—VANITY FAIR“Colors is a great party record.”—MC HAMMERAlready being hailed in early reviews as “a euphoric blast of experimental pop” (ROLLING STONE) and “yet another milestone in his fascinating and unpredictable career” (THE WALL STREET JOURNAL), Beck’s lucky 13th album Colors is released today on Capitol Records.The album’s release is accompanied by the “Colors” slime visualizer—a multicolor visual expression of the title track/mission statement of the album: a kaleidoscopic palette of sonic shapes and moods, conjuring mental rainbows while tempos, rhythms, melodies, even volume levels shift to near collapse, before locking together into undeniable hooks that defy their underlying complexity.Colors’ release was preceded most recently by the buoyant “Up All Night”—check out Beck performing it on Later… with Jools Hollandearlier this week —the current single from Beck’s first full length offering of new material since 2014’s Morning Phase took Album of the Year top honors at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.Colors was produced by Greg Kurstin and Beck, with the exception of “Wow” produced by Beck and Cole M.G.N., and “Fix Me” produced by Beck. The album was mixed by Serban Ghenea, except “Dreams” and “Up All Night,” which were mixed by Greg Kurstin and Beck.Colors‘ release weekend will also be commemorated with one-time-only dedicated pop-up stores featuring exclusive merchandise, music and more. The Colors pop-up store locations and times are as follows:Saturday October 14:New York – Brooklyn Flea, Soho – 10am to 6pmSunday October 15:Los Angeles – Melrose Trading Post – 9am to 5pmSeattle – Fremont Market – 10am to 4pm
Chicago – Vintage Garage – 10am to 5pm
New York – Brooklyn Flea, Dumbo – 10am to 6pmFor more info, follow along at http://twitter.com/beckpopups.Beck will kick off the first full week following Colors’ release with a return to The Ellen Degeneres Show on October 17 followed by a newly announced October 18 show at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. Tickets will be on sale from October 14. CheckBeck.com for further information.
COURTNEY BARNETT AND KURT VILE 'LOTTA SEA LICE' LP OUT TODAY
COURTNEY BARNETT AND KURT VILE'LOTTA SEA LICE' LP OUT TODAY
Photo Credit: Danny CohenToday sees the release of
Lotta Sea Lice
, a very special collaborative album between Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile, and one which is every bit as unique and unusual as their talents. With Lotta Sea-Lice, Barnett and Vile have delivered something utterly unpredictable and original - an instant-classic record which sounds as if the two have played together for decades, completely organic and candid. This is a conversation between friends, documented in raw, unvarnished song form, brimming with personal history, crackling with energy and shot through with humour. There's an unforced ease to the record, helped by the fact that the pair have been not just friends, but hardcore fans of each other's work for years, and have also roped in colleagues such as Mick Turner and Jim White of the Dirty Three, Stella Mozgawa from Warpaint and even Mick Harvey to play. Lotta Sea Lice has already been awarded critical accolades across the board and their US tour is happening now including a performance tonight in Joshua Tree. Upcoming Live Dates10/13 - 10/15 - Joshua Tree, CA - Desert Daze (tickets)10/14 - Los Angeles, CA - The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian Church
(SOLD OUT)
10/15 - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre (tickets)10/18 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theatre (tickets)10/20 - Portland, OR - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (tickets)10/21 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theatre
(SOLD OUT)
10/22 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox
(SOLD OUT)
10/25 - St. Paul, MN - Palace Theatre
(SOLD OUT)
10/26 - Chicago, IL - Rockefeller Chapel
(SOLD OUT)
10/27 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
(SOLD OUT)
10/28 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
(SOLD OUT)
10/30 - Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre (tickets)10/31 - Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall (tickets)11/01 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
(SOLD OUT)
11/03 - Upper Darby, PA - Tower Theatre (tickets)11/04 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre (tickets)11/06 - Loew's Jersey Theatre - Jersey City, NJ (tickets)11/07 - The Anthem - Washington, DC (tickets)11/09 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium (tickets)11/10 - Dallas, TX - McFarlin Memorial Auditorium (tickets)11/11 - Austin, TX - ACL Live at the Moody Theater
(SOLD OUT)
Lotta Sea Lice Tracklisting1. Over Everything2. Let It Go3. Fear Is Like A Forest4. Outta The Woodwork5. Continental Breakfast6. On Script7. Blue Cheese8. Peepin' Tom9. Untogether
Photo Credit: Danny CohenToday sees the release of
Lotta Sea Lice
, a very special collaborative album between Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile, and one which is every bit as unique and unusual as their talents. With Lotta Sea-Lice, Barnett and Vile have delivered something utterly unpredictable and original - an instant-classic record which sounds as if the two have played together for decades, completely organic and candid. This is a conversation between friends, documented in raw, unvarnished song form, brimming with personal history, crackling with energy and shot through with humour. There's an unforced ease to the record, helped by the fact that the pair have been not just friends, but hardcore fans of each other's work for years, and have also roped in colleagues such as Mick Turner and Jim White of the Dirty Three, Stella Mozgawa from Warpaint and even Mick Harvey to play. Lotta Sea Lice has already been awarded critical accolades across the board and their US tour is happening now including a performance tonight in Joshua Tree. Upcoming Live Dates10/13 - 10/15 - Joshua Tree, CA - Desert Daze (tickets)10/14 - Los Angeles, CA - The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian Church
(SOLD OUT)
10/15 - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre (tickets)10/18 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theatre (tickets)10/20 - Portland, OR - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (tickets)10/21 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theatre
(SOLD OUT)
10/22 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox
(SOLD OUT)
10/25 - St. Paul, MN - Palace Theatre
(SOLD OUT)
10/26 - Chicago, IL - Rockefeller Chapel
(SOLD OUT)
10/27 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
(SOLD OUT)
10/28 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
(SOLD OUT)
10/30 - Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre (tickets)10/31 - Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall (tickets)11/01 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
(SOLD OUT)
11/03 - Upper Darby, PA - Tower Theatre (tickets)11/04 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre (tickets)11/06 - Loew's Jersey Theatre - Jersey City, NJ (tickets)11/07 - The Anthem - Washington, DC (tickets)11/09 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium (tickets)11/10 - Dallas, TX - McFarlin Memorial Auditorium (tickets)11/11 - Austin, TX - ACL Live at the Moody Theater
(SOLD OUT)
Lotta Sea Lice Tracklisting1. Over Everything2. Let It Go3. Fear Is Like A Forest4. Outta The Woodwork5. Continental Breakfast6. On Script7. Blue Cheese8. Peepin' Tom9. Untogether
Bootsy Collins reveals new single 'Hot Saucer' ft Musiq Soulchild & Big Daddy Kane
BOOTSY COLLINS ANNOUNCES FIRST ALBUM IN SIX YEARS‘WORLD WIDE FUNK’
RELEASED: 27TH OCTOBER 2017VIA MASCOT RECORDS/MASCOT LABEL GROUP
Featuring incredible guests, including Chuck D, Buckethead, Eric Gales, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Musiq Soulchild, Bernie Worrell, Kali Uchis and many more.
"Bootsy Collins was born a long, long time ago in a subterranean cavern full of shining dinosaurs deep below the Ohio River...." – Iggy Pop, introduction to World Wide Funk.
Check out the new single ‘Hot Saucer’ ft Musiq Soulchild & Big Daddy Kane:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4sw54XwFpU
More Music:Ladies Nite (Official Video) ft MC Eiht & BlvkSeeds | Worth My While ft Kali Uchis
Mascot Records are thrilled to announce the new album and first in six years from funk rock legend Bootsy Collins! ‘World Wide Funk’ will be released on 27 October and features an array of phenomenal talent including; Chuck D, Buckethead, Eric Gales, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Musiq Soulchild, Bernie Worrell, Kali Uchis and many more.
The funk runs deep and rich on World Wide Funk , Bootsy Collins' first studio album since 2011's Tha Funk Capital of the World . Populated with musical friends old and new, and recorded in his Cincinnati home's Bootzilla Re-hab studio, World Wide Funk marks both a reckoning and significant reboot for the Rhinestone Rock Star. Blue-chip rappers likeChuck D, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Quik and Dru Down, along with guitar shredder Buckethead, join a curated posse of fresh new artists on a record that embraces everything from the classic P-Funk sound that Bootsy pioneered.
Bootsy explains: "I wanted to create a mystical monster that was born between a ‘Pee-hole & a A**hole,’ which automatically smelled fishy and funked up!’ At the same time, it could fit into a radio station format with a little wiggle room. But then ‘Boot-Rapp-A-Fella’ showed up and said that it would be ludicrous to do this. The ‘One’ kindly gave me the Funk Finger and showed me this World Wide Funkateer Drive going on out here, and he said ‘all you have to do is un-dress it.’ So I waved my hands in the air and gave up the funk like I just didn’t care. Then out of the clear blue, my man Brother-Nature showed up to announce that This is the Year of the Funkateer! The Funkateers began chanting, ‘Come back Bootsy, Come back, Come back, Bootsy Come Back.’ Not only do I have bootz on the ground, we got troops getting down, drones in the air and these young disciples were hungry and not a one of them was scared. The vets of Hip-hop, a la cream of the crop, shouted out to retain their gold, made me feel real good once again to know that they still got soul.” Or as his long-time partner in funk George Clinton once put it: ‘Free your mind and your ass will follow!’
From the maximalist funk of the body-slamming title track, to the soulful pop-R&B of "Heaven Yes," to the experimental Groovegrass of Boomerang (featuring Nashville slide-guitar hero Justin Johnson), to when “mix master Chew Fushowed up and showed out with his DJ skills on Candy Coated Lover”, World Wide Funk is the latest chapter in Bootsy's life-long dedication to the One World Wide Funk is the latest chapter in Bootsy's life-long dedication to the One. The ineffable thing that made the funk emerged from the primordial ooze during teenaged William "Bootsy" Collins'watershed year (1970-71) with James Brown. Bootsy subsequently took the One to George Clinton's P-Funk crew – in what Brown biographer RJ Smith has called "one of history's biggest cases of industrial espionage" – where he adapted Brown's precision and rigor to ringleader Clinton's ecstatic, chaotic, and prolific musical playpen.
The Collins mythology created in this trippy trio of late-'70s R&B hits undergoes further development on World Wide Funk in tracks like Bass-Rigged System (with guest appearances by fellow bass legends Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke and Manou Gallo), Pusherman (wherein the Blvck Seeds collective offers a feminist take on the theory of evolution), and Come Back Bootsy , an epic funk extravaganza anchored once again by Bootsy's star-shaped Space Bass.
Funk wasn't always all about the bass, but Bootsy helped make it so. He's noted for rocking his custom-made star-shaped Space Bass like a lead guitar, both in the funk zone and alongside experimental producers like Bill Laswell. There's no lack of fiery instrumental magic on World Wide Funk either, not with shredding virtuosos like Eric Gales, the mysterious Buckethead and Joe Mass onboard. “You can also hear Jabo and the late Clyde Stubblefield on the album as vocal guests,” Bootsy explains, “and former Prince drummer John Blackwell, along with Dennis Chambers, who left road kill up and down our mile long driveway.”
World Wide Funk also entails a call to activism – literally "Bootz on the ground, baby!" as the title track puts it. "The whole concept," Collins explains, "was not only about playing music or being current on this album, but about teaching people how to funk for themselves so they can bring some funk to get some. We bring them hope like dope, so not one Funkateer chokes. Unity in the community is a part of this plan and when the Mothership lands there’s nothing but helping hands. WWF-Drive is about propelling ourselves and generations to come into the future with the speed of light as in Flashlight.”
A long-time activist himself, Collins has long given back to his community through the Bootsy Collins Foundation(bootsycollinsfoundation.org). The 501(c)(3) non-profit is overseen by Patti Collins, Bootsy's wife, and it focuses on raising the self-esteem of bullied girls, preventive dental care for underserved communities, and providing musical instruments to disadvantaged kids.
Bootsy's music and life are all about creating unity in the community, "but not necessarily the same old community." He has never stopped generating new energy among new musical associates, and World Wide Funk is the latest example of his Promethean powers. It blends classic Bootsy, Analog (“aka the veteran artist”), and Slingshots (“aka the youngins”) into the silly serious world of Bootsy, with results that will extend far beyond the confines of our galaxy.
"I've never really been concerned about what others thought about me or my music, as long as it made you feel good & sexy, like them old house parties, sharing a coke and a smile while doing a bump and grind,” Bootsy concludes. “I’ve had the privilege to travel back in time to imagine; what it was like, ‘When a Stage Coach was First Class!’ Bottom line is, ‘MAKE MY P-WHOLE AGAIN!’”
RELEASED: 27TH OCTOBER 2017VIA MASCOT RECORDS/MASCOT LABEL GROUP
Featuring incredible guests, including Chuck D, Buckethead, Eric Gales, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Musiq Soulchild, Bernie Worrell, Kali Uchis and many more.
"Bootsy Collins was born a long, long time ago in a subterranean cavern full of shining dinosaurs deep below the Ohio River...." – Iggy Pop, introduction to World Wide Funk.
Check out the new single ‘Hot Saucer’ ft Musiq Soulchild & Big Daddy Kane:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4sw54XwFpU
More Music:Ladies Nite (Official Video) ft MC Eiht & BlvkSeeds | Worth My While ft Kali Uchis
Mascot Records are thrilled to announce the new album and first in six years from funk rock legend Bootsy Collins! ‘World Wide Funk’ will be released on 27 October and features an array of phenomenal talent including; Chuck D, Buckethead, Eric Gales, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Musiq Soulchild, Bernie Worrell, Kali Uchis and many more.
The funk runs deep and rich on World Wide Funk , Bootsy Collins' first studio album since 2011's Tha Funk Capital of the World . Populated with musical friends old and new, and recorded in his Cincinnati home's Bootzilla Re-hab studio, World Wide Funk marks both a reckoning and significant reboot for the Rhinestone Rock Star. Blue-chip rappers likeChuck D, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Quik and Dru Down, along with guitar shredder Buckethead, join a curated posse of fresh new artists on a record that embraces everything from the classic P-Funk sound that Bootsy pioneered.
Bootsy explains: "I wanted to create a mystical monster that was born between a ‘Pee-hole & a A**hole,’ which automatically smelled fishy and funked up!’ At the same time, it could fit into a radio station format with a little wiggle room. But then ‘Boot-Rapp-A-Fella’ showed up and said that it would be ludicrous to do this. The ‘One’ kindly gave me the Funk Finger and showed me this World Wide Funkateer Drive going on out here, and he said ‘all you have to do is un-dress it.’ So I waved my hands in the air and gave up the funk like I just didn’t care. Then out of the clear blue, my man Brother-Nature showed up to announce that This is the Year of the Funkateer! The Funkateers began chanting, ‘Come back Bootsy, Come back, Come back, Bootsy Come Back.’ Not only do I have bootz on the ground, we got troops getting down, drones in the air and these young disciples were hungry and not a one of them was scared. The vets of Hip-hop, a la cream of the crop, shouted out to retain their gold, made me feel real good once again to know that they still got soul.” Or as his long-time partner in funk George Clinton once put it: ‘Free your mind and your ass will follow!’
From the maximalist funk of the body-slamming title track, to the soulful pop-R&B of "Heaven Yes," to the experimental Groovegrass of Boomerang (featuring Nashville slide-guitar hero Justin Johnson), to when “mix master Chew Fushowed up and showed out with his DJ skills on Candy Coated Lover”, World Wide Funk is the latest chapter in Bootsy's life-long dedication to the One World Wide Funk is the latest chapter in Bootsy's life-long dedication to the One. The ineffable thing that made the funk emerged from the primordial ooze during teenaged William "Bootsy" Collins'watershed year (1970-71) with James Brown. Bootsy subsequently took the One to George Clinton's P-Funk crew – in what Brown biographer RJ Smith has called "one of history's biggest cases of industrial espionage" – where he adapted Brown's precision and rigor to ringleader Clinton's ecstatic, chaotic, and prolific musical playpen.
The Collins mythology created in this trippy trio of late-'70s R&B hits undergoes further development on World Wide Funk in tracks like Bass-Rigged System (with guest appearances by fellow bass legends Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke and Manou Gallo), Pusherman (wherein the Blvck Seeds collective offers a feminist take on the theory of evolution), and Come Back Bootsy , an epic funk extravaganza anchored once again by Bootsy's star-shaped Space Bass.
Funk wasn't always all about the bass, but Bootsy helped make it so. He's noted for rocking his custom-made star-shaped Space Bass like a lead guitar, both in the funk zone and alongside experimental producers like Bill Laswell. There's no lack of fiery instrumental magic on World Wide Funk either, not with shredding virtuosos like Eric Gales, the mysterious Buckethead and Joe Mass onboard. “You can also hear Jabo and the late Clyde Stubblefield on the album as vocal guests,” Bootsy explains, “and former Prince drummer John Blackwell, along with Dennis Chambers, who left road kill up and down our mile long driveway.”
World Wide Funk also entails a call to activism – literally "Bootz on the ground, baby!" as the title track puts it. "The whole concept," Collins explains, "was not only about playing music or being current on this album, but about teaching people how to funk for themselves so they can bring some funk to get some. We bring them hope like dope, so not one Funkateer chokes. Unity in the community is a part of this plan and when the Mothership lands there’s nothing but helping hands. WWF-Drive is about propelling ourselves and generations to come into the future with the speed of light as in Flashlight.”
A long-time activist himself, Collins has long given back to his community through the Bootsy Collins Foundation(bootsycollinsfoundation.org). The 501(c)(3) non-profit is overseen by Patti Collins, Bootsy's wife, and it focuses on raising the self-esteem of bullied girls, preventive dental care for underserved communities, and providing musical instruments to disadvantaged kids.
Bootsy's music and life are all about creating unity in the community, "but not necessarily the same old community." He has never stopped generating new energy among new musical associates, and World Wide Funk is the latest example of his Promethean powers. It blends classic Bootsy, Analog (“aka the veteran artist”), and Slingshots (“aka the youngins”) into the silly serious world of Bootsy, with results that will extend far beyond the confines of our galaxy.
"I've never really been concerned about what others thought about me or my music, as long as it made you feel good & sexy, like them old house parties, sharing a coke and a smile while doing a bump and grind,” Bootsy concludes. “I’ve had the privilege to travel back in time to imagine; what it was like, ‘When a Stage Coach was First Class!’ Bottom line is, ‘MAKE MY P-WHOLE AGAIN!’”
Polyvinyl's newest artist, Anna Burch, performs at Le Poisson Rouge on November 2nd with Mister Heavenly!
Polyvinyl Records recently signed Anna Burch and you can catch her and her full band on November 2nd at Le Poisson Rouge with Mister Heavenly!Watch her self-directed video for "2 Cool 2 Care":
"Beneath the steady guitar strums and catchy harmonies are Burch’s sobering lyrics about the habitual self-sabotage attached to wanting someone who doesn’t want you back. It’s a feeling that, as much as it stings to admit it, is addicting." StereogumTour Dates:11.02.17 – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge %
11.03.17 – Allston, MA @ Great Scott %
11.04.17 – Providence, RI @ Alchemy %
11.05.17 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s %
11.06.17 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat %
11.08.17 – Toronto, ON @ Drake Hotel %
11.09.17 – Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe %
11.10.17 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme %
11.11.17 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall %
% Supporting Mister HeavenlyDetroit singer/songwriter, Anna Burch, came to Polyvinyl’s attention the same way most valuable discoveries happen. By word of mouth. Fellow Michigan native and longtime Polyvinyl artist, Fred Thomas, sent Burch’s demos to Polyvinyl in the summer of 2017 with a simple note; “This is not a drill. You need to hear this.”Turns out Thomas was right.After learning the ins and outs of playing live and recording with various acts over the last several years, Burch found herself accumulating a growing amount of solo material. These songs, full of sincerity and undeniable depth, caught the ears of Collin Dupuis (Angel Olsen, The Black Keys) who mixed the tracks and helped develop the final product into what would become her debut full-length album, set to be released in early 2018.
Photo credit: Katie Neumann
Fischerspooner announce new album + new video ft. Chairlift's Caroline Polachek
FISCHERSPOONER ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM SIR OUT FEBRUARY 16
SHARE NEW SINGLE "TOGETHERNESS" FT. CHAIRLIFT'S CAROLINE POLACHEK; WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:https://youtu.be/F7gXrKccc8g
ALBUM PRODUCED BY MICHAEL STIPE, MIXED BY STUART WHITE AND ANDY LEMASTER, FEATURES ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION BY BOOTS & MORE
FIRST SHOW IN NEARLY A DECADE AT NEW YORK'S BROOKLYN STEEL ON OCTOBER 27; TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The iconic group Fischerspooner returns with their new album in almost a decade, Sir , slated for release February 16, 2017 via Ultra Records. Entirely produced by Michael Stipe, it also features production by BOOTS (Beyonce & Run The Jewels) and mixing by Stuart White(Beyonce's Lemonade) and Andy LeMaster. It's a collection of erotically-charged, yet profound songs that Casey Spooner and Michael crafted in the home they once shared as lovers. In celebration, they share a stunning video for their new single "Togetherness" featuring Chairlift'sCaroline Polachek that was directed by Warren Fischer. The album is available for pre-order now HERE . In addition, the project is supported by a special art exhibition at the esteemed MUMOK museum in Vienna, Austria, and an art book that contains special items from the group's lifespan including never-before-seen photos, artwork, lyrics, notes and other memorabilia.
The highly-personal album chronicles the dissolution of Casey's 14-year romantic relationship and simultaneously acts a means of resistance towards popular conservative ideals today through its unabashed queerness. The album was written by Casey and Michael at their former home in Athens, GA alongside Michael's longtime collaborator Andy LeMaster. Together they delved into the emotional and sexual turbulence that had defined Casey's life for the past few years resulting in intensely explicit and honest songs of not only the physical aspects of sex, as Casey made his re-entry into the sexual playground now defined by technology, but also the muddled ways that feelings and self-image are present in that experience. After the songwriting was finished, Warren meticulously created a sonic landscape that perfectly supported Casey's raw, intimate work. In the process, Warren established his own creative partnership with rising producer BOOTS, who has created innovative records for Beyonceand Run The Jewels among others, which lead to the birth of the single "Have Fun Tonight". Warren's sonic work on this album further cements his undeniable role in shaping the sound of modern pop.
Fischerspooner started as a DIY art project with their very first performance at a Manhattan Starbucks, which ultimately transformed into a spectacle that ushered in the post-electroclash pop revolution. They pushed the boundaries of music and art in unparalleled ways that laid the foundations for many of today's biggest artists.
Long known for their spectacular live performances, they have their first show in almost a decade on October 27 at Brooklyn Steel. Tickets are available now HERE .
"Michael Stipe encouraged me to be more emotionally connected and to trust my voice. He also fought for a more raw vocal in the final production. He taught me new ways of creating melody and lyric. He was more than a producer. He was a mentor and a great friend who guided me through troubled times and captured my experience. He lifted me up at my lowest. This album is a document of that experience." - CASEY SPOONER (SINGER OF FISCHERSPOONER)
READ MORE AT NPR: http://www.npr.org/event/music/557394154/watch-fischerspooner-and-caroline-polacheks-provocative-new-video-togetherness
WATCH / LISTEN TO "HAVE FUN TONIGHT": https://youtu.be/ruDhSzPLjuY
SIR TRACKLISTING:1. Stranger Strange2. Top Brazil3. Togetherness ft. Caroline Polachek4. Everything Is Just Alright5. Have Fun Tonight6. Discreet7. Strut8. Get It On9. I Need Love10. Butterscotch Goddam ft. Johnny Magee11. Dark Pink12. Try Again ft. Andy LeMaster13. Oh Rio ft. Holly Miranda
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SHARE NEW SINGLE "TOGETHERNESS" FT. CHAIRLIFT'S CAROLINE POLACHEK; WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:https://youtu.be/F7gXrKccc8g
ALBUM PRODUCED BY MICHAEL STIPE, MIXED BY STUART WHITE AND ANDY LEMASTER, FEATURES ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION BY BOOTS & MORE
FIRST SHOW IN NEARLY A DECADE AT NEW YORK'S BROOKLYN STEEL ON OCTOBER 27; TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The iconic group Fischerspooner returns with their new album in almost a decade, Sir , slated for release February 16, 2017 via Ultra Records. Entirely produced by Michael Stipe, it also features production by BOOTS (Beyonce & Run The Jewels) and mixing by Stuart White(Beyonce's Lemonade) and Andy LeMaster. It's a collection of erotically-charged, yet profound songs that Casey Spooner and Michael crafted in the home they once shared as lovers. In celebration, they share a stunning video for their new single "Togetherness" featuring Chairlift'sCaroline Polachek that was directed by Warren Fischer. The album is available for pre-order now HERE . In addition, the project is supported by a special art exhibition at the esteemed MUMOK museum in Vienna, Austria, and an art book that contains special items from the group's lifespan including never-before-seen photos, artwork, lyrics, notes and other memorabilia.
The highly-personal album chronicles the dissolution of Casey's 14-year romantic relationship and simultaneously acts a means of resistance towards popular conservative ideals today through its unabashed queerness. The album was written by Casey and Michael at their former home in Athens, GA alongside Michael's longtime collaborator Andy LeMaster. Together they delved into the emotional and sexual turbulence that had defined Casey's life for the past few years resulting in intensely explicit and honest songs of not only the physical aspects of sex, as Casey made his re-entry into the sexual playground now defined by technology, but also the muddled ways that feelings and self-image are present in that experience. After the songwriting was finished, Warren meticulously created a sonic landscape that perfectly supported Casey's raw, intimate work. In the process, Warren established his own creative partnership with rising producer BOOTS, who has created innovative records for Beyonceand Run The Jewels among others, which lead to the birth of the single "Have Fun Tonight". Warren's sonic work on this album further cements his undeniable role in shaping the sound of modern pop.
Fischerspooner started as a DIY art project with their very first performance at a Manhattan Starbucks, which ultimately transformed into a spectacle that ushered in the post-electroclash pop revolution. They pushed the boundaries of music and art in unparalleled ways that laid the foundations for many of today's biggest artists.
Long known for their spectacular live performances, they have their first show in almost a decade on October 27 at Brooklyn Steel. Tickets are available now HERE .
"Michael Stipe encouraged me to be more emotionally connected and to trust my voice. He also fought for a more raw vocal in the final production. He taught me new ways of creating melody and lyric. He was more than a producer. He was a mentor and a great friend who guided me through troubled times and captured my experience. He lifted me up at my lowest. This album is a document of that experience." - CASEY SPOONER (SINGER OF FISCHERSPOONER)
READ MORE AT NPR: http://www.npr.org/event/music/557394154/watch-fischerspooner-and-caroline-polacheks-provocative-new-video-togetherness
WATCH / LISTEN TO "HAVE FUN TONIGHT": https://youtu.be/ruDhSzPLjuY
SIR TRACKLISTING:1. Stranger Strange2. Top Brazil3. Togetherness ft. Caroline Polachek4. Everything Is Just Alright5. Have Fun Tonight6. Discreet7. Strut8. Get It On9. I Need Love10. Butterscotch Goddam ft. Johnny Magee11. Dark Pink12. Try Again ft. Andy LeMaster13. Oh Rio ft. Holly Miranda
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Charly Bliss release "Scare U" video, on tour now with Wolf Parade
CHARLY BLISS RELEASE "SCARE U" VIDEO
ON TOUR NOW WITH WOLF PARADE
DEBUT ALBUM, GUPPY, OUT NOW VIA BARSUK RECORDS
Photo Credit: Jacqueline HarrietToday, NYC's Charly Bliss have unveiled a special Friday the 13th treat, a music video for "Scare U." W Magazine , who premiered the video today and interviewed the band, are saying it's "perfectly campy." The band's critically acclaimed debut album, Guppy, is available now via Barsuk Records.
The band is also excited to announce that their debut EP Soft Serve will be reissued on vinyl and released on November 17th via Barsuk Records. The Soft Serve 7-inch will be pressed on colored white vinyl with streaks of color, or vanilla with sprinkles as they prefer to describe it, limited to 1,000 copies worldwide and hand-numbered. You can pre-order it now through Barsuk.
Additionally, Charly Bliss are releasing a comic book featuring interpretations of each of the songs onGuppy, with contributions from Michael Deforge, Sadie Dupuis, Tuesday Bassen, and more, titledGuppy, Issue One. The limited edition comic book, which is available for pre-order now and due out in late October, comes with an accompanying hand numbered flexi-disc that features 2 previously unreleased songs: "Golden Age" and "Special."
Charly Bliss are currently on tour with Wolf Parade. Their magnetic live show is not to be missed. All dates below.
Charly Bliss' debut album, Guppy, got "Best Albums Of The Year So Far" accolades from Rolling Stone, Billboard , NPR, Stereogum , SPIN, The AV Club, Consequence of Sound, UPROXX ,FLOOD and Bandcamp.
WATCH THE "SCARE U" VIDEO
TOUR DATES:10/13 - Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre ^10/14 - Toronto, ON @ The Baby G ^10/15 - Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom ^10/16 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues ^10/19 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer ^10/20 - Boston, MA @ Royale ^10/21 - Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel ^10/22 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat ^10/24 - Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall ^10/25 - Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot Ballroom10/26 - Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall ^10/27 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue ^12/1 - Northhampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall12/2 - Portsmouth, NH @ 3S Artspace12/9 - Toronto, ON @ The Rec Room1/12 - Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore Ballroom ^1/13 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox ^1/14 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom ^1/16 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore ^1/17 - Berkeley, CA @ The UC Theatre Taube Family ^1/20 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre ^1/21 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory ^1/23 - San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park ^1/24 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren ^1/26 - Austin, TX @ The Mohawk ^1/27 - Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall ^1/28 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues ^^ with Wolf Parade
LO MOON Releases New Song "Thorns"
LO MOONRELEASES NEW SONG "THORNS"
Lo Moon Opening for Phoenix and London Grammar This Fall, As Well As Playing Select Headlining Shows
Photo: Cara RobbinsLos Angeles's Lo Moon have today released an incredible new song entitled"Thorns." Tinted with shades of talk talk, Roxy Music, and the xx, "Thorns" is a brilliant calling card for Los Angeles's most exciting new band. Click HERE to listen to it.
Lo Moon will also be returning to the road through the end of the year, with headline shows at Rough Trade in Brooklyn and the Troubadour in Los Angeles, as well as opening for the likes of Phoenix and London Grammar. All tour dates are below.
Lo Moon are a Los Angeles-based band comprised of Matt Lowell (vocals/guitar),Crisanta Baker (bass/keyboards), and Sam Stewart (guitar). With only two songs out in the world - 2016's "Loveless" and 2017's "This Is It" - the band is already becoming one of the most talked-about new artists to emerge from Los Angeles's burgeoning indie scene. The trio have received early accolades from The New York Times, NPR Music, V Magazine, KCRW, the Los Angeles Times, World Cafe , and many more. Having opened for the likes of Phoenix, Glass Animals, The Lemon Twigs, Air, London Grammar, and others, Lo Moon are currently putting the finishing touches to their debut album with producers Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie) andFrancois Tetaz (Gotye).
Lo Moon tour dates (all dates for 2017):October 13: Montreal, QC @ Metropolis (w/ Phoenix)October 14: Buffalo, NY @ HRVST Festival (w/ Phoenix)October 15: New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall (w/ Phoenix)October 17: Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo (w/ London Grammar)October 18: Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy (w/ London Grammar)October 20: Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo (w/ London Grammar)October 21: London, UK @ Eventim Apollo (w/ London Grammar)October 23: Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy (w/ London Grammar)October 24: Edinburg, UK @ Usher Hall (w/ London Grammar)October 26: Nottingham, UK @ Rock City (w/ London Grammar)October 27: Bristol, UK @ Colston Hall (w/ London Grammar)October 29: Newcastle, UK @ City Hall (w/ London Grammar)October 30: London, UK @ O2 Brixton Academy (w/ London Grammar)
November 1: Dublin, IE @ Olympia Theatre (w/ London Grammar)November 2: Belfast, IE @ Waterfront Hall (w/ London Grammar)November 6: Brooklyn @ Rough Trade (headline)November 7: Philadelphia @ Boot & Saddle (headline)November 16: Los Angeles @ The Troubadour (headline)November 22: Luxembourg @ Rockhal (w/ London Grammar)November 23: Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS Live (w/ London Grammar)November 25: Cologne, DE @ Palladium (w/ London Grammar)November 26: Berlin, DE @ Velodrom (w/ London Grammar)November 28: Hamburg, DE @ Mehr! Theatre (w/ London Grammar)November 30: Zurich, CH @ Halle 622 (w/ London Grammar)
December 4: London, UK @ The Lexington (headline)December 8: Stuttgart, DE @ Liederhalle Hegelsaal (w/ London Grammar)December 9: Munich, DE @ TonHalle (w/ London Grammar)December 11: Antwerp, BE @ Lotto Arena (w/ London Grammar)December 12: Antwerp, BE @ Lotto Arena (w/ London Grammar)December 15: New York City, NY @ WFUV Holiday Cheer at Beacon Theatre (w/ Jeff Tweedy and more)
Lo Moon Opening for Phoenix and London Grammar This Fall, As Well As Playing Select Headlining Shows
Photo: Cara RobbinsLos Angeles's Lo Moon have today released an incredible new song entitled"Thorns." Tinted with shades of talk talk, Roxy Music, and the xx, "Thorns" is a brilliant calling card for Los Angeles's most exciting new band. Click HERE to listen to it.
Lo Moon will also be returning to the road through the end of the year, with headline shows at Rough Trade in Brooklyn and the Troubadour in Los Angeles, as well as opening for the likes of Phoenix and London Grammar. All tour dates are below.
Lo Moon are a Los Angeles-based band comprised of Matt Lowell (vocals/guitar),Crisanta Baker (bass/keyboards), and Sam Stewart (guitar). With only two songs out in the world - 2016's "Loveless" and 2017's "This Is It" - the band is already becoming one of the most talked-about new artists to emerge from Los Angeles's burgeoning indie scene. The trio have received early accolades from The New York Times, NPR Music, V Magazine, KCRW, the Los Angeles Times, World Cafe , and many more. Having opened for the likes of Phoenix, Glass Animals, The Lemon Twigs, Air, London Grammar, and others, Lo Moon are currently putting the finishing touches to their debut album with producers Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie) andFrancois Tetaz (Gotye).
Lo Moon tour dates (all dates for 2017):October 13: Montreal, QC @ Metropolis (w/ Phoenix)October 14: Buffalo, NY @ HRVST Festival (w/ Phoenix)October 15: New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall (w/ Phoenix)October 17: Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo (w/ London Grammar)October 18: Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy (w/ London Grammar)October 20: Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo (w/ London Grammar)October 21: London, UK @ Eventim Apollo (w/ London Grammar)October 23: Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy (w/ London Grammar)October 24: Edinburg, UK @ Usher Hall (w/ London Grammar)October 26: Nottingham, UK @ Rock City (w/ London Grammar)October 27: Bristol, UK @ Colston Hall (w/ London Grammar)October 29: Newcastle, UK @ City Hall (w/ London Grammar)October 30: London, UK @ O2 Brixton Academy (w/ London Grammar)
November 1: Dublin, IE @ Olympia Theatre (w/ London Grammar)November 2: Belfast, IE @ Waterfront Hall (w/ London Grammar)November 6: Brooklyn @ Rough Trade (headline)November 7: Philadelphia @ Boot & Saddle (headline)November 16: Los Angeles @ The Troubadour (headline)November 22: Luxembourg @ Rockhal (w/ London Grammar)November 23: Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS Live (w/ London Grammar)November 25: Cologne, DE @ Palladium (w/ London Grammar)November 26: Berlin, DE @ Velodrom (w/ London Grammar)November 28: Hamburg, DE @ Mehr! Theatre (w/ London Grammar)November 30: Zurich, CH @ Halle 622 (w/ London Grammar)
December 4: London, UK @ The Lexington (headline)December 8: Stuttgart, DE @ Liederhalle Hegelsaal (w/ London Grammar)December 9: Munich, DE @ TonHalle (w/ London Grammar)December 11: Antwerp, BE @ Lotto Arena (w/ London Grammar)December 12: Antwerp, BE @ Lotto Arena (w/ London Grammar)December 15: New York City, NY @ WFUV Holiday Cheer at Beacon Theatre (w/ Jeff Tweedy and more)
