Peter Murphy brings '40 Years of Bauhaus Ruby Celebration' ft David J to North America

A fitting announcement for Halloween:

Peter Murphy revealed the dates for the North American leg of his Bauhaus Ruby Celebration Tour, which also features ex-bandmate David J (David J Haskins) on bass. The tour will take place in January and February prior to Murphy's previously scheduled/long delayed San Francisco residency.

Don't miss Murphy and Haskins performing Bauhaus' debut album In The Flat Field in full followed by "an extended encore" of Bauhaus classics. The tour includes a Detroit stop February 19th at St. Andrew's Hall -- the pre-sale kicks off tomorrow morning at 10am (password: MIXTAPE) and the general onsale is this Friday, November 2nd.

As previously reported Bauhaus are reissuing their back catalog on colored vinyl in celebration of their 40th anniversary. In The Flat Field and Mask were issued last week; Press The Eject And Give Me The Tape and The Sky's Gone Out are scheduled for November 23rd; Burning From The Inside and Crackle are set for December 7th. Meanwhile a new EP titled The Bela Sessions featuring material from their first recording session in 1979 is due out November 23rd.

Peter Murphy - Ruby Celebration Tour

Jan 16 –- Anaheim CA @ City National Grove of Anaheim
Jan 18 -- Portland OR @ Roseland Theatre
Jan 19 –- Vancouver BC @ Vogue Theatre
Jan 20 –- Seattle WA @ The Neptune
Jan 22 –- Salt Lake City UT – Venue TBA
Jan 24 –- San Diego CA @ The Observatory North Park
Jan 25 –- Phoenix AZ @ The Van Buren
Jan 26 –- Albuquerque NM @ Sunshine Theater
Jan 27 –- Oklahoma City OK @ Tower Theatre
Jan 28 –- Kansas City MO @ The Truman
Jan 30 –- Dallas TX @ Granada Theater
Jan 31 –- Austin TX @ Paramount Theater
Feb 01 -– San Antonio TX @ Paper Tiger
Feb 02 -– Houston TX @ White Oak Music Hall
Feb 04 -– New Orleans LA @ Civic Theatre
Feb 06 -– Miami FL @ The Ground at Club Space
Feb 07 -– Orlando FL @ Plaza Live
Feb 08 -– Atlanta GA @ The Masquerade
Feb 09 -– Carrboro NC @ Cats Cradle
Feb 11 -– Baltimore MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
Feb 12 -– Philadelphia PA @ Union Transfer
Feb 14 -– New York NY @ Terminal 5
Feb 15 -– Worcester MA @ The Palladium
Feb 16 -– Montreal QC @ Corona Theatre
Feb 17 -– Toronto ON @ Phoenix Theatre
Feb 19 -– Detroit MI @ St Andrews Hall
Feb 21 -– Columbus OH @ Columbus Athenaeum
Feb 22 -– Chicago IL @ Rockefeller Chapel
Feb 26 -– Denver CO @ Oriental Theater
Feb 28 -– Los Angeles CA @ The Novo DTLA

Peter Murphy - The Chapel Residency March 2019

Mar 05 -- Should The World Fail To Fall Apart
Mar 08 -- Love Hysteria 8pm / Love Hysteria 11pm
Mar 09 -- Deep
Mar 10 -- Deep
Mar 11 -- Deep
Mar 14 -- Deep / Love Hysteria encore
Mar 15 -- Cascade 8pm / Holy Smoke 11pm
Mar 18 -- Stripped
Mar 19 -- Dust 7pm / Ninth 10 pm
Mar 21 -- Mr. Moonlight
Mar 22 -- Mr. Moonlight
Mar 23 -- Mr. Moonlight

Published October 31st, 2018

Ministry shares acoustic performance of "Everyday Is Halloween"

Al Jourgensen appeared on Dave Navarro's online program Dark Matter Radio earlier this month in promotion of Ministry's upcoming tour and latest album. During the show Jourgensen performed an acoustic version of "Everyday Is Halloween." Today Ministry shared video of the instudio performance which is available to view below. Stream the Dark Matter Radio archives here.

Happy Halloween!!! A small treat for ya! Al performs “Every Day is Halloween” acoustic with Dave Navarro and Dan Cleary. Check out Dave Navarro’s Dark Matter Radio on iTunes if you missed it#MinistryBand #WeAreMinistry #Ministry #AlJourgensen #DaveNavarro #EverydayIsHalloween pic.twitter.com/IrhdDSc22L

— Ministry (@WeAreMinistry) October 31, 2018

Ministry - North American tour

Nov 21 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
Nov 23 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
Nov 24 -- Denver, CO @ Fillmore
Nov 27 -- Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre
Nov 29 -- Joliet, IL @ The Forge
Nov 30 -- Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
Dec 01 -- Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theater
Dec 02 -- Toronto, ON @ Rebel
Dec 04 -- Rochester, NY @ Anthology
Dec 05 -- Washington, DC @ Fillmore
Dec 06 -- New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Dec 07 -- New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Dec 08 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
Dec 10 -- Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
Dec 11 -- Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theater
Dec 12 -- Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey
Dec 13 -- Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston
Dec 14 -- San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater
Dec 16 -- Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee
Dec 18 -- San Diego, CA @ House of Blues San Diego
Dec 20 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda
Dec 21 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda

Published October 31st, 2018

Massive Attack touring 'Mezzanine' with Elizabeth Fraser in 2019

Massive Attack are set to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Mezzanine in a glorious way. Today they announced details for a 2019 world tour titled Mezzanine XXI, which an entirely new audio/visual production that will see the band performing a re-imagined version of the classic album. They've described the tour as "a one off piece of work; our own personalized nostalgia nightmare head trip."

Here's the big news: the tour will feature collaborators/special guests including Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins. Though Fraser has performed a few one-off shows over the last several years, she has not been on a proper tour in 12 years!

Massive Attack kick off Mezzanine XXI in January in the UK and Europe; the North American leg of the tour will be announced next week and is expected to take place in March. Pitchfork is reporting the North American leg includes stops in Detroit, Toronto, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Philadelphia, Washington, and St. Louis.

UPDATE: North American tour itinerary announced today; Detroit show takes place March 22nd at Masonic Temple, pre-sale starts November 7th.

Massive Attack release an expanded 20th anniversary edition of Mezzanine next month with newly remastered edition of the original content along with bonus material including previously unreleased mixes by Mad Professor. The collection is available to pre-order on 3LP (triple vinyl) or 2CD.



Published October 30th, 2018

Necropolis: A Very Classic Alternative Halloween

Presenting Necropolis: A Very Classic Alternative Halloween

This week we take a journey into the darkness with Necropolis: A Very Classic Alternative Halloween. Beware: this program features classics, less-celebrated tracks and a few downright creepy ones. Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.


For a second helping of spookish and haunting musical delights, relive the 2017 episode Death Rattle: A Very Classic Alternative Halloween below:


Obviously dark and spooky certainly isn't for everyone.

If Halloween is not your style, you may want to stream Classic Alternative - Episode #12: flip...


...or catch up with last week's show Classic Alternative - Episode #78 Quarantine:

Swervedriver announce 'Future Ruins' + issue new single

Swervedriver officially announced the release of their sixth studio record, Future Ruins. The highly anticipated record follows the release of their stellar reunion album, 2015's I Wasn't Born To Lose You, and will be released on January 25th. Swervedriver have been sharing updates with fans via their Pledge Music campaign, but today made the info widely available plus officially issued the first taste of the album, a song titled "Mary Winter."

Stream "Mary Winter" below and head here to pre-order.



Published October 25th, 2018

Ian Brown announces new LP 'Ripples' + unleashes "First World Problems"

Ian Brown has unleashed his first solo material in 9 years. Today The Stone Roses leader issued "First World Problems," which serves as the first single from his forthcoming full length Ripples. Brown's seventh studio album follows the release of 2009's My Way and is truly a solo effort - he produced the album, plays several instruments including guitar and drums, and created the artwork.

Ripples arrives on March 1st and is available to pre-order now. Head here to check out the options and stream "First World Problems" below:



Published October 25th, 2018

Clan Of Xymox announce 'Twist Of Shadows' reissue + tour

Clan Of Xymox (aka Xymox) have announced the re-release of their third album Twist Of Shadows. The album was originally released in 1989 and features some of their best known songs including "Obsession" and "Blind Hearts." The record will be reissued with bonus material -- the double LP edition pressed on translucent red vinyl includes 5 bonus tracks and arrives November 9th; the double CD edition features 10 bonus tracks and is out December 7th.

View the pre-order options here. Stream the bonus track "Obsession" (Club Mix) and view tracklistings below.

Clan Of Xymox return to the road for a new tour of North America next week. Dates can be found below.



Clan Of Xymox - North American tour

Oct 31 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero: Dracula’s Ball
Nov 01 -- Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
Nov 02 -- Las Vegas, NV @ Bunkhouse
Nov 03 -- San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
Nov 04 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex
Nov 05 -- Tustin, CA @ Marty's on Newport
Nov 07 -- San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
Nov 09 -- Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Nov 10 -- Portland, OR @ Star Theater
Nov 11 -- Portland, OR @ Star Theater
Nov 12 -- Vancouver, BC @ Venue
Nov 14 -- Calgary, AB @ Dickens
Dec 01 -- Mexico City, MX @ Lunario

Twist Of Shadows - 2LP edition

SIDE A

Evelyn
Obsession
Craving
Blind Hearts

SIDE B

The River
A Million Things
Tonight
Imagination

SIDE C

In The City
Clementina
Senses Coalesce - Bonus
Promises - Bonus

SIDE D

Obsession (Club Mix) - Bonus
Blind Hearts (Club Mix) - Bonus
Shame - Bonus

Twist Of Shadows - 2CD edition

CD 1

Evelyn
Obsession
Craving
Blind Hearts
The River
A Million Things
Tonight
Imagination
In The City
Clementina
Senses Coalesce - Bonus
Promises - Bonus

CD 2

Obsession (Club Mix) - Bonus
Blind Hearts (Club Mix) - Bonus
Imagination (Dance Mix) - Bonus
Shame - Bonus
Hitch-Hikers Dance Guide - Bonus
Imagination (Dub Mix) - Bonus
Obsession (Edit) - Bonus
Imagination (Edit) - Bonus

Published October 24th, 2018

Bob Mould announces 'Sunshine Rock' LP + North American tour

The legendary Bob Mould has announced he'll release a new album titled Sunshine Rock on February 8th. The album has been described as a "personal" album and Mould's "catchiest and grabbiest" album since Sugar's Copper Blue. The record features strings by the Prague TV Orchestra (composed/arranged by Mould) plus a cover of Shocking Blue's "Send Me A Postcard."  The majority of the record was written while Mould was in Berlin:

"I started spending time in Berlin in 2015, found an apartment in 2016, and became a resident in 2017. My time in Berlin has been a life changing experience. The winter days are long and dark, but when the sun comes back, all spirits lift."

Though no less than three of the songs on the record include the word "sunshine" or "sunny" in the titles, the album isn't completely sunny and optimistic; it's been confirmed that there are some dark moments to vibe to as well.

Stream the first single/title track below and head here to pre-order Sunshine Rock.

Mould hits the road in support of Sunshine Rock in North America in February. Check out the tour itinerary below.



Bob Mould - North American tour

Feb 14 -- Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Feb 15 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Feb 16 -- Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
Feb 18 -- Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
Feb 19 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls
Feb 21 -- New York, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
Feb 22 -- Chicago, IL @ Metro
Feb 23 -- Chicago, IL @ Metro
Feb 25 -- Ft. Collins, CO @ Washington's
Feb 26 -- Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre
Mar 01 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom
Mar 02 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
Mar 30 -- Minneapolis, MN @ The Palace
Mar 31 -- St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
Apr 02 -- Dallas, TX @ Granada
Apr 03 -- Austin, TX @ Mohawk
Apr 05 -- Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
Apr 06 -- Seattle, WA @ Neumos
Apr 07 -- Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw

Published October 24th, 2018

TOY return with new LP 'Happy In The Hollow'

Indie psychedelic/krautrock heroes TOY return with their fourth full length album Happy In The Hollow on January 25th. The album features 11 tracks including the tracks issued previously in September as a limited edition double A-side single ("The Willow"/"Energy"). Along with the album news TOY premiered the first official single from the record, a track titled "Sequence One." Stream below and head here to pre-order.



Published October 24th, 2018

The Good, The Bad & The Queen announce new LP 'Merrie Land'

Esteemed producer Tony Visconti revealed earlier in the year that a new studio album from The Good, The Bad & The Queen would be out sometime before 2019. Visconti did not lead us astray.

Today the supergroup which features Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Simon Tong, and afrobeat drummer Tony Allen announced their second studio album Merrie Land will be released on November 16th. Stream the title track below and head here to pre-order.



Published October 23rd, 2018

Bryan Ferry announces new LP 'Bitter-Sweet'

Bryan Ferry announced he'll release a new studio album Bryan Ferry And His Orchestra - Bitter Sweet on November 30th. The 13 track album was inspired by Ferry's work on television series Babylon Berlin and includes 1920's ragtime/blues/jazz reinterpretations of classic songs from Roxy Music and Ferry's solo catalog.

View the tracklisting below and head to Ferry's store to pre-order (deluxe edition and signed copies also available).

UPDATE (10/26): Ferry has premiered "Reason Or Rhyme" from Bitter Sweet. Stream below:



01. Alphaville
02. Reason Or Rhyme
03. Sign Of The Times
04. New Town
05. Limbo
06. Bitter-Sweet
07. Dance Away
08. Zamba
09. Sea Breezes
10. While My Heart Is Still Beating
11. Bitters End
12. Chance Meeting
13. Boys And Girls

Published October 23rd, 2018

NIN share "Ahead Of Ourselves" video

Nine Inch Nails released a performance video this week for "Ahead Of Ourselves." The studio version of the track is found on the new EP Bad Witch, which was released in June. Check out the trippy and intense live video, shot in black and white below.

Nine Inch Nails return to the Fox Theatre tonight to play the second Detroit show on the Cold and Black and Infinite tour with The Jesus and Mary Chain serving as the opening act.



Cold and Black and Infinite tour

Oct 23 -- Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
Oct 25 -- Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom
Oct 26 -- Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom
Oct 27 -- Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom
Nov 19 -- Mexico City, MX @ Plaza Condesa
Nov 23 -- New Orleans, LA @ Saenger Theatre
Nov 24 -- New Orleans, LA @ Saenger Theatre
Nov 25 -- New Orleans, LA @ Saenger Theatre
Nov 27 -- Irving, TX @ The Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory
Nov 28 -- Irving, TX @ The Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory
Dec 03 -- San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Dec 04 -- San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Dec 07 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Palladium
Dec 08 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Palladium
Dec 11 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Palladium
Dec 12 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Palladium
Dec 14 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Palladium
Dec 15 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Palladium

Published October 23rd, 2018

Classic Alternative - Episode #78: Quarantine

Presenting Classic Alternative - Episode #78: Quarantine

Featuring classics from Buzzcocks, Killing Joke, Nine Inch Nails, Lloyd Cole, Revolver, Buffalo Tom, The The, New Order, The Jam, and The Cure.

Stream below or here and check out the full archive of episodes here or here.

'80s Symphonic' LP ft songs from David Bowie, Ultravox, Echo, Simple Minds + more

A new compilation titled 80s Symphonic featuring 80s hits backed by a 50 piece symphonic orchestra will be released on November 9th. The album includes David Bowie's classic "Let's Dance" (re-arranged by Nile Rodgers), along with classics from Echo & The Bunnymen, Ultravox, Howard Jones, Simple Minds, and more. The songs do not include new vocals -- they are the original 80s vox and tracks newly embellished by a 50 piece orchestra.

It should go without saying, but just to emphasize: Ultravox's version of "Vienna" is NOT the one Midge Ure released on his album Orchestrated; similarly, Echo's "The Killing Moon" is not the version found on the newly released album The Stars, The Oceans and The Moon.

A digital release is planned for November 9th. Stream a-ha's "Take On Me" from the collection below and pre-order here:



01. David Bowie -- Let's Dance (Nile Rodgers' String Version)
02. a-ha -- Take On Me
03. Simple Minds - Alive and Kicking
04. Ultravox - Vienna
05. Echo & The Bunnymen - The Killing Moon
06. Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy
07. Howard Jones - What Is Love
08. Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It
09. Simply Red - Holding Back The Years
10. Chris Rea - Josephine
11. Chicago - Hard Habit To Break
12. Roxette - It Must Have Been Love
13. Foreigner - I Want To Know What Love Is
14. The Cars - Drive
15. Pretenders - 2000 Miles

Published October 18th, 2018

Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Ian McCulloch + more honored at Q Awards

Q held their annual awards ceremony in London earlier today and classic alternative legends represented and cleaned up. 

Noel Gallagher beat out brother Liam for Best Solo Artist. Noel ribbed Liam during his acceptance speech stating, "if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be a fucking solo artist in the first place."

Bono from U2 later presented Gallagher with his second award of the evening - Outstanding Contribution to Music.



Meanwhile Iggy Pop and Underworld's "Bells and Circles" won Best Track; Paul Weller was named Best Act in the World Today; Brett Anderson of Suede was honored with Q's Lifetime Achievement award; Nile Rodgers was named Q Legend and during his acceptance speech paid tribute to Roxy Music for inspiring him; Lawrence of Felt won his first award ever: Q Maverick, and Ian McCulloch was crowned Q Icon.

Head over to Q for the full list of winners.







Published October 17th, 2018
Updated with video October 18th, 2018

Peter Hook speaks candidly about his battle with depression

Peter Hook appeared on Sky News today for an interview to discuss his upcoming Joy Division Orchestrated production. The interview went on to take a more serious tone as Hooky talked about Joy Division, Ian Curtis, and candidly shared his own personal experiences with depression and sobriety. He also discussed the impact of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing on his daughter, who was in attendance at the Ariana Grande concert that tragic night.

Watch the interview with Peter Hook below:



Published October 17th, 2018

Joy Division/New Order compilation 'Total' to be issued on vinyl

The Joy Division/New Order compilation Total will be issued on vinyl for the first time ever on November 30th. The release, which includes single versions of tracks from both legendary bands was originally issued on CD in 2011, which was well after vinyl had been phased out. Joy Division/New Order fans no doubt have a copy of these songs already, but it'll tide you over while we all wait for the New Order boxset that Warner will inevitably get around to releasing at some point in the future. View the tracklisting for Total below:



Side One

Transmission
Love Will Tear Us Apart
Isolation
She’s Lost Control
Atmosphere

Side Two

Ceremony
Temptation
Blue Monday

Side Three

Thieves Like Us
The Perfect Kiss
Bizarre Love Triangle
True Faith
Fine Time

Side Four

World In Motion
Regret
Crystal
Krafty
Hellbent

Published October 17th, 2018

Morrissey announces November 'Late Late Show' appearance

As previously reported, Morrissey is releasing his cover of "Back On The Chain Gang" as a single on November 23rd. The legend announced today that he'll appear on The Late Late Show with James Corden November 7th to perform the single.

The 7" single, which also includes a live version of "I Didn't Know What To Do" (originally by Gilbert O'Sullivan), is available to pre-order here.





Morrissey - North American tour

Oct 31 -- Ventura, CA @ Majestic Ventura Theater
Nov 01 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Microsoft Theater
Nov 03 -- Long Beach, CA @ Tropicalia Festival
Nov 10 -- San Diego, CA @ Copley Symphony Hall
Nov 22 -- Mexico City, MX @ Auditorio Nacional
Nov 23 -- Mexico City, MX @ Auditorio Nacional

Published October 16th, 2018

J Mascis unveils more new music from 'Elastic Days'

J Mascis returns with his new album Elastic Days on November 9th. Mascis has previously issued a few songs from the album and today he's unleashed another. Stream the slow-groove "Web So Dense" below and view the pre-order options from the album here.







J Mascis - solo tour

Nov 07 -- Vancouver, BC @ Imperial
Nov 08 -- Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater
Nov 09 -- Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
Nov 10 -- Bellingham, WA @ Wild Buffalo House Of Music
Nov 14 -- San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
Nov 15 -- San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
Nov 16 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room
Nov 17 -- Denver, CO @ Ophelia's Electric Soapbox
Nov 18 -- Fort Collins, CO @ Washington's
Nov 20 -- Chicago, IL @ City Winery
Nov 21 -- Chicago, IL @ City Winery
Nov 27 -- Atlanta, GA @ City Winery
Nov 28 -- Nashville, TN @ City Winery
Nov 29 -- Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
Nov 30 -- Detroit, MI @ El Club
Dec 01 -- Toronto, ON @ The Great Hall
Dec 04 -- Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
Dec 05 -- Washington, DC @ City Winery
Dec 07 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade
Dec 08 -- New York, NY @ Public Arts
Dec 09 -- Hamden, CT @ Space Ballroom
Dec 12 -- Pawtucket, RI @ The Met
Dec 13 -- Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
Dec 14 -- Northampton, MA @ Academy Of Music
Dec 15 -- Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall

Published October 16th, 2018

Classic Alternative - Episode #77: Shattered Class

Presenting Classic Alternative - Episode #77: Shattered Class

Rock it old school with classics from Ramones, The Fall, The Stranglers, Madness, Supergrass, The Stone Roses, Nine Inch Nails, The Housemartins, and The Cure.

Stream below or here and check out the full archive of episodes here or here.

Stephen Morris memoir 'Record Play Pause' coming in 2019

Stephen Morris, drummer extraordinaire is releasing a book. Morris has enjoyed a distinguished career as the accomplished drummer for Joy Division and New Order, plus he's played a major role in programming synthesizer and computers for New Order since the 80s. His book Record Play Pause is a part memoir, part oral history, and the 352 page book is filled with his stories, recollection, and dry wry humor. The book will be published in the UK/Europe on February 21st. A North American publishing date is still to be announced. Via Joy Division Central.

Morris is the final surviving member of Joy Division to release a memoir. Peter Hook released Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division in 2013; Bernard Sumner's memoir Chapter and Verse was published in 2015.

Meanwhile the oral history of Joy Division titled This Searing Light, The Sun, And Everything Else: Joy Division - The Oral History will be released in the spring.

Published October 14th, 2018

Video: Echo & The Bunnymen play BBC

Echo and the Bunnymen released their new album The Stars, The Oceans and The Moon last week which includes reworked versions of Echo classics as well as two brand new songs. Earlier this week they appeared on Later...With Jools Holland to perform two songs from the record -- check it out below.

Echo & The Bunnymen kick off their North American tour next month in support of the album. Tickets for the tour are on sale now.





Echo & The Bunnymen - North American tour

Nov 17 -- Toronto, ON @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Nov 19 -- Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theatre
Nov 20 -- Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre
Nov 21 -- New York, NY @ Town Hall Theatre
Nov 23 -- Detroit, MI @ Fillmore Detroit
Nov 24 -- Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
Nov 26 -- Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
Nov 27 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Union Event Center
Nov 29 -- Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre
Nov 30 -- Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
Dec 01 -- Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre
Dec 03 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic
Dec 04 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Cathedral Sanctuary/Immanuel Presbyterian Church

Published October 14th, 2018

Ministry's 'The Land Of Rape And Honey' released 30 years ago

Ministry's definitive awe-inspiring album The Land Of Rape And Honey was released 30 years ago today.

Ministry's masterful and important album isn't just a sonic delight; it's a phenomenal trailblazing work that employed pioneering sounds, effects, and techniques. Nothing sounded like The Land Of Rape And Honey at the time of its release. The album was an aural assault; intense aggro-death metal fused with distortion, layered beats and samples; a masterpiece that went on to revolutionize and inspire the industrial scene.



The Land Of Rape And Honey reinvigorated Al Jourgensen creatively, and he revisited ideas and themes he formulated in 1981 prior to his dreadful (to him, anyway) Arista British Al days. Though Ministry had already embraced darker vibes on 1986's Twitch, it wasn't until The Land Of Rape And Honey that Jourgensen truly came into his own.

Jourgensen credits artists like William Burroughs and Brion Gysin with inspiring him to experiment with different methods of tape editing, and through a random slice and dice technique he was able to create a unique audio collage that sounded like nothing before it. Jourgensen discussed his creative process for the record in an interview with Revolver:

"The concept of it was basically a random, anarchy driven, fractal chaos. You take a bunch of pieces of tape, you throw 'em on the floor, and you put 'em back at random. And that's what Rape and Honey was. That comes more from the authors than it does the noise bands. I was more author-inspired than I was music-inspired."



The title The Land Of Rape and Honey was famously inspired by a souvenir mug Jourgensen obtained while on tour in Saskatchewan. He recalled to the Quietus:

"Everyone reads into the title like there's an underlying premise, but we were touring Canada and wound up in a place named Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Just some truck stop. We weren't even playing there. The one coffee mug on our bus had broken when the driver hit the brakes, so I went in and bought a new one. It had a picture of a little bee and a bundle of wheat, and it said "Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: The Land Of Rape And Honey."

[Historical sidenote: one of Tilsdale, Saskatchewan's major crops is rapeseed (also known as canola). Tilsdale's motto was established in 1958 as "The Land Of Rape And Honey" but due to growing opposition the motto was changed to "Opportunity Grows Here" in 2016.]



Bottom line: Ministry's The Land Of Rape And Honey is a seminal industrial/alternative/metal album. The timeless work truly paved the way for legions of bands, and the record is as vital and poignant in 2018 as it was 30 years ago.

For more insight into the album, watch a fascinating interview with Chris Connelly below:



Published October 11th, 2018

Spiritualized reissue live rarity LP 'Fucked Up Inside'

Spiritualized's first live album Fucked Up Inside will be reissued on black vinyl on October 26th. The seven tracks from the whirring spacey-psychedelic album were captured live in San Diego and Los Angeles in 1992 while on tour in support of Lazer Guided Melodies. The album features songs from Lazer Guided Melodies and their 1995 album Pure Phase, plus a cover of Spacemen 3's "Walking With Jesus." The title is taken from lyrics from Spiritualized's song "Medication," which was released as a single few months prior to the North American gigs. Highlights from the album include the mesmerizing 14 minute version of "Shine A Light" and the swirling magnificence of "Smiles."

Fucked Up Inside is a rarity - the album was issued in 1993 as a limited edition mail-order only release. A remastered edition pressed on 180 gm black vinyl with a fancy embossed silver foil blocked sleeve will be released on October 26th and is available to pre-order here. The CD edition of the release is out now.

Stream the 1993 edition of the album below.



Published October 10th, 2018

Thom Yorke premieres new music from 'Suspiria'

Thom Yorke has shared more music from his score to Suspiria (Music for the Luca Guadagnino Film). This evening Yorke unveiled the intriguingly trippy, Coil-esque "Volk," which is available to stream below along with his previously issued compositions. Suspiria will be released on October 26th and is available to pre-order here.

Yorke launches Suspiria with a series of live premiere events later this month in New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, Madrid, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Tokyo. He'll return to North America in November for his previously announced solo tour which brings him to the Masonic Temple in Detroit on December 2nd.







Thom Yorke - North American tour

Nov 23 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
Nov 24 -- Boston, MA @ Wang Theatre-Boch Center
Nov 26 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
Nov 27 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
Nov 30 -- Washington, DC @ Kennedy Center
Dec 01 -- Cleveland, OH @ Keybank State Theatre
Dec 02 -- Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple Cathedral Theatre
Dec 04 -- Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
Dec 05 -- Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theater
Dec 06 -- Minneapolis, MN @ Northrop/University of Minnesota
Dec 08 -- St. Louis, MO @ Stifel Theatre
Dec 09 -- Kansas City, MO @ Arvest Bank Theatre Midland
Dec 11 -- Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
Dec 13 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union
Dec 15 -- San Francisco, CA @ Graham Civic Auditorium
Dec 17 -- San Diego, CA @ The Observatory
Dec 19 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
Dec 20 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
Dec 22 -- Las Vegas, NV @ The Chelsea/Cosmopolitan

Published October 10th, 2018

Richard Ashcroft debuts more from forthcoming LP 'Natural Rebel'

Richard Ashcroft has unleashed more music from his forthcoming album Natural Rebel, which arrives October 19th. Stream his latest uplifting track titled "That's When I Feel It" below and head here to check out the pre-order options here.



Published October 10th, 2018

Noctorum ft Marty Willson-Piper return with 'The Afterlife'

Noctorum featuring ex-Church guitarist/legend Marty Willson-Piper are poised to return with their fourth studio album The Afterlife. The band's first full studio album since 2011's Honey Mink Forever includes orchestral arrangements featuring harpsichord, flute, trumpet and violin along with guitar, bass, and drum. The album will be released on vinyl and CD through Pledge Music in November with a wider release on Schoolkids Records planned for February.

Get a taste of The Afterlife with the band's latest single "A Girl With No Love" below and head here to pre-order.









Noctorum - North American tour

Oct 11 -- Fort Worth, TX @ Fort Worth Live
Oct 12 -- San Antonio, TX @ TBC
Oct 13 -- Austin, TX @ Cactus Cafe
Oct 15 -- Marfa, TX @ Hotel Saint George
Oct 16 -- Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Oct 18 -- Denton, TX @ Patterson-Appleton Center
Oct 19 -- Dallas, TX @ Palo Santo Galactic Headquarters
Oct 20 -- Dallas, TX @ Palo Santo Galactic Headquarters
Oct 24 -- New York, NY @ The Loft
Oct 26 -- Harrisburg, PA @ Stage On Herr
Oct 27 -- Berlin, NJ @ The Vault

Published October 10th, 2018

Happy Birthday to the iconic Peter Saville

The legendary artistic visionary and Factory co-founder Peter Saville was born on this day in 1955. Saville created iconic artwork for seminal Joy Division and New Order record sleeves. His beloved artwork is integral and cannot be separated from the recorded works; the music wouldn't be nearly as timeless, meaningful, or enjoyable without his brilliant flair and elegance.

Peter Saville on creating Joy Division & New Order's artwork (taken from the film New Order: Decades, by Mike Christie 2018):

"There was a fundamentally different relationship between myself and Joy Division to that which then kind of evolved over the next decade with New Order. There was a personality to Joy Division, which I could only complement, have a kind of dialogue with that personality."

"The absence of Ian -- let's be straight about it -- the absence of Ian leaves a space around the group. The visual works steps into that space. So the covers are not about the music. Nobody wants to talk about the music. Nobody wants to say what any of it's about. No one is necessarily that sure what any of it's about."

"The covers are conceived of independently, based on my own kind of tracking of a zeitgeist through that period. There isn't a singular language they're a journey through the cannon of 20th century art and design, which was my own journey."

They (New Order/Factory) never said they liked them. I remember calling Rob (Gretton) once about "Blue Monday," and I said, "does anyone like it?" And he said, "they don't mind it much." And in fact there was not a collective "we like this" until the cover of Regret. Bernard said, "you're getting the hang of it."

Read Peter Saville's insightful commentary on his creations in an excellent feature published by The Guardian in 2011.

Happy Birthday to the legend and icon that is Peter Saville!

Published October 9th, 2018

The Cure, Kraftwerk, MC5, Roxy Music + more snag Rock Hall nominations

Nominees for The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2019 were announced today and include The Cure, Devo, Kraftwerk, MC5, Roxy Music, and Radiohead.

MC5 have been eligible for the Rock Hall since 1991; Kraftwerk 1995; Roxy Music 1997; Devo 2003; The Cure 2004; and Radiohead 2017.

The inductees -- selected by a different committee -- for the Class of 2019 will be announced in December with the induction ceremony scheduled to take place March 29th in Brooklyn.

The full list of nominees is available to view here.

The Rock Hall is notorious for snubbing true classic alternative artists. Despite a few legendary bands managing to somehow get inducted into the institution, the Rock Hall and its various committees have overwhelmingly proven themselves to be incredibly lame and out of touch for years and years. Sure, it's great they've nominated (and even at times inducted) some deserving bands, but the Rock Hall is pretty much a cringeworthy joke at this point. 

Below view the t-shirt Jeff Ament wore when Pearl Jam got inducted in 2017 as a nod to all the highly influential bands shunned and disregarded by the Rock Hall over the years. [note: Oasis' first LP was released in 1994 thus making them ineligible until 2019. The Cars went on to be inducted in 2018.]

Jeff's RRHOF shirt.

A post shared by Pearl Jam (@pearljam) on Apr 8, 2017 at 12:13pm PDT

Published October 9th, 2018

Stream: New Order documentary 'New Order: Decades'

In September Sky Arts premiered a documentary about New Order's magnificent 12 piece wall-of-synth So It Goes production with Liam Gillick. The film was directed by Mike Christie and includes interviews with New Order and Gillick, along with other key players including Peter Saville, Dave Haslam, John McGrath, Jon Savage, and more. Not only does the film chronicle the evolution of the production from initial concept to completion, but woven throughout is an overview on Joy Division and New Order, along with five performances from So It Goes.

New Order: Decades provides fascinating insight as to how the production came together -- how New Order chose the songs for the set, how their classics were split into various layers and subcomponents for the ensemble, plus other technical aspects concerning the ensemble members, programming of the music, and the production's visual aesthetic. Peter Saville also provided insight into his relationship between his iconic artwork and the music, and this documentary is worth watching just for his insight alone.

Overall the documentary was well done, though it was hard to watch some of the historical portions about Joy Division and New Order due to the absence of one of the driving musical and creative forces of both bands. Though he appeared in some archival footage and pictures, Peter Hook wasn't mentioned other than a slight acknowledgement during an interview with new members Tom Chapman and Phil Cunningham. During the archival sections of the documentary Hooky's absence made for awkward/difficult viewing for die hard New Order fans. If you can get past that, you'll enjoy the film.

The video likely won't stay up for long, so watch below while you can via You Tube or here. Thanks to Johnny586 for uploading, and for the heads up from Steve Smith via Joy Division/New Order.



Published October 8th, 2018

Classic Alternative - Episode #76: Insertion Point

Presenting Classic Alternative - Episode #76: Insertion Point

Rock it old school with classics from Killing Joke, Social Distortion, The Stranglers, Close Lobsters, KMFDM, The Pogues, Primal Scream, Ministry, Nitzer Ebb, and The Verve.

Stream below or here and check out the full archive of episodes here or here.

Richard Ashcroft takes aim at trolls in new diss track "Hey Columbo"

Richard Ashcroft has returned with another brand new song, but this one won't be included on his new album Natural Rebel. The song is a diss track titled "Hey Columbo" which takes aim at social media trolls who have been hounding him ever since he appeared on Soccer AM two weeks ago.

For those who haven't been following the drama:

1. Richard Ashcroft appeared on Soccer AM to talk sports and to promote his new album Natural Rebel.

2. During the Q & A session, something mysteriously fell out of Ashcroft's pant leg

3. An individual on Twitter grabbed a screenshot and claimed the contents of the mystery package were drugs

4. Ashcroft got wind of the tweet and posted an angry and somewhat threatening video response, claiming it was "litter" that fell out of his pants. He went on liken the situation to Columbo (Peter Falk's beloved detective character that always had random scraps of paper/pencils/whatever in his pockets). Ashcroft also proclaimed that he was nicknamed "Columbo" while in The Verve. [Nick McCabe of The Verve refuted this on Twitter revealing "literally no one was called Columbo in the Verve. Ever."] FYI: The Verve released a song titled "Columbo" on their 2008 album Forth, though the song isn't about Peter Falk, or Richard Ashcroft for that matter.

5. Ashcroft deleted his video, however not before a fan account captured it

6. A few individuals on Twitter made spoof videos, which angered Ashcroft even more

7. After a few days of ranting about the drama on social media, Ashcroft took his anger and created the diss track, "Hey Columbo" which takes aim at those bullying him on social media

8. The End

Ashcroft returns with his new album Natural Rebel on October 19th. "Hey Columbo" is not featured on the album, but is available now as a non-album track.





Published October 5th, 2018

The Ocean Blue debut new single + video

The Ocean Blue have been working on a new album, which will be the follow up to 2013's Ultramarine. Though they haven't set a release date for the album, it sounds like the new album will be another glorious slice of indie pop. Last night The Ocean Blue debuted their first taste of new music in almost five years, via the new Korda Records' compilation Korda 4 Komp. Stream the official video for "Therein Lies The Problem With My Heart" below and head over to Bandcamp to stream and pick up a copy of Korda 4 Komp.

The Ocean Blue are heading out on the road for a handful of live dates, including a Korda showcase in Minneapolis on October 12th. View the tour itinerary below:



The Ocean Blue - tour

Oct 12 -- Minneapolis, MN @ TBA
Oct 14 -- Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Oct 28 -- Los Angeles, CA @ TBA

Published October 5th, 2018

Brett Anderson of Suede announces memoir sequel 'Afternoons With The Blinds Drawn'

Brett Anderson of Suede released his memoir Coal Black Mornings in North America this week (and earlier this year in the U.K.). The autobiography chronicles Anderson's childhood and formative years through early adulthood and beginnings of Suede, but stops at 1992 before Suede blew up. Fans that expressed an interest in learning more about Anderson and Suede's meteoric rise to the top are in for some good news: Anderson has revealed he's written a sequel to his memoir. His second book, Afternoons With The Blinds Drawn, goes in depth on Suede -- their highs and lows, Anderson's relationships within the band, and addiction.

Afternoons With The Blinds Drawn will be published in fall 2019. More details on the book are posted here.

Suede's story is far from over: the legendary band returned with their brilliant new album The Blue Hour last month.



Published October 5th, 2018

Hum reissuing 'Downward Is Heavenward' + Matt Talbott lines up solo tour of Midwest

Hum's final studio album Downward Is Heavenward will be reissued on 180 gm vinyl later this year. The double vinyl release was cut from analog masters and includes three b-sides. The b-sides have not been revealed yet, though it seems likely that the release will include two songs from the album sessions that were previously issued as bonus tracks ("Aphids" and "Puppets.") The official release date for the reissue has not yet been announced but is expected sometime in November.

Meanwhile, as previously reported Matt Talbott of Hum is heading out on the road for a handful of living room shows in the Midwest. Talbott will be performing songs from his band Centaur, as well as covers, and new solo material in intimate spaces without a soundsystem. Don't expect to hear Hum classics -- Talbott says he likely won't be playing anything from Hum's catalog because he thinks it "might be best to keep that music with the band."

The shows will be hosted by fans in private locations (living rooms, basements, etc) and the location will remain private except to those who purchase tickets.

The tour itinerary includes a November 3rd date in Grand Rapids. Tickets for the show are available here. Head here for ticket links to all of the shows.

Matt Talbott - Living Room tour

Nov 01 –- Indianapolis IN
Nov 02 –- Columbus, OH
Nov 03 –- Grand Rapids, MI
Nov 15 –- Channahon, IL
Nov 16 –- Chicago, IL
Nov 17 –- Skokie, IL
Nov 29 –- Glen Carbon, IL
Nov 30 –- St Louis, MO
Dec 01 –- Carbondale, IL

Published October 4th, 2018

Morrissey "Back On The Chain Gang" single drops in November

Morrissey is releasing his cover of The Pretenders' classic "Back On The Chain Gang" on November 23rd. The single will be backed with a newly recorded cover of Gilbert O'Sullivan's "I Didn't Know What To Do." The single is available to pre-order here or here.

As previously reported "Back On The Chain Gang" will be featured as one of the bonus tracks on the forthcoming deluxe limited vinyl edition of Low In High School. The expanded edition also includes five live b-sides, three unreleased tracks, and a rare photo booth portrait of Morrissey. The release arrives on December 7th. Fans who purchased tickets to his forthcoming U.S. shows were given early pre-order access. Pre-order info for everyone else is expected to be announced soon.

Along with news of the single release, Morrissey has revealed that director Liam Lynch has created a promotional film for "Back On The Chain Gang." According to Morrissey the film is available "for anyone, anywhere who wishes to show it."



Morrissey - North American tour

Oct 31 -- Ventura, CA @ Majestic Ventura Theater
Nov 01 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Microsoft Theater
Nov 03 -- Long Beach, CA @ Tropicalia Festival
Nov 10 -- San Diego, CA @ Copley Symphony Hall
Nov 22 -- Mexico City, MX @ Auditorio Nacional
Nov 23 -- Mexico City, MX @ Auditorio Nacional

Meanwhile Johnny Marr and Eddie Vedder shared the stage on September 29th and played a few songs together including a cover of The Smiths' classic "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out." Video posted below.



Johnny Marr - North American tour

Oct 04 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Theatre at Ace Hotel
Oct 08 -- San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
Oct 09 -- Dallas, TX @ Granada
Oct 10 -- Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room
Oct 11 -- Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
Oct 13 -- Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club
Oct 15 -- New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Oct 16 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
Oct 17 -- Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
Oct 19 -- Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
Oct 20 -- Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
Oct 21 -- Boston, MA @ Paradise
Oct 22 -- Philadelphia, PA @ TLA

Published October 3rd, 2018

Hugh Cornwell returns with new LP 'Monster' + re-records Stranglers classics

Hugh Cornwell returns with Monster, a new album featuring 10 songs about "remarkable and infamous" people of the 20th century. Along with Monster Cornwell is releasing a companion disc titled Restoration, featuring re-recorded acoustic versions of Stranglers classics. The collection is out October 5th and is available to order here.

Monster - tracklist

01. Pure Evel
02. LA Grande Dame
03. The Most Beautiful Girl In Hollywood
04. Mosin'
05. Mr. Leather
06. Bilko
07. Robert
08. Monster
09. Attack Of The Major Sevens
10. Duce Coochie Man


Restoration - tracklist

01. Outside Tokyo
02. Let Me Down Easy
03. Souls
04. Don’t Bring Harry
05. Goodbye Toulouse
06. Ships That Pass In The Night
07. Never Say Goodbye
08. No More Heroes
09. Big In America
10. Always The Sun

Published October 3rd, 2018