05.13.05 (RockAndMetal.com) On July 4th, all three of Electronic music pioneer GARY NUMAN's "Living Ornaments" live albums will be officially released by Beggars Banquet Records. "Living Ornaments '79" and "Living Ornaments '81" had previously been available only via mail order and specialty product sources. In 1981, GARY NUMAN released a box set of two live albums, entitled "Living Ornaments '79 and '80," which charted in the UK at #2, and also -- with the albums sold individually -- charted at #47 and #39, respectively. In the late 1990's, the multi-track tapes to the 1979 show were located and remixed to expand the original 10-track vinyl release to a double CD of the entire concert. Similarly, one of the complete Wembley "farewell" shows from 1981 was also released as a double CD. Diehard GARY NUMAN fans have always demanded a complete show from the "Teletour" of 1980, the "machine-music" period when Numan was at the peak of his commercial success. Unfortunately, the multi-tracks for the 1980 show have never been located, and the show never reissued in its entirety. However, recently a recording of a complete "Teletour" show -- a live reference mix made by the sound crew -- was discovered which, with some sonic tweaking, is of major release quality. The performances at the previously unknown UK show even eclipse those on the official release, and include rare outings for the tracks 'Telekon' and 'Stories,' which have never been available on a GARY NUMAN live album. "Living Ornaments '80" has thus now also become a double CD, featuring the original 10 tracks from the vinyl release, newly remastered from the mixing tapes, plus the newly discovered complete show, which comprise a total of 29 tracks in all. At the end of the 1970s, GARY NUMAN, a 20-year old ex-punk from West London was virtually alone in seeing the possibility of a "synthesizer star." In late 1978, Beggars Banquet released TUBEWAY ARMY's self-titled debut, mixing Electronic music with post-Punk guitar and solid, no-frills drumming by Numan's uncle Jess Lidyard. He immediately created a fresh Garage Electronic style, but by the time the album came out, he was already back in the... [full story]
[LISTEN]

05.13.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Relapse Records recording artists BURST have begun the recording of their upcoming new full-length album, entitled "Origo." The band are currently recording the album at Music-A-Matic Studios (Kent, Union Carbide Productions, Millencolin, Broder Daniel) in Gothenburg, Sweden with long-time producer Frederick Rheindahl along with Henrik Lipp (Kent, Union Carbide Productions, Millencolin, DAD, etc.) and have begun recording "Origo," the follow-up to their 2003 Relapse full-length debut, "Prey On Life." BURST Bassist Jesper Liverod says: "'Origo' is an exaggeration of everything that BURST is about. Never before in the history of this band has the music felt so urgently important to us. 'Origo' is fundamental in our lives." The "Origo" album is currently slated for a Fall release in North America. The initial Punk roots of BURST were the earliest attempts of a disparate group of kids way back in 1993. Basic demos were recorded, and a few gigs played, but both sparingly at best. The second and more important part of the BURST story really emerged out of its six-year chrysalis in 1999. BURST had done some touring, and released a split 7" with LASH OUT, but a new approach to making music was luring in the back of the band's collective consciousness. BURST wanted to be intense, original, to evolve, and to strike a chord with the sense of exploration and musical innovation that their numerous inspirations and favorite bands so clearly had embraced. The turning point in the band's evolution came with the addition of guitarist Robert Reinholdz. It was then that BURST truly took the first step to becoming the band its members wanted it to be, and began creating music they all felt inspired by. Ten songs were recorded in 2000, the "Conquest: Writhe" LP seeing the light of day in 2001 on Sweden's Putrid Filth Conspiracy. In late October, the CD version was released by noted underground Hardcore label Prank Records. Next came the 2002 Mini-CD "In Coveting Ways" on Chrome Saint Magnus, followed by "Prey On Life" via Relapse.
[FREE MP3]

05.12.05 (RockAndMetal.com) On May 24th, 2003, PAUL McCARTNEY ended decades of previously banned music by both himself and THE BEATLES with a landmark concert in Russia, electrifying a crowd of over 100,000 jammed into Moscow's Red Square. Next month, on June 14th, during the 20th anniversary year of Perestroika, A&E Home Video will release McCartney's history-making,Emmy Award-winning concert on DVD. More than just a concert film, "Paul McCartney In Red Square" is a backstage pass to a defining moment in Rock 'N' Roll history. The DVD captures the historic sights and sounds of the nearly three-hour concert which included more than 30 classic hits from THE BEATLES, WINGS, and PAUL McCARTNEY's solo career. There's 'Hey Jude,' 'Maybe I'm Amazed,' 'I Saw Her Standing There,' 'Live And Let Die,' 'Let It Be,' 'Back In The USSR,' 'Band On The Run,' and many, many more. Other DVD bonus features include an interactive menu and guide, as well as previously unreleased concert footage from McCartney's second trip to Russia, where he performed in St. Petersburg's Palace Square. Filmed during McCartney's "04 Summer Tour," viewers are granted an exclusive ticket to see him perform songs never before released throughout his solo career, including 'Helter Skelter,' 'Penny Lane,' and 'I've Got A Feeling.' "Paul McCartney In Red Square" is also a remarkable historical document featuring rare, behind-the-scenes footage of the star's whirlwind tour of Russia, including a private meeting with President Vladimir Putin, and interviews with important members of Russia's cultural community, who reveal the importance THE BEATLES and PAUL McCARTNEY played in the development of the former Soviet Union's future. "Paul McCartney In Red Square" has also been digitally-remastered for optimal viewing, and features three different audio options in Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, and DTS Digital 5.1 Surround formats. The Director's Cut version of the DVD will also feature 20 minutes of never-before-aired footage, along with extras that include a 10-minute short from The History Channel, song selection, an interactive guide and archival photo gallery, along with an 8-page, full-color booklet.

05.12.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Veterans of British Doom CATHEDRAL will enter New Rising Studios in early May to record more downtuned hymns as an eagerly anticipated follow-up to their last studio effort, 2001's "The Seventh Coming." Warren Ryker (Down, Crowbar) is on board to produce CATHEDRAL's eighth slow-motion attack, which is tentatively titled "The Garden Of Unearthly Delights." The band's debut release for Nuclear Blast Records will once more be crowned by one of Dave Patchett's unique cover artwork, and is stuffed with ominous new titles including 'Corpsecycle,' 'Tree Of Life & Death,' 'Upon Azrael's Wings' and 'Oro The Manslayer' to fit the occasion. CATHEDRAL vocalist Lee Dorrian draws a veil over the strange fruits growing in their new garden, but he let the following information out: The new material is supposed to be "a lot heavier and slightly more unusual than our last album, and it will be an album of two halfs," Dorrian says. Now, what it means when a band like CATHEDRAL -- who have indulged in mixing Doom with Psychedelic Rock and even Funk over the course of their 15-year-career -- are slated to unveil "The Garden Of Unearthly Delights" sometime this Fall. CATHEDRAL officially found their start in late 1989, when founding members Dorrian and Mark "Griff" Griffiths were discussing their love of bands like BLACK SABBATH, TROUBLE, PENTAGRAM, ST. VITUS, MELVINS, CANDLEMASS and so on. The setting was at a CARCASS show in Cardiff, where Griff was roadie and in charge off the projections of gore for that band. After more than several beers, the pair came to the conclusion that they should form a band in the vein of their heroes, and thus the idea of CATHEDRAL was born. So when the band first came onto the underground scene, they were churning out slow, pain-filled dirges -- in itself a surprise, considering that vocalist Lee Dorrian had just departed from Grindcore kings NAPALM DEATH. CATHEDRAL's first release, "In Memorium," was a self-produced demo released through Dorrian's then-beginning Rise Above Records label, which gained the band some well-deserved initial acclaim.
[FREE MP3]

05.11.05 (RockAndMetal.com) As SON VOLT founder Jay Farrar opens a new chapter in that influential Alternative Country/Rock band's history, Rhino Records soon pays tribute to the group with "A Retrospective: 1995-2000." Full of fan favorites, the new 20-song collection makes the perfect introduction for those unfamiliar with SON VOLT's work, but also offers loads of rarities for those already on the bandwagon. "A Retrospective: 1995-2000," the first career-spanning anthology of the band's material, is slated for release on May 24th, and includes includes essential tracks from SON VOLT's three acclaimed studio albums "Trace," "Straightaways" and "Wide Swing Tremelo." Alongside key album tracks like 'Drown,' 'Windfall,' 'Driving The View' and 'Straightface,' "A Retrospective: 1995-2000" also rounds up some of the band's soundtrack and compilation contributions. Highlights include a cover of Townes Van Zandt's 'Rex's Blues' featuring the powerful voice of Kelly Willis (recorded for "Red Hot + Bothered: The Indie Rock Guide To Dating"); a cover of Del Reeves' late '60s hit 'Looking At The World Through A Windshield,' which appeared on the 1996 movie soundtrack to "Feeling Minnesota," and 'Open All Night,' SON VOLT's contribution to "Badlands: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska." Several rarities also fill out "A Retrospective: 1995-2000," including the previously unissued four-track demo recordings of the songs 'Tear Stained Eye' and 'Loose String,' a live acoustic recording of 'Medicine Hat,' covers of Woody Guthrie's 'I've Got To Know,' and Leadbelly's 'Ain't No More Cane,' as well as the hard-to-find, promo-only releases of 'Tulsa County' and a cover of BIG STAR's 'Holocaust.' Jay Farrar formed SON VOLT in 1994 after leaving seminal Alternative Country/Rockers UNCLE TUPELO. Their debut album "Trace" was released in 1995 to outstanding reviews, while "Straightaways" was recorded between tours and appeared in 1997 (reaching #44 on Billboard's Top 200 chart), "Wide Swing Tremelo" released to much critical and public acclaim in 1998. Look for a new SON VOLT album to be issued late this Summer.
[LISTEN]

05.11.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Alternative Tentacles Records has announced a new addition to their label roster, SKARP, who hail from the Pacific Northwest. Formed in 2000 as a band heavily influenced by the likes of CHOKING VICTIM, SKARP quickly steered their ship into heavier, more turbulent waters, trading the Ska elements for blast beats. Now after extensive regional touring, a deal has been inked for the band to release their next album with Alternative Tentacles. SKARP are currently hard at work under the watchful eye of veteran producer Billy Anderson (Neurosis, Swans, Ludicra, Sleep, etc.) constructing their new aural assault slated to be released in August, which will be entitled "Requiem." SKARP's savage brand of grinding mayhem will strike a chord with fans of Crust, Grind, Hardcore and Metal. Establishing their presence first in the underground Hardcore scene with their split EP with HUMAN ERROR in 2001, followed by an eponymous EP in early 2003, SKARP have toured heavily around the western United States as well as throughout Canada. In support of their debut album, "Bury Your Dead" the band has also previously gigged extensively in Europe as well. The word "skarp" actually means "sharp" or "keen" (like the blade of a knife) in Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish. In English, a similar word, "scarp," is the angle of a geological fault line. SKARP first came to the attention of irrepressible Alternative Tentacles boss Jello Biafra after they opened for his shows with THE MELVINS on New Year's Eve in Seattle, witnessing the band thoroughly devastate the audience that night. SKARP vocalist Renae Betts commented on the band's signing: "Skarp are very excited and honored to be a part of the Alternative Tentacles team. It's amazing to have the opportunity release our music on a label that is so well respected and has been associated with so many fantastic bands. We're stoked to be working with the excellent AT staff, and can't wait to bring the Blackout Grind to the masses!" SKARP's lineup is rounded out by guitarist Robert Daniels, bassist Andy Kress and drummer Joe Axler.
[FREE MP3]

05.10.05 (AP) THE ROLLING STONES announced a new album and world tour today with a three-song mini-concert at one of Manhattan's bastions of classical music, the Juilliard School. The familiar riff of 'Start Me Up' was greeted with a roar from hundreds of fans filling Lincoln Center from its plaza to its rooftops, as lead singer Mick Jagger launched into the lyrics. "Thank you very much guys," Jagger told the cheering crowd at the century-old conservatory on a sunny Spring afternoon. "This is one of the earliest concerts we've played." The brief show promoted the tour that begins August 21 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, where the legendary band will play in front of the Green Monster. Dates in North America will continue through December. The as-yet-untitled new album is "about 85 percent done," Jagger said. It would be the first collection of all-new material from THE ROLLING STONES since 1997's "Bridges To Babylon." Prices will average $100-105 per ticket, with seats for the first shows - in Boston, Washington, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, N.C., and Calgary, Alberta - going on sale Saturday. Shows will continue into next year in South America, Asia and Europe. The North American dates will alternate between stadiums, arenas and smaller venues. The last Stones tour, in 2002-03, generated $88 million in ticket sales in North America during its first year. Along with 'Start Me Up,' THE ROLLING STONES debuted a new song, 'Oh No Not You Again,' before tearing into 'Brown Sugar.' A flub in the new material prompted Jagger to turn a bit professorial. "I think the examiners at Juilliard would have us come back and retake that one," Jagger said as guitarist Keith Richards shrugged. It was the Stones' first live performance at a press event since they played while riding a flatbed truck through Manhattan - a stunt recreated last year by U2. Scores of Juilliard students in ROLLING STONES T-shirts danced and cheered enthusiastically during the set, as Jagger pranced on stage and Richards traded leads with fellow guitarist Ronnie Wood.

05.10.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Earache Records has announces the signing of Danish Death/Thrash wrecking machine URKRAFT into that label's ranks for a worldwide multi-album deal. Formed in the small Danish provincial town of Svendborg and now residing in Copenhagen, the band released an excellent debut album in "Eternal Cosmic Slaughter" in the Spring 2004. Blending an unnerving sense of aggression, speed and flesh-peeling vocals, URKRAFT also incorporate the use of atmospheric keyboards into their music, adding another dimension to their already massive sound. Set to record their new album at Antfarm Studios with Tue Madsen in July/August, the band tells fans to expect something altogether darker and even more brutal than the type of material heard on their debut album. URKRAFT frontman Thomas Petersen had this to say on the band's new communion with Earache: "When we first started out we always had the "Ear-plugged" compilation in the CD player, and were of course motivated by the many cool acts featured on that release. Now Urkraft are signing with the same label that in our eyes has been releasing some of today's most important metal bands. We are looking forward to release our second album, and to co-operate with Earache Records in the next chapter of Urkraft and our metal music." URKRAFT released "Eternal Cosmic Slaughter" after having roamed the Danish underground for several years, the album having been made available through Century Media in the North American territories of Canada, the United States and Mexico - a pretty amazing feat for a small band out of Denmark. URKRAFT initially formed in 1995 in Svendborg by Petersen (vocals and guitar), bassist Jeppe and drummer Mikael, after which its members took a long break from 1997 to 2000, after which they started up again with the addition of lead guitarist Bierk. Keyboardist Eg came into the fold last to round out the potent quintet, all of whom participated in the recording of "Eternal Cosmic Slaughter."
[FREE MP3]

05.09.05 (RockAndMetal.com) THE OFFSPRING, arguably the most successful Punk band ever spawned from the musical hotbed that is Southern California, have recorded a brand new song entitled 'Can't Repeat' for their upcoming "Greatest Hits" collection, which is set for release next month by Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Recorded back in March while the band were in the studio with producer Jerry Finn laying down some new material, 'Can't Repeat' will be the first new material released by THE OFFSPRING since 2003's "Splinter" album, and is due to hit the Modern Rock airwaves sometime next week. Blazing out of California in the early 90's with an insane combination of Punk angst, catchy Hard Rock riffs and memorable hooks, THE OFFSPRING showed everyone how it should be done, and that even the masses loved Punk too with their 1994 breakthrough album, "Smash." Since then, the band hasn't missed much of a beat, delivering one album after another that has seen them go on to sell millions upon millions of albums worldwide and rack up countless music awards. With plenty of quality tracks to choose from, THE OFFSPRING had more than enough songs from their successful 15-year history together to release a "Greatest Hits" collection, none of which should disappoint even the most Punk-wary of listeners. With their original lineup consisting of vocalist Dexter Holland, guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman, bassist Greg Kriesel and drummer Ron Welty, THE OFFSPRING released their self-titled debut album in 1989. Four years later, their second album, "Ignition," became an underground hit, setting the stage for the across-the-board success of "Smash." Soon after its release, the band were played on both Alternative and Album Rock stations, confirming their broad-based appeal. THE OFFSPRING soon had offers pouring in from the major labels, yet they chose to stay with Epitaph Records at the time. Following a prolonged bidding war and much soul-searching, THE OFFSPRING did eventually leave Epitaph in 1996 for Columbia Records.

05.09.05 (RockAndMetal.com) The new album from Punk-influenced Metalcore quintet MODERN LIFE IS WAR is entitled "Witness," scheduled for release via Deathwish Inc. in North America on June 7th. Recorded and engineered by Kurt Ballou (Converge) at God City Studios in Salem, Massachusetts, "Witness" is not only a musical progression for the band, but brings MODERN LIFE IS WAR much closer to point with their true story of real life struggle in contemporary rural America. Lyrically captivating, musically discordant, and soulfully haunting, "Witness" is both the crowning achievement and well-worn scar most bands long to artistically create. Meanwhile, MODERN LIFE IS WAR kick off a new North American tour in support of "Witness" this Wednesday, May 11th alongside TERROR, COMEBACK KID and SINAI BEACH. Tour Dates: 05/11 Quebec City, QUE [L'Anti] • 05/12 Montreal, QUE [El Salon] • 05/13 Ottawa, ON [Babylon] • 05/14 Toronto, ON [Kathedral] • 05/15 Erie, PA [Forward Hall] • 05/16 Farmingdale, NY [Downtown] • 05/17 Philly, PA [First Unitarian] • 05/18 Richmond, VA [Alley Katz] • 05/19 Greensboro, NC [Aces] • 05/20 Columbia, SC [New Brookland Tavern] • 05/21 Jackson, FL [Thee Imperial] • 05/22 West Palm Beach, FL [Spanky's] • 05/23 Orlando, FL [The Back Booth] • 05/24 Tallahassee, FL [Big Daddy's] • 05/25 Marietta, GA [Swayze's] • 05/26 Birmingham, AL [Cave 9] • 05/27 Nashville, TN [The Muse] • 05/28 Memphis, TN [The Complex] • 05/29 Houston, TX [Mary Jane's Fat Cat] • 05/30 San Antonio, TX [The Sanctuary] • 05/31 Lubbock, TX [Tokyo Joe's] • 06/01 Albuquerque, NM [Launchpad] • 06/02 Tempe, AZ [Clubhouse] • 06/03 San Diego, CA [Epicenter] • 06/04 Corona, CA [Showcase Theatre] • 06/05 Anaheim, CA [Chain Reaction] • 06/06 San Francisco, CA [The Pound] • 06/08 Seattle, WA [El Corazon] • 06/10 Denver, CO [Rock Island] • 06/12 Downer's Grove, IL [North Beach] • 06/13 Detroit, MI [Alvin's] • 06/14 Rock Island, IL [UAW Hall] • 06/15 Milwaukee, WI [Globe East] • 06/16 Minneapolis, MN [Triple Rock Social Club]
[LISTEN]

[Music News: 05.02.05 - 05.08.05]
[Top]