Monthly Archives: February 2015

THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES ANNOUNCE 2015 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR!

IN CELEBRATION OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY SINCE THE RELEASE OF THEIR ALBUM “SHAKE SOME ACTION” THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES WILL BE PERFORMING THE ALBUM IN ITS ENTIRETY IN SAN FRAN ON APRIL 17TH!

NEW STUDIO ALBUM & FULL-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY FILM ON THE LEGENDARY BAND IN THE WORKS FOR 2016 RELEASE IN CELEBRATION OF THE BAND’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO WATCH TRAILERS ON “THE INCREDIBLE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES MOVIE”

THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES 2015 TOUR DATES:

March 12 – Dante’s, Portland, OR (w/ Criminal Guitars and The Pynnacles)

March 13 – Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA (w/ Bread and Butter, The Tripwires)

March 14 – Rickshaw Theater, Vancouver, BC (w/ BUM)

April 17 – The Chapel, San Francisco, CA (THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES performing their album Shake Some Action in its entirety! w/ special guest Kelley Stoltz)

April 25 – Atlanta Mess-Around 2015 @ The Earl, Atlanta, GA

(more dates to be announced soon)

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The Flamin’ Groovies’ Cyril Jordan & Chris Wilson (photo credit: PSquared Photography)

Having completed successful tours of Japan, Australia, London and the U.S. over the last two years, THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES are hitting the road again in full force for their 2015 North American Tour. The Cyril Jordan, Chris Wilson, George Alexander line-up that rocked the UK, Europe and the US from 1971 – 1980 are back in action. With the addition of Victor Penalosa on drums, they continue to present their own unique and infectious style of rock n roll with such cult classics as “Slow Death,” “Shake Some Action” and “You Tore Me Down.”

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THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES (left to right: Cyril Jordan, George Alexander, Victor Penalosa, Chris Wilson) photo credit: Anne Laurent

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES’ RECENT TRACK “END OF THE WORLD” VIA ROLLING STONE (THE FIRST CYRIL JORDAN / CHRIS WILSON-PENNED GROOVIES COMPOSITION SINCE 1979!)

HERE’S WHAT CRITICS HAVE RECENTLY SAID ABOUT THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES:

“The Flamin’ Groovies’ recent song ‘End of the World,’ like the band’s best tracks, blends proto-punk energy with power-pop melody. A certain rawness permeates the band’s dedication to pop rhythm, making it sound like it could have been recorded today or in 1972. Considering all the bands that have been influenced by the Groovies, this music is timeless. – ROLLING STONE

“The Flamin’ Groovies’ new single ‘End of the World’ actually sounds to me like substantial growth from their mid/late ’70s material — this is just sonically, musically beyond even ‘Shake Some Action,’ I think. I don’t know if the riff is quite as devastating but the whole soundscape is.” – Music critic DAVE MARSH

“The Groovies’ recent return sees their quest to keep the spirit of beat music alive continuing.” – MOJO

“[The Flamin’ Groovies’] ‘Shake Some Action’ is what rock ‘n’ roll is. Nothing like this song, this performance, this sound had ever been heard on earth before rock ‘n’ roll emerged. It’s the purest distillation of what the form wants to be.” – Music critic GREIL MARCUS (to the Chicago Tribune)

“The Flamin’ Groovies uniquely straddled the garage rock and new wave periods with equally classic output during both, becoming a peerless and legendary San Francisco band.” – SF WEEKLY

“Badass rock ‘n’ roll that predated punk rock by a good decade. The Flamin’ Groovies are about as classic a rock band as it gets. And to die-hard fans of rock ‘n’ roll, they are classic rock legends.” – CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER

“One of San Francisco’s best, if somewhat overlooked, bands. – MOTHER JONES

FOR MORE INFO ON THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flamin-Groovies/85760453541
https://twitter.com/FlaminGroovies

FOR MEDIA AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
Tony Bonyata / Pavement PR

p: 262.903.7775

e: bonyata[AT]wi.rr.com

https://pavementpr.com

CMT EDGE PREMIERES TRIUMPH OF THE WILD’S NEW SINGLE “CALIFORNIA TO THE CROSSROADS”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PREMIERE OF TRIUMPH OF THE WILD’S NEW SINGLE “CALIFORNIA TO THE CROSSROADS” VIA CMT EDGE!

TRIUMPH OF THE WILD TO RELEASE THEIR SOPHOMORE ALBUM “WE COME WITH THE DUST” APRIL 14TH!

Fueled by a five month trip with stops in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Tennessee, Triumph of the Wild found inspiration by immersing themselves in American musical history and culture, connecting with local talent, and honing their performances at every opportunity.  Their return to San Diego was marked by festivals, shows, television appearances and two San Diego Music Award nominations culminating with a win for Best Local Recording. Closing the year, Triumph of the Wild finished writing a new record entitled We Come With The Dust which the duo was able to fully fund with a successful Kickstarter campaign by the support of their fans.

Triumph of the Wild’s backbone is firmly grounded as a one woman and one man band, highlighting the twin harmonies of Christy Barrett and Ryan Schilling. Both cite influences ranging from Woody Guthrie and Janis Joplin, with an occasional nod to Dylan or Lennon/McCartney. The duo manage to produce an impressively rich and full sound: Ryan mans the kick, harp, guitar and back-up vocals while Christy handles percussion, the kazoo and lead vocals that the San Diego Troubadour claims is a “powerhouse voice that goes from whiskey soaked wail to honey tones in a note.”

Triumph of the Wild’s forthcoming sophomore studio album We Come With The Dust will be available on CD and digital formats April 14th. National tour dates to be announced soon!

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WE COME WITH THE DUST TRACK LISTING:
01 California To The Crossroads

02 Tombstone

03 Brown Dog Blues

04 Say It to Me

05 Marching Drum

06 No One At The Wheel

07 Killing Season

08 One is the Number

09 Sleep

10 A Hobo Knows

“With its bluesy melody and sunny rock ‘n’ roll guitar, standout track ‘California to the Crossroads’ really is a combination of sounds from the Golden State and the Deep South. But add in singer Christy Barrett’s seismic vocals, and it becomes something all its own.” – CMT EDGE

“On lead vocals, Christy Barrett commands the audience with her Janis Joplin-esque range, and a tone capable of sending chills down your spine, while Ryan Schilling’s supportive harmonies and minimalistic acoustic guitar/harmonic combo brings about the perfect balance to their sound. Every once in a while, you get lucky enough to stumble across a band that emanates so much inspiration from their performance that it can flat out restore your faith in humanity.” – THE CATALYST

FOR MORE INFO ON TRIUMPH OF THE WILD:
http://www.triumphofthewild.com

FOR MEDIA & INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
Tony Bonyata /Pavement PR

e: tony[AT]pavementpr.com

NEWS OF THE SINGLES DEFENDING THEIR BAND NAME FROM THE SCARLETT JOHANSSON-LED GROUP GOES VIRAL

News has been spreading like wildfire across the globe since the L.A.-based rock band The Singles have issued a cease-and-desist to Scarlett Johansson’s new girl group for using the same band name. Below are some of the links to stories (followed by the press release)…

ROLLING STONE
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/scarlett-johanssons-new-band-faces-cease-and-desist-20150225

BILLBOARD
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6480651/scarlett-johanssons-new-band-hit-with-cease-and-desist-order

PITCHFORK
http://pitchfork.com/news/

TIME
http://time.com/3722755/scarlett-johansson-band-the-singles-cease-and-desist/

NME: UK
http://www.nme.com/news/haim/83137

THE GUARDIAN: UK
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/feb/26/scarlett-johansson-must-change-band-name-singles

THE INDEPENDENT: UK
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/scarlett-johansson-new-band-already-hit-with-legal-complaint-from-another-the-singles-10072288.html

FACT MAGAZINE
http://www.factmag.com/2015/02/25/scarlett-johansson-and-este-haims-band-the-singles-receives-cease-and-desist-by-other-band-called-the-singles/

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/scarlett-johanssons-singles-cease-desist-777958

FORBES
http://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2015/02/26/scarlett-johansson-has-a-new-band-and-its-not-going-well/

STEREOGUM
http://www.stereogum.com/1783479/l-a-band-the-singles-take-legal-action-against-scarlett-johanssons-new-supergroup/franchises/wheres-the-beef/

EXCLAIM!: CANADA
http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/scarlett_johanssons_band_face_legal_battle_over_singles_name

UNDER THE RADAR MAGAZINE
http://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/l.a._band_the_singles_take_legal_action_towards_scarlett_johansson_new_band/

DIY MAGAZINE
http://diymag.com/2015/02/26/scarlett-johansson-and-este-haims-group-the-singles-hit-with-legal-complaint

CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND
http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/02/scarlett-johanssons-este-haim-featuring-supergroup-issued-cease-and-desist-over-band-name/

LAIST
http://laist.com/2015/02/25/bands_gets_most_press_theyve_ever_h.php

BROOKLYN VEGAN
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2015/02/scarlett_johans_6.html

DIFFUSER.FM
http://diffuser.fm/the-singles-scarlett-johansson-haim-lawsuit/

LA WEEKLY
http://www.laweekly.com/music/did-scarlett-johanssons-new-supergroup-steal-their-name-5404799

VH1
http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2015-02-25/sam-smith-ed-sheeran-brit-awards-last-lap/

RADIO.COM
http://radio.com/2015/02/26/scarlett-johansson-served-cease-and-desist-for-new-band/

DETROIT METRO TIMES
http://www.metrotimes.com/Blogs/archives/2015/02/26/the-singles-serve-scarlett-johansson-with-cease-and-desist

DETROIT FREE PRESS
http://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2015/02/25/singles-detroit-scarlett-johansson/24025079/

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
http://ow.ly/JGATt

VANYALAND
http://www.vanyaland.com/2015/02/25/candy-snatchers-scarlett-johanssons-supergroup-the-singles-hit-with-cease-and-desist/

BUZZBANDS L.A.
http://www.buzzbands.la/2015/02/25/stream-singles-scarlett-johansson-friends-candy/

THE 405
http://www.thefourohfive.com/news/article/scarlett-johansson-s-band-the-singles-gets-a-cease-and-desist-letter-142

ACE SHOWBIZ
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00080537.html

HUH MAGAZINE UK
http://www.huhmagazine.co.uk/8877/scarlett-johanssons-new-band-receives-cease-and-desist-order

PIGEONS & PLANES
http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2015/02/scarlett-johansson-and-este-haims-band-received-a-cease-and-desist-over-their-name/

DJ MAG
http://djmag.ca/blog/2015/02/25/scarlett-johanssons-electro-pop-project-hit-cease-and-desist/

THE DISSOLVE
http://thedissolve.com/news/4916-scarlet-johansson-accidentally-stole-another-bands/

RAPPLER
http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/85109-scarlett-johansson-the-singles-name-vincent-frederick

TECHNOLOGY TELL
http://www.technologytell.com/entertainment/58886/scarlett-johansson-forms-musical-super-group-stirs-controversy-almost-immediately/

THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT: VANCOUVER
http://www.straight.com/blogra/399411/scarjo-facing-legal-action-over-crap-new-band

THE NEW ZEALAND HERALD
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11408511

GOUTE MES DISQUES: FRANCE
http://www.goutemesdisques.com/news/article/the-singles-le-supergroupe-de-seconde-zone-de-scarlett-johannson

METRO: FRANCE
http://journalmetro.com/culture/727128/scarlett-johansson-lactrice-musicienne/

DIE PRESSE GERMANY
http://diepresse.com/home/kultur/popco/4672203/The-Singles_Namensstreit-um-Band-von-Scarlett-Johansson

TONE DEAF AUSTRALIA
https://www.tonedeaf.com.au/437704/scarlett-johanssons-new-band-already-hit-cease-desist-order.htm

ROCK NOIZE: PORTUGAL
http://rocknoize.com.br/the-singles-banda-da-scarlett-johansson-e-da-este-haim-ja-enfrenta-problemas-com-o-nome/

ELLE: GERMANY
http://www.elle.de/scarlett-johansson-hat-jetzt-eine-band-the-singles-229874.html

EPOCH TIMES: GERMANY
http://www.epochtimes.de/Unterlassungsanordnung-fuer-Scarlett-Johansson-a1223532.html

THE STRAITS TIMES: SINGAPORE
http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/music/story/scarlett-johansson-took-our-name-band-says-20150226

SVD KULTUR: SWEDEN
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=sv&u=http://www.svd.se/kultur/namnbrak-om-scarletts-nya-band_4363801.svd&prev=search

METRO: SWEDEN
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=sv&u=http://www.metro.se/nyheter/namnbrak-om-scarletts-nya-band/Hdzoby!bLShfqRgaIib3Heh%406ZjA/&prev=search

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FEB. 25, 2015 PRESS RELEASE:

ESTABLISHED LOS ANGELES-BASED ROCK BAND THE SINGLES HIRE LEGAL COUNSEL OVER NEW SCARLETT JOHANSSON-LED GIRL GROUP USING THE SAME NAME

February 25, 2015 – Los Angeles pop/rock band The Singles have hired legal counsel following the release of a single, “Candy,” by Scarlett Johansson, Holly Miranda, Kendra Morris, Julia Haltigan, and Este Haim, using the same band name, “The Singles.” A cease and desist demand has been issued by The Singles’ lawyer to the representatives for Johansson and the new all-girl group, alleging trademark infringement and a variety of other legal claims.

Founded by Vincent Frederick, The Singles have been continuously making music, recording, touring, and using the band name “The Singles” since 1999. With an extensive discography that spans nearly two decades, The Singles have produced a full repertoire of LPs, EPs, singles and tracks over the years, and have toured across the nation and internationally, playing approximately 100 shows in 2014 alone. The Singles’ videos on YouTube have been viewed more than 75,000 times.

The Singles’ lead/frontman Frederick was surprised to hear about the release of “Candy” by Johansson and the other members of the girl group using the name “The Singles.” “I woke up one morning and learned from the news that our band name was literally just taken by someone else as their own. It’s hard to believe that any musician would do something like that to another band,” said Frederick. “The Singles has been my life for the past 16 years. We have worked so incredibly hard to make it a success.”

Since “Candy” debuted on February 20, 2015, fans online and across social media have expressed surprise and confusion over the release of the song and why Scarlett Johansson, Holly Miranda, Kendra Morris, Julia Haltigan, and Este Haim released the single using the band’s name, instead of picking a new band name not already in use. “I don’t understand it,” said Frederick. “Our band, The Singles, has an account on nearly all social media sites and our music is available in record shops, on iTunes, SoundCloud, and other websites. Just a simple search on Google would have revealed that ‘The Singles’ was already a band name being used by another pop/rock band – our band.”

The Singles’ legal counsel has issued a demand to representatives for Johansson and the new all-girl group demanding that they halt using the name “The Singles,” any further, and that The Singles will consider legal action if a resolution is not reached.

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SINGLES:
http://www.thesingles.us

FOR MEDIA REQUESTS:
Tony Bonyata
Pavement PR
e: tony[AT]pavementpr.com
http://pavementpr.com

POPMATTERS PREMIERES THE DELTA ROUTINE’S NEW LP!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE DELTA ROUTINE’S NEW ALBUM YOU AND YOUR LION IN ITS ENTIRETY VIA POPMATTERS!

You and Your Lion is in stores now!

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY BEEN SAYING ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LION:

“Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s own the Delta Routine both sound like the product of a bygone time for rock and undeniably of their time. With vocal harmonies that bring the Lone Bellow and the Avett Brothers to mind, paired with guitar riffs that would make the Black Crowes proud, You and Your Lion, the latest full-length by the band, is a straight-up blast of energy and a rollicking good time.” – POPMATTERS

“Over the years, the Delta Routine have perfected the art of fusing together several different styles of rock and roll — like blues, punk and garage — with their own unique Milwaukee-influenced blend of Americana and alt country. On their new track, ‘On a Saturday Night,’ there are no hidden messages; the lyrics, the riffs, the grooves — they effortlessly work together to form a near-perfect rock ballad.” – DIFFUSER.FM

“I’ve lived in a variety of places — Chicago, New York, Knoxville, Tenn. — and it’s rare I find music that reminds me of all of them. An exception: The Delta Routine. The Milwaukee-based group is releasing its fourth album, and I think it’s a standout, particularly because it blends old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll with the rootsy sounds you often find down South. Fellow fans of Americana music should check ’em out, starting with today’s Pop Candy premiere of ‘Home With You.'” – USA TODAY

“The outburst of creativity and inspirations from their time touring can be heard in their fourth and latest album You and Your Lion.” – SHEPHERD EXPRESS

“Fronted by Nick Amadeus, The Delta Routine doses its poppy garage grit with Americana roots to create a thoroughly Midwestern sound, fueled in part by the slashing guitar of local veteran Mike Hoffmann.” – ONMILWAUKEE

“… a fantastic collection of rough, rootsy rock. You And Your Lion is a stand-up-and-dance rock album from a band that has been getting critical praise and fan love for several years now.” – RUST MAGAZINE

“A bluesy, classic-rock sound is rolling out of the Midwest. With a sound that could fit into categories with bands like The White Stripes, The Black Keys and The Rolling Stones, Milwaukee-based band, The Delta Routine, is definitely on to something. With a style that borrows from so many genres and bands, the group makes sure that they can’t be put under any one category exclusively. Their sound is fresh, rough, charging, infectious and incredibly unique.” – WUWM RADIO

“This album is a good time… powerful… a wonderful dynamic.” – GLACIALLY MUSICAL

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CMJ PREMIERES BOHANNONS’ NEW TRACK “BLACK CROSS. BLACK SHIELD”!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PREMIERE OF BOHANNONS’ NEW TITLE-TRACK “BLACK CROSS. BLACK SHIELD” VIA CMJ MAGAZINE!

Track Premiere: Bohannons – “Black Cross. Black Shield”
Black Cross. Black Shield out March 31
By Eric Davidson

This Chattanooga, TN-based band is so down home rootsy American that their label is called This Is American Music. And that label will be releasing the Bohannons’ new album, Black Cross. Black Shield, on March 31. But as this titular track premiere stomps out with thick Dixie riffs and moonshine barrel drums, notice there’s a British Sabbath slab of beef in its guts too, mainly via singer Marty Bohannon’s snide snarl. The lyrics here refer to the sudden loss of health insurance amongst the band’s townsfolk, in a town dominated by the insurance industry. As Marty tells it:

The fear of getting sick is a real fear for everyone but no one more than the uninsured. This is a reminder of how it felt to watch your family take on mounting debt over illness in the pre-Obama world. Chattanooga is a big corporate insurance town. Most of our parents or friends parents worked for one of these big companies, a lot of our classmates ended at these same jobs. My greatest fear is ending up working at one of these places. Insurance ain’t worth a damn til you need it. Insurance has done good for a lot of people but I can’t help but think of the higher-ups as calculating and cold profiteers. You pay for insurance and pray you don’t have to use it, meanwhile their kids go to private schools. I was going to start an insurance company where it was guaranteed a majority percentage of what was paid would actually go towards healthcare, if not yours then someone else’s. By the way, I am not communist and love the free market system.

So we’re not just talking trucks and shots of whiskey here. On the album, they can get faster and looser in turns. And the recording doesn’t get bogged down in any spoilsome tricks, so it feels fresh enough. But overall, yup, this is your morning cup of fringe ‘n’ long locks rock. Check the tune below.

http://www.cmj.com/news/track-premiere-bohannons-black-cross-black-shield/

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MAGNET PREMIERES CRACKER’S NEW “BEAUTIFUL VIDEO!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH CRACKER’S NEW “BEAUTIFUL” VIDEO VIA MAGNET MAGAZINE’S FILM AT 11 FEATURE!

Cracker recently released 10th studio album Berkeley To Bakersfield, a double album that explores two different sides of California, the northern Bay area and further down-state in Bakersfield. Now the band offers a new video for upbeat single “Beautiful.” The song has kind of a punk feel, and the clip explores different parts and aspects of California with beautiful still frames. We are proud to premiere it today on magnetmagazine.com. Check it out below.

http://www.magnetmagazine.com/2015/02/17/film-at-11-cracker/

R.I.P. VISAGE’S STEVE STRANGE

We are deeply saddened to hear to the news of Visage frontman and New Romantic icon Steve Strange’s untimely death this Thursday. Steve passed from a heart attack at a hospital in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. He was 55.

We had the pleasure of working press here in the States in 2013 for Steve and Visage’s last studio album, Hearts and Knives (on Pylon Records). The album, which hearkens back to the sound of classic Visage records from the early ’80s, was well-received by both media and fans, which pleased Steve immensely.

God bless you, Steve…. hopefully, wherever you are, there’s a makeup kit and a microphone.

Here’s a link to watch Visage’s 2013 EPK video for Hearts and Knives album… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiwSn1JSh6U

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And here’s what critic’s had to say about Visage’s Hearts and Knives…

“With its synth and disco-influenced feel Hearts and Knives is vintage Visage.” – ROLLING STONE

“Recalling the new wave era when bands like Human League, Duran Duran, Heaven 17, Japan, Depeche Mode ruled the airwaves and some clubs here and abroad, Visage manages to get that vibe and take it into the 21st Century in a new fresh and interesting way.” – CHICAGO SUN TIMES

“Aided by gloriously warm, analogue synths rather than impotent computer plug-ins, the retro-pop effect is well realized.” – CLASSIC POP MAGAZINE

“This is new wave, art rock with a dash of punk thrown in. If you like program-driven dance music with a message – Visage is for you.”  – LEE COUNTY COURIER

“The Top 10 Albums of 2013: Hearts and Knives slick electronic production, the atmospheric vocal power of Steve Strange and the album’s inventive lyrics firmly remind us that Visage are still at the top of their game – despite their almost thirty year absence from the music world. The band have seamlessly adapted their signature sound for 2013 in what feels like a very-contemporary, yet very-Visage album.” – CULTURE FIX

“… infectious” – PENNY BLACK MUSIC

“One of the year’s best new albums. Steve Strange’s voice hasn’t aged a day and his album sounds both like fresh modern dance music AND the album Human League has been trying to make ever since Crash. If you like new romantic and new wave, this album and the OMD disc are the perfect one-two punch. – POPDOSE

“Visage still have it – they just kept it under wraps for 29 years. Hearts and Knives, in culminated opinion, sees Steve Strange and his group venture into new territory while displaying all the hallmarks of classic retrospectivity. Bravo. – SUBVERSION

Hearts and Knives revels in its old-school synth pop feel, recalling the days when guitars and a real drumkit held hands with keyboard bass and programmed electronics. Not to mention melodies, the emphasis on which really sets Visage apart not only from today’s rhythm-happy electro-rockers but even a lot of the band’s contemporaries. – THE BIG TAKEOVER

“…the original vibe is here in full flower.” – MIDWEST RECORD

After a 30 year hiatus and the introduction of a new lineup, Visage returns with a familiar new wave sound that is so classic it should only be sold on vinyl or cassette.” – EQ MUSIC

New Romantic founders return with their first new music in 29 years, just in time for the re-emergence of synth-pop as a major creative force.” – POPMATTERS

“If you ever had a soft spot for Steve Strange’s lot back in the early 80’s, I highly recommend their new album, they’ve managed to retain the electronic backbone of their first two albums, whilst adding more guitar and bass on top of it. There are some strong songs on it too, it’s a great listen and will be in my year end top 5. It’s retro yet modern sounding at the same time.” – MELODIC ROCK

Hearts and Knives is a time machine worth hopping on.” – SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

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[photos: David Levine]

 

WALL STREET JOURNAL PREMIERES CRACKER’S NEW “TORCHES & PITCHFORKS” VIDEO

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREMIERE OF CRACKER’S “TORCHES AND PITCHFORKS” VIA WALL STREET JOURNAL’S SPEAKEASY!

Cracker Mirrors Early Labor Struggle in ‘Torches and Pitchforks’ Video (Exclusive)
By ERIC R. DANTON

Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven leader David Lowery has been rather forthright in his opinion that artists aren’t getting a fair deal from streaming music services. In fact, it’s the subtext of Cracker’s new song “Torches and Pitchforks,” a video for which premieres today on Speakeasy.

The fast-paced acoustic number features soft vocals from Lowery edged with steely determination as he sings lines like, “We will fight your bought-off Congressmen/ You cannot take what isn’t yours.” The video pairs the song with vintage images of workers on strike juxtaposed with newer scenes of gleaming skyscrapers and police stations and the U.S. Capitol.

“‘Torches and Pitchforks’ is stylistically playing with the language, songs and slogans of the early labor movement in the U.S.,” Lowery says by email. “If you want to draw parallels between that time and artists’ current efforts to be paid fairly by digital services, you may. That is the intention.”

The song comes from Cracker’s latest album, “Berkely to Bakersfield,” a two-disc release split between songs influenced by punk and garage-rock, and songs reflecting the band’s more countrified sound. The album came out last month on 429 Records. What do you think of the video for “Torches and Pitchforks?” Leave your thoughts in the comments.
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/01/12/cracker-mirrors-early-labor-struggle-in-torches-and-pitchforks-video-exclusive/

DIFFUSER.FM PREMIERES THE DELTA ROUTINE’S NEW SINGLE “ON A SATURDAY NIGHT”!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PREMIERE OF THE DELTA ROUTINE’S NEW TRACK “ON A SATURDAY NIGHT” VIA DIFFUSER.FM!

The Delta Routine, ‘On a Saturday Night’ – Exclusive Premiere
By Chuck Armstrong

Over the years, the Delta Routine have perfected the art of fusing together several different styles of rock and roll — like blues, punk and garage — with their own unique Milwaukee-influenced blend of Americana and alt country.

As the band continues to grow and evolve, their hard work will culminate with the unveiling of their fourth full-length album, ‘You and Your Lion.’ Ahead of its February release, Diffuser is ecstatic to partner with the quartet to debut the brand-new track, ‘On a Saturday Night.’ Check it out in the audio player below.

There are no hidden messages in this tune; the lyrics, the riffs, the grooves — they effortlessly work together to form a near-perfect rock ballad. “It’s a song about when the party is getting a little out of control, but no one seems to know it yet,” frontman Nick Amadeus succinctly tells us.

‘On a Saturday Night’ is part of the Delta Routine’s upcoming LP, ‘You and Your Lion,’ set for release on Feb. 17, 2015. The guys have a handful of shows scheduled in the Midwest in February to celebrate the new record; stay up-to-date with everything happening in their world at the Delta Routine’s official website here.
http://diffuser.fm/the-delta-routine-on-a-saturday-night-exclusive-premiere/

DeltaRoutine_You&YourLionART442

YAHOO! MUSIC PREMIERES PRIMA DONNA’S NEW ALBUM “NINE LIVES & FORTY-FIVES”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PREMIERE OF PRIMA DONNA’S KILLER NEW ALBUM “NINE LIVES & FORTY-FIVES” IN ITS ENTIRETY VIA YAHOO! MUSIC… AND FER GOD’S SAKE, TURN IT THE HELL UP!

Hear It First: Prima Donna’s New Album, ‘Nine Lives and Forty-Fives’
by Wendy Geller

Los Angeles-based band Prima Donna is doing its part to keep rock ‘n’ roll alive with the upcoming release of its latest album, Nine Lives and Forty-Fives, due out February 10. Yahoo Music is excited to offer fans a first listen to the set a full week before official street date.

Frontman Kevin Preston, who’s also a member of the Green Day side project Foxboro Hot Tubs with Billie Joe Armstrong had this to say of the record: “We wrote and recorded Nine Lives and Forty-Fives during a marathon touring schedule. We even ended up recording a few of the songs in Italy. Every song has a different vibe, but all in all, it’s a no holds barred rock n’ roll record.”

https://www.yahoo.com/music/hear-it-first-prima-donnas-new-album-nine-110002481546.html

 

ROLLING STONE PREMIERES CRACKER’S NEW “CALIFORNIA COUNTRY BOY” VIDEO!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PREMIERE OF CRACKER’S NEW “CALIFORNIA COUNTRY BOY” VIDEO VIA ROLLING STONE COUNTRY!

Watch Cracker’s Twangy Homage to the Country Side of California

The group pairs the shit-kicking “California Country Boy” with a postcard tour of the Golden State

By Joseph Hudak

California alt-rock stalwarts Cracker explore both the punk and country sides to their sound on the double LP Berkeley to Bakersfield. One of the highlights of the project — that is quickly becoming a live favorite, judging by a recent performance at City Winery in Nashville — is “California Country Boy,” sung by guitarist Johnny Hickman. The group put together a “video essay” for the song, which Rolling Stone Country is premiering above.

A twangy shit-kicker of a tune, “California Country Boy” makes the case that, yes indeed, the rural country lifestyle exists in the land of models and movie stars. “Ain’t no palm trees where I come from, no big waves crashing on the shore,” Hickman sings over a barroom shuffle, dispelling any notion that the Golden State is solely the idyllic version presented in popular culture.

Singer David Lowery, who cofounded Cracker with Hickman in 1991, suggests their part of California is more hillbilly than Beverly Hills. “Both areas of California that I live, which was Southern California, out by the Inland Empire, and Santa Cruz, had this longstanding country music connection. At my high school that I went to, one of the social cliques was the cowboy,” Lowery tell Rolling Stone Country. “You had the preppy kids, the stoners, and the tobacco-chewing, cowboy boot-wearing rancher cowboys.”

Click the link below to read more…

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/watch-crackers-twangy-homage-to-the-country-side-of-california-20150123

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