ROLLING STONES EXPANDED EXILE ON MAIN STREET DUE IN MAY

Universal Music Group is pleased to announce the re-release of The Rolling Stones’ album Exile on Main Street with an additional 10 never-before-heard tracks. Regarded as one of the greatest albums in rock ‘n’ roll history and one of the most defining of the Stones’ catalogue, Exile will be available May 17, 2010, in the U.K. and May 18, 2010, in the US.

Upon its release more than three decades ago, Exile on Main Street innovatively wove varying musical genres, instruments and even artists into a compelling rhythmic masterpiece. This new compilation features 10 tracks originally recorded during the Exile era and only recently discovered while working on the reissue project. The unearthed tracks which include such titles as “Plundered My Soul,” “Dancing in the Light,” “Following the River” and “Pass The Wine” have undergone a unique evolution, while staying true to the essence of the 1972 album. Alternate versions of “Soul Survivor” and “Loving Cup” also are a part of the Exile bonus materials.

As a complement to the release of Exile on Main Street, a documentary, “Stones in Exile,” has just been completed for fans to view on US Network television and through BBC Worldwide internationally. The documentary features rare, never-before-seen archival film, photos and interviews as well as new conversations with the band and the artists they influence. Produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker John Battsek and directed by Stephen Kijak, who is known for award-winning work on Cinemania, and Scott Walker: 30 Century Man, “Stones in Exile” offers an uncommon glimpse into the lives of the band as they created one of the greatest albums of all time.

The original 18-track double-album was recorded in various stages at multiple locations, including Olympic Studios in London, Keith Richard’s mansion Nellcote in France, and in Los Angeles where the literal “Main Street” influenced the album title. These atypical circumstances surrounding the recording process greatly affected the album’s outcome which was highly reflective and influenced by the sociopolitical turbulence that marked the late `60s and early `70s. The Stones nixed the influences of a flower-child era and directed their creative process with the edgier, excessive, “more is more” approach of the `70s. Exile reveals a sprawling mix of genres with undertones of blues, country, R&B and gospel mixed with lyrics that fervently demand for release and liberation.

The album pulled together an electric array of talent including Dr. John, the late Billy Preston and pianist Nicky Hopkins. Guitarist Mick Taylor, who replaced Brian Jones in the band shortly before Jones died in 1969, is a magnificent blues player who brought an intensity and elegance to these epic tracks. At times, these musicians and others lived on the recording studio premises with the band creating an extremely open and creative collaboration for the album.

“The album’s riveting portrait of artists pushed – by the times, by themselves – to the very limits of their creativity has provided inspiration to every musical generation that has come along since Exile was released in 1972,” said author Anthony DeCurtis. “Every song on Exile on Main Street is elevated by its relationship to the music that comes before and after it. The album’s irresistible power is unlikely to diminish any time soon.”

Exile on Main Street will be available in two CD formats: the original 18 track release; a deluxe CD edition with the 10 special bonus tracks; and a super deluxe package that also includes vinyl, a 30-minute documentary DVD with footage from Cocksucker Blues, Ladies and Gentlemen… the Rolling Stones and Stones in Exile, and a 50-page collector’s book with photos from the Exile era. The 10 unreleased tracks were produced by Jimmy Miller, The Glimmer Twins and Don Was.

SOURCE Universal Music

Buy your copy here if you live in Europe.
Buy your copy here if you live in the USA.

UNIVERSAL RELEASING 4CD BOX OF UNRELEASED RECORDINGS BY THE LA’S

A 4CD Box-set that gathers together all of the band’s remaining unreleased recordings, which are being officially released for the first time on one comprehensive set that captures the band’s myriad attempts to capture the feeling that Lee Maver attempted to harness in their sound.

Disc One collects the handful of superb singles the band released, including their fresh, spirited debut Way Out (1987), an unreleased version of the glorious Timeless Melody (1989), and of course There She Goes (1988/19990), the band’s one real hit and a much-covered classic that has sound-tracked the sweet moments to countless Hollywood movies, as well as other well loved favourites.

Disc Two features the best of the many out-takes the band produced as they worked through one highly respected producer after another such as John Porter (The Smiths, Billy Bragg), John Leckie (The Stone Roses, Radiohead) Mike Hedges (The Cure, Siouxsie And The Banshees), and Steve Lillywhite (Simple Minds and U2) as well as sessions by Bob Andrews, Dave Allen and Jeremy Allom.

Discs Three and Four give evidence of what a great live band The La’s were and possibly are: the force that comes through in the capturing of two never heard before live concerts, at London’s Town And Country Club in 1989 and at The Marquee in 1991, which help to explain why a band that only released one album over 20 years ago continues to fascinate.

This definitive set is presented in a beautifully packaged hardback box with a 60 page booklet. The striking artwork has been designed by the band’s original designer, Simon Ryan. Also included is a detailed essay by acclaimed journalist and author Will Hodgkinson as well as never seen before photos of the band by Paul Cox.

Disc 1
1. Way Out
2. Knock Me Down
3. Endless
4. Liberty Ship 4 Track Demo
5. Freedom Song 4 Track Demo
6. There She Goes Original Single Version
7. Who Knows?
8. Come In, Come Out
9. Man I’m Only Human
10. Way Out New Version
11. Timeless Melody Unreleased Single Version
12. Clean Prophet Unreleased Version
13. Ride Yer Camel Unreleased Version
14. Over
15. Clean Prophet
16. All By Myself
17. I.O.U. Alternative Version
18. Feelin Alternative Version
19. Timeless Melody Live at Chicago Metro
20. I Can’t Sleep Live at Chicago Metro
21. Callin’ All Live
22. Timeless Melody Sound Sampler Version

Disc 2
1. Son Of A Gun Take 2 – John Porter Produced 1987 Previously Unreleased
2. Failure John Porter Produced 1987 Previously Unreleased
3. Timeless Melody Rehearsal John Porter Version Previously Unreleased
4. Way Out Rehearsal 1987 Previously Unreleased
5. Doledrum Dave Allen Produced 1987 Previously Unreleased
6. Feelin Alternative Version
7. There She Goes Busker Version John Leckie Produced Previously Unreleased
8. Come In Come Out John Leckie Produced 1988 Previously Unreleased
9. Callin’ All Bob Andrews Produced 1988 Previously Unreleased
10. I Can’t Sleep Bob Andrews Produced 1988 Previously Unreleased
11. Son Of A Gun Rehearsal 1988 Previously Unreleased
12. Looking Glass Rehearsal Bob Andrews Version Previously Unreleased
13. Failure Jeremy Allom Produced 1989 Previously Unreleased
14. Callin’ All Acoustic Jeremy Allom Version Previously Unreleased
15. Son Of A Gun Take 2 Jeremy Allom Produced 1989 Previously Unreleased
16. Freedom Song Mike Hedges Produced May 1989 Previously Unreleased
17. There She Goes Acoustic Version Steve Lillywhite Produced Previously Unreleased
18. Knock Me Down Steve Lillywhite Produced Previously Unreleased
19. Callin’ All Steve Lillywhite Produced Previously Unreleased
20. Come In Come Out Rehearsal Steve Ripley Produced Previously Unreleased
21. I Can’t Sleep Out-take Instrumental Previously Unreleased

Disc 3
1. Son Of A Gun Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
2. Freedom Song Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
3. Clean Prophet Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
4. Way Out Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
5. There She Goes Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
6. Doledrum Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
7. Come In Come Out Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
8. Timeless Melody Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
9. I Can’t Sleep Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
10. Knock Me Down Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
11. I.O.U. Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
12. Feelin’ Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
13. Callin’ All Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
14. Liberty Ship Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
15. Failure Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
16. Looking Glass Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
17. I Am The Key Town Country Club 1989 Previously Unreleased
18. Son Of A Gun (Acoustic) Manchester. Key 103 Jan 1989 Previously Unreleased
19. I Can’t Sleep (Acoustic) Manchester, Key 103 Jan 1989 Previously Unreleased
20. Timeless Melody Manchester Key 103 Jan 1989 Previously Unreleased
21. I.O.U. Manchester, Key 103 May 1989 Previously Unreleased
22. Feelin Manchester, Key 103 May 1989 Previously Unreleased
23. Failure Manchester Key 103 May 1989 Previously Unreleased

Disc 4
1. Son Of A Gun Marquee 23/4/1991 Previously Unreleased
2. Freedom Song Marquee 23/4/1991 Previously Unreleased
3. Clean Prophet Marquee 23/4/1991 Previously Unreleased
4. Come In Come Out Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
5. Way Out Marquee 23/4/1991 Previously Unreleased
6. Timeless Melody Marquee 23/4/1991 Previously Unreleased
7. I.O.U. Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
8. I Can’t Sleep Marquee 23/4/1991 Previously Unreleased
9. There She Goes Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
10. Doledrum Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
11. Follow Me Down Marquee 23/4/1991 Previously Unreleased
12. Knock Me Down Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
13. Feelin’ Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
14. Alright Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
15. Liberty Ship Marquee 23/4/1991 Previously Unreleased
16. Callin’ All Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
17. Failure Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
18. Looking Glass Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
19. Swashbuckler Marquee 23/4/1991 Previously Unreleased
20. I Can’t Sleep Marquee 23/4/1991 Previously Unreleased
21. Feelin’ Marquee 23/4/1991Previously Unreleased
22. There She Goes 2 Meter Session, 3FM (Dutch Radio) Previously Unreleased
23. Timeless Melody 2 Meter Session, 3FM (Dutch Radio) Previously Unreleased
24. Doledrum 2 Meter Session, 3FM (Dutch Radio) Previously Unreleased
25. Feelin’ 2 Meter Session, 3FM (Dutch Radio) Previously Unreleased
26. Alright 2 Meter Session, 3FM (Dutch Radio Previously Unreleased

Source: Universal Music

CROSBY STILLS AND NASH TOUR KICKS OFF THIS SPRING IN THE U.S. FOLLOWED BY A JULY ITINERARY IN EUROPE AND A SECOND U.S. LEG IN LATE SUMMER

The legendary trio Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN)—David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash—will tour the western United States in late spring, followed by concerts across the U.K. and Europe this summer. Additional U.S. dates in late summer, following the group’s return from Europe, will be announced in coming weeks.

The tour’s first leg in the U.S. kicks off with a pair of festival dates in California: May 21 at the Sonoma Jazz Festival in Sonoma, CA, and May 23 at the Doheny State Beach Festival in Dana Point. Other highlights from the spring itinerary include two dates at Humphrey’s in San Diego (May 25-26), Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO (June 2) the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix (May 29), Portland OR’s Amphitheater at Clark County (June 11) and the Seattle area’s Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery (June 12).
The tour’s second leg commences in the U.K. on July 1 with a concert at The O2 in Dublin, Ireland. Other European highlights include two dates at London’s Royal Albert Hall (July 3-4), Queen Elizabeth Auditorium in Antwerp, Belgium (July 9), The Olympia in Paris (July 12-13), and the Tollwood SommerFestival in Munich, Germany (July 25). Additional European dates will be announced shortly.

The group’s 2010 touring schedule follows up a twelve-month period marked by a number of high profile performances and projects. Most recently, CSN was a featured part of the all-star tribute to Neil Young – their longtime partner in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – at NARAS’ 2010 Person of the Year gala honoring Young that kicked off this year’s GRAMMY® weekend festivities.

In October 2009, CSN played at historic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York City. CSN was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. David Crosby has also been previously inducted for The Byrds, and Stephen Stills with Buffalo Springfield; at this year’s 2010 ceremony, Graham Nash will be dual-honored as well when The Hollies join the fold.

Also in 2009, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash were inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame at a June 18 ceremony in New York City. That same month marked Rhino Records’ release of Demos. Featuring 12 previously unreleased tracks recorded between 1968 and 1971, Demos spotlights destined-to-be-classic songs later heard on CSN’s group and solo titles.

CSN’s music immediately became a cornerstone of rock ‘n roll with the group’s self-titled 1969 debut LP, now one of Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” That same year, they were honored with the GRAMMY award for Best New Artist. 1970′s Deja Vu—another “500 Greatest”—followed, the first album from the group’s four-man line-up with Neil Young (CSN&Y). Ever since—through changing times and various configurations—Crosby, Stills & Nash have continued to tour and record as “three together.”

CROSBY, STILLS & NASH 2010 TOUR DATES

MAY

21
Sonoma Jazz Festival
Sonoma, CA
23
Doheny State Beach Festival
Dana Point, CA
25
Humphrey’s By The Bay
San Diego, CA
26
Humphrey’s By The Bay
San Diego, CA
28
Agua Caliente
Rancho Mirage, CA
29
Dodge Theatre
Phoenix, AZ
31
Sandia Casino
Albuquerque, NM

JUNE

2
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Morrison, CO
4
The Joint
Las Vegas, NV
6
Ironstone Amphitheatre
Murphys, CA
8
The Mountain Winery
Saratoga, CA
11
Amphitheatre at Clark County
Portland, OR
12
Chateau St. Michelle
Seattle, WA

EUROPE

JULY

1
O2
Dublin, Ireland
3
Royal Albert Hall
London, UK
4
Royal Albert Hall
London, UK
9
Elizabethzaal
Antwerp, Belgium
12
The Olympia
Paris, France
13
The Olympia
Paris, France
15
Hohentwiel Festival
Singen, Germany
24
Burg Esslingen
Esslingen, Germany
25
Tollwood SommerFestival Musik Arena
Munich, Germany

Source: PR Newswire

TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS AND TOMMY JAMES SOLO CDS REISSUED BY COLLECTORS’ CHOICE MUSIC ON APRIL 20

Tommy James & the Shondells’ I Think We’re Alone Now, Gettin’ Together and Travelin’ join James’ own My Head, My Bed & My Red Guitar in deluxe, fully annotated single CD reissues

Goldmine magazine called Tommy James “the most productive rock ’n’ roll singles artist of his era” in its review of the critically hailed 40 Years: The Complete Singles Collection (1966-2006) 2-CD set, released in 2008 by Collectors’ Choice Music. Mojo added, “James should be ranked among the most undervalued workmen in the American rock quarry.” Add to the fact that James has just released his autobiography with a title that tells it all — Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James & The Shondells (which Rolling Stone gave 3 ½ out of four stars)— and it’s evident the time is ideal to reflect on a career filled with what the Austin Chronicle called “definitive U.S. pop.”

On April 20, 2010, Collectors’ Choice Music, which released the 40 Years retrospective, will begin to reissue the individual Roulette Records albums by Tommy James & the Shondells and Tommy James solo. The first batch contains I Think We’re Alone Now, Gettin’ Together and Travelin’ by the band, and James’ own My Head, My Bed and My Red Guitar from 1972, recorded in Nashville with many of the city’s notable players.

Ed Osborne once again annotated the reissues, featuring extensive interview material from the Niles, Michigan native who is very candid about working with Roulette owner and convicted mobster Morris Levy. The band had a remarkable run on the charts with singles like “Hanky Panky,” “Say I Am (What I Am),” “It’s Only Love,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Mirage,” “I Like the Way,” “Gettin’ Together,” “Out of the Blue,” “Get Out Now,” “Mony Mony,” “Somebody Cares,” “Do Something to Me,” “Crimson & Clover,” “Sweet Cherry Wine,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Ball of Fire,” “She” and “Gotta Get Back to You” among others.

• Tommy James & the Shondells — I Think We’re Alone Now: This 1967 album marked the group’s move from a singles band to a more album-oriented outfit, with new producers (Ritchie Cordell and Bo Gentry), a new arranger (Jimmy “Wiz” Wisner, who’s worked with artists ranging from Barbra Streisand to Iggy Pop) and a new studio (New York’s Allegro Sound). Unlike its predecessors — Hanky Panky and It’s Only Love, which consisted of the smash hits plus songs culled from Morris Levy’s publishing catalogs — this album benefitted from better song selection and the better technology of Allegro Sound. The centerpiece was the single “I Think We’re Alone Now,” brought to James as a ballad by Cordell and Gentry, but converted to a mid-tempo rocker by James and Wisner utilizing an “eighth note pegging” technique. Recorded on Christmas Eve 1966, it was on the radio by January. The hit was followed up by “Mirage,” with cellos intermingling with guitars, and “I Like the Way,” punctuated with a horn riff. Also included on this release are covers of the Rivieras’ “California Sun” and the Isley Brothers’ “Shout.”

• Tommy James & the Shondells — Gettin’ Together: This album, released in later 1967, cemented the creative process that began on I Think We’re Alone Now. The title track had been earmarked for Gene Pitney to record, but James heard it, knew it was a hit, and “pitched a fit” to Morris Levy, who eventually granted permission for James to record it. Cordell and Gentry sped up the vocal track and the song raced up the charts. Although utilizing the same producers and studio, the album was a progression over its predecessor. “I Want to Be Around You,” “So Deep with You,” “Real Girl” and “World Down on Your Knees” are examples of late ’60s “sunshine pop,” comparable to the Mamas & Papas, the 5th Dimension or the Association. Cordell and Gentry remain the key song sources, but by now the band would write as a band. Today, James counts Gettin’ Together as one of his favorite albums: “What really made me happy with the guys in the studio is that they were like actors in a play . . . Everybody had a great sense of proportion . . . [and] everybody would contribute something. I still enjoy listening to it today.”

• Tommy James & the Shondells — Travelin’: Travelin’ followed the Shondells’ 1969 releases Crimson & Clover and Cellophane Symphony. It was created entirely by the band, from songwriting to playing to producing and arranging. The final album under the Tommy James & the Shondells name, this 1970 release is also considered by many fans to be their best. It’s their edgiest effort, recorded with very few technical effects (“gritty and grainy, just like dust in your mouth and sand in your boots,” says James). The grit theme was even carried over into the artwork in which renowned American West painter Ron lesser, a protégé of Norman Rockwell, painted a portrait of the guys in a stagecoach being chased by Morris Levy. Apart from the Shondells, James’ main writing partner was Michigan confrere Bob King. From this association came highlights “Gotta Get back,” “Moses & Me,” “Red Rover” and “Talkin’ & Signifyin’.” James says, “If we had stayed together as a group, it would have been very, very interesting [to hear] the music we would have come up with.”

• Tommy James — My Head, My Bed & My Red Guitar: James’ second solo album was a total departure from his earlier work. Recorded in Nashville, it featured the Music City’s “A team.” By this time, the Byrds and Bob Dylan had embraced country music. But for someone with a pop track record, recording the Nashville way was an uncommonly bold move. Produced by James with Bob King and Pete Drake, musicians included Scotty Moore (also the engineer) and D.J. Fontana from Elvis Presley’s band, Drake on pedal steel, King on bass, Hargus “Pig” Robbins on keyboards, Buddy Spicher on fiddle and Charlie McCoy on harmonica. “I was real keen on the idea of putting myself in different situations [where] I’ve got to sink or swim,” says James. “These players were unbelievable . . . I was impressed by their musical ability and lack of ego.” Interestingly, Rolling Stone finally acknowledged James’ work with this album. “[They] gave us the best write-up I ever had on any project,” he says. During the session, Scotty Moore received a phone call from Presley, who said he’d drive to Nashville to take James and Moore out for steak. The visit never materialized. But James did end up with a credible country debut.”

RHINO RELEASES “ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES” IN THE UK IN MARCH

March 1st sees Rhino release the first batch of a brand new range entitled “Original Album Series”.

It’s 5 classic artist albums in card sleeves featuring the original album artwork housed inside a new card wallet.

Nice and simple, no frills just great music! Many of these albums have been unavailable for a number of years.

ALBUMS LISTS:
Aretha Franklin: Aretha Now / Never Loved A Man.. / Lady Soul / Live At the Fillmore / Spirit In The Dark.
Aztec Camera: Dreamland / Frestonia / High Land Hard Rain / Knife / Stray.
Bobby Darin: Bobby Darin / Sings Ray Charles / That’s All / Things & Other Things / This Is Darin.
Bootsy Collins: Ahh..The Name Is Bootsy Baby! / Bootsy? Player Of The Year / Stretchin’ Out In A Rubber Band /
This Boot Is Made For Funkin’ / Ultra Wave.
Bread: Baby I’m A Want You / Bread / Guitar Man / Manna / On The Water.
Cars: Candy-O / Heartbeat City / Panorama / Shake It Up / The Cars.
Chaka Khan: Chaka / Chaka Khan / I Feel For You / Naughty / What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me.
Chris Rea: Espresso Logic / On The Beach / Shamrock Diaries / The Road To Hell / Water Sign.
Detroit Spinners: Live! / Mighty Love / New & Improved / Pick Of The Litter / The Spinners.
Dionne Warwick: Anyone Who Had A Heart / Make Way For / Presenting / Valley Of The Dolls / Windows Of The World.
Dokken: Back For The Attack / Beast From The East / Breaking The Chains / Tooth And Nail / Under Lock And Key.
Donny Hathaway: Donny Hathaway / Everything Is Everything / Extension Of A Man / In Performance / Live.
Dr John: Babylon / Gris-Gris / Gumbo / In The Right Place / The Sun, Moon & Herbs
Drifters: Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters / I’ll Take You Where The Music’s Playing / Rockin’ & Driftin’ /
Save The Last Dance For Me / Under The Boardwalk.
Echo & The Bunnymen: Crocodiles / Echo & The Bunnymen / Heaven Up Here / Ocean Rain / Porcupine.
Foghat: Energized / Foghat / Fool For The City / Live / Tight Shoes.
Foreigner: Agent Provocateur / Double Vision / Foreigner / Foreigner 4 / Head Games.
George Benson: Big Boss Band / Breezin’ / Give Me The Night / Tenderly / Weekend In LA.
Harry Chapin: Heads & Tales / On The Road To Kingdom Come / Short Stories / Sniper & Other Love Songs / Verities & Balderdash.
J Geils Band: Bloodshot / Ladies Invited / Live: Full House / The J Geils Band / The Morning After.
Jesus And Mary Chain: Automatic / Darklands / Honey’s Dead / Psychocandy / Stoned And Dethroned.
Judy Collins: Fifth Album / In My Life / Judith / Who Knows Where The Time Goes / Wildflowers.
Kix: Blow My Fuse / Cool Kids / Hot Wire / Kix / Midnite Dynamite.
Linda Ronstadt: Cry Like A Rainstorm / Living In The USA / Mad Love / Prisoner In Disguise / Simple Dreams.
Little Feat: Dixie Chicken / Feats Don’t Fail Me Know / Little Feat / Sailin’ Shoes / The Last Record Album.
Los Lobos: And A Time To Dance / By The Light Of The Moon / How Will The Wolf Survive? / Kiko / The Neighborhood.
Manhattan Transfer: Mecca For Modern Lovers / Spirit Of St Louis / Swing / The Manhattan Transfer / Vocalese.
Monkees: Headquarters / Monkees / More Of / Pisces Aquarius Capricorn & Jones / The Birds The Bees & The Monkees.
Natalie Cole: Everlasting / Good To Be Back / Take A Look / Stardust / Unforgettable: With Love.
Otis Redding: Dictionary Of Soul / Otis Blue / Pain In My Heart / Sings Soul Ballads / The Soul Album.
Paul Butterfield: East-West / In My Own Dream / Keep On Moving / Paul Butterfield Blues Band /
The Resurrection Of Pigboy Crabshaw.
Pogues: Hell’s Ditch / If I Should Fall From Grace With God / Peace & Love / Red Roses For Me / Rum Sodomy & The Lash.
Pretenders: Get Close / Last Of The Independents / Learning To Crawl / Pretenders / Pretenders II.
Rickie Lee Jones: Girl At Her Volcano / Naked Songs / Pirates / Rickie Lee Jones / The Magazine.
Rod Stewart: Camouflage / Every Beat Of My Heart / Foolish Behaviour / Tonight I’m Yours / Vagabond Heart.
Sisters Of Mercy: A Slight Case Of Overbombing / First And Last And Always / Floodland / Some Girls Wander By Mistake / Vision Thing.
Slave: Just A Touch Of Love / Stone Jam / Slave / The Concept / The Hardness Of The World.
Todd Rundgren: Faithful / Runt / Runt: The Ballad Of Todd Rundgren / The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect /
The Hermit Of Mink Hollow.
Warren Zevon: Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School / Envoy / Excitable Boy / Stand in The Fire / Warren Zevon

Original Album Series – Amazon

BLACK SABBATH MOB RULES DELUXE EDITION COMING

With the success of the Heaven And Hell catching many by surprise and even certain quarters declaring to anyone who would listen that it’s achievements would prove to be something of a ‘one-off’, the new quartet’s follow-up would therefore need to show that the long cold shadow cast by ousted vocalist Ozzy Osbourne could finally now be exorcised from the lives of the continuing members of Black Sabbath.

Opening the band’s new account in October ’81 was a pre-release single of the album’s title track. And if ‘Mob Rules’ was a barometer by which to judge the tone of the new opus, then the silence of the chattering naysayers left in its wake was a clear indication that this Anglo-American version of Black Sabbath was continuing exactly where Heaven And Hell had left-off. The three minutes of torrential un-relenting metal aggression of ‘Mob Rules’ was again built upon the solid, unwavering writing ability and left no one in any doubt that Heaven And Hell has been no million selling fluke.

Written mostly on the Heaven And Hell Tour and with Martin Birch again at the producer’s helm, Mob Rules, like its predecessor, contains some of the tastiest, hook-laden, riff-heavy Metal that Sabs fans, both old (and now many new), could desire. Album opener, ‘Turn Up The Night’ (the follow-up Top 40 single), like the title track, is a relentless charge of foot pounding bass, trilling guitar lines and a full-throated command that would become a classic Sabbath rallying call. Shifting the mood into darker and far more broody territory were tracks such as ‘Voodoo’ and ‘The Sign Of The Southern Cross’ whilst Iommi’s haunting instrumental, ‘E5150’ is an echo chamber of unsettling subhuman cries that could accompany perfectly any reading of Lovecraftian verse. Bringing the album to a close, both ‘Falling Of The Edge Of The World’ and ‘Over And Over’ continue the album’s powerful charge-to-chug pace which aided its ascent to the #12 position in U.K. album charts.

Accompanying this Re-mastered Deluxe Expanded Edition of the album is a second disc featuring a complete live concert performance recorded at London’s Hammersmith Odeon in December 1981 on The Mob Rules Tour. Also featured is a live version of ‘Die Young’ from the same tour and a rare demo version of the title track, specifically written for the movie, Heavy Metal, the animated collection of fantasy short stories taken from the comic books of the same name.

Deluxe Expanded Edition Of
“Mob Rules”
Release date: 5th April 2010

Disc 1

1. Turn Up The Night
2. Voodoo
3. The Sign Of The Southern Cross
4. E5150
5. The Mob Rules
6. Country Girl
7. Slipping Away
8. Falling Off The Edge Of The World
9. Over And Over
10. Die Young Live
11. The Mob Rules Alternative Version

Disc 2

1. E5150 Live At Hammersmith Odeon
2. Neon Knights Live At Hammersmith Odeon
3. N.I.B. Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
4. Children Of The Sea Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
5. Country Girl Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
6. Black Sabbath Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
7. War Pigs Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
8. Slipping Away Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
9. Iron Man Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
10. The Mob Rules Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
11. Heaven & Hell Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
12. Paranoid Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
13. Voodoo Live At The Hammersmith Odeon
14. Children Of The Grave Live At The Hammersmith Odeon

Buy your copy here.

BLACK SABBATH LIVE EVIL DELUXE EDITION COMING

For Black Sabbath not to be already represented by a grand live opus during the height of their mid 70’s powers seemed nothing less than a travesty, particularly when one considers the legacy left by their achievements during the Osbourne years and the amount of fantastic shows that the band had played around the world over this entire decade. After all, Deep Purple had Made In Japan, Thin Lizzy had Live And Dangerous and UFO had recently upped the ante with their 1979 Strangers In The Night set.

The belated release of Live At Last in June 1980 unfortunately did nothing to re-dress this imbalance or satisfy the fans’ desire for a document to rival any of the aforementioned albums, such was the poor quality recording on this single disc affair. Even the packaging was bereft of any stunning live action visuals, a de rigueur addition for such a release. It seemed fitting then that the Dio-lead line-up had begun recording shows on the Mob Rules Tour during 1981 in preparation for a document to represent the achievements of the Black Sabbath Mk. III line-up.

With a working title of Evil Live (see what they did there?), and housed in the far more respectable double gatefold package, the eventually re-titled, Live Evil was warmly received by the fans who took the album to #13 in the U.K. and #37 in the U.S. Powerful live renditions of ‘Neon Knights’, ‘Children Of The Sea’ and ‘Mob Rules’ sit comfortably alongside traditional Sabbath classics such as, ‘War Pigs’, ‘Children Of The Grave’ and the obligatory ‘Paranoid’.

This Re-mastered Deluxe Expanded Edition of the album enhances the original release by re-cutting the tracks into their authentic audience environment making for a more rounded live performance which now features Ronnie James Dio’s original between song introductions and full un-edited crowd participation.

Deluxe Edition Of
“Live Evil”
Release date: 5th April 2010

Disc 1

1. E5150 Live
2. Neon Knights Live
3. N.I.B. Live
4. Children Of The Sea Live
5. Voodoo Live
6. Black Sabbath Live
7. War Pigs Live
8. Iron Man Live

Disc 2

1. The Mob Rules Live
2. Heaven And Hell Live
3. The Sign Of The Southern Cross/ Heaven and Hell (continued) Live
4. Paranoid Live
5. Children Of The Grave Live
6. Fluff Live

Buy your copy here.

BLACK SABBATH HEAVEN AND HELL DELUXE EDITION COMING

Black Sabbath, one of the most prominent and influential faces of the 70’s Rock topography were, by the decade’s end, a band in disarray. Once the masters of their own reality, the Birmingham four-piece of Tony Iommi (Guitar), Geezer Butler (Bass), Bill Ward (Drums) and Ozzy Osbourne (Vocals), were now battle weary veterans, wearing the deep scars of a near ten year album-tour-album cycle that had left them bereft of any real sense of direction and motivation. The pace of the Heavy Metal and Hard Rock scene was now being set by the younger New Wave Of British Heavy Metal bands and spunky young upstarts, such as Van Halen invading from the U.S. Black Sabbath’s latest album, the ironically titled, Never Say Die!, released in September 1978, did little to reclaim lost ground and would transpire to be their final studio recording with their much-loved front-man, who in less than a year, would be unceremoniously sacked for narcotic and alcoholic induced lethargy.

To many, the odds on the band continuing in the absence of their distinctive ‘voice’ seemed like a wager that no-one in their right mind would take. However, elsewhere in the world another Hard Rock behemoth was undergoing dramatic changes of equal tumult, the results of which would have a ripple effect upon the world of Black Sabbath with quite dramatic consequences.

Ex. Deep Purple guitar maestro Ritchie Blackmore now impulsive leader of demigods, Rainbow was preparing to re-brand his Anglo-American myth makers into a sleek, chart-troubling troupe of AOR heroes. Ronnie James Dio, Rainbow’s founding lead vocalist whose lion’s roar had taken the band to gold and platinum status soon realised there was to be no place for his Arthurian-lyrical style in this exciting new operation and, like Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne, eventually found himself one band short of a gig. Several phone calls later and a chance meeting in, of all places, the Rainbow Bar & Grill on Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, Iommi invited Dio to join the remaining members of Black Sabbath for an impromptu rehearsal. Within fifteen minutes and one brand new song later (that’s ‘Children Of The Sea’ trivia fans), Black Sabbath had their new lead vocalist in situ, Dio had a new gig and all were once more, ready to roll.

The resultant album releases over the next few years proved without question, that this match was one without peer and succeeded without question in carrying the name of Black Sabbath (later with Vinnie Appice replacing Bill Ward on drums) proudly into the new decade. With an accompanying soundtrack featuring some of the most exciting and dramatic Heavy Metal to ever grace a studio or stage, Black Sabbath rose once more to a place of highest regard within elite Rock circles.

Such was the chemistry between these players, that two reformations of this Black Sabbath line-up have since been made, the second of which, occurring in 2007, went under the title of that first ground-breaking album, Heaven And Hell, and still survives at the dawn of yet another exciting new decade for Heavy Metal.

The album that reinvented Black Sabbath for the Eighties is a powerhouse of epic proportions. Weighty by riff, strident by style and in new vocalist, Ronnie James Dio plying his lyrical Arthurian bent just a little more towards the macabre, and delivering a vocal as only an ex. Rainbow singer can, Heaven And Hell has few contenders as being one of the most complete Hard Rock and Heavy Metal albums ever recorded.

Originally released on April 25th 1980 and produced by Martin Birch whose c.v. reads like a who’s who of top Rock bands (up to this point, Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash, Whitesnake, Jeff Beck, Fleetwood Mac), Heaven And Hell would therefore be the first Black Sabbath album to benefit from an outside producer’s hand since Master Of Reality way back in 1971.

And the results speak for themselves. With tracks of such dynamic power as opener, ‘Neon Knights’ (although the last track to be written during the album’s sessions), this song seems to represent perhaps more completely than any other the skewed yet perfect marriage of Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio. Iommi’s SG chug, Geezer’s rumble-some bottom end and Dio’s lyrical conjuring with worlds and characters of both dread and wonder all meld together to create as perfect a Black Sabbath as one again dared to hope. Elsewhere, such stand-out’s as the single, ‘Die Young’, ‘Children Of The Sea’ and the title track, prove without question, the platinum plated quality of writing and performance offered within these most Metal of grooves. The results helped to take the album into the U.K. Top Ten and the U.S. Billboard Top 30.

This Re-mastered Deluxe Expanded Edition offers a complete second disc of bonus tracks from the same period. Eight live cuts from various locations on the U.S. Heaven And Hell tour offer a fan’s-eye insight into the kind of reception the band were receiving when they took the album to their devoted audience. Also featured is a rare mono cut of the track ‘Lady Evil’ previously only available as a 7” Single B-Side.

Deluxe Expanded Edition Of
“Heaven And Hell”
Release date: 5th April 2010

Disc 1

1. Neon Knights
2. Children Of The Sea
3. Lady Evil
4. Heaven And Hell
5. Wishing Well
6. Die Young
7. Walk Away
8. Lonely Is The Word

Disc 2

1. Children Of The Sea Live
2. Heaven And Hell Live
3. Lady Evil Mono Edit
4. Neon Knights Live
5. Children Of The Sea Live
6. Heaven And Hell Live
7. Die Young Live

Buy your copy here.

IGGY AND THE STOOGES CLASSIC “RAW POWER” RELEASED AS DELUXE BOX SET WITH ORIGINAL BOWIE MIX AND MORE

THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME. You have asked & we have answered. “Didn’t The Stooges record more outtakes for Raw Power?” “Are the original tapes truly lost?” “This album is the blueprint for all of punk – come on, will there ever be an expanded version of Raw Power?” Well friends, we are happy to report that your 37 year wait is over.

First released on Columbia Records in 1973, the savagely bombastic
RAW POWER DELUXE EDITION by Iggy And The Stooges becomes available on APRIL 27th!

One of the most influential albums of all time, this project was overseen by Iggy himself and includes:

The long out-of-print original David Bowie mix of the album.

“Georgia Peaches,” an 8-song, one-hour performance at Atlanta’s notorious rock club Richards in October 1973

A full disc of Rarities, Outtakes, & Alternates from the Raw Power Era.

48 page softcover book with essays by Henry Rollins, Brian J. Bowe and Kris Needs + testimonials by Tom Morello, Lou Reed, Cheetah Chrome, Jim Reid, Perry Farrell, Hugo Burnham and more.

A TON of previously unseen Raw Power-era shots.

5 exquisite 5×7-inch prints, suitable for framing.

Japanese pic-sleeve 45 single repro: “Raw Power b/w “Search And Destroy”

The “Making of Raw Power” documentary by Morgan Neville featuring NEW interviews with Iggy Pop, James Williamson, Scott Asheton, Mike Watt, Johnny Marr, and Henry Rollins; plus live performance footage of James Williamson’s first reunion gig with Iggy and the Stooges – after 35 years! – shot at Festival Planeta Terra, São Paulo, Brazil, November 2009.

Source: Legacy

BOB DYLAN DOUBLE COMPILATION DUE IN JAPAN ON 10 MARCH

A new and exclusive to Japan Bob Dylan compilation is due for release on 10th March. It is titled “Dylan Ga Rock”. No rarities sadly other than a version of Rita May which was previously only available on the Australian compilation Masterpieces.

This new limited edition release from Bob Dylan includes songs selected by Japanese illustrator Jun Miura on two discs. Features art works drawn by Jun Miura.

cd1

1 Tombstone Blues (Album Version)
2 Maggie`s Farm (Live Version)
3 On A Night Like This (Album Version)
4 Everything Is Broken (Album Version)
5 It Takes A Lot To Laugh. It Takes A Train To Cry (Album Version)
6 Thunder On The Mountain (Album Version)
7 Union Sundown (Album Version)
8 The Groom`s Still Waiting At The Altar
9 Neighborhood Bully (Album Version)
10 Absolutely Sweet Marie
11 Dignity
12 I Threw It All Way
13 Odds And Ends (Album Version)
14 Saved (Album Version)
15 Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again
16 Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum (Album Version)
17 All Along The Watchtower (Live)

cd2

1 Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I`ll Go Mine) (Live)
2 Solid Rock (Album Version)
3 Rita May (Desire Outtake)
4 Honest With Me (Album Version)
5 The Mighty Quinn (Quinn. The Eskimo)
6 Changing Of The Guards
7 Highway 61 Revisited
8 Rollin` And Tumblin` (Album Version)
9 Subterranean Homesick Blues (Album Version)
10 Things Have Changed
11 Wiggle Wiggle (Album Version)
12 Shelter From The Storm
13 Outlaw Blues (Album Version)
14 Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window? (Single Version)
15 Just Like Tom Thumb`s Blues
16 Beyond Here Lies Nothin` (Album Version)
17 Tonight I`ll Be Staying Here With You (Live)
18 Like A Rolling Stone (Album Version)

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