Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 1861

THE SHINS ANNOUNCE WINNER OF #SHINSVANCONTEST

THE SHINS

ANNOUNCE WINNER OF #SHINSVANCONTEST

HEAR MERTLE’S WINNING  COVER OF “PAINTING A HOLE”

WATCH JAMES MERCER SURPRISE MERTLE WITH VAN IN MICHIGAN  HERE

THE SHINS ON TOUR NOWAfter fierce competition and careful deliberation over the last several weeks, The Shins have chosen Michigan-based trio Mertle as the lucky winners of their first-ever van! Mertle’s cover of “Painting A Hole” beat out hundreds of submissions to win the grand prize. Watch their excitement as James Mercer pays them a surprise visit at their home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan to personally deliver the newly refurbished 1990 Ford 350 Clubwagon HERE
Mertle will join The Shins for a very special performance at their July 27 concert at Grand Rapid’s Meijer Gardens Amphitheater.

Earlier this spring, The Shins appeared with the van on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, even taking Colbert for a ride in ‘Big Red’ through Times Square. Watch the band perform “Name for You” outside the Ed Sullivan Theater HERE.

The Shins are currently on tour through the fall, with dates across North America and Europe in addition to festival stops at Bunbury, Firefly, Lollapalooza, Osheaga and many more. See below for full tour schedule.

The Shins’ fifth album  Heartworms  is available everywhere now via Aural Apothecary/Columbia Records.

The Shins On Tour: 
6/1       Kansas City, MO                    Midland Theatre
6/2       Cincinnati, OH                        Bunbury Music Festival
6/3       Memphis, TN                          Minglewood Hall
6/4       Houston, TX                            Free Press Summer Festival
6/10     Anchorage, AK                       Moose’s Tooth Pub (Outdoors)
6/15     Brooklyn, NY                          Prospect Park
6/16     Portland, ME                           Thompson’s Point
6/17     Cooperstown, NY                   Brewery Ommegang
6/18     Dover, DE                               Firefly Music Festival
6/21     Troutdale, OR                         Edgefield
6/22     Ogden, UT                             Ogden Amphitheatre
6/23     Las Vegas, NV                       The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
6/25     Pasadena, CA                        Arroyo Seco
7/6       Winnipeg, MB                         Winnipeg Folk Fest
7/7       Minneapolis, MN                     Basilica Block Party
7/8       Des Moines, IA                       80/35 Music Festival
7/9       Milwaukee, WI                        Summerfest
7/11     Niagara Falls, NY                    Rapid Theatre
7/12     Ottawa, ON                             Ottawa Blues Fest
7/27     Grand Rapids, MI                   Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
7/28     Oro-Medonte, ON                   Wayhome Music & Arts Festival
7/29     Cleveland, OH                        Agora Theatre
7/30     Burlington, VT                         Lake Champlain Maritime Festival
8/1       Pittsburgh, PA                         Stage AE (Indoor)
8/2       Boston, MA                             House of Blues
8/4-6    Chicago, IL                              Lollapalooza
8/4-6    Montreal, QC                          Osheaga
8/10     Gothenburg, SE                      Way Out West
8/11     Oslo, NO                                 Oya Festival
8/13     Copenhagen, DK                    Vega
8/14     Hamburg, DE                          Grosse Freiheit
8/15     Berlin, DE                                Huxley’s
8/16     Cologne, DE                           Live Music Hall
8/17     Brecon, UK                             Green Man Festival
8/18     Kiewit-Hasselt, BE                  Pukkelpop
8/19     Biddinghuizen, NL                   Lowlands Festival
8/20     Wales, UK                               Green Man Festival
8/22     Manchester, UK                      Academy
8/23     Nottingham, UK                      Rock City
8/25     Boulogne-Billancourt, FR        Rock En Seine
8/27     Turin, IT                                   Todays Festival
9/26     Bend, OR                                The Athletic Club of Bend
9/30     Berkeley, CA                          Greek Theater
10/1     San Diego, CA                        Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater
10/3     Phoenix, AZ                            Comerica Theater
10/5     Morrison, CO                          Red Rocks Amphitheater
11/19   Ciudad de Mexico, MX           Corona CapitalThe Shins
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MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD Release Music Video For New Single "Summertime Is In Our Hands"

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEADRELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE"SUMMERTIME IS IN OUR HANDS"
U.S. LEG OF "LOVE OUT LOUD" WORLD TOURCURRENTLY UNDERWAY
Above: Michael Franti on tour in JapanCredit: Hiroki Nishioka


MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD--led by the socially and environmentally conscious singer, songwriter and guitarist--released a joyous, positive and uplifting video for "Summertime Is In Our Hands" over the Memorial Day Weekend which Franti talked aboutduring an interview on the nationally syndicated " Delilah " radio show, which has an estimated eight million listeners (listen to the full podcast episode via iTunes here). Filmed in Bali and directed by Franti, the video brings to life a vibrant story about enjoying every moment with a heartening plot twist towards the end. Click here to watch.

The song--off his most recent and ninth studio album, SOULROCKER(Fantasy Records)--carries very meaningful inspiration for Franti as it was written when his son was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease. As a result of the diagnosis, they grew closer, valuing their time. The feeling is "summer is whenever, the memories last," says Franti. "Live your life to the fullest, even in the darkest hour." A mini-documentary about the "Summertime Is In Our Hands"video and the " Do It For The Love " organization--the wish-granting non-profit co-founded by Franti and his wife Sara that brings people living with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges, and wounded veterans to live concerts--has also been released. Watch the moving mini-documentary here.

Onstage is where MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD truly take flight;they embracethe power of music knowing how it can inspire, uplift, and make people want to dance or cry. For the aptly titled "Love Out Loud" world tour, which kicked off March 2 in Alaska including international performances already completed in South Africa and Japan,the group will be stopping all over from now through early October, with stops in San Diego, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, Kansas City, Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, Austin, Boise and Saratoga, among many others. Following this past weekend's performance at the BottleRock Festival in Napa, the "Love Out Loud" tour will also include festival stops at Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in San Diego, CA on June 4, Mountain Jam Festival in Hunter, NY on June 18California World Fest in Grass Valley, CA on June 16, and Floydfest inFloyd, VA on July 8 among others, before wrapping at Tour De Fat in Tempe, AZ on October 7. See below for a list of upcoming North American tour dates.


Catch MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD on the road:

DATECITYVENUESun6/4San Diego, CARock 'N' Roll Marathon**Sun6/4Solana Beach, CABelly Up Tavern**Mon6/5Solana Beach, CABelly Up Tavern~Fri6/9Huntington, NYThe Paramount*Sat6/10New York, NYPlayStation TheaterSun6/11Russell Township, OHLaureLive 2017*Tue6/13Munhall, PACarnegie Music Hall of Homestead^^Thu6/15Asbury Park, NJStone Pony Summer Stage *Fri6/16Lowell, MABoarding House Park*Sat6/17Philadelphia, PAElectric FactorySun6/18Hunter, NYMountain Jam 2017***Tue6/20Portland, METhompson's Point ^Wed6/21Burlington, VTHigher Ground^Thu6/22Lebanon, NHLebanon Opera House^Fri6/23Hyannis, MACape Cod Melody Tent^Sat6/24Ithaca, NYState Theatre^Sun6/25Silver Spring, MDThe Fillmore ^Tue6/27New Haven, CTCollege Street Music Hall Thu6/29Saskatoon, SKSaskatchewan Jazz Festival Sat7/1Richmond, VAJam Sandwich FestivalMon7/3N. Myrtle Beach, SCHouse of Blues Thu7/6Fish Creek, WIDoor Community AuditoriumFri7/7Bayfield, WILake Superior Big Top ChautauquaSat7/8Harbor Springs, MIBlissfest Mon7/10Columbia, MORose Music HallTue7/11Kansas City, MOCrossroadsKC>>Thu7/13Morrison, CORed Rocks AmphitheatreThu7/13Morrison, CORed Rocks Amphitheatre (LOVE OUT LOUD Yoga w/ Gina Caputo)Fri7/14Alta, WYTarghee Fest 2017Sat7/15Seattle, WAThe Gorge Amphitheater (supporting Train)Sun7/16Grass Valley, CACalifornia WorldFest Sat7/22Oakville, CARobert Mondavi Winery w/ Ethan TuckerFri7/28Floyd, VAFloydFest 17Sat7/29Selbyville, DEThe Freeman Stage at BaysideSun7/30Wilmington, NCGreenfield Lake Amphitheater Tue8/1Raleigh, NCThe RitzWed8/2Charlotte, NCNeighborhood TheatreThu8/3Asheville, NCSalvage Station Tue8/8Atlanta, GAVariety Playhouse^Fri8/11Chicago, ILConcord Music HallSun8/13Royal Oak, MIRoyal Oak Music TheatreTue8/15Peoria, ILRiverfront Feastival ParkWed8/16Grand Rapids, MIMeijer Gardens^Fri8/18Minneapolis, MNCabooze Outdoor Plaza^Sat8/19Papillion, NESumtur Amphitheater^Sun8/20Des Moines, IASimon Estes Amphitheater^Mon8/21Tulsa, OKCain's Ballroom^Wed8/23Dallas, TXMajestic Theater^Thu8/24Houston, TXWhite Oak Music Hall Downstairs^Fri8/25Austin, TXStubb's Waller Creek AmphitheaterSun8/27Livermore, CATaylor Family Foundation Wed9/6Jacksonville, ORBritt PavilionThu9/7Eugene, ORCuthbert AmphitheaterFri9/8Bend, ORLes Schwab AmphitheaterSat9/9Troutdale, ORMcMenamins Edgefield AmphitheaterMon9/11Missoula, MTBig Sky Brewery CompanyTue9/12Spokane, WAKnitting Factory Concert HouseThu9/14Boise, IDOutlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical GardenFri9/15Lake Tahoe, NVMontBleu Resort & CasinoSat9/16Templeton, CABeaverstock Music Festival Tue9/19Saratoga, CAThe Mountain WineryFri9/29Flagstaff, AZPepsi AmphitheaterSat9/30Taos, NMKit Carson ParkSun10/1Oro Valley, AZOro Valley Music FestivalSat10/7Tempe, AZTour De Fat

*** with St. Paul & The Broken Bones** with Paul Cannon* with Nattali Rize~ with Nattali Rize and Adam Ezra Group^^ with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong^ with Satsang> with Landon McNamara>> with Trevor Hall & HIRIE

Rainer Maria announce first new album since 2006

RAINER MARIA ANNOUNCE FIRST NEW MUSIC IN OVER A DECADE
NEW ALBUM S/T OUT AUGUST 18TH ON POLYVINYL RECORDS
HEAR THE SONG “LOWER WORLDS” VIA NPR MUSICPhoto Credit: Shawn Brackbill (Download)
Polyvinyl Records is thrilled to announce beloved trio Rainer Maria’s first new release in over a decade. Produced by band member William Kuehn and mixed by Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier, S/T will come out August 18th, and marks the band’s return to their original label home. Today the band share “Lower Worlds” via NPR Music, who write that the song “rumbles and surges at an even pace, as the vocals of De Marrais and Fischer deliver welcome jolts en route to a furious finish.”
Stream “Lower Worlds” on NPR Music via YouTube(Pre-Order via Polyvinyl Records)
If you happened upon the front page of the New York Times arts section on April 13th, 2006, you might likely have been taken by one of two reactions. Perhaps “Who?” Or maybe for the long devoted adherents, “Finally!” There they were, a trio who came up in the idealistic confines of Madison, WI, and the fertile incubator that was the Midwest’s ‘90s indie rock scene, now perched atop a Brooklyn warehouse with the sunset-drenched Manhattan skyline behind them. Momentary conquerors at what would turn out to be the tail end of a decade of trailblazing creativity, Rainer Maria had reached a mountaintop of sorts, and yet by the end of the year they’d be bidding farewell to sold out crowds at the Bowery Ballroom and Williamsburg Brooklyn’s now almost mythical DIY haunt, Northsix.
A decade earlier, during the summer of 1995, Kaia Fischer, William Kuehn, and Caithlin De Marrais, collectively Rainer Maria, were getting their start in a college town not necessarily known as a nexus for any scene. That isolation may have proven fruitful as they crafted their own unique sound, spinning raw and tumultuous emotion into introspective rock songs, with literary and philosophical interests and influences that endeared them to many also searching through the underground for their place in the world. A self-titled EP released in 1996 would be followed by signing to the then nascent Polyvinyl Records and the release of their first full-length albums, Past Worn Searching and Look Now, Look Again.
Those first releases, paired with an ambitious amount of time spent in DIY spaces, basement shows, and rock clubs throughout the US, fostered a dedicated following for the trio while connecting them to other scenes and musicians throughout the country. Rainer Maria, likely without realizing it at the time, were on their way to cementing themselves as an early cornerstone for Polyvinyl, and as ambassadors of the midwest indie rock scene now so revered by later day musicians and fans. In 1999 they moved to New York City, in part to be closer to family and loved ones, but with the added effect of further unconsciously spreading that gospel.
Throughout the first half of the aughts, Rainer Maria would release three more full-length albums. Evolving their sound as they tightened their craft, the band continued to hit the road with opening acts ranging from Ted Leo and Rilo Kiley to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, whom Rainer Maria took out on tour for the then young band’s first string of East Coast dates outside of New York. By 2006, however, Rainer Maria were feeling the strain of having spent life since their late teens as part of the same band. Collectively, they felt a desire to explore other avenues of living, and so, after a few rapturous farewell shows attended by fans from around the world, Rainer Maria hung up their hats.
De Marrais moved out of the City, releasing two well-regarded solo records of intricate, meticulously crafted pop. Kuehn spent time living in Syria and Yemen, studying and playing music with a variety of artists with all sorts of different approaches and ideas. Fischer studied Tibetan language and Tibetan Buddhism at Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University, a journey that brought her into a traditional-style Tibetan apprenticeship and eventually to living in Asia. (During this time, she also came out as a trans person.)
Over the years that followed, offers for shows would come in every so often, but the band were neither emotionally nor geographically prepared to seriously entertain them. Slowly but surely though, they migrated back to the New York City area, and perhaps more importantly, had moved further along on their own personal journeys. So when the latest offer came in a few years ago, the three got together for dinner to catch up and feel out where they all were both personally and musically. While none of them yet felt the allure of the stage, all three were excited with the idea of writing and recording together again, and so in lieu of any new shows, they began the process of writing the songs that would become S/T.
Guided by their shared history as songwriters, and buoyed by their recent adventures and explorations in music and life as individuals, S/T fits like well worn boots with the spring of new soles. Intuitively written without much post-mortem intellectualization, the album benefits from its origin as an exercise in fun between old friends who didn’t necessarily have the intention of releasing a new record when they started down the path.
The lyrics are full of natural imagery, influenced by the more pastoral setting outside De Marrais’ window—soil and greenery, weather patterns, and other markers of country life. While sonically, S/T retains and even amplifies the core grit and vigor that Rainer Maria has always had as a band. The album also benefits mightily from Kuehn’s hand at production, his first time doing so for a Rainer Maria release. His bandmates implicit trust in him is a guiding force allowing each song to take on its own distinct life without losing a sense of overall cohesion.
In listening, one gets the feeling Rainer Maria were far from the end of their road together as they stared towards the horizon from that rooftop in April 2006, but rather have much further yet to travel.
Upcoming Tour Dates Belowrainermaria.com
facebook.com/rainermariamusic
instagram.com/rainermariamusic
S/T Album Art


Upcoming Tour Dates:
OCTOBER25-26 - Ybor City, FL - PRE FEST 527-29 - Gainesville, FL - FEST 16

THE WAR ON DRUGS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING

THE WAR ON DRUGS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING,OUT AUGUST 25TH ON ATLANTIC RECORDS, AND PRESENT LEAD SINGLE, “HOLDING ON”
LISTEN TO “HOLDING ON” https://youtu.be/LBWiMAu3uII

(photo credit – Shawn Brackbill)
The War On Drugs announce their fourth full-length album,  A Deeper Understanding , out August 25th on Atlantic Records.A Deeper Understanding is the band’s first album since 2014’s universally acclaimed  Lost In The Dream , and their debut album with Atlantic. Following the Record Store Day release of the 11-minute “Thinking of a Place,” The War On Drugs present the album’s lead single, “Holding On.”
For much of the three and a half year period since the release of Lost In The Dream, The War On Drugs’ frontman, Adam Granduciel, led the charge for his Philadelphia-based sextet as he holed up in studios in New York and Los Angeles to write, record, edit, and tinker—but, above all, to busy himself in work. Teaming up with engineer Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, Weezer), Granduciel challenged the notion of what it means to create a fully realized piece of music in today’s modern landscape. Calling on his bandmates – bassist Dave Hartley, keyboarding Robbie Bennett, drummer Charlie Hall and multi-instrumentalistsAnthony LaMarca and Jon Natchez -- continuously throughout the process, the result is a “band record” in the noblest sense, featuring collaboration, coordination, and confidence at every turn. Through those years of relocation, the revisiting and reexamining of endless hours of recordings, unbridled exploration and exuberance, Granduciel’s gritty love of his craft succeeded in pushing the band to great heights.The War On Drugs will hit the road for two-plus months beginning mid-September. Tickets are available for purchase atwww.thewarondrugs.net. The band will perform on the  Late Show with Stephen Colbert  this coming Monday, June 5th.
Listen To The War On Drugs’ “Holding On” – https://youtu.be/LBWiMAu3uII
Listen To The War On Drugs’ “Thinking of a Place” – https://youtu.be/TeaDE1magRk
A Deeper Understanding  Tracklisting:1. Up All Night2. Pain3. Holding On4. Strangest Thing5. Knocked Down6. Nothing To Find7. Thinking of a Place8. In Chains9. Clean Living10. You Don’t Have To Go
Pre-order A Deeper Understanding –https://Atlantic.lnk.to/ADeeperUnderstanding
The War On Drugs’ Tour Dates:Mon. Sep. 18 – Portland, ME @ State TheatreThu. Sep. 21 – Philadelphia, PA @ Dell Music CenterFri. Sep. 22 – New York, NY @ SummerStage in Central ParkSat. Sep. 23 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank PavilionMon. Sep. 25 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore CharlotteTue. Sep. 26 – Atlanta, GA @ The TabernacleThu. Sep. 28 – Dallas, TX @ The Bomb FactoryFri. Sep. 29 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall [Outside Lawn]Sat. Sep. 30 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s Waller Creek AmphitheaterThu. Oct. 5 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek TheatreFri. Oct. 6 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek TheatreMon. Oct. 9 – Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre – SOLD OUTTue. Oct. 10 – Seattle, WA @ Moore TheatreWed. Oct. 11 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert HallFri. Oct. 13 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The ComplexSat. Oct. 14 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre – SOLD OUTSun. Oct. 15 – Denver, CO @ Ogden TheatreWed. Oct. 18 – St. Paul, MN @ Palace TheatreThu. Oct. 19 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera TheatreFri. Oct. 20 – Columbus, OH @ Express Live!Sat. Oct. 21 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall – SOLD OUTSun. Oct. 22 – Toronto, ON @ Massey HallWed. Nov. 1 – Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS LiveThu. Nov. 2 – Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS Live – SOLD OUTFri. Nov. 3 – Cologne, DE @ E-WerkSat. Nov. 4 – Brussels, BE @ Forest National – SOLD OUTMon. Nov. 6 – Paris, FR @ BataclanThu. Nov. 9 – Glasgow, UK @ BarrowlandsFri. Nov. 10 – Glasgow, UK @ Barrowlands – SOLD OUTSun. Nov. 12 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo Manchester – SOLD OUTMon. Nov. 13 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo ManchesterTue. Nov. 14 – London, UK @ Alexandra PalaceFri. Nov. 17 – Zurich, CH @ X-traSat. Nov. 18 – Milan, IT @ FabriqueMon. Nov. 20 – München, DE @ MuffathalleTue. Nov. 21 – Hamburg, DE @ Große Freiheit 36Wed. Nov. 22 – Berlin, DE @ TempodromFri. Nov. 24 – Oslo, NO @ SpektrumSat. Nov. 25 – Copenhagen, DK @ Tap 1Mon. Nov. 27 – Stockholm, SE @ Annexet
Download hi-res cover art and press images –www.pitchperfectpr.com/the-war-on-drugs/
(A Deeper Understanding cover artwork)
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Brian Eno joins The Gift on stage for a rare live performance (full video)!

Brian Eno and The Gift perform "Love Without Violins" live, for the very first time!Brian Eno joined The Gift onstage in London last week and we have the video to prove it!


ALTAR was released worldwide May 5th.
‘It's not very often that you'll encounter a group like The Gift. With…intense, idiosyncratic songwriting, the future pop outfit are already the toast of their native Portugal’ – Clash Magazine

‘their unashamed love of theatrical chamber pop tinged with an array of sounds from ambient interludes to discordant electronica make them a must-see’ -
Drowned In Sound

"ambitious indie-electronic art-pop compositions that recalls the best work of David Bowie, Depeche Mode and Talking Heads." - 4/5 Ghettoblaster Magazine

"Extraordinary and addictive piece of music" - Gigwise

"'I Loved It All' is a symphonic anthem" – Impose Magazine
 “a fantastic collection of songs that pull the listener into this vibrant, colourful world of different moods and interesting quirks; theatrical pop that brings in discordant synths and an intense, joyous expression of creative talent.” The Independent "Each track feels epically layered, yet oddly open, and the entirety of Altar seems jigsaw puzzle-piece fit and interlocking. Impressive." - 8/10 Magnet Magazine
 "'Big Fish' pushes the band’s sound into something that’s even more playful and more dynamic than what we heard on Explode, layering synth hooks on top of reverb breakdowns and just the right amount of funk guitar in the background to keep things moving.” – PopMatters
 "Altar's emotion and melody has something for everyone and contains enough tasty morsels to provide many a late-night snack or make an excellent musical smorgasbord for your summer pool-party." -
7/10 Under The Radar
 “An inspired collection of sonically inventive, discreetly theatrical pop” - 8/10 Uncut. 
  Forward-thinking alt-pop quartet The Gift released their eagerly awaited album, Altar, May 5th on their own La Folie Records. The band's sixth album was produced and co-written by music maverick Brian Eno and mixed by sonic master Flood. The ten timeless songs, from the thrilling ‘Love Without Violins’ – which sees Eno sharing vocals with singer Sónia Tavares’ – to the synth-pop explosion of ‘Clinic Hope’, the funk-flavoured ‘Malifest’, and on to the desperately moving ‘Vitral’, are the perfect representation of a band in constant evolution and artistic growth. While the upcoming third single ‘Big Fish’, after a back and forth oscillation between the two poles which characterizes the album, perfectly bridges the gap between alt-pop and electronic sounds. “Altar is the life story we can record and trace in all of us,” explains the band talking about the concept behind the album. The title well represents their respect for the writing and recording process or ‘ceremony’ – as they like to call it – with Eno. The one with the producer is a collaboration they dreamed over twenty years, and which involved six recording sessions; four in Galizia, one London and one in their home studio in Alcobaça, the small city an hour north of Lisbon where the childhood friends formed The Gift in 1994. Doubts, fears, insecurities, victories and excitement filled the room, before the producer they always admired would walk in every morning helping them to create what is their most compelling album yet.The producer’s unconventional approach, included tapes rolled all day long, and often they began shaping songs with extended jam sessions in which Eno would also take part, as well as a couple of his famous ‘Oblique Strategies’ and a whiteboard where “He’d write things on the board,” Sonía remembers, “and had this pointer, like a real classroom.” Eno took them on expeditions, too, packing a car with keyboards so they could record by a nearby river, and collaborated on the lyrics, helping develop ideas by literally drawing them.Altar represents the crowning glory of The Gift’s career to date. A masterful culmination of the last few years of The Gift musical development, drawing together the strength of their unique live performances and expertly crafted production in what is one of the most captivating releases of the year.

Dale Crover (The Melvins) Releases His Debut Solo Album, The Fickle Finger of Fate, on Aug. 4

  DALE CROVER (THE MELVINS) RELEASES HIS DEBUT SOLO ALBUM, THE FICKLE FINGER OF FATE, ON AUG. 4 VIA JOYFUL NOISE RECORDINGS
ROLLING STONE SPEAKS WITH CROVER; STREAMS “LITTLE BROTHER”http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/melvins-drummer-dale-crover-on-his-debut-solo-album-w485159
PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE NOWwww.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/products/fickle-finger-of-fate  Photo credit: Shervin Lainez  June 1, 2017, LOS ANGELES – Dale Crover, legendary drummer for the Melvins, is set to release his first solo album, The Fickle Finger of Fate, on Aug. 4 via Joyful Noise Recordings.

“I got the idea to do this record after doing the super limited ‘Skins’ disc,” explains Crover. “The idea was to write new songs that all tie in with drum haikus from ‘Skins.” The songs on The Fickle Finger of Fate range from weirdo rock to poppy strangeness with psychotic, psychedelic drum grooves as palate cleansers in between.

Rolling Stone spoke with Crover about the release, saying “the LP... is no traps-bashing chops-feast, instead showcasing a melodic sensibility weaned on Sixties pop and Seventies arena rock, with no shortage of wild effects,” as well as giving fans a sneak preview with a stream of “Little Brother” (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/melvins-drummer-dale-crover-on-his-debut-solo-album-w485159). Pre-orders are available now via the Joyful Noise webstore (www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/products/fickle-finger-of-fate).

The 20-track album, which features several interludes, was co-produced by Crover and longtime producer Toshi Kasai. Crover played the bulk of the instruments on the collection (guitar, keyboards, drums) as well as vocals. Guests include Redd Kross’ Steven McDonald, Dan Southwick (Altamont) and Crover’s adorable 11-year-old daughter Scarlett who assists with violin, percussion and vocals.

Amongst his 30-plus-year career as one-half of the essential Melvins roster, Crover has contributed to countless albums ranging from platinum-plated classics (Nirvana’s “Bleach”) to seminal cult LPs. However, up until this point, Crover’s solo efforts have been limited to the Melvins’ 1992 KISS-themed solo EP, and a couple of intermittent 7” releases.

The Fickle Finger of Fate has its beginnings in the bizarre, six spindle-holed, 12-sided record “Skins,” which was also released via Joyful Noise In 2016, Crover was more or less “commissioned” to compose twelve 30-second songs to satisfy the requirements of this crazy record format. The fugues created through this haiku-like exercise ended up providing the basis of what would become The Fickle Finger of Fate.   The Fickle Finger of Fate album cover

David Lynch's Festival of Disruption

David Lynch’s Festival of DisruptionOctober 14–15
$249–$999
“Life is a festival of disruption.” - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

David Lynch returns with his second Festival of Disruption, bringing together some of his favorite artists to ignite the creative flame and stimulate the collective consciousness. Proceeds from the festival will raise funds and awareness for The David Lynch Foundation, dedicated to eradicating post-traumatic stress through Transcendental Meditation.

Featuring performances by Bon Iver, The Kills, TV On The Radio, Sharon Van Etten, Laura Marling, Reggie Watts, Moby DJ set and Shepard Fairey DJ Set.Kristine McKenna talks with Ed Ruscha, Bill Pullman, Sheryl Lee, Pete Holmes and Twin Peaks Collaborators. Plus screenings, meditation, exhibits by William Eggleston and David Lynch and more.

Cosmic individuals: book a room at Ace DTLA using the rate code  CHERRYPIE for a friendlier rate.

Tickets go on sale Friday at 9am.
  BUY TICKETS

Riot Fest Announces 2nd Wave Artists: At the Drive-In, Cap’n Jazz, Best Coast, Cockney Rejects and more

Riot Fest 2017 Announces Second Wave of ArtistsAt the Drive-In, Cap’n Jazz, Best Coast, Cockney Rejects and more!For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 1, 2017Organizers behind Chicago’s Riot Fest (September 15-17 at Douglas Park) unveiled a slew of additional artists in their second wave lineup announcement, highlights include post-hardcore pioneers At the Drive-In and Cap’n Jazz, indie rock duo Best Coast and Cockney Rejects, founding fathers of the Oi! genre of punk rock.RIOT FEST 2017 SECOND WAVE OF ARTISTS:At the Drive-In, Cap’n Jazz, Best Coast, Black Pistol Fire, The Casualties, Mad Caddies, Cockney Rejects, Radar State, RVIVR, Versus, Seaway, Like Pacific, Grayscale, Warm Brew, Culture Abuse, Potty Mouth, Skating Polly, Upset, Gin Rummy, The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black and Kembra PfahlerThese folks join over 70 artists already announced to play Riot Fest 2017, including headlining performances by genre-breaking artist Nine Inch Nails, desert rock ruffians Queens of the Stone Age and the exclusive reunion of seminal punk rock band Jawbreaker.Other special artists on the lineup are 80s post-punk pioneers New Order, Paramore, Prophets of Rage, the inimitable M.I.A., Wu-Tang Clan, a DJ set from Beastie Boys’ Mike D, an exclusive 40th Anniversary set by punk hardcore legends Bad Brains and special appearances by Chicago brethren Ministry and Vic Mensa.Additionally, several artists have been confirmed to perform their seminal albums in full at Riot Fest 2017: Dinosaur Jr., The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Built to Spill, Fishbone, Bayside, Mayday Parade, The Lawrence Arms, that dog., plus two more to be announced soon!The festival will also once again feature a full-scale carnival with rides, games of chance, and of course, the Hellzapoppin’ Sideshow Revue freak show, which will see a much extended footprint from prior years. And to satisfy the refined palates of Riot patrons, there will be over 40 unique and diverse food vendors from which to choose.Riot Fest Three-Day Passes are on sale now, with General Admission and VIP options via Ticketfly.RIOT FEST 2017 FULL LINEUP:Nine Inch Nails (Friday), Queens of the Stone Age (Saturday), Jawbreaker (Sunday), New Order, Paramore, Prophets of Rage, M.I.A., Wu-Tang Clan, Mike D (DJ Set), A Day To Remember, At the Drive-In, Gogol Bordello, Taking Back Sunday, Dirty Heads, Vic Mensa, TV on the Radio, Ministry, Dinosaur Jr. (Performing You’re Living All Over Me), New Found Glory, FIDLAR, Bad Brains (40th anniversary set), Death From Above 1979, Action Bronson, Pennywise, Built to Spill (Performing Keep It Like A Secret), X, Peaches, The Lawrence Arms (Performing Oh, Calcutta!), The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (Performing Let’s Face It), The Orwells, Bayside (Performing The Walking Wounded), Say Anything, Mayday Parade (Performing A Lesson In Romantics), Best Coast, Cap’n Jazz, The Cribs, Dead Cross, Streetlight Manifesto, Minus the Bear, The Menzingers, LIARS, GWAR, Buzzcocks, GBH, Real Friends, Hot Water Music, Shabazz Palaces, Andrew W.K., Fishbone (Performing Truth & Soul), The Story So Far, State Champs, Four Year Strong, Beach Slang, that dog. (Performing Retreat From the Sun), Knuckle Puck, Black Pistol Fire, Chon, Slaves, The Hotelier, The Casualties, Mad Caddies, The Flatliners, Dessa, Cockney Rejects, Saul Williams, Versus, Engine 88, Nothing More, Radar State, Alice Bag, RVIVR, Tobacco, Seaway, Like Pacific, Sleep on It, Grayscale, Downtown Boys, The Smith Street Band, Potty Mouth, The Regrettes, Culture Abuse, Skating Polly, HDBeenDope, Gazebos, Warm Brew, Kitten Forever, Upset, Gin Rummy, The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black and Kembra Pfahler and featuring Hellzapoppin’ Circus Sideshow RevueDIRECT TICKET LINK:https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1384105 

Miranda Lee Richards @ Bootleg Theater

 

LUNA -- New LP + EP to be released September 22. First track revealed today

LUNA TO RELEASE NEW LP  A SENTIMENTAL EDUCATION + NEW EP A PLACE OF GREATER SAFETY
BOTH OUT SEPTEMBER 22 VIA DOUBLE FEATURE RECORDS
BAND REVEALS COVER OF FLEETWOOD MAC'S "ONE TOGETHER"
TOUR DATES IN NOVEMBERphoto by Luz Gallardo 
Luna -  the New-York-CIty-based guitar band now scattered around the country - is happy to announce the upcoming release of  A Sentimental Education , an album of covers, as well as an EP of 6 new Luna instrumentals entitled  A Place Of Greater Safety .  Both will be released simultaneously  on September 22 via the Double Feature label.  The LP and EP mark the band's first output since Luna's last studio album  Rendezvous , released 13 years ago.   Both the LP and EP were co-produced by Jason Quever (Papercuts) and recorded at Palmetto Recording in downtown Los Angeles.  On  A Sentimental Education  Luna tackle songs by the Cure, Mink DeVille, Fleetwood Mac, Mercury Rev and others. The Luna lineup remains the same as it was when they last recorded: Dean Wareham, Sean Eden, Lee Wall, Britta Phillips.

Today the band share the first single from A Sentimental Education, their take of Fleetwood Mac's "One Together" which is off their 1970 album Kiln House, and written by guitarist Jeremy Spencer who departed the band in 1971 to join the Children of God.  LISTEN here.
Luna are taking pre-orders for these new releases as well as t-shirts, socks, posters and rare guitars via Pledge Music.
Luna will be touring in November with the first two shows now on-sale:  November 16 -- Union Transfer -- Philadelphia, PANovember 18 - Brooklyn Steel -- Brooklyn, NY- on sale Friday, June 2
  

Tracklisting for the A Sentimental Education1 Fire in Cairo (The Cure)2 Gin (Willie Loco Alexander)3 Friends ("Velvet Underground" - sorta, it was written after Lou Reed had left the band)4 One Together (early Fleetwood Mac)5 Most of the Time (Dylan)6 Sweetness (YES)7 Letter to Hermione (Bowie)8 (Walking Thru' the) Sleepy City (Jagger/Richards)9 Let Me Dream if I Want to (Mink DeVille)10 Car Wash Hair (Mercury Rev)
Tracklisting for A Place Of Greater Safety
1. GTX32. A Place of Greater Safety3. Captain Pentagon4. Around and Around5. Ides of March of the Trolls6. Spanish Odyssey
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