Live Review: Beach Slang at Gramercy Theatere

One of the most positive tours of the year rolled through New York City Wednesday night as Beach Slang took their "Drunk Or Lust Tour" to the Gramercy Theatere with Dave Hause and the Mermaid and The Homeless Gospel Choir.

Read Our 2015 Interview with Beach Slang

Since forming just four years ago, Beach Slang have already received a cult-like following of fans and with two fantastic albums under their belt, they had their first headlining show in Manhattan and played to a packed theatere with some of Pennsylvania's best bands.

Hitting the stage at around 10 p.m., they strutted on to AC/DC's "Hell's Bells" they busted into "Wasted Daze of Youth" and "Bad Art and Weirdo Ideas" with the crowd screaming the words back to singer James Alex.

Alex, who was dressed in a prom tux from the 1980s had his outfit fit his persona -- he is clearly inspired by The Replacements and Against Me! as much as he is by The Cure, Depeche Mode, and The Smiths. His songs can be looked at the soundtrack to a 21st century John Hughes film and his earnest charisma helps the songs feel more authentic than other bands who just lay their emotions out and hope someone can relate.

For the hour they were on stage, the joy they emulated was infectious.

"We are Beach Slang and we are gonna punch you right in the heart!," Alex screamed just a few songs into their set.

Alex, who had his mic stand wrapped in white Christmas lights and flowers, is ever the showman. From spitting water out of his mouth like Triple H in the WWE to jumping around on stage like Pete Townshend in his prime, any form of rock and roll he has come in contact with he seems to have adapted to like a real life version of Jubilee in the X-Men comics.

Halfway through the band's set, they began fielding requests from fans which included The Replacements "Can't Hardly Wait," and Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence," as well as their own tracks like "Dirty Cigarettes," "Punks in a Disco Bar," and "American Girls and French Kisses."

As they closed with a cover of Pixies "Where is my Mind," everyone in the room wanted more from the Philly punks but at the rate their going, it will just be a matter of time before they return to the city.

Opening in the show were The Homeless Gospel Choir, a one man band from Pittsburgh whose emotional lyrics and basic strumming had the audience in the palm of his hand as everyone in the room related to at least one song that Derek Zanetti sang. The songs are about growing up as a misfit, being bipolar, being queer, and trying to carve a life out for yourself in unconventional manors. They are songs you wish you wrote but didn't because you were scared to. He put your fears and thoughts into his music because he felt them too and like any punk you know you are not alone.

Read Our 2011 Interview with Dave Hause

Also on the bill was former Loved Ones singer Dave Hause and his band The Mermaid. The Philly rockers made their set feel as if it was almost a co-headlining venture between him and Beach Slang as the fans in the room reacted the same for Hause as they did for the headliner. Hause, whose guitar strings kept breaking during the show, had a fan help him a few times, furthering Zanetti's sense of community in the punk scene. Plugging away at new songs from his solid latest release, Bury Me in Philly, Hause and the Mermaid also delivered a stunning cover of Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down." We have covered Hause numerous times over the years and each of his gigs have been solid but what was evident now more than ever was how happy he was playing with this band and we hope it continues.

VINTAGE CLIP: Beady Eye on 'Letterman' in 2011

Liam Gallagher wrapped his first solo tour of the U.S. but for this VINTAGE CLIP we look back to his first post-Oasis performance on American TV with Beady Eye (everyone in Oasis sans Noel) as they performed "The Roller" on The Late Show with David Letterman. 

Read Our Live Review of Liam Gallagher at Terminal 5

Andrew W.K. Announces New Album

Andrew W.K. will release his new album, You Are Not Alone, in March. 

Read Our 2012 Interview with Andrew W.K. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:

1. The Power of Partying
2. Music Is Worth Living For
3. Ever Again
4. I Don't Know Anything
5. The Feeling of Being Alive
6. Party Mindset
7. The Party Never Dies
8. Give Up On You
9. Keep On Going
10. In Your Darkest Moments
11. The Devil's On Your Side
12. Break The Curse
13. Total Freedom
14. Beyond Oblivion
15. Confusion and Clarity
16. You're Not Alone

Quick News

Heavy metal icons Judas Priest will release their new album, Firepower, in March. The band are nominated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year, it will be announced if they make the class of 2018 soon. Take a look at the cover of Firepower, above.

 A new documentary called Prince's Last Year, will air on UK's Channel 4 sometime next year. The documentary will chronicle the "Purple Rain" singer's his battle with painkillers, the secret concert he put on for the Obamas at the White House, and his final tour dubbed the "Piano and Microphone Tour." No release date has been set.

In an interview with FACT magazine, Bjork said that she and Wu-Tang Clan wrote a few songs together during her Homogenic era in the late 90s. "We wrote a couple of songs together,” she said. “Sometimes when you do things and you don’t plan them it’s magic. And I really think what we made was magic. But I think because it wasn’t part of the whole Homogenic thing and it wasn’t part of what Wu-Tang were doing at the time, it was better as an idea, if that makes any sense?”

In March, The Vaccines will release their new album, Combat Sports. Take a look at the cover, below:

here's the artwork for 'combat sports'. out march 30th. link in bio to tour / album pre-sale! vvv excited for you all to hear it xxx

A post shared by The Vaccines (@thevaccines) on Nov 23, 2017 at 8:06am PST

Taking to Instagram, Dr. Dre released a teaser video announcing that Eminem's new album, Revival, will be out December 15. Take a look:

Use as prescribed by your doctor. @eminem

A post shared by Dr. Dre (@drdre) on Nov 28, 2017 at 12:05pm PST

Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine announce on Instagram that she is releasing a book of poetry and lyrics next year.

Extremely honoured to announce that I will be releasing my first book of collected lyrics and poetry with penguin next year x x @penguinukbooks

A post shared by Florence Welch (@florence) on Nov 30, 2017 at 3:24am PST

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Jay-Z said that he and Beyonce worked on a collaboration album together during a rough patch in their marriage. "We were using our art almost like a therapy session. And we started making music together," he said. “Then the music she was making at that time was further along. So her album came out as opposed to the joint album that we were working on. Um, we still have a lot of that music. And this is what it became. There was never a point where it was like, ‘I’m making this album.’ I was right there the entire time.”

Liam Gallagher on 'Fallon'

Following his sold-out gig at Terminal 5, Liam Gallagher performed "Come Back to Me" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Bono & Chris Martin Sing to Sean Penn on 'Kimmel'

U2's Bono was on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a bevy of celebs for the annual (Red) episode on the show. Bono linked up with Coldplay's Chris Martin to sing "One For My Baby" with a special cameo by Sean Penn.

Langhorne Slim on 'Conan'

Watch Langhorne Slim perform "Life is Confusing" and "Never Break" on Conan.

Live Review: Liam Gallagher at Terminal 5

In his first official solo tour, Liam Gallagher simply stunned New York City Monday night at a sold-out Terminal 5.

Gallagher, who is on the road in support of his fantastic debut, As You Were, returned to New York City just months after making his North American solo debut at the McKittrick Hotel and Rough Trade this past spring. The former Oasis singer brought his swagger, flair, and the anthems and turned up the heat on a cold November night inside the 3,000-person venue Monday.

Read Our 2011 Interview with Original Oasis Drummer Tony McCarroll

The singer last played Terminal 5 in December 2011 with his former band, Beady Eye, which featured all of the former Oasis members sans older brother Noel. The last time Gallagher was at the venue it was just half filled, on Monday, that night wasn't even a memory as the packed crowd chanted his name from start to finish as if he was a prize fighter duking it out with his brother.

New York City I is here as you were LG x

A post shared by Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) on Nov 27, 2017 at 12:07pm PST

Liam Gallagher took the stage at 9 p.m. sharp as the venue's house lights went down and the Oasis Standing on the Shoulders of Giants lead track "Fucking in the Bushes" blasted across the room. In his Pretty Green parka, the singer took the mic and said "New York Fookin' City!" which got thunderous applause as his band busted into "Rock N Roll Star" and then went straight into "Morning Glory."

The singer then went into his brand new solo tracks and brought them to life for the capacity crowd. Songs like "Greedy Soul," "Wall of Glass," "Paper Crown," "Bold," and "For What It’s Worth," all got the same reaction from the crowd as the Oasis anthems. Unlike his brother, there is hardly any banter between songs -- which what Liam liked during Oasis. He lets the music do the talking and allows the audience to react to what he is feeding them.

Read Our 2015 Interview with Former Oasis and Beady Eye Member Andy Bell

Oasis songs like "Slide Away" and "Some Might Say" were met with thunderous applause and new songs like "Come Back to Me," and "You Better Run," weren't just well received -- they had the audience begging for more. 

His backing band sounded better than ever and of the many gigs we have covered inside the tall and narrow venue since it opened, this was one of the best sounding and loudest we have seen at Terminal 5.

 Read Our 2011 Interview with Oasis Photographer Brian Cannon

The only disappointment of the night was that the show was simply too short. Gallagher performed for 70 minutes including an encore that featured "Cigarettes and Alcohol," and a stripped down version of "Live Forever."

"New York Fookin' City, stay safe, I hope to see you soon," Gallagher said as he left the stage. As the music played out, fans chanted his name like they did at the start in hopes for him to come back out but he never did. However, like a good showman, he left the crowd wanting more.

NEW YORK FUKING CITY i adore you stay safe hope to see you soon as you were LG x

A post shared by Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) on Nov 28, 2017 at 12:46pm PST

Holiday Playlist Vol. XI

via GIPHY

Every year the holiday season seems to start earlier and earlier and our holiday playlists get longer and longer. 

Here is a list of songs that won't make you suffer this holiday season. Find 'em and take a listen!

 

Robert Plant & Allison Krauss – “The Light of Christmas Day”

Dr. Dog – “I Believe in Santa Claus”

Blackalicious – “Toy Jackpot”

Aretha Franklin – “The Christmas Song”

Jackson 5 – “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

James Brown – “Soulful Christmas”

Kurtis Blow – “Christmas Rappin”

Bootsy Collins & Snoop Dogg – “Happy Holidaze”

The Temptations – “Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer”

Otis Redding – “White Christmas”

Johnny Cash – “The Little Drummer Boy”

Mary J. Blige – “Someday At Christmas”

TLC – “Sleigh Ride”

Pet Shop Boys – “It Doesn’t Often Snow At Christmas”

Erasure – “Make It Wonderful”

Dr. Dog – “Rejoice”

Ariana Grande – “Last Christmas”

Jack Johnson – “In The Morning”

Last Bison – “O Holy Night”

Neil Halestead – “Home For The Season”

Bad Religion – “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

The Killers – “Christmas In L.A.”

Run the Jewels – “A Christmas Fucking Miracle”

Murs – “Christmas Rules Everything Around Me”

The Heartbreaks – “Hollow Holidays”

Los Campesinos! – “Lonely This Christmas”

Janet Devlin – “River”

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – “Big Bulbs” 

For Past Holiday Playlists See Below:

  

Holiday Playlist X - Click HERE

Holiday Playlist Vol. IX - Click HERE 

Holiday Playlist Vol. VIII - Click HERE  

Holiday Playlist Vol. VII - Click HERE 

Holiday Playlist Vol. VI - Click HERE 

Holiday Playlist No. 5 - Click HERE 

Holiday Playlist Vol. IV - Click HERE 

Holiday Playlist Vol. III - Click HERE 

Holiday Playlist 2.0 - Click HERE 

Holiday Playlist Vol. I - Click HERE 

 

Spoon on 'Fallon'

Watch Spoon perform "Do I Have to Talk to You" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. 

We Named Spoon's Latest Album, Hot Thoughts, A 2017 Honorable Mention

The Hold Steady Release 2 Singles For Charity

The Hold Steady released two brand new songs Monday -- “Entitlement Crew” and ” Snake In The Shower.” These are the first tracks with pianist Franz Nicolay in almost a decade and the proceeds for the songs will go to charity.

Read Our 2009 Interview with Franz Nicolay

"These will be available for the fans here on Bandcamp for this week, and next week we will make them available via the major digital music providers. If you choose to download these two songs, a donation will be made to benefit the K+L Guardian Foundation. ALL monies received from downloads will be transferred to the K+L Guardian Foundation. The K+L Guardian Foundation was formed to benefit “Jersey” Mike Van Jura’s children after he suddenly passed away in November 2012 at only 36 years of age. Jersey Mike was the unofficial leader of The Unified Scene," they said in a statement.

2017 The Albums: Honorable Mentions

via GIPHY

So it begins.....the rollout of various music lists from us as we look back at the year that was and present our picks for the most recognizable albums of the year.

St. Vincent is 2017's Officially A Icon

It has become a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for us to issue our first year end list -- Honorable Mentions. This is the first of three lists we will bring out over the next three weeks, next week we will present our coveted League of Their Own and then finally, the Top 10 albums of the year. Here we go -- our Honorable Mentions, albums that were very good, but not good enough to crack the Top 10 but still worth of note. 

As we always do, we breakdown the list in short form and then with explanations. 

2017 Honorable Mentions in Short Form (In No Particular Order):

- Blondie - Pollinator

- LCD Soundsystem - American Dream

- Vince Staples - Big Fish Theory

- Spoon - Hot Thoughts

- The xx - I See You

 Now, in Long Form (In No Particular Order):

Blondie – Pollinator

The iconic punk / new wave / glam band return with their best record in decades thanks to Pollinator. Blondie have not only released the most fun and energetic record of their career but we defy anyone to try and sit still listening to it. With songs written by TV on the Radio's David Sitek, Johnny Marr, Sia, Nick Valensi from The Strokes, Charli XCX, and Blood Orange, the New York icons are tapping into the current and new school of talent to boost their sound in 2017.

LCD Soundsystem – American Dream

This was a record that should be loathed considering the news that James Murphy and co. staged their infamous 2011 to sell tickets but the truth of the matter is, their “comeback” record is fantastic. It is a ton of fun to listen to and the band find their footing in the years they were away on what is the best LCD Soundsystem album. 

Spoon – Hot Thoughts

In what could be one of their best albums, Spoon return with their ninth album and exceed all expectations. Hot Thoughts is one of their most musically provoking and catchy albums. The Austin band has seemed to shed a skin where they do not hold back.

Vince Staples – Big Fish Theory

Vince Staples fires back just two years after releasing his acclaimed and massive debut, Summertime ’06, the L.A. rapper is out to prove he is not just a flash in the pan. Big Fish Theory is Staples coming to terms with what he needs to do in order to be one of the biggest and best emcees in hip-hop. In doing so, he clearly achieves his goal. 

The xx – I See You

The third record from the British electronic and ambient trio hears them getting funky. I See You is the most fun-sounding xx record and an album that makes them change direction while sticking to their original ethos.

Stay Tuned Next Week When We Announce The 2017 "League of Their Own" Recipient.  

Glassjaw Announce 1st Album in 15 Years

Glassjaw will release their first album in 15 years, Material Control, next month. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the first singles, "New White Extremity," and "Shira."

new white extremity
shira
11 days
golgotha
pretty hell
bastille day
pompeii
bibleland
closer
my conscience weighs a ton
material control
cut and run

Talib Kweli on 'Fallon'

Watch Talib Kweli perform "Heads Up Eyes Open" with Rick Ross and Yummy Bingham on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Listen to Death Cab For Cutie's First Concert

Death Cab For Cutie are celebrating their 20th year as a band this year and to celebrate they released their very first concert from The Pacer House in Bellingham, Washington, on November 22, 1997.

"None of us thought we were starting a band nor did our ambitions for DCFC extend very far past this particular evening. We simply thought it would be fun to play these songs for our friends before moving on to other things," frontman Ben Gibbard said in a statement to Pitchfork. "It was one of the greatest nights of my life at the time and its significance has only grown since."

Take a listen to the half-hour long show. 

Rag 'N' Bone Man on 'Corden'

Watch Rag 'N' Bone man perform "Human" on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

VINTAGE CLIP: AC / DC on 'SNL' in 2000

Following the recent passing of Malcolm Young of AC/DC we look back at his career with this VINTAGE CLIP of the Australian rockers performing "Stiff Upper Lip" on Saturday Night Live in 2000.

Vic Mensa on 'Colbert'

Watch Vic Mensa perform "We Could Be Free" on Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Portugal. The Man on 'Corden'

Watch Portugal. The Man perform "Feel It Still" on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Officially A Icon: St. Vincent

This month marks our 11th anniversary as a website and it has been a very fun, strange, interesting trip. While the site is run by people who have day jobs and doing this as an extracurricular activity, we like our artists to reflect that.

When we celebrated our 5th anniversary in 2011, we honored our first five years with an artist that made our time as a website worthwhile. Damon Albarn became the first recipient of this award and since then, we have picked like-minded workhorses that have influenced music and never settle for less than the best.

In the past we picked:

2011 - Damon Albarn
2012 - Questlove
2013 - Karen O. 
2014 - Danger Mouse
2015 - Ghostface Killah
2016 - Josh Homme

This year we award an artist in every sense of the word. Anne Clark aka St. Vincent has been making irreverent music for over a decade now and with five albums under her belt, as well as a collaborative record with David Byrne of the Talking Heads, and praise from the surviving members of Nirvana and David Bowie, it is safe to say that St. Vincent is an angel among us.

Listen to Our Essential St. Vincent Playlist on Spotify

The former Polyphonic Spree member grew up in Oklahoma and as her career kicked off and later became a solo artist, she moved to New York where she linked up with the likes of Sufjan Stevens, The National, TV on the Radio, and became part of the Brooklyn clique of artists that shaped the early 2000s.

As she sustained a massive rise, St. Vincent keeps pushing down boundaries for women in music, music itself, and going at it at her own pace. Next year she will find herself directing her first feature film and became the first female ambassador for Record Store Day this year. She also curated events for Peroni beer and dabbled in acting once appearing on Portlandia. St. Vincent has even launched her own line of guitars and her unique style has made her a goddess among players. As someone who keeps her personal life a mystery and lets her work speak for itself and for her, her gender fluidity stance is something so powerful in 2017 as everything feels as if it needs to be defined by something, she lets it be whatever she feels necessary.

Remembering Malcolm Young

On Saturday, the news of Malcolm Young of AC/DC's passing hit like a punch to the gut. It is hard to believe that even rock stars are mortal when we make them immortal, especially a guitar god like Young. The 64-year-old, who suffered from dementia, retired from music in 2014 and news broke of his passing after the band released a statement on Facebook, see above.

The news of his death strikes many, especially with the amount of anthems he crafted with his brother, Angus, and the rest of AC/DC in whatever form they were in from Bon Scott fronting the band to Brian Johnson or Axle Rose. Young was not just the founder but the solid core of the group which helped usher heavy metal to the mainstream and did it in such a fashion that will be remembered forever.

Following his death, many musicians took to social media to pay respects to Young, a man who helped influence their careers.

A post shared by Foo Fighters (@foofighters) on Nov 18, 2017 at 12:48pm PST

This goes out to Malcolm Young.
He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/gO1mWVuDeR

— Guns N' Roses (@gunsnroses) November 19, 2017

Rest in rock power AC/DC's #MalcolmYoung, #1 greatest rock n roll rhythm guitarist of all time. He was an unsurpassed force in an unsurpassed band. THANKYOU so much for the incredible music. #WeSaluteYou

A post shared by Tom Morello (@tommorello) on Nov 18, 2017 at 7:29am PST

We salute you, Malcom Young. Your blistering guitar shook generations and united us with sonic anthems that will ring forever. #longliverock #acdc pic.twitter.com/PUBPEv3ktQ

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) November 18, 2017

RIP Malcolm Young
Legend.
He was the founding member of AC/DC & the engine that roared behind the most powerful band in the world.
He wrote Back In Black, Highway to Hell, You Shook Me All Night Long, Highway to Hell, so many songs...
Travel safely to the stars, Malcolm.
Legend. pic.twitter.com/xfjylBbh4u

— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) November 18, 2017

Malcolm,
Thank you for being an integral part of the soundtrack to my life. Your music is the definition of timeless and inspiring.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/B888DfXR9A

— Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) November 18, 2017

Whenever anyone asked me what my role was in a band I never said singer, or songwriter. I said I just want to be Malcom Young and hold down the rhythm.

— Brian Fallon (@thebrianfallon) November 18, 2017

A true legend. Rest in Peace, Malcom Young. pic.twitter.com/JZ1yKVfMpP

— Marshall Amps (@marshallamps) November 18, 2017

Quick News

Calpurnia, the teenage band featuring Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things has signed a record deal with Royal Mountain Records. The band are set to record their debut EP with Cadien James from Twin Peaks next year. "It is so sweet that we have such a good team at Royal Mountain Records. I love everyone on it. I'm extremely excited to record our EP with Cadien Lake James. Not only is he in one of my favorite bands of all time, and recorded some of my favorite songs, but he is also the sweetest guy ever. Thanks everyone so much who helped us out along the way, it means the world," Wolfhard said in a statement.

Stone Temple Pilots will march on following the passing of original singer Scott Weiland in 2014 and fill-in frontman Chester Benington this past summer. The band have hired former reality show contestant Jeff Gutt to front the band.

Glassjaw are allegedly releasing a new album on December 1 called Material Control. It will mark the Long Island band's first album in 15 years and third record. No confirmation has been given, but according to various reports the record should be arriving before years end.

My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields spoke to Rolling Stone about their forthcoming new album and while he didn't dive into too much detail, he said it is "all over the place."  "In some respects, some of it is a bit straightforward," he said. "The MBV album that we did in 2013 feels more meandery and not as concise. This one is like if somebody took that and dropped some acid on it or created a dimensional clash or something. It's more all over the place." It is unknown when it will arrive but it seems it will come next year.

Eminem on 'SNL'

Watch Eminem perform a medley on Saturday Night Live including “Walk on Water,” “Stan,” and “Love the Way You Lie," with Skylar Grey doing the vocal parts of Beyonce, Dido and Rihanna.

Manchester Orchestra on 'Kimmel'

Watch Manchester Orchestra perform "The Alien" and "The Gold" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Gucci Mane & Migos on 'Kimmel'

Watch Gucci Mane perform "I Get The Bag" with Migos on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Great Soundtrack: 'Permanent Records'

In 1988, a rising Keanu Reeves starred in the serious drama, Permanent Records, which was about suicide in young adults. The film, set in Portland, Oregon, became a cult classic and shed light on a topic then seldom discussed. To score the film, director Marisa Silver had the one and only Joe Strummer, who had recently split up the final version of The Clash to do the music.

Strummer, never one to stray away from social issues and hot topics, used the film's strong subject matter to give off the tone he was searching for. Strummer was backed by The Latino Rockabilly War and gave a sound that his longtime fans had not experienced from him before. Reeves, who plays guitar and bass in real life, also played with the former Clash frontman on one of the tracks. The soundtrack also featured music from Lou Reed, The Stranglers, BoDeans, The Godfathers, and J. D. Souther.

Recommended Reading: 'Under the Big Black Sun'

There would be no other authority to write the story of the history of L.A. punk better than John Doe of legendary band, X. Last year, Doe, along with Tom DeSavia linked up to write Under The Big Black Sun: A Personal History of L.A. Punk. 

Read Our 2012 Interview with X

The book, which has a forward from Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong discusses how the sound shaped the youth of the city between 1977 and 1982. Featuring commentary from Exene Cervenka (X), Henry Rollins (Black Flag), Mike Watt (The Minutemen), Jane Wiedlin and Charlotte Caffey (Go-Go's), Dave Alvin (The Blasters), Chris D. (The Flesh Eaters), Robert Lopez (The Zeros, El Vez), Jack Grisham (T.S.O.L.), Teresa Covarrubias (The Brat), and historians, Doe narrates how to the scene came about through his eyes.

Read Our 2009 Interview with Henry Rollins

Just as much about the music, the book is also about the friendships, bonds, love affairs, and cultural impact the music of Los Angeles had on the world by the people who created it. 

Quick News

POLYGONDWANALAND This album is FREE. Free as in, free. Free to download and if you wish, free to make copies. Make tapes, make CD’s, make records. The following files will be available to download at 9am Friday 17 Nov, Melbourne, Australia time at kinggizzardandthelizardwizard.com 1. DIGITAL MASTERS & ARTWORK: This is the best option if you wish to download the album for personal use. Available as high quality MP3 files 320 kbps (≈100 MB) or uncompressed WAV files (≈500 MB). Each version contains hi-res digital artwork of the front cover at 4000 x 4000 resolution. 2. CD MASTERS & ARTWORK: If you wish to press CDs you will need to download the DDP master and CD Artwork template. The DDP master is the format used for identifying information on optical discs. This master has the tracklist, ISRC codes & metadata embedded. In this .ZIP file you will also find a folder with a CD template, front cover art and extra artwork for back cover, inner tray, spine and booklet that you will need to put together yourself. 3. VINYL MASTERS & ARTWORK: The vinyl master is a completely seperate master to CD & Digital masters. There are physical limitations to what the head of the lathe can produce when cutting vinyl. For this reason these files will not sound normal on generic Hi Fi speakers. Only use this master if you wanna press vinyl. It will contain a Side A and a Side B WAV file as well as a PQ log for both sides with metadata for the pressing plant. In this .ZIP file you will also find a record cover template and a folder full of artwork ideas you can use to make your own back cover, spine and inner sleeve. Ever wanted to start your own record label? GO for it! Employ your mates, press wax, pack boxes. We do not own this record. You do. Go forth, share, enjoy. P.s. If u wanna make cassettes I don’t really know what you would do. Be creative. We did it once but it sounded really shit. Maybe try the WAVs idano bye bye

A post shared by kinggizzard (@kinggizzard) on Nov 13, 2017 at 11:12pm PST

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard will release their fourth album this year as a free download and are encouraging fans to press the record themselves saying they don't own POLYGONDWANALAND. They posted the info on Instagram and it will come on Friday.

Kim Deal has confirmed that The Breeders will release a new album next year. She broke the news to Marc Maron's WTF Podcast. No other details but the confirmation was giving.

Richard Hell and the Voidoids will reissue their seminal album, Blank Generation, for its 40th anniversary next week as a 2CD set with unreleased material and the original record remastered.

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. will release their new album, Young Adult, in January.

Sparta returned with a surprise new single, prompting that the band are reactive after leader Jim Ward said in 2012 he was interested in having the band come back. While no word as to when or if a record will arrive, take a listen to the single, "Graveyard Luck," below:

Foo Fighters Live at Odeon in Athens

Foo Fighters taped a performance inside the historic and ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, Greece, over the summer for a PBS Special hosted by Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith. Now, watch the full performance.

Playlist

Take a listen to our November playlist and hear our random collection of 27-musical musings that span Lana Del Rey to Skeletonwitch.

Superchunk Detail New Album

Superchunk will release their new album, What A Time to Be Alive, in February. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the title track.

01 What a Time to Be Alive
02 Lost My Brain
03 Break the Glass
04 Bad Choices
05 Dead Photographers
06 Erasure
07 I Got Cut
08 Reagan Youth
09 Cloud of Hate
10 All For You
11 Black Thread

Quick News

Original Faith No More frontman Chuck Mosley passed away Friday at 57. While no cause of death has been given, his band has issued a statement on Facebook. Take a look at it above. Our thoughts are with his friends, family, and band.

Speaking to Billboard, Jack White has said that his forthcoming solo album is "bizarre," while he didn't comment further, it is believed to come out next year.

Next month, for the first time ever, Beastie Boys will release their 2004 album, To the Five Boroughs and The Mix-Up on vinyl. They will also be repressing their final album, Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2. The albums will arrive next month.

For the first time ever, As Tall As Lions, will release their debut album, Lafcadio, on Vinyl. The band posted the news via their Facebook page.

Bjork unleashed the tracklisting to her forthcoming album, Utopia, which arrives later this month. Take a look:
01 Arisen My Senses
02 Blissing Me
03 The Gate
04 Utopia
05 Body Memory
06 Features Creatures
07 Courtship
08 Loss
09 Sue Me
10 Tabula Rasa
11 Claimstaker
12 Paradisa
13 Saint
14 Future Forever

Dan Auerbach on 'Kimmel'

Watch Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach go solo and perform "Cherrybomb" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

St. Vincent on 'Ellen'

Watch St. Vincent perform "Los Ageless" on Ellen.

Watching Flying Lotus' Short Film 'Skinflick'

Flying Lotus, who made his directorial debut earlier this year with the film Kuso, has now released a short film under the alias steve called Skinflick. Take a look.

Depeche Mode Release Bowie Cover of 'Heroes'

On their current "Spirit World Tour," Depeche Mode have been covering David Bowie's "Heroes," last month they released a video version of the track they recorded in New York City near the Highline. Take a look.

Mavis Staples on 'Colbert'

Watch Mavis Staples perform "Build a Bridge" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Wombats Announce 4th Album

In February, The Wombats will release their fourth album, Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life. 

Read Our 2009 Interview with The Wombats

"I wanted to make an album that had more swagger, was a bit more laid back, something that wasn't punching you in the face every time you listen to it," frontman Matthew 'Murph' Murphy said in a press release. "On every level, musically and interpersonally, we're much closer." 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the first single, "Lemon to a Knife Fight."

1. Cheetah Tongue

2. Lemon to a Knife Fight

3. Turn

4. Black Flamingo

5. White Eyes

6. Lethal Combination

7. Out Of My Head

8. I Only Wear Black

9. Ice Cream

10. Dip You In Honey

11. I Don't Know Why I Like You But I Do

Lemon To A Knife Fight by The Wombats on VEVO.

Live Pix: Full of Hell / Revocation at Highline Ballroom

On Tuesday night, nearly every fan of black metal took to the Highline Ballroom in the posh Meatpacking District of Manhattan to hear a bevy of bands including Full of Hell and Revocation. 

Our own RICH D SMOOV was on hand to capture the action. 

Take a look:

Full of Hell

 Revocation

St. Vincent on 'Graham Norton'

Watch St. Vincent perform "Los Ageless" on the Graham Norton Show.

Quick News

via GIPHY


Speaking to Pitchfork, My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields has finally given the official confirmation about the worst kept secret in music -- the band will release a new album next year."The last time we worked on it was a month or two months ago,” he said. “I’m still hovering over this project until it’s basically in manufacturing, then it’s back into the album. Finishing it.” He added that the record will “one hundred percent."

DJ and producer Statik Selektah will release his new album, 8, and features a slew of guests like Action Bronson, Run the Jewels, Juelz Santana, The Lox, No Malice, and others. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:

8 tracklist. December 8th.

A post shared by Statik Selektah (@statikselekt) on Nov 2, 2017 at 1:23pm PDT

Chromeo have announced that their new album will be called Head Over Heels. No word on a release date.

New York City garage rockers Public Access TV will release their new album, Street Safari, in February.

Heavy metal titans Skeletonwitch are currently in the studio and plan to release a new album next year. The band is aiming for a spring release.

Miguel will release his new album, War and Leisure, next month.

For the first time in 20 years, Bikini Kill performed together. The iconic riot gggrl band played inside New York City's The Kitchen on Saturday night. No word if this will be the beginning of a full on reunion or just a one-off surprise.

N.E.R.D. have announced the tracklisting for their first album in 7 years. The record, reportedly titled, No One Ever Really Dies (The band's acronym), was unveiled at ComplexCon Saturday night in California. Here is the tracklisting and no official word as to when it will arrive has been given.
01 Deep Down Body Thirst
02 Lemon [ft. Rihanna]
03 Voilà [ft. Gucci Mane and Wale]
04 1000 [ft. Future]
05 Don't Don't Do It [ft. Kendrick Lamar]
06 Kites [ft. Kendrick Lamar and M.I.A.]
07 ESP
08 Lightning Fire Magic Prayer
09 Rollinem 7’s [ft. André 3000]
10 Lifting You [ft. Ed Sheeran]
11 Secret Life of Tigers

VINTAGE CLIP: U2 on 'Conan' in 2005

To celebrate U2's upcoming new album, Songs of Experience, watch the band perform "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" in a VINTAGE CLIP from 2005 when they appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. 

Listen to Our Essential U2 Playlist on Spotify!