Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 1783

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart shares video for "So True," launches west coast tour this week

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart shares video for "So True," launches west coast tour this week 

VIDEO: "So True" - 
YouTube  Today the Pains of Being Pure at Heart shares the music video for "So True" the fourth single from its recently released fourth album, The Echo of Pleasure. The album is now available to order here in all formats. The band also launches a west coast tour this Friday night in Vancouver.Thoughts on "So True" from Kip Berman:The song “So True” is about two young friends, Ylva and Olga, who find different ways to resist the crippling oil wealth and conservative bourgeoise "niceness" of their native Norway, through direct, leftist political action and/or just getting fucked up a lot. But it's also ultimately from the perspective of how I am older, married with a daughter and incapable of chaining myself to an oil rig or passing out in the park because I have things I need to do and people to care for. I could never be "so true" as all that.The visual treatment, entirely the work of the director Nicola Saint-Marc, works with this idea of the compromises of our lives and the way that we are seemingly unrecognizable to our own selves over time. We see a successful woman living with her younger, wilder self, and all the joys and conflicts of their cohabitation. But these women could also represent my own relationship to The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - a band I started when I was younger that has mirrored my own life in its many transformations. I sometimes feel like I’m living with a familiar stranger, the older songs speak to a life that is markedly different from how I live now.But that’s fine.I have tried to continue to live and make music with honesty and idealism, and not wear a costume of perpetual adolescence. There’s a lurking tragedy in the video - and it is unclear if the sadness and regret with which the older woman views her own history is ultimately one she would undo. But for my life, I know the many painful moments and flat out “dumbassery” has made me more capable of being a partner, parent and friend to the people who matter most to me. Maybe I’m still not “So True” as the untested absolutes of youth, but I’m trying to get somewhere almost as good. TOUR DATES:

Friday, September 22 -- Vancouver, BC -- Biltmore Cabaret $&
Saturday, September 23 -- Seattle, WA -- Tractor Tavern $&
Sunday, September 24 -- Portland, OR -- Doug Fir Lounge $&
Tuesday, September 26 -- San Francisco, CA -- The Chapel $&
Wednesday, September 27 -- Los Angeles, CA -- Teragram Ballroom $&
Saturday, September 30 -- San Diego, CA - The Loft UC $&
Wednesday, October 11 -- Zaragoza, Spain -- Fiestas Del Pilar
Friday, October 13 -- La Coruna, Spain -- Playa Club
Saturday, October 14 -- O Grove, Spain -- Fiesta Del Marisco
Sunday, October 15 -- Madrid, Spain -- Joy Slava
Monday, October 16 -- Cordoba, Spain -- Sala Hanger
Tuesday, October 17 -- Sevilla, Spain -- Sala X
Wednesday, Octover 18 -- Granada, Spain -- Lemon Rock 
Thursday, October 19 -- Valencia, Spain -- La Rambleta
Friday, October 20 -- Barcelona, Spain -- Bikini 
Saturday, October 21 -- Santander, Spain -- Escenario

$ = w/ The Courtneys
& = w/ The PridsPictured below: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart by Ebru Yildiz The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Billie Eilish Named As Apple Music's Up Next Artist. To Perform On CBS The Late Late Show

BILLIE EILISH CONFIRMED AS APPLE MUSIC’S UP NEXT ARTIST 

SET TO MAKE HER LATE NIGHT TELEVISION DEBUT TONIGHT 
ON CBS’ THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH JAMES CORDEN 

SOLD OUT NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINING TOUR STARTS OCTOBER 4
 LONDON O2 ACADEMY ISLINGTON SHOW SELLS OUT IN 10 MINUTES

OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “watch” OUT NOW WATCH
“watch”
 
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
10/4 - Constellation Room - Santa Ana, CA – SOLD OUT
10/5 - The Echo - Los Angeles, CA – SOLD OUT
10/7 - Rickshaw Stop - San Francisco, CA – SOLD OUT
10/9 - Holocene - Portland, OR - SOLD OUT
10/10 - The Crocodile – Main Room – Seattle, WA – SOLD OUT
10/12 - Schubas Tavern - Chicago, IL – SOLD OUT
10/14 - The Drake - Toronto, ON – SOLD OUT
10/16 - Baby’s All Right - Brooklyn, NY – SOLD OUT
10/17 - Public Arts - New York, NY - SOLD OUT
10/19 - Sonia - Cambridge, MA – SOLD OUT
10/20 – World Café Live – Upstairs – Philadelphia, PA – SOLD OUT
10/21 - Rock & Roll Hotel - Washington, DC - SOLD OUT

Fresh off of selling out her upcoming London O2 Academy show in less than 10 minutes (additional European tour dates  here ) and completing a string of SOLD OUT shows in Australia and New Zealand, 15-year old trailblazer Billie Eilish is showing no signs of slowing down with her first ever North American headlining tour (also sold out) starting next month.

This week, the Los Angeles based artist premiered the Megan Park directed official video for “watch”(watch  HERE ) and today, Apple Music announced Billie Eilish as the latest artist to be featured as part of their wildly successful Up Next campaign. Shining the spotlight on Billie’s impressive career to date, Apple kicked things off this morning with an exclusive interview with Julie Adenuga on Beats1 and released a fascinating new mini documentary on the rising star, which is now available via Apple MusicHERE. Watch the first minute of the documentary via  Billboard.com .

Tonight, Billie Eilish will be making her late night television debut on CBS’ The Late Late Show with James Corden. Tune in tonight at 12:37AM/11:37PM CT to catch her live performance.

The video, described as Billie’s “most stunning and shocking work yet” by  Noisey , follows the release of her critically acclaimed debut EP “dont smile at me,” which is out now worldwide viaDarkroom/Interscope Records.

Next month, Billie launches her SOLD OUT headlining tour which kicks off on October 4 in Santa Ana, CA at the Constellation Room, before hitting Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Toronto, New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and concluding in Washington DC on October 21st at the Rock & Roll Hotel. For a complete list of tour dates and more information, please visit http://www.billieeilish.com
“dont smile at me” EP is OUT NOW.
COPYCAT
idontwannabeyouanymore
my boy
watch
party favor
bellyache
ocean eyes
hostage
iTunes | Apple Music | Spotify | Google Play | Amazon | VEVO


OFFICIAL WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | SOUNDCLOUD

New Order @ Hollywood Bowl

The National Reach Career Highest Chart Positions Around The World

THE NATIONAL SCORE HIGHEST CHART POSITIONS OF CAREER INCLUDING #1's IN FOUR COUNTRIES
THE BAND HITS #2 ON THE U.S. BILLBOARD TOP 200
The National have achieved their highest chart position in the US today, coming in at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 for their new album Sleep Well Beast (4AD). In addition they have scored #1's in the UK, Ireland, Portugal and Canada. The band received their highest chart position ever in a total of eleven countries. The National also claimed their first #1 at commercial radio on the Triple-A radio chart with "The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness."
Sleep Well Beast is the band's seventh studio album and the follow up to their GRAMMY nominated album Trouble Will Find Me. Over their 16-year career the band has sold more than 1.7 million albums in the U.S. alone. The National are currently on a sold-out tour of the UK and return to the U.S. for a run of dates beginning October 5th. Highlights include Forrest Hills Stadium in New York, NY on October 6th and The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 11th.  Photo Credit: Graham MacIndoe
For more information visit www.americanmary.com. Photos, album art and bio available here.
PRAISE FOR  SLEEP WELL BEAST:
"Elegant melancholia isn't enough for the National anymore. On its seventh album, "Sleep Well Beast," its new songs have more rhythmic ferment and melodic crosscurrents; they translate emotional complexity into musical counterpoint."-The New York Times
"Over the past 16 years this veteran indie quintet has quietly become one of the biggest bands in the country, and with their seventh album they've achieved the rare feat of releasing one of their best - if not the best - collection to date."-Variety
"The National's best LP yet. Haunted by Mordant beauty, rattled paranoia. ****" -Rolling Stone 
"The National is back when we need them most...on their sonically expansive seventh outing, [they] have come roaring back with their most ambitious, urgent album yet." -USA TODAY
"The National's upcoming full-length, Sleep Well Beast, is shaping up to be the best album the band has done." - NPR
"'Sleep Well Beast' is the band's fifth album in a row that feels essential, connected, and unflinching." -AV CLUB
"The National are having a moment, however unassumingly, at the top of whatever is left of serious rock music." -Magnet
"Sleep Well Beast is a towering achievement." -Under the Radar
"This seventh record from the aughts' indie superstars promises a feast of grandiose rock." -New York Magazine
"Sleep Well Beast kicks harder than any National album in more than a decade." -Stereogum
"This generation's glum-funny heir to Leonard Cohen, Matt Berninger, delivers unusually lucid lyrics as his now-venerable Brooklyn band experiments with drum machines and snarling guitar solos." -The Atlantic
"...The National might be the closest thing America has ever had to The Smiths: a dexterous guitar band with a magnetically morose frontman who's able to complain about the government and his love life in the same breath with the same eloquence and the same dark humor." -Consequence of Sound 
"While performing, Berninger is an inscrutable and arresting presence...The work is hard and serious. For anyone who has ever found herself mired in this sort of situation-apathy mixed with deep hunger-Berninger's echoing of it can feel like a public service." -The New Yorker
WORLD TOUR:# w/ Daughter% w/ Local Natives^ w/ This Is The Kit* w/ Adia Victoria
9/20/17 - Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK (SOLD OUT)9/21/17 - Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK (SOLD OUT)9/22/17 - O2 Apollo - Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)9/23/17 - O2 Apollo - Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)9/25/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)9/26/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)9/27/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)9/28/17 - Eventim Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)10/05/17 - Wang Theatre - Boston, MA * (SOLD OUT)10/06/17 - Forest Hills Stadium - New York, NY #10/7/17 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA #10/8/17 - Masonic Hall - Detroit, MI #10/11/17 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA % #10/12/17 - CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre - San Diego, CA #10/14/17 - Greek Theatre - Berkeley, CA # (SOLD OUT)10/15/17 - Greek Theatre - Berkeley, CA10/21/17 - Elbphilharmonie - Hamburg, GERMANY (SOLD OUT)10/23/17 - Tempodrom - Berlin, GERMANY (SOLD OUT)10/24/17 - Tempodrom - Berlin, GERMANY (SOLD OUT)10/25/17 - AFAS Live - Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS (SOLD OUT)10/26/17 - AFAS Live - Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS10/28/17 - Coliseum - Lisbon, PORTUGAL (SOLD OUT)10/30/17 - Bozar - Brussels, BELGIUM (SOLD OUT)10/31/17 - Bozar - Brussels, BELGIUM (SOLD OUT)11/02/17 - Pitchfork Paris, Paris FRANCE11/04/17 - Annexet - Stockholm, SWEDEN (SOLD OUT)11/05/17 - Annexet - Stockholm, SWEDEN11/06/17 - Sentrum Scene - Oslo, NORWAY (SOLD OUT)11/07/17 - Sentrum Scene - Oslo, NORWAY (SOLD OUT)11/27/17 - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall - Portland, OR  ^ (SOLD OUT)11/28/17 - Paramount Theatre - Seattle, WA ^ (SOLD OUT)11/29/17 - Paramount Theatre - Seattle, WA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/01/17 - Queen Elizabeth Theatre - Vancouver BC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/02/17 - Queen Elizabeth Theatre - Vancouver BC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/04/17 - Verizon Hall - Philadelphia, PA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/05/17 - The Anthem - Washington,DC ^ (SOLD OUT)12/07/17 - Metropolis - Montreal QC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/08/17 - Metropolis - Montreal QC, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/09/17 - Sony Centre - Toronto ON, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/10/17 - Hamilton Place Theatre - Hamilton ON, CANADA ^ (SOLD OUT)12/12/17 - Civic Opera House - Chicago, IL ^ (SOLD OUT)12/13/17 - Civic Opera House - Chicago, IL ^ (SOLD OUT)1/20/18 -  Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - The Joint - Las Vegas, NV1/23/18 - Pepsi Center WTC - Mexico City, MX2/21/18 - Sydney Opera House Forecourt - Sydney, AUSTRALIA2/22/18 - Sydney Opera House Forecourt - Sydney, AUSTRALIA2/25/18 - Villa Maria Winery - Auckland, NEW ZEALAND2/27/18 - Riverstage - Brisbane, AUSTRALIA3/1/18 - Sidney Myer Music Bowl - Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

The Church Coming To NYC & Brooklyn - Sept 27/28th

    The Church To Release New Album Man Woman Life Death Infinity On October 6th   North American Tour Begins This Friday New Single “Undersea” Out Now  September 19, 2017 – Another Century, another dream, another album from a band that's in too deep to go anywhere but ever closer to the other side.  Man Woman Life Death Infinity  is the 26th album by the Church and will be released on October 6th. The album is their second with the rejuvenated line-up Steve Kilbey, Peter Koppes, Tim Powles and Ian Haug. The epic return of 2014's critically lauded  Further/ Deeper  blossomed into a road-hardened beast over four tours of the USA, two back home in Australia, and a new career high in front of 20,000 Spanish fans on a lap of Europe.  Man Woman Life Death Infinity  is where the revitalized quartet's freshly tuned chemistry reaches a new potency and precision: ten songs, 45 minutes, and a quantum leap into unexplored territory as strange as it is irresistible. "Music is like inner space and we're astronauts," says guitarist Koppes, who co-founded the Church in Sydney in 1980. "It's a spellbinding thing. It's hypnotizing. That's why people like it. It takes them into another world and we're here to open those doors." "This is the Church's water record," says Kilbey, singer, lyricist and bassist. "I guess water is my element. I've always marveled at the sea and rivers and rain. It wasn't conscious at all but on reflection, it definitely is a preoccupation on this record. What that means, I don't know." The band have just released the deeply chiming second single ‘Undersea.'  Listen here:  https://open.spotify.com/album/7Jy7vNfA4iET86jNOb7tGY   The track is the ominously descending result of Kilbey's suggestion that the band should pretend to be another one altogether, like Sgt. Pepper wilfully choosing the brown acid. "Tim borrowed my son's little electronic drum kit," Haug reveals, "so we had a mutated kit, half acoustic/ half electric, and we were just firing off each other.” "Peter is like the mad professor of guitar theory. I've learned a lot from him over the last few years but I'm not trying to analyze the harmonic integrity of anything. If it sounds good, I'll keep going down that path. I think we complement each other really well in that way." Fans who pre-order the album will receive both “Undersea” and “Another Century” as instant grat tracks. The Church are in the middle of an extensive 29-date North American tour in support of Man Woman Life Death Infinity and will be performing in New York City on September 27th at Le Poisson Rouge and on Septmeber 28th in Brooklyn at The Bell House.  Special guests The Helio Sequencewill be direct support on all dates.   Man Woman Life Death Infinity  Track Listing Another CenturySubmarineFor King KnifeUnderseaBefore The DelugeI Don’t Know How I Don’t Know WhyA Face In A FilmIn Your FogSomething Out There Is WrongDark WaltzFor up to date information visit:http://thechurchband.nethttp://www.theheliosequence.com   The Church North American Fall Tour With Special Guest The Helio Sequence 9/19/2017        Dallas, TX                   Kessler Theater9/20/2017        Houston, TX               Heights Theater          9/22/2017        Pensacola, FL              Vinyl Music Hall       9/23/2017        Orlando, FL                The Social      9/24/2017        Atlanta, GA                 City Wintery   9/25/2017        Asheville, NC             The Grey Eagle          9/27/2017        New York, NY           Le Poisson Rouge      9/28/2017        Brooklyn, NY             The Bell House          9/29/2017        Natick, MA                 TCAN Center For The Arts   9/30/2017        Newton, NJ                 Newton Theatre          10/1/2017        Washington, DC         9:30 Club10/3/2017        Philadelphia, PA         Union Transfer10/5/2017        Detroit, MI                  Magic Stick    10/6/2017        Chicago, IL                 Park West       10/8/2017        Minneapolis, MN        Cedar Cultural Center10/10/2017      Omaha, NE                 The Waiting Room     10/11/2017      Denver, CO                 Gothic Theater10/12/2017      Salt Lake City, UT      The State Room10/13/2017      Las Vegas, NV            Brooklyn Bowl          10/14/2017      Phoenix, AZ                The Press Room      

José González Announces North American Winter Tour

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ
ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN WINTER TOUR

TICKETS ON SALE NOW Photo: Malin JohanssonJosé González is pleased to announce a new string of solo acoustic North American tour dates beginning in late January and continuing into mid-February. All dates are now on sale. Please see below for a complete itinerary.

These new performances follow a handful of summer dates that saw González bring his idyllic solo show to cities and festivals situated in the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian prairies. González’s solo live show features songs taken from across his sprawling and internationally-acclaimed catalog. Selections include material found on his three solo albums as well as songs from his band Junip and fan-favorite covers.

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
January 29 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
January 30 – Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre
January 31 – Santa Barbara, CA – UCSB Campbell Hall
February 1 – Orange, CA – Chapman University
February 2 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theater
February 3 – Austin, TX – Long Center for Performing Arts
February 6 – Hanover, NH – Dartmouth College
February 7 – Providence, RI – Columbus Theatre
February 8 – Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall
February 9 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
February 10 – Montreal, QC – Monument National
February 11 – Quebec City, QC – Grande Theatre de Quebec

** Bedouine supporting all dates

Jane Birkin to perform symphonic tribute to Serge Gainsbourg at Carnegie Hall Feb 1 ~ extensive international tour ~ album out now!

JANE BIRKIN TO PERFORM AT
CARNEGIE HALL FEBRUARY 1 AS PART OF EXTENSIVE INTERNATIONAL TOURORCHESTRAL TRIBUTE TO LATE HUSBAND
SERGE GAINSBOURGBIRKIN/GAINSBOURG: LE SYMPHONIQUE OUT NOW
TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM  
Album cover; Photo credit: Nico Bustos“Above it all, Birkin’s voice—unheard on record for almost a decade
—is more tactile and affecting than ever.”— Uncut  “Lush and filmic…the reimaginings bring new perspectives on the
songs’ melodic complexity. Serge would smile.”— Mojo  Actress, singer, songwriter and fashion icon Jane Birkin will perform  Birkin/Gainsbourg: Le symphonique —her tribute to late husband Serge Gainsbourg—with a symphonic orchestra at Carnegie Hall on February 1. The concert marks Birkin’s first U.S. performance since 2011 and is part of an extensive international concert tour that has seen her playing to full houses in Montreal, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris and London, among many other cities. American Express pre-sale is available from September 20 at 10 A.M. to September 21 at 10 P.M., followed by venue/promoter pre-sale on September 21 (10 A.M. to 10 P.M.). Public on-sale begins September 22 at 10 A.M.—all times are Eastern. Tickets available at Carnegiehall.org, by phone at 212.247.7800 and in person at the Carnegie Hall Box Office, located at 881 Seventh Avenue in New York City.The LP Birkin/Gainsbourg: Le symphonique is out now to wide critical acclaim—stream, share and purchase HERE. Arranged by Emmy Award-winner Nobuyuki Nakajima with artistic direction by Philippe Lerichomme, the album features symphonic versions of classic Gainsbourg songs ranging from the beginnings of his career in the 1950s to those written especially for Birkin, such as “Jane B” and “Baby Alone in Babylone,” penned after the legendary couple’s separation.As Gainsbourg’s companion of 12 years (during which daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg was born), Birkin occupies a unique position as an interpreter of his music. “It is a privilege that one of the greatest French writers wrote for me from the age of 20 to 45,” Birkin says. “In a way it never stopped. It’s a strange situation. What can I do for him now, even though it’s too late! At least I can wear him, take him with me. Say his words!” Having sung his songs on stages around the world for more than 30 years, Birkin came to the realization that Gainsbourg had been so inspired by and used classical music so often within his music that a symphonic project would mark a truly logical extension of his body of work.
Photo credit: Shoichi KanoA live collaboration with Nakajima in Japan surrounding a benefit for the victims of the 2011 tsunami and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster led to a deep admiration for his arrangements of Gainsbourg’s music and solidified the concept. “Nobu writes beautiful arrangements, so delicate, so moving,” she notes. “He has understood Serge’s charm, which can be funny as well as dramatic, can make you laugh out loud or cry when your soul is touched.”Gainsbourg was a prolific singer/songwriter, novelist, actor and filmmaker known for his provocative words and outrageous behavior. His musical genius—covering classical, chanson, jazz, rock, reggae and more—is still felt in France and around the world more than 25 years after his death in 1991. An inspiration for musicians across the world, his songs have been sampled by artists ranging from De La Soul to Massive Attack and his work cited as influences by Beck, Yo La Tengo and Tame Impala, to name just a few. So important is his impact on the cultural life of his home country that François Mitterrand, the French president at the time of Gainsbourg’s death, described him as “our Baudelaire, our Apollinaire…he elevated song to the level of art.”


BIRKIN/GAINSBOURG: LE SYMPHONIQUE TRACK LIST1. Lost Song
2. Dépression au-dessus du jardin
3. Baby Alone in Babylone
4. Physique et sans issue
5. Ces petits riens
6. L’aquoiboniste
7. Valse de Melody
8. Fuir le bonheur de peur qu’il ne se sauve
9. Requiem pour un con
10. Une chose entre autres
11. Amour des feintes
12. Exercice en forme de Z
13. Manon
14. La chanson de Prévert
15. Les dessous chics
16. L’amour de moi
17. Pull marine
18. La gadoue
19. Jane B.
20. L’anamour
21. La JavanaiseCONCERT SET LIST:1. Ces petits riens2. Lost Song3. Dépression au-dessus du jardin4. Baby Alone in Babylone5. Physique et sans issue6. Ballade de Johnny Jane7. l'Aquoiboniste8. Valse de melody9. Fuir le bonheur de peur qu’il ne se sauve10. Requiem pour un con11. Une chose entre autres12. Amours des feintes13. Exercice en forme de z14. Manon15. la chanson de Prévert16. les Dessous chics17. l'amour de moi18. Pull marine19. la gadoue20. Jane B.21. l'Anamour22. medley instrumental (lemon incest / je
t’aime… moi non plus / initials b.b. / ma
lou marilou / my lady heroïne)23. La Javanaise

OMD Announce U.S. Tour, Share "What Have We Done" Via Brooklyn Vegan | 'The Punishment Of Luxury' LP Out Now

ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK ANNOUNCE
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR, SPOTIFY PRESALE 9/20

SHARE "WHAT HAVE WE DONE" EXTENDED VERSION VIA BROOKLYN VEGAN

 'THE PUNISHMENT OF LUXURY' OUT NOW ON WHITE NOISELISTEN & SHARE: OMD - "WHAT HAVE WE DONE"
LISTEN & SHARE: OMD - "THE VIEW FROM HERE"
WATCH & SHARE: OMD - "THE PUNISHMENT OF LUXURY"
WATCH & SHARE: OMD - "ISOTYPE""...a very nice mix of classic sounds, modern techniques, and the duo’s still-sharpe melodic skills."
- Brooklyn Vegan

""Isotype" is a soaring six minutes of deeply Kraftwerk-ian vocoder-pop, a masterclass in soulful electronic from a pair that's been making music for four decades. In total OMD fashion, the new song takes a lesson from art history and applies it the modern day, examining how winky and smiling-pop icons have replaced everyday language."
- NPR

"Lyrically, The Punishment Of Luxury is distinguished by its thoughtful examinations of power dynamics....The Punishment Of Luxury exudes warmth and empathy throughout."
- A.V. Club

“The Punishment of Luxury” is an addicting jolt of bright ’80s synthpop, replete with Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys’ pristine harmonies."
- Consequence Of Sound

"Unconcerned with rewriting their '80s glory, their new records are instead a modern-day continuation of the classic sound begun decades ago."
- Under The RadarBrooklyn Vegan has announced OMD's 2018 North American tour dates. They also shared the extended version of the band's song "What Have We Done". After releasing their 13th studio album on Friday 9/1, OMD has made a stellar debut, hitting #4 on the U.K, and #9 in Germany. Prior to the band's LP release, two singles and an instant grat were provided. "Isotype", "The Punishment Of Luxury" and "The View From Here" respectively. They will be doing shows in U.K./EU this fall, dates are below. The duo also recently did performances on Good Day New York and Soundcheck WNYC.

The band are offering a VIP experience on all US shows; a rare chance for fans to meet the band, attend soundcheck and receive exclusive merchandise including a signed set list from the show they attend. Check it out here!

Tickets For North American tour on sale to the general public 9/22! 
Synth-pop pioneers OMD return with their dazzling 13th studio album ‘The Punishment of Luxury’ which sees them combine the wistful nostalgia and idealized romance of their previous work while stepping out of their comfort zone. The LP is out September 1st on White Noise Records.

The follow up to the critically acclaimed ‘English Electric’ (released in 2013) ‘The Punishment Of Luxury’ is a daring collection of stylish synth pop and masterful songwriting which will certainly rank alongside their very best.

Written, recorded, produced and mixed by OMD – Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys – the album is the sound of a band in their prime. ‘On this album we have managed to make beautiful things out of noises and repetitive patterns’, explains Andy. ‘The trouble is, we just cant help but write a catchy melody!’

The album takes its name from an 1891 painting by the Italian Giovani Segantini and contains everything from the Kraftwerkian ‘Isotype’ and ‘Robot Man’ to the blue eyed soul ballads of ‘One More Time’ and ‘The View From Here’ as well as more traditional OMD songs like ‘Kiss Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Bang’ and the synth heavy title track.
Described by The Quietus as “not just one of the best synth bands ever – they are one of the best bands ever”, OMD’s influence has become ubiquitous. The xx, the Killers and LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy have cited OMD as an inspiration, and the likes of Future Islands and Chvrches show traces of OMD’s DNA.
 View the beautiful animated video of the track‘La Mitrailleuse’ HERE

Order the album  HERE !
2018 U.S. Tour Dates:
3/6 Washington D.C., Black Cat
3/7 Philadelphia, PA, Theatre Of The Living Arts
3/9 Boston, MA, House Of Blues
3/10 New York, NY, Terminal 5
3/12 Toronto, ON, Danforth Music Hall
3/14 Detroit, MI, Majestic Theatre
3/16 Chicago, IL, Vic Theatre
3/17 Milwaukee, WI, Northern Lights Theatre
3/18 Minneapolis, MN, First Ave.
3/20 Denver, CO, Ogden Theatre
3/21 Salt Lake City, UT, The Depot
3/23 Vancouver, B.C., Commodore Ballroom
3/24 Seattle, WA, Showbox @ The Market
3/25 Portland, OR, Wonder Ballroom
3/27 San Francisco, CA, The Regency Ballroom
3/29 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern Theatre
3/30 Anaheim, CA, The House Of Blues
3/31 San Diego, CA, The House of Blues
4/2 Phoenix, AZ, The Van Buren
4/5 Dallas, TX, House Of Blues
4/6 Austin, TX, Emos
4/7 Houston, TX, House OF Blues
4/9 New Orleans, LA, Civic Theatre
4/10 Atlanta, GA, Center Stage
4/12 Orlando, FL The Beacham
4/13 St. Petersburg, FL The State Theatre
4/14 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution Live

BASH & POP SHARE FIRST OF TWO NEW SONGS FEATURING NICOLE ATKINS / TOUR KICKS OFF TONIGHT

TOMMY STINSON'S BASH & POP ANNOUNCE NEW SONGS FEATURING NICOLE ATKINS
'TOO LATE' AND 'SATURDAY' TO BE RELEASED AS A LIMITED EDITION 7"
NOVEMBER 24 ON FAT POSSUM RECORDS  LISTEN TO 'TOO LATE' (AVAILABLE TO STREAM/PURCHASE DIGITALLY  HERE ) BASH & POP TOUR KICKS OFF TONIGHT      
Fat Possum Records is happy to announce a very special collaboration between Tommy Stinson's BASH & POP andNicole Atkins on two new songs, 'Too Late' and 'Saturday' that will be released digitally, as well as a limited edition 7" on November 24. Tommy Stinson says; "After hearing ‘Goodnight Rhonda Lee', a light bulb exploded over my head and I knew I had to get Nicole to sing a song with us that I had written nearly 12 years ago, recorded several times, and ultimately never captured properly. She added the missing pieces to this and the flip side (Saturday) with her voice and producer chops! Rarely do I get to scrap it out with so many of my peers at once! I am stoked on how these tracks turned out! I hope you dig them as well!"  

Nicole Atkins says; "I've been a fan of Tommy and his music for a very long time. He and I became good friends when I met him after a show of mine and he's been a real inspiration to me. The guy lives and breathes music and is always wanting to find new sounds and talk about it. His attitude towards music is one of great wonder and enthusiasm, and when he asked me to produce these songs, I was so honored. The recording was done in one day in Nashville and Tommy trusted me to arrange him and his band into what I was hearing in my head. The songs have such visual romance when you listen to them. When we recorded "Too Late," I felt like I was living that heartache and surrender, but it was a good time! Ha!  They're something I'm really proud of and I can't wait to do more with them." 
 

This past year, Tommy Stinson reformed BASH & POP, making a very welcome return with the release of Anything Could Happen on Fat Possum Records. The album received praise across the board, including in depth interviews with Tommy onBandcamp, Esquire and Rolling Stone among others, as well as appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. The record features stellar contributions from lead guitarist Steve Selvidge (The Hold Steady), Joe Sirois (Mighty Mighty BossTones) on drums and Justin Perkins (Screeching Weasel) on bass guitar, all who feature in the live band. Touring for most of 2017, they hit the road again on September 19th. Hailed by critics as the best album of her career,   Nicole Atkins ' fourth studio album,  Goodnight Rhonda Lee , is a vintage soul album inspired by legendary artists such as Dusty Springfield, Candi Staton, Loretta Lynn and Janis Joplin. Nicole has garnered praise ranging from the New York Times to Time magazine, as well as performing on late night TV (Letterman, Conan). She is currently on an extensive tour of the US and Europe. For Nicole Atkins press inquiries, contactPam@girlie.com BASH & POP LIVE DATES:(all dates with The Psychedelic Furs, except where noted: *** BASH & POP only) Sep 19 - Pittsburgh, PA - Funhouse at Mr. Smalls ***Sep 21 - Atlanta, GA - Caledonia ***Sep 22 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock LiveSep 23 - Jacksonville, FL - Ponte Vedra Concert HallSep 24 - Tampa, FL - Capitol TheatreSep 25 - Gainesville, FL - High Dive ***Sep 27 - Carrboro, NC - Cat’s CradleSep 29 - Norfolk, VA - The NorVaSep 30 - Richmond, VA - The NationalOct 1 - Baltimore, MD - SoundstageOct 2 - Ithaca, NY – The Haunt ***Oct 4 - Alexandria, DC - Birchmere Flex StageOct 6 - Tarrytown, NY - Music HallOct 7 - Montclair, NJ - Wellmont TheaterOct 8 - Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert HallOct 10 - Philadelphia, PA - Union TransferOct 11 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie TheatreOct 12 - Pawtucket, RI - The Met ***Oct 13 - Northampton, MA - Calvin TheatreOct 16 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music HallOct 17 - Chicago, IL - Thalia HallOct 18 - Chicago, IL - Thalia HallOct 20 - Buffalo, NY - Town BallroomOct 21 - Huntington, NY - The ParamountOct 22 - Brooklyn, NY - Warsaw 

Supergroup Ice Balloons Offer Their Psychedelic Freak Out "Pie is Alive" via BrooklynVegan + Tourdates

Ice Balloons Present Video For
 
“Pie Is Alive”
WATCH NOW via  BrooklynVegan

On Tour Now!
 
Fiesta is out now on limited color vinyl and all digital formats on Volar Records. Orders of the vinyl are available at the Volar Bandcamp.


 
Ice Balloons’ new video “Pie Is Alive”, off their new album Fiesta, showcases the group’s electronic and psychedelic freak out through its use of their iconic golden fly and slow motion beach fighting. Their rhythmic beats and intense vocals,come together to demonstrate the pure absurdity, yet deliberateness, of their video.
 
No-wave, noise-punk supergroup Ice Balloons - Kyp Malone (TV On The Radio), Sean Kennerly (Samiam), Sean Powell (Fuckemos, Surfbort), Giselle Reiber (Midnight Masses), Dan Scinta (Wild Yaks), Dani Miller (Surfbort) and BA Miale- have taken the reins of rambunctious rock and turned it on its head. By way of static, synth and surreal sensations that can only be experienced by immersing yourself in Ice Balloons.
With a lineup like this; there’s plenty of room for personality to push through. Elements of early, noise-ecstatic TVOTR days are evident while the crass crashes of Powell’s cymbals are unapologetic to blowing out your bodega-bought earbuds.

TOUR DATES
9/18/17 -  Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
9/19/17 Indianapolis, IN – Listen Here
9/20/17 - Chattanooga, TN - Sluggos^
9/21/17 New Orleans, LA- Santos
9/22/17 - Austin. TX - Hotel Vegas^
9/23/17 - El Paso, TX  - The Monarch^
9/24/17 - Tucson, AZ - Hotel Congress^
9/25/17 - San Diego, CA - Helmuth Projects^
9/27/17 - Los Angeles, CA - Zebulon^
9/28/17 San Francisco, CA – Hemlock Tavern
9/29/17 - Oakland, CA - Land And Sea Gallery^
10/1/17 - Arcata, CA - OuterSpace^
10/2/17 Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
10/3/17 - Seattle, WA - The Central Saloon^
10/5/17- Boise, ID - Neruolux
10/617 - Salt Lake City, UT -  Metro Music Hall*
10/7/17 - Denver, CO - Lost Lake
10/9/17 - Omaha, NE - O'Leavers
10/10/17 - Chicago, IL- The Empty Bottle
10/11/17 Detroit, MI- El Club
10/12/17 - Columbus, OH -  Double Happiness
10/13/17 - Philadelphia, PA - Everybody Hits
 
^ w/ Sun Foot
* w/ King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard


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