Sunday, June 30, 2019

Classic Alternative - Episode #112: Amorphous


Classic Alternative - Episode #112: Amorphous

Includes The Dandy Warhols, Pixies, The Church, Cabaret Voltaire, New Order, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, Generation X, and Nine Inch Nails.

Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.


Music news from the week

Tim Burgess of The Charlatans releasing lyric book One, Two, Another
Morrissey reveals the "most important albums of all time"
Joy Division premiere "Insight" from Reimagined series
Liam Gallagher debuts more music from Why Me? Why Not.
The Velvet Underground release The Matrix Tapes 8 LP set
Pixies debut It's A Pixies Podcast Episode 1
Morrissey talks Buzzcocks, Robert Smith, show cancellations and more
New Order return to U.S. for Miami residency
The The reissue rare EP Interpretations: Issue 1: ShrunkenMan
The Damned announce Black Is The Night (The Definitive Anthology)
Cabaret Voltaire rarities coming in August
Elvis Costello & The Imposters announce U.S. tour

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Tim Burgess of The Charlatans releasing lyric book 'One Two, Another'


Tim Burgess of The Charlatans has written an annotated lyric book titled One, Two, Another: Line By Line: Lyrics from The Charlatans, Solo and Beyond. The book provides a window into Burgess' unique creative process. According to Burgess:

"That's the thing. I imagine almost everybody writes songs in different ways, but then again each person may use all the different ways to come up with the lyrics to a song. From lists to experiences and stories, there are no rules. A good song is a good song whoever writes it and however the writing happens. I only know what I do. In this here book I have collected some of the ideas and thoughts and words."

The 240 page book will be published November 14th. Pre-order here.





Published June 30th, 2019
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Morrissey reveals the "most important albums of all time"


Morrissey posted a top 10 list of the records he deems as the "most important records of all time" on his website. It shouldn't be too hard to guess which record/band tops his list, but NO SPOILERS other than to say he made some excellent choices for the most part.

Head this way to check them all out.

Notice he titled the post "For Historic Record Before I Die" and ended his list with "buy these today or drop dead."

Meanwhile, Nick Cave dedicated the latest issue of his newsletter The Red Hand Files to the topic of Morrissey and freedom of speech. Read the piece in full here.

Morrissey -- North American tour

Sep 05 -- Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
Sep 07 -- Queens, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
Sep 09 -- Camden, NJ @ BB & T Pavilion
Sep 11 -- Kettering, OH @ Fraze Pavilion
Sep 13 -- Rochester Hills, MI @ Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
Sep 14 -- Highland Park, IL @ Ravinia Festival
Sep 18 -- Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre
Sep 20 -- Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
Sep 21 -- Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall - Outside
Sep 26 -- Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom
Sep 28 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Saltair
Sep 30 -- Portland, OR @ Theatre Of The Clouds
Oct 01 -- Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theatre
Oct 03 -- San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Oct 05 -- Irvine, CA @ Five Point Amphitheatre
Oct 06 -- San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena
Oct 10 -- Edmonton, AB @ Northern Alberta
Oct 11 -- Calgary, AB @ Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Oct 14 -- Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theatre
Oct 15 -- Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theatre
Oct 21 -- Winnipeg, MB @ Centennial Concert Hall

Published June 30th, 2019
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Liam Gallagher debuts more music from new LP 'Why Me? Why Not.'


Liam Gallagher has premiered more music from his forthcoming album Why Me? Why Not. Watch the official video for the new song "The River" below.

Why Me? Why Not. includes eleven tracks and includes Gallagher's son Gene on bongos. Although the former Oasis leader co-wrote a few songs on his debut album As You Were, this time he stepped up his game and co-wrote all of the songs on his new record.

"I know my strengths and I know my limitations. I’m an ok songwriter, but I’m a great singer and frontman. I want the second album to be a step-up because the hardest thing to do is to make something the same, only better. So that’s what we’ve done. It’s a better record than As You Were. Which is saying something, as that was epic, wasn’t it?"

Why Me? Why Not. arrives on September 20th. The album is available to pre-order on vinyl, picture disc, CD and digital album download. Head here to view the pre-order options..



Published June 30th, 2019
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Joy Division debut "Insight" from Reimagined series


Joy Division marked the 40th anniversary of Unknown Pleasures by enlisting 10 acclaimed directors to create new visuals and videos for each song on the classic record. This week the band debuted the reimagined video for "Insight" which is available to view below.

If you're having trouble with the series, you are far from alone. No offense to any of the directors involved in the project -- in theory Reimagined is great concept -- but these visual pairings clash with the music and detract from the message, intensity, and emotion of the music. Difficult viewing to say the least.



Published June 30th, 2019
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The Velvet Underground release 'The Matrix Tapes' vinyl boxset


The Velvet Underground have announced the release of a limited vinyl edition of The Matrix Tapes on July 12th. The collection was captured on a tape deck during The VU's 18 date residency at The Matrix in San Francisco in November 1969. The eight LP, 43 track box set features recordings that have been mixed down directly from the original in-house multi-tracks and will be the first time all the available tapes will be released on vinyl (CD + digital format was released previously in 2015).

Head here to pre-order and view the tracklisting for the boxset below.

LP #1

Side 1

I'm Waiting For The Man (Version 1)
What Goes On (Version 1)

Side 2

Some Kinda Love (Version 1)
Heroin (Version 1)

LP #2

Side 1

The Black Angel's Death Song
Venus In Furs (Version 1)
There She Goes Again (Version 1)
We're Gonna Have A Real Good Time Together (Version 1)
Over You (Version 1)

Side 2

Sweet Jane (Version 1)
Pale Blue Eyes
After Hours (Version 1)

LP #3

Side 1

I'm Waiting For The Man (Version 2)
Venus In Furs (Version 2)
Some Kinda Love (Version 2)
Over You (Version 2)

Side 2

I Can't Stand It (Version 1)
There She Goes Again (Version 2)
After Hours (Version 2)


LP #4

Side 1

We're Gonna Have A Real Good Time Together (Version 2)
Sweet Bonnie Brown (It's Just Too Much)
Heroin (Version 2)

Side 2

White Light/White Heat (Version 1)
I'm Set Free

LP #5

Side 1

We're Gonna Have A Real Good Time Together (Version 3)
Some Kinda Love (Version 3)
There She Goes Again (Version 3)

Side 2

Heroin (Version 3)
Ocean

LP #6

Side 1

Sister Ray Part 1

Side 2

Sister Ray Part 2

LP #7

Side 1

I'm Waiting For The Man (Version 3)
What Goes On (Version 2)
Some Kinda Love (Version 4)

Side 2

We're Gonna Have A Real Good Time Together (Version 4)
Beginning To See The Light
Lisa Says
New Age

LP #8

Side 1

Rock & Roll
I Can't Stand It Anymore (Version 2)

Side 2

Heroin (Version 4)
White Light/White Heat (Version 2)
Sweet Jane (Version 2)

Published June 30th, 2019
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Thursday, June 27, 2019

Pixies debut 'It's A Pixies Podcast' Episode 1


Pixies premiered the first episode in their podcast series It's a Pixies Podcast. The 12 part docu-series chronicles the making of the new album Beneath The Eyrie and is an audio diary of Pixies interspersed with nuggets of their history, creative inspiration, and more. Pixies gave unprecedented studio access to the podcast creators and promises to be a fascinating listen for fans.

It's A Pixies Podcast is available to stream globally on Apple, Spotify, Deezer & Stitcher. Head here to link over.

Beneath The Eyrie arrives September 13th and is available to pre-order here.



Published June 27th, 2019
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The The reissue rare EP 'Interpretations: Issue 1: ShrunkenMan'


The The announced the reissue of the limited edition EP Interpretations Issue 1: ShrunkenMan. The EP consists of four versions of "ShrunkenMan" performed by The The, Daau, John Parish & Foetus. Copies of the extremely limited edition release are available here while supplies last.

Interpretations Issue 1 was the first in a planned series of four EPs, however the rest of the series was shelved and never released.

The The's version of "ShrunkenMan" was released as the first single from the parent album NakedSelf, which was released in 2000.



Published June 27th, 2019
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The Damned announce 'Black Is The Night (The Definitive Anthology)'


The Damned have announced a career spanning greatest hits collection. Black Is The Night (The Definitive Anthology) will be available on 4LP or 2CD starting October 25th. View the tracklisting below and head here to pre-order. Note: the final artwork for the anthology has not yet been revealed.



The Damned - Black Is The Night (The Definitive Edition)

Love Song
Wait For The Black Out
Generals
I Just Can't Be Happy Today
Bad Time For Bonzo
Democracy
White Rabbit
Antipope
Ignite
Melody Lee
Smash It Up Pt 1 & 2
New Rose
Machine Gun Etiquette
Neat, Neat, Neat
Stretcher Case Baby
Sick Of Being Sick
Born To Kill
Rabid (Over You)
Problem Child
1 Of The 2
So Messed Up
Disco Man
Fan Club
Suicide
Eloise
Plan 9 Channel 7
Grimly Fiendish
The Shadow Of Love
The History Of The World (Part 1)
Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde
Streets Of Dreams
Curtain Call
Alone Again Or
Lively Arts
Standing On The Edge Of Tomorrow
Stranger On The Town
Fun Factory
Under The Floor Again
Black Is The Night

Published June 27th, 2019
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Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Cabaret Voltaire rarities coming in August


In August, Mute will reissue two Cabaret Voltaire rarities - Chance Versus Causality and 1974-76.


Cabaret Voltaire's complete version of their 1979 soundtrack to Chance Versus Causality will be officially released for the first time.

As the story goes, the film's director Babeth Mondini enlisted the band to create the soundtrack, which was a live-to-tape improvised set by the original members of Cabaret Voltaire (Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder and Chris Watson) and  was captured at their Western Works studio. Only one copy of the soundtrack was created -- on two reel to reel tapes -- which they handed over. An abridged version of the soundtrack was later used and released by Rough Trade in 1979. The reel to reel tapes were in limbo for years, but were eventually returned to Cabaret Voltaire in the 90s and have been part of the band's impressive archive. Mute have now seen fit to release the FULL unabridged version of Chance Versus Causality August 30th on limited edition transparent green vinyl, CD, and as a digital download.


Mute announced plans to reissue the compilation 1974-76 for the first time on vinyl. The release includes reel-to-reel recordings captured in Chris Watson's attic during their formative years. The collection was originally released on cassette in 1980 and reissued on CD in 1992. The rarity has been pressed on transparent orange vinyl and arrives August 30th.

Head here to pre-order Chance Versus Causality and 1974-76.



Published June 26th, 2019
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Elvis Costello & The Imposters announce U.S. tour


Elvis Costello and The Imposters hit this fall in the U.S. The Just Trust tour kicks off in October and includes a Detroit area stop at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor on November 20th. Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday, June 28th. View the tour itinerary below and find out more about the tour here.

Elvis Costello and The Imposters - U.S. tour

Oct 23 -- Charlottesville, VA @ Sprint Pavilion
Oct 24 -- Hershey, PA @ The Hershey Theatre
Oct 26 -- Ithaca, NY @ State Theatre
Oct 27 -- Burlington, VT @ Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Oct 29 -- Port Chester, NY @ Capitol Theatre
Oct 30 -- Port Chester, NY @ Capitol Theatre
Nov 01 -- Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
Nov 02 -- Greensboro, NC @ Piedmont Hall
Nov 04 -- Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
Nov 05 -- Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
Nov 07 -- Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Broward Center for Performing Arts
Nov 08 -- St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Nov 10 -- St. Petersburg, FL @ Mahaffey Theater
Nov 11 -- Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live
Nov 13 -- New Orleans, LA - Saenger Theatre
Nov 15 -- Memphis, TN @ Graceland Soundstage
Nov 16 -- Carmel, IN @ Center for Performing Arts
Nov 17 -- Louisville, KY @ The Palace Theatre
Nov 19 -- Cincinnati, OH @ Taft Theatre
Nov 20 -- Ann Arbor, MI @ Michigan Theatre
Nov 22 -- Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
Nov 23 -- Minneapolis, MN @ State Theatre
Nov 24 -- Madison, WI @ The Orpheum Theater
Nov 26 -- Milwaukee, WI @ Miller High Life Theatre

Published June 26th, 2019

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Monday, June 24, 2019

Morrissey talks Buzzcocks, Robert Smith, show cancelations + more in candid new interview


Morrissey was interviewed by his nephew Sam Esty Rayner in April. The interview was finally published today and is a fascinating read. The pair covered a lot of ground in the extensive interview including Mozzer's new album California Son, his convoluted traffic incident/altercation with police in Rome, show cancellations, being maligned by the press, and a clarification of his political views.

One of the more intriguing portions of the interview was when Mozzer apologized to Robert Smith -- the topic of Smith came up when Morrissey was asked if he had any small regrets:

"Oh, I never make my regrets small … if I can help it. Oh. Umm. Robert Smith. I said some terrible things about him 35 years ago … but I didn’t mean them … I was just being very Grange Hill. It’s great when you can blame everything on Tourette’s syndrome. [laughs]

Oddly, I was in a pub near Buckingham Palace perhaps ten years ago … and there he was … staring over confrontationally. I take no moral responsibility for whatever I said in 1983 … after all … who does?"

Other nuggets from the interview with Morrissey:

On show cancellations:

"...as far as I can see, many bands cancel and nothing is ever said about it. The song and dance made about my cancellations is usually from people who wouldn’t go to the concert in the first place."

On being a Buzzcocks fan:

"I believe I was the first person ever to write about them. I saw their first ever gig and the next day I was at the post office with a 3p stamp."

On Lou Reed:

"He was a lovely person. He had a great smile which he almost never used. We had a great afternoon in Rome once, and he seemed very happy."

The Seventies band he would like to see reform:

"I suppose the only band that would please millions of people would be The Jam, and although I’m not certain, I gather they don’t much care for each other … so we can be excused for giving up hope on that one!"

Read the full interview with Morrissey here.

Morrissey -- North American tour

Sep 05 -- Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
Sep 07 -- Queens, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
Sep 09 -- Camden, NJ @ BB & T Pavilion
Sep 11 -- Kettering, OH @ Fraze Pavilion
Sep 13 -- Rochester Hills, MI @ Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
Sep 14 -- Highland Park, IL @ Ravinia Festival
Sep 18 -- Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre
Sep 20 -- Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
Sep 21 -- Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall - Outside
Sep 26 -- Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom
Sep 28 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Saltair
Sep 30 -- Portland, OR @ Theatre Of The Clouds
Oct 01 -- Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theatre
Oct 03 -- San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Oct 05 -- Irvine, CA @ Five Point Amphitheatre
Oct 06 -- San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena
Oct 10 -- Edmonton, AB @ Northern Alberta
Oct 11 -- Calgary, AB @ Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Oct 14 -- Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theatre
Oct 15 -- Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theatre
Oct 21 -- Winnipeg, MB @ Centennial Concert Hall

Published June 24th, 2019
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New Order return to U.S. for Miami residency


New Order return to the U.S. in January for a four-date residency at Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Four At The Fillmore: A New Order Residency takes place January 14, 15, 17, and 18 and includes support from legendary DJ/collaborator Arthur Baker and special guests to be announced. Individual tickets for all four shows go on sale this Friday, June 28th at 10am and hotel packages go on sale Wednesday, June 26th. Head here for all the details.

Meanwhile as previously reported, New Order are set to release a live album of material recorded in 2017 at their wall-of-synth residency at the Manchester International Festival. ∑(No,12k,Lg,17Mif) New Order + Liam Gillick: So it goes.. (Live at MIF) was captured July 13th, 2017 along with three additional tracks recorded at their other residency shows that week.

The live album arrives July 12th and is available to pre-order here.



New Order - ∑(No,12k,Lg,17Mif) New Order + Liam Gillick: So it goes.. (Live at MIF)

01. Times Change
02. Who's Joe
03. Dream Attack
04. Disorder
05. Ultraviolence
06. In A Lonely Place
07. All Day Long
08. Shellshock
09. Guilt Is A Useless Emotion
10. Subculture
11. Bizarre Love Triangle
12. Vanishing Point
13. Plastic
14. Your Silent Face
15. Decades
16. Elegia
17. Heart & Soul
18. Behind Closed Doors

Published June 24th, 2019
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Sunday, June 23, 2019

Classic Alternative - Episode #111: Extinguish


Classic Alternative - Episode #111: Extinguish

Includes Echo & The Bunnymen, Pixies, The Church, Radiohead, 808 State, Suede, Kate Bush, Depeche Mode, and Buzzcocks.

Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.


Music news from the week
Buzzcocks + guests pay tribute to Pete Shelley
808 State announce EP Initial Granada Report
Thom Yorke announces solo LP Anima
Joy Division premiere Unknown Pleasures video docu-series
Johnny Marr + Bernard Sumner reunite Electronic in Athens

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Buzzcocks + special guests pay tribute to Pete Shelley in London


Buzzcocks paid tribute to the legendary Pete Shelley on Friday at Royal Albert Hall in London. A Celebration Of The Life Of Pete Shelley featured current and original/ex-members of Buzzcocks ripping through an 18 song set of classics with special guest vocalists including Captain Sensible and Dave Vanian from The Damned, Tim Burgess of The Charlatans, and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth.

View pictures and fan filmed video from the event below:

























Setlist

Fast Cars
Promises
Why She's A Girl From The Chainstore
Autonomy
Boredom
Love You More
Why Can't I Touch It?
Fiction Romance
What Do I Get?
Something's Gone Wrong Again
Time's Up
Noise Annoys
Sixteen Again
You Say You Don't Love Me
Harmony In My Head
Orgasm Addict
I Don't Mind
Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)

Published June 23rd, 2019
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808 State return with 'Initial Granada Report'


Manchester legends 808 State announced they'll return with new music over the next few months. The band's first new material since 2002 will be released in the form of two EPs. The first one is a four song EP titled Initial Granada Report and arrives July 12th. Stream "Tokyo Tokyo," off the EP below and catch up with 808 State here.



Published June 23rd, 2019

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Thom Yorke returns with new LP + short film 'Anima'


After teasing the project for weeks, Thom Yorke has now officially announced he'll release a new solo album. The nine track album is titled Anima, was produced by Nigel Godrich, and will be released digitally on June 27th. Several Anima physical editions, including standard CD, standard black double vinyl, and limited edition deluxe orange vinyl arrive on July 19th. Head here to view the pre-order options.

Yorke teamed up with Paul Thomas Anderson to create a short music film to promote the record. The "one reeler" film includes three songs from Anima and premieres June 27th.

View the Anima film trailer below.



Published June 23rd, 2019

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Thursday, June 20, 2019

Joy Division debut 'Unknown Pleasures' docu-series 'Joy Division: Transmissions'


As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations for Unknown Pleasures, the surviving members of Joy Division created a short documentary series about the making of the seminal album. The three part series is titled Joy Division: Transmissions and is in the same vein as New Order's recent Transmission series that focused on their debut album Movement.

Watch Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris talk about Ian Curtis, Martin Hannett, brown ale, and the making of Unknown Pleasures below.



Published June 20th, 2019
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Monday, June 17, 2019

Johnny Marr + Bernard Sumner reunite in Athens and perform "Get The Message"


Johnny Marr and Bernard Sumner staged a mini-Electronic reunion last night at the Release Athens Festival. Both Marr and New Order performed separate sets at the festival - during Marr's set he welcomed Sumner onstage and together they performed "Get The Message." The track was one of two Electronic tracks Marr played during his set - he also played "Getting Away With It" earlier in the night without Sumner.

View pictures and a fan-filmed video of the performance below:







Published June 17th, 2019


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Sunday, June 16, 2019

Classic Alternative - Episode #110: The Arrow Of Mystique


Classic Alternative - Episode #110: The Arrow Of Mystique

Includes Buffalo Tom, Sugarcubes, Ultravox, Radiohead, R.E.M. Lead Into Gold, Depeche Mode, and Buzzcocks.

Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.


Music news from the week

Joy Division's monumental debut Unknown Pleasures turns 40
Peter Murphy announces NYC residency
Joy Division premiere "I Remember Nothing" from Reimagined series
Liam Gallagher announces Why Me? Why Not.
Stream the acclaimed music doc Big Gold Dream
Radiohead release hacked OK Computer sessions
Joy Division announce Joy Division: Reimagined project
Bob Mould announces solo electric tour + covers Buzzcocks
Helmet announce 30th anniversary tour; play Detroit
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Saturday, June 15, 2019

Joy Division's seminal album 'Unknown Pleasures' released 40 years ago


Joy Division's debut album Unknown Pleasures was released on this day in 1979. The seminal album is one of the most important and influential records of all time. From the intensity and raw emotion of the music and lyrics to the iconic cover art, everything about Unknown Pleasures is perfect and timeless.

Happy 40th anniversary to a monumental work.

To mark the milestone Joy Division released a limited edition version of the seminal album pressed on ruby red vinyl. The official New Order store has sold out of copies, but some are still available through Rhino's store.


This afternoon, Joy Division marked the 40th anniversary by distributing Unknown Pleasures t-shirts to fans in Manchester.




The city of Manchester also paid tribute to the seminal album today.





Peter Hook on Unknown Pleasures:



Peter Saville created the original artwork for Unknown Pleasures which was adapted from an pulsar image Stephen Morris saw in the Cambridge Encyclopedia of Astronomy. Watch Saville discuss the iconic artwork below plus read more about the cultural impact of the artwork here:



Anton Corbijn on hearing Unknown Pleasures for the first time and how the album inspired him to leave Holland: (taken from Joy Division: Interviews):



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Friday, June 14, 2019

Peter Murphy announces NYC residency


Peter Murphy has announced an eleven night solo album residency in Manhattan’s historic Greenwich Village. Similar to his recent residency in San Francisco, the legendary singer will focus on a different album/theme each night. He's scheduled to perform eight of his solo albums in full, plus he'll dedicate the final few shows to greatest hits, Bauhaus, and David Bowie tribute.

The residency takes place August 2nd through the 18th at le Poisson Rouge in New York City. Tickets for all of the shows go on sale Wednesday, June 19th at 10am ET. Head here for more ticket info.

View the residency itinerary below.

Peter Murphy -- le Poisson Rouge Residency

Aug 02 -- Should The World Fail To Fall Apart
Aug 03 -- Love Hysteria
Aug 05 -- Deep
Aug 08 -- Holy Smoke
Aug 09 -- Cascade
Aug 10 -- Dust
Aug 12 -- Ninth
Aug 13 -- Lion
Aug 15 -- Peter’s Solo Greatest Hits
Aug 16 -- Mr Moonlight:Bauhaus
Aug 18 -- Tribute to David Bowie

Published June 14th, 2019

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Thursday, June 13, 2019

Joy Division premiere reimagined "I Remember Nothing" video


Joy Division's debut album Unknown Pleasures was released June 15th, 1979 and is days away from turning 40 years old. As reported yesterday, Joy Division are marking this important milestone with a project titled Unknown Pleasures: Reimagined.

For the project Joy Division enlisted 10 acclaimed directors to create new visuals and videos for each song on Unknown Pleasures. The first video in the series premiered today.

The reimagined video for "I Remember Nothing" was directed by Helgi & Hörður and is available to view below.



Published June 13th, 2019
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Liam Gallagher announces LP 'Why Me? Why Not.' + debuts video


Liam Gallagher announced details behind his second solo record Why Me? Why Not. The eleven track album was recorded in London and Los Angeles with producers Greg Kurstin and Andrew Wyatt and includes Gallagher's son Gene on bongos. Although the former Oasis leader co-wrote a few songs on his debut album As You Were, this time he stepped up his game and co-wrote all of the songs on his new record.

"I know my strengths and I know my limitations. I’m an ok songwriter, but I’m a great singer and frontman. I want the second album to be a step-up because the hardest thing to do is to make something the same, only better. So that’s what we’ve done. It’s a better record than As You Were. Which is saying something, as that was epic, wasn’t it?"

Why Me? Why Not. arrives on September 20th. The album is available to pre-order on vinyl, picture disc, CD and digital album download. Head here to view the pre-order options.

Along with the album announcement today, Gallagher unleashed the official video for his new single "Shockwave" which is available to stream below.



Published June 13th, 2019
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Stream the acclaimed music documentary 'Big Gold Dream'


The critically acclaimed documentary Big Gold Dream was released in 2015 and chronicles the Scottish independent music scene in the 80s. The influential film includes Alan McGee, Peter Hook, Norman Blake, Martyn Ware, Bob Last, and more.

Honoring the DIY spirit of the artists, and as a way to give back to the music community, filmmakers are making this fascinating documentary available to view for free on You Tube through June 19th. Be sure to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to learn more about this essential piece of alternative music history. Head here or watch below.



Published June 13th, 2019


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Helmet announce 30th anniversary tour


Helmet announced the North American leg of their 30th anniversary tour. The band embark on a 30 city tour this fall where they'll perform a 30 song set each night with no opening act. Tickets for the tour, which includes a Detroit stop November 29th at St. Andrew's Hall, go on sale on Friday, June 14th.

View the tour routing below and head here for more info.

Helmet - 30th anniversary tour

Oct 23 -- Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
Oct 25 -- Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
Oct 26 -- New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
Oct 27 -- Washington, DC @ Union Stage
Oct 29 -- Columbia, SC @ The Senate
Oct 30 -- Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
Oct 31 -- New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues New Orleans
Nov 01 -- Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
Nov 02 -- Austin, TX @ Mohawk Austin
Nov 03 -- Dallas, TX @ Trees
Nov 05 -- Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
Nov 07 -- Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up Tavern
Nov 08 -- Las Vegas, NV @ Vinyl at Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas
Nov 09 -- Los Angeles, CA @ 1720
Nov 10 -- Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
Nov 12 -- Sacramento, CA @ Holy Diver
Nov 13 -- Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst Atrium
Nov 14 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
Nov 15 -- Medford, OR @ Howlee's On Front
Nov 16 -- Portland, OR @ Dante's
Nov 17 -- Seattle, WA @ Substation
Nov 19 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell
Nov 20 -- Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
Nov 22 -- Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
Nov 23 -- Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room
Nov 24 -- Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
Nov 26 -- Saint Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall
Nov 27 -- Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
Nov 29 -- Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew's Hall
Nov 30 -- Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern

Published June 13th, 2019
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Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Joy Division announce video series 'Joy Division: Reimagined'


Joy Division's debut album Unknown Pleasures was released June 15th, 1979 and is days away from turning 40 years old. Joy Division will be marking this important milestone with a project titled Unknown Pleasures: Reimagined.

For the project Joy Division enlisted 10 acclaimed directors to create new visuals and videos for each song on Unknown Pleasures. The first video in the series premieres tomorrow, June 13th.

Along with the project, Joy Division announced Stephen Morris will appear at a special event on June 21st at You Tube Space London. Morris will appear on a panel along with several of the project's video directors. The night will also include a screening of the entire series of Unknown Pleasures: Reimagined videos.

Meanwhile tonight another special Joy Division event takes place in London: Joy Division: Forty Years On featuring a playback of Unknown Pleasures followed by a conversation with Peter Hook. The event takes place at Mirth, Marvel and Maud in London and is sold out.



Published June 12th, 2019



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Radiohead officially release hacked OK Computer sessions


Yesterday Radiohead officially released multiple hours of material, outtakes and demos recorded during the OK Computer sessions. The band will be offering the almost 17 - 18 hour download titled Minidiscs [Hacked] for a limited period of time with proceeds going to the climate change organization Extinction Rebellion.

Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood revealed the band made the decision to upload the lengthy sessions to thwart a ransom attempt. A different version of the story involving a known music leaker on Discord/Reddit is also making the rounds. Despite the different version of events, last week the massive download was illegally leaked and was available to obtain in the usual places. Instead of allowing themselves and/or fans to be bilked by thieves, yesterday Radiohead decided to officially release a better quality, cleaned up version.

The official download is available exclusively through Bandcamp, costs £18 (about $23) and will be available for 17 more days. The recording isn't recommended for casual fans, but if you are a diehard Radiohead fan, you will enjoy this. It includes unreleased full band songs, jam sessions, rehearsal and alternate versions of beloved songs, live versions/soundboard recordings, demos, song ideas, samples, and other sounds. Do be warned that it is a huge commitment to wade through 17 hours of material but wholly worth it if you dig Radiohead.

Head here to download and/or stream Minidiscs [Hacked].

Read statements from Thom Yorke + Jonny Greenwood on the matter below.

Thom Yorke

"we’ve been hacked
my archived mini discs from 1995-1998(?)
it’s not v interesting
there’s a lot of it

 if you want it, you can buy the whole lot here
18 minidisks for £18
the proceeds will go to Extinction Rebellion

 as it’s out there
it may as well be out there
until we all get bored
and move on"

Jonny Greenwood

"We got hacked last week - someone stole Thom's minidisk archive from around the time of OK Computer, and reportedly demanded $150,000 on threat of releasing it.

 So instead of complaining - much - or ignoring it, we're releasing all 18 hours on Bandcamp in aid of Extinction Rebellion. Just for the next 18 days. So for 18 you can find out if we should have paid that ransom.

Never intended for public consumption (though some clips did reach the cassette in the OK Computer reissue) it's only tangentially interesting. And very, very long. Not a phone download. Rainy out, isn't it though?

Jonny"

Published June 12th, 2019
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Bob Mould announces solo electric tour + unleashes Buzzcocks cover


Bob Mould has announced a solo electric North American tour. The tour takes place in September and includes a Detroit area stop September 12th in Ann Arbor. Details on tickets for the tour can be found here.

Along with the tour announcement Mould unleashed a cover of Buzzcocks' classic "I Don't Mind" which is available to stream below.

Bob Mould released his latest studio album Sunshine Rock in February.



Bob Mould - North American tour

Sep 11 -- Cleveland, OH @ Music Box Supper Club
Sep 12 -- Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark
Sep 13 -- Indianapolis, IN @ Hi-Fi
Sep 14/15 Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest
Sep 17 -- Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall
Sep 18 -- Nashville, TN @ City Winery
Sep 20 -- Birmingham, AL @ Saturn
Sep 21 -- Atlanta, GA @ City Winery
Sep 22 -- Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle
Sep 24 -- Carrboro, NC @ Arts Center
Sep 25 -- Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry
Sep 26 -- Washington, DC @ City Winery
Sep 27 -- Annapolis, MD @ Rams Head On Stage

Published June 12th, 2019
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Sunday, June 9, 2019

Classic Alternative - Episode #109: Secretly Wishing For Rain


Classic Alternative - Episode #109: Secretly Wishing For Rain

Includes David Bowie, The Clash, Nick Cave, Cocteau Twins, OMD, The Cure, Depeche Mode, and Pixies.

Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.


Music news from the week

The Cure announce Hyde Park concert film screenings
Michael Hutchence documentary Mystify trailer
Liam Gallagher documentary + new single
Spiritualized perform "I'm Your Man" on late night TV
Pixies announce new LP Beneath The Eyrie
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Michael Hutchence feature-length documentary 'Mystify' premieres in July


Mystify, the feature length Michael Hutchence documentary is set to premiere next month.

Mystify features footage from Hutchence's private home movies, as well as video an insight commentary from INXS bandmates, family, friends, and ex-girlfriends including Helena Christensen and Kylie Minogue.

The documentary is an intimate portrait on Hutchence and aims to delve beneath the public persona of the larger-than-life charismatic rockstar to reveal much more about the intriguing, mysterious, and sensual Hutchence.

Mystify was directed by Richard Lowenstein, the director behind many INXS music videos, and opens in select theaters on July 4th. The film's soundtrack will be released the following day. View the trailer for Mystify below:



Published June 9th, 2019
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Liam Gallagher documentary 'As It Was' + new single


Liam Gallagher's documentary As It Was premiered in theaters in the U.K. on Friday. The feature length film tells the story of Gallagher's struggle with the aftermath of Oasis' breakup and his journey to releasing his debut album As You Were. The film will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray June 10th and from the trailer appears to be essential viewing for fans. Please note: the DVD is playback region 2 and may not play in DVD players in North America but fans can head here to check out streaming options.

Meanwhile Gallagher unleashed the first taste of music from his forthcoming album Why Me Why Not which arrives later this year. Stream "Shockwave" below:





Published June 9th, 2019
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Thursday, June 6, 2019

The Cure premiere trailer + announce screenings for 40th anniversary concert film


As previously reported The Cure's new feature length concert film Anniversary 1978 - 2018 Live In Hyde Park London will screen in participating theaters worldwide starting July 11th. Today The Cure announced the list and put tickets on sale for the screenings.

So far there is one Detroit area screening July 11th at AMC Forum in Sterling Heights and a Windsor screening July 11th at Silvercity Windsor Cinemas. Be advised that according to The Cure's official website more screenings/theaters will be announced daily, so keep an eye on their website for updates.

View the full list of participating theaters here.

Anniversary 1978 - 2018 Live In Hyde Park was captured last summer during the Cure's 40th anniversary celebration in London. The concert film was directed by Tim Pope and mixed in 5.1 at Abbey Road Studios by Robert Smith and Paul Corkett.

View the trailer below.



Published June 6th, 2019
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Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Spiritualized perform "I'm Your Man" on Late Night with Stephen Colbert


Spiritualized appeared on late night television last night. The legendary band backed by a chorus and brass ensemble belted out a top notch version of "I'm Your Man" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Check out the action below.

"I'm Your Man" is found on Spiritualized's critically acclaimed 2018 album And Nothing Hurt.






Published June 5th, 2019
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Monday, June 3, 2019

Pixies announce new LP 'Beneath The Eyrie' + debut new single


Pixies announced they'll release a new record titled Beneath the Eyrie on September 13th. Along with the album announcement Pixies shared the single "On Graveyard Hill" which channels "Wave Of Mutilation" era Pixies. 

Stream "On Graveyard Hill" below and check out pre-order options for Beneath The Eyrie here.



Published June 3rd, 2019
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Sunday, June 2, 2019

Classic Alternative - Episode #108: The Authenticity Patrol


Classic Alternative - Episode #108: The Authenticity Patrol

Includes The Stooges, New Order, R.E.M., Ministry, The Smiths, Chapterhouse, The Cure, Depeche Mode, and 13th Floor Elevators.

Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.


Music news from the week

Stream: The Cure's Disintegration 30th anniversary show archive
The The's Radio Cineola broadcast available as free download
Richard Ashcroft honored with prestigious Ivor Novello award
The Ocean Blue premiere soaring new single
Morrissey reveals he's already recorded another new LP
The Cure announce global Hyde Park anniversary concert film screenings
R.I.P. Roky Erickson
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Saturday, June 1, 2019

The The's Radio Cineola broadcast available as free download


The The's Matt Johnson is offering fans a free download of his 2015 Radio Cineola broadcast. On May 7th, 2015 -- the day of Britain's general election -- Johnson held a 12 hour marathon broadcast featuring music, poetry, interviews, and plenty of thought-provoking political discussion.

The Radio Cineola Midday To Midnight Marathon has been cut up into 12 hourlong segments; fans that subscribe to The The's free newsletter Fifty First State Express will be sent the links to download as they become available, or just visit The The's webstore to download. Part 1 is available now and parts 2 - 12 will be uploaded over the coming weeks.


Meanwhile, as previously announced, The The continue to celebrate their 40th anniversary throughout 2019 with commemorative merch including t-shirts and lyric posters and more. Head here to check out the 40th anniversary collection (more pieces will be introduced throughout the year).


Published June 1st, 2019

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