R.I.P. David Stroughter of Majesty Crush

Majesty Crush vocalist David Stroughter has died. The heartbreaking news has been confirmed by several of his friends on social media, including ex-bandmate Hobey Echlin. [Update 2/6: Echlin wrote a wonderful piece on Stroughter which was published in the Metro Times today. Read it here].

Majesty Crush was one of the best bands of the 90s, yet they never attained the global fame and acclaim they very much deserved. In the early 90s the Detroit band played numerous shows at Saint Andrew's Hall and opened for notable headline bands such as the Verve and Mazzy Star. After the release of the magnificent Fan EP, they attracted the major label attention of Dali Records (Elektra subsidiary) which signed the band and went on to release their debut full length album Love 15 in 1993. In a cruel and tragic turn of events, Dali went under only months after the release of Love 15. Majesty Crush went on to release another EP Sans Muscles independently, but called it a day in 1995. Stroughter eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he continued to make music.

R.I.P. David Stroughter. Thank you for the incredible and glorious music.







Published January 31st, 2017

Shoegaze: Froth premiere infectious "Passing Thing"

Froth are set to return with their new studio album Outside (briefly) on February 10th. This will be the Los Angeles psychedelic shoegaze band's third full length and from the sounds of things, it's their most vital and impressive work yet. Late last year Froth debuted the video for the majestic and krauty first single "Contact" and this week they've followed that up with the soaring surf-shoegaze track "Passing Thing." Glorious.

Stream both songs below or on Spotify and pre-order Outside (briefly) on yellow vinyl here.





Froth -- North American tour

Feb 22 -- San Francisco, CA @ UC Theatre
Feb 24 -- Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
Feb 25 -- Seattle, WA @ Neumo's
Feb 26 -- Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw
Feb 28 -- Felton, CA @ Don Quixote's Music Hall
Mar 02 -- Pomona, CA @ Glass House
Mar 03 -- Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet's
Mar 04 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent
Mar 05 -- San Diego, CA @ Belly Up
Mar 09 -- Tijuana, MX @ Black Box
Mar 10 -- Las Vegas, NM @ Neon Reverb Music Festival
Mar 11 -- Phoenix, AZ @ Viva PHX Festival
Mar 12 -- Santa Fe, NM @ Meow Wolf
Mar 14 -- Austin, TX @ SXSW
Mar 17 -- Dallas, TX @ Trees
Mar 18 -- Houston, TX @ The Studio at Warehouse Live

Catch up with Froth on their website, Bandcamp, and Facebook

Published January 30th, 2017

Shoegaze: Tennis System tour U.S.

Unsung shoegaze heroes Tennis System announced dates for a sweeping tour of the United States. The band's last release was 2014's stunning Technicolour Blind. No word on whether they'll be releasing new music soon, but they did post something on social media about being in the studio last month, so we can hope at least some new music is on the way. Regardless, don't miss this opportunity to see Tennis System live. Dates are posted below:



Tennis System -- U.S. tour

Feb 05 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
Feb 19 -- Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
Feb 21 -- Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar
Feb 22 -- Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Feb 24 -- Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
Feb 25 -- Columbus, OH @ The Basement
Feb 26 -- Pontiac, MI @ Pike Room
Feb 27 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ Smiling Moose
Mar 01 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Baby's All Right
Mar 02 -- Boston, MA @ Middle East Upstairs
Mar 03 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle
Mar 05 -- Washington, DC @ DC9
Mar 06 -- Chapel Hill, NC @ The Cave
Mar 07 -- Orlando, FL @ The Social
Mar 08 -- Athens, GA @ Caledonia Lounge
Mar 09 -- Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade - Puratory
Mar 12 -- Dallas, TX @ Three Links Deep Ellum
Mar 13 -- Houston, TX @ White Oak Hall
Mar 14 -- Austin, TX @ Barracuda
Mar 21 -- Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
Mar 23 -- West Hollywood, CA @ Troubador
Mar 24 -- La Jolla, CA @ Che Cafe
Mar 25 -- San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop

Published January 26th, 2017

Tom Edwards, guitarist & musical director for Adam Ant has died

Adam Ant's guitarist and musical director Tom Edwards has died at the age of 41. Adam Ant's Facebook page confirmed the news in a statement, which revealed that Edwards was found unresponsive yesterday afternoon and was rushed to the hospital where he later died. The cause of death is suspected to be heart failure, however an autopsy is planned.

Edwards had been on the road with Adam Ant for the North American leg of the Kings of the Wild Frontier tour, which kicked off this week. Shows scheduled for tonight and tomorrow have been canceled and the tour will resume January 29th in Toronto.

From the official Adam Ant statement:

"On behalf of Adam and his band, we thank all of you for your best wishes and support during this most difficult time, Tom shared his musical gifts with the world and his spirit will live on forever."

Read the full statement here.

Edwards worked and played guitar for many other bands including Fields of the Nephilim, Aztec Camera's Roddy Frame, and Edwyn Collins.

Published January 26th, 2017

Blondie team up with Johnny Marr on new LP 'Pollinator'

Blondie return with their eleventh studio album Pollinator in March. In an interview with Mojo, the band revealed the follow up to 2014's Ghosts Of Download was recorded at NYC's The Magic Stop (where David Bowie recorded his final two albums), and features a song written by Johnny Marr. Chris Stein told Mojo that he wasn't a huge fan of The Smiths, but Marr's contribution to the new album got him "really pumped up and excited." The Marr-penned song is titled "My Monster" and has been described by Mojo as "a zippy and lyrically surreal new wave spanker."

Pollinator also features several other guests including David Sitek of TV on the Radio and Dev Hynes (aka Blood Orange). The album is scheduled to be released on March 17th. The album's cover art and pre-order info has not yet been announced.

Published January 24th, 2017

Pixies announce U.S. tour

Pixies announced U.S. tour dates in support of their album Head Carrier. The tour bypasses a good portion of the country, including the midwest (Chicago/Detroit/Cleveland) as well as our Canadian neighbors, so it's likely another leg will be in the works later.

The general onsale for tickets is Friday, January 27th. A fan pre-sale is going on now through January 26th. For more details visit the band's official site.

Pixies -- U.S. tour

Apr 21 -- Pomona, CA @ Fox Theatre
Apr 22 -- San Diego, CA @ Cal Coast Open Air
Apr 23 -- Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
Apr 25 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Ace Theatre
Apr 29 -- Dallas, TX @ Bomb Factory
Apr 30 -- Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
May 01 -- Austin, TX @ Stubbs
May 03 -- New Orleans, LA @ Saenger Theatre
May 05 -- Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
May 06 -- Covington, KY @ Madison Theatre
May 07 -- Columbus, OH @ Express Live Amphitheatre
May 09 -- Richmond, VA @ The National
May 11 -- Durham, NC @ Durham PAC
May 12 -- Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees Music Festival
May 16 -- Washington, DC @ Lincoln Theatre
May 19 -- Boston, MA @ House of Blues
May 20 -- Boston, MA @ House of Blues
May 21 -- Boston, MA @ Paradise
May 23 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
May 24 -- New York, NY @ Webster Hall
May 26 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel

Published January 24th, 2017

The Jesus & Mary Chain's 'Psychocandy' exclusive colored vinyl edition

An exclusive colored vinyl edition of The Jesus & Mary Chain's seminal LP Psychocandy will be released on January 27th. The beautiful red and black edition will be available exclusively through Newbury Comics and is available to pre-order now. Quantities are limited to five copies per customer. Get ON this as this edition is expected to sell out quickly.

Published January 24th, 2017

PINS team up with Iggy Pop on new EP

PINS announced details for a new five song EP Bad Thing. The Manchester band teamed up with Iggy Pop on a track titled "Aggrophobe," which debuts on January 31st. Another highlight of the EP promises to be their cover of Joy Division's "Dead Souls." Bad Thing arrives March 24th and is available to pre-order on pink vinyl here.

Stream snippets of all five songs from the EP below:



1.Bad Thing
2.Aggrophobe feat. Iggy Pop
3.All Hail
4.In Nightmares
5.Dead Souls (Joy Division cover)

Published January 23rd, 2017

Elastica NOT reuniting, but there's a vinyl reissue in the works

Today Britpop fans went into overdrive daydreaming of an Elastica reunion. The reunion rumors started after sound mastering engineer Sean Magee innocently tweeted that he "cut a record" for Elastica. NME took it from there -- the mag dug up a few recent pictures of Elastica members hanging out in the studio and posted a story suggesting the band had reunited. After the story began to spread, Magee took to Twitter once again to rebuke the reunion rumors and clarify that he was working with Elastica on a reissue (vinyl reissue), not a new reunion album.

Cut a record for Elastica today, they hadn't seen each other for 20yrs. It's great to be there when moments like that happen

— sean magee (@iiirdsworld) January 20, 2017

I never said Elastica had reformed. I was cutting a reissue and they attended the cut. Typically the online press have assumed more

— sean magee (@iiirdsworld) January 23, 2017

So there you have it. No Elastica reunion, but a vinyl reissue is in the works. Read NME's report here.

By the way, Magee also revealed recently that he's been working with My Bloody Valentine on a reissue. See the tweets concerning MBV below:

Good productive session with MyBloodyValentine today. Vinyl is an interesting medium and can take a bit of fine tuning. Attention to detail

— sean magee (@iiirdsworld) November 3, 2016

@kristanreed I have no idea I'm afraid. When it's ready is my best guess

— sean magee (@iiirdsworld) January 7, 2017

Published January 23rd, 2017

Brian Jonestown Massacre premiere new single ft Tim Burgess

The Brian Jonestown Massacre are set to return with their 16th studio album Don't Get Lost on February 24th and from the sounds of it so far, the album is poised to be one of the year's best. Last week the psych legends debuted the album's sensational first single, "Groove Is In The Heart" featuring Tess Parks. Today saw the premiere of the second single "Fact 67" -- a sprawling hypnotic groove featuring the mighty Tim Burgess of The Charlatans (if this sounds familiar it's because a rough version of the song debuted last summer). Fantastic new music.

Delve into both of the adventurous new singles below and catch up with The Brian Jonestown Massacre here. Heads up: a third song from Don't Get Lost titled "Open Minds Now Close" is set to premiere January 27th.






Brian Jonestown Massacre - tour

Mar 04 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
Mar 07 -- Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
Mar 08 -- Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
Mar 09 -- Dallas, TX @ Trees

Published January 23rd, 2017

Post-punk stalwarts Wire mark 40th anniversary with new LP 'Silver/Lead'

Wire are unstoppable. The post-punk veterans are approaching their 40th anniversary, yet continue to belt out relevant, influential music. Just over the past few years they've released three critically acclaimed albums [Change Becomes Us (2013), Wire (2015) and Nocturnal Koreans (2016)]. And the string of excellence (and excitement) continues -- Wire announced they'll release their 15th studio album Silver/Lead on March 31st.

The release date coincides with the 40th anniversary of their debut live show (as a four piece)*, however Wire emphasize that the album is NOT a nostalgia trip:

"Silver/Lead is an album which has nothing to do with the past and everything to do with the future...it's about as far from nostalgia as you could get. This is the sound of a uniquely addictive 21st century psychedelic post-punk."

Silver/Lead will be released on CD, LP, and as a special edition set (80 page book with lyrics, color photos, new band interviews, and CD). Pre-order from Wire's store and stream the addictive new single "Short Elevated Period" below:



*Wire state that they chose Friday, March 31st as the release date for Silver/Lead because it is the closest available release day to coincide with the anniversary of their first gig as a four piece (April 1st, 1977). Albums are released globally on Fridays, so the actual anniversary date of April 1st (a Saturday) was not an option.

Published January 23rd, 2017

Slowdive announce North American mini-tour

Slowdive released the mesmerizing "Star Roving," their first new song in 22 years earlier this month. A full length album is expected to follow later this year, with the release date still to be announced.  Today Slowdive announced a string of North American tour dates that take place in early May, so it seems likely the new album is coming sooner rather than later.

Check out the dates below -- tickets for all of the shows go on sale Friday, January 27th.



Slowdive -- North American tour

Apr 29 -- Austin, TX @ Levitation (prev known as Austin Psych Fest)
May 02 -- St. Paul, MN @ Palace Theatre
May 03 -- Chicago, IL @ The Vic
May 05 -- Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
May 07 -- Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
May 08 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel

Published January 23rd, 2017

R.I.P. Jaki Liebezeit, Can founding member & drummer

Jaki Liebezeit of the influential krautrock band Can has died at the age of 78. The band (via their label Spoon) announced the tragic news last night:

"It is with great sadness we have to announce that Jaki passed away this morning from sudden pneumonia. He fell asleep peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. We will miss him hugely."

Though Can had several different lineups over the years, Liebezeit worked and played on all of their albums. In addition to his groundbreaking work with Can, he worked with other musicians and drum ensembles. Some of the better known artists he collaborated with include Neu!, Brian Eno, Depeche Mode, and Eurythmics.

Read The Guardian's piece on Liebezeit here.



Published January 23rd, 2017

Third Man Pressing opens February 25th

Third Man Records announced their high tech, environmentally friendly vinyl pressing plant is set to open February 25th. Third Man Pressing features eight newly built presses with state-of-the-art pressing machinery with the ability to accommodate 12" LPs and 7" singles. The plant will be used for Third Man releases, but also will be available to manufacture releases for other labels and artists. Another bonus -- competitive turnaround times (about 5000 records will be able to be produced per 8 hour shift) which translates into more vinyl releases on the market (currently wait times have been VERY long due to the shortage of pressing machinery).

A grand opening event is set to take place at the Third Man storefront on Canfield on February 25th. Stop by for a day full of live music, exclusive merchandise, and limited edition releases including newly pressed copies of The White Stripes' first two albums (The White Stripes and De Stijl) pressed on red vinyl. Plus bond with fellow vinyl fans and celebrate the addition of 50 new jobs for Detroiters.

Read more exciting news about Third Man Pressing here.

Stream new music from Stone Foundation ft Paul Weller on vocals

Paul Weller collaborated with the U.K. band Stone Foundation on their new album Street Rituals, which arrives March 31st. Weller produced the full album, co-wrote two songs, plus contributed guitar, piano, and vocals. The Modfather reveals in a statement:

"These are dark, dark times so I was glad to hear a positive voice and vibrations in the words and a joy in the music...what a pleasure and a privilege it was to work with these fellas.

"It's their best songwriting to date, and I just hope people get to hear it because there are some great tunes and I like the message on the record. I like the social comment, because you have so little of that these days."

The first single from the album features Weller on vocals. Stream the sweet sounds of "Your Balloon Is Rising" down below and find out more/pre-order here.

By the way, this is just a taste of what's to come from Weller in 2017. He composed the soundtrack to the film Jawbone which is due out in February, plus his 13th solo album A Kind Revolution arrives in May. Weller has even reportedly written half of ANOTHER new album (the follow up to A Kind Revolution), which he hopes to have out in 2018 in celebration of his 60th birthday. Catch up with everything Weller here.



Published January 19th, 2017

U2 announce additional shows for 'The Joshua Tree' tour

Tickets for the North American leg of U2's The Joshua Tree anniversary tour went on sale this morning and are moving fast. Some shows, including Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles sold out immediately. Due to popular demand, U2 announced additional (second and final) shows for three cities: Los Angeles, New Rutherford, and Chicago. Pre-sales for the new shows will start later this week and the general onsales kick off Monday, January 23rd. Visit U2's website for details.

U2 - The Joshua Tree 30th Anniversary Tour

May 12 -- Vancouver, BC @ BC Place Stadium (sold out)
May 14 -- Seattle, WA @ CenturyLink Field (sold out)
May 17 -- San Francisco, CA @ Levi's Stadium (sold out)
May 20 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Rose Bowl (sold out)
May 21 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Rose Bowl
May 24 -- Houston, TX @ NRG Stadium
May 26 -- Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium (sold out)
Jun 03 -- Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field (sold out)
Jun 04 -- Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field
Jun 07 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ Heinz Field
BONNAROO -- Manchester, TN -- (6/8 - 6/10)
Jun 11 -- Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium (sold out)
Jun 14 -- Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium
Jun 18 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Lincoln Financial Field (sold out)
Jun 20 -- Washington, DC @ FedEx Field (sold out)
Jun 23 -- Toronto, ON @ Rogers Centre (sold out)
Jun 25 -- Boston, MA @ Gillette Stadium (sold out)
Jun 28 -- East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium (sold out)
Jun 29 -- East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium
Jul 01 -- Cleveland, OH @ First Energy (sold out)

Published January 17th, 2017

Garbage announces 'This Is The Noise That Keeps Me Awake' coffee table book

Garbage announced details today for a coffee table book This Is The Noise That Keeps Me Awake. The 208 page book chronicles the band's 22 year history and includes photos from their personal collection and original text. This Is The Noise That Keeps Me Awake will be published on July 4th.

Garbage opened up pre-orders today for a limited edition package which includes a hardcover copy of the book (first 1000 copies will be signed/numbered) and exclusive 12" featuring previously unreleased live versions of "Milk," "You Look So Fine," "Cup Of Coffee," "Bleed Like Me," "Beloved Freak," and "Even Though Our Love Is Doomed" pressed on transparent vinyl. The book and vinyl are housed in a custom made collectible display box.

The limited edition This Is The Noise That Keeps Me Awake package ships June 19th -- two weeks before the publication date -- and is available to pre-order here.

Published January 17th, 2017

Radiohead U.S. tour

Radiohead lined up a handful of live dates surrounding Coachella. Tickets for the West coast tour go on sale January 20th with presales kicking off January 19th.



Radiohead U.S. tour

Mar 30 -- Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
Apr 01 -- Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena
Apr 03 -- New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center
Apr 05 -- Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
Apr 08 -- Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
Apr 09 -- Portland, OR @ Moda Center
Apr 11 -- Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
Apr 14 -- Indio, CA @ Coachella
Apr 17 -- Berkely, CA @ Greek Theatre
Apr 18 -- Berkely, CA @ Greek Theatre
Apr 21 -- Indio, CA @ Coachella

Published January 17th, 2017

Operators announce 2017 tour

Operators hit the road for a North American tour in support of their superb album Blue Wave. Go see them if they're hitting a city near you!



Dates are as below:

Mar 30 -- Ottawa, ON @ Zaphad Beeblebrox
Mar 31 -- Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
Apr 01 -- Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz
Apr 03 -- Alston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
Apr 04 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade
Apr 05 -- New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
Apr 06 -- Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
Apr 07 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe
Apr 08 -- Columbus, OH @ Ace Of Cups
Apr 13 -- Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop
Apr 14 -- Buffalo, NY @ The Waiting Room

Published January 17th, 2017

Today is Blue Monday

Today is Blue Monday, the day experts consider the most depressing and melancholy day of the year. Who knows if the experts are worth their salt, but in any event it's a great excuse to rock out to the most epic dance groove of all time.

Enjoy the official videos for "Blue Monday" below and read a feature about New Order's iconic anthem here.





Published January 16th, 2017

Billy Corgan on Smashing Pumpkins reunion: "there's a willingness to play"

This week Billy Corgan launched his new travelogue project Thirty Days, announced an acoustic collection titled 50 x 50, and the April release of a new solo album. In promotion of his new whirlwind of activity, he stopped by Chicago radio station The Loop to chat it up with radio host Mancow. During the interview Corgan revealed he's been talking to original members of Smashing Pumpkins about getting back together to play. According to Corgan, he's up for a reunion, but it's complicated:

"There's a willingness for us to play, but...also, the world's changed a lot since we didn't play...the reunion thing is always a bit weird because people come in with their expectations.

"My whole thing is, if we're going to do it, I think we do it to make people happy and not sort of go against the tide of what people would want to hear and that sort of stuff. But my interest is sort of limited -- I'm not going to do it for 14 years of my life"

Watch the video clip of the interview below:



Meanwhile, Corgan is going live with daily Thirty Days updates on Periscope and Facebook so fans can follow along on his journey. Archives of the updates are posted on the Smashing Pumpkins You Tube channel and available to view below:







Published January 14th, 2017

R.I.P. Bronski Beat keyboardist Larry Steinbachek

Bronski Beat keyboardist Larry Steinbachek has died at the age of 56. The news has been confirmed by Steinbachek's sister Louise Jones, who revealed to the BBC that Steinbachek died from cancer last month.

Bronski Beat rose to fame in 1984 after the release of "Smalltown Boy," which became a massive hit worldwide and tackled the subject of homophobia.

After Bronski Beat broke up, Steinbachek went on to develop and work on other musical projects.

R.I.P.



Published January 12th, 2017

Iggy Pop/Danger Mouse team up for "Gold"

Iggy Pop and Danger Mouse worked together previously on the Sparklehorse posthumous release Dark Night Of The Soul. The pair teamed up again to collaborate on a song for the upcoming crime adventure film Gold. The song, also titled "Gold," premiered today and is full of all sorts of spaghetti-western goodness. Stream it below via Pitchfork.



Gold opens in theaters on January 27th and the soundtrack is scheduled for a February 17th release. The tracklisting for Gold soundtrack has not yet been revealed.

Published January 12th, 2017

Nova Nova/Joy Division "Love Will Tear Us Apart" limited edition 7"

Over 10 years ago Marc Durif of French electronic project Nova Nova created a mix of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" featuring the original Ian Curtis vocal paired with acoustic piano. Durif sat on the mix for some time but eventually sent a copy to Peter Hook, who loved the mix (Hook would later collaborate with Nova Nova on the 2013 track "Low Ends"). After gaining approval from Joy Division's management and label, the haunting arrangement was released in 2016 as a very limited edition 7" single pressed on blue vinyl, which sold out immediately.

Fans who missed out on the release have another shot at a physical edition of the single. Five hundred copies of the Nova Nova/Joy Division 7" have just been repressed -- this time on white vinyl -- and will be released on January 20th.  Pre-order a copy while supplies last through Rough Trade.

Stream Nova Nova's mix of "Love Will Tear Us Apart" below:



If you've never had the pleasure of Nova Nova's "Low Ends" featuring Peter Hook, enjoy below:



Published January 12th, 2017

Slowdive return with "Star Roving"

Slowdive delighted fans in 2014 when they announced their reunion, and since then the shoegaze titans have given fans the ultimate gift of stunning live shows. Today the reunion advances to the next amazing level as Slowdive return with new music -- their first new song in 22 years.

Prepare for eternal bliss: "Star Roving" features everything you've come to expect -- dreamy vocals and expansive swirling guitars.



And the good news keeps coming. Though Slowdive haven't announced details for a new album, they've been working on "a bunch of new tracks" so it seems like only a matter of time before we hear a new album.

Read Slowdive's official statement below and download "Star Roving" from Bandcamp

"When the band decided to get back together in 2014 we really wanted to make new music. It’s taken us a whole load of shows and a few false starts to get to that point, but it’s with pride and a certain trepidation we unleash "Star Roving". We really hope folks enjoy it, it’s part of a bunch of new tracks we’ve been working on and it feels as fun, and as relevant playing together now as it did when we first started."

Published January 12th, 2017

Peter Hook 'Substance: Inside New Order' U.S. release & book tour

Peter Hook released Substance: Inside New Order in the U.K. to rave reviews last year, and his dishy New Order memoir will be released in the United States on January 31st.

Hooky's third memoir is a no-holds barred, dirt-dishing tome, focusing on the (sometimes tumultuous and sordid) history of one of the best and most important and influential bands in alt rock. Substance: Inside New Order includes exclusive photos and archival images from Hook's personal collection, and is a captivating page-turner that will keep you gripped and entertained until the very end. The book may be 768 pages, but don't let the length fool you, this is a FAST and intriguing read!

Pre-order Substance: Inside New Order here.

Peter Hook will be heading to the U.S. on a book tour in promotion of Substance: Inside New Order. The dates are posted below:



Peter Hook - U.S. book tour

Feb 1 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus Bar* in conjunction w/ Word Bookstores
Feb 2 -- Huntington, NY @ Book Revue^
Feb 3 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent Theatre* in conjunction w/ Book Soup
Feb 4 -- San Francisco, CA @ JCC of San Francisco *

*ticketed event/Q & A followed by book signing
^open to public, brief remarks followed by book signing

Published January 10th, 2017

Bowie Forever

Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of David Bowie. Bowie's influence lives on as his unparalleled innovation and body of work continue to inspire and amaze the world. His music and his very essence is eternal. Bowie forever.



Bowie's website is featuring a collection of drawings by artist Helen Green, who created an illustration of Bowie for each of his studio albums. Check out the stunning collection here.

Jan 10th, 2016 NYC Skyline #ForeverAndEver #ForeverLove #BowieForever pic.twitter.com/fQhtoxYWlv

— Iman Abdulmajid (@The_Real_IMAN) January 10, 2017

Published January 10th, 2017

Buzzcocks announce limited edition MK.1 boxset

Buzzcocks announced the release of a limited edition boxset in celebration of the 40th anniversary of their debut release. Limited to 1000 copies, MK.1 comes hand numbered and housed in a rigid box with lift off lid. The contents of the box include Buzzcocks' four track EP Spiral Scratch (originally released January 29th, 1977), a heavyweight 12" edition of Time's Up, download card, print of the original Spiral Scratch recording tape box, fanzine, photo prints, and other memorabilia.

MK.1 arrives March 10th and is available to pre-order here.

MK.1 includes:

*Spiral Scratch 7" (standard edition) vinyl, CD
*Time's Up Heavyweight 12" vinyl, CD
*Download card with audio for Spiral Scratch & Time's Up
*Video download of "Breakdown" (live from Lesser Free Trade Hall, Manchester)
*Shy Talk Fanzine No. 4 ft contributions from Richard Boon, Malcolm Garrett, Kevin Cummins, Clinton Heylin & Denise Shaw
*Buzzcocks Chronology (1976-77) A4 booklet
*Print of original Spiral Scratch recording tape box
*Postcard flyers (7)
*Photo prints (5)
*Pins (3)
*Posters (2)



Published January 9th, 2017

U2 announce The Joshua Tree 30th Anniversary Tour

U2 announced details for The Joshua Tree 30th anniversary tour today. The band will celebrate the seminal album's 30th anniversary by performing the classic album in full for the very first time on the road in North America and Europe. The full tour itinerary is listed down below.

In a press statement The Edge explained U2's decision to perform the album in full on tour: The Joshua Tree was written in the mid-Eighties -- a time of global and political upheaval. Considering the world's current political climate, the band feels the album's message still resonates:

"To celebrate the album - as these songs seem so relevant and prescient of these times too - we decided to do these shows, it feels right for now. We’re looking forward to it."

Bono added:

"Recently I listened back to The Joshua Tree for the first time in nearly 30 years. It’s quite an opera. A lot of emotions which feel strangely current, love, loss, broken dreams, seeking oblivion, polarisation… all the greats... I’ve sung some of these songs a lot… but never all of them. I’m up for it"

Read more about the tour here.



Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and One Republic will serve as openers in North America; Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds open the UK/Euro dates.

The general onsale for tickets in North America is Tuesday, January 17th; presales kick off Wednesday, January 11th. Ticket/pre-sale info is posted here.

Please note: U2 confirmed they're playing Bonnaroo -- details will be announced Wednesday, January 11th. [Perhaps the festival will be renamed BONOroo this year in honor of U2. Maybe.]

U2 - The Joshua Tree 30th Anniversary Tour

May 12 -- Vancouver, BC @ BC Place Stadium
May 14 -- Seattle, WA @ CenturyLink Field
May 17 -- San Francisco, CA @ Levi's Stadium
May 20 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Rose Bowl
May 24 -- Houston, TX @ NRG Stadium
May 26 -- Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium
Jun 03 -- Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field
Jun 07 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ Heinz Field
Jun 11 -- Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium
Jun 14 -- Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium
Jun 18 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Lincoln Financial Field
Jun 20 -- Washington, DC @ FedEx Field
Jun 23 -- Toronto, ON @ Rogers Centre
Jun 25 -- Boston, MA @ Gillette Stadium
Jun 28 -- East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium
Jul 01 -- Cleveland, OH @ First Energy
Jul 08 -- London, UK @ Twickenham Stadium
Jul 12 -- Berlin, DE @ Olympic Stadium
Jul 15 -- Rome, IT @ Olympic Stadium
Jul 18 -- Barcelona, ES @ Olympic Stadium
Jul 22 -- Dublin, IE @ Croke Park
Jul 25 -- Paris, FR @ Stade De France
Jul 29 -- Amsterdam, NL @ Amsterdam Arena
Aug 01 -- Brussels, BE @ Stade Roi-Baudoin

Published January 9th, 2017

David Bowie releases 'No Plan' EP

Even after his death, the legend continues to astound and amaze. David Bowie just surprise-dropped a new EP. The link for the No Plan EP was posted on social media at 7pm ET which is midnight GMT -- January 8th, aka Bowie's birthday.

The No Plan EP features four songs: "Lazarus" which was previously released on 2016's Blackstar, and his three final tracks -- "No Plan," "Killing A Little Time," and "When I Met You" -- which were previously released on the 2016 Lazarus Cast Album, though were unavailable on streaming services, and were not issued as individual downloads.

The No Plan EP is available to download and stream now.

Check out the official video for "No Plan" below:



1. Lazarus
2. No Plan
3. Killing A Little Time
4. When I Met You

Published January 7th, 2017

'Singles' soundtrack celebrates 25th anniversary with 2CD/3LP set

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the universally beloved Singles soundtrack and film. The Generation X classic was directed by Cameron Crowe and featured a solid array of grunge anthems from Screaming Trees, Mother Love Bone, Alice In Chains, Paul Westerberg and more. Though the soundtrack has been reissued previously, a new expanded deluxe anniversary edition will be released February 17th. This new anniversary edition will include original material plus an extra disc featuring demos and bonus material from the movie, and comes as a 2 CD or 3 LP set. 

View the tracklistings below via Amazon UK.

2CD edition

01. Alice In Chains "Would?"
02. Pearl Jam "Breath"
03. Chris Cornell "Seasons"
04. Paul Westerberg "Dyslexic Heart"
05. The Lovemongers "Battle Of Evermore"
06. Mother Love Bone "Chloe Dancer/Crown Of Thorns"
07. Soundgarden "Birth Ritual"
08. Pearl Jam "State Of Love & Trust"
09. Mudhoney "Overblown"
10. Paul Westerberg "Waiting For Somebody"
11. Jimi Hendrix "May This Be Love"
12. Screaming Trees "Nearly Lost You"
13. Smashing Pumpkins "Drown"

01. Citizen Dick "Touch Me I'm Dick"
02. Chris Cornell "Nowhere But You"
03. Chris Cornell "Spoon Man"
04. Chris Cornell "Flutter Girl"
05. Chris Cornell "Missing"
06. Alice In Chains "Would?"
07. Alice In Chains "It Ain't Like That"
08. Soundgarden "Birth Ritual"
09. Paul Westerberg "Dyslexic Heart"
10. Paul Westerberg "Waiting For Somebody"
11. Mudhoney "Overblown"
12. Truly "Heart And Lungs"
13. Blood Circus "Six Foot Under"
14. Mike McCready "Singles Blues 1"
15. Paul Westerberg "Blue Heart"
16. Paul Westerberg "Lost In Emily's Woods"
17. Chris Cornell "Ferry Boat #3"
18. Chris Cornell "Score Piece #4"


3 LP edition

1. Alice In Chains "Would?"
2. Pearl Jam "Breath"
3. Chris Cornell "Seasons"

1. Paul Westerberg "Dyslexic Heart"
2. The Lovemongers "Battle Of Evermore"
3. Mother Love Bone "Chloe Dancer/Crown Of Thorns"

1. Soundgarden "Birth Ritual"
2. Pearl Jam "State Of Love & Trust"
3. Mudhoney "Overblown"
4. Paul Westerberg "Waiting For Somebody"

1. Jimi Hendrix "May This Be Love"
2. Screaming Trees "Nearly Lost You"
3. Smashing Pumpkins "Drown"

01. Citizen Dick "Touch Me I'm Dick"
02. Chris Cornell "Nowhere But You"
03. Chris Cornell "Spoon Man"
04. Chris Cornell "Flutter Girl"
05. Chris Cornell "Missing"
06. Alice In Chains "Would?"
07. Alice In Chains "It Ain't Like That"
08. Soundgarden "Birth Ritual"
09. Paul Westerberg "Dyslexic Heart"
10. Paul Westerberg "Waiting For Somebody"
11. Mudhoney "Overblown"
12. Truly "Heart And Lungs"
13. Blood Circus "Six Foot Under"
14. Mike McCready "Singles Blues 1"
15. Paul Westerberg "Blue Heart"
16. Paul Westerberg "Lost In Emily's Woods"
17. Chris Cornell "Ferry Boat #3"
18. Chris Cornell "Score Piece #4"

Published January 7th, 2017

'Gimme Danger - The Story of The Stooges' DVD & soundtrack set for release

Last year Gimme Danger, the Jim Jarmusch-directed documentary about the Stooges premiered and enjoyed a theatrical run in Detroit and other major cities. The film will be released on DVD and as digital rental/on demand viewing on January 31st while the soundtrack to the critically acclaimed film will be released on February 24th.

The soundtrack features Stooges classics along with a few outtakes from the early aborted Raw Power session. The CD/digital version also includes tracks from Iggy Pop's pre-Stooges bands The Iguanas and Prime Movers, as well as one song from the legendary MC5. The vinyl edition omits the pre-Stooges bands and MC5, but does include the outtakes as well as Bowie's mix of "Gimme Danger." 

View the tracklistings below and pre-order through Amazon.

Gimme Danger - The Story of the Stooges (CD edition)

01. Iggy & The Stooges - "Gimme Danger" (Bowie mix)
02. The Stooges "No Fun" (remastered)
03. The Stooges "I Wanna Be Your Dog" (remastered)
04. The Stooges "1969" (remastered)
05. The Stooges "Little Doll" (remastered)
06. The Stooges "Down On The Street"
07. The Stooges "Loose"
08. Iggy & The Stooges "I Got A Right" (outtake from early aborted Raw Power session)
09. Iggy & The Stooges "I'm Sick Of You" (outtake from early aborted Raw Power session)
10. MC5 "Ramblin' Rose"
11. The Iguanas "Again And Again"
12. Prime Movers "I'm A Man"
13. The Stooges "Lost In The Future" (Take 1)
14. The Stooges "Asthma Attack"

Gimme Danger - The Story of the Stooges (LP edition)

Side One

1. Iggy & The Stooges "Gimme Danger" (Bowie Mix)
2. The Stooges "I Wanna Be Your Dog" (remastered)
3. The Stooges "Loose"
4. The Stooges "No Fun" (remastered)
5. The Stooges "Asthma Attack"

Side Two

1. Iggy & The Stooges "I Got A Right" (outtake from early aborted Raw Power session)
2. The Stooges "Down On The Street"
3. The Stooges "Lost In The Future" (Take 1)
4. Iggy & The Stooges "I'm Sick Of You" (outtake from early aborted Raw Power session)
5. The Stooges "1969" (remastered)

Published January 7th, 2017

David Bowie limited edition 40th anniversary 'Sound And Vision' picture disc

To commemorate its 40th anniversary, a limited edition picture disc of David Bowie's Sound And Vision will be released February 10th. "Sound And Vision" was first released on the seminal album Low in January 1977 and was later released as a single in the U.K. on February 11th, 1977. The anniversary picture disc will feature a newly remastered version of the single as the A side, and the Sony Experia mix will serve as the AA side.

FYI: The Sony Experia mix of "Sound And Vision" is a lovely stripped down version reworked from the original stems, leaving only Bowie's voice backed by piano. It was featured in an advertising campaign in 2013 and subsequently released digitally, however it will enjoy its first physical release next month.

Pre-order the 40th anniversary Sound And Vision picture disc here.



Published January 7th, 2017

ADULT. return with new LP 'Detroit House Guests' ft Douglas McCarthy & Michael Gira

ADULT. return with their highly anticipated record Detroit House Guests March 17th on Mute. The Detroit synth-groove duo announced the new collaborative album features a ton of guests including Nitzer Ebb's Douglas J McCarthy and Michael Gira of Swans. So far pre-order info isn't available, but you can stream their gyrating dancefloor anthem "They're Just Words" featuring Douglas McCarthy below:



And here's the album trailer



ADULT. are set to headline day 2 of Detroit's Barely Human Festival February 11th at El Club. The three day festival also includes Black Marble, Ritual Howls, YOU., ESG and many more awesomely noisy post-punk/industrial/darkwave bands. For more info on the festival head here and grab tickets here.

Published January 5th, 2017

The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu (aka The KLF) return

The KLF are back in action! In their own special JAMs/Timelords/KLF way, the revolutionary duo posted a photo/statement confirming the news "the Justified Ancients Of Mu Mu are currently at work in their light industrial unit. This work will not be made public until the 23rd of August 2017." View the photo and/or read the text below. Gotta love that the statement begins with a nod to the JAMs debut album 1987 (What The Fuck Is Going On).

Bill Drummond and Jim Cauty have recorded under several pseudonyms over the years -- including the JAMs, Timelords, the KLF, K2, and K Foundation.  After attaining commerical success with The White Room, Drummond and Cauty deleted most of their back catalog in 1992 though re-emerged years later using different pseudonyms. They also published a highly entertaining book about the music industry titled The Manual: How To Have A Number One The Easy Way which is out of print, but some websites/blogs have published the text (google at your own risk).

pic.twitter.com/TFvvBTDSb4

— official (@K2PLANTHIRE) January 5, 2017

2017: WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?

It is almost 23 years since The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu announced a self imposed and self important 23 year moratorium. The reasons for the moratorium have now been lost in time, space and a rusting shipping container somewhere near Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station.

What is known is:

The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu have zero involvement with any video clips, files, recorded music, documentary productions, biographies, West End musicals or social media chatter relating to the letters K L or F, now, or at any other time over these previous 23 years

Furthermore:

The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu have no interest in anything that seeks to comment on, bounce off, glorify, debunk or resurrect their historical work.

The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu are currently at work in their light industrial unit. This work will not be made public until the 23rd of August 2017.

Published January 5th, 2017

Post punk: Brandenburg 'Cold Nights' EP

Fear frosty evenings no more, for Brandenburg will warm your heart, mind, and body. Hot off the release of their 2016 album The Foreign Lines, Moscow's Brandenburg have returned with a new EP titled Cold Nights. Part simmering post-punk, part sleek indie, this four track EP is full of intriguing moments. Bonus points also awarded for the use of soothing sax sounds on the final song "That's Not The Point At All." Highly recommended.

Stream below and download from Bandcamp.



Catch up with Brandenburg on Facebook and Twitter.

Published January 4th, 2017