No better way to usher in the roaring '20s than with the sweet sounds of The Verve...
Have a safe, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year + new decade!
Have a safe, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year + new decade!
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Classic Alternative 2019: It's The End Of The Year As We Know It...
Revisit the year that was 2019 with a three hour hosted mix of music and memories from the world of Classic Alternative.
This week's show features music from Electronic, The Cure, Public Image Ltd, Bauhaus, David Bowie, Ministry, Depeche Mode, and more.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
R.I.P. to Vaughan Oliver, graphic design legend who brought so much music to life. Oliver created iconic artwork for Pixies, The Breeders, Cocteau Twins, Lush, This Mortal Coil, and legions of other 4AD recording artists. Oliver's death was announced this morning (December 29th) after the year end show was recorded and was not included in the In Memoriam portion of the program.
Big Black's Dave Riley has died. According to Riley's friend Rachel Brown, the bassist was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in August which had spread to his lungs by the time of diagnosis. Riley was 59.
Big Black founder Steve Albini told Rolling Stone:
“Dave was a fantastic musician and a critical part of the Chicago music scene. He bridged the gap between raw enthusiasm and outstanding musicianship better than anybody else in our peer group and I always admired him for it."
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Classic Alternative - Episode #136: If The Fates Allow...
A two hour hosted mix of classics and cult classics from the heyday of Classic Alternative.
This week's show features music from Iggy Pop, The Cure, Public Image Ltd, Ride, David Bowie, Pete Shelley, The Housemartins, and more.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
An early recording by The Smiths has been unearthed. The Smiths' demo/recording of "I Want A Boy For My Birthday" is a cover of a song originally released by The Cookies in 1963. The cassette demo was recorded in Johnny Marr's attic some time in 1982 prior to The Smiths' debut show in Manchester.
The demo was uploaded onto You Tube this week by Dale Hibbert, original bassist for The Smiths. Hibbert was given the demo by Marr in order to learn/create bass parts for the song so he'd be able to play it live at their debut gig. Hibbert held onto the demo and at the beginning of this year shared a snippet of "I Want A Boy For My Birthday" and promised he'd unleash the full song by the end of the year. He made good on his promise Tuesday, which was timed to coincide with Hibbert's own birthday, which is December 16th.
Hibbert revealed to fansite Morrissey Solo:
Stream the recording below along with two other demos and head here to read several theories regarding why The Smiths chose to demo this particular song.
UPDATE (12/21): Hibbert pulled down his You Tube account after becoming annoyed with "laziness of journalists" and various "clickbait" stories about the song and figured that everyone that wanted to hear "I Want A Boy For My Birthday" likely already has. Of course many fan sites have uploaded the demo, so...it is now all over the net despite Hibbert pulling his account.
The demo was uploaded onto You Tube this week by Dale Hibbert, original bassist for The Smiths. Hibbert was given the demo by Marr in order to learn/create bass parts for the song so he'd be able to play it live at their debut gig. Hibbert held onto the demo and at the beginning of this year shared a snippet of "I Want A Boy For My Birthday" and promised he'd unleash the full song by the end of the year. He made good on his promise Tuesday, which was timed to coincide with Hibbert's own birthday, which is December 16th.
Hibbert revealed to fansite Morrissey Solo:
I suppose the main question is "why now" ? It's been a long time. I once had a friend, who found a singer, for six months we rehearsed, talked, examined possibilities. The friend convinced me to leave the band I was with, and join him. We were kids, to be fair, but...
It's a sweet, innocent, charming recording and one that I am fond of.
Anyhow, this means a lot more to some people than it does me, it's out there because it brings joy to people.
We change as we age, if you can make people happy then do it, that's "why now". It was set to premiere on my birthday because anticipation is exquisite, we now live in an "on demand" society, I prefer the old ways.
Stream the recording below along with two other demos and head here to read several theories regarding why The Smiths chose to demo this particular song.
UPDATE (12/21): Hibbert pulled down his You Tube account after becoming annoyed with "laziness of journalists" and various "clickbait" stories about the song and figured that everyone that wanted to hear "I Want A Boy For My Birthday" likely already has. Of course many fan sites have uploaded the demo, so...it is now all over the net despite Hibbert pulling his account.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Bauhaus announced two more reunion shows that will take place in 2020.
The reunited Bauhaus featuring Peter Murphy, Daniel Ash, Kevin Haskins, and David J will play Alexandra Palace in London on April 8th and Radio City Music Hall in New York on June 26th. Tickets for both shows go on sale Thursday, December 19th at 10am (local time). For more info on the shows, head here.
Legendary synth/moog pioneer Gershon Kingsley has died. The innovative German-American "Pop Corn" composer died at his home in Manhattan on December 10th at the age of 97. Kingsley's 1969 track is considered to be one of the first electronic dance tracks and has been covered over the years by a number of artists including Kraftwerk, Hot Butter, Marsheaux, and more. Kingsley's work popularized the moog synthesizer while his musical project First Moog Quartet is credited with being the first electronic act to perform at Carnegie Hall.
R.I.P.
R.I.P.
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Classic Alternative - Episode #135: Sashay
A two hour hosted mix of classics and cult classics from the heyday of Classic Alternative.
This week's show features music from Ministry, The Cure, Social Distortion, XTC, David Bowie, Skinny Puppy, The Stone Roses, and more.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
The Cure played a series of 30th anniversary Disintegration shows at the Sydney Opera House earlier this year. The performances saw the band playing the legendary album from front to back with additional tracks such as b-sides and fan favorites. This week Robert Smith revealed that the May 30th show was captured by director Nick Wickham, a longtime friend of the band and according to Robert Smith "the release of the whole concert can't be too far away"! In the meantime stream three incredible videos from the concert below.
Friday, December 13, 2019
A new cover of New Order's iconic dancefloor anthem "Blue Monday" has been commissioned for Wonder Woman 1984. The dramatic thunderous version of the classic 1983 track was created by Sebastian Böhm and soundtracks the film's trailer which premiered earlier this week. Böhm's full cover was also issued this week as a digital single and is available to stream below. Wonder Woman 1984 opens nationwide in June 2020.
Perhaps the cover will stimulate Wonder Woman fans to seek out New Order's exquisite version and/or catalog. Here's hoping.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Classic Alternative - Episode #134: The Smoldering Embers Of Deceit
A two hour hosted mix of classics and cult classics from the heyday of Classic Alternative.
Includes music from The Stranglers, Radiohead, Ultravox, Morrissey, New Order, Siouxsie And The Banshees, and more
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
New Order announced today that the first date of their upcoming Miami Beach residency will be a performance titled ∑(No,5k,20Mia). The January 14th show will see the legendary band performing the career-spanning setlist of songs/arrangements from their acclaimed 2017 Manchester International Festival shows, however it is important to note that unlike the MIF shows, the performance will not include a synthesizer orchestra or Liam Gillick's art installation*.
New Order's residency takes place January 14th, January 15th, January 17th, and January 18th. Tickets for all four shows, including the January 14th ∑(No,5k,20Mia) performance are available to purchase here.
The critically acclaimed Manchester International Festival performances spanned two weeks; the final show was recorded live and released this summer as the album ∑(No,12k,Lg,17Mif) New Order + Liam Gillick: So it goes.. (Live at MIF).
In case you care:
*The title of the upcoming Miami show ∑(No,5k,20Mia) is a nod to the original MIF shows but reflect the omission of Liam Gillick and the synthesizer orchestra. The original MIF shows were titled ∑(No,12k,Lg,17Mif) which stands for the sum of New Order, 12 piece synthesizer orchestra, Liam Gillick, and the 2017 Manchester International Festival. The new title removes Lg (Liam Gillick); the amount of synthesizers was changed from 12k to 5k to represent the five synthesizers that the members of New Order will be playing; finally the year/location notation was changed from 17MiF (2017 Manchester International Festival) to 20Mia (2020 Miami Beach).
Greg Dulli of The Afghan Whigs has announced details behind his debut solo album, Random Desire. The album arrives on February 21st and features 10 songs which were written almost entirely by Dulli -- he not only wrote the lyrics, but also piano, bass, drums, and more. Dulli began working on the album in the "aftermath" of Afghan Whigs' last album In Spades after various members of the band began to focus on sideprojects. The result is an intriguing sounding record, described in the press release as follows:
"Random Desire is a clinic put on by a veteran master operating at the height of his powers, offering evidence of the hard-fought and weary wisdom learned from setbacks and victories alike. A lucid, confident and self-assured document of the songs of experience, the perils of existence, and the possibilities that offer themselves anew with each breath. Another death and rebirth from an outlaw who has seen it all and somehow lived to tell."
Dulli unleashed the first single from the record today. Stream "Pantomima" below and head here to view Random Desire pre-order options.
European dates in support of the album were announced today; U.S. dates will be announced shortly, so stay tuned.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Bauhaus returned to the stage in Los Angeles last night for their third and final reunion show at the Hollywood Palladium. The legends delivered a 15 song set, returned for a three song encore, then returned once more to perform one final song -- their rarely performed cover of Brian Eno's "Third Uncle."
Watch some of the glorious action below courtesy of PIT FLIKS and lestrange.
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Classic Alternative - Episode #133: Drill
A two hour hosted mix of classics and cult classics from the heyday of Classic Alternative.
This week's show features music from The Dandy Warhols, Roxy Music, Felt, Pixies, Buzzcocks, The Clash, Primal Scream, The Cure, and more.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
The Cure's seminal post-punk masterpiece Seventeen Seconds turns 40 next year, and to mark the momentous occasion the band is issuing a limited edition 2020 calendar. The calendar includes "previously unseen photographs of the period" compiled by Robert Smith.
The limited edition calendar costs $15 dollars and is available to pre-order through The Cure's webstore. The calendar ships the week of December 13th.
Mystify, the feature length Michael Hutchence documentary premieres in theaters in the U.S. next month. The film screens for one night only January 7th at participating theaters including several in and around the Detroit area including Dearborn, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, Macomb, Walled Lake, Livonia, and more. Head to Fathom Events to view the list of participating theaters.
Mystify features footage from Hutchence's private home movies, as well as video, insight, and 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 premiered in Australia in July. The film's soundtrack Mystify: A Musical Journey With Michael Hutchence features INXS hits, previously unreleased recordings, and spoken word/dialogue is available here. View the trailer for Mystify below:
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
A tribute concert honoring the legendary Mark Hollis of Talk Talk took place last night at Southbank Centre in London. The evening featured the music of Talk Talk performed by The Spirit Of Talk Talk, ex-Talk Talk members, and a number of guest vocalists including Mark Gardener and Andy Bell of Ride, and Tim Burgess of The Charlatans.
Read a review of the concert here and view fan filmed footage from the concert below.
Meanwhile several Talk Talk music videos reappeared on You Tube earlier this year after Hollis' death. The videos are super HIGH quality and appear to be from the band's official channel. Hollis wasn't exactly a fan of appearing in music videos, but it certainly is a treat for fans to view his brilliance on video. Enjoy a trip down memory lane here or down below.
Morrissey returns with a new studio album I Am Not A Dog On A Chain via BMG in March. The follow up to California Son has been described by Morrissey as "the very best of me...too good to be true...too true to be considered good," and was recorded earlier this year in France. According to Morrissey Central, the 11 track album fulfills his contractual obligations with BMG. Considering some of the comments he's made publicly about the label in recent days, it is quite unlikely he would reup with BMG or that BMG would even make an offer at this point.
The first single from the album is titled "Bobby, Don't You Think They Know?" and features disco icon Thelma Davis. The single will be backed by a cover of The Love Affair's "Rainbow Valley."
View the tracklisting for I Am Not A Dog On A Chain below:
Additionally Morrissey revealed that BMG plan to reissue several titles from his solo catalog next year including Southpaw Grammar, Maladjusted, You Are The Quarry, Ringleader Of The Tormentors, Years Of Refusal, and Live At The Hollywood Bowl. The reissues feature remastered material plus updated artwork and sleeve notes. Official release dates have not yet been announced.
Morrissey - I Am Not A Dog On A Chain
Jim Jim Falls
Love Is On Its Way Out
Bobby, Don't You Think They Know?
I Am Not A Dog On A Chain
What Kind Of People Live In These Houses?
Knockabout World
Darling, I Hug A Pillow
Once I Saw The River Clean
The Truth About Ruth
The Secret Of Music
My Hurling Days Are Done
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
The The have been celebrating their 40th anniversary this year with commemorative merchandise. As the year winds down, several new items have just been added to the store, along with a few highly sought after items that have long been out of stock like posters and t-shirts with lyrics from The The classics including "This Is The Day," "Lonely Planet," and "The Beat(en) Generation." Check out all the merch here.
Additionally a new book Pedal Crush, which includes an interview/photo feature on Matt Johnson's guitar pedals was recently published. Authors Kim Bjørn and Scott Harper describe the book as a "definitive" guide on pedals and besides the feature on Johnson includes other in-depth artist interviews, rare pedals, and illustrated tips and tricks. Head here to check it out.
Meanwhile work has begun on a special release featuring material from last year's Comeback Special shows at London's Royal Albert Hall. No details have been released, however The The shared photographic evidence of progress on social media. Stay tuned.
#THETHE - all hands on deck in Studio Cineola as mixing of last year’s Royal Albert Hall Comeback Special concert gets underway. pic.twitter.com/CXrU92Ozz0— THE THE (@thethe) November 25, 2019
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Classic Alternative - Episode #132: Unspoken Wisdom
A two hour hosted mix of classics and cult classics from the heyday of Classic Alternative.
This week's show features music from The Replacements, Galaxie 500, Talk Talk, Magazine, Siouxsie And The Banshees, The Charlatans, R.E.M., Peter Murphy, and more.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
Noel Gallagher and The High Flying Birds return with a new EP Blue Moon Rising on March 6th. The song "Wandering Star" from the EP was issued as a single earlier this month and now Gallagher has premiered the official video. The song isn't necessarily a Christmas song however Gallagher chose director Dan Cadan to create a Christmas-themed video to accompany the song. The seasonal sentiment from Gallagher is somewhat of a surprise considering he's revealed previously that he "hates Christmas." Watch the video and a live performance video of "Wandering Star" below.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds ditched the idea of the full length album format and instead have opted to issue a series of EPs. This year three EPs have been release -- This Is The Place arrived in September, Black Star Dancing in June, and Wait And Return in April.
Meanwhile Liam Gallagher is riding high with the release of his second solo album Why Me? Why Not which debuted in the U.K. at number one. Perhaps Liam's success is irking Noel, because in a recent video interview he appears ruffled and angry when speaking about Liam. Take it easy on the table, Noel.
— I Hope|I Think|I Know 💙 (@HopeIThinkIKnow) November 20, 2019
Despite all of this, Liam is unfazed and retains a sense of humor.
I think he’s coming round to the idea not long now
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) November 22, 2019
Additionally NIN announced an expanded edition of Bird Box featuring "extended compositions and explorations" created during the Bird Box scoring sessions from Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross.
Head here to view the ordering options for both releases and view the unboxing video for the definitive version of With Teeth below:
Monday, November 18, 2019
Close Lobsters return with a new full length album Post Neo Anti: Arte Povera In The Forest Of Symbols on February 28th. The Scottish band's third studio album includes 10 songs, a few of which have been previously released ("Now Time" and "New York City In Space" are from 2014's Kunstwerk In Spacetime EP; "Under London Skies" and "Wander Pt II" were issued in 2016 on Desire And Signs).
The album will be preceded by the single "All Compasses Go Wild" which is slated for a digital premiere/release November 29th.
Neo Anti: Arte Povera In The Forest Of Symbols will be released on vinyl (choose from standard black, limited edition transparent orange, or limited edition transparent grey vinyl), CD, and digital album download. Fans in North America can order physical copies directly from Shelflife to avoid overseas shipping charges. Head here to pre-order and view the tracklisting for the album below.
Tracklisting
01. All Compasses Go Wild
02. The Absent Guest (No Thing, No There)
03. Johnnie
04. Bird Free
05. Godless
06. Let The Days Drift Away
07. Now Time
08. New York City In Space
09. Under London Skies
10. Wander Pt. II
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Classic Alternative - Episode #131: Supersonic Exothermic Front
A two hour hosted mix of classics and cult classics from the heyday of Classic Alternative.
This week's show features music from The Stranglers, The Stone Roses, Front 242, Slowdive, Ramones, Public Image Ltd, The Smiths, and more.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of London Calling by The Clash, a new exhibit opened this week at the Museum Of London. The Clash: London Calling celebrates the seminal 1979 album and features over 200 items and artifacts that influenced the writing and recording of the masterpiece. The exhibit includes Joe Strummer's notebooks and the typewriter he used to document song ideas, original drafts/sketches of artwork, and Paul Simonon's iconic broken Fender bass which he destroyed onstage in New York City in September of 1970 (the photo capturing Simonon's onstage frustration that night serves as the iconic cover art for London Calling).
The Clash: London Calling exhibit is free at The Museum Of London through April 19th. For more info on the exhibit head here.
Meanwhile Sony Music just issued a 40th anniversary edition of London Calling on 2LP, CD, and cassette. Also available is a 120 page hardback book which serves as a companion to the album, and collects previous unseen archive material, lyric notes, and a CD copy of London Calling. Head over to the official Clash website here to view order options.
London Calling from The Clash was released December 14th, 1979 and remains one of the most important, influential, and celebrated records of all time.
Depeche Mode 'MODE' boxset release delayed; film 'Spirits In The Forest' screens worldwide this week
Depeche Mode issued a press statement informing fans that their career spanning boxset MODE has been pushed back to January due to production issues. Read the statement below:
"Upon reviewing the first MODE boxes coming off the production line, we've identified a handful of places where the box is not up to our standards based on the prototypes that were approved, and we're insisting that these issues are fixed before any boxes go to retailers or to fans. Our top priority is to ensure that the quality of the box, artwork, and printing match what was designed and intended.
These issues have been resolved but the MODE box set will now be released on Jan 24th."
Meanwhile, Depeche Mode's new feature length film Spirits In The Forest screens worldwide this Thursday, November 21st at participating theaters. The film, directed by Anton Corbijn, is a concert film with live performances from the final shows on the Global Spirit tour plus includes a look into Depeche Mode fandom around the world. Head here to view a list of participating theaters.
Rachel Goswell of Slowdive has curated an online music auction to benefit The Deaf Academy. The auction features over 90 rare and unique items donated by shoegaze and classic alternative bands including Slowdive, Cocteau Twins, The Fall, My Bloody Valentine, The Cure, Ride, Chapterhouse, The Mission, Peter Hook, The Cult, The Specials and many more.
Items from this impressive collection were donated by musicians, artist, and record labels and include autographed set lists, lyric sheets, musical equipment, vintage art prints, and more. One of the rarities is an autographed 12" copy of The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary" with Ian Astbury's handwritten lyrics which he donated from his personal archive.
The auction is going on now through November 24th. View and bid on items here.
Read more about the auction and The Deaf Academy here.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
The House Of Love's brilliant and timeless debut single "Shine On" is being reissued as a limited edition 7" on November 29th. The single was originally released in 1987 and despite its brilliance failed to impact the music charts. A new version was later recorded and issued on the band's second album The House Of Love (aka The Butterfly Album) in 1990; by that point The House Of Love had established themselves as a successful band and the re-recorded version turned out to be one of the band's biggest hits.
The original 1987 version has never been reissued/repressed until now and will be backed by the tracks that appeared on the original 12" ("Love" and "Flow"). The single, which is part of the Optic Seven 2.0 reissue series, has been pressed on colored vinyl and is limited to 1000 copies. Pre-order here.
"Shine On" (1987)
"Shine On" (1990)
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Classic Alternative - Episode #130: Escalations
A two hour hosted mix of classics and cult classics from the heyday of Classic Alternative.
This week's show features music from The Stooges, The Verve, Ministry, Bauhaus, R.E.M., Siouxsie And The Banshees, New Order, and more.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
Ned's Atomic Dustbin have announced the release of an album titled Ned's Acoustic Dustbin. The album was recorded over four days and includes acoustic versions of 14 tracks from their catalog over the insistence of Miles Hunt of the Wonderstuff. Ned's Acoustic Dustbin will be released December 13th and is available to pre-order here.
Ned's Acoustic Dustbin tracklist
All I Ask Of Myself Is That I Hold It Together
Capital Letters
Cut Up
Grey Cell Green
Happy
Intact
Leg-End In His Own Boots
Song 11 Could Take Forever
Spring
Stuck
To Be Right
Trust
You Don’t Want to do That
23hr Toothache
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Just a reminder on this -- the premiere is this Friday, November 8th!
New Order's 2018 documentary New Order: Decades premieres on Showtime this Friday, November 8th at 7:30pm (television) and also streaming/on-demand. Head here for more info.
New Order: Decades is a feature length film chronicling the unique and unprecedented series of wall-of-synth shows at the Manchester International Festival. The shows took place in 2017 and featured New Order performing a life-affirming set of iconic songs backed by a 12 piece synthesizer ensemble from the Royal Northern College Of Music with orchestrations conducted by Joe Duddell and stunning visuals provided by Liam Gillick.
The film is more than a concert film, it's a celebration of New Order, their music, and their aesthetic. The documentary explores the initial concept, production, and technical aspects of the MIF shows and includes commentary from New Order, Liam Gillick, and Peter Saville. New Order: Decades is a rare glimpse into the creative and technical strategy of this massive undertaking, plus also showcases performance footage from these extraordinary wall-of-synth concerts.
New Order: Decades was directed by Mike Christie and premiered last September on Sky Arts. Read more about the film here and watch the trailer below.
New Order's live album ∑(No,12k,Lg,17Mif) New Order + Liam Gillick: So It Goes was captured during the MIF shows and was released on vinyl, CD, and digital album download over the summer.
Published November 5th, 2019
Monday, November 4, 2019
Last night Bauhaus reunited and returned to the stage for their first live show in 13 years. Original members Peter Murphy, Daniel Ash, Kevin Haskins, and David J performed a fifteen song set -- followed by a four song encore -- at their sold out show at the Hollywood Palladium. Tonight they'll return for their second show, followed by the third and final show December 1st.
Video is available to view below courtesy of J.P. Story.
Setlist
Rosegarden Funeral Of Sores
Double Dare
In The Flat Field
A God In An Alcove
In Fear Of Fear
Spy In The Cab
Terror Couple Kill Colonel
Swing The Heartache
She's In Parties
Bela Lugosi's Dead
Kick In The Eye
The Man With The X-Ray Eyes
Stigmata Martyr
Silent Hedges
Dark Entries
The Three Shadows Part II
Sister Midnight
Telegram Sam
Ziggy Stardust
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Classic Alternative - Episode #129: Cadence
A two hour hosted mix of classics and cult classics from the heyday of Classic Alternative.
This week's show features music from The Church, Pixies, Visage, David Bowie, XTC, The Jesus And Mary Chain, and more.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Lurking In The Shadows: A Very Classic Alternative Halloween
A special presentation of Halloween classics and cult classics.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
For more Halloween grooves, stream the previous Halloween episodes:
If Halloween is not your thing, catch up or revisit one of the many episodes in the archive:
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Legendary post-punk band Wire return with a brand new album on January 24th. Mind Hive is the band's seventeenth studio album and first since the release of 2017's Silver/Lead. The album, which features nine songs, has been described as "the most masterful 35 minutes of post-punk you will hear this year."
Two different versions of the album will be released - both will include the same music/tracklist/etc, but feature different cover art. The standard edition features a black background and blue lettering; the limited edition version features a black background and red lettering. The standard edition is available to pre-order through Wire's webstore; the limited edition/alt version will be available exclusively through independent brick and mortar record stores in the UK in an effort to get fans out to support indie record shops.
Stream the first single "Cactused" from Mind Hive below.
Along with the album news, Wire also unveiled live dates in support of the album. The North American leg of the tour takes place in March and so far does not include a Detroit area stop.
Wire - North American tour
Mar 03 -- Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
Mar 04 -- Chicago, IL @ Metro
Mar 06 -- Nashville, TN @ Mercury Lounge
Mar 07 -- Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
Mar 09 -- Washington, DC @ Union Stage
Mar 10 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
Mar 11 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg
Mar 12 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg
Mar 13 -- Boston, MA @ Sinclair
Mar 14 -- Ottawa, ON @ Bronson Centre
Mar 16 -- Toronto, ON @ Great Hall
The first two albums from The Ocean Blue have been repressed on vinyl and will be released next month. The self-titled 1989 dreampop classic The Ocean Blue has been newly pressed on translucent blue vinyl and 1991's Cerulean on clear vinyl. Copies will be available on The Ocean Blue's upcoming U.S. tour, or just head to their webstore to pre-order.
This summer The Ocean Blue released a glorious new album Kings And Queens/Knaves And Thieves -- one of the year's top dreampop records -- and they'll be back on the road in support of the album in November. The tour includes a Detroit area stop at The Magic Bag in Ferndale on November 1st.
The Ocean Blue - U.S. tour
Nov 01 -- Ferndale, MI @ The Magic Bag
Nov 03 -- Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Nov 15 -- San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
Nov 16 -- San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
Nov 17 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex
Dec 05 -- Denver, CO @ The Soiled Dove
Dec 06 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
Jan 16 -- Dallas, TX @ Sundown at Granada
Jan 17 -- Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
Jan 18 -- Austin, TX @ 3TEN Austin City Limits Live
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
After teasing fans for the last four days Depeche Mode announced a massive limited edition career-spanning boxset. MODE contains all 14 studio albums (Speak And Spell through Spirit) and four additional CDs featuring 63 non-album singles, b-sides and bonus tracks including the previously unreleased cover of David Bowie's “Heroes” (Highline Session Version). The boxset also includes a 228-page book with complete lyrics, career-spanning photographs, and the original album cover artwork.
Much of the bonus non-album material has been previously released but MODE is a fantastic comprehensive set for newer fans or those who missed out on some previous releases.
MODE arrives on November 22nd and is available to pre-order now. View the tracklisting below:
Discs 1 - 14: Depeche Mode studio albums
01. Speak And Spell
02. A Broken Frame
03. Construction Time Again
04. Some Great Reward
05. Black Celebration
06. Music For The Masses
07. Violator
08. Songs Of Faith And Devotion
09. Ultra
10. Exciter
11. Playing The Angel
12. Sounds Of The Universe
13. Delta Machine
14. Spirit
Disc 15: 1981 - 1985
01. Photographic (Some Bizarre Version)
02. Sometimes I Wish I Was Dead (Flexi-Pop Version)
03. Dreaming Of Me
04. Ice Machine
05. Shout
06. Any Second Now
07. Now, This Is Fun
08. Oberkorn (It's A Small Town)
09. My Secret Garden (Excerpts From)
10. My Secret Garden (Further Excerpts From)
11. Get The Balance Right!
12. The Great Outdoors!
13. Work Hard
14. Fools
15. In Your Memory
16. (Set Me Free) Remotivate Me
17. Shake The Disease
18. Flexible
19. It’s Called A Heart
20. Fly On The Windscreen
Disc 16: 1986 - 1990
01. Dressed In Black (Record Mirror Version)
02. But Not Tonight
03. Breathing In Fumes
04. Black Day
05. Christmas Island
06. Agent Orange
07. Fpmip
08. Pleasure, Little Treasure
09. Route 66
10. Stjarna
11. Sonata No. 14 In C#m (Moonlight Sonata)
12. Dangerous
13. Memphisto
14. Sibeling
15. Kaleid
16. Happiest Girl (Jack Mix)
17. Sea Of Sin (Tonal Mix)
Disc 17: 1993 - 2005
01. My Joy (Seven Inch Mix)
02. Death’s Door (Soundtrack Version)
03. Death’s Door (Jazz Mix)
04. Slowblow
05. Painkiller
06. Only When I Lose Myself
07. Surrender
08. Headstar
09. Easy Tiger
10. Dirt
11. Zenstation
12. Free
13. Newborn
14. Better Days
15. Martyr
Disc 18: 2006 - 2017
01. Oh Well (Single Version)
02. Oh Well
03. Light
04. The Sun And The Moon And The Stars
05. Ghost
06. Esque
07. Long Time Lie
08. Happens All The Time
09. Always
10. All That’s Mine
11. Heroes (Highline Session Version)
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Classic Alternative - Episode #127: A Flash Onto Ever
Includes Suede, Depeche Mode, Front 242, David Bowie, XTC, The Afghan Whigs, and The Jesus And Mary Chain.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
"...and yonder, the winter is coming. The lens of reflection of glory days dims, yet shall never us part"
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
The 2018 documentary New Order: Decades will finally be available to view in the United States. The fascinating film premieres on Showtime November 8th at 7:30pm (television) and will also be available for streaming/on-demand viewing November 8th. Head here for more info.
New Order: Decades is a feature length film chronicling the unique and unprecedented series of wall-of-synth shows at the Manchester International Festival. The shows took place in 2017 and featured New Order performing a life-affirming set of iconic songs backed by a 12 piece synthesizer ensemble from the Royal Northern College Of Music with orchestrations conducted by Joe Duddell and stunning visuals provided by Liam Gillick.
The film is more than a concert film, it's a celebration of New Order, their music, and their aesthetic. The documentary explores the initial concept, production, and technical aspects of the MIF shows and includes commentary from New Order, Liam Gillick, and Peter Saville. New Order: Decades is a rare glimpse into the creative and technical strategy of this massive undertaking, plus also showcases performance footage from these extraordinary wall-of-synth concerts.
New Order: Decades was directed by Mike Christie and premiered last September on Sky Arts. Read more about the film here and watch the trailer below.
New Order's live album ∑(No,12k,Lg,17Mif) New Order + Liam Gillick: So It Goes was captured during the MIF shows and was released on vinyl, CD, and digital album download over the summer.
Published October 9th, 2019
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark released their 40th anniversary boxset and singles collection Souvenir last week. The limited edition career-spanning set includes singles, a ton of previously unreleased bonus material from their archive, and one brand new song titled "Don't Go" (a condensed 2CD version with just the singles is also available). Today OMD premiered the official video for "Don't Go" on You Tube. Check it out below.
Meanwhile the band's 40th anniversary edition of "Electricity" backed by a brand new Vince Clarke remix of "Almost" was released as a vinyl 7" single in the U.K. last week and has debuted at number one on the vinyl singles chart there. Not only did the single debut at number one, but it outsold the rest of the Top 20 combined!
Published October 9th, 2019
Dead Can Dance announced dates for a North American leg of A Celebration - Life & Works 1980 - 2020. The spring tour will see the legendary band performing a career-spanning set from their critically acclaimed catalog. The tour includes a Detroit area stop April 28th at the Masonic Temple. View the tour itinerary below and head here for more details on the tour.
Dead Can Dance released their last album Dionysus in November of 2018.
Dead Can Dance - North American tour
Apr 17 -- Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia
Apr 19 -- Washington, DC @ The Anthem
Apr 21 -- New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
Apr 24 -- Boston, MA @ Boch Center
Apr 26 -- Toronto, ON @ Meridian Hall
Apr 28 -- Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple Theatre
Apr 29 -- Chicago, IL @ The Chicago Theeatre
May 03 -- Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
May 04 -- Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum
May 07 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic
May 09 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
May 11 -- San Diego, CA @ San Diego Civic Theatre
May 14 -- Mexico City, MX @ Auitorio Nacional
May 16 -- Guadalajara, MX @ Teatro Diana
Published October 9th, 2019
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Classic Alternative - Episode #126: Scriptorium
Includes Happy Mondays, The Clash, Depeche Mode, Bob Mould, Sex Pistols, The Legendary Pink Dots, and The Jesus And Mary Chain.
Stream below or here and catch up with the archive of previous episodes here or here.
News stories from the week
Stream Depeche Mode film Our Hobby Is Depeche Mode
Happy Mondays announce boxset Early Eps
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds release Ghosteen
Peter Murphy announces makeup dates for NYC residency
The Legendary Pink Dots kick off 40th anniversary tour
Michael Stipe releases debut solo single
New book on The Smiths: The Day I Was There
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Bonus: also includes some Depeche Mode love from Trent Reznor
Our Hobby is Depeche Mode from nicholas abrahams on Vimeo.
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