Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 1980
November 18, 2016
Immersion (Colin Newman of Wire & Malka Spigel of Minimal Compact) New Album Analogue Creatures Living On An Island Out November 25th via swim~
Immersion New Album Analogue Creatures Living On An Island Out November 25th via swim~
Share New Track "Nanocluster" with Self-Titled Magazine
Stream: "Nanocluster" via Self-Titled Magazine or SoundcloudStream: "Fireflys" via SoundcloudImmersion, an instrumental electronic duo made up of Wire frontman Colin Newman and Malka Spigel (Minimal Contact), return with their new album Analogue Creatures Living On An Island set for release November 25 via swim~. The album is available to pre-order now via
swim~ online store
. Today the duo are sharing new single "Nanocluster" from the album with Self-Titled Magazine. The band explains, "'Nanocluster' as a title relates to the aggregation of very small items which make up the 'universe of things.' It is also about how style becomes atomised and a joke about a miniaturisation of Krautrock." Nanocluster is also an event. In conjunction with Tryptich, a three night event in January at the Hope & Ruin, in Brighton, England - Malka Spigel, Graham Duff & Colin Newman will curate the launch of Nanocluster an occasional Brighton based event. The launch night is on Saturday, January 28 and will feature Spigel & Newman’s
Immersion
alongside local electronic acts Merlin Tonto & Eva Bowen. While both Colin Newman and Malka Spigel have been busy with several other projects and collaborations over the years, they have returned to their critically acclaimed project to dazzle listeners with a new collection of magnetic instrumentals. New track 'Fireflys' is a meditative number drawing you in with it's galactic-sounding electronics. Immersion’s new album of seductive instrumentals takes in a wide range of moods and energies. Their music is a kind of Electro-Kosmishe - the sound of the 21st century, which nonetheless draws inspiration from German pioneers such as Cluster and Popol Vuh. And, like those groups, Immersion can create a world which is simultaneously devotional and sensual.Combining the considerable talents of Malka Spigel of Minimal Compact and Colin Newman of Wire, Immersion is a true collaboration, with no delineation between who plays or does what. “We don’t have fixed roles in Immersion.” Says Spigel. Newman concurs. “You can’t really tell who plays what.”Between 1994 and 1999, Immersion released three critically acclaimed albums of expansive instrumental electronica. Music which encom- passed the meditative and the hallucinatory. They also garnered remixes by some of the biggest names in electronic music. And then? Then, they faded from view...Cut to a mere 17 years later, and a new Immersion album glides into earshot. Their sound is unmistakable. And yet, clearly the duo have evolved. Immersion has returned a different beast. The pulsing and sliding analogue synths are still present and correct. Indeed, the stately and plaintive "Mechanical Creatures," with its constantly evolving web of analogue synth throbs, could easily find a home on Fripp and Eno’s classic Evening Star album. But there are also several sonic advancements from Immersion’s previous recordings.The most noticeable differences are the introduction of guitars into the mix and an increased sense of urgency to their compositions. This means, Analogue Creatures Living On An Island cannot be classified as ambient music. Although it does have its contemplative moments - such as the gently unfolding “Slow Light” - the majority of the album is powered by a strong sense of motion. “Nanocluster" is a tense and insistent composition. Coming over like the score to some futuristic spy film, it demonstrates Immersion’s skill at creating miniature sound worlds alive with detail. Meanwhile, the urgent forward propulsion of “Organic Cities” weaves in shades of prime era Tangerine Dream - and may well be the album’s highlight. The fact the album has been largely constructed using analogue instrumentation rather than digital, definitely gives it a warmth and depth which sets it apart.During Immersion’s 17 years hiatus, Spigel and Newman have been far from idle. Spigel has released acclaimed solo albums, exhibited her distinctive photography and performed sell out shows with a reformed Minimal Compact. Newman meanwhile, has helmed the revitalised Wire through a series of stunning gigs and poll topping albums. Besides which, the pair collaborated with Max Franken and Robin Rimbaud (aka Scanner) as Githead, purveyors of skewed art-pop. And yet, despite all these outlets for their creativity, they decided the time was right to reactivate Immersion. “It felt like the right moment for us to do something with synths again.” Says Newman. “We had the urge to create instrumental, free-flowing music, which didn’t depend on any kind of verse/chorus/middle eight format. Music that could also be propulsive without resorting to any kind of obvious drumming”And it’s true the album exhibits a very organic flow. Another contributory factor could well be the duo’s relocation from London to Brighton. “We live 10 minutes away from the sea,” says Spigel. “We walk by it almost every day. It’s different every time we see it, even every hour. We’ve definitely been inspired by the light and the sound.” This influence is perhaps heard most strongly on "Spinner," the sonic equivalent of a bright spray of light radiating across a seascape.Analogue Creatures Living On An Island is the point where Immersion emerge from being one of the UK electronica scene’s best kept secrets, and gain the recognition they so richly deserve.For those who prefer vinyl, the album is available spread across two 10” singles Analogue Creatures and Living On An Island respectively.
Analogue Creatures Living On An Island CD track listing: 1. Always The Sea
2. Nanocluster
3. Fireflys
4. Shapeshifters
5. Living On An Island
6. Mechanical Creatures
7. Spinner
8. Organic Cities
9. Slow Light
Analogue Creatures Living On An Island Vinyl track listing:Analogue Creatures1. Always The Sea
2. Shapeshifters
3. Organic Cities
4. Mechanical Creatures
5. Slow LightLiving On An Island1. Fireflys
2. Nanocluster
3. Spinner
4. Living On An Island
Share New Track "Nanocluster" with Self-Titled Magazine
Stream: "Nanocluster" via Self-Titled Magazine or SoundcloudStream: "Fireflys" via SoundcloudImmersion, an instrumental electronic duo made up of Wire frontman Colin Newman and Malka Spigel (Minimal Contact), return with their new album Analogue Creatures Living On An Island set for release November 25 via swim~. The album is available to pre-order now via
swim~ online store
. Today the duo are sharing new single "Nanocluster" from the album with Self-Titled Magazine. The band explains, "'Nanocluster' as a title relates to the aggregation of very small items which make up the 'universe of things.' It is also about how style becomes atomised and a joke about a miniaturisation of Krautrock." Nanocluster is also an event. In conjunction with Tryptich, a three night event in January at the Hope & Ruin, in Brighton, England - Malka Spigel, Graham Duff & Colin Newman will curate the launch of Nanocluster an occasional Brighton based event. The launch night is on Saturday, January 28 and will feature Spigel & Newman’s
Immersion
alongside local electronic acts Merlin Tonto & Eva Bowen. While both Colin Newman and Malka Spigel have been busy with several other projects and collaborations over the years, they have returned to their critically acclaimed project to dazzle listeners with a new collection of magnetic instrumentals. New track 'Fireflys' is a meditative number drawing you in with it's galactic-sounding electronics. Immersion’s new album of seductive instrumentals takes in a wide range of moods and energies. Their music is a kind of Electro-Kosmishe - the sound of the 21st century, which nonetheless draws inspiration from German pioneers such as Cluster and Popol Vuh. And, like those groups, Immersion can create a world which is simultaneously devotional and sensual.Combining the considerable talents of Malka Spigel of Minimal Compact and Colin Newman of Wire, Immersion is a true collaboration, with no delineation between who plays or does what. “We don’t have fixed roles in Immersion.” Says Spigel. Newman concurs. “You can’t really tell who plays what.”Between 1994 and 1999, Immersion released three critically acclaimed albums of expansive instrumental electronica. Music which encom- passed the meditative and the hallucinatory. They also garnered remixes by some of the biggest names in electronic music. And then? Then, they faded from view...Cut to a mere 17 years later, and a new Immersion album glides into earshot. Their sound is unmistakable. And yet, clearly the duo have evolved. Immersion has returned a different beast. The pulsing and sliding analogue synths are still present and correct. Indeed, the stately and plaintive "Mechanical Creatures," with its constantly evolving web of analogue synth throbs, could easily find a home on Fripp and Eno’s classic Evening Star album. But there are also several sonic advancements from Immersion’s previous recordings.The most noticeable differences are the introduction of guitars into the mix and an increased sense of urgency to their compositions. This means, Analogue Creatures Living On An Island cannot be classified as ambient music. Although it does have its contemplative moments - such as the gently unfolding “Slow Light” - the majority of the album is powered by a strong sense of motion. “Nanocluster" is a tense and insistent composition. Coming over like the score to some futuristic spy film, it demonstrates Immersion’s skill at creating miniature sound worlds alive with detail. Meanwhile, the urgent forward propulsion of “Organic Cities” weaves in shades of prime era Tangerine Dream - and may well be the album’s highlight. The fact the album has been largely constructed using analogue instrumentation rather than digital, definitely gives it a warmth and depth which sets it apart.During Immersion’s 17 years hiatus, Spigel and Newman have been far from idle. Spigel has released acclaimed solo albums, exhibited her distinctive photography and performed sell out shows with a reformed Minimal Compact. Newman meanwhile, has helmed the revitalised Wire through a series of stunning gigs and poll topping albums. Besides which, the pair collaborated with Max Franken and Robin Rimbaud (aka Scanner) as Githead, purveyors of skewed art-pop. And yet, despite all these outlets for their creativity, they decided the time was right to reactivate Immersion. “It felt like the right moment for us to do something with synths again.” Says Newman. “We had the urge to create instrumental, free-flowing music, which didn’t depend on any kind of verse/chorus/middle eight format. Music that could also be propulsive without resorting to any kind of obvious drumming”And it’s true the album exhibits a very organic flow. Another contributory factor could well be the duo’s relocation from London to Brighton. “We live 10 minutes away from the sea,” says Spigel. “We walk by it almost every day. It’s different every time we see it, even every hour. We’ve definitely been inspired by the light and the sound.” This influence is perhaps heard most strongly on "Spinner," the sonic equivalent of a bright spray of light radiating across a seascape.Analogue Creatures Living On An Island is the point where Immersion emerge from being one of the UK electronica scene’s best kept secrets, and gain the recognition they so richly deserve.For those who prefer vinyl, the album is available spread across two 10” singles Analogue Creatures and Living On An Island respectively.Analogue Creatures Living On An Island CD track listing: 1. Always The Sea2. Nanocluster
3. Fireflys
4. Shapeshifters
5. Living On An Island
6. Mechanical Creatures
7. Spinner
8. Organic Cities
9. Slow Light
Analogue Creatures Living On An Island Vinyl track listing:Analogue Creatures1. Always The Sea
2. Shapeshifters
3. Organic Cities
4. Mechanical Creatures
5. Slow LightLiving On An Island1. Fireflys
2. Nanocluster
3. Spinner
4. Living On An Island
Fear of Men share "Change Me"; On tour now with Mitski
FEAR OF MEN SHARE "CHANGE ME"
ON TOUR NOW WITH MITSKI
Photo Credit: Rosie Carr & Daniel Falvey
LISTEN TO "CHANGE ME"(CLEARED TO POST & SHARE)
Today Fear of Men have shared a new song titled "Change Me". The song is an early incarnation of "Erase (Aubade)" from their most recent, critically acclaimed album, Fall Forever. Gorilla vs Bear, who premiered the song today are saying it's " decidedly less gloomy" than the version that ended up on the album. The band said: "Like most of our songs, 'Erase (Aubade)' went through lots of different incarnations before the one that we chose to place on Fall Forever. This is one of its earlier iterations, with lyrics that ended up almost completely changed on the final version. In this version it's much more of a classic pop song, so we thought it would be fun to release to share a more euphoric side of our inherent miserabilism."Fear of Men are currently on a full US tour with Mitski that includes a headlining show at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn. All dates below.
TOUR DATES:11/18 - Washington, CD @ Black Cat #
11/19 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church #
11/20 - Brooklyn, NY @ Baby's All Right ^
11/21- New York City, NY @ Webster Hall #
# w/ Mitski
^ w/ Weaves supporting
ABOUT FEAR OF MEN:2016 sees the return of Brighton's Fear of Men with Fall Forever: the band's second full-length album, and the follow-up to their acclaimed 2014 debut, Loom. Fall Forever marks a bold departure for the three-piece - comprised of Jessica Weiss, Daniel Falvey and Michael Miles - an album that builds upon the melodicism and immediacy of Loom but takes it in a stark new direction, capturing the band pushing the limits of their instruments to adopt new and alien forms.
After extensively touring in support of Loom, the band decamped in the early months of 2015 to an outbuilding of a disused abattoir in rural Kent, England, to begin work on new material. A two-hour bus ride from their native Brighton - and a blackhole for cell signal - it served as a fitting environment for a band determined to strip their sound back to the bone and rebuild it to make an album that would, on their live return, "make the stage shake."
The resultant record sees the trio twisting together sounds and influences from a variety of genres to create their own vision of what constitutes dark and modern pop. Working with producer Tom Morris to gain clarity and presence, they focused on core sounds instead of layers, while still incorporating textures and details that can be discovered upon repeat listens. Weiss went into the process of writing Fall Forever with a desire to develop her own voice, rather than hiding behind metaphors and oblique references. The result, she says, is a "very personal and genuine record exploring where my life is at the moment," covering a time that left her "questioning feelings of belonging and structures that commonly offer support and understanding." A vocalist who has proved herself adept at conveying kaleidoscopes of emotions in just a few lines, Weiss juxtaposes feelings of independence and self-determination with rumination on reliance and intimacy. Fittingly, she calls Fall Forever a "love album," but one that explores "emotional extremes of closeness and distance, love and violence."
Equally, these contrasts are well reflected in the sonic palette of the album: cold electronics meet lush, breathing textures; frenetic post-punk drums shudder against undulating guitars that recall the fluidity of shoegaze while stripping it of that genre's crutch of thick reverb, creating a more forceful and contemporary sound. Intent on looking forward, the band utilized modern effects pedals and technology to manipulate their traditional instruments into unique forms. Such an approach can be heard on 'Until You', where frozen guitar chords warp and twist to introduce the song before erupting into a distorted wall-of-sound chorus that hits with the punch of synthesizers but bristles with a human rawness that only guitars can bring.
It's within these dichotomies that Fall Forever's greatest beauties often lie. The immediacy conjured by the trio across the album's ten tracks can at once be seen as intimate or confrontational, echoing the "emotional extremes" examined by Weiss. In twisting together sounds and influences from a plethora of genres, Fear of Men have given life to a fresh vision; a dark and modern pop record that defies easy categorization, and marks their most immersive work to date.
ON TOUR NOW WITH MITSKI
Photo Credit: Rosie Carr & Daniel FalveyLISTEN TO "CHANGE ME"(CLEARED TO POST & SHARE)
Today Fear of Men have shared a new song titled "Change Me". The song is an early incarnation of "Erase (Aubade)" from their most recent, critically acclaimed album, Fall Forever. Gorilla vs Bear, who premiered the song today are saying it's " decidedly less gloomy" than the version that ended up on the album. The band said: "Like most of our songs, 'Erase (Aubade)' went through lots of different incarnations before the one that we chose to place on Fall Forever. This is one of its earlier iterations, with lyrics that ended up almost completely changed on the final version. In this version it's much more of a classic pop song, so we thought it would be fun to release to share a more euphoric side of our inherent miserabilism."Fear of Men are currently on a full US tour with Mitski that includes a headlining show at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn. All dates below.
TOUR DATES:11/18 - Washington, CD @ Black Cat #
11/19 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church #
11/20 - Brooklyn, NY @ Baby's All Right ^
11/21- New York City, NY @ Webster Hall #
# w/ Mitski
^ w/ Weaves supporting
ABOUT FEAR OF MEN:2016 sees the return of Brighton's Fear of Men with Fall Forever: the band's second full-length album, and the follow-up to their acclaimed 2014 debut, Loom. Fall Forever marks a bold departure for the three-piece - comprised of Jessica Weiss, Daniel Falvey and Michael Miles - an album that builds upon the melodicism and immediacy of Loom but takes it in a stark new direction, capturing the band pushing the limits of their instruments to adopt new and alien forms.
After extensively touring in support of Loom, the band decamped in the early months of 2015 to an outbuilding of a disused abattoir in rural Kent, England, to begin work on new material. A two-hour bus ride from their native Brighton - and a blackhole for cell signal - it served as a fitting environment for a band determined to strip their sound back to the bone and rebuild it to make an album that would, on their live return, "make the stage shake."
The resultant record sees the trio twisting together sounds and influences from a variety of genres to create their own vision of what constitutes dark and modern pop. Working with producer Tom Morris to gain clarity and presence, they focused on core sounds instead of layers, while still incorporating textures and details that can be discovered upon repeat listens. Weiss went into the process of writing Fall Forever with a desire to develop her own voice, rather than hiding behind metaphors and oblique references. The result, she says, is a "very personal and genuine record exploring where my life is at the moment," covering a time that left her "questioning feelings of belonging and structures that commonly offer support and understanding." A vocalist who has proved herself adept at conveying kaleidoscopes of emotions in just a few lines, Weiss juxtaposes feelings of independence and self-determination with rumination on reliance and intimacy. Fittingly, she calls Fall Forever a "love album," but one that explores "emotional extremes of closeness and distance, love and violence."
Equally, these contrasts are well reflected in the sonic palette of the album: cold electronics meet lush, breathing textures; frenetic post-punk drums shudder against undulating guitars that recall the fluidity of shoegaze while stripping it of that genre's crutch of thick reverb, creating a more forceful and contemporary sound. Intent on looking forward, the band utilized modern effects pedals and technology to manipulate their traditional instruments into unique forms. Such an approach can be heard on 'Until You', where frozen guitar chords warp and twist to introduce the song before erupting into a distorted wall-of-sound chorus that hits with the punch of synthesizers but bristles with a human rawness that only guitars can bring.
It's within these dichotomies that Fall Forever's greatest beauties often lie. The immediacy conjured by the trio across the album's ten tracks can at once be seen as intimate or confrontational, echoing the "emotional extremes" examined by Weiss. In twisting together sounds and influences from a plethora of genres, Fear of Men have given life to a fresh vision; a dark and modern pop record that defies easy categorization, and marks their most immersive work to date.
Morphine "Journey of Dreams" documentary
Morphine "Journey Of Dreams"coming to DVD December 9th
The in-depth tale of the "low-rock" nineties Boston band who blazed like a comet across the global music scene....
The Boston-born "Low Rock" band Morphine blazed like a comet across the international music scene in the 1990s, rising from local small clubs to indie and major label record deals, high and wide critical acclaim, and packed shows until their untimely demise. The trio's unique and mesmeric sound continues to resonate with its fans and music lovers as the group ascends to legendary if not iconic status. The documentary is the definitive, in-depth tale of this unique musical act's compelling career and life together and their resonant musical creativity.
Journey of Dreams
doesn't just get behind the music but inside the band as its story is primarily told by the trio's surviving members, saxophonist Dana Colley and drummers Billy Conway and Jerome Dupree plus the close-knit familial coterie that worked with them as well as Sandman's girlfriend Sabine Hrechdakian. It's punctuated by incisive commentary and observations from such friends and admirers of the group as Henry Rollins, Joe Strummer and Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. A wealth of live performance footage gathered from across Morphine's career recalls and amplifies the band's innovative yet at the same time classic, timeless and "beautifully bottom-heavy" sound, as Rolling Stone praised it. Viewers ride and fly along with the hard- touring band's road experiences, vibrantly brought to life as Colley reads from his tour diaries at key points in the film as well as through his accompanying Polaroid pictures and Super 8 films.
Journey of Dreams is not just a tale of music business struggle, triumph and tragedy, but also a love story - among its members and team as well as Sandman and Hrechdakian - as well as an adventure, drama, travelogue, and something of a roller coaster ride. Plus, when all is told, an evocative and loving tribute to a rock band that was like no other.
The DVD can be ordered now at the MVD Shop or on Amazon.
Website: http://www.morphinemovie.com/
Winner of:- Best Music Documentary @ Doc'N Roll Festival 2015 - Audience Choice Best Feature Award @ Indy Film Fest 2015- Best Music Documentary @ Grossman Festival 2015 - Special Jury Mention @ DORF Festival 2015
# # #
The in-depth tale of the "low-rock" nineties Boston band who blazed like a comet across the global music scene....
The Boston-born "Low Rock" band Morphine blazed like a comet across the international music scene in the 1990s, rising from local small clubs to indie and major label record deals, high and wide critical acclaim, and packed shows until their untimely demise. The trio's unique and mesmeric sound continues to resonate with its fans and music lovers as the group ascends to legendary if not iconic status. The documentary is the definitive, in-depth tale of this unique musical act's compelling career and life together and their resonant musical creativity.
Journey of Dreams
doesn't just get behind the music but inside the band as its story is primarily told by the trio's surviving members, saxophonist Dana Colley and drummers Billy Conway and Jerome Dupree plus the close-knit familial coterie that worked with them as well as Sandman's girlfriend Sabine Hrechdakian. It's punctuated by incisive commentary and observations from such friends and admirers of the group as Henry Rollins, Joe Strummer and Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. A wealth of live performance footage gathered from across Morphine's career recalls and amplifies the band's innovative yet at the same time classic, timeless and "beautifully bottom-heavy" sound, as Rolling Stone praised it. Viewers ride and fly along with the hard- touring band's road experiences, vibrantly brought to life as Colley reads from his tour diaries at key points in the film as well as through his accompanying Polaroid pictures and Super 8 films. Journey of Dreams is not just a tale of music business struggle, triumph and tragedy, but also a love story - among its members and team as well as Sandman and Hrechdakian - as well as an adventure, drama, travelogue, and something of a roller coaster ride. Plus, when all is told, an evocative and loving tribute to a rock band that was like no other.
The DVD can be ordered now at the MVD Shop or on Amazon.
Website: http://www.morphinemovie.com/
Winner of:- Best Music Documentary @ Doc'N Roll Festival 2015 - Audience Choice Best Feature Award @ Indy Film Fest 2015- Best Music Documentary @ Grossman Festival 2015 - Special Jury Mention @ DORF Festival 2015
# # #
Imelda May returns with new single "Call Me"; new full length album out in 2017
IMELDA MAY RETURNS WITH
NEW SINGLE“CALL ME”FIRST NEW MUSIC IN ANTICIPATION OF FORTHCOMING
FULL LENGTH RECORD[image error] [image error]Artwork photo credit (left): Max Dodson; Artist photo credit (right): Roger Deckker“Ms. May has a rich, tangy voice and sultry presence”—The New York TimesCritically acclaimed Irish singer Imelda May who “performs with undeniable flair” (Associated Press) today premieres her first new music in nearly three years. The track “Call Me “the first single from her forthcoming 2017 release, is out today on Verve Records. Listen/share via Soundcloudand Spotify.Produced by the legendary T Bone Burnett, the track marks a new direction for May who, in the time since her 2014 release Tribal, ended her marriage of eighteen years. “Call Me” is among the most autobiographical songs May has written, with Burnett noting, “I’ve never met anyone quite like Imelda May. She is full of life. When I first happened onto her music, she was a punky Irish Rockabilly singer with a great band. I was intrigued by her deep feeling for and understanding of that American art form, much of which, of course, had originated in Ireland. When I ran across her several years later, she had gone through a change of lives and was writing about it with a wild intensity and singing about it in the most open hearted way. I was inspired by her honesty and her generosity, and I continue to be intrigued.” Adds May, “It’s therapy, like keeping a diary that a lot of people read. Some of my favorite songs don’t say much, but they reveal everything.”May’s new musical direction accompanies an overarching stylistic change for the established singer. “I always loved the ’50s rockabilly style but there was a point where I felt I was almost dressing up as Imelda May,” she notes. “It was as if I was getting into character for a gig. And I didn’t want to do that anymore. This is me.”The upcoming album features contributions from guitar hero Jeff Beck and piano maestro Jools Holland, as well as an accomplished group of backing musicians including the core trio of guitarist Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello), drummer Jay Bellerose (Robert Plant and Alison Krauss) and bassist Zach Dawes (The Last Shadow Puppets, Mini Mansions). Recorded over seven days in Los Angeles, the songs on the upcoming record were written over the course of May’s tumultuous past year. May states that she began writing songs for the album with “no preconceived notions of where it was going to go. My plan was to have no plan because it was freedom. It was liberating.”May’s previous records have seen success both in the U.S. as well as in Europe. Tribal debuted at #1 in Ireland and #3 in the UK. The Guardian gave the album four stars, saying “This album is no time capsule; it’s fresh and embracing…” while The Times praised May’s “raw, impassioned vocals.” Her previous release, 2010’s Mayhem, also received critical acclaim with The Los Angeles Times commenting, “Ireland-born Imelda May’s career is fostered by paying homage to legends like Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash and, more importantly, furthering rockabilly’s cross-pollination into New Orleans jazz, delta blues and amp-splitting punk aggression.” Mayhem went Platinum in Ireland and Gold in the U.K., while May has seen performances on “Later…With Jools Holland,” “Conan,” “and an impressive four performances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” to name a few.
NEW SINGLE“CALL ME”FIRST NEW MUSIC IN ANTICIPATION OF FORTHCOMING
FULL LENGTH RECORD[image error] [image error]Artwork photo credit (left): Max Dodson; Artist photo credit (right): Roger Deckker“Ms. May has a rich, tangy voice and sultry presence”—The New York TimesCritically acclaimed Irish singer Imelda May who “performs with undeniable flair” (Associated Press) today premieres her first new music in nearly three years. The track “Call Me “the first single from her forthcoming 2017 release, is out today on Verve Records. Listen/share via Soundcloudand Spotify.Produced by the legendary T Bone Burnett, the track marks a new direction for May who, in the time since her 2014 release Tribal, ended her marriage of eighteen years. “Call Me” is among the most autobiographical songs May has written, with Burnett noting, “I’ve never met anyone quite like Imelda May. She is full of life. When I first happened onto her music, she was a punky Irish Rockabilly singer with a great band. I was intrigued by her deep feeling for and understanding of that American art form, much of which, of course, had originated in Ireland. When I ran across her several years later, she had gone through a change of lives and was writing about it with a wild intensity and singing about it in the most open hearted way. I was inspired by her honesty and her generosity, and I continue to be intrigued.” Adds May, “It’s therapy, like keeping a diary that a lot of people read. Some of my favorite songs don’t say much, but they reveal everything.”May’s new musical direction accompanies an overarching stylistic change for the established singer. “I always loved the ’50s rockabilly style but there was a point where I felt I was almost dressing up as Imelda May,” she notes. “It was as if I was getting into character for a gig. And I didn’t want to do that anymore. This is me.”The upcoming album features contributions from guitar hero Jeff Beck and piano maestro Jools Holland, as well as an accomplished group of backing musicians including the core trio of guitarist Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello), drummer Jay Bellerose (Robert Plant and Alison Krauss) and bassist Zach Dawes (The Last Shadow Puppets, Mini Mansions). Recorded over seven days in Los Angeles, the songs on the upcoming record were written over the course of May’s tumultuous past year. May states that she began writing songs for the album with “no preconceived notions of where it was going to go. My plan was to have no plan because it was freedom. It was liberating.”May’s previous records have seen success both in the U.S. as well as in Europe. Tribal debuted at #1 in Ireland and #3 in the UK. The Guardian gave the album four stars, saying “This album is no time capsule; it’s fresh and embracing…” while The Times praised May’s “raw, impassioned vocals.” Her previous release, 2010’s Mayhem, also received critical acclaim with The Los Angeles Times commenting, “Ireland-born Imelda May’s career is fostered by paying homage to legends like Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash and, more importantly, furthering rockabilly’s cross-pollination into New Orleans jazz, delta blues and amp-splitting punk aggression.” Mayhem went Platinum in Ireland and Gold in the U.K., while May has seen performances on “Later…With Jools Holland,” “Conan,” “and an impressive four performances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” to name a few.
Tori Amos 'Boys For Pele' Deluxe Reissue Out Today + Talkhouse w/ Shirley Manson
TORI AMOS
Boys For Pele 20th Anniversary Reissue
Two-CD Deluxe Edition + 2-LP Set Of Original Album
Released Today via Rhino
Joins Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Sting, Pharrell Williams and
John Legend for The Hollywood Reporter’s Songwriter Roundtable
+ Talks with Shirley Manson of Garbage For Talkhouse Music Podcast
“Little Earthquakes Changed My Life” – Justin Timberlake
"Tori Amos stands in a class of her own" – NYLON
“it was the expansive, raw and wildly experimental Boys For Pele that solidified her reputation as one of the most important songwriters of her generation” – Stereogum
Tori Amos is one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation. In 1996 she made her solo producing debut on her third studio album, Boys for Pele.To commemorate the pivotal album’s 20-year anniversary, Rhino has released a 2-CD Deluxe Edition of the pivotal album and a 2-LP set of the original album today.
Amos was joined by Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Sting, Pharrell Williams andJohn Legend in The Hollywood Reporter’s first-ever Songwriter Roundtablewhere they discussed process, gender politics, fear of a "Divided States of America" and her groundbreaking debut album Little Earthquakes. Tune in to the full roundtable when it airs on SundanceTV Feb. 26, 2017. A discussion between Amosand Shirley Manson about art, music, inspiration and Boys For Pele is out now on the Talkhouse Music Podcast.
Amos was so prolific writing Boys for Pele that a number of songs were left off the album and released as b-sides. Several of those b-sides and four unreleased songs from those sessions can be found among the 21 bonus tracks that appear on Boys For Pele: Deluxe Edition . Among the collection is previously unreleased song “In the Springtime of His Voodoo” (Rookery Ending) as well as b-sides “ Amazing Grace/Til the Chicken ” and “ Alamo ”.
Moving away from the corporate environment to record in a church In Delganey, Co Wicklow, and at the Ballywilliam House in Co Cork, Ireland, Boys for Pele altered the course of Amos’ career. As she explains in the album’s liner notes, “This is the record where I fought for my life.” Greeted with rapturous fan support, this proved this to be a rewarding decision. An ambitious and uncompromising collection of songs about mythology (Pele was a Hawaiian volcano goddess), suppression and self-discovery, the record became one of her most successful, debuting at #2 on the album charts in both the U.S. and the U.K. and hit the Top 10 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Sweden.
Boys For Pele 20th Anniversary Reissue
Two-CD Deluxe Edition + 2-LP Set Of Original Album
Released Today via Rhino
Joins Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Sting, Pharrell Williams and
John Legend for The Hollywood Reporter’s Songwriter Roundtable
+ Talks with Shirley Manson of Garbage For Talkhouse Music Podcast
“Little Earthquakes Changed My Life” – Justin Timberlake
"Tori Amos stands in a class of her own" – NYLON
“it was the expansive, raw and wildly experimental Boys For Pele that solidified her reputation as one of the most important songwriters of her generation” – Stereogum
Tori Amos is one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation. In 1996 she made her solo producing debut on her third studio album, Boys for Pele.To commemorate the pivotal album’s 20-year anniversary, Rhino has released a 2-CD Deluxe Edition of the pivotal album and a 2-LP set of the original album today.
Amos was joined by Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Sting, Pharrell Williams andJohn Legend in The Hollywood Reporter’s first-ever Songwriter Roundtablewhere they discussed process, gender politics, fear of a "Divided States of America" and her groundbreaking debut album Little Earthquakes. Tune in to the full roundtable when it airs on SundanceTV Feb. 26, 2017. A discussion between Amosand Shirley Manson about art, music, inspiration and Boys For Pele is out now on the Talkhouse Music Podcast.
Amos was so prolific writing Boys for Pele that a number of songs were left off the album and released as b-sides. Several of those b-sides and four unreleased songs from those sessions can be found among the 21 bonus tracks that appear on Boys For Pele: Deluxe Edition . Among the collection is previously unreleased song “In the Springtime of His Voodoo” (Rookery Ending) as well as b-sides “ Amazing Grace/Til the Chicken ” and “ Alamo ”.
Moving away from the corporate environment to record in a church In Delganey, Co Wicklow, and at the Ballywilliam House in Co Cork, Ireland, Boys for Pele altered the course of Amos’ career. As she explains in the album’s liner notes, “This is the record where I fought for my life.” Greeted with rapturous fan support, this proved this to be a rewarding decision. An ambitious and uncompromising collection of songs about mythology (Pele was a Hawaiian volcano goddess), suppression and self-discovery, the record became one of her most successful, debuting at #2 on the album charts in both the U.S. and the U.K. and hit the Top 10 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Sweden.
Emmy The Great Shares New Track "Rapids"
Emmy The Great Shares New Track “Rapids”
Second Love
Out Now On Bella Union
Photo credit: Alex Lake
On the eve of her upcoming UK tour, Emmy The Great has shared a brand new track entitled “Rapids”. It’s the first taste of new music from Emma Lee-Moss since her consecutive US tours with Beth Orton and Jens Lekman.
“I realized recently that music has been my longest relationship, and they do say relationships are hard.” Emma says of “Rapids”. “The process of making Second Love was a long process, and it changed me. Everything in my life being clearer now, I see that music has always been at its center, confounding or delighting me depending on its mood. Now that Second Love is finished and out in the world, I am eager to be making things and capitalizing on these new realizations. Rapids is the first result of pulling on this thread.
'I wanted to write something to be released quickly, symbolically for myself, so that I know that the album cycle is over and it's all new from here. The song ended up being about that tussle with music, about a question I am asking myself now- am I going to keep this relationship going or do I let it go? Could I even let it go? It's a love song to music, and so I see it as the right link between Second love and what comes next. Watch this space for more, I guess.”
Earlier this year she released her critically acclaimed album Second Love on Bella Union. There is a distinct nod to her debut First Love , in terms of the storytelling that first impressed her lyrical and emotional dexterity upon so many. But on Second Love , Emma-Lee Moss delves into the chambers of a human heart ever-connected to the glare of a nearby screen. This is an album imbued with modern sounds, a nod to new eras, while maintaining the human warmth always associated with an ETG album. The songs are full of emotion and questioning, with the chatter of friends and collaborators "coded" into the sonic landscape.
Emma's own life path - a move from London to Los Angeles then to New York - brought new perspectives. "Each time I was introduced to a new city, I got really quiet and observant. I'd be on a rooftop or in some weird LA backyard party, and someone would tell me something, and that sense of spontaneous connection would find its way into a song later." How the future connects us, be it a constant reminder of our own mortality or a provocative and powerful celebration of human endurance, is at the core of Emmy The Great's "Second Love."
UK Tour DatesNov 28 – Cardiff – Clwb Ifor BachNov 29 – Gloucester – GuildhallDec 1 – York – FibbersDec 2 – Liverpool – Arts ClubDec 3 – Sheffield – The LeadmillDec 5 – Brighton – Green Door StoreDec 6 – London – The Village Underground
Photo credit: Alex Lake On the eve of her upcoming UK tour, Emmy The Great has shared a brand new track entitled “Rapids”. It’s the first taste of new music from Emma Lee-Moss since her consecutive US tours with Beth Orton and Jens Lekman.
“I realized recently that music has been my longest relationship, and they do say relationships are hard.” Emma says of “Rapids”. “The process of making Second Love was a long process, and it changed me. Everything in my life being clearer now, I see that music has always been at its center, confounding or delighting me depending on its mood. Now that Second Love is finished and out in the world, I am eager to be making things and capitalizing on these new realizations. Rapids is the first result of pulling on this thread.
'I wanted to write something to be released quickly, symbolically for myself, so that I know that the album cycle is over and it's all new from here. The song ended up being about that tussle with music, about a question I am asking myself now- am I going to keep this relationship going or do I let it go? Could I even let it go? It's a love song to music, and so I see it as the right link between Second love and what comes next. Watch this space for more, I guess.”
Earlier this year she released her critically acclaimed album Second Love on Bella Union. There is a distinct nod to her debut First Love , in terms of the storytelling that first impressed her lyrical and emotional dexterity upon so many. But on Second Love , Emma-Lee Moss delves into the chambers of a human heart ever-connected to the glare of a nearby screen. This is an album imbued with modern sounds, a nod to new eras, while maintaining the human warmth always associated with an ETG album. The songs are full of emotion and questioning, with the chatter of friends and collaborators "coded" into the sonic landscape.
Emma's own life path - a move from London to Los Angeles then to New York - brought new perspectives. "Each time I was introduced to a new city, I got really quiet and observant. I'd be on a rooftop or in some weird LA backyard party, and someone would tell me something, and that sense of spontaneous connection would find its way into a song later." How the future connects us, be it a constant reminder of our own mortality or a provocative and powerful celebration of human endurance, is at the core of Emmy The Great's "Second Love."
UK Tour DatesNov 28 – Cardiff – Clwb Ifor BachNov 29 – Gloucester – GuildhallDec 1 – York – FibbersDec 2 – Liverpool – Arts ClubDec 3 – Sheffield – The LeadmillDec 5 – Brighton – Green Door StoreDec 6 – London – The Village Underground
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT CHAMPION GRACE VANDERWAAL'S DEBUT EP 'PERFECTLY IMPERFECT' AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER NOW
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT CHAMPION
GRACE VANDERWAAL’S DEBUT EP
‘PERFECTLY IMPERFECT’
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW
“I DON’T KNOW MY NAME” OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO OUT NOW ‘PERFECTLY IMPERFECT’iTunes | Amazon | Google Play “I Don’t Know My Name”Lyric Video | Spotify | Apple Music Press Assets:
https://sm01.box.com/v/GVPerfectlyImperfect
(Columbia Records/SYCO Entertainment; New York, NY; November 18, 2016) – Twelve-year-old singer/songwriter and America’s Got Talent Season 11 champion Grace VanderWaal’s debut EP ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ is available for pre-order now and will be released December 2 via Columbia Records/SYCO Entertainment. The 5-song EP features all of the original songs Grace performed on the show, as well as a new song called “Gossip Girl.” Fans who preorder the EP digitally will receive an instant download of “I Don’t Know My Name,” the song that earned Grace a golden buzzer during her AGT audition performance. Additionally, Walmart will be carrying an exclusive physical version of the EP with a special “coffeehouse version” bonus track entitled “Missing You.”
"I can’t believe I’m releasing my first EP!! I had the most amazing time in the studio and I really hope everyone enjoys the EP as much as I enjoyed making it," Grace says. "I want to thank everyone who supported me on AGT, without you I wouldn’t be where I am today and I really can't thank you enough. This is only the beginning.”
Grace has also unveiled the official lyric video for “I Don’t Know My Name” today. The video features unique artwork contributions from Grace’s fans. Additionally, Grace has announced that she will perform the song on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, TODAY Show on November 28, The Wendy Williams Show on December 2 and The Talk on December 8.
The young singer captured the hearts of America with her unique talent, performing all original music during the AGT competition and using her signature ukulele. Grace’s AGT audition clip featuring her song “I Don’t Know My Name” went viral and has amassed nearly 200 million views to date. The young breakout star, dubbed as “the next Taylor Swift” by judge Simon Cowell, was crowned the winner and quickly signed to Columbia Records and Syco Music. She has performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show as well as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon since her big win and has received celebrity praise from the likes of Jason Mraz, Millie Bobby Brown, Katy Perry, Reese Witherspoon, Shawn Mendes and Taylor Swift.
Get to know Grace and check out her amazing ride so far HERE.
TRACK LIST:
1. I Don't Know My Name
2. Clay
3. Light The Sky
4. Beautiful Thing
5. Gossip Girl
FOLLOW GRACE:
http://www.gracevanderwaalofficial.com
http://www.facebook.com/GraceVanderWaalMusic
http://twitter.com/GraceVanderWaal
http://snapchat.com/add/grace_kawaii
http://instagram.com/gracevanderwaal
https://www.youtube.com/c/OhNevermindItsJustMe
https://www.youtube.com/GraceVanderWaalVEVO
GRACE VANDERWAAL’S DEBUT EP
‘PERFECTLY IMPERFECT’
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW
“I DON’T KNOW MY NAME” OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO OUT NOW ‘PERFECTLY IMPERFECT’iTunes | Amazon | Google Play “I Don’t Know My Name”Lyric Video | Spotify | Apple Music Press Assets:
https://sm01.box.com/v/GVPerfectlyImperfect
(Columbia Records/SYCO Entertainment; New York, NY; November 18, 2016) – Twelve-year-old singer/songwriter and America’s Got Talent Season 11 champion Grace VanderWaal’s debut EP ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ is available for pre-order now and will be released December 2 via Columbia Records/SYCO Entertainment. The 5-song EP features all of the original songs Grace performed on the show, as well as a new song called “Gossip Girl.” Fans who preorder the EP digitally will receive an instant download of “I Don’t Know My Name,” the song that earned Grace a golden buzzer during her AGT audition performance. Additionally, Walmart will be carrying an exclusive physical version of the EP with a special “coffeehouse version” bonus track entitled “Missing You.”
"I can’t believe I’m releasing my first EP!! I had the most amazing time in the studio and I really hope everyone enjoys the EP as much as I enjoyed making it," Grace says. "I want to thank everyone who supported me on AGT, without you I wouldn’t be where I am today and I really can't thank you enough. This is only the beginning.”
Grace has also unveiled the official lyric video for “I Don’t Know My Name” today. The video features unique artwork contributions from Grace’s fans. Additionally, Grace has announced that she will perform the song on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, TODAY Show on November 28, The Wendy Williams Show on December 2 and The Talk on December 8.
The young singer captured the hearts of America with her unique talent, performing all original music during the AGT competition and using her signature ukulele. Grace’s AGT audition clip featuring her song “I Don’t Know My Name” went viral and has amassed nearly 200 million views to date. The young breakout star, dubbed as “the next Taylor Swift” by judge Simon Cowell, was crowned the winner and quickly signed to Columbia Records and Syco Music. She has performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show as well as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon since her big win and has received celebrity praise from the likes of Jason Mraz, Millie Bobby Brown, Katy Perry, Reese Witherspoon, Shawn Mendes and Taylor Swift.
Get to know Grace and check out her amazing ride so far HERE.
TRACK LIST:
1. I Don't Know My Name
2. Clay
3. Light The Sky
4. Beautiful Thing
5. Gossip Girl
FOLLOW GRACE:
http://www.gracevanderwaalofficial.com
http://www.facebook.com/GraceVanderWaalMusic
http://twitter.com/GraceVanderWaal
http://snapchat.com/add/grace_kawaii
http://instagram.com/gracevanderwaal
https://www.youtube.com/c/OhNevermindItsJustMe
https://www.youtube.com/GraceVanderWaalVEVO
SYLVAN ESSO Share New Song "Kick Jump Twist" - Listen Now
SYLVAN ESSO
SHARE NEW TRACK "KICK JUMP TWIST"B-SIDE TO "RADIO" 12" SINGLEAVAILABLE DIGITALLY AND ON VINYL TODAY
LISTEN TO "KICK JUMP TWIST" HERE
Photo by Shervin LainezSylvan Esso have shared the follow up to this year's provocative new single "Radio" with "Kick Jump Twist", premiering the song during their guest DJ set yesterday on Raleigh's WKNC. The song is the b-side to their 12" single available on vinyl today. Critically lauded, "Radio" hit #1 on Hype Machine, and has become a streaming powerhouse, amassing 5+ Million streams while rocketing to #1 on Spotify's Viral 50 charts (US and Global). NPR said of the song, it "matches characteristically propulsive electronics with Meath's scathing commentary about commodification." Buy the single HERE.
Listen to "Kick Jump Twist"
Listen to "Radio"
SHARE NEW TRACK "KICK JUMP TWIST"B-SIDE TO "RADIO" 12" SINGLEAVAILABLE DIGITALLY AND ON VINYL TODAY
LISTEN TO "KICK JUMP TWIST" HERE
Photo by Shervin LainezSylvan Esso have shared the follow up to this year's provocative new single "Radio" with "Kick Jump Twist", premiering the song during their guest DJ set yesterday on Raleigh's WKNC. The song is the b-side to their 12" single available on vinyl today. Critically lauded, "Radio" hit #1 on Hype Machine, and has become a streaming powerhouse, amassing 5+ Million streams while rocketing to #1 on Spotify's Viral 50 charts (US and Global). NPR said of the song, it "matches characteristically propulsive electronics with Meath's scathing commentary about commodification." Buy the single HERE.
Listen to "Kick Jump Twist"
Listen to "Radio"
November 17, 2016
Hiss Golden Messenger's "Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer" video premieres at Southern Living, new tour dates announced
HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER’S
“LIKE A MIRROR LOVES A HAMMER” VIDEO PREMIERES AT SOUTHERN LIVING ON TOUR THROUGHOUT FALL AND WINTER WITH NEW DATES IN MIDWEST AND SOUTHEAST HEART LIKE A LEVEE OUT NOW ON
MERGE RECORDS, GARNERS CRITICAL ACCLAIM [image error][image error]photo credit Andy Tenille The video for the track “Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer” from Hiss Golden Messenger’s critically acclaimed new record Heart Like a Levee is premiering now at Southern Living . Watch/share the video at http://bit.ly/2fid6VY. The group is currently on a worldwide tour which sees Hiss Golden Messenger creative forceM.C. Taylor and his band traveling throughout North America as well as playing shows in the UK and Europe in December. Newly confirmed dates include performances in the Midwest and Southeast; see below for a complete list of shows. The new album, available everywhere now via Merge Records, is receiving extensive critical acclaim:[image error]
“There are moments of profound communal joy here that continue the homespun gospel Taylor minted on [2014 release Lateness of Dancers]. That contrast makes the music feel real and integral to a life, and the way that domesticity’s small lows and highs are always intermingled… Taylor’s graceful accountability and invigorating songcraft makes him an anomaly. His own dose of perspective arrives at the end of the plainly gorgeous Heart Like a Levee.” [image error]
“Undercurrents of life, death, art and the struggle to reconcile it all animate the 11 vivid songs onHeart Like a Levee, a stately collection of gospelized country-soul…it’s a collection that feels lived-in and true to life.” [image error]
“Rising from a platform of self-doubt but fortified by Mr. Taylor’s appreciation for the traditional and his modest sense of adventure, Heart Like a Levee unfolds as a warm, often-understated but powerful recording. It provides an enjoyable ride through an exploration of a style of American music that always seems to reward appreciation.” [image error]
“This is folk-inflected music, but it’s not rudimentary or primitive. Hiss Golden Messenger has traded some of the thump of previous albums for a sound that’s almost proggy at times…amid the rich texture, you can pick out Ryan Gustafson’s banjo, Phil Cook’s pealing guitar, and Tift Merritt’s backing vocals.” [image error]
“If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to the changing seasons, look no further than Hiss Golden Messenger’s Heart Like a Levee…[the songs] are filled with longing and drive.” [image error]
“The lead track from the new Hiss Golden Messenger album Heart Like a Levee is called ‘Biloxi’ and it sounds like if Bob Dylan forgot the words to the Allman Brothers’ ‘Melissa’ and just made up his own. This is a FANTASTIC way to write a song.” Hiss Golden Messenger recently performed for the New York Times via Facebook Live; view/share the performance HERE. The songs on Heart Like A Levee are immediate, dealing with themes that include leaving and returning, belief and trust, guilt, honesty and life on the road. Taylor says, “I wrote these songs during a time of transition and doubt. The process was raw, but also joyous. I spent a lot of time with these words and chords in all types of weather. In the end I learned more about myself making this record than any in the past, and that’s one important way for me to gauge whether an album was worth making. I want to make records that feel both minor and major key at the same time; maybe ‘bittersweet’ is a good word for it. Life is simultaneously happy and sad at once and that’s how I want my records to feel. I think that’s how Heart Like a Levee feels.” The album was self produced by Taylor and Bradley Cook and recorded in Durham, NC with Taylor’s close knit North Carolina collaborators: brothers Phil and Bradley Cook on piano and bass, Matt McCaughan on drums, Tift Merritt and Alexandra Sauser-Monnig on backing vocals and Matt Douglas and Michael Lewis on horns. Order Heart Like a Levee on LP and CD in the Merge store, or digitally here. Double-disc deluxe versions include bonus album Vestapol, composed of eight previously unreleased songs performed and recorded almost entirely by M.C. Taylor in various motels on the road and at his home in Durham, North Carolina. Keep up with Hiss Golden Messenger on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. HEART LIKE A LEVEE TRACK LIST1. Biloxi2. Tell Her I'm Just Dancing3. Heart Like a Levee4. Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer5. Smoky's Song6. Cracked Windshield7. As the Crow Flies8. Happy Day (Sister My Sister)9. Say It Like You Mean It10. Ace of Cups11. Highland Grace HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER ON TOUR:Nov 17 Washington, DC – Rock & Roll Hotel *Nov 19 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s CradleDec 01 Antwerp, BE – De Roma *Dec 03 Brighton, UK – Bleach †Dec 04 Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club *Dec 05 London, UK – Village Underground †Dec 07 Berlin, DE – Privat Club †Dec 08 Amsterdam, NE – Bitterzoet *Jan 26 Bloomington, IN – The BishopJan 27 Holland, MI – Knickerbocker Theatre at Hope CollegeJan 28 Ann Arbor, MI – The Blind PigJan 29 Columbus, OH – Wexner CenterJan 31 Pittsburgh, PA – The Warhol MuseumFeb 01 Harrisonburg, VA – Court Square TheatreFeb 02 Morgantown, WV – 123 Pleasant StreetFeb 03 Richmond, VA – The BroadberryFeb 06 Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’sFeb 07 Birmingham, AL – The SaturnFeb 08 Tallahassee, FL – Club DownunderFeb 09 Jacksonville, FL – Jack RabbitsFeb 10 Athens, GA – 40 Watt ClubFeb 11 Charleston, SC – The Charleston PourhouseFeb 12 Charlotte, NC – The Neighborhood TheatreApr 01 Savannah, GA – Savannah Music FestivalApr 02 Savannah, GA – Savannah Music Festival * - with Phil Cook
† - with The Dead Tongues
“LIKE A MIRROR LOVES A HAMMER” VIDEO PREMIERES AT SOUTHERN LIVING ON TOUR THROUGHOUT FALL AND WINTER WITH NEW DATES IN MIDWEST AND SOUTHEAST HEART LIKE A LEVEE OUT NOW ON
MERGE RECORDS, GARNERS CRITICAL ACCLAIM [image error][image error]photo credit Andy Tenille The video for the track “Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer” from Hiss Golden Messenger’s critically acclaimed new record Heart Like a Levee is premiering now at Southern Living . Watch/share the video at http://bit.ly/2fid6VY. The group is currently on a worldwide tour which sees Hiss Golden Messenger creative forceM.C. Taylor and his band traveling throughout North America as well as playing shows in the UK and Europe in December. Newly confirmed dates include performances in the Midwest and Southeast; see below for a complete list of shows. The new album, available everywhere now via Merge Records, is receiving extensive critical acclaim:[image error]
“There are moments of profound communal joy here that continue the homespun gospel Taylor minted on [2014 release Lateness of Dancers]. That contrast makes the music feel real and integral to a life, and the way that domesticity’s small lows and highs are always intermingled… Taylor’s graceful accountability and invigorating songcraft makes him an anomaly. His own dose of perspective arrives at the end of the plainly gorgeous Heart Like a Levee.” [image error]
“Undercurrents of life, death, art and the struggle to reconcile it all animate the 11 vivid songs onHeart Like a Levee, a stately collection of gospelized country-soul…it’s a collection that feels lived-in and true to life.” [image error]
“Rising from a platform of self-doubt but fortified by Mr. Taylor’s appreciation for the traditional and his modest sense of adventure, Heart Like a Levee unfolds as a warm, often-understated but powerful recording. It provides an enjoyable ride through an exploration of a style of American music that always seems to reward appreciation.” [image error]
“This is folk-inflected music, but it’s not rudimentary or primitive. Hiss Golden Messenger has traded some of the thump of previous albums for a sound that’s almost proggy at times…amid the rich texture, you can pick out Ryan Gustafson’s banjo, Phil Cook’s pealing guitar, and Tift Merritt’s backing vocals.” [image error]
“If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to the changing seasons, look no further than Hiss Golden Messenger’s Heart Like a Levee…[the songs] are filled with longing and drive.” [image error]
“The lead track from the new Hiss Golden Messenger album Heart Like a Levee is called ‘Biloxi’ and it sounds like if Bob Dylan forgot the words to the Allman Brothers’ ‘Melissa’ and just made up his own. This is a FANTASTIC way to write a song.” Hiss Golden Messenger recently performed for the New York Times via Facebook Live; view/share the performance HERE. The songs on Heart Like A Levee are immediate, dealing with themes that include leaving and returning, belief and trust, guilt, honesty and life on the road. Taylor says, “I wrote these songs during a time of transition and doubt. The process was raw, but also joyous. I spent a lot of time with these words and chords in all types of weather. In the end I learned more about myself making this record than any in the past, and that’s one important way for me to gauge whether an album was worth making. I want to make records that feel both minor and major key at the same time; maybe ‘bittersweet’ is a good word for it. Life is simultaneously happy and sad at once and that’s how I want my records to feel. I think that’s how Heart Like a Levee feels.” The album was self produced by Taylor and Bradley Cook and recorded in Durham, NC with Taylor’s close knit North Carolina collaborators: brothers Phil and Bradley Cook on piano and bass, Matt McCaughan on drums, Tift Merritt and Alexandra Sauser-Monnig on backing vocals and Matt Douglas and Michael Lewis on horns. Order Heart Like a Levee on LP and CD in the Merge store, or digitally here. Double-disc deluxe versions include bonus album Vestapol, composed of eight previously unreleased songs performed and recorded almost entirely by M.C. Taylor in various motels on the road and at his home in Durham, North Carolina. Keep up with Hiss Golden Messenger on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. HEART LIKE A LEVEE TRACK LIST1. Biloxi2. Tell Her I'm Just Dancing3. Heart Like a Levee4. Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer5. Smoky's Song6. Cracked Windshield7. As the Crow Flies8. Happy Day (Sister My Sister)9. Say It Like You Mean It10. Ace of Cups11. Highland Grace HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER ON TOUR:Nov 17 Washington, DC – Rock & Roll Hotel *Nov 19 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s CradleDec 01 Antwerp, BE – De Roma *Dec 03 Brighton, UK – Bleach †Dec 04 Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club *Dec 05 London, UK – Village Underground †Dec 07 Berlin, DE – Privat Club †Dec 08 Amsterdam, NE – Bitterzoet *Jan 26 Bloomington, IN – The BishopJan 27 Holland, MI – Knickerbocker Theatre at Hope CollegeJan 28 Ann Arbor, MI – The Blind PigJan 29 Columbus, OH – Wexner CenterJan 31 Pittsburgh, PA – The Warhol MuseumFeb 01 Harrisonburg, VA – Court Square TheatreFeb 02 Morgantown, WV – 123 Pleasant StreetFeb 03 Richmond, VA – The BroadberryFeb 06 Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’sFeb 07 Birmingham, AL – The SaturnFeb 08 Tallahassee, FL – Club DownunderFeb 09 Jacksonville, FL – Jack RabbitsFeb 10 Athens, GA – 40 Watt ClubFeb 11 Charleston, SC – The Charleston PourhouseFeb 12 Charlotte, NC – The Neighborhood TheatreApr 01 Savannah, GA – Savannah Music FestivalApr 02 Savannah, GA – Savannah Music Festival * - with Phil Cook
† - with The Dead Tongues
