[8.30.03]
LOUISVILLE, KY -
For those about to rock, THE GLASSPACK US Tour 2003 begins today, Aug. 30th, and is scheduled to run through Oct. 16th (see tour dates listed below). The tour includes Dirty, Counselor, the Cap'n, and Rico, and starts with a date in Louisville tonight at The Rudyard Kipling, which will also be a video shoot for two Glasspack tracks for submission to MTV.The show will also include Louisville's 1.3s, Dirty Bird, and Teen Kills Three -- all the latter bands being family members of The Glasspack Army. Support throughout the tour includes (but is not limited to) Sasquatch, Gravitron, Dirty Bird (members of The Glasspack), Solid Donkey, Speedloader, Iommi Stubbs, Greenhouse Effect, Floating Goat, Gasface, Speedloader, Iota, and PB Army. Anyone interested in filling a 'hole' in the schedule can contact attilabooking@hotmail.com, or anybody wishing to play with The Glasspack can contact the listed venue. Official Site | Record Label Site
'American Exhaust' Re-Released On Vinyl
The Glasspack's first full-length album, "American Exhaust", was recently re-released on 140-gram red vinyl with new artwork in a limited edition of just 400 copies. Issued on 4 Walls Records, the vinyl release is available through StonerRock.com. The Glasspack also signed 10 rare test pressings which will be included in a contest to be held by StonerRock.com in October. The first 100 buyers of The Glasspack's upcoming release "Bridgeburner" (see details below) through StonerRock.com will automatically be entered into a drawing to win one of the 10 rare autographed "American Exhaust" test pressings.
New Album Due In October
The Glasspack's forthcoming album "Bridgeburner" is also currently in the stages of being mixed, and will be in the final production and manufacturing stages as the tour continues. The official release date for "Bridgeburner" is Oct. 28th, on Small Stone Recordings. Band member Dirty has also finished an exclusive interview with Stonerrock.com, as well as finishing up the recording of the new Dirty Bird release "Here Lies Dirty Bird" for 4 Walls Records with Leland, Evans, and Josh. The first Dirty Bird show will be tonight with The Glasspack at the video shoot.
Scheduled 2003 US Tour Dates:
Saturday Aug 30 - Louisville, KY @ The Rudyard Kipling • Thursday Sept 4 - New Orleans, LA @ The Dixie Taverne • Sunday Sept 7 - Austin, TX @ Room 710 • Tuesday Sept 9 - Oklahoma City, OK @ The Green Door • Wednesday Sept 10 - Albuquerque, NM @ Burt's Tiki Lounge • Thursday Sept 11 - Scottsdale, AZ @ Chasers • Saturday Sept 13 - Huntington Beach, CA @ Liquid Den • Monday Sept 15 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Garage • Wednesday Sept 17 - San Francisco, CA @ Kimo's • Friday Sept 19 - McKinleyville, CA @ E&O Bowl • Saturday Sept 20 - Portland, OR @ Twilight Cafe • Thursday Sept 25 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Halo • Saturday Sept 27 - Denver, CO @ 15th Street Tavern • Monday Sept 29 - St. Paul, MN @ 4th Street Station • Tuesday Sept 30 - West Allis, WI @ Rock Shop • Wednesday Oct 1 - Chicago, IL @ The Note • Thursday Oct 2 - Lansing, MI @ Mac's • Friday Oct 3 - Ypsilanti, MI @ The Elbow Room • Saturday Oct 4 - Columbus, OH @ High Five • Monday Oct 6 - Rochester, NY @ The Bug Jar • Wednesday Oct 8 - Allston, MA @ O'brien's Pub • Friday Oct 10 - Philadelphia, PA @ Pontiac Grille • Sunday Oct 12 - Richmond, VA @ The Holy Chow [ Top ]
[8.26.03]
EMERYVILLE, CA -
Alternative Tentacles Records is deeply saddened to report that WESLEY WILLIS, one of their most treasured label artists, passed away last Thursday, August 21st, at the age of 40. Wesley will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege to know him, as well as the fans who have been fortunate enough to experience his genius.Wesley was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) at the end of 2002, and had to undergo emergency surgery this past June 2nd to identify the source of, and to suppress internal bleeding. It is not clear if this bleeding was related to his leukemia or not, and the exact cause of death is still unknown. Wesley had been recovering at a Hospice in Illinois, and since the surgery his health had declined.
Wesley Willis's songs were simultaneously disturbing, hilarious, blunt, and intoxicating. Wesley's sheer excitement and unaffected honesty about every cultural phenomenon, defined his music as truly individual, and truly punk rock. Wesley released well over 50 albums - 3 of which are on Alternative Tentacles, and a 4th, entitled "Wesley Willis Greatest Hits Vol. 3" (LP/CD) is still scheduled for release in October.
For more information on Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, please visit leukemia-lymphoma.org.
An Open Letter From JELLO BIAFRA (Alternative Tentacles Records owner):
We lost Wesley Willis some time before 9PM Chicago time August 21, 2003. Word is he died peacefully. The likely cause may be heart failure. Wes had been battling leukemia for less than a year. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, August 27th from 4-9pm at the John Rago & Sons Memorial Chapel in Chicago, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "John Rago & Sons Memorial Chapel" (check or money order) mailed to the following address to help defray memorial & burial costs: John Rago & Sons Memorial Chapel/721 N. Western Ave.Chicago, IL/60612. Or call (773) 276-6056 to make a donation. Thank You. There will also possibly be an upcoming memorial concert in memory of Wesley - we will let you know.
Wesley will go down as one of the most unique songwriters and entertainment personalities in history. His music, lyrics, drawings, insight and the way he put them together are like no one else. Ever. There will never be another. As I got to know Wes, what really struck me was his sheer will power, his unrelenting drive to succeed and over come his horrifically poor background, child abuse, racism, chronic schizophrenia and obesity among other things. He was the most courageous person I have ever known.
Yet through it all he had such a deep, all-encompassing love of life. Little things, big things. He loved bus rides. He loved watching trains. He loved writing songs about how much he loved his friends. He loved travelling to new towns so he could headbutt new friends. Is there any band he saw that escaped being in their own song about how much he loved their show? He was so warm, so sweet, so giving. He could be a handful when he came to visit; but as soon as he left, we'd miss him immediately.
As his long time friend Dennis Cooper said, "No More Demons". The voices in Wesley's head can't yell at him and put him down any more. Wes was deeply religious. He was afraid that if he died he would no longer get to go see bands play. If there is a hereafter I hope he's right up front as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, his beloved Otis Redding and his dear friend Bradley from Sublime "storm the stage" as the crowd "roars like a sea monster." All opening for Wesley, of course.
It will be hard now that he's gone, but I'm not going to let myself stop enjoying the funny stuff, or the look on people's faces when they first hear "Rock n Roll McDonalds", or the memories of the good times and Wesley's many adventures. He wouldn't want it any other way. There are many down times when all I have to do is think of one of Wes's songs, something he said or simply marvel at his Wesley-isms, and the clouds part and a smile comes to my face. I think he does that for a lot of people. He always will.
Rock over London
Rock on Chicago
Sail on, Wes. I love you.
Jello Biafra
8-22-03
For more information about Wesley Willis, or to listen to his MP3s, just click right here [ Top ]
[8.25.03]
TORONTO, CANADA -
Long-time Canadian hard rock quartet KILLER DWARFS have just announced their 2003 "STILL STANDING TALL" tour, featuring all members of the 'classic' Killer Dwarfs lineup - Russ, Mike, Darrell, and Bad Ronbo Dwarf.This event will mark the band's first USA tour dates since 1992's "Method To The Madness" tour, which resulted in sold out shows and great reviews from fans and critics alike.
Slated to kick off next month in Cleveland, Ohio, the tour will last several weeks with an itinerary of performances traversing the Midwest, Texas, Southeast, and throughout the eastern seaboard. As markets and venues are still being finalized, tour dates will consistently be posted online at www.killerdwarfs.com as they become confirmed.
Amidst the growing list of hard rock acts returning to the touring circuit, Killer Dwarfs fans in the USA have been hoping for the past several years that the Dwarfs would someday return to American soil. Interest swelled when the band, after a several year hiatus, regrouped in their native city of Toronto with the intent of performing and recording a long-awaited live album.
The "classic" line up of founding members Russ Dwarf (vocals) and drummer Darrell Dwarf, together with guitarist Mike Dwarf and bassist Bad Ronbo Dwarf, reunited onstage in 2001 with a stellar performance, captured in the resulting "Reunion of Scribes" live album and DVD. These four musicians, all of whom comprised Killer Dwarfs' most successful period (1985-1992), have been eager to respond to fans' requests for concerts south of the Canadian border. Official Site
Confirmed Tour Dates:
09/16/03 - Lakewood, OH Hi-Fi Club • 09/17/03 - West Springfield, VA Jaxx Night Club • 09/19/03 - Valparaiso, IN McCool's • 09/20/03 - South Barrington, IL Penny Road Pub • 09/27/03 - San Antonio, TX Sunken Gardens (with Queensryche and Y&T) • 10/03/03 - New Port Richey, FL Bourbon Street Night Club [ Top ]
[8.25.03]
LONDON, UK -
The transatlantic four-piece band BRASSY have just released their new album "Gettin Wise" on Wiiija Records (a division of The Beggars Group).A sussed and sassy blend of punk swagger and hip-hop nods, the album exudes an edgy, raw energy, while the band still manages to create well-crafted pop music at the same time. Lacking all self-indulgent guitar trickery or drum solos, the album consists of a series of short, sharp adrenaline fixes that the band is most noted for.
Brassy has also built up an enthusiastic and loyal fan base. Just like the new album, the band's live show is a blast of raw energy, frenzied scratching, and two-minute thrills. Download a FREE MP3 of the song '1-0-0' from the album "Gettin Wise" right now by simply clicking here. Official Site | Record Label Site
GIRLZ GARAGE TOUR
Brassy is also gearing up to rock the stage on the first annual "Girlz Garage Tour". The "Girlz Garage Tour" will embrace an organic mixture of female musicians that are ready to steal the stage. This eclectic bill offers a diverse cross-section of bands that are already clouding the airwaves, ranging from rock to punk to hip-hop. Joining Brassy on the "Girlz Garage Tour" will be The Start, Northern State, Lillix and The Peak Show. Complete tour dates along with listed venues are as follows:
Oct 20 - Boston, MA Axis • Oct 21 - Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony • Oct 22 - Philadelphia, PA TLA • Oct 24 - New York, NY Irving Plaza • Oct 25 - Washington, DC 9:30 Club • Oct 26 - Norfolk, VA Norva • Oct 28 - Atlanta, GA Cotton Club • Oct 29 - New Orleans, LA House of Blues • Oct 30 - Houston, TX Engine Room • Nov 01 - Austin, TX Stubbs • Nov 02 - Dallas, TX Indigo • Nov 04 - Phoenix, AZ Bash On Ash • Nov 05 - Los Angeles, CA Roxy • Nov 07 - Santa Cruz, CA Catalyst • Nov 08 - San Francisco, CA Slim's • Nov 10 - Seattle, WA Graceland • Nov 11 - Portland, OR Roseland • Nov 12 - Boise, ID Big Easy • Nov 14 - Salt Lake City DV8 • Nov 15 - Denver, CO Bluebird • Nov 17 - Lawrence, KS Bottleneck • Nov 18 - St. Louis, MO Galaxy • Nov 20 - Minneapolis, MN Ascot Room • Nov 21 - Milwaukee, WI The Rave • Nov 22 - Chicago, IL Metro • Nov 23 - Detroit, MI Shelter [ Top ]
BIFFY CLYRO
The band BIFFY CLYRO has just released the first digital single ever on Beggars Banquet ('Eradicate The Doubt' - out now - a month ahead of the standard CD single release). There are also two B-side tracks contained on the digital single - live versions of 'Eradicate The Doubt' (live) and 'The Ideal Height'. You also get labels all nicely set up for you to print out.The band just played Leeds this past Friday and play Reading today - second on the main stage. Just to make sure they didn't have a day off, they supported Sum 41 at Edinburgh Corn Exchange just yesterday afternoon. The next release from the band will be an EP featuring 'Eradicate The Doubt'. It will also include the live tracks, and a special CD/DVD package will contain even more live tracks as well as several videos, plus footage shot on their recent British tour.
The full-length album "Eradicate The Doubt" is due for release on September 22nd in the UK. The band will be touring the country in September and October, and will be playing their first few October dates in Ireland. All scheduled tour dates are listed below:
Official Site | Record Label Site
September Dates
20th Liverpool, Liverpool University • 21st Stoke, Sugarmill • 22nd Bournemouth, Villa • 23rd Swansea, Patti Pavillion • 25th Brighton, Concorde 2 • 26th Yeovil, Labour Club • 27th Exeter, Cavern • 28th Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms • 29th Manchester, Hop And Grape
October Dates
1st Newcastle, Northumbria University • 2nd Aberdeen, Moshulu • 3rd Glasgow, Barrowland • 4th Middlesbrough, Empire • 6th Norwich, Arts Centre • 7th Nottingham, Rock City • 8th Northampton, Soundhaus • 9th Oxford, Zodiac • 10th Newbury, Corn Exchange • 11th Birmingham, Academy 2 • 13th Bristol, Fleece • 14th London, Mean Fiddler • 15th Peterborough, Met. Lounge • 17th Cork, Half Moon • 18th Dublin, Temple Bar Music Centre • 19th Belfast, Auntie Annie's
TINDERSTICKS
The band TINDERSTICKS released a new single in the UK this past July called "Sometimes it Hurts" featuring the vocals of Lhasa DeSela. The CD includes a short film entitled 'The Art Of Love Making'.The band has just completed dates in North America, and an extensive tour of Europe commences at the beginning of September - see below for dates. Another EP featuring "My Oblivion", an unreleased track "Now It's Over" and an extended instrumental version of "Running Wild" will be released on October 13th in the UK. Official Site | Record Label Site
September Dates
4th Copenhagen, Vega • 5th Aarhus, Ridehuset • 6th Groningen, Oosterpoort • 7th Tilburg, 013 • 8th Amsterdam, Paradiso • 9th Antwerp, Bourla Theatre • 11th Gothenburg, Tradgar • 12th Oslo, Rockefeller • 13th Stockholm, Munchen Brewery • 26th Paris, Cigale • 27th Cologne, Gloria • 28th Hamburg, Kampnagel • 29th Berlin, SFB Sendesaal
October Dates
1st Darmstadt, Centralstation • 2nd Dresden, Schlachthof • 3rd Munich, Muffathalle • 14th Malaga, Teatro Cervantes • 15th Murcia, Auditorio • 16th Salamanca, Liceo • 17th La Coruna, Playa Club • 19th Oporto, Coliseum • 20th Madrid, Teatro Lope de Vega • 22nd Lyon, Bourse du Travail • 23rd Clermont Ferrand, Coopˇrative • 24th Reims, Le Cirque • 25th Nancy, Salle Poirel • 27th Nantes, Salle Paul Fort • 28th Brussels, Ancienne Belgique • 29th Lille, Le Splendid • 30th London, Hammersmith Apollo • 31st Dublin, Olympia
SWELL
SWELL are back as a duo, with Sean Kirkpatrick on drums (and artwork), and their brand new album "Whenever You're Ready" will be released on September 1st in Europe.A limited-edition double 7" vinyl single featuring "Word Gifts" and "California, Arizona" was just released on August 18th . A CD version of that single (plus a third track, "The Show" [BBQ 371CD]), though not generally available, can be ordered from the Beggars online store by clicking here.
Live dates in Europe are being booked for November including a possible London show or two. Information Site | Record Label Site
OCEANSIZE
The debut album from Manchester band OCEANSIZE is scheduled for release on September 29th.Entitled "Effloresce" it features the songs 'Catalyst', 'Amputee', new single 'Remember Where You Are', plus nine other tracks. Meanwhile, 'Remember Where You Are' will be released in the UK on in both 7" vinyl and CD formats on September 1st. 'Catalyst' will also be available as a download single on September 8th, so keep an eye on http://www.beggars.com for more information.
The band will be playing the following live dates in September supported by Amplifier (Music For Nations):
2nd Nottingham, Rock City • 3rd Leeds, Josephs Well • 4th Glasgow, King Tuts • 5th Manchester, Roadhouse • 6th Wolverhampton, Little Civic • 8th Southampton, Joiners • 9th London, Garage. Official Site | Record Label Site
THE NECTARINE NO.9
Edinburgh's premier voodoo beat seditionists THE NECTARINE NO.9 recently released an EP of remixes of "Pong Fat 6" by the likes of DJ Twitch, Bill Wells & Norman Blake, Colditz, Future Pilot AKA, Scientific Support Dept and Transelement. Entitled "Society Is A Carnivourous Flower" (BBQCD 231S), it's out now, with the next Nectarine No.9 album nearing completion for release at the end of the year.Formed in 1993,The Nectarine No.9 are led by ex-Fire Engines frontman Davy Henderson (vocals/guitar). Together with guitarists Simon Smeeton and Todd Thompson, drummer Ian Holford and bass player John Thompson, they have produced some of the most ambitious pop music of recent years.
Information Site | Record Label Site
MARK LANEGAN
Due to commitments as a touring member with Queens Of The Stone Age (they played V2003 recently, and just played yesterday at Slane Castle In Dublin and will be at Glasgow Green today), former Screaming Trees frontman MARK LANEGAN's new outfit, The Mark Lanegan Band, were unable to make their debut at The Reading Festival as planned.However, after three critically acclaimed solo albums recorded by the ex-grunger for Beggars Banquet over the past five years, an EP from his brand new band is due for release in October. Record Label Site [ Top ]
BLEACH - Three Girls From Okinawa (CIAO 005CD)
BLEACH is a band featuring three girls from Okinawa, Japan. Purveyors of loud, hard and thrashy punk, executed with a knowing sense of musicianship, their sound will appeal to fans of bands such as The Donnas, The Distillers and Le Tigre.Having already toured America twice (where they have cultivated a significant fanbase), Bleach are recording their full length debut album for Japanese release this fall. The cover illustration and artwork to the left was created by Manga illustrator Atsushi Kaneko, of "Bambi" fame.
WAKUSEI - Noise (CIAO 004CD)
WAKUSEI is the Japanese word for 'planet'. "Noise", the first release outside Japan from this Tokyo-based trio, transports you into their sonic realm and back again with a selection of ten quality tracks. Fans of Sonic Youth or the Pixies will appreciate this band.
Confirmed for Fuji Rock Festival this summer, they toured earlier this year with The Parkinsons and just played with The Libertines. Their major label debut is to be issued by Universal Japan in June. This album is released by Arrivederci Baby!, who unleashed "Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her" on the Western world to great success and critical acclaim last year.
ASHLEY PARK - The Secretariat Motel Hotel (SDWR 4)
"The Secretariat Motor Hotel" is the brand new album from Canada's ASHLEY PARK. The album is the band's second UK release, following 2001's "The American Scene", and is based around the rough concept of the different characters that might occupy a dusty old motel.A shimmering, lackadaisical quality pervades the whole album, and has lead to comparisons with the Americana movement and the "Alt-Country" sound of bands such as The Byrds and "Deserter's Songs"-period Mercury Rev. The band simply calls their unique sound "Our Canadiana".
IT'S JO AND DANNY - "A.N.D./"Kiss My Shadow" (Ltd. Ed. 7")
The first limited-edition single release from IT'S JO AND DANNY. Only available in the UK, this release has been issued as a green vinyl 7" in a quantity of 250 pressings. The title track is backed with the song "Kiss My Shadow" (Marie Celeste Mix). This duo also had recent radio sessions in The UK on Janice Long (Radio 2), Pete Mitchell (Razorcuts,Virgin) and Jim Gellatly (Beat 106). Official Site
RANDY EDELMAN - A Man And His Piano (CRREV 35)
Starting in the business as an arranger at legendary R&B label King Records, RANDY EDELMAN went on to be a staff writer for April/Blackwood music, and to hone his skills in musical theatre in Broadway pit orchestras of many a great production of the early 1970's. Subsequently, Randy started recording his own albums, touring, and working with artists as diverse as Mark Wirtz, The Carpenters, and Frank Zappa.Meanwhile, as a songwriter, his songs were being recorded by The 5th Dimension, Olivia Newton-John, Patti LaBelle, The Carpenters, Jackie DeShannon, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and even Bing Crosby. Not to mention Barry Manilow, whose cover of "Weekend In New England" brought Randy to mainstream pop attention in the UK and Europe.
A period as a bona-fide pop star followed, with Randy a regular on Top Of The Pops. An interest in the longer form of film music was pursued next, starting with the music for detective drama "McGyver".
His first major film work, the Arnold Schwarzenegger/Danny DeVito comedy "Twins", followed in 1988. After a flurry of comedic projects including "My Cousin Vinny", Edelman earned his first Academy Award nomination in 1992 for "The Last of the Mohicans". He continues to score films, and this year picked up a lifetime achievement award from international performance rights society BMI.
THE ESSENCE - Dancing In The Rain (CDMGRAM 82)
Dutch band THE ESSENCE released four albums on Midnight Music between 1985 and 1991. "Dancing In The Rain" highlights this Dutch band's ten year career, over which they released eight singles and four albums. Both "A Miracle" and "Endless Lake" were independent chart hits.
CONFLICT - Employing All Means Necessary (CDPUNK 124)
CONFLICT are one of the most well-known of the anarchist punk bands, and this 18-track "Best Of" compilation shows them at their most powerful. This Special Edition Digipack includes an interview with frontman Colin Jerwood recorded this year, along with an enhanced version of "From Protest To Resistance", taken from rare concert footage. Conflict have a fiercely loyal fanbase and they continue to play gigs all over the world.
MOTHER LOVE BONE - Apple (plus bonus tracks) (CDLEM 1)
Before Pearl Jam and Soundgarden there was the band MOTHER LOVE BONE. Hailing from Seattle, the name "Mother Love Bone" is now legendary amongst all rock fans. After the demise of one of Seattle's key rock groups, Green River (who were forerunners in the early grunge scene that was soon to explode out of Seattle), members Stone Gossard, Bruce Fairweather and Jeff Ament recruited Gary Gilmour and Andy Wood to complete the final line up of Mother Love Bone.With their initial release, the six track "Shine" EP causing a large amount of interest, the band's first album "Apple" quickly followed. Employing a 1970's rock sound on tracks such as "Stardog Champion" and "Holly Roller", guitar histrionics on "Come Bite the Apple" and a gentler groove on "Man of Golden Words". "Apple" gave the band a promising future. However, just as Apple was due for release in March 1990, Wood's tragic death from a heroin overdose caused the band to break up.
Wood's friend Chris Cornell from Soundgarden began work on a Temple Of The Dog tribute project with members of Mother Love Bone and singer Eddie Vedder -- one which launched the career of the hugely successful PEARL JAM.
CLASSIX NOUVEAUX - Night People (CDMRED 234)
CLASSIX NOUVEAUX were one of the leading lights of the new romantic scene from the early 1980's. Formed from the ashes of the punk band X-Ray Spex, the band were fronted by bald-headed singer Sal Solo, and they went on to enjoy success with 8 chart singles.This album reached the top 50 on release in 1982 and has never been on CD before, and also includes rare bonus tracks. Classix Nouveaux's contemporaries include Visage and Ultravox, though the band's own musical identity was built on harder, guitar-driven material rather than the synth-based sound that was so common at the time.
THE VIBRATORS - Hunting For You (CDPUNK 132)
THE VIBRATORS are one of punk's founding fathers and have a large worldwide fanbase - still touring around the world pleasing old fans, as well as gaining new ones. A welcome release for this 1994 album, which has been much in demand and has been pretty much unavailable for over 5 years.The Vibrators got their big break at the infamous punk festival held at The 100 Club in 1976, and went on to release one of the first-ever punk singles in The UK.
FELT - The Strange of Idols Pattern and Other Short Stories (CDMRED 63)
"It was the first time we merged pop songs with the long descriptive songs," describes FELT frontman Lawrence. Felt's third studio album has now been released by Cherry Red in a Limited Edition Digipack. At the time of it's original release this album was a critical and Indie Chart success, and has been long sought-after in it's original format, which includes the Indie Chart hit "Sunlight Bathed The Golden Glow".
FELT - Ignite The Seven Cannons (CDMRED 65)
This 1985 Felt album includes the Indie number one "Primitive Painters", which was a collaboration with The Cocteau Twins. This album is available in it's original format for the first time ever on CD.
CHAOTIC DISCHORD - Riot City Years (CDPUNK 134)
"Hardcore pioneers", "Self-proclaimed masters of "c*** rock", "A bunch of stupid scruffy bastards"- these are just 3 of the accolades awarded by critics to Swindon's finest punk band. Now available for the first time, all their Riot City recordings are available on one CD. This 31-track release includes the Indie hit singles "F**k The World" and "Never Trust A Friend" These hardcore pioneers still remain popular today and have a very loyal fanbase throughout the world.
THE HARDTIMES - Blue Mind (CRREV 45)
San Diego's THE HARDTIMES were one of those oddities of the 1960's -- the unknown group who had more exposure than most of the stars. As regulars themselves on Dick Clark's TV show "Where The Action Is!" (along with The Robbs and Paul Revere And The Raiders, among others), they had the nationwide exposure other bands could only dream of.Their records were produced at various times by legendary jazz producer and World Pacific Records boss Dick Bock, The Byrds' manager/producer Jim Dickson, and close friend 'Mama Cass' Elliot (from The Mamas And Papas).
Well loved and much discussed among fans of Softpop, garage, punk and folk-rock alike, this first-ever CD release includes their complete World Pacific album, all their exciting and garagey non-album singles, and their last recording (as 'The New Phoenix'), produced by Mama Cass Elliot.
Members of this band went on to become part of newer acts including T.I.M.E., Steppenwolf, and The Union Gap. This is the first time ever on CD for this album, and included are many unpublished photos of the group. There are also detailed liner notes plus interviews with the band members.
VINEGAR JOE - Six Star General (CDLEM 3)
Formed from the ashes of rock band Dada, VINEGAR JOE were brought together by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. With Elkie Brooks on vocals, Robert Palmer on guitar and vocals, Pete Gage (guitars, piano) and Steve York (bass, harmonica) at the core of the group (plus numerous other musicians on drums and keyboards), the band recorded three albums between 1971 and 1973."Six Star General" was originally issued in 1973, and this re-release has been digitally remastered and contains all tracks in their original order, plus all the original sleeve notes. During the short period they existed, Vinegar Joe quickly established themselves as a popular live act with their forthright and gutsy performances.
TRAPEZE - You Are The Music...We're Just The Band (CDLEM 4)
From Wolverhampton, TRAPEZE originally formed in 1968 and were one of several acts signed to Moody Blues label Threshold Records. Originally a five piece, after the release of their eponymous first album singer John Jones and guitarist Terry Rowley were dropped from the line-up.This left Glenn Hughes (vocals and bass, who went on to join Deep Purple as a replacement for Roger Glover in late 1973), Dave Holland (drums, percussion) and Mel Galley (guitar) to continue on as a power trio. It was this line-up that went on to record "You Are The Music...We're Just The Band" in 1972, Trapeze's third album. With original artwork and photos by Fin Costello, this is a must-have classic for all fans of the Glenn Hughes-era line-up of Deep Purple.
VARIOUS ARTISTS - ZigZag (20 Junkshop Soft Rock Singles) (RPM 262)
Inspired by the legendary music magazine of the same name, this compilation unearths many long-lost singer-songwriter gems, one-off minor hits, and radio playlist favorites that deserved so much more attention than they got.These are singles from the early 70's that didn't really fit into any genre, being in turn a bit folky, a touch proggressive, a tad rocky, a little too glammy, not poppy enough, or unfittingly countryfied. The artists on this album are predominantly English, and all the recordings were made in England - all unique sounds in a time of one-off production deals and experimentation with new artists.
Some were the first vehicles before stardom (Singer Leo Sayer in Patches, the artist 'Neil MacArthur' was actually Colin Blunstone, Chris Neil became a hit producer in the 1980's, Jimmy Edwards from Guest & Edwards later went onto Sham 69 and Time UK), others came from writer producers (the artist 'Shine' is Tony Rivers, 'Stormy Petrel' was John Carter, then later Mike Hurst and Mike D'Abo), etc.
There are also the "unclassifiable" individuals (Laurie Styvers, John Howard, Clifford T Ward, Howard Werth, Ewan Stephens, Curtiss Maldoon [who later had a song covered by Madonna]), and those who'd had a taste of the music business already in the 60's and were forging a new direction (Steve Ellis in Ellis, Lesley Duncan [previously a well-known backing singer], Tim Rose, Ray Fenwick from the The Spencer Davis Group, and The Sarstedts featuring brother Peter of "Where Do You Got To My Lovely" fame).
BRETT SMILEY - Breathless (RPM 267)
Pouting, blonde, even "pretty in pink", 19-year-old BRETT SMILEY exploded out of British TV one evening in fall 1974, and if the country had not already been deeply in love with glam rock, he would have started it off right there and then. "At a time when David Bowie was still most people's vision of androgynous perfection, Smiley made Ziggy Stardust look like a bricklayer" (Dave Thompson, Goldmine 1996).Last week on August 18th, RPM Records released Brett Smiley's legendary 'lost' album "Breathlessly Brett", which should have seen the light of day in 1974. Produced by Brett's infamous manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, who discovered The Rolling Stones, "Breathlessly Brett" has acquired mythic status over the past 3 decades in the UK, as has the enigmatic singer himself. A former child star, Brett Smiley first garnered public acclaim playing the title role in the musical 'Oliver!' on Broadway.
For several years, he shared the spotlight with Monkee-to-be Davy Jones, who had landed the part of The Artful Dodger. When the production eventually closed, Brett continued to work in theatre and also appeared in several television commercials, but the lure of rock and roll soon beckoned. Like Andrew Loog Oldham, Brett's first mentor, promoter Russ Gibb had a certain notoriety - having been pivotal to the 'Paul McCartney Is Dead' hoax - which rocked the music world in 1969.
Twelve months later, Gibb began nurturing 16-year-old Brett's career. However, while Brett was hanging out in Gibb's hometown of Detroit, he was introduced to Andrew Loog Oldham, who promised he would get him a deal. Brett Smiley was a perfect package; not only was he great looking, he was also a uniquely gifted singer/songwriter, and on the strength of a Polaroid picture and a demo cassette, Oldham got him signed to Anchor Records in the U.K for a cool $100,000.
Recording commenced on "Breathlessly Brett" in Nashville, and then later in New York in 1973. Although the album was Brett's debut, it also marked a critical point in Andrew Loog Oldham's trajectory, whose personality is writ large over the project. Partially inspired by Phil Spector's grandiose productions, Oldham sought to create a luscious soundtrack around Brett Smiley that invoked Hollywood and Broadway, as well as rock and roll.
A top team of session players were enlisted, including pianist Ken Ascher, guitarist David Spinozza and drummer Jim Keltner, who had all worked with John Lennon, plus Frank Sinatra's musical director Don Costa, while Small Faces and Humble Pie frontman Steve Marriott contributed lead guitar on the single track 'Va Va Va Voom'.
To coincide with the launch of 'Va Va Va Voom' (b/w 'Space Ace' a the B-side), Brett and Andrew swanned into London in the autumn of 1974. Anchor's publicity machine began revving up with a massive poster campaign. Radio Luxembourg championed the single, Disc magazine proclaimed Brett to be 'The Most Beautiful Boy In The World', and an incredible performance on the Russell Harty TV show followed. However, the distribution of the 45 was completely fudged by the record company, and Brett Smiley swiftly slipped through the cracks of an uncaring record industry.
After all those pre-promotion moves by Oldham and Anchor, "Breathlessly Brett" was never even released, and Andrew Oldham exited -- leaving an anguished Brett to rock and roll exile. Smiley then returned to America to resume his acting career, where he appeared in several films, including the soft porn musical 'The Other Cinderella', 'American Gigolo', and a TV movie 'Suzanne, The Hunted Woman'.
Despite spending some time on The Boulevard Of Broken Dreams, Brett Smiley stayed true to his love of music and formed the band The Vice, who gigged around New York City for a time. In the 1980's, he briefly hooked up with Andrew Loog Oldham again, to record some demos. Brett Smiley continues to write, record and perform to this day, and even played a few recent live dates in London.
>THE TOKENS - Intercourse (CRREV 37)
From the depths of the legendary BT Puppy vaults (a label which seems to have as many "lost albums" as they had hits) - the very Daddies of Softpop - THE TOKENS. Though The Tokens are best remembered for their international smash hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (recently revived in "The Lion King"), they did much more... Producers, writers, publishers and label owners all in one, they had a long string of hits in all those roles.
"Intercourse" is a full on Softpop song cycle, inexplicably turned down by their then-label Warner Brothers (maybe it was the title?), and originally released in an edition of a mere 200 copies on their own BT Puppy label to fulfill their final contractual obligations with Warner Brothers. Far from their doo-wop roots, The Tokens delivered an album pitched somewhere between The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" and The Beatles' "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", with the similar intricate production and arrangement tricks that those two albums featured (no wonder Warners was dumbfounded!), and collectors have been going nuts seeking out and paying big bucks for this album ever since.
Newly remastered by The Tokens themselves, this is a surprise treat in anyone's CD collection, as The Tokens show not only every cult Softpop group, but many superstars just how it's done -- with the wicked tongue-in-cheek touch that they were justly famous for.
THE DEEP SIX - Deep Six (CRREV 46)
THE DEEP SIX (five men and one woman!) are really kind of the missing link between the "slightly hipper Seekers" style of such California folk-pop groups as The Goldbriars, We Five and The Back Porch Majority, and the next wave of softpop and rock influenced artists like Curt Boettcher's The Ballroom, The Mamas And Papas, The Peanut Butter Conspiracy and early Jefferson Airplane.This (their only album) is quite bizarre, applying the psychedelic music style to what was obviously their earlier variety show-influenced performance style. Show tunes, pop covers and self-penned folk/rock tunes all given a superb and subtle fuzz-tinged softpop treatment that showed that the times they really were a' changin'...and pretty darn fast.
A top collectible for many years, this first-ever CD issue also includes all their scarily-rare non-LP singles, a treasure trove of never-before-seen photographs of the group at the height of the Sunset Strip scene, as folk became rock, and detailed liner notes with contributions from the artists. A timely release for a key group in the evolution of Folk/Rock and Softpop.
>THE PSYCHO CATS - The Very Nest Of Blood On The Cats (CRDVD 32)
This brand new DVD brings together footage of legendary bands from the enduringly popular 'Psychobilly' scene. The scene sprang to life in the early 1980's, with bands combining the spirit and sound of Punk with classic Rock N' Roll and Country influences to produce a new and unique genre.
Psychobilly became immensely popular, with devoted fans attending shows and festivals up and down the UK. Some of the scene's most popular bands and songs are featured, including The Meteors (with Indie Chart top twenty hit "Go Buddy Go"), the legendary Screaming Lord Sutch, the very popular King Kurt, Demented Are Go, Long Tall Texans and Guana Batz, along with many cult classic treats from the Psychobilly scene's bizarre extremes.
With both live footage and some very creative promo video material, "Psycho Cats" is a must see for any fan of the Psychobilly genre. Covering nearly twenty years of rockin' mayhem, this DVD is proof positive of the enduring influence of raw mutant rockabilly.
ALIEN SEX FIEND - Edit/Overdose (CRDVD 33)
The first ever DVD to feature one of the Gothic scene's most enigmatic and enduringly popular bands, ALIEN SEX FIEND. Emerging from the early 1980's Punk Goth movement, Alien Sex Fiend soon became leaders of the genre, gaining a substantial following both at home and around the world. The band are still extremely popular in places like Germany and the Far East and have even toured with rock luminary Alice Cooper.
"Edit/Overdose" combines 2 films which feature a mixture of promo, live and conceptual material. The films were made during the band's mid-eighties heyday, and include tracks from live shows in Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool & Birmingham. Among the tracks featured across the two segments are Indie Chart top ten hits "Ignore The Machine", "R.I.P." and "I'm Doing Time In A Maximum Security Twilight Home". Indie Chart top twenty hits "I Walk The Line"and "Hurricane Fighter Plane" are also included.
WARRANT - Latest & Greatest (CDMZEB 12)
This 16 track-collection features old favorites such as the chart hit "Cherry Pie", "Heaven" and "Downboys" plus three new studio tracks from pop-metal band WARRANT. Warrant were massive in the U.S. and enjoyed multi-platinum sales there, and also had some chart success in Europe. Included are remixes of "Cherry Pie", "Downboys" and "32 Pennies" provided by some of today's leading electronic artists.
THE THIRD RAIL - ID Music (CRREV 48)
In 1967, master of Bubblegum Joey Levine had started writing with Artie ("Under The Boardwalk") and Kris Resnick, a collaboration that was to produce practically every song in the Bubblegum genre. But first - in the spirit of the age - they produced their masterwork.THE THIRD RAIL's "ID Music" is an orchestral psychedelic adventure into the denunciation of the advertising-fueled culture of 1960's America. One of the most pointed barbs "Run, Run, Run" was incredibly a hit single (known by many as a highlight of Lenny Kaye's seminal "Nuggets" album), and leads off this redone and intensified Revola classic.
The sound of Superpop advertising jingles biting the hand that fed them, featuring the full album, single mixes, and the impossibly rare follow-up singles, which just got more and more wicked (though in theory, still impossibly commercial).
This is one of the most unusual protest records of the 1960's, attacking the enemy from the inside with it's own weapons, and doing it better...and a beautiful sounding record to boot. A classic of Softpop/Psychedelia, with extensive liner notes by Dawn Eden and Joey Levine.
THE SKELETAL FAMILY - The Singles Plus...1983-1985 (CDMGRAM 75)
Along with Sisters of Mercy and Southern Death Cult, THE SKELETAL FAMILY led the charge of the gothic punk brigade of the early 80's. This 17-track CD contains all of their EP tracks released on the Red Rhino label alongside some rare early demos, all featuring the remarkable vocal talents of singer Anne Marie.
PETULA CLARK - Voxpop Interview Disc (VP 002)
This interview compilation CD includes rare and revealing discussions recorded with British singer Petula Clark ("Downtown") in the United States, and was assembled by her fans. The interviews span across 12 years of recordings, from 1966 to 1977. [ Top ]
John To Receive Woody Guthrie Award
John Mellencamp will be among the individuals honored at the Huntington's Disease Society of America's (HDSA) seventh annual Guthrie Awards dinner on Oct. 2. John will receive the Woody Guthrie Award "for his embodiment of Woody Guthrie's ideals."
John and Kenny Chesney Play CMT's 'Crossroads'
John taped an episode of CMT's Crossroads with country singer Kenny Chesney in Nashville TN on Wednesday, August 6. The finished show is tentatively expected to air on Friday, October 3, 2003. The show will feature John and Kenny singing together through the whole show. Each singers band backed them for four songs.John's band played: "Jack and Diane", "Stones In My Passway", "Small Town" (stripped down version) and "R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A." (with jam into I Get Hot like the fall 2002 tour version). Kenny's band played: "Back Where I Come From", "Live Those Songs", "Folsom Prison Blues" (Johnny Cash cover) and "Young". John and Kenny also did a sit down interview with show host Radney Foster before the taping and did an onstage interview during the taping with some audience questions. While in Nashville, John and his band also did interviews for a CMT show called Inside Fame featuring John which will air the same weekend as Crossroads.
Performance on Sessions @ AOL
26 years after Elvis Presley's untimely death, John Mellencamp's landmark Sessions@AOL Full Set at Elvis' home, Graceland, launched exclusively on AOL For Broadband this past Monday, August 11. The special AOL event marked the first time Sessions@AOL had been taped at such a historic location and the first time that an artist had performed at Graceland exclusively for an online audience.
AOL for Broadband members got a rare glimpse into the famed Jungle room to see Mellencamp perform tracks from his new album of traditional works, "Trouble No More", as well as covers of "House of the Rising Sun," and Bob Dylan's "Highway 61." Mellencamp also performed an inspired rendition of the Arthur Crudup-penned Elvis classic "That's All Right (Mama)." The Sessions@AOL Full Set launched the kick off of a week of Elvis-related, AOL exclusives that celebrated the life and music of the rock 'n roll pioneer.
Trouble No More, Las Vegas Concert Reviews
John Mellencamp and his band have recently played concerts in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY. There were some awesome Mellencamp shows with some very interesting setlists, and the press and fan reviews have been really great so far. Check 'em out right here.
Upcoming TV Appearances
Here are the times when you can catch John Mellencamp on TV in the next few weeks. The Trio cable/satellite network will be airing the documentary that was filmed about the making of "Trouble No More" several times over the next few months:
08/18/03 04:00 pm ET TRIO Sessions At West 54th (repeat from 1999) • 08/22/03 11:00 PM ET TRIO ON TOUR TROUBLE NO MORE: JOHN MELLENCAMP • 08/22/03 2:00 AM ET TRIO ON TOUR TROUBLE NO MORE: JOHN MELLENCAMP • 10/03/03 09:00 pm ET CMT Crossroads Kenny Chesney, John Mellencamp
Listen To Audio Clips From 'Trouble No More'
Have you heard the new album yet? If not, visit www.mellencamp.com/troublenomore.htm, where you can find audio clips of every song that appears on "Trouble No More". Plus, you can also listen to the full-length version of "Teardrops Will Fall" and watch the videos for both "Teardrops Will Fall" and "To Washington". [ Top ]
[8.15.03]
ARNHEM, THE NETHERLANDS -
Reflections Records is out with it's latest label news:STEEL RULES DIE Signs
Reflections has signed a deal with the U.K.'s STEEL RULES DIE. The band formed in the winter of 2001 following the demise of Anthem Of The Century (whose other half created Sworn In). STEEL RULES DIE write and play the melodic, driving, passionate sounds that every punk and hardcore kid loves.Getting their musical influences from bands like Hot Water Music, Lifetime, Small Brown Bike or Jawbreaker, these guys are able to put in just that extra bit of added British flavour. They band was fortunate to open up for AFI a couple of dates earlier this spring. STEEL RULES DIE will be supporting Stretch Arm Strong on a tour of the UK beginning next month. Official Site
IEPER FESTIVAL 2003 This Weekend
Go check out Reflections Records' booth this upcoming weekend (Aug 15, 16, 17) at the annual Ieper Fest in Belgium. They're having a big stand there with lots of new stuff available. Stop by to say hello or to complete your collection of Reflections, Deathwish, Bridge 9, Revelation, Equal Vision, Join The Teamplayer, Goodlife a.o. releases.
The label's very own very own FACE TOMORROW will be playing on Sunday August 17 but be sure not to miss out on great bands that are playing such as Himsa, Integrity, All Out War, Deadstop, Born From Pain, The Setup (with Dries of CIRCLE) Caliban, Liar and many more.
UPCOMING NEW RELEASES
No Turning Back/The Deal - 6 song split MCD. Slowly but surely the artwork is being prepared for this much anticipated release with two of the hardest European hardcore bands around. The record will also be released as a 4 song split 7" by Fryslan hardcore label Not Just Words Records.
Killtraitors - The band will be recording in September for new 7". With last months announcement of releasing Killtraitors debut material, the band has booked studio-time and will record first week of September for a brand new 7" to be released October 27. Official Site
GIVE UP THE GHOST News
Give Up The Ghost is getting ready to tour the world again, starting in a few weeks then coming to Europe sometime in late November-December. They will be releasing their brand new album "We're Down 'Till We're Underground" on Equal Vision September 23rd. The 'Year One' release is also being pressed on vinyl, which will be a gatefold LP and coloured vinyl. The release-date will be announced soon, as well as when pre-orders will be taken.
RAZOR CRUSADE Update
With their debut MCD being released just a few weeks ago, the the response and reviews on RAZOR CRUSADE's debut album have been overwhelming. It seems that many were impressed by beautiful artwork and the different twist the band is giving on modern day hardcore.
FlexYourHead (Canada) wrote about the album: "Between mid-tempo riff-rock a la Quicksand ("There Is No Us") and rockin' hardcore with Rocket From The Crypt guitar foolery ("Fountainhead"), these are just two of the many tricks this band can pull out of their amps and bass drums. Thankfully, Razor Crusade steer clear of the metalcore stuff -- they could have easily slipped into faux-metal foolishness -- and stick to riff-based hardcore that is memorable and fun." Official Site
BANDS ON THE ROAD
Razor Crusade/Paint The Town Red/Bridge To Solace - September 18 - October 5
Razor Crusade/The Hope Conspiracy (UK dates) - November 20 - November 23
Stretch Arm Strong - September 6 - September 29
The Red Chord - September 9 - October 5
I Defy (with Anti Flag, Red Light Flash) - the band will be the main support for Anti Flag for 4 dates of their European tour
Face Tomorrow/The Break - October 10 - November 11
Terror - October 23 - November 15
Current Catalog Releases:
RFL042 Give Up The Ghost - Love American CD EP • RFL038 Razor Crusade - Are you wired? MCD • RFL021 Give Up The Ghost - Year One CD (re-issued) • RFL037 Circle - Vaudeville CD • RFL036 I Defy - The Firing Line CD • RFL035 Terror - Lowest Of The Low (yellow wax 500 made) 10" • RFL035 Terror - Lowest Of The Low (yellow-black splatter 1000 made) 10" • RFL034 The Red Chord - Fused Together In Revolving Doors CD • RFL033 Reflections Records - 1998-2003 Labelsampler CD • RFL032 Reaching Forward - s/t Limited Farewell 7" • RFL031 Black Widows - Stops a beating heart 10" • RFL030 Striking Distance - The Bleeding Starts Here CD • RFL029 Count Me Out - Permanent CD • RFL028 Face Tomorrow - For Who You Are LP/CD • RFL027 Kill Your Idols - S/T LP • RFL026 Time In Malta / Breathe In - Split. 12"/Midprice CD • RFL025 Sworn In - Same Title 7"/MCD • RFL024 Stretch Arm Strong - A Revolution Transmission LP • RFL023 I Defy - First Strike MCD • RFL022 Shark Attack - Discography CD • RFL020 Reaching Forward - Burning The Lies LP/CD Record Label Site [ Top ]
[8.9.03]
CHICAGO, IL -
Great news for Chicago blues fans -- the grand opening of Bill's Blues Bar in Evanston, IL (just north of Chicago) was Thursday, August 7. Bill Gilmore, former owner of the famed "B.L.U.E.S." on Halsted, has opened the first blues club on Chicago's North Shore.Some ALLIGATOR RECORDS label artists will be performing there, including August shows by Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials (Aug. 8), Dave Hole (Aug. 14) and Son Seals (Aug. 16). Music starts early, at 8:30pm every night except Sunday, when it starts at 7pm. For schedules and more information, go to billsbluesbar.com.
Also, on Sunday, Aug. 31, Blues Foundation Advisory Board member Barbara Hammerman is opening her home for an intimate Blues Foundation benefit. Alligator artist Shemekia Copeland and her band will be performing at Hammerman's unique Gig Harbor, Washington house. The event is limited to 100 lucky people who will be treated to a Louisiana-style buffet menu by Michael Arnone, famed Baton Rouge chef and producer of the New Jersey Crawfish Festival.
So if you're in the Pacific Northwest over Labor Day weekend, treat yourself and benefit the Blues Foundation by participating in this rare home event in a gorgeous setting on a bluff above Puget Sound. Suggested donation is $50. Barbara and her husband Raymond are underwriting all expenses for the event so every penny of your donation benefits the Blues Foundation. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Barbara Hammerman at 253-858-4435 or by emailing TypezWToes@aol.com.
Festival season and summer are coming to an end soon, so get out there and go see one of the following Alligator Records recording artists currently on tour performing at a location near you. Remember to call the venue first to confirm all dates and showtimes.
Koko Taylor & Her Blues Machine
08/13/2003 Bensenville, IL Music In The Park Festival • 08/15/2003 Highland Park, IL Ravinia Festival • 08/16/2003 Bay City, MI 2003 Tall Ships Celebration 08/22/2003 Gijon, SPAIN Crossroads Festival • 08/30/2003 Nashville, TN Music City Jazz & Heritage Festival • 09/05/2003 Durham, NC Bull Durham Blues Festival • 09/06/2003 Cleveland, OH Six Flags • 09/13/2003 Grayslake, IL College Of Lake County • 09/15/2003 N Myrtle Beach, SC Fun Monday Music Festival • 09/20/2003 Boston, MA Boston Folk Festival • 09/25/2003 Seattle, WA Jazz Alley • 09/26/2003 Seattle, WA Jazz Alley • 09/27/2003 Seattle, WA Jazz Alley • 09/28/2003 Seattle, WA Jazz Alley • 09/30/2003 Vancouver, CANADA The Yale • 10/03/2003 Indianapolis, IN Clowes Auditorium
The Lonnie Brooks Blues Band
08/09/2003 Omaha, NE Omaha Jazz, Blues And Gospel Festival • 08/14/2003 New York, NY Seaport Music Festival • 08/15/2003 Falls Church, VA The State Theatre • 08/16/2003 Wilmington, DE Riverfront Blues Festival • 08/22/2003 Urbana, IL Sweet Corn Festival • 08/28/2003 Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Summerfest Grounds • 08/30/2003 Chicago, IL Buddy Guy's Legends • 09/13/2003 Faribault, MN Tree Frog Music Festival • 09/27/2003 South Bend, IN Mishawaka Regional Airport • 10/04/2003 Columbia, SC Columbia Blues Festival
Marcia Ball
08/14/2003 Memphis, TN Memphis Botanic Gardens (With Wild Magnolias) • 08/15/2003 Warren, VT Vermont Festival Of The Arts • 08/16/2003 Portsmouth, NH Portsmouth Blues Festival • 08/17/2003 Northampton, MA Iron Horse • 08/18/2003 Somerville, MA Johnny D's • 08/20/2003 New York, NY NYC Blues Cruise • 08/21/2003 Guilderland, NY Tawasentha Park • 08/23/2003 Cockeyesville, MD Hot August Blues • 08/27/2003 Amagansett, NY Stephen Talkhouse • 08/28/2003 New York, NY Seaport Music Festival • 08/30/2003 Bridgeport, CT Bridgeport Blues Festival (Afternoon) • 08/30/2003 Charlestown, RI Rhythm & Roots Festival (Evening) • 08/31/2003 Rockford, IL On The Waterfront Festival • 09/06/2003 Cookeville, TN Fall Funfest • 09/12/2003 Dallas, TX Sons Of Hermann Hall • 09/13/2003 Fort Smith, AR Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Festival • 09/19/2003 San Diego, CA Humphrey's (with The Neville Brothers) • 10/03/2003 Green Bay, WI Weidner Center For Performing Arts (with Bayou To Bourbon Street) • 10/09/2003 Grand Rapids, MN Miles Reif Performing Arts Center • 10/10/2003 St. Cloud, MN Paramount Theatre • 10/11/2003 Rochester, MN Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall • 10/25/2003 San Luis Obispo, CA Cal Poly (With Bayou to Bourbon Street) • 10/28/2003 Cerritos, CA Cerritos Center For The Arts
Carey Bell
08/09/2003 Clarksdale, MS Sunflower River Blues Festival • 08/15/2003 Seattle, WA KBCS Fundraiser • 08/16/2003 Philomath, OR Philomath Blues & Jazz Jam • 08/23/2003 Fayetteville, AR Blues In The Natural State • 08/30/2003 Long Beach, CA Long Beach Blues Festival • 08/31/2003 St. Louis, MO Big Muddy Blues Festival • 09/12/2003 Xenia, OH Shawnee Park • 10/04/2003 Morro Bay, CA Morrow Bay Harbor Festival • 10/17/2003 Salina, KS Blues Masters At The Crossroads • 10/25/2003 ST Thomas, VIRGIN ISLANDS Sugar Bay Blues Festival
Elvin Bishop
08/09/2003 Duluth, MN Bayfront Blues Festival • 08/10/2003 St. Charles, IL Chord On Blues • 08/16/2003 Wilmington, DE Riverfront Blues Festival • 08/23/2003 Windsor, CA Summer Concerts At The Vineyards • 08/30/2003 Peoria, IL Illinois Blues Festival • 08/31/2003 Conyers, GA Harvest Moon Festival • 09/20/2003 Govt. Camp, OR Mount Hood Autumn Festival • 10/04/2003 W. Sacramento, CA West Sacramento Neighbor's Fair
Michael Burks
08/15/2003 St. Charles, IL Chord On Blues • 08/16/2003 South Bend, IN Rib Fest • 08/21/2003 Little Rock, AR Cajun's Wharf • 08/22/2003 Fayetteville, AR George's Majestic Lounge • 08/23/2003 St. Louis, MO BB's Jazz And Soup • 08/28/2003 Dearborn, MI George & Harry's Blues Cafe • 08/29/2003 Peoria IL, Illinois Blues Festival • 08/30/2003 Des Moines, IA Blues On Grand • 08/31/2003 Des Moines, IA Court Street Blues Festival • 09/12/2003 Kansas City, MO Grand Emporium • 09/13/2003 Witchita, KS Roadhouse Blues • 10/04/2003 Katowice, POLAND Rawa Blues Festival • 10/10/2003 Helena, AR King Biscuit Festival • 10/11/2003 New Orleans, LA The Maple Leaf • 10/17/2003 Jackson, MS 930 Blues Cafe • 10/24/2003 St. Thomas, VIRGIN ISLANDS Sugar Bay Blues Festival • 10/30/2003 Jupiter, FL The Blue Note • 10/31/2003 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 17th Annual Sound Advice Blues Fest
Cephas & Wiggins
08/09/2003 Ashland, VA Ashland Coffee & Tea • 08/14/2003 Norwich, NY Chenango Valley Blues Festival • 08/16/2003 Norwich, NY Chenango Valley Blues Festival • 08/24/2003 Lexington, VA Lime Kiln • 08/30/2003 Johannesburg, MI The Farmhouse Blues Weekend • 08/31/2003 Phoenix, AZ Back Porch Blues Showcase • 09/07/2003 Washington, DC Millenium Stage The Kennedy Center • 09/10/2003 Telluride, CO Telluride Blues And Brews Festival • 09/27/2003 Rock Hall, MD Rock Hall Fall Festival • 10/11/2003 Salisbury, NC Rowan Blues & Jazz Festival • 10/24/2003 Charlottesville, VA The Prism Coffeehouse
C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
08/23/2003 Chattanooga, TN Southern Brewers Festival • 08/29/2003 Kirksville, OH Hookahville • 08/30/2003 Athens, OH The Blue Gator • 09/04/2003 Detroit, MI Motor City Casino • 09/05/2003 Detroit, MI Motor City Casino • 09/06/2003 Detroit, MI Motor City Casino • 09/19/2003 Conshohocken, PA T.K. Club • 09/20/2003 Lowell, MA Capo's • 09/21/2003 Fall River, MA Fall River Festival Of The Arts • 09/26/2003 Huntsville, AL Big Spring Jam • 10/11/2003 New Orleans, LA Louisiana Swamp Festival • 10/15/2003 Cincinnati, OH Tall Stacks Festival • 10/17/2003 Birmingham, AL Kelly Ingram VFW Post • 10/18/2003 Northport, AL Kentuck Arts Festival
W.C. Clark
08/09/2003 Austin, TX Saxon Pub • 08/14/2003 Albuquerque, NM Fourth Street Mall • 08/15/2003 Los Alamos, NM Los Alamos Summer Concert Series • 08/16/2003 Winter Park, CO Smokin' Moe's • 08/18/2003 Salt Lake City, UT Dead Goat • 08/19/2003 Ogden, UT Beatnik's • 08/22/2003 Seattle, WA Sunset Tavern • 08/23/2003 Eugene, OR Secret House Festival • 08/28/2003 Austin, TX Oasis On Lake Travis • 08/29/2003 Austin, TX Speakeasy • 08/30/2003 Austin, TX Saxon Pub • 09/05/2003 Alpine, TX Railroad Blues • 09/06/2003 Midland, TX Riley's Roadhouse • 09/11/2003 Austin, TX Oasis On Lake Travis • 09/12/2003 College Station, TX Fitzwillie's • 09/13/2003 Pflugerville, TX Hanover's • 09/19/2003 Austin, TX Austin City Limits Festival • 09/20/2003 Austin, TX Saxon Pub • 09/25/2003 Austin, TX Oasis On Lake Travis • 09/27/2003 Wimberly, TX Ino's • 10/02/2003 Austin, TX Oasis On Lake Travis • 10/03/2003 Fort Worth, TX J&J's Blues Bar • 10/04/2003 Austin, TX Saxon Pub • 10/09/2003 Austin, TX Unplugged At The Grove • 10/10/2003 Little Rock, AR Cajun's Wharf • 10/11/2003 Winder, GA Chip's • 10/12/2003 Hampton, VA Goodfella's • 10/17/2003 Sackville, CANADA George's Roadhouse • 10/18/2003 Halifax, CANADA The Olympic Gardens • 10/31/2003 Austin, TX Saxon Pub
Shemekia Copeland
08/15/2003 Amagansett, NY Stephen Talkhouse • 08/16/2003 Norwich, NY Chenango County Blues Festival • 08/17/2003 Marshfield, MA North River Blues Festival • 08/21/2003 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom & Tavern • 08/22/2003 Clio, MI Clio Area Amphitheater • 08/23/2003 Madison, WI Madison Blues Festival • 08/24/2003 Berwyn, IL FitzGerald's • 08/30/2003 Seattle, WA Memorial Stadium • 08/31/2003 Gig Harbor, WA Blues Foundation Benefit • 09/01/2003 Seattle, WA Bumbershoot Festival • 09/05/2003 Durham, NC Bull Durham Blues Festival • 09/07/2003 Washington, D.C. Kennedy Ctr For The Performing Arts • 09/08/2003 Annapolis, MD Rams Head • 09/14/2003 Middletown, CT Summers End Music Festival • 09/20/2003 Ruidoso, NM Ruidoso Downs Racetrack And Casino • 09/21/2003 Santa Fe, NM The Paramount • 09/23/2003 Salt Lake City, UT The Zephyr Club • 09/25/2003 Denver, CO Soiled Dove • 09/26/2003 Durango, CO Ft. Lewis Community College • 09/27/2003 Reno, NV Hawkins Amphitheater At Barney Ranch
Dave Hole
08/09/2003 Santa Cruz, CA Moe's Alley • 08/10/2003 Seaside, CA Seaside Music Festival • 08/14/2003 Evanston, IL Bill's Blues • 08/15/2003 Minneapolis, MN Whiskey Junction • 08/16/2003 Berwyn, IL FitzGerald's • 08/19/2003 Kansas City, MO Grand Emporium • 08/20/2003 Des Moines, IA Blues On Grand • 08/22/2003 St. Charles, IL Chord On Blues • 08/23/2003 Edmonton, CANADA Edmonton Blues Festival • 08/27/2003 Atlanta, GA Blind Willie's • 08/28/2003 Tallahassee, FL Bradford Blues Club • 08/29/2003 N. Port Richey, FL Bourbon Street • 08/30/2003 Lake Worth, FL Bamboo Room • 08/31/2003 Lake Worth, FL Bamboo Room • 09/06/2003 Virginia Beach, VA Blues At The Beach • 09/09/2003 Piermont, NY Turning Point • 09/11/2003 Dearborn, MI George And Harry's • 09/12/2003 Cleveland, OH Wilbert's • 09/13/2003 Chicago, IL Legend's
The Holmes Brothers
08/09/2003 Hampton, VA The American Theatre • 08/14/2003 Springfield, MA Cityblock Summers Music Series • 08/15/2003 Boston, MA The Blues Cruises • 08/16/2003 Great, Barrington MA Club Helsinki • 08/22/2003 Lowell, MA Boarding House Park • 08/23/2003 Schwenksville, PA Philadelphia Folk Festival • 08/24/2003 Schwenksville, PA Philadelphia Folk Festival • 08/30/2003 Bridgeport, CT Bridgeport Blues Festival • 09/05/2003 Dearborn, MI Tenny Street Roadhouse • 09/06/2003 Bowling, Green OH Black Swamp Arts Festival • 09/19/2003 Barre, VT Barre Opera House • 09/25/2003 Bloomington, IN Lotus Festival • 09/26/2003 Bloomington, IN Lotus Festival • 09/27/2003 Chicago, IL Old Town School Of Folk • 09/28/2003 Columbus, OH The Brickyard • 10/07/2003 St. Polten, AUSTRIA EGON • 10/11/2003 Bruck, AUSTRIA Freiraum • 10/12/2003 Vienna, AUSTRIA Reigen • 10/13/2003 Korneuberg, AUSTRIA Gwolb • 10/14/2003 Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC Luzerna • 10/18/2003 Usti Nad Labem, CZECH REPUBLIC Jazz & Blues Festival • 10/19/2003 Ried, AUSTRIA Kik
The Kinsey Report
08/09/2003 Chicago, IL B.L.U.E.S. • 08/15/2003 Somer Point, NJ City Beach Summer Series • 08/23/2003 Pierce, NE Wine & Wings Festival • 08/29/2003 Gary, IN Labor Day Blues Festival • 09/06/2003 Newton, IA Bowl Full Of Blues Festival • 10/11/2003 Porter, IN Leroy's Hot Stuff
Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
08/09/2003 Kalamazoo, MI Ribfest • 08/15/2003 Apple Valley, MN Music In The Zoo (With Tommy Castro) • 08/16/2003 Wausau, WI Big Bull Falls Blues Festival • 08/21/2003 Omaha, NE Music Box • 08/22/2003 Lincoln, NE Zoo Bar • 08/23/2003 Lincoln, NE Zoo Bar • 08/28/2003 Madison, WI Warner Park (With North Mississippi All Stars) • 09/05/2003 Yellow Springs, OH Blues Festival • 09/06/2003 Woodstock, IL Waverly Gold Note Lounge • 09/07/2003 Woodstock, IL Waverly Gold Note Lounge • 09/10/2003 Setauket, NY Paula Jean's • 09/12/2003 Nantasket Beach, MA Sea Note • 09/13/2003 Fredericktown, NE Harvest Blues & Jazz Festival • 09/16/2003 Syracuse, NY Dinosaur BBQ • 09/17/2003 Rochester, NY Dinosaur BBQ • 09/19/2003 Keene NH, Rynborn • 09/20/2003 Agawam, MA Six Flags Blues Festival • 09/25/2003 Rochester, MA Holiday Inn South • 09/26/2003 La Cross, WI Oktoberfest • 09/27/2003 Minneapolis, MN Famous Dave's • 09/29/2003 Louisville, KY Stevie Ray's • 10/03/2003 Columbia, MO Mojo's • 10/04/2003 Kansas City, MO Grand Emporium • 10/10/2003 Chicago, IL B.L.U.E.S. • 10/11/2003 Chicago, IL B.L.U.E.S. • 10/16/2003 Chicago, IL Buddy Guy's Legends • 10/25/2003 Redkey, IN Key Palace Theatre
Little Charlie & The Nightcats
08/09/2003 Sonora, CA Sonora Blues Festival • 08/15/2003 Wheeling, WV Heritage Music Festival • 08/16/2003 Norwich, NY Chenango Valley Blues Festival • 08/17/2003 Willmington, DE Riverfront Blues Festival • 08/22/2003 San Francisco, CA Biscuits And Blues • 08/23/2003 Santa Rosa, CA Last Day Saloon • 09/07/2003 Virginia Beach, VA Blues At The Beach • 09/12/2003 Bean Blossom, IN Bill Monroe Music Park • 09/13/2003 Napoleon, MI The Bluestage Club • 09/17/2003 Montreal, CANADA Cafe Campus • 09/19/2003 Owego, NY Treadway Inn • 09/20/2003 Amagansett, NY Stephen Talkhouse • 09/22/2003 Louisville, KY Stevie Ray's • 09/26/2003 Laughlin, NV Blues & Brews At The Colorado Belle • 09/27/2003 Laughlin, NV Blues & Brews At The Colorado Belle • 10/11/2003 San Diego, CA Humphries Outdoor Concert Venue • 10/30/2003 Las Vegas, NV Boulder Station Casino • 10/31/2003 Hermosa Beach, CA Cafe Boogaloo
Coco Montoya
08/16/2003 Verona, WI 10th Annual Rileyfest • 08/23/2003 Trinidad, CO Trinidaddio Blues Festival • 08/29/2003 Santa Cruz, CA Moe's Alley • 08/30/2003 Santa Cruz, CA Moe's Alley • 09/11/2003 Las Vegas, NV Boulder Station Casino • 09/13/2003 Redding, CA Blues By The River • 09/17/2003 Coos Bay, OR Music On The Bay • 09/19/2003 Hammond, OR Blues By The Sea • 09/24/2003 Seattle, WA Wild Ginger Club • 09/25/2003 Portland, OR Roseland Theater • 09/26/2003 Eugene, OR Wild Duck • 09/27/2003 Grants Pass, OR Rogue Theatre • 09/28/2003 Eureka, CA Eureka Theatre • 10/11/2003 Vilnius, LITHUANIA Galaxy Club
Roomful of Blues
08/09/2003 Mashantucket, CT B.B. King's Blues Club • 08/09/2003 Westford, MA American Roots Festival • 08/10/2003 Little Compton, RI Sakonnet Rhythm And Blues Festival • 08/13/2003 New York, NY NYC Blues Cruise • 08/14/2003 Stowe, VT Rusty Nail • 08/15/2003 Bath, ME The Chocolate Church • 08/16/2003 Webster, MA Point Breeze • 08/17/2003 Westport, CT Levitt Pavilion For Performing Arts • 08/19/2003 Hyannis, MA Cape Cod Melody Tent • 08/21/2003 Springfield, MA Stearns Square • 08/22/2003 Stoneham, MA Stoneham Theater • 08/23/2003 Campton, NH Bike Festival • 08/24/2003 Marshfield, MA Green Harbor Roots & Blues Festival • 08/28/2003 Rapid City, SD Woody's • 08/30/2003 Beaver Creek, CO Beaver Creek Resort • 08/31/2003 Beaver Creek, CO Beaver Creek Resort • 09/05/2003 Springfield, MO Greater Ozarks Blues Festival 09/11/2003 Nashville, TN B.B. King's Blues Club • 09/12/2003 Fort Smith, AR Fort Smith Riverfront Music Festival • 09/13/2003 Kansas City, MO Grand Emporium • 09/14/2003 Clear Lake, IA Surf Ballroom • 09/25/2003 Sparks, NV Comstock Radio Hour • 09/26/2003 Santa Cruz, CA Moe's Alley • 09/28/2003 San Francisco, CA San Francisco Blues Festival • 10/03/2003 Newport, RI Private Event • 10/04/2003 Woonsocket, RI Chan's • 10/14/2003 Paris, FRANCE Meridien Hotel • 10/15/2003 Paris, FRANCE Meridien Hotel • 10/16/2003 Paris, FRANCE Meridien Hotel • 10/17/2003 Paris, FRANCE Meridien Hotel • 10/18/2003 Paris, FRANCE Meridien Hotel • 10/19/2003 Paris, FRANCE Meridien Hotel • 10/20/2003 Paris, FRANCE Meridien Hotel • 10/21/2003 Paris, FRANCE Meridien Hotel
Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women
08/09/2003 York, SC Sylvia Theater • 08/10/2003 Lexington, VA Lime Kiln • 08/21/2003 Kingston, CANADA Limestone City Blues Festival • 08/28/2003 Rimouski, CANADA Rimouski Festi Jazz International • 08/29/2003 Rimouski, CANADA Rimouski Festi Jazz International • 09/06/2003 Remus, MI Wheatland Music Festival • 09/07/2003 Remus, MI Wheatland Music Festival • 09/27/2003 Chesterfield, VA Pocahontas State Park Amphitheater • 10/17/2003 Rehobeth Beach, DE Rehobeth Beach Autumn Jazz • 10/31/2003 East Lansing, MI Wharton Center
For more information on anything Alligator go to www.alligator.com. If you have specific questions about their online store or something listed in their catalog you can call the company toll free at 800-344-5609. [ Top ]
DEL REY 'Distance & Darkness' Coming October 27th
Slated for release this October 27th, the long-awaited second record from this Chicago band showcases DEL REY gone bionic: harder, stronger, faster, better. "Distance & Darkness" achieves a potent symbiosis of the band's furious live performances and the obsessive precision and fidelity of their studio craftsmanship. MP3 previews are available now at the band's record label website link below."Building tension layer by layer, the percussion-driven Del Rey merges the skills of two incredible drummers with shimmering guitarwork and electronics, carving out snaking, hypnotic soundscapes with dream-like logic and nonchalant deliberation."
"Polyrhythms collide in precision, textures metamorphose into each other, blank minds give way to cohesive imagery -- running down the middle of an empty street in a futuristic Blade Runner-like world--intense light and warmth pouring down upon the ordinarily dark and dreary."
- Skyscraper Official Site | Record Label Site
THE QUICK FIX KILLS 'Saint Something' Debuts This Fall
Slicing and sinister, New Jersey's THE QUICK FIX KILLS arrive at My Pal God Records just in time for the release of their debut full-length, "Saint Something."Guitars spike and mutate over and around a percussive onslaught fit for a waterfront mugging, as singer Mark Moody unleashes a verbal assault that rises above. Look for this record, in all of its angular, slashing, sing-along glory, coming your way October 27, 2003.
For those of you still smoldering after hearing the band's debut EP on the Ernest Jenning label, consider your black-shirted prayers answered. MP3 previews are available now at the band's record label website link below.
"Immediately thoughts of Circus Lupus and Hoover bubble up, but that's all they do because The Quick Fix Kills is able to take that influence and turn it around to their own thing"
- Muddle. Official Site | Record Label Site
LEFTY'S DECEIVER 'Cheats' Released In May To Positive Reviews
Released this past May 5th, "Cheats," is the third full-length release from Philadelphia's LEFTY'S DECEIVER. "Cheats" is a nine-song, full-length aimed at satisfying the band's incumbent following while reaffirming that the much larger institution of "power trio" is alive and well.The record marks a definitive progression in LD's songwriting. With their latest addition, bass player Kristine Muller, Mike Kennedy finds an ample foundation upon which to build his beats which are equal parts ass-shaking and punishing. In so many ways the band has realigned, minimizing the guitar work and focusing on grooves so deep you'd best strap on your hip waders.
Combining these rhythms with the strength of Williams's vocal performances, "Cheats" is equal parts quietly introspective and carelessly ebullient. Lefty's Deceiver has sculpted their song frameworks forcing arrangements emphasizing structure, and maximizing visceral energy.
"Obsessively strong hooks and a thorough range of interesting barbs. Cheats is an overly complex album that is so well composed and performed that it makes perfect sense."
- The Local Planet
"They've been kicking around our fair city for years now, but if there's still any doubt about the durability of Lefty's Deceiver, it will be dispelled with even a passing listen to the group's fourth album, Cheats. It's all here in bold type: the darting, dizzy guitar lines, the propulsive rhythm, the desperate vocals."
"Cheats is the sound of tenacity, a band fighting with teeth bared against a tide of opposition, dangerously determined to survive...the sound of three people realizing all at once why they picked up instruments in the first place. To see them once is to be converted."
- Philadelphia Weekly Official Site | Record Label Site
MY PAL GOD Video Page Now Up
A separate part of the My Pal God Records website has been created to house various music videos for the label's bands. Right now you can see videos for The Goblins ("Blood Drinkers"), Emperor Penguin ("Mysterious Pony") and The Ex Models ("U Got What I Need [Shake]"), with videos from Lefty's Deceiver and Bitter Bitter Weeks heading down the pike shortly. Go to: http://www.mypalgodrecords.com/videos.shtml
MPG Bands Go Live On WPRB In Princeton
A stand-alone website has also been launched by My Pal God's John Solomon to house the archived live performances from his radio show on WPRB. Not only can you catch him every Wednesday night from 7:00 - 10:00 pm ET on WPRB, but you can listen to archived live sets anytime you choose.
MPG bands that have stopped by to play live on John's show include Bitter Bitter Weeks, Del Rey, Ex Models, Lefty's Deceiver, The Quick Fix Kills, The Seconds, Taking Pictures and TW Walsh. Lots of unreleased and rare material are available at the site, too.
Go to: keepingscoreathome.com or the official WPRB radio station website.
Upcoming Label Artist Tour Dates
The Quick Fix Kills - *Monday, 8/11/03 Brooklyn, NY Luxx (with Alabama Blacksnake) | *Sunday, 8/11/03 Jersey City, NJ Uncle Joe's (with Roadside Snakes, The Rules) | *Thursday, 10/23/03 Hillsboro, NJ Curmudgeon (Free In-Store Performance).
Del Rey - *Saturday, 8/9/03 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle.
TW Walsh *Saturday, 8/23/03 Chicago, IL Gunther Murphy's (with Paperback). [ Top ]