THE FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE: 29th April 2011
> JOURNEY ECLIPSE EPK
> UK DEBUT ALBUM FROM POLITICAL SKATE PUNKERS GOODBYE JERSEY
German Skate-Punk crew 'Goodbye Jersey' set free their debut long play 'Entertain Me!' on 20th June 2011 through Long Beach Records Europe.
Labelling themselves as 'melodic bugle-punk' [„mellodick bjugel pank“] – in short, a heady mix of pacey melodic skate punk and offbeat structures laced with hardcore tunes, the band's sound fuses crusty guitars, hard hitting drums, and contagious sing-a-long anthems all mixed with real grit and delivered by a vocalist who has already been compared to a cross between Tom Delonge & Fat Mike – this is Goodbye Jersey.
Hailing from Hamburg, Germany and formed in January 2009, five young scamps sporting a healthy obsession for a number of Fat Wreck bands decided to lock themselves up in a fifteen-square-metre windowless basement to celebrate punk rock the way it should be: fast, angry, dirty and sweaty. Within just one year, Goodbye Jersey recorded their debut EP which racked up underground praise, leading the quintet to sign with Long Beach Records. Thereafter, the band hit the road and bagged a series of shows with the likes of "This Is A Standoff" from Canada, "Left Alone“, "Star Fucking Hipsters“ and US ska-kings "Big D and the Kids Table“.
The melodic-punkers now release their debut album which molds captivating lyrics with a social consciousness and brims with uncontrollable hi-octane phrasing. Right from outset, the opening track "Angels & Western Waves" is an audible reference to the coalition currently governing Germany. "Wasteland" deals with the phenomena of gentrification in their hometown of Hamburg. "Kill Your TV” and "Radio Sux" are both damning verdicts of the mass media influence which consumes today's youth. The band's debut album 'Entertain Me!' is aptly titled and also serves as a cynical swipe at society’s obsession with popular culture. Goodbye Jersey want people to take ownership for their lives instead of living life through a TV screen. This is their message and they're intent on creating music that will help deliver it, be that in a sweaty venue or with their upcoming record – the lively quintet will be heard!
http://www.facebook.com/goodbyejersey
http://www.myspace.com/goodbyejersey
> VERSUS YOU / WHITE FLAG COLLABORATION ON 4TH JULY 2011
Versus You originate from Luxembourg and were brought to life in 2005 by Eric Rosenfeld (vocalist/guitar) and Giordano Bruno (bass). Without any time to waste, the driven unit pulled together their first record 'Marathon' in 2006. Their second release 'This Is The Sinking' soon followed, and the band began to pick up prominent attention with their track 'The Hotel Room', which managed to top the national charts. Continuing to spread their wings, the lively foursome undertook a mammoth tour in support of 'This Is The Sinking' which hit up Germany, Belgium, Holland and Italy. Along the way, Versus You also impressively bagged shows with Queens of the Stone Age and The Killers. As the band's sound evolved they drafted in Jimmy Leen to contribute with songwriting, vocal and guitar duties. Opening for the likes of 'No Use For A Name' and soon to be friends 'the Flatliners', they then toured through Eastern Europe and Russia playing shows with NOFX, Propagandhi, White Flag and Bayside. At this time, Versus You went into the studio again to produce their third album which was recorded live on the back of the tour. Inspired by the scribblings of Jack Kerouac and suitably titled 'The Mad Ones', the record further cemented the band's development and increase in popularity.
Throughout 2010, the irrepressible quartet played a handful of shows with numerous fraternal spirits from 'Alkaline Trio', 'Strike Anywhere', 'Dead To Me', and 'Rise Against' to the likes of 'Star Fucking Hipsters'. Now in 2011, Versus You team up with US punksters 'White Flag' and present seven of their own edgy and formidable punk rock cuts led by the distinctly raspy voice of Eric Rosenfeld. The songwriting is melodically direct and catchy, yet intense enough to burrow deep paths into the cranium. From the dynamic guile of "This War Is Like A Drug To You" to the energetic "Spread The Epidemic", Versus You have drawn together an impressive collection of tracks to kick off a stunning collaboration.
The second part of this split release highlights the talents of Californian Punk-Rock vets White Flag. Impressively, the long standing punk rockers have released 23 records within 28 years and have racked up shows from all reaches of the globe, from Greenland to Faror, and everywhere in between. White Flag are and have fully embraced the punk rock lifestyle ever since they formed back in 1982, opening for the legendary Black Flag.
Not only do the the US punks have a rich and lengthy history, but their notable list of rotating band members is also a unique feature. Since their formation, more than 20 musicians have contributed to White Flag, including members from Bad Religion, Circle Jerks (Greg Hetson), The Muffs (Ronnie Barnett), Lagwagon (Ken Stringfellow) and Hole (Eric Eraldson). Rightly so, White Flag are firmly stapled into the heart of American rock and Punk Rock history.
The L.A. Punk Rock roots of White Flag are instinctively recognisable right from the first chord and this split release ideally showcases eight charismatic old school-styled punk tunes that, reminiscent of true rebellion, serve as a timely marker that substance is paramount and fashion is redundant. Old School is back with a vengeance!
http://www.myspace.com/whiteflagofficialmyspacesite
> NEW STAMPEDE VIDEO
Stampede have revealed the promo video for the first single from their forthcoming new album 'A Sudden Impulse, out May 9. The single, entitled 'Having Fun' is out now and available to download from iTunes, Amazon and Play.com.
Keep up with the latest Stampede news on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/stampederock
> KRYOPHERE'S DEBUT OUT IN JUNE
Looking for full-on heavy, heart-stopping, soul destroying metal…..? Obviously.
Hailing from the slumbersome hills of South Wales, Kryophere are a force to be reckoned with. Their passion and enthusiasm explode through your speakers with no remorse. They have taken some of the best elements of their biggest influences, given them a stab wound and merged them together to create something completely wild and unique.
Kryophere have become a huge hit in South Wales, and it’s only a matter of time until their ferocity will be spreading across the whole of the United Kingdom and taking over the world. Their emotive expression, blistering accompanying riffs and hard hitting drum beats are going to reverberate around your mind and leave you with a “damn, that shit is heavy” feeling inside.
But don’t take my word for it the band are currently on tour, so why not see what all the fuss is about by seeing them live for yourself at the following venues: May 20th – Buffalo Bar – Cardiff, July 12th – The Croft – Bristol, August 17th – The Croft – Bristol
Not only Kryophere are armed with their brand new debut album, but they also have a stunning video for their first single too. Watch it here, you’ll be sorry you missed the chance if you don’t: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt681YU9fdA&feature=youtu.be
Kryophere’s debut album ‘Hiraeth’ is out 1st June 2011 on AltSounds Records. Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/kryophere. You can also become a fan on Facebook by following this link http://www.facebook.com/kryophere.
> AVENUE OF ALLIES RE-ISSUES
On April 29th 2011 Avenue Of Allies will release five high quality albums to kick of the new series of high quality re-issues called “Avenue Of Allies Archives”. The first run of 1000 copies of each “Avenue Archives” CD comes as a Special Limited Edition in a jewel case with an additional numbered slipcase. The CDs include extensive booklets incl. lyrics, new liner notes by the artist, track-by-track musicians credits and if available exclusive bonus tracks.
Volumes 1 to 5 are high profile AOR and Westcoast albums featuring am impressive line-up of musicians and song writers. All CDs are available for the first time outside of Japan.
King Of Hearts – 1989 (Avenue 1105 0025 – Avenue Archives Vol. 1)
The unreleased debut album from 1989. Songs in the Tim Feehan meets Richard Marx vein. King of Hearts are: Tommy Funderburk, Bruce Gaitsch, Kelly Keagy & George Hawkins, feat. Bill Champlin (Chicago), CJ Vanston (Richard Marx, Steve Lukather), and the Eagles members Timothy B. Schmit & Randy Meisner
George & G. - So Much To Say (Avenue 1106 0026 – Avenue Archives Vol. 2)
incl. 2 bonus tracks. Originally released in 2006, this album is a Westcoast AOR dream coming true. Classic sound à la Toto and Chicago, feat. Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams, Jason Scheff, Warren Wiebe, Alex Ligertwood, David Garfield, Eric Marienthal, Lou Pardini and more.
David Roberts - All Dressed Up (Avenue 1107 0027 – Avenue Archives Vol. 3)
One of THE all-time Westcoast classics, recorded in 1982. Remastered sound and for the first time track-by-track musicians credits feat. Jeff Porcaro, Steve Lukather, Jay Graydon, David Foster, Greg Mathieson, Mike Porcaro, Paulinho Da Costa, Bill Champlin, Joe Chemay, Tom Kelly and many more
David Roberts - Better Late Than Never (Avenue 1108 0028 – Avenue Archives Vol. 4)
The much-anticipated 2008 recording comeback of one of the great AOR song writers (Bad English, House Of Lords, Signal, Starship, Jimmy Barnes, Lee Aaron, Boulevard, Nielsen Pearson). Songs co-written with John Waite and Randy Goodrum. Feat. Michael Landau, Mike Baird, Luis Conte, Fred Mollin, Abraham laboriel Sr., Pat Coil, Shannon Forrest, Brent Mason and many more
David Roberts - The Missing Years (Avenue 1109 0029 – Avenue Archives Vol. 5)
incl. 2 bonus tracks. 15 newly remastered songs from David’s archives. Feat. Stan Meissner, John Albani, Anthony Vanderburgh and Arnold Lanni
In further news Avenue Of Allies has taken over the distribution of “FAITHEALER - Welcome To The Edge Of The World” in certain territories. Faithealer is the duo of Ivan Gunn (Pride, Balance Of Power) and Jason Marks (S.I.N., Forever). Their sound is an impressive combination of Pomp AOR & epic Melodic Rock in the vein of Red Dawn, Tour De Force, Giuffria, House Of Lords and the classic Balance Of Power debut album.
More Avenue Of Allies news coming very soon including the details for the smokin’ hot debut album by the high profile AOR project Lionville and the long awaited comeback of the female fronted Swedish Melodic Rockers Alyson Avenue with their new front woman Arabella Vitanc. Both albums are a pure bliss for all fans of classic AOR and Melodic Rock.
> THE BLUE AEROPLANES TENTH STUDIO ALBUM 'ANTI-GRAVITY' RELEASED JUNE 20TH
It could be their best ever.
It's quite a claim, given the praise that's still routinely lavished on their all-conquering early-90s classics 'Swagger' and 'Beatsongs' and the string of 4 and 5-star reviews that greeted their 2006 critical renaissance 'Altitude'.
But ‘Anti-Gravity’, the tenth studio album from reborn Bristolian art stars The Blue Aeroplanes, shows an outfit once again at the peak of their pop/art/rock/folk/poetry/dance/mayhem powers. More consistent than 'Altitude', and more tuneful than its predecessor 'Cavaliers', it can even afford to discard last year's acclaimed single 'China Brilliance Automotive', released to mark the band's takeover of renowned Bristol venue The Fleece.
Perhaps it is this that has revitalised them? Certainly opening track 'Sulphur' is the equal of anything dating back to the days when they supported REM on the 'Green' world tour. Guitars tangle like vines over a sinister, loping groove as Gerard Langley delivers one of the finest lyrics of his career, linking Bonfire Night, the spark of a match and the life of a relationship in an irresistible flood of allusion.
Other highlights include '25 Kinds of Love', a choppy, chippy riposte to Paul Simon's '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover'; ('He only wrote about seven', remarks Langley sardonically); while the plangent 'Oak Apple Day' is a reminder that few contemporary English artists have written as consistently or as sensitively in the space between art-rock and folk.
Never knowingly understaffed (uncountable guitarists have passed through the ranks since their 1984 debut ‘Bop Art’) the usual assortment of Aeroplanes luminaries have come to the party. Longstanding ex-Aeroplane and current Massive Attack guitarist Angelo Bruschini's distinctive style is much in evidence, while Gerard Starkie, formerly of Witness, gets a solo spotlight on the muscular 'Go Along With Me On This One'. And multi-instrumentalist Dave Chapman returns to the fold having last appeared on 1987’s ‘Spitting Out Miracles’.
But perhaps the most surprising name check is that of St Vincent. The New York-based chanteuse, formerly of both the Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens's band and these days a celebrated solo artiste, lends a tune in the shape of 'Laughing With A Mouth Of Blood' from her second album 'Actor' - here renamed 'My Old Haunts' and given a glorious rock ‘n’ roll sheen by this irrepressible outfit.
As they approach 30 years since their first ever gig (Bristol's King St Art Gallery,1981) there's no sign that The Blue Aeroplanes are feeling gravity's pull.
'Anti Gravity' is released on limited 12" vinyl on June 20th (Art Star/Albino Two).
Full track listing: 1. Sulphur 2. Angela Carter 3. 25 Kinds Of Love 4.Oak Apple Day 5. My Old Haunts (Laughing With A Mouth Of Blood) 6.Nothing 7.Go Along With Me On This One 8.Great Movie Clichés 9.Pretty Head (Raising Cain And Pulses) 10.One World Passport 11.Born Again, Again 12.Cancer Song
http://www.theblueaeroplanes.co.uk/
> FIRST EVER ROCK N ROLL SELF HELP BOOK ON NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LIST
The already two-time New York Times bestselling author Nikki Sixx’s latest offering, “This Is Gonna Hurt: Photography And Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx” (William Morrow) has just reached the #4 spot on The New York Times Best-Sellers list. Written as a tribute to Sixx’s institutionalized sister, the book (and companion album) explores what true beauty is and embraces our own power around that. Written entirely by Sixx with no ghostwriter, the book is part journal, part memoir, and part social commentary and features his original photography. Sixx is currently on a national book-signing tour. He continues to host his syndicated radio program Sixx Sense and The Side Show Countdown With Nikki Sixx (http://www.sixxsense.com/)
Sixx’s “other band”, Sixx:A.M. is currently enjoying success with the track “Lies Of The Beautiful People.” Also entitled THIS IS GONNA HURT, the album is due out May 9TH via Eleven Seven Music. Sixx:A.M. is James Michael (vocals), Dj Ashba (guitar) and Nikki Sixx (bass).
http://Sixxammusic.com/ will launch in conjunction with the record, offering fans an up close and personal online relationship with the band for the first time.
"I am grateful and inspired that I have the opportunity to touch people in a unique way with my book THIS IS GONNA HURT and with the music I create with James and D.J. in Sixx:A.M. Traveling around the country, meeting fans and hearing their stories in person and on my radio show has reenergized my commitment to creating honest and inspirational content that not only serves my own creative purposes but can help and touch others as well,” Said Nikki Sixx.
> CONSFEARACY SIGN TO MASSACRE
The U.S. / German metal group CONSFEARACY featuring lead vocalist Brian O’Connor, (ex- Vicious Rumors) guitarist Fabian Schwarz (The New Black) ,Guenter Auschrat, bassist (The New Black, Abandoned); Ira Black, guitarist (ex-Vicious Rumors, Lizzy Borden, Metal Church); and drummer Timo Weis have inked a deal with Massacre Records.
Uniting East with West CONSFEARACY produced, recorded and mixed their self-titled CD in 2010 then mastered it with Achim Koehler in Germany, producing a heavy power-tech-thrash metal formula, featuring heavy and soaring dynamic vocals, technical attacking melodic guitars, driving bass and precision drumming. CONSFEARACY writes about controversial topics surrounding conspiracy theories, the new world order, spiritualism, relationships and end of days prophecies. Together, these well-established international recording artists have created an undeniable metal force.
The album cover artwork was created by graphic designer Dennis Sibeijn, who has captured the bands view surrounding the mysticism of the illuminati. His works include, (Cavalera Conspiracy, Lamb of God, Kill Switch Engage, Job for a Cowboy and Chimaira).
CONSFEARACY’S self titled debut will be released via Massacre Records on July 1, 2011 in Germany and July 4, 2011 in all other countries. “We are very excited to be apart of the Massacre Records family and are looking forward to releasing our debut record to the metal masses.”
Check out CONSFEARACY: http://www.facebook.com/consfearacyband
> IHSAHN CONFIRMED FOR PROGPOWER USA
Former Emperor vocalist/guitarist IHSAHN will make his first American solo appearance at ProgPower USA, scheduled September 14-17 at Center Stage in Atlanta. Confirmed by festival organizer Glenn Harveston, IHSAHN replaces Arcturus on the Friday evening lineup of the popular music festival. Tickets are nearly sold out; fans are encouraged to buy tickets now.
IHSAHN comments, "I am very excited to get the opportunity to play at ProgPower. My backing band, Leprous, played the festival last year and had a fantastic time. Given the nature of my solo-material, I believe this festival will be a great place to present it live. I have already performed at several festivals/shows in Europe in 2009/2010 and will do a few more this year.”
IHSAHN’s performance is expected to include selections from all three solo albums – The Adversary (2006), Angl (2008) and his most recent, After (2010). "As compelling as Emperor's best,” says Decibel in a review of After in their February 2010 issue. Continuing, the magazine notes, “IHSAHN sounds as fresh as he did fifteen years ago, but with the hindsight of a grown man." Revolver called the album, "brimming with classical, goth, prog, and eighties-metal passages."
After completes IHSAHN’s planned trilogy of initial recordings. The album showcases the Norwegian icon with drummer Asgeir Mickelson (Spiral Architect), bassist Lars K. Norberg (Spiral Architect), and saxophonist Jorgen Munkeby (Shining). Currently at work on his fourth album, IHSAHN confirms he is eighty percent done with the songwriting and is planning for a mid-2012 release.
Spellemann (Norwegian Grammy) Award Nominee IHSAHN (born Vegard Tveitan) began playing music at a very early age. As a teenager, his friendship with Tomas Haugen (a.k.a. Samoth) would trigger the start of his music career -- one that to date includes over fifty individual recordings, five high-profile Emperor European tours (the band reaching US shores on only three occasions) and the respect of fans and peers worldwide. In mid-2009, IHSAHN gave his first live performance in Oslo supporting Opeth.
IHSAHN is endorsed exclusively by Ibanez Guitars, Line 6, Steinberg and Blackstar Amplification.
Tickets for ProgPower USA are available now via Ticketmaster.
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/
> SANCHEZ VIDEO
http://www.myspace.com/sanchezkicks
> UK GUITARIST FESTIVAL "MONKEYFEST"
MonkeyFest is a new UK-based music festival taking place from the 1st to the 3rd of July 2011 at Bisley Pavilion, Woking. Hosted by Rob "The Monkey Lord" Chapman - who is frequently YouTube's UK #1 most-viewed musician, and is internationally acclaimed for his free online tuition - Rob is bringing guitar tuition from the screen to the stage at MonkeyFest.
MonkeyFest is a unique event combining tuition and performance, and with a line-up comprising of blistering shred guitarists, smooth classical artists and driving rock bands, it has something to offer everyone. Guitar heroes such as Guthrie Govan, Andy James and Alex Hutchings are confirmed to perform and teach alongside the likes of Godsized, Haken and Sons of Icarus topped-off with rising talent, including Ben Wilshire, Sammy Coulson and Adam Lee.
MonkeyFest is a one-of-a-kind festival experience run by guitarists for guitarists, who are absolutely mad about guitars, guitar music, gear and the fraternity and brotherhood that is sacred amongst players. MonkeyFest is a gathering of like-minded musicians.
With a line-up of virtuosos from all over the world, and a fantastic venue to hold the event, MonkeyFest tickets are available from just £55 at http://www.seetickets.com/
> ANASAZI UNLEASH THEIR NEW PROG ALBUM
French progressive metal pop band Anasazi have released their new album "Playing Ordinary People". If you want to listen to it, you can download it for free on their website http://www.anasazi-prog.com/
> WHITESNAKE LIVE AT DONNINGTON TRAILER
Whitesnake's LIVE AT DONINGTON 1990 DVD, live double CD and Combo set will be available on June 3rd in Europe and June 7th in North America.
> PRODUCER-GUITARIST RAY DETONE HELMS DEBUT MARK CLARKE SOLO ALBUM
New York City based producer and session guitarist Ray DeTone recently completed work on Billy Squier, Colosseum, Uriah Heep, Rainbow, Mountain and Natural Gas bass player, Mark Clarke's debut solo album, Moving To The Moon, which is available now, through the Philadelphia based, It's About Music label. Ray also has 5 co-writes on the CD and shows off his skills as a “serious” composer with his orchestral arrangements on 2 of the tracks.
DeTone, who has worked with artists as varied as Paul Di'anno from Iron Maiden, Ronnie Spector, Drive, She Said , Japanese star Himuro w. Grammy Winning Producer Neil Dorfsman , Chinese legend Phil Chang and the Taiwanese rock band-Power Station performed all the guitar tracks on Moving To The Moon, which was recorded at Ray's own Dancetone Music studio. Ray says, "Working with Mark was a blast! We'd get rolling with a full head of steam and all of sudden something would remind him of a story from back in his Liverpool days ... ' one day me and Ringo were driving down the M1 and ... ' and the session would come to a screaming halt. HaHa . The history this man has been involved in is simply amazing! I'm honored to be able to work so closely with him."
Ray has recently placed songs in 2 episodes of MTVs “Pranked", co-written a song for the 40th Anniversary Colosseum release and was even asked by Colosseum leader, John Hiseman, what he used to record Mark Clarke's voice on the demo. This past winter Ray played guitar on Fred Weidenhammer’s release, and will be recording with multi-platinum songwriter/producer Heather Holley (Christina Aguilera) on the voice of the David Lynch movie, "Mulholland Drive", Rebekah Del Rio’s record slated to start production early this Summer. DeTone has also taken over the single guitar chair in the show Celebrating Queen with performances at NYC’s BB Kings & The Palace Theatre already under his belt and more scheduled around the US starting in May. Ray also continues to do the “reading” gigs with a multitude of Chinese pop stars that perform in concert around the U.S. while still turning out compositions for the Omni Music library on a regular basis.
His production credits also continue to grow, as he just finished producing Danish singer, Kamilla Kristensen, and is presently working in the studio with a couple of fresh faced youngsters developing their talents.
You can visit and listen to Ray's 3 instrumental CDs at http://raydetone.com/, iTunes or his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ray-DeTone/78167221945
> 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF CARAVAN
To celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the release of Caravan’s In The Land Of Grey And Pink, Universal is pleased to announce a special three-disc, deluxe edition of the album. The original multi-track session and album masters have been revisited by Steven Wilson (of Porcupine Tree and Blackfield) who has prepared new stereo and 5.1 Surround Sound mixes.
Disc One features the original album newly remastered by Paschal Byrne at The Audio Archive plus three new Stereo mixes by Steven Wilson. Disc Two features two previously unreleased versions of “It Doesn’t Take A Lot” and “Nigel Blows A Tune” plus four non-album tracks remixed by Wilson Disc two also includes three songs recorded live for BBC radio’s Sounds of the Seventies - “Love To Love You”, “Love Song Without Flute” and “In The Land Of Grey And Pink” plus two songs recorded live for John Peel’s Sunday Concert which included a superb cover version of Soft Machine’s “Feelin’, Reelin’, Squealin’” and Caravan’s own magnum opus, “Nine Feet Underground”. Disc Three is a DVD featuring the brand new 5.1 Surround Sound and Stereo mix of the album plus two performances recorded for German TV’s Beat Club in June 1971. “Golf Girl” was broadcast at the time but “Winter Wine” has never been seen.
Like Soft Machine, Caravan was born out of Canterbury based band Wilde Flowers, a group subject to many line-up changes. At various times the outfit featured Kevin Ayers (guitar), Richard Sinclair (guitar), Robert Wyatt (drums), and Hugh Hopper (bass). The band was augmented in 1965 when Hopper invited trainee dental technician and drummer Richard Coughlan to replace Robert Wyatt who had chosen to sing rather than play drums. Shortly afterwards a new guitarist was also recruited, Pye Hastings, born in Banffshire, Scotland but living in Canterbury since the age of twelve. Originally an R&B band, Wilde Flowers were developing towards more of a soul direction when Dave Sinclair joined, originally playing bass, but soon switching to keyboards. Both Kevin Ayers and Robert Wyatt then departed just a few months apart, both later re-emerging in Soft Machine.
By 1968, changing their name to Caravan, the classic first line-up comprised Pye Hastings, guitar and vocals, Richard Sinclair, bass guitar and vocals, Dave Sinclair, keyboards and Richard Coughlan, drums. Caravan soon developed a unique style having begun to write their own material and began to perform outside of Kent. An appearance at Middle Earth in Covent Garden in June 1968 eventually led to Caravan becoming the first British band to sign to the New York based Verve Records. The album Caravan appeared on Verve Forecast in October 1968 and stands creatively along side classic early British psychedelic recordings like Pink Floyd’s Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Family’s Music in a Doll’s House and Traffic’s Mr. Fantasy. Unfortunately, the album was only in the shops for a matter of months before Verve Records ceased operations in the UK.
Caravan soon found a new home, signing to Decca Records and beginning recording their second album in September 1969. The irreverently titled If I Could Do It All Over Again, I’d Do It All Over You, was released a year later. By then, Caravan had already written the new material that would make up the bulk of their next vinyl outing. In the Land of Grey & Pink was the result - arguably, their finest hour.
Sessions for the album began at Decca Studios in West Hampstead in September 1970 where Caravan worked on first versions of what would become such legendary songs in their repertoire. On this occasion, Pye Hastings sole song writing contribution was “Love To Love You” explaining his relative lack of material thus; “For the first two albums I wrote most of the material, and Dave Sinclair also wrote a lot. When it came to Grey & Pink the others had a big backlog of material. Dave especially was advancing way ahead of the rest of us in terms of musical development, so he had a lot of say on the album. Richard Sinclair also had a pile of good material. I only contributed one entire track, but offered bits to some others.”
The first song recorded was Richard Sinclair’s “Group Girl”, aka “Golf Girl”. Another Richard Sinclair composition to grace the album was “Winter Wine”, a song of fairy tales and dreams. “We tended to come up with the music first and the lyrics were usually the last thing to be finished,” explained Pye. “I think ‘Winter Wine’ is probably the finest song Richard Sinclair has every written.” The remaining sessions in September 1970 were dedicated to “Dave’s Thing”, a major composition that became “Nine Feet Underground”. The 22 minute opus was recorded in five distinct sections and skilfully edited by David Hitchcock and engineer Dave Grinsted. In December 1970 the band moved to the newly opened Air London studios in Oxford Street. These AIR sessions saw “Golf Girl” re-recorded, with a superb piccolo solo from Pye’s brother, Jimmy Hastings plus the remaining titles, including “Grey and Pink” and Hastings‘ ‘Love To Love You‘. The work at Air also produced Richard Sinclair’s long unreleased “Frozen Rose (I Don’t Know It’s Name Alias The Word)”, now one of the bonus tracks on Disc Two.
The album’s final mixing was completed at Decca studios in January 1971, its initial single, released on February 12th 1971, coupling “Love To Love You (And Tonight Pigs Will Fly)” with “Golf Girl”. In The Land Of Grey And Pink followed in April 1971 on Decca’s progressive rock label Deram. It was the inaugural release in Deram’s “deluxe” series, its gatefold sleeve featuring a striking Tolkien-esque illustration by Anne-Marie Anderson. Both the music within and the album sleeve created a stunning impression but, despite failing to register on the official UK album chart, In The Land Of Grey And Pink has remained on catalogue since its 1971 release and is Caravan’s biggest selling album. It’s splendid fusion of folk, jazz and rock - tinged with the band’s humour - created an album that is still highly regarded. Forty years on, In The Land Of Grey And Pink is, perhaps, Caravan’s defining moment.
> DANA JADE VIDEO
Dana Jade releases her debut double A single (M.I.A. cover -Galang / Little Sister via Priestess Records this month.
http://www.myspace.com/danajademusic
> NEXION SELF-TITLED MCD
Quickly becoming the world's foremost supplier of pure underground extremity, Dark Descent Records is proud to be the exclusive distributor of the self-titled MCD from Scottish black metal trio NEXION. Relentlessly violent and branded in the fires of Hell, NEXION's introduction to the global metal community is one that promises to make a lasting impression.
This release will be available in mid-May of 2011 at http://www.darkdescent.net/
> THE BODY: TOUR AND REPRESS
The previously-announced repress of THE BODY's harrowing full-length All The Waters Of The Earth Turn To Blood is approaching, is now available.
While the initial vinyl pressing of All The Waters Of The Earth Turn To Blood was released via THE BODY's own Aum War Records, limited to only 500 copies, the new version will be handled by At A Loss Recordings, who released the CD version of the album worldwide in July 2010. The repress will be limited to 1100 copies, and will be pressed as a 3-sided 2xLP, available in both colored and standard black versions, and packaged in a deluxe gatefold with embossed heavy stock individual inner sleeves. The wax will also be accompanied by a digital download coupon with direct access to high-quality mp3s of the album.
While not a band who sits around for very long, THE BODY have also booked another tour for May, hitting sections of the Northeast US and into Canada for several dates, wrapping up with the band supporting Mission Of Burma in their home state!
THE BODY May 2011 Dates:
5/12/2011 Geno's - Portland, ME
5/13/2011 Casa Del Popolo - Montreal, QC @ Mountain Of Might Festival
5/14/2011 Artel - Kingston, ON
5/15/2011 Parts And Labour - Toronto, ON
5/16/2011 Magic Stick - Detroit, MI
5/17/2011 Now That's Class - Cleveland, OH
5/18/2011 The Union Bar And Grill - Athens, OH
5/19/2011 Bug Jar - Rochester, NY
5/20/2011 Embassy Vinyl - Scranton, PA
5/26/2011 The Met - Pawtucket, RI w/ Mission Of Burma
Stay tuned for more tour updates and even more big news on THE BODY and their ongoing campaign of world domination in the coming weeks.
http://www.myspace.com/thevisionshallcometopass
http://www.facebook.com/pages/the-body/334047229514
http://www.atalossrecordings.com/
