02.28.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Very rarely does a new band on a new label impact the music industry the way that REVELATION THEORY has, whose successful artist development story of 2005 is creating a significant buzz in 2006. With more than 150 live shows played in 2005, their debut single, 'Slowburn' is currently sitting at #29 at Active Rock radio and impatiently climbing the charts, paired with the accompanying video getting occasional spins on MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball." Offering a potent blend of hard and heavy guitar-based Rock and Metal, forceful and impassioned vocals, and a muscular and melodic rhythm section, this four-piece infuses plenty of energy and honesty in their music. Brought together by a shared passion, three members of REVELATION THEORY met while experimenting with music during their college days in Massachusetts. Shortly after, the trio moved to New York to chase a lifelong dream of creating music together, teaming up with music production/management company Idol Roc Entertainment. The band's search for a bassist/vocalist came to an abrupt end soon afterward. REVELATION THEORY spent the next year slugging it out on couches and sofas in different friends' homes, while developing and recording a self-titled EP. After releasing it independently, the band hit the road and built their fan-base organically, igniting stages city by city, and building a loud industry buzz. In early 2005, the band's commitment to artist development began paying off with their first headlining stint on the "Girls Gone Wild Rocks America" tour, which hit over 30 cities in eight weeks - playing to more than 15,000 people. After recognizing the current climate of the music industry, REVELATION THEORY looked for a label partner that would provide an extension of the grass-roots philosophy they have taken in developing their career. Idol Roc then teamed up with ON Entertainment and Century Media owner/founder Robert Kampf to sign the band to his new venture, Element Records (distributed by EMI), who released REVELATION THEORY's full-length debut album, "Truth Is Currency," this past Fall. Produced by Grammy winner Paul Ebersold (Saliva, 3 Doors Down), music fans and radio stations across the country tapped into the album's infectious energy and intense songwriting, and before long, stations such as Dallas, Texas' KDGE and Tampa, Florida's WXTB took up the charge by scheduling them on radio festivals for Fall 2005 alongside bands of such caliber as AUDIOSLAVE, SEETHER, FALL OUT BOY, BREAKING BENJAMIN, and SALIVA. With powerful vocals bringing with them an intensity that matches the band's aggressive musicianship, songs like the pounding 'After The Rain,' the tender ballad 'Selfish And Cold,' the desperate 'Leaving It Up To You,' and a fierce and immediate first single and video in 'Slowburn,' "Truth Is Currency" is packed with soulful, raw energy. Currently, REVELATION THEORY are on the road with HINDER and FAKTION in support of the album. Tour Dates: 02/28 Greenville, SC [The Handlebar] • 03/01 Columbia, SC [Headliners] • 03/02 Jacksonville, NC [Planet Rock] • 03/03 Fayetteville, NC [Jester's Pub] • 03/04 Cherry Grove Beach, SC [House Of Blues] • 03/05 Fort Walton Beach, FL [The Swamp] • 03/07 Jackson, MS [Headliner's] • 03/08 Huntsville, AL [Sammy T's] • 03/09 Montgomery, AL [Off The Wagon] • 03/11 Dallas, TX [Lizard Lounge] • 03/12 Wichita, KS [Cotillion] • 03/14 Amarillo, TX [Midnight Rodeo] • 03/16 Abilene, TX [Desperado's] • 03/17 Corpus Christi, TX [The Pavilion @ Concrete St.] • 03/18 Houston, TX [Scout Bar] • 03/19 Odessa, TX [Dos Amigos] • 03/21 Beaumont, TX [Cactus Canyon] • 03/22 New Orleans, LA [Howlin' Wolf] • 03/23 Pascagoula, MS [Thunders Tavern]
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02.27.06 (RockAndMetal.com) BON JOVI in association with AEG Live, XM Satellite Radio and WDVD-FM has announced the winner of the band's "Have A Nice Gig" opening act competition from the first leg of the upcoming tour. BON JOVI band members Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora selected Detroit's own JODY RAFFOUL BAND to receive a demo recording contract and perform in the opening slot at their Giants Stadium concert this Summer. The JODY RAFFOUL BAND beat out hundreds of Detroit's best unsigned bands to be BON JOVI's opening act at The Palace at Auburn Hills this past November 18th as well. That win qualified them to compete on XM Satellite Radio against 23 other winning bands from the first leg of BON JOVI's sold-out "Have A Nice Day" World Tour. The decision came down to the wire, according to the band's management. Both Bon Jovi and Sambora spent a great deal of time watching and critiquing the performances from each of the four XM Radio finalists over the past week of the current leg of the tour. When the two deplaned in Houston, Texas last week, they went straight to their dressing room at the venue to revisit the footage and choose the winner. They sought the band that displayed the best songwriting and elicited the best crowd response; they then weighed in the opinion of fellow bandmates to choose the winner. JODY RAFFOUL BAND frontman Jody Raffoul was asked to be present at the WDVD-FM studios in Detroit under the guise that all four finalists were on standby for the live announcement of the winner. In reality, only the JODY RAFFOUL BAND was asked so they could be surprised with the special recorded video announcement from Bon Jovi and Sambora that they had won. "Jody, Jody you got the gig man... Congratulations!... Thanks a lot for everyone for supporting us and congratulations Jody; we'll see you in a stadium in New York City this summer," the announcement said. Singer/songwriter Jody Raffoul has built a strong fan base touring the United States and Canada with his unique blend of working class Pop/Rock rhythms. Raffoul began developing his vocal, musical and songwriting abilities while still a teenager in a local cover band, and has since gone on to record three independent albums, 1996's "Jody Raffoul," 2000's "Simple Life," and his latest release, "Like A Star," which has garnered the music industry and music critics' attention, including The Windsor Star newspaper who declared: "'Light Of Day' confirms Raffoul's status as one of (the Windsor/Detroit) area's best unsigned artists." "All of the opening bands from the 'Have A Nice Gig' contest had the opportunity to share their music with a larger audience, and getting that chance is always more difficult for an unsigned band," said Billy Zero, program director for XM Satellite Radio and host of "The Radar Report," an XM music show for unsigned bands. "Whether the bands can fill a basement or massive stadium, XM provides a place for both new artists and established acts to have their music heard and create new fans among our millions of subscribers." WDVD-FM's afternoon talent Jesse Addy says: "Detroit has always been a source of great musical talent and we're very proud to be a part of that tradition here at WDVD. Hopefully Jody won't forget us when he's dating a supermodel." The "Have A Nice Gig" competition concludes with their March 11, 2006 concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. From the first 24 winning bands, four bands were selected as semifinalists by music fans across the country who logged on to the XM Satellite Radio website during January to vote online for their favorite. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora then selected the JODY RAFFOUL BAND as the grand prize winning band from the four semifinalists. Audio and performance footage of the JODY RAFFOUL BAND and the three other semifinalists is available online at http://bonjovi.xmradio.com.
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02.10.06 (RockAndMetal.com) "Act Of Faith" is the third studio album from CHRIS JAGGER'S ATCHA!, which is slated to be released on SPV's new Blue label come March 6th. Together these fine musicians demonstrate their impressive sound on the new album, and prove that they are up there with the current kings of the British Roots scene. They colorfully perform their mix of unconventional Rock, growling Blues, Country, Cajun and Funk influences, and ably act as the backing band to a whole range of illustrious guests. Next to vocalist/guitarist Chris Jagger, CHRIS JAGGER'S ATCHA! consists of keyboardist/violinist Charlie Hart, Malcolm and Jim Mortimore on drums and guitar, and bassist Paul Emile. An amazingly tight band, they skilfully switch between different styles, presenting their material in an equally relaxed and ambitioned manner. In his unmistakable fashion, Jagger flirts in New Orleans Funk style with lewd offers on '15% Free,' and wraps his typically British sense of humor in lyrics such as "they say experts can analyse a man by searching through his garbage can, if he is a Rolling Stone or Beatles fan, that's the game" on the opening track 'It's Amazing (What People Throw Away).' CHRIS JAGGER'S ATCHA! are supported by renowned guests in the studio: the vibrant Country/Zydeco number 'Got Me Where You Want' features the amazing voice of Sam Brown, while London anarcho guitarmeister Billy Jenkins skilfully plays his axe on 'Everybody Party.' The collaboration between Chris and Mick Jagger on 'The DJ Blues' is pretty spectacular - the first-ever recorded duet by the two brothers, culminating in a sweaty-sultry request to the DJ to play some real "good time blues" again for a change. Last but not least, PINK FLOYD's David Gilmour demonstrates that he is still among the world's finer Blues guitarists, refining 'Junkman' and 'It's Amazing (What People Throw Away)' with his legendary Fender Stratocaster's sound. Chris Jagger was born on December 19th, 1947. He started singing and playing the guitar in his twenties, his influences being Blues and Rock music, but first and foremost, Country and R&B. Chris cut two albums for music guru David Geffen in 1970, both considered cult recordings today. Years later he helped out with the lyrics for THE ROLLING STONES' albums "Dirty Work" and "Steel Wheels." 1994 saw the arrival of CHRIS JAGGER'S ATCHA!'s debut album, featuring a melange of Zydeco, Cajun, Country, R&B, Rock, and even World Music elements. Particularly live on stage, the band exhibit their talent, having brilliantly performed countless club gigs as well as a number of important festival shows. Together with long-standing collaborators Ben Waters and Charlie Hart, Chris Jagger recorded an acoustic album in 1996, followed by the vibrant "Channel Fever," cut by the whole band, two years later. "Act Of Faith" Track Listing: 1. It's Amazing (What People Throw Away) (Featuring David Gilmour) • 2. Got Me (Where You Want Me) (Featuring Sam Brown) • 3. 15% Extra Free! • 4. The DJ Blues (Featuring Mick Jagger) • 5. On The Road • 6. Junkman (Featuring David Gilmour) • 7. Cream In My Coffee • 8. Everybody Party (Featuring Billy Jenkins) • 9. Love Is Strange • 10. She's A Jewel • 11. Baby Come Back • 12. Rain Rain
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02.09.06 (RockAndMetal.com) "The Village Lanterne," the brand new studio album from BLACKMORE'S NIGHT, is due for release on March 27th via SPV Recordings, and includes the first new material from the group since their 2003 album, "Ghost Of A Rose." Individuality and true musical greatness are marked by an artist who follows his own intuition, without being influenced by other people's expectations. Ritchie Blackmore's integrity may occasionally seem strange, if not indeed doubtful to many a DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW fan, but it shows that he is one of the best and most exceptional contemporary musicians in every respect. With his band BLACKMORE'S NIGHT featuring his partner, vocalist Candice Night, Blackmore has certainly not broken with his previous creative forms of expression. Quite the opposite: the songs on his current album, "The Village Lanterne," document unmistakably that there's still quite the Rock musician inside him. But Blackmore has not remained static in his development. He has allowed his penchant for Medieval music, which already shone through on many of his Hard Rock and Metal compositions, to culminate in his very own unique style of music. On "The Village Lanterne," BLACKMORE'S NIGHT combine the great vocal melodies and mysterious lyrics of Candice Night, with the seemingly archaic instrumentations and virtuoso guitar parts of Blackmore, taking all listeners with them on a journey into their mystical, romantic world. In the process, Blackmore continues to develop his ability as a composer and instrumentalist without ever denying his former artistic identity. 'Mood Tanz/Child In Time' is the resurrection of one of DEEP PURPLE's greatest hits in a new guise, while 'Street Of Dreams' is a haunting new edition of the RAINBOW classic. Both songs represent the close artistic links to Blackmore's work in the 70s and 80s. At the same time, 'Just Call My Name,' 'St. Teresa' or 'I Guess It Doesn't Matter' show that his Rock musician's heart remains ever-present in his new compositions. On the title track and on 'Faerie Queen,' Candice Night seems to blend as one with Blackmore's acoustic guitar, while '25 Years' displays oriental influences. Then there are magical moments such as the folkloric dance numbers 'The Messenger' and 'Village Dance,' and the beguiling 'World Of Stone,' 'Olde Mill Inn' and 'Windmills.' The album is also complemented by a new version of Ralph McTell's 'Streets Of London.' "The Village Lanterne" Track Listing: Jewel Case Disc: 1. 25 Years • 2. The Village Lanterne • 3. I Guess It Doesn't Matter • 4. The Messenger • 5. World Of Stone • 6. Faerie Queen • 7. St. Teresa • 8. Village Dance • 9. Mood Tanz/Child In Time • 10. Streets Of London • 11. Just Call My Name • 12. Olde Mill Inn • 13. Windmills • 14. Street Of Dreams • Bonus Disc: 1. Call It Love (Performed By Candice Night) • 2. Street Of Dreams (Featuring Joe Lynn Turner) • 3. 20 Minute Interview With Ritchie Blackmore & Candice Night • 4. Castles & Dreams DVD Trailer
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02.08.06 (RockAndMetal.com) In 1969, David Crosby of THE BYRDS, BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD's Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash, formerly of THE HOLLIES, came together in a beautiful harmonic convergence of vocal chemistry, precision musicianship, and emotional lyricism in the trio dubbed CROSBY, STILLS & NASH. Atlantic/Rhino Records salutes one of Rock's first supergroups with the current release of the remastered and expanded version of two of the group's best efforts. Remastered in HDCD for the first time and featuring unreleased and rare bonus tracks (all remixed using the original master tapes), "Crosby, Stills & Nash" and "Daylight Again" are now available separately at regular retail outlets and at www.rhino.com for a suggested list price of $18.98. Originally released on May 29th, 1969, "Crosby, Stills & Nash" remains one of Rock's most impressive debuts. The Grammy-winning album introduced the world to the trio's airtight harmonies and versatile songwriting with Folk/Rock classics like 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,' 'Marrakesh Express' and 'Long Time Gone.' "Crosby, Stills & Nash" is now expanded with three previously unreleased bonus tracks, including 'Do For The Others,' 'Teach Your Children' (which became a major hit off 1970's follow-up album, "Deja Vu"), plus a cover of the Fred Neil classic 'Everybody's Talkin.' The final bonus track is a version of Crosby's 'Song With No Words,' a rarity that first appeared in 1991 on the group's box set. On June 21, 1982, the triumvirate returned with their long-awaited third studio album, "Daylight Again." Highlighted by the hit singles 'Wasted On The Way' and 'Southern Cross,' the album also mixed Nash's evocative balladry on 'Song For Susan' with Stills' rocker 'Too Much Love To Hide' and 'Delta,' one of Crosby's best. "Daylight Again" is now expanded with four previously unreleased bonus tracks, including a demo version of 'Might As Well Have A Good Time,' plus 'Raise A Voice,' 'Feel Your Love,' and 'Tomorrow Is Another Day.' "Crosby, Stills & Nash" Track Listing: 1. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes • 2. Marrakesh Express • 3. Guinnevere • 4. You Don't Have To Cry • 5. Pre-Road Downs • 6. Wooden Ships • 7. Lady Of The Island • 8. Helplessly Hoping • 9. Long Time Gone • 10. 49 Bye-Byes • 11. Do For The Others • 12. Song With No Words • 13. Everybody's Talkin' • 14. Teach Your Children • "Daylight Again" Track Listing: 1. Turn Your Back On Love • 2. Wasted On The Way • 3. Southern Cross • 4. Into The Darkness • 5. Delta • 6. Since I Met You • 7. Too Much Love To Hide • 8. Song For Susan • 9. You Are Alive • 10. Might As Well Have A Good Time • 11. Daylight Again • 12. Raise A Voice • 13. Feel Your Love • 14. Tomorrow Is Another Day • 15. Might As Well Have A Good Time
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02.07.06 (RockAndMetal.com) A seventh album from LIVE, "Songs From Black Mountain," will be released April 11th via their new recording label, Epic Records. And from the sound of it, the quartet make their return to the charts sounding solid as ever. After making music together for more than half of their lives, touring their way around the world and selling more than 20 million records, the four members of LIVE -- vocalist Ed Kowalczyk, guitarist Chad Taylor, bassist Patrick Dahlheimer and drummer Chad Gracey -- say "Songs From Black Mountain" marks a new beginning for the band. Before recording the new album, the members of LIVE -- all of whom are still only in their early 30s -- put together a music and video retrospective spanning the quartet's six studio albums. Since forming in middle school in York, Pennsylvania in 1988, the band has become an international success, with two albums reaching #1 on Billboard's Top 200 album chart ("Throwing Copper" and "Secret Samadhi"), five #1 singles, nine Top 10 singles and number #1 albums in Australia, Holland, South Africa, Canada, Belgium and New Zealand. "It was such a cathartic experience putting together our greatest hits because it reminded us of where we came from and gave us a clear idea of what we've grown into as a band," says the band's singer and chief songwriter, Ed Kowalczyk. "Now that we've recorded for our new label, Epic, it really feels like we've closed a chapter and with this new record are starting over." Two years ago, when Kowalczyk began the songwriting process for "Songs From Black Mountain," he was intrigued by how much of the world's art has been inspired by the female spirit. "Historically, the muse has always been a woman -- from the muses of Greek mythology to Saraswati in India. And my experience as a songwriter has only reinforced that idea. I'm surrounded by women -- my wife and two daughters especially -- who spark my creativity," he explains. "With that in mind, I started exploring the idea of personifying my creative energy as female in the songs I was writing; basically writing songs to my muse. When people listen to these songs they'll probably hear a love story between a man and a woman, but for me it's deeper than that." The first single from "Songs From Black Mountain," 'The River,' weaves the album's heady lyrical theme into a contagious Pop melody: "Bring your burning skin to my river once again, I'll give you life." "This song probably has the most memorable melody we've ever recorded," Kowalczyk says. "I really like how we're using something so catchy to convey these abstract lyrical ideas I have about songwriting. When I sit down to write a song, I always feel like I'm wading into a river where a nurturing female presence guides me and pushes me along when I need it." The band came together to record "Songs From Black Mountain" with producer Jim Wirt (Incubus, Hoobastank) at a studio in Santa Barbara, California in May of 2005 for what became a whirlwind session. In just three weeks, Kowalczyk says, the multi-platinum band recorded all 12 of the album's songs in a frenetic burst of creativity that surprised everyone. "We haven't recorded that quickly since 'Throwing Copper,'" he says. "We were like the Chicago Bulls when they won six championships. When we got in the studio, we all slipped into..." [full story]
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02.07.06 (RockAndMetal.com) BRAND NEW SIN recently completed a highly successful U.S. tour with BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, and their stunning 45-minute set captivated crowds while solidifying them a whole new following. The group are now in full songwriting mode for the follow-up to their "Recipe For Disaster" album for Century Media. BRAND NEW SIN vocalist Joe Altier checks in with the following report: "I want to thank everyone for 2005. We got to tour with Motorhead, Corrosion Of Conformity, Life Of Agony, Black Label Society, and make good friends with all the guys in Mercy Clinic, Bloodsimple, Scum Of The Earth, Society 1, Dog Faced Gods, and more. I want to thank my band mates, crew and our families for once again being there for me (us) thru everything, all the extended sin family for housing us, getting us drunk, and plain just making us feel at home wherever we go. We will continue to make music, so hopefully you will keep coming out to see us. The main focus right now is writing the follow-up to 'Recipe For Disaster.' We will hopefully be recording this Spring, and the boys and me are hard at work once again 5 nights a week hammering out some new tunes. We will spend the next two months writing and demoing new material. We are very excited! I promise to keep everyone updated on the progress and news about this in the coming weeks. And as the hometown showgoers know, this new record is being fueled by Tequila, so you better watch out." The Southern-influenced BRAND NEW SIN first burst upon the scene in 2002 with their groundbreaking self-titled Now Or Never Records debut album. Resembling a mesmerizing amalgam of sludgy, dirt-under-the-fingernails, calloused-skin Rock and Metal and down-home, southern style Blues, the stunning debut offering was produced by local knobsman Pete Walker at Village Recorders in Liverpool, New York, and was one of those rare albums erected through sheer talent, skill, passion and an ironclad work ethic. The group went on to earn a devoted legion of fans through relentless touring with a wide array of artists, from BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and SLAYER to BREAKING BENJAMIN and SALIVA. It's the stunning blend of frontman Joe Altier's captivating roar and melodic overtones mixed with the band's gritty, rock-solid rhythm section, stunning dual guitar solos and pummeling hooks that helped BRAND NEW SIN stand out from the pack and appeal to a diverse audience. "Brand New Sin is unyielding rock 'n' roll power and timelessness," says Altier, "You can pick our record up 20 years from now, and it will still feel as fresh and relevant as it does today." Unfortunately, the band were soon sidelined in 2003 due to numerous label issues and lineup changes. BRAND NEW SIN soon added new drummer Kevin Dean to the fold, while long-time guitarists Kenny Dunham, Kris Wiechmann, and bassist Chuck Kahl stepped up their involvement. The band ultimately grew tighter and a new-found energy was put into their songwriting for the greater half of 2004, as the band hooked back up with Walker to record their eagerly awaited sophomore offering. The early demos quickly caught the attention of Century Media, who signed the band to a worldwide deal last year.
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02.06.06 (RockAndMetal.com) A new album from PROTO-KAW, "The Wait Of Glory," has been released through InsideOut Music. When KANSAS guitarist and PROTO-KAW member Kerry Livgren ('Dust In The Wind', 'Carry On Wayward Son') dusted off some 1970's demo tapes a couple of years ago and decided to remaster them for release as "Proto-Kaw: Early Recordings From Kansas," he probably never imagined taking to the road again with the original members that carried the KANSAS band moniker from 1971 to 1973. A band reunion after thirty years in 2004 provided the start to this incredible story of a dream finally being realized. Later that year, the release of the critically acclaimed "Before Became After" cemented the return of PROTO-KAW. And so 2006 brings "The Wait Of Glory," an album of finely tuned, meticulous, and awe-inspiring music. With the cliche "better late than never" as their credo, Livgren and the reunited band decided to embark on taking their Progressive Rock/Jazz sessions beyond the heartland and across the U.S and Europe in 2006. This version of what later became a commercial success is a tightly wound Experimental Rock/Jam band powerhouse with a purpose. Superb musicianship abounds, where you'll find one of the more unique sounds in Rock in years. PROTO-KAW's music cannot be classified too easily. Listeners marvel at how familiar, yet how unique it sounds. Fans of Classic Rock, Jazz, Jam, and even Funk are all blown away by the band's diversity. First, Lynn Meredith's lead vocals are an original, given the clarity and heartfelt articulation he brings to each song powerfully relaying PROTO-KAW's message. John Bolton unleashes an unbridled sax and comforting flute, which adds a Jazz flow to the mix. Dan Wright's sharp, heavy handed keyboards provide a retro groove throughout. Add in Craig Kew's polished style of bass, Jake Livgren's varied instrumental talents, including vocals, and the solid percussion of Mike Patrum, and the PROTO-KAW lineup is extremely impressive. Composer, guitarist and lyrical wizard Kerry Livgren proves once again he is never without an original idea on "The Wait Of Glory." His varied guitar styles, from Rock to Jazz and all points in between, are proof positive this guy can really play. His gift of composition is all the more impressive. Livgren brings a powerful, cinematic type feel to his work, and the time signature changes he brings to each song are at times astonishing. 2006 also begins for PROTO-KAW like no other year, as they begun a European tour with the release of "The Wait Of Glory."ÊA special edition version of the CD with a bonus DVD concert recently filmed in high definition is also available. Scheduling for a 2006 U.S. Summer tour has begun as well, as the and members are highly motivated and ready to remind people of what real music is all about. For now, PROTO-KAW featuring Kerry Livgren are back on the music scene once again with "The Wait Of Glory," and it looks like it's been well worth the wait.
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02.03.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Virgin Records/EMI Music Catalog Marketing will issue a pair of audio and video releases from Alternative Rockers CRACKER on February 21st. The CD and DVD packages, both entitled "Get On With It: The Best Of Cracker," contain the definitive original versions of the band's early-'90s classics 'Low,' 'Get Off This' and the #1 Modern Rock anthem 'Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now).' The 15-track CD and 16-track DVD were produced in collaboration with the band, and include fan favorites as well as deeper album cuts for the CRACKER connoisseur. The new DVD, the band's first home video release, includes 7 music videos with two never-before-seen video edits, plus a 9-song previously unreleased concert, filmed in 1993 at Denver's Ogden Theatre. CRACKER frontman David Lowery broke onto the music scene with early Alternative Rock pioneers CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN in the 1980s. Although that band split in 1990, Lowery had honed his musical tastes and made a very positive impression on the music industry. CRACKER, his next group, were quickly signed to Virgin Records. Lowery teamed with John Hickman (guitar) and Dave Faragher (bass) in the original lineup for the group, and together they launched a highly successful career blending their Country roots with a Modern Rock sound. The final CRACKER line-up kept Lowery and Hickman, and added to the mix Kenny Margolis (keyboards, percussion), Frank Funaro (drums) and Victor Krummenacher (bass, vocals). The result was five highly popular albums for Virgin, including their self-titled 1992 debut, which featured 'Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now)' and 1993's Gold-certified "Kerosene Hat," which contained the radio mega-hit 'Low' and critic favorite 'Euro-Trash Girl.' The group continued to record albums and tour through the 1990s, and also found time to collaborate with other artists, including Joan Osbourne and SPARKLEHORSE. In addition to the band's extracurricular musical pursuits, David Lowery also appeared in two independent films, "River Red" and "This Space Between Us." Those varied pursuits led to CRACKER's 2002 album, "Forever," which produced the song 'Guarded By Monkeys,' a tune that highlights the band's more matured eclectic sound. CRACKER toured the U.S. in 2005 both as themselves and as a refashioned CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN, and will continue to tour in 2006 as well. "Get On With It: The Best Of Cracker" Track Listings: CD Track Listing: 1. Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now) • 2. This Is Cracker Soul • 3. Mr. Wrong • 4. Low • 5. Get Off This • 6. Lonesome Johnny Blues • 7. Euro-Trash Girl • 8. Shake Some Action • 9. I Hate My Generation • 10. Big Dipper • 11. Sweet Thistle Pie • 12. The World Is Mine • 13. The Good Life • 14. Shine • 15. Guarded By Monkeys • DVD Track Listing: 1. Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now) (Acoustic Singalong Version) • 2. Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now) • 3. Get Off This (Live On MTV's "120 Minutes") • 4. Low • 5. Low (Homebody Version) • 6. Euro-Trash Girl • 7. I Hate My Generation • 8. I See The Light (Live) • 9. Movie Star (Live) • 10. Mr. Wrong (Live) • 11. Let's Go For A Ride (Live) • 12. Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now) (Live) • 13. Low (Live) • 14. Euro-Trash Girl (Live) • 15. Lonesome Johnny Blues (Live) • 16. This Is Cracker Soul (Live)
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02.02.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Necessary/Atlantic Records recording artists HARD-FI hit #1 in their native UK last week with their acclaimed debut album, "Stars Of CCTV," which is heading rapidly towards the double platinum mark there. The band was also recently honored with a pair of prestigious BRIT Awards nominations. Praised by NME as "the album of the year," "Stars Of CCTV" -- which follows last year's introductory "Cash Machine" EP -- will make its long-anticipated U.S. premiere on March 14th. HARD-FI picked up BRIT nominations in the "Best British Rock Act" and "Best British Group" categories, placing the genre-blurring outfit alongside international superstars like COLDPLAY, OASIS, GORILLAZ, and FRANZ FERDINAND, as well as such breakthrough artists as KASABIAN and KAISER CHIEFS. The 2006 BRIT Awards will be presented on February 15th at London's Earls Court Arena. HARD-FI have been heralding the forthcoming U.S. release of "Stars Of CCTV" with a North American headlining tour, which kicked off January 16th at Middle East Cafe in Cambridge, Massachusetts, followed by a long-sold-out performance at New York City's Bowery Ballroom. The tour has since continued across the continent, with remaining dates at San Francisco's Pop Scene tonight, Sacramento's The Boardwalk tomorrow night, Berbati's Pan in Portland Saturday night, and The Premier in Seattle to conclude things Sunday night. With their indefinable-but-irresistible sound and vision, HARD-FI spurred a surprise commotion in their native England with the release of "Stars Of CCTV." The collection made a stunning UK chart debut at #6, a figure made all the more remarkable in that it occurred in the sales week followed the hugely successful Live 8 concerts. Songs such as 'Cash Machine,' 'Tied Up Too Tight,' and 'Hard To Beat' -- all of which were named "Single Of The Week" by NME -- see the band ingeniously melding Urban rhythms with indelible Rock 'N' Roll hooks, underscoring frontman Richard Archer's frank and gritty tales of dead-end jobs, lost weekends, and disenfranchised suburban angst. Along with its popular triumph, "Stars Of CCTV" has since received across-the-board enthusiasm from the notoriously hard-to-please UK critical establishment. The album received a 9-out-of-10 rave in NME - who hailed its "tirelessly inventive, genre-splicing genius" - while the UK's biggest music magazine, Q, dubbed HARD-FI "the next major British band." "There have been some terrific debut albums by British bands this year," wrote The Times' Paul Connolly, "but this rough diamond by Staines' Hard-Fi is the best yet... As close to a five-star record as I've heard all year."
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02.01.06 (RockAndMetal.com) September 20th, 2004, and Independiente Pop/Rockers EMBRACE celebrate one of the biggest comebacks since Lazarus, as their fourth album "Out Of Nothing" enters the UK charts at No. 1. Two years previously, the band had been out of a deal, three members were on the dole, and things looked very bleak indeed for EMBRACE. However, as 2006 kicks off, the band can reflect on eighteen months in which they've scored four hit singles, played the biggest headlining gigs of their career, and watched "Out Of Nothing" sell over 600,000 copies in the UK alone. No wonder their forthcoming album, "This New Day," is such a self-assured offering. Slated for release on April 3rd, this is the unmistakable sound of a revitalized band bursting with renewed confidence. And as the album title might suggest, it also celebrates a whole new approach to both writing and recording for EMBRACE. Previously, the songwriting partnership of Danny and Richard McNamara took the lead, but this time round all five members took to jamming in the studio - the end result being that everyone had a hand in the songwriting process. As Danny McNamara explains: "As kids, we grew up listening to bands like Joy Division, Echo And The Bunnymen and U2, bands who've always used this technique, but it's something we'd never tried before. It's been an incredibly inspiring experience, and really feels like a whole new start for us". With 24 songs written in just nine days, the songs on "This New Day" flowed thick and fast, another new experience for McNamara. "I've always found it tough writing new material and likened it to Bob Dylan's quote that writing songs is like mining for diamonds. Youth put me straight on that one. As he sees it, it's an amazing party you don't realize you've been invited to. The songs are all around you, and it's just a question of finding them. And he's right." In terms of the lyrics, Danny McNamara says they're the most personal he's ever written. "I'd always felt I was about 20 feet from the fire. This time 'round, I'm standing right in the middle of it." While relatively reticent about revealing who might have inspired the lyrics, the narrative on debut single 'Nature's Law' -- due for release on March 20th -- is indicative of this new trend. Destined to be a big part of the soundtrack to Spring 2006, it features an insanely catchy piano riff courtesy of keyboard player Mickey Dale. With Youth once again taking care of production, "This New Day" was recorded both at his studio in Granada, Spain, and at Olympic and Britannia Row Studios in London. Having closed out 2005 with a sold-out arena tour, EMBRACE will return to more intimate surroundings for the following six dates in Scotland, coinciding with the release of the new album: 04/08 Oban, Scotland [Conran Halls] • 04/09 Stirling, Scotland [Albert Halls] • 04/10 Dundee, Scotland [Fat Sams] • 04/12 Aberdeen, Scotland [Music Hall] • 04/13 Glasgow, Scotland [Barrowland] • 04/14 Edinburgh, Scotland [Corn Exchange] • "This New Day" Track Listing: 1. No Use Crying • 2. Nature's Law • 3. You Will Hit The Target Every Time • 4. Sainted • 5. I Can't Come Down • 6. Celebrate • 7. Exploding Machines • 8. Even Smaller Stones • 9. The End Is Near • 10. This New Day
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[Rock News: January 2006]
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