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Dexy's classic album celebrates 30th Birthday

DEXYS MIDNIGHT RUNNERS 'Searching For The Young Soul Rebels' [Release Date 11/10/2010]

2010 issue UK 30th Anniversary Edition 2-CD album set

After stealing the master tapes to their debut album [and successfully renegotiating their record deal in the process] Dexy's released 'Searching For The Young Soul Rebels' in July 1980. To mark the 30th anniversary of this release, the original album has now been remastered and comes in deluxe packaging with an accompanying disc of bonus material. The extras comprise of all the non-album singles and b-sides, John Peel and Kid Jensen radio sessions (which are being released for the first time physically) and five previously unreleased early demos.

BRANDON FLOWERS announces UK solo tour

The singer, who releases his debut solo album 'Flamingo' on September 6, will play the following venues in October:

O2 Academy Glasgow (12)
O2 Academy Leeds (13)
O2 Academy Liverpool (14)
Manchester Academy (16)
London HMV Forum (17)
Birmingham HMV Institute (18)

Seeing as The Killers can sell out arenas in seconds, this tour will be a nice opportunity for fans to see Brandon play more intimate venues.

Read more HERE for ticket details...

4AD, the record label that gave birth to indie cool, celebrates 30th anniversary

For a music brand that is all about innovative sounds, British record label 4AD's 30th anniversary is one of the quietest celebrations the industry has known. But this has not stopped loyal fans of the indie bands 4AD has championed recognising that its survival is an unlikely cultural triumph.

"What I loved was their brilliant sense of art and they are still here because of the combination of judicious husbandry of the business and a very canny A&R operation," said Mike Smith, managing director of Columbia Records. Next month sees the release of a new 4AD album, Halcyon Digest, by American band Deerhunter, yet the only sign of such a feat of endurance for a small company working in the most ruthless of creative industries will be the little "3X" that appears at the end of all 4AD album catalogue numbers this year. Minimalism has always been 4AD's style.

Founded as the last sparks of punk dwindled, the label was home to revered indie bands such as the Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance and the Pixies and it quickly became a beacon for adventurous musicians. 4AD was also hailed for its strong visual sense, with album covers regarded as design classics. "You could always spot a 4AD sleeve and there was a real quality not just to the music but to the artefact itself," recalled Smith.

Read the full story here on Guardian.co.uk

Pictured Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance, one of the 4AD label's leading bands.

Reading Festival 2010: Arcade Fire, The Libertines and Dizzee Rascal for day two

Fans can see the bands on the Main Stage with Modest Mouse, Mystery Jets and The Futureheads also lined up to perform.

Over on the NME/Radio 1 Stage, there will be performances by Enter Shikari, Crystal Castles, Serj Tankian, Frank Turner and Pendulum.

Ash will be headlining the Festival Republic Stage with Giggs, Villagers, and Yuck also on the bill.

Click here for more news and pictures from the Reading Festival 2010 on Metro

Guns N' Roses Stage Sit Down Protest At Reading Festival 2010

Guns N’ Roses were jeered by the crowd as they headlined the opening day of this year’s Reading festival tonight (August 27th 2010)

The band, fronted by Axl Rose, arrived on stage 60 minutes late, prompting several audience members to leave before their set started. And the crowd continued to disperse during the band’s performance, which fused songs from recent album ‘Chinese Democracy’ with their classic hits.

But organisers eventually cut sound to the main stage when the band's set over-ran. The festival marked Guns N’ Roses first appearance in the UK since they headlined Download festival in 2006.

Click here to read the full story on Gigwise

Morrissey's much acclaimed compilation 'Bona Drag' is now being reissued as a remastered and expanded edition on CD and double LP

CD: http://ping.fm/vN5E0

LP: http://ping.fm/QpoOm


To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Morrissey's much acclaimed
compilation 'Bona Drag' is now being reissued as a remastered and
expanded edition on CD and double LP. Originally released in October
1980, 'Bona Drag' brings together his first seven singles, four of which
went Top 10: his Top 5 debut, 'Suedehead'; the anthemic 'Everyday Is
Like Sunday'; 'Interesting Drug', and 'The Last Of The Famous
International Playboys'. Completing the album come the Top 20 hits
'Ouija Board, Ouija Board', 'November Spawned A Monster' and 'Piccadilly
Palare' alongside a selection of high quality b-sides from all the
singles.

With Morrissey's full involvement, the original album has been
remastered and expanded with six previously unreleased tracks, the first
four of which will be completely new to fans as they have never before
been heard.

Directing the artwork for the reissue, Morrissey has chosen to return
the cover art to its natural colour and to update the back and inner
artwork with a selection of favourite, hand-picked and rarely-seen
photos. The CD format will be housed in a gatefold, card sleeve whilst
the LP version come on heavyweight 180g vinyl, housed in a wide-spine
sleeve with a pull-out poster.

Elton returns with Leon Russell collaborative album

http://ping.fm/NqOsX

Musical legends Elton John and Leon Russell have collaborated on new album 'The Union', out in the UK on October 25 through Mercury. This highly anticipated album marks the first time the two artists have worked together since 1970. The album was produced by Oscar and multiple-Grammy winning producer T Bone Burnett, who took home numerous awards in 2009 for his production work on ‘Raising Sand’ with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

'The Union' features songs written by John and his lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as in combination with the talents of Russell and Burnett. World famous photographer Annie Leibovitz photographed the John and Russell for the front cover.

Recorded live in the studio with John and Russell on dueling pianos, the album features a variety of musical genres from R&B, soul, gospel, country, pop and rock. Icons Neil Young and Brian Wilson provide guest vocals on the 16-track record along with legendary R&B organist Booker T. Jones, steel guitarist Robert Randolph and a 10-piece gospel choir.

Russell first met John in 1970 when he attended John's first ever US show at the famous Troubadour in Los Angeles. The meeting heralded the beginning of a long friendship and a mutual appreciation between the two artists.

After years of being out of touch, John listened to Russell's music while on safari in Africa last summer and was inspired to reconnect with his idol. "Elton called to ask if I would do a duet album with him," Russell said. "I'm very happy that he chose me to do this."

Songwriter George David Weiss dies aged 89

US songwriter George David Weiss, who helped write chart-topping tracks such as Can't Help Falling In Love and What a Wonderful World, has died aged 89. The musician died of natural causes at his home in Oldwick in New Jersey, his wife Claire said.

Weiss also co-wrote songs which were recorded by Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Elvis Presley. He collaborated on several Broadway musicals including Mr Wonderful and Maggie Flynn. A talent musician, he played piano, violin, saxophone and clarinet.

Click here to read the full story on the BBC

Ray Davies records with Mumford & Sons new album

The Kinks frontman Ray Davies has revealed that he has been working with a series of high profile acts on a forthcoming album.

The legendary singer-songwriter has confirmed that he has been in the studio with Mumford and Sons, and Pixies Frank Black.

Davies also added that he has recorded with Paloma Faith and Amy MacDonald for the album, although despite a number of rumours, The Killers won't be working with him on the project.

Read the full details here on NME

U2 Mosco gig shut down by Amnesty International activists

On Wednesday night, the eve of U2's first ever show in the Russian capitol of Moscow, Russian police detained activists from Amnesty International who were gathering signatures and handing out leaflets.

Amnesty weren't the only organisation kicked out of the venue, U2's own charity, the ONE campaign which raises awareness on AIDS were also shut down.

It is sad that in Russia - which is considered a civilised country - the collection of petition signatures so worries the authorities,' head of Amnesty International's Moscow office Sergei Nikitin said to AFP. 'You get the impression that the authorities are afraid of their own citizens.'

Read the full story here on Music News

JOHN LENNON REMASTERS - OCTOBER 2010

Eight of John Lennon's classic solo albums and other standout recordings have been digitally remastered from his original mixes for a global catalogue initiative commemorating the music legend's 70th birthday, which falls on October 9.

Overseen by Yoko Ono, John Lennon's 'Gimme Some Truth' campaign will launch on 4 October (5 October in North America) with the worldwide release of eight remastered studio albums and several newly compiled titles.

 

The albums have been digitally remastered from Lennon’s original mixes by Yoko Ono and a team of engineers led by Allan Rouse at EMI Music’s Abbey Road Studios in London and by George Marino at Avatar Studios in New York. All of the remastered titles will be packaged in digisleeves with replicated original album art and booklets with photos and new liner notes by noted British music journalist Paul Du Noyer.

Says Yoko: "In this very special year, which would have seen my husband and life partner John reach the age of 70, I hope that this remastering / reissue programme will help bring his incredible music to a whole new audience. By remastering 121 tracks spanning his solo career, I hope also that those who are already familiar with John’s work will find renewed inspiration from his incredible gifts as a songwriter, musician and vocalist and from his power as a commentator on the human condition. His lyrics are as relevant today as they were when they were first written and I can think of no more apposite title for this campaign than those simple yet direct words 'Gimme Some Truth'."

ORDER YOUR COPIES NOW:

* John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band

* Imagine

* Sometime In New York City

* Mind Games

* Walls And Bridges

* Rock N Roll

* Double Fantasy Stripped Back

* Milk And Honey

* Power To The People - The Hits

* Gimme Some Truth

* Signature Box

Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams end feud

Take That stars Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams have spoken together for the first time about how they overcame a bitter rift in the band. The duo, who have recorded a single – Shame – which has been played for the first time, said their decision to work together again was a relief. The group and Williams had feuded for more than a decade after he left for a solo career. They cleared the air when they met up in Los Angeles around 18 months ago. Last month they announced they had recorded an album.

via www.telegraph.co.uk

Frank Zappa Day declared in the US

September 19th has been declared Frank Zappa Day in Baltimore.

The date marks the anniversary of the 1985 testimony on Capitol Hill when Zappa took a stand for free speech at a Senate hearing instigated by the PMRC led by Tipper Gore, wife of Al Gore concerning censorship of music.

The Mayor of Baltimore will officially declare September 19th  Frank Zappa Day with a full weekend of celebrations and the renaming of a stretch of road along Eastern Avenue between Conkling and Eaton Streets in Highlandtown being marked as Frank Zappa Way.

Read the full story here.

The Cure's original drummer asks to rejoin band

Lol Tolhurst wants to rejoin The Cure. The band's founding drummer, fired in the late 80s, has reached out to Robert Smith in the hope that they might reunite the group's original lineup. Tolhurst wants to go on tour next year, performing a live version of the Cure's 1981 album, Faith.

Tolhurst explained his dream last week, in an interview with Los Angeles' KXLU radio station. With Faith's 30th anniversary approaching in April, Tolhurst suggested they celebrate the birthday by playing the dour, brooding album all over the world. He said he had been in touch with Smith, and that "the ball is now in Robert's court", according to the Cure fan-site Chain of Flowers.

Read the full story on Gaurdian.co.uk

Brian Eno confirms new album details

Brian Eno has announced more details on his much anticipated solo album.

The album will go by the name of 'Small Craft On A Milk Sea' and will hit stores with various release dates from November 2 to November 15, depending on where you are in the world.

The album will be released in three formats, including regular CD, collectors edition box set and a limited edition box set.

The Limited Edition box set includes the album on heavyweight vinyl and double CD, as well as a lithographic print packaged in a Birch paper covered slipcase with 'printed and foil-blocked cover and spine'.

The collector's edition box set is a little fancier. It involves a unique signed and numbered screen print by Brian Eno, a copper plate etched with the title and edition number embedded in the slipcase spine and everything in the limited edition box set.

READ MORE HERE

Pearl Jam to mark 20 years at Young's charity gig

New York (Billboard) – Pearl Jam fans, save the date: guitarist Stone Gossard says the closest thing to a 20th birthday gig for the band will be a slot on the bill of Neil Youngs annual Bridge School Benefit
in northern California on October 23 and 24.

"The only thing we've got going on in October is Bridge School, which is really special," Gossard told Billboard while in New York to support the new album by his side-band, Brad. "So that's our 20th anniversary, which is fitting.

It's perfect: not too blown up. It's not about us, it about all those kids that are on stage with you and about Neil Young and his commitment, his influence."

To read the full story click here for Yahoo News

Bootlegging Bob

Bob Dylan will release the 9th edition of his bootleg series in October.

'The Bootleg Series Volume 9 ' The Witmark Demos' features the first official release of 47 Dylan tracks recorded as demos for this first music publisher Leeds Music in 1962 and for his second M. Witmark & Sons between 1962 and 1964.

Click HERE for more details

The Libertines are back!

Last night at the Forum, Kentish Town, the reunited Libertines threw out the gauntlet to any wannabe pretenders. 

Carl and Pete led the maverick crusaders into a vintage repertoire that would make any musically enabled person smile. Dressed in trademark black Carl's vocals on 'Shoop Shoop' had the lucky few stumbling over chairs in an unusually seated venue.

'Pete held his own' said a joyful invitee 'But Carl was the beating heart tonight. I can't wait for Reading, in my musical calendar it's got to be the gig of the year.'

For the full story click here for Music news

Beatles director Richard Lester donates archives to BFI

The draft scripts for The Beatles' films A Hard Day's Night and Help have been donated to the British Film Institute by director Richard Lester.

Simply titled The Beatles and Beatles Two, they form part of Lester's archive, which is all going to the BFI. The treasures include correspondence from Hollywood stars Audrey Hepburn, Raquel Welch and Charlton Heston. The archive also contains a "begging letter" from Spike Milligan, who offers to do laundry in exchange for a job.

Click here to read the full story on the BBC

Bob Dylan to trial anti-ticket tout model at upcoming San Francisco gig

Bob Dylan has announced that he will be trying out an anti-ticket tout model for one of his upcoming shows.

The legendary singer-songwriter, who is currently on a tour of the US, has scrapped the option for fans tbuy advanced tickets for his show at The Warfield in San Francisco on Wednesday (August 25) night.

Instead the only way people can see the gig is by purchasing a $60 (£39) general admission ticket on the door, with cash being the only accepted form of payment.

To read the full story click here for the NME