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First Listen: Willie Nelson, 'Last Man Standing' Willie Nelson's Last Man Standing is out April 27 on Legacy Recordings. A few months ago, social media trend spotters got excited for a moment about the fact that we're all going to die. The occasion was the launch of a new app, WeCroak, that follows the Buddhist practice of frequently contemplating mortality by sending notifications about that very subject to users five times a day. WeCroak is cute, a kind of mashup of Siddhartha and Edward Gorey's Gashlycrumb Tinies. But music lovers don't need it. We have Willie Nelson, the best life coach anyone could ask for, who at 84 has made it his business to help all of us not only contemplate the Grim Reaper but grab that bony elbow and have a dance. The title of Last Man Standing telegraphs its main theme, but Nelson's been comfortably marking his place on life's timeline over several albums now, ever since he started writing songs in earnest again. (Don't be surprised if he and producer Buddy Cannon, who cowrote all of Last Man's 11 tracks, come up with an app of their own one day – since Nelson lives mostly in Hawaii and Cannon's in Nashville, the pair collaborates mostly by text.) God's Problem Child, which came out last year, favored poignancy over humor, though both were pleasant. Last Man Standing flips that formula, with most tracks stressing good cheer even in the face of hard times.  Last Man Standing comes out April 27 via Sony Music. The title track mourns the loss of friends like Merle Haggard and Ray Price, but to a boogie woogie soundtrack. "Bad Breath" raises a beer bottle to halitosis (proof that the lungs are still working) and the honky tonk blues "Heaven Is Closed" personifies the two afterlife destinations as lovers who get confused in an old man's. These songs aren't sunny; loneliness and grief enter into most Nelson lyrics now. But like the legendary Buddhist monk who laughed even after dying because laughter is always young and fresh, Nelson embraces the cosmic joke while lighting one up for the pain that still teaches him. Last Man Standing ranges in style from Western Swing to pensive ballads, with plenty of old friends from Nelson's past recordings and touring bands in the studio, including Alison Krauss kicking up dust on fiddle. Buddy Cannon's production is clean and foregrounds Nelson's still utterly lucid, jazz-influenced singing. Some of the best cuts are the ballads, especially the soulful "Something You Get Through," which sounds like a deep cut from one of Aretha Franklin's great early 1970s sides. "It's not ours to be taken," Nelson sings of this life, releasing each word like a smoke ring as Mickey Raphael's harmonica matches his syllables. "It's just a thing we get to do." Now that is an insight worth sending as a notification. Songs We Love: Gallant, 'Gentleman'  Gallant pairs angelic vocals with a powerful, almost-sinister, sexual energy for his "Gentleman" video. On his 2016 studio debut, Ology, Gallant mesmerized fans and critics with honest songwriting, glittery, crashing instrumentals and a dizzying falsetto that could climb scales as precisely as the man himself climbs rafters during a performance. Now, the 26-year-old talent returns, this time in a new light. Let's call him Gallant 2.0, the grown and sexy version. "Gentleman" is the first single from his forthcoming sophomore album due out later this year. It's a slow-burning stunner made only more scorching by the accompanying video, premiered today by NPR Music. YouTube
The five-minute clip finds the Grammy-nominated singer in intimate hyper-focus: oiled up, and bathed in blue against a devoid background. As he sings of aching lust, close-ups on his hands, hair and back showcase Gallant in a strong, stripped-down way he's never seen before. "I know it's winter somewhere / But it's springtime right here / You need me to water your grass 'fore it all disappears / Said you're sick of that high school s*** / You need a college degree / So you took all of your frustration to me," Gallant coos on the Teddy Walton-produced track. Gallant's toned physique in the visual is the result countless endorphin-fueled dead lifts in the gym — "I had some time after touring and I wanted to try and get my mind together" — and will surely be greeted with plenty of thirsty tweets in appreciation. "For this particular [song] where I'm tapping into more the side of me that is pretty confident, the only way to really get the whole picture and not present something distorted or not true to myself would be to pair it with something that's equally as vulnerable," Gallant tells NPR Music. "It was just the most accurate representation of me as a human being, personally and artistically." Director Sasha Samsonova, who also helmed Gallant's videos for "Talking to Myself" and "Bourbon," says the unfiltered intimacy onscreen was achieved by a black velvet set, intricate camera rigging and 35 millimeter film. "We really wanted something mature and elevated," Samsonova explains. "You can tell how calculated every move is, so that was a big part for me because I wanted to feel like nobody was around him and it was just a personal experience." While Gallant admits he came up with the concept for this video about five years ago while talking to his mom, it never made sense to execute until he wrote this song, he says. At first glance, the shots of his body are reminiscent of D'Angelo's iconic "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" video, however, the singer says this finished product is a result of many different inspirations thrown into one giant pot. "Visually, I wanted to kind of do the same thing I was doing audibly," Gallant says. "It's an homage to a bunch of different films that are really shadowy, Matrix-esque worlds that I think can only be built with 35 millimeter film ... And obviously the lighting was like Hype Williams-type, like those videos in the late '90s; the movie Belly; the way that Seal's album covers are lit. And then it was the decision to be vulnerable and make the video just focus on the black male body." Pairing angelic vocals with this powerful, almost-sinister, sexual energy onscreen is a study in contrast — one that Gallant balances on oiled fingertips and harnesses until the last high note. Songs We Love: Monsieur Periné, 'Bailar Contigo'  Colombian band Monsieur Periné continues to fascinate with new single. Colombia's Monsieur Periné is at that sweet spot of a band's maturation process wherein they've solidified what they know, but are unafraid to venture towards what they don't. Consider that the group's last album, Caja de Musica, flowed with French-inspired swing-jazz feel-goodness, leading to a breakout 2015 Latin Grammy win for best new artist. The follow-up to that success brings them together once again with former Calle 13 member Visitante (Eduardo Cabra), the producer of Caja, as well as a host of new musical collaborators. Monsieur Periné's new single, "Bailar Contigo" ("Dance With You"), the first off its still-untitled new album, reflects the band's improvisational restlessness in a blend of Caribbean rhythms, bossa nova guitar, sound from a ukulele-like Brazilian instrument cabaquinho and Afro-Colombian drums called tambor alegre, with synthesizers and samplers. The poetic siren song reflects "the moment when you make a connection with someone you want to know more intimately," says lead singer Catalina Garcia, who adds that in Colombia, "dancing is a way to break the ice with someone."
The song's seductive power lies in Garcia's delightful voice — sweet as honey, with a crisp, yet waif-like, soprano airiness. Guitarist Santiago Prieto and Garcia co-wrote the song with urban pop artist (and "Despacito" producer) Mauricio Rengifo. Garcia says the collaboration was the "perfect match" they needed; just outside of the group's comfort zone. Monsieur Periné will tour the U.S. thus summer, including a stop at the Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles. First Listen: Liz Brasher, 'Outcast'FROM  Liz Brasher's debut EP Outcast is out April 27 on Fat Possum. Getting to know a new artist's music can feel like falling in love. One's senses are awakened, and every nuance is noted and internalized. When it comes to Liz Brasher, this is especially true, as each layer brings forth new things to ponder. There is, first, the remarkable instrument of her voice, which can deliver a power-pop howl as easily as it croons a stormy country ballad. Then the guitar captures you, at once crunchy and percussive. Even the way Brasher tacitly communicates with her bandmates in a live setting conjures smiles. The joy radiates off the stage.  We've been following Brasher (pronounced BRAY-zher) since the beginning of 2018, when she was tapped as an NPR Music Slingshot artist. Since then, we have eagerly awaited the arrival of her first official EP, Outcast, to hit the streets on April 27. (A full-length debut, Painted Image, will follow later this year.) Brasher and band have been busy playing out, making the rounds at SXSW, in Europe with Anderson East and Rod Melancon, and are now doing dates around the country with Ohio's Red Wanting Blue. Make no mistake, Brasher is comfortable with it all: From the garage-fueled title cut to the pure tone of the sultry ballad "Remain," and from the girl group throw down of "Cold Baby" to the haunting riff of the first single "Body of Mine." Her music is like turning a prism to behold all the colors of refracted light. Brasher, now a Memphis resident, grew up in North Carolina where she attended a Baptist church and sang Spanish in the choir. She is Dominican and Italian, and Southern to boot, so she claims a lifetime awareness of otherness as well as a rich heritage of duality. Her upbringing provides a kaleidoscope from which to draw. At the age of 27, she has synthesized the rock and roll of yesteryear and accumulated a surprising knowledge of and reverence for its history. That might help to explain her singular sound, which when coupled with her abundant inherent talent produces a big bang all its own.
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Soul singer Leon Bridges reveals another puzzle piece from his forthcoming sophomore album Good Thing called “Beyond.” [Edited 4/24/18 9:39am] | |
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First Listen: Deva Mahal gets "Down" with brilliant ballad * Scarlett Johansson Announces New EP with Pete Yorn, Shares “Bad Dreams” Scarlett Johansson has announced a new EP with singer-songwriter Pete Yorn. Titled Apart, the release arrives June 1 via Capital and follows the pair’s 2009 collaboration Break Up.
The latest EP features four new songs and an updated version of the song “Tomorrow,” which was originally recorded on Yorn’s 2016 release Arranging Time. Hear the release’s first track, “Bad Dreams,” below. ‘A Star Is Born’ CinemaCon Trailer Shows Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper Singing Live
CREDIT: COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.
Lady Gaga convinced Bradley Cooper to sing live for “A Star Is Born.” The pop star told the actor that a pet peeve of her’s was watching actors lip-synch to pre-recorded music in movies. “‘What I can’t stand in movies is when it’s playback,'” Cooper said Gaga told him, before debuting a new trailer for the film at CinemaCon. The film is an oft-told tale that has been made and remade several times over the years — with the likes of Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Kris Kristofferson, and James Mason essaying the lead roles. Like Streisand’s 1976 version, this “A Star Is Born” is set in the world of music. It marks Cooper’s directorial debut, and the Oscar-nominated actor said he spent three years working on the Warner Bros. production. It’s not just Gaga hitting the high notes on screen. Cooper made a deal with Gaga. She would teach him to sing, and he would help the pop star get comfortable emoting on camera. To add to the authenticity, Cooper and Gaga performed at Coachella and at Glastonbury, where they shared the same stage as Kristofferson.
In the film, Cooper plays an alcoholic country and western singer, while Gaga is an aspiring musician who is insecure about her looks and her songwriting abilities. The trailer bills her as Lady Gaga, not as Stefani Germanotta. Initial publicity materials for the film listed Gaga by her given name. Warner Bros. has moved back “A Star Is Born” nearly five months from May 18 to Oct. 5 because it believes the drama could factor into awards-season consideration. Cooper came on as director following his work with Clint Eastwood on “American Sniper.” Eastwood attempted to get the film made for years with Cooper in the role of the fading movie star and Beyonce as his co-star. Eastwood eventually left the project, but not before suggesting to Cooper that he try directing. In addition to “A Star Is Born,” Warner Bros. highlighted “Mowgli,” a new version of “Jungle Book,” “Ocean’s 8,” and “Crazy Rich Asians.”
APRIL 25, 2018 6:09AM PT
Fleetwood Mac Announce Tour Dates
CREDIT: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
Fleetwood Mac today announced an extensive North American tour that will cover more than 50 cities and carry them through until the spring of 2019. The group recently confirmed that singer-guitarist Lindsey Buckingham had left the band and will be replaced for the tour by singer-guitarist Neil Finn (of Crowded Hou... Campbell. The tour is produced by Live Nation and launches Oct. 3 in Oklahoma, full dates appear below. Tickets for the tour will go on-sale to the general public starting on Friday, May 4 at 10am local time. American Express Card Members can purchase tickets in select markets before the general public beginning Monday, April 30 at 10am through Thursday, May 3 at 10pm. SiriusXM also announced that it will launch a limited-run channel, “The Fleetwood MacChannel,” on May 1 that will run for the entire month.
“Fleetwood Mac has always been about an amazing collection of songs that are performed with a unique blend of talents. We jammed with Mike and Neil and the chemistry really worked and let the band realize that this is the right combination to go forward with in Fleetwood Mac style. We know we have something new, yet it’s got the unmistakable Mac sound,” said Mick Fleetwood.
“We are thrilled to welcome the musical talents of the caliber of Mike Campbell and Neil Finn into the Mac family. With Mike and Neil, we’ll be performing all the hits that the fans love, plus we’ll be surprising our audiences with some tracks from our historic catalogue of songs,” said the group collectively. “Fleetwood Mac has always been a creative evolution. We look forward to honoring that spirit on this upcoming tour.” FLEETWOOD MAC 2018-19 TOUR DATES
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R.I.P. Neville Brothers stalwart saxman Charles Nevillesoultracks.com  (April 26, 2018) He was the second oldest member of one of the all-time great family groups, and his saxophone drove many of their biggest hits. We are sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Charles Neville of The Neville Brothers, at age 79. Neville died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Neville’s famous brother Aaron posted of the death on Twitter: "My dear brother Charlie the horn man, just want you to know that if I would’ve had the choice of picking my brothers, I would definitely choose you. You were a great brother. You’ll always be in my heart and soul, like a tattoo" After a troubled youth, Charles Neville got his life together and with his brothers Art, Cyril and George, formed The Neville Brothers band in 1976, in New Orleans. They got together to take part in the recording session of The Wild Tchoupitoulas, a Mardi Gras Indian group led by the Nevilles' uncle, George Landry ("Big Chief Jolly").
Art Neville reached out to Paul Howrilla (personal manager for Dr. John) and told him that he always wanted to do something with his brothers. Paul Howrilla created Neville Productions, Inc., serving as president and CEO with all four Neville brothers as members of the board of directors. The newly formed business covered the entire Neville family, designed to protect them from the music business abuse they had previously endured in their individual careers.
This experience led them to form the group the following year. Their debut album was released from Capitol Records in 1978. In 1988, the group released Uptown from EMI featuring guests including Branford Marsalis, Keith Richards, and Carlos Santana. The following year saw the release of Yellow Moon from A&M Records produced by Daniel Lanois. The track "Healing Chant" from that album won best pop instrumental performance of the Grammy Awards.
In 1990, the Neville Brothers contributed "In the Still of the Night" to the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Blue produced by the Red Hot Organization. Also in 1990, they appeared on the bill at that year's Glastonbury Festival. This also was the year they recorded "Sons and Daughters" on their Brother's Keeperalbum. Their version of "Bird on the Wire" was played over the closing credits of the 1990 film, Bird on a Wire.
Due to the health problems of Art Neville, the band kept low profile in the late 1990s onto the early 2000s. They made a comeback in 2004, however, with the album, Walkin' In The Shadow Of Life, from Back Porch Records, their first newly recorded effort in five years. Charles Neville with his wife, Kristin.
All brothers except Charles, a Massachusetts resident, had been living in New Orleans, but following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 Cyril and Aaron moved out of the city. They had not been performing in New Orleans since Katrina hit the city, however, they finally returned to perform there at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2008, being given the closing spot which had been reserved for them for years.
Infrequently, Ivan Neville, Aaron's son (keyboards) and Ian Neville, Art's son (electric guitar), both of the band Dumpstaphunk, have played with the band in recent years. The group formally disbanded in 2012 but reunited in 2015 for a farewell concert in New Orleans. Charles Neville is survived by his wife Kristin Neville, daughter Charmaine, sons Talyn and Khalif; sister Athelgra Neville Gabriel, and brothers Art, Cyril and Aaron. Jason Mraz Returns With The Uplifting & Anthemic “Have It All” CREDIT: Justin Bettman
Nobody does mood-lifting pop quite like Jason Mraz. The singer/songwriter has been churning out cheerful bops since 2002, but “Have It All” could be his catchiest yet. In any case, the crooner’s holy trinity of smash hits (“The Remedy,” “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up”) is about to become a quartet. Co-produced by David Hodges, JKash and Andrew Wells, the 40-year-old’s latest was inspired by a blessing he received from a buddhist monkey in Myanmar. And the song does feel like a meditation of sorts. “May you have auspiciousness and causes of success, may you have the confidence to always do your best,” Jason begins the song over plucked guitar. “May you take no effort in your being generous, sharing what you can — nothing more nothing less.” From there, the affirmations continue until we reach the sing-along chorus. “Here’s to the hearts that you gonna break, here’s to the lives that you gonna change,” he beams. “Here’s to the infinite, possible ways to love you… I want you to have it all.” Try listening to this without a smile on your face! The video, which dropped tonight, is also destined to lift your spirits. Jason goes back to school and has a good, old-fashioned dance-off with kids from the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community (SPARC) and the Richmond area Turnaround Arts schools. “Have It All” is that rare ray of sunshine in the gloomy hell-scape of 2018. Soak it up below. Rami Malek Embodies Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ CinemaCon Footage
CREDIT: COURTESY OF TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
Rami Malek offered an impressive early look for the nation’s theater owners at CinemaCon with his interpretation of the late Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” “I thought when I got the part that this could be a career-defining performance. Then I thought, ‘This could be a career-killer if I don’t get it right’,” Malek told the audience Thursday at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The footage included performances of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are the Champions.” “What always had me was his ability to give people the ability to embrace their imperfections,” Malek said. Producer Graham King also said the film, which opens Nov. 2, will fulfill audiences’ expectations. “This is a story that has something for everyone,” he said. “Freddie Mercury connected like only a handful of performers have ever done. I am so humbled to be part of Queen’s legacy.”
The presentation made no mention of director Dexter Fletcher, who came on board to direct in December after Fox fired Bryan Singer fr...e project. Singer was also not mentioned. New Regency and GK Films are the production companies. Mercury wrote numerous hits for Queen, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Killer Queen,” “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” and “We Are the Champions.” Ben Hardy is playing drummer Roger Taylor. Gwilym Lee (“The Hollow Crown”) is portraying lead guitarist Brian May and Joe Mazzello (“The Social Network”) is in the role of bass guitarist John Deacon. Lucy Boynton is playing Mary Austin, lifelong companion of Mercury. Mercury formed Queen with May and Taylor in 1970 and died of complications from HIV/AIDS in 1991 at the age of 45. Billie Eilish & Khalid Are Trapped In Their “Lovely” VideoBillie Eilish and Khalid made waves last week with the release of their heartrending ballad “Lovely.” Over a lush instrumentation of melancholic keys and gorgeous strings, the pair attempt to overcome a serious depression. “Isn’t it lovely, all alone? Heart made of glass, my mind of stone. Tear me to pieces, skin and bone. Hello, welcome home,” they croon, showing off their impressive vocals. Today (April 26) they have returned with the Taylor Cohen-directed video, and it is equally striking. Inspired by Billie’s desire to portray two people being “hopelessly trapped” together, the video traps them in a crystalline box. Opening with the 16-year-old siren alone, her collaborator appears out of thin air behind her as his vocals come in. What follows is a captivating spectacle complete with brilliant special effects that capture the severity of their situation. Although the visual is undeniably dark, the pair seem to allude to a conclusion to their struggles toward the end. “Lovely” is the latest in a string of winning releases from the pair. After going viral with his breakout hit “Location” last year, Khalid has popped up on a string of high-profile collaborations. He contributed his slinky Normani Kordei duet “Love Lies” to the Love, Simonsoundtrack. More recently, he teamed up with Sabrina Claudio on “Don’t Let Me Down.” Meanwhile, Billie has delivered hits to the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack and recently unveiled her bass-heavy “COPYCAT.” Together they have touched on something that could become a veritable hit of its own. In the last week, they have amassed nearly 5 million streams on Spotify, and the visual is sure to give them a boost. With any luck, the pair will make an appearance on the charts with their gorgeous ballad. Watch the video up top!
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Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite Detail New Album 'No Mercy In This Land'Pair plot North American tour in support of follow-up to 2013 Grammy-winning LP 'Get Up!'  Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite unveiled the smoldering title track from their upcoming new album, 'No Mercy In This Land.'
January 23, 2018
The sparse and lonesome blues tune pairs Harper's steely guitar with the raspy blare of Musselwhite's harmonica. The pair share vocal duties as well. Their voices and instruments mesh woefully above a steady march of percussion. "The righteous and the wretched, the holy and the damned," Harper sings, "There's no mercy in this land." No Mercy In This Land is available to pre-order and comes with an instant download of the title-track. A digital deluxe edition of the record will feature three bonus tracks recorded live at the Machine Shop. Per a statement, the record features "both Ben and Charlie's personal stories and adds to the sonic history of American struggle and survival." No Mercy In This Land follows Harper and Musselwhite's acclaimed 2013 collaboration, Get Up!, which won the Grammy for Best Blues Album. "Charlie Musselwhite is that very rare and hallowed place where blues past, present and future collide," Harper said of the harmonica player. "He transforms notes into emotions that feel both hauntingly familiar and brand new, as if hearing them for the first time every time. He is a living legend whose harmonica playing should be beamed into outer space to search for other life forms." In turn, Musselwhite said of working with Harper, "Onstage or in the studio – working with Ben Harper holds the same excitement I experienced working with Chicago blues legends back in the day. I think it is safe to say that Ben has reinvented the blues in a great way: playing modern while preserving the feel." Harper and Musselwhite will embark on a world tour in support of No Mercy In this Land that starts with a two-night stand at the Fillmore in San Francisco, March 30th and 31st. The pair will then tour Europe throughout April, but they'll kick off an official North American run with two nights at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, May 7th and 8th. Tickets go on sale January 26th. No Mercy In This Land Track List 1. "When I Go" Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite Tour Dates
Win a Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite Prize Package!April 13, 2018
 Enter now to win a Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite Prize Package, including a Signed 'No Mercy In This Land' vinyl, 'Live at Machine Shop' 7” and a Charlie Musselwhite harmonica! >>> Listen to No Mercy In This Land HERE! <<< ENTER CONTEST HERE:https://www.relix.com/con...c822c043ee
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The Controllers' lead singer Reginald McArthur dies at 63https://www.soultracks.com  (April 29, 2018) One of the many great, unsung act of the 1970s and 80s was Birmingham, Alabama’s own The Controllers. Today we are sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of the baritone lead singer for the group, Reginald McArthur, at age 63.
Originally part of an eight-member gospel group, The Controllers became four in number by the time they entered junior high school, consisting of Reginald and Larry McArthur, Ricky Lewis and Lenard Brown. Their growing reputation in the Birmingham area led to an introduction to Cleveland Eaton, bassist for the Ramsey Lewis Trio. Under Eaton's guidance, The Soul Controllers, as they were then called, recorded their first single, called "Right On Brother, Right On". It became a regional hit while they were still attending Fairfield High School.
In 1976, the group came to the attention of Juana Records, run by Frederick Knight, also from Birmingham. Recording at the Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi, their first single on Juana charted, but it was their second release, "Somebody's Gotta Win, Somebody's Gotta Lose", that really established them. The song, a ballad lasting over eight minutes on the album, climbed to #8 on US Billboard R&B chart, and #3 on the Cash Box soul chart in 1977. The group's on-stage performances also helped them to open for Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, B.B. King and The Temptations. A follow-up ballad, "Heaven Is Only A Step Away" climbed to #37 R&B, but despite the release of two more albums on Juana, the group failed to find another major single success.
In 1983, the group signed with the late Jimmy Bee, a San Francisco based manager, and got a recording contract with MCA Records. Their first release on the label, "Crushed" (which featured Stevie Wonder on harmonica) returned them to the charts, reaching #30 R&B, in 1984 and two years later, "Stay" climbed to #12. Their cover version of the Marvin Gaye song, "Distant Lover" also proved popular. These hits led to a series of appearances on Soul Train and performances at the Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall. During this time, the group also performed on MTV, BET's Video Soul and on HBO.
Under the guidance of Bee, the Controllers made a move to Capitol Records in 1989 for the album Just In Time, which failed to produce any hits but rekindled their popularity among the group's loyal following. After a break from touring and recording, the four returned in the late 1990s, and joined Malaco Records for their self-produced album, Clear View, which contained a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition", and a revised "Somebody's Gotta Win". McArthur went on to host a syndicated talk show with Controller’s bandmat Lenard Brown called Inside The Juke Joint, where artists, songwriters, arrangers and musicians talk about their careers and lives.
In a period where talented vocal group’s abounded in the soul music world, Reginald McArthur and The Controllers set their own path that gave them a permanent place in music history. Rest In Peace, Mr. McArthur. ATL's Soulful Ruby Velle Returns on "State of All Things," The Title Track of Her New AlbumPhoto by Jason Hales/Hales PhotographyMUSIC NEWS RUBY VELLE In terms of bands that base themselves out of Paste’s own Atlanta backyard, Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics have long been one of our very favorites. With a fiery stage presence and voice that recalls the verve of Amy Winehouse or Sharon Jones, the band and its sultry leader have been charming Atlanta residents ever since the days of their well-remembered Star Bar residence in 2008. In 2012 came the synthesis of the band’s work to date, in the form of their debut album It’s About Time. That groove-oriented collection of classic soul sounds hit Billboard Heatseeker charts and earned the band some attention from the likes of Starbucks, increasing the size of The Soulphonics’ audience considerably in the process. Now, after almost six years of live performances and fine-tuning, Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics are back with a new full-length album, State of All Things, out March 23. We have the pleasure of giving fans a first glimpse at the title track of said album, an enveloping and wholesome-sounding R&B classic in the making. With a luxurious horn section, subtle strings and tight-as-hell guitar work, “State of All Things” feels like the musical equivalent of slipping into your favorite pair of jeans after a long day in stuffy office apparel. Ruby Velle herself had the following positive message for Paste about the new single and album: This album reaches the world, in my eyes, at a critical juncture for the collective consciousness. Do we choose to see the good within the sometimes separatist climate? Can we recognize that all this overwhelming chaos and calamity is only because there is now a true need to recognize the human condition as a loving condition? From anything perilous comes strength, resilience, reverence … and this album is a snapshot of that journey for us all. As a band, we believe that all these journeys are connected through one love. With this idea we set out to create a sophomore effort that sparked our passion and excitement for the Southern fabric of our genre while also being a conduit for music as “The Great Unifier”. We worked incredibly hard to make our own unique statement within this genre, with respect to the greats before us. I hope the listener really feels this channeling of a time when music provided all answers to the division of humankind. The album is brought to the world SOLELY independently, with our management team as exec. producer (Kristin Juel), helping to run a lean team of very talented musicians, creatives and small business entrepreneurs, that I am honored to work with. I cannot wait to share these tunes live with the world in the coming years. Well, speaking for Paste, we certainly can’t wait to hear it and see it live. In the meantime, you can see the artwork for the single (by Methane Studios) below, and you can also access the pre-sale and pre-save for State of All Things by clicking right here. The band is celebrating the release of State of All Things with a release show at Atlanta’s Terminal West on March 24, with a vinyl release to follow on April 27.
Out now! Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings new album Studio Timehttp://billwyman.com  Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings’ new album – Studio Time – is now on sale as a special set of studio recordings – the first ones since 2004.
Called Studio Time, the album is a special set of studio recordings – the first ones to be issued since 2004 – and gathers up fifteen outtakes from eight different sessions, including two songs from as far back as March 1987, before the actual formation of the Rhythm Kings. These previously overlooked and unheard gems have been newly mixed for this album by Bill Wyman and Terry Taylor. The booklet contains all the musician credits. The album delivers a very eclectic selection of songs, from Midnight Oil to Canned Heat to Dan Hicks, via classics by Willie Dixon, Slim Harpo, Jimmie Rodgers, Louis Jordan and Don Covay, and some originals – there’s a solo song by Georgie Fame, “Skiing Blues”, and “Jazz Walk”, a Wyman/Fame co-write. Studio Time is on sale now – you can BUY NOW directly ...ine store!
Bill Wyman put together his ten-piece Rhythm Kings ensemble after leaving the Rolling Stones in 1992. The band has a core rhythm section, but features a revolving combination of all-star guest front men and women. These recordings feature the talents of Gary Brooker, Georgie Fame, Beverley Skeete, Terry Taylor, Mike Sanchez, Andy Fairweather Low, Martin Taylor, Chris Stainton and Albert Lee. Tracklist: The Flaming Lips Announce Their Greatest HitsAlbum, Due out in JunePhoto by Matt Cardy/GettyMUSIC NEWS THE FLAMING LIPS
 Psychedelic-rock veterans The Flaming Lips announced on Friday the release of their forthcoming Greatest Hits album. Set to release on June 1 via Warner Bros. Records, the vinyl edition of Greatest Hits Vol. 1 features 11 Flaming Lips hits released by Warner Bros. Records between 1993 and 2017. Accompanying the vinyl edition is the Greatest Hits Vol. 1 Deluxe Edition, which goes outside the Flaming Lips standard collection to compile b-sides, outtakes and several previously unreleased tracks into a three-CD set-up. Each of the tracks in this collection have been remastered by the band and their longtime producer Dave Fridmann at Tarbox Road Studios. Some sure-to-be fan-favorite treasures found in this album include a previously unreleased demo track “Zero To A Million,” which features a short-lived lineup of the band that included Jonathan Donahue on guitar and Nathan Roberts on drums. This track was on the original cassette that got the band signed with Warner Bros. Records. In addition to the massive greatest hits album that’s set to release, Warner Bros. Records have also announced plans to collaborate with Rhino Records in order to reissue two classic Flaming Lips albums later on in June: Scratching the Door and Seeing The Unseeable, which were recorded for Restless Records before the band signed with Warner Bros. in 1991. These two records will also be getting remastered by the band and Fridmann, and are set to drop as a six-CD box release through Warner Bros. on June 29. Preorders of the Greatest Hits Volume 1 deluxe edition are currently available. Fans who preorder the album are promised an instant download of the band’s single “We Can’t Predict the Future.” Preorders of the album will also give fans access to download two other album tracks, set to release in the near future. The track “The Captain” will be available to download on May 11 and “Enthusiasm For Life Defeats Existential Fear Pt. 2” will be available on May 25. You can preorder the album before its June 1 release right here. Check out Paste video from a 2007 Flaming Lips performance below, and find The Flaming Lips’ Greatest Hits Volume 1 cover art and tracklist further down.
Greatest Hits Volume 1 Album Art:
Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (Vinyl Edition) Tracklist: Side One: Side Two: Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (Deluxe Edition) Tracklist Disc 1: Disc 2: Disc 3: Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It! |
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Because of Unexpected “Health Issue,” Bonnie Raitt Cancels Tour Dates with James Taylor April 30, 2018
 In a message posted to her official Instagram page singer-guitarist Bonnie Raitt has cancelled a number of upcoming tour dates with James Taylor because of an unforseen “health issue.” The singer will miss the first leg of the tour because of a “medical situation” discovered during a routine physical. Though the message doesn’t mention the problem specifically, it does require surgery. “The prognosis is good and a full recovery is expected,” it says. “I’m deeply sorry to have to disappoint my fans, James and colleagues with these cancellations,” Raitt wrote in the statement. “I was so looking forward to our tour, but I’m very grateful that the doctors feel this can be taken care of with surgery. I’m feeling strong and am in great hands with my wonderful team.” Raitt is expected to return to the stage this June for the second leg of the tour, followed by some mid-summer dates in Europe. In a separate statement, James Taylor expressed his affection for Raitt and commitment to her wellness. "This summer was to be Bonnie’s and my second summer touring together," the singer-songwriter wrote. "We wanted to do it again because it was such good fun the first time, we didn’t want it to end. We are so looking forward to having her rejoin the tour in mid-June. Of course, there is no question as to the priority of your health, Bonnie. You will be constantly in our hearts and minds until we see you in June." As for the affected tour dates, the first leg of the tour (starting May 8) is now billed as a two-set "Evening with James Taylor & His All-Star Band." Additionally, Sheryl Crow will sit in with Taylor on May 29 in Phoenix as well as both shows at the Hollywood Bowl, May 31 and June 1. For updated information about Raitt’s tour visit her website. For a full list of James Taylor's upcoming performances click here. Read Raitt's full statement below: We are extremely sorry to announce that Bonnie Raitt will need to miss the first leg of her tour with James Taylor due to a medical situation. Following her annual physical, it was determined she needs to schedule some surgery soon. The prognosis is good and a full recovery is expected. “I’m deeply sorry to have to disappoint my fans, James and colleagues with these cancellations. I was so looking forward to our tour, but I’m very grateful that the doctors feel this can be taken care of with surgery. I’m feeling strong and am in great hands with my wonderful team. I fully expect to return for the second leg of the US tour in June followed by our European tour in July. Thank you all for your concern and understanding that the best gift you could give me is respecting my wish for privacy and giving me space to heal. Can’t wait to see you all back on the road again soon!” More information about the concerts can be found at JamesTaylor.com and for those ticket buyers who would like to request a refund to a show affected by this announcement, please do so at your original point of purchase. BonnieRaitt.com presale ticket and Special Benefit Seat buyers who would like to request a refund can do so by emailing tickets@BonnieRaitt.com. Austin City Limits Books Paul McCartney, Metallica, Childish Gambino and More for 2018 May 01, 2018
.jpg) This year’s Austin City Limits will feature the only North American festival appearances by Metallica and Paul McCartney, in a wide-spanning lineup that also includes Childish Gambino, Arctic Monkeys, Travis Scott and Odesza. The premiere festival will feature 125 bands over the weekends of October 5-7 and October 12-14, across eight stages. As per tradition, it will be held at its 17-year home in Austin, Texas’ Zilker Park. 2018’s ACL will also feature David Byrne, The National, Khalid, Hozier, David Byrne, CHVRCHES, Deftones, Justice, St. Vincent, Sylvan Esso, Father John Misty, Brandi Carlile, ILLENIUM and Janelle Monáe as well as countless others. Tickets for Austin City Limits are now on sale at the festival’s official website. According to the site, an ongoing partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation allows for a portion of ticket sales to go toward “improving Austin’s beautiful green spaces.” For a full list of performers see below: .jpg) Bud Light River City Rockfest Will Include Nine Inch Nails, Primus, Joan Jett and More April 30, 2018
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Surprise! Celine Dion Is Releasing A New Single This WeekADVERTISEMENT
Mike Wass @mikewassmusic | May 2, 2018 12:50 pm
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 CREDIT: Denise Truscello
When Celine Dion announced that she was releasing a new song this week, I assumed it would be for her next album. But I was wrong. Instead, the Canadian songbird contributes a soaring ballad called “Ashes” to the Deadpool 2 soundtrack. And it’s easily her best single since “Taking Chances.”Produced by Steve Mac (Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” and Rita Ora’s “Your Song”), this song has the pop hooks and instantly memorable chorus that I’ve been waiting for from the legendary diva. “I’ve been bending backwards till I’m broke, watching all these dreams go up in smoke,” Celine purrs, before pulling the vocal trigger on the chorus. “And when I pray to God all I ask is, can beauty come out of ashes?” It’s emotional and dramatic and very, very over the top. The latter quality is why it fits perfectly into the Deadpool universe. And the charred superhero dutifully appears in the hilarious video, delivering choreography — in high heels — and even a touch of romance. Watch below before it goes viral. Deadpool 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack tracklist: 1. Ashes – Celine Dion 2. Welcome To The Party – Diplo, French Montana & Lil Pump (feat. Zhavia Ward) 3. Nobody Speak – DJ Shadow feat. Run The Jewels 4. In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel 5. Take On Me (MTV Unplugged – Summer Solstice) – a-ha 6. If I Could Turn Back Time – Cher 7. 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton 8. All Out Of Love – Air Supply 9. We Belong – Pat Benatar 10. Tomorrow – Alicia Morton 11. Mutant Convoy – Tyler Bates 12. Bangarang (feat. Sirah) – Skrillex
Pop Emergency: Christina Aguilera Launches ‘Liberation’ Era With “Accelerate”Mike Nied @mikeynied | May 3, 2018 8:43 am
 Christina Aguilera is ready to reclaim her throne! The pop icon officially kickstarted the Liberation era with the release of her 2 Chainz and Ty Dolla $ign-assisted new single, “Accelerate.” After teasing fans with promotional footage that confirmed her imminent comeback during a performance over the weekend, Xtina spent the remainder of the week raising anticipation. Today (May 3), she rolled out the sexy anthem, doused herself in glitter for the accompanying video and announced that her LP would be released June 15. It has been nearly six years since she last rolled out an album, and today’s release confirms it was worth the wait. “Accelerate, c’mon babe. Pick up your speed. Stamina, fill me up. That’s what I need,” she urges over the growling bass and driving beat. Ty hypes up Xtina throughout the track and 2 Chainz drops a searing verse of his own, but the “Genie In A Bottle” siren remains in charge. Her voice sounds as strong as ever, and the production is guaranteed to be right at home on radio and in the depths of the club. According to Genius, the song was produced by Mike Dean, Kanye West and Che Pope. The accompanying video is essentially a glam roll. Comprised of footage from the various teasers we have seen this week, it is a memorable and dazzling return. Boasting such a fierce beat, the Lotus icon should have no problem reclaiming a spot near the upper reaches of the charts with “Accelerate.” Liberation is available for pre-order here. The album’s tracklist includes a heavily teased feature with Demi Lovato called “Fall In Line” and another with Keida and Shenseea on “Right Moves,” but the remainder of it is all Christina. Watch the video up top and check out the tracklist and album cover below. Liberation Tracklist 1. “Liberation” 2. “Searching For Maria” 3. “Maria” 4. “Sick Of Sittin’” 5. “Dreamers” 6. “Fall In Line” feat. Demi Lovato 7. “Right Moves” feat. Keida and Shenseea 8. “Like I Do” 9. “Deserve” 10. “Twice” 11. “I Don’t Need It Anymore” (Interlude) 12. “Accelerate” f. Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz 13. “Pipe” 14. “Masochist” 15. “Unless It’s With You”
UK Superstar Jess Glynne Announces New Single “I’ll Be There”Mike Wass @mikewassmusic | May 1, 2018 4:00 pm
 This is an insane week for new music. Just to recap, here are some of the major releases. Florence + The Machine returns to the pop scene with “Hunger,” while Julia Michaelsintroduces her debut LP with “Jump.” And let’s not forget Diplo, who teams up with Sia and Labrinth for “LSD.” When you factor in potential new singles from Ariana Grande (the arrival of “R.E.M” is looking quite likely) and Christina Aguilera, you have one of the most stacked New Music Fridays in recent memory. And now you can add another name to that list. Jess Glynne kicks off her sophomore era on Friday (May 4) with a new single called “I’ll Be There.” (I don’t think it’s a cover of the Jackson 5 classic, but you never know). While the 28-year-old’s star is still on the rise in the US, she is an established force in the UK with six number one hits to her credit. The latest, Rudimental’s “These Days,” only ascended to the top a couple of weeks ago. Given her immense popularity, expect the hitmaker’s latest is expected to be massive. See the glamorous cover below.
APR 5, 2018 @ 02:15 PM 892 2 Free Issues of Forbes Jess Glynne Is Now The British Female Solo Artist With The Most No. 1 U.K. Singles
Hugh McIntyre , CONTRIBUTOR Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
 MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 11: Jess Glynne performs at Parklife Festival 2017 at Heaton Park on June 11, 2017, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew McNulty/Getty Images) This week in the United Kingdom, British band Rudimental has finally stepped up from the runne...n to No. 1 after a record-tying seven weeks ...cond place, granting them their third leader on the singles tally in that country. Their latest single, “These Days,” features fellow musicians Macklemore, Dan Caplen and Jess Glynne, who has sat atop the tally more times than anyone else in that group. “These Days” is Glynne’s sixth No. 1 in her home country, which is an especially impressive sum when it comes to female solo artists. According to the Official Charts Company, Glynne now leads the charge when it comes to British women who record and release music on their own, as she has the most No. 1s in that country. Before this week, she was tied with beloved pop singer Cheryl (also known as Cheryl Cole), who currently has five solo No. 1s to her name (in addition to the four she collected as a member of the girl group Girls Aloud), but now Glynne has pushed the bar higher. Glynne first reached the peak of the chart as a featured guest on Clean Bandit’s breakout smash “Rather Be,” which went on to become a hit in almost every nation in the world. That track bolted to No. 1 in the U.K. back in 2014, and after making it all the way to the top with that catchy tune, the singer repeated the feat later that year, again as a featured vocalist. Glynne’s second chart-topper came in the form of Route 94’s “My Love,” which also spent some time at No. 1 in 2014.
2015 was even better for Glynne, as she was able to rack up a trio of No. 1 singles, including two on her own. She was once again featured on a song fronted by another act that rose all the way to the throne—Tinie Tempah’s “Not Letting Go”—and her own debut album I Cry When I Laugh produced a pair of back-to-back leaders as well. Her own singles “Hold My Hand” and “Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself” both spent some time running the show in 2015. Incredibly, Glynne has made history in this specific way in just four years, which is a testament to her ability to choose which songs she wants to be on, her star power and how lucky she is. In addition to her many No. 1 smashes, Glynne also has three other top 10 hits to her credit, including one that stalled just one rung shy of the top of the tally (another collaboration with Clean Bandit, “Real Love”). Now with “These Days,” Glynne is in a league of her own, and the chances are she’ll further her lead as the British female solo artist with the most charting champions when she begins rolling out her sophomore album, which could arrive this year. * * * [Edited 5/3/18 17:43pm] Just Music-No Categories-Enjoy It! |
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I'm semi excited 4 the new CHVRCHES. Their last was kinda decent n their 1st is a classic. Briefly skimmed thru the available new tracks n wasn't "wowed", just more of the same, but I get it, that's their thing n I'll give them another shot at a later time, maybe they'll grow on me... For all time I am with you, you are with me. | |
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